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Entertainment


 (from left to right) Taylor Powers, Stella Powers, Shannon Mahoney and Sarah Frosch attended "The Rocky Horror Show" at The Carnegie on Oct. 31.
OPINION

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show:’ The performance worth waiting a year for

Last year, two other The Miami Student staff members and I bought tickets to see an 11:59 p.m. Halloween showing of “The Rocky Horror Show” — a live, theatrical, interactive performance of the 1975 cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” — at The Carnegie in Covington, Kentucky. However, we didn’t think to double-check the date, and we ended up arriving a whole year early.This year, we were committed to making the most out of the night. Driving through pitch-black at 10 p.m. on Halloween night, singing our hearts out to keep us awake, we all hoped that the show would be worth our effort.Let me tell you, it was.


Culture Editor Stella Powers attended an early screening of "Wicked: For Good."
CULTURE

‘I couldn’t be happier’: The thrilling conclusion to the ‘Wicked’ story is simply Oz-mopolitan

Anyone who has ever had a conversation with me knows how much I love “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz” and anything and everything to do with Oz. It’s magical. If there’s a way to bring up “Wicked” in any conversation, I’ll do it. If there’s not, I’ll still find a way.“Wicked” was the first live theater performance I ever saw at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, and back in August, I finally got the chance to see it on Broadway. Life-changing. When the first “Wicked” film was released, I decided I had to review it, and it was, without a doubt, a 10/10. So, naturally, I felt it was my duty to review “Wicked: For Good” as well.


Writer Layla Norris thinks the new "Frankenstein" was filmed through an obvious male lens.
CULTURE

Only male directors play God: Guillermo’s new ‘Frankenstein’

The monstrous green stereotype of “Frankenstein” is efficiently disproven in Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 reimagining. However, as beautiful as this movie was, I struggled to see through the glaringly-obvious male lens it was filmed through.Toro’s reimagination of “Frankenstein” entered theaters on Oct. 28 and was available on Netflix starting Nov. 7. I had high expectations for this movie because I love the original novel, and the promotion looked promising.


Culture editor Stella Powers shares what she has been listening to.
CULTURE

In the editor’s rotation: Time for holiday music

Hello! Welcome back to my column, “In the editor’s rotation.” My streaming has been all over the place recently; however, as soon as it hit Nov. 1, I had to tune into a bit of holiday music.Look, I know a lot of people think you should wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to any Christmas music, but some of it is just so good, so why wait? Holiday tunes haven’t fully infiltrated my streams yet – thankfully – but they’re definitely starting to make an appearance. Don’t worry, I’m still listening to plenty of showtunes.


Writer Joey Dimacchia thinks "The Mastermind" is a timely film.
CULTURE

Kelly Reichardt’s ‘The Mastermind’ may be the answer to all of our cinematic woes

Over the course of its lifespan, Hollywood has shown a simultaneous progression and regression. This has created public confusion regarding the “state of cinema” — constantly overtaking both public and industry conversations.Is there a formula for filmmaking that directors and writers should adhere to? Or, on the contrary, must we constantly evolve the art form so as to remain relevant and original? The work of Kelly Reichardt, now more than ever, shows us that the answer is both.


Asst. culture editor Ayla Peden shares her favorite books to kick off the holiday season.
CULTURE

Holiday romances that will make you forget about seasonal depression

As the sun sets earlier over the horizon and temperatures continue to drop, the best thing to look forward to is the upcoming holiday season. Now, I know there is debate about whether holiday celebrations should start on Nov. 1 or after Thanksgiving — I personally fight for the latter — but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for when you’re in the festive mood.So, with that said, here are five holiday romance novels that give off the same cheesy, nostalgic vibe of a Hallmark movie.


Culture writer Annalyse Deming watches Hozier's performace at Austin City Limits.
CULTURE

Under the Lights of Austin City Limits

Welcome to Austin City Limits.Held at Zilker Park with a gorgeous view of the Austin, Texas skyline, Austin City Limits (ACL) is a nationally renowned music festival that runs for two consecutive three-day weekends each year. By invitation, a unique and diverse lineup of music artists plays hour-long sets throughout the day on different stages set up around the perimeter, culminating each night with two headliners that perform at opposite ends of the park.


Culture writer Ren Chaffee ranks her favorite Disney Channel Halloween specials.
CULTURE

Tricks, treats and TV: Disney’s top 10 Halloween episodes

The best way to get in the spooky spirit is by watching nostalgic Halloween specials. The most iconic run of Halloween specials during my childhood was Disney Channel’s “Monstober.” If you miss having a section of TV specifically for this holiday, then this list of top 10 Disney Halloween episodes might be for you.


Culture editor Stella Powers shares what she has been listening to.
CULTURE

In the editor’s rotation: Taylor Swift released a new album

Hello again! Welcome back to “In the editor’s rotation,” the column where I publicly reveal what I’ve been streaming in the weeks prior.As we’ve learned from my past few columns, I’m a bit of a musical theater nerd. However, Taylor Swift released a new album, so I‘ve dedicated a bit of time to listening to that, too. See, I’m capable of changing things up from time to time!


Staff writer Eliza Sullivan reflects on what she needs to enjoy a movie.
CULTURE

How a Soviet propaganda film reminded me what I need in a movie

We’re all aware of the plethora of sequels and remakes that are plaguing theater screens today. IMDB lists 431 “sequels, remakes, reboots, prequels, [and] spin-offs” made or announced in the last seven years. I have been craving something fresh, and this movie from the 1930s was exactly what I was looking for. 


The Miami Student's Kathryn Hippe compiled a list of her favorite media to get in the fall spirit.
CULTURE

Romanticize your fall: A guide to cozy media

Fall is more than a season; it’s a script. As the harvest season draws near, immerse yourself into the season by reframing the trite, small town of Oxford into a movie set of your making. Whether you’re watching, reading or listening, this season’s media picks can turn an ordinary collegiate week into a romanticized montage — so light a candle, cue a soundtrack and step into your own narrative with these media must-haves.


Asst. Culture Editor Ayla Peden shares new book releases to wrap up 2025.
CULTURE

6 new book releases to get you through 2025

As the days get shorter and courses start ramping up, it may seem like there is nothing more to look forward to this year, but fret not! There are still plenty of books that have yet to be released this year, which can give you an incentive to make it through each week.


Photo editor Elisa Rosenthal made a playlist to get you in the fall vibe.
CULTURE

Songs that feel like watching the leaves fall through your bedroom window

I’m a person who firmly believes that there’s a playlist for every occasion, especially when that occasion involves anything fall. Whether you’re studying on campus or curled up in your room, this playlist provides the perfect vibes for yearning, reflecting on the changing seasons and coming to terms with the cold suddenly plaguing the air. Here are some of my favorite songs out of the 35 (which are all amazing).

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