Wednesday, June 25

Movie review: Questionable science, disconnect plot hinder horror aspect of ‘Happy Death Day 2U’

Imagine Bill Murray navigating the opening scene of “Scream” every single day. That’s what director Christopher Landon’s latest film feels like. Combining the heartfelt moments of “Groundhog Day” and brutal deaths of “Scream,” “Happy Death Day 2U” attempts to balance its predecessor’s blood-curdling homicide with poignant mother-daughter moments. Read more...

Photo: (Courtesy of Michele K. Short/Universal Pictures)


Second Take: Ariana Grande’s new music video walks fine line between self-love and queerbaiting

No thank u, next video. Ariana Grande recently released a troublesome new music video for “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” featuring the singer observing a supposed love interest with his girlfriend. Read more...

Photo: Ariana Grande’s recent music video for “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” features an almost-kiss between Grande and a female co-star. The video has come under fire with accusations of queerbaiting, an often problematic way of representing LGBTQ relationships. (Creative Commons photo by esheehanphotos via Flickr)


Budding Los Angeles: Cannabis testing facilities expand, ensure high-quality products for consumers

Thirty years ago, buying cannabis was difficult, expensive and illegal. Buying cannabis in 2019 is somewhere between picking up a prescription from a pharmacy and buying beer from a liquor store. Read more...

Photo: CannaSafe is one of 33 cannabis testing labs operating in California. The company’s lab tests 20 percent of the state’s legal cannabis products for microbes, pesticides and heavy metals to ensure safe consumption. (Courtesy of CannaSafe Analytics)


Concert review: King Princess leans into her rebellious and provocative persona with rock vibes

King Princess disappeared into a thick plume of smoke, Juuling to the deep thrum of the bass. Establishing herself in the pop world, the 20-year-old alternative artist burst onto the scene in early 2018 with her single “1950,” which she describes as an ode to unrequited queer love. Read more...

Photo: King Princess took the stage for her “Pussy is God” tour stop at the Fonda Theatre wearing a white tank top and blue velvet pants. The alternative singer remixed popular songs such as “1950.” (Courtesy of Kaia Sherry)



Second Take: Are 2019’s Grammy nominations wrongful snubs or fair judgments?

The 61st Annual Grammy Awards show features many controversial nominations. Daily Bruin staffers predicted who would take home some of the main awards (see graphics) and columnist Eli Countryman discussed the rumored snubs. Read more...

Photo: Taylor Swift’s album “reputation” was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at The Grammys. Her sixth studio album was the fastest album to hit number one on iTunes after its release, and her stadium tour that grossed $345 million. (Kristie-Valerie Hoang/Daily Bruin senior staff)


Second Take: When fans don’t distinguish actors from characters, they start swooning over criminals

A dozen roses used to be a romantic gesture. But they no longer seem to be the way to a girl’s heart. Instead, recent trends in television and film suggest that menacing stalkers, and even killers, might constitute modern romance. Read more...

Photo: On the Netflix series “YOU,” Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) is a local bookstore manager who stalks, kidnaps and murders in an attempt to woo his love interest. Dangerous characters like Joe have been fetishized by fans on Twitter, potentially perpetuating abusive behavior. (Courtesy of Netflix)



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