By: Maria Cieslarczyk Warning: SPOILERS ahead! “You keep dancing with the devil…one day, he’s going to follow you home.” What’s better than one Michael B. Jordan? TWO Michael B. Jordans…and as a fangirl, I mean that, respectfully. Writer and director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Black Panther) has truly outdone himself with his latest project. His…

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By: Maria Cieslarczyk It’s been a few good years since I last enjoyed a Marvel film. Coming from a former Disney TV and Film employee…that’s shocking, I know. However, a couple weeks ago, I decided to go out on a limb and try the latest Captain America movie at my local theater. Buttery popcorn, cozy…

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By: Maria Cieslarczyk Sometimes, to feel better about one of your bad days… you need to see just how bad it can actually get! One of Them Days (2025), starring comedic-gold icon KeKe Palmer and international superstar SZA, does just that…in the best way possible. If you’re having just one of those days (you know,…

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By: Maria Cieslarczyk TW: mention of s*xual assault, abuse Movie spoilers ahead! Rating: 4.5/5 stars. As a horror film fan, I rarely watch them in theaters *cue the need to escape if things get too hairy*! However, I watched this with a group of friends and highly recommend doing so. When I’d get freaked out,…

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By: Maria Cieslarczyk Wicked was willfully wonderful. Is it obvious which song from this Broadway show-inspired film was my favorite? (Hint: it’s in the article title). Aside from my desperate attempt at a musical pun, my enjoyment of the movie is multi-layered. Although the film was dazzling, my overall score is a 3.5 out of…

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By: Maria Cieslarczyk The fourth annual CJFC (Chicago Japan Film Collective) is back with this year’s theme of “Co-existence,” featuring 11 new films over the course of 11 days. As an Asian-American woman working in media and entertainment, I highly encourage you all to check out foreign films, especially when the opportunity arises. Film collectives…

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By: Maria Cieslarczyk FYI – this article is long overdue, but holy smokes surprise: ya girl made it…just in time for Halloween! Hope you enjoy as much as I did. Can attest this makes for a fun date night 😉 You don’t need me to chant his name 3 times…so get your spooky selves off…

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By: Maria Cieslarczyk Toho Studios and Robot Communications’ action/sci-fi film Godzilla: Minus One (2023) is not only a re-telling of the timeless monster tale; it is at the forefront, an Asian-focused story that delves into the themes of war, found family, and redemption. The film won a 2024 Oscar for the Best Visual Effects Category…and…

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By: Maria Cieslarczyk Times have changed in Hollywood, and as an Asian-American, my soul is ablaze with excitement and determination. As filmmakers and film viewers, the integrity of our craft has evolved dramatically in the past hundred years, with a pressing need for diversity and inclusion at the forefront of this artistic progression. A mega…

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