Movies

“Star Wars: Episode IX”

The ninth installment in the Star Wars series, “Star Wars: Episode IX” will continue to tell the story of Rey, Poe and Finn in their fight against the First Order. Not much is known yet about the plot, however, this movie is widely anticipated by fans of sci-fi. Fans everywhere wait impatiently to see what director J.J. Abrams has in store for the beloved characters on December 19, as well as what new information will be revealed about the Star Wars universe. No matter what happens it will certainly be an interesting ride.

-Elie Bufford

“The Lion King”

This Disney classic has been a fan favorite for all ages and is now coming to life in a live-action spin. “The Lion King” is an up and coming drama film that has an all-new live animation touch to bring a new life into the film. The movie shows the adventures of a young, reckless lion, Simba, and his friends who take on adventures through the jungle. With his father’s death from a stampede of wildebeests, he copes by carelessly losing all interest in growing. However, Simba’s uncle, Scar, puts a speed bump in Simba’s reckless path when he tries to take the throne of their land. As we grow with Simba, we watch him fight to get back the throne for himself, his father and his community.

-Bella Hall

“Glass”

Night Shyamalan perfectly blends two of his most outstanding films, “Unbreakable” and “Split,” to create a beautifully chilling film, “Glass.” A security guard, David Dunn, uses his supernatural mind powers to grab the attention of Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man who shares his mind with twenty-four different personalities. Dunn pursues the infamous “Beast” within Kevin. As the film escalates with chilling encounters, the ominous presence of Elijah Price becomes the conductor of the plot, holding pivotal secrets about the two other men.

–Bella Hall

“Avengers: Endgame”

The end has come for the movies series that has swept the world. The fourth and last installment of the Avengers, “Avengers: Endgame,” will complete the story that left all viewers shocked and confused at the finale of “Avengers: Infinity War.” Following the devastation that Thanos wreaked across the world, the remaining Avengers will have to pick up the pieces and fight for the world that they used to know. “Avengers: Endgame” will surely excite and thrill the dedicated watchers. Keep your eyes peeled for the release of this anticipated movie which will be hitting the theatres on April 26.

-Emma Yakel

“Downton Abbey”

Don’t freak out everyone, but “Downton Abbey” is moving to the big screen. Following the same characters and the same gorgeous house, this movie is going to be welcomed in the highest regards after the fans have had four years of being deprived of the house of Grantham. Expected to be released on September 20, everyone should prepare to get their tea sets and fancy hats and settle down for the glorious movie of “Downtown Abbey.”

-Emma Yakel

Television Shows

“Deadly Class”

“Deadly Class” on Syfy follows the story of a boy named Marcus who is taken off the streets and pushed into the world of an academy that trains assassins named Kings Dominion. Dangerous cliques and dangerous classes challenge the students as they face life or death as they learn to wield weapons and deadly skills. “Deadly Class” features actors such as Lana Condor from “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” and Benedict Wong from “Doctor Strange.” “Deadly Class” premiered on Jan. 16.

-Emma Yakel

“Good Trouble”

“Good Trouble” is a brand new TV series but a spin-off of the ever so loved show “The Fosters.” Freeform’s “The Fosters” was about a family of multiple foster kids who are taken care of by a lesbian couple. The family navigates through the many problems tossed into their lives, as they always find their way back home. The series ended but “Good Trouble” starts up after Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) and Callie (Maia Mitchell) move out to Los Angeles, California to pursue their dream careers. The first episode was released on January 8, 2019. From the first episode, controversial topics are discussed paired with drama, comedy and sibling love. The show has started strong, so prepare for more brilliant episodes.

-Sophia Parker

Books

“On the Come Up” by Angie Thomas

Bri, a sixteen-year-old girl, only wants to leave her neighborhood in some way—specifically by becoming a successful rapper. Unfortunately, unemployment hits Bri’s mom and hardships follow as her family is struggling to keep food on the table and pay for other necessities. With these hardships chasing Bri, she must run as fast as she can to make it to stardom in the rap world. From the same author as “The Hate U Give,” “On the Come Up” is expected to capture the eyes of many readers in 2019. The predicted release date of this novel is Feb. 5.

-Emma Yakel

“The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead

Elwood Curtis is a black boy growing up in the time of the Jim Crow Laws. Only wanting to go to college, Elwood is shocked when he is sent to a brutal reform school for black citizens called the Nickel Academy after making one mistake. Having to face abuse and many other horrific occurrences, Elwood switches into survival mode as he faces terror just because of the color of his skin. “The Nickel Boys” is written by the same author of the Pulitzer Prize and National Award-winning novel “The Underground Railroad.” This novel is highly anticipated and is expected to be released on July 16.

-Emma Yakel

“Golden Child” by Claire Adam

“Golden Child” is an intensely effective debut, expressing the difficult dynamics of family, sacrifice, loyalty and love. A house barely holding itself up with a family holding on by a thread struggle to survive in society. The father, Clyde, is working strenuous hours just to keep his family afloat. Their two twin sons, Paul and Peter, are polar opposites. Paul has always been considered odd, while Peter is being praised for his intelligence. One day, Paul doesn’t come home, and his brother has to chase after him. As days pass, Clyde begins to worry, yet understand the fate of his unintentionally neglected son. The family’s world flips upside down as they encounter the biggest decision that every parent never wants to face. This novel is known to be written with passion and beautiful force. It will be released on January 29th.

-Bella Hall

Music

“Norman Fucking Rockwell” by Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey’s “Norman Fucking Rockwell” album is said to be released in March and is one of the most anticipated albums of the new year. A preview to the album is Rey’s newest single “hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have – but I have it” was released January 9th of 2019. The song is beautifully conducted as Lana Del Rey’s sweet voice is paired with the gentle piano in the background. Simple yet brilliant. Keep an eye out for the rest of the album to drop soon.

-Sophia Parker

“Chapter 6” by The Weeknd

The Weeknd just dropped his new single “Lost in the Fire,” which is a collaboration with a French DJ/Producer, Gesaffelstein. The song is best described as sultry and upbeat, yet relaxing. The Weeknd will be releasing a new, full-length album, “Chapter 6” which is reportedly “coming soon.” I can’t wait to hear The Weeknd’s sweet voice along with the amazing beats.

-Sophia Parker