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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Angel Ortega, A&E Editor

Angel Ortega is a journalism-news major with a minor in cinema studies. Angel has been on the Orion for four years, serving as both a staff writer and arts & entertainment editor. He enjoys writing artist profiles and film reviews. When he’s not working for the Orion, you can find him at a concert or music festival.

All content by Angel Ortega
Courtesy of Jason Halley/University Photographer/CSU Chico

Commencement ceremonies should not be held in 2020

Angel Ortega, A&E Editor
April 19, 2020

The amount of irrational anger and spread of misinformation toward Chico State’s decision to hold a virtual commencement makes me ashamed to be a Wildcat. As a Class of 2020 senior,  I am frustrated...

One concern Bell had was the food. "It's really bad," he said.
Courtesy of Michael Bell

Chico resident quarantined after cruise ship COVID-19 outbreak

Angel Ortega, A+E Editor
March 20, 2020

Michael Bell, a Chico resident, was a passenger aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship when it was docked over concerns of a potential coronavirus (COVID-19) contamination. The cruise ship, operated...

Left to right: Choi Woo-shik, Song Kang-ho, Jang Hye-jin and Park So-dam star as the impoverished Kim family in "Parasite." 
Courtesy of NEON and CJ Entertainment.

‘Parasite’ is an introspective thriller

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
December 2, 2019

“Parasite” is one of the most thrilling pieces of cinematic social commentary in years. Directed by Bong Joon-Ho, “Parasite” is a foreign film from South Korea where a symbiotic...

Chico State Police and Butte County EMS reposed to an incident between two students outside of Butte and Plumas halls on Tuesday. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

Altercation breaks out between Chico State GOP president and protesting student

Angel Ortega
November 20, 2019

On Tuesday, a dispute between the president of Chico State Republicans and a protester resulted in a brief physical altercation. Michael Curry, the president of Chico State Republicans, was tabling...

Matt Damon and Christian Bale star as Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles, respectively in "Ford v Ferrari." 
Courtesy of Fox Movies.

‘Ford v Ferrari’ is a technical masterpiece, but lacks substance

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
November 20, 2019

“Ford v Ferrari,” while lacking narrative substance, exhibits some of the best sound editing and mixing. Directed by James Mangold, “Ford v Ferrari” takes place in the 1960s, where...

Eli (Charlie Shotwell) has a condition where he gets allergic conditions from the outdoors. Dr. Isabella Horn (Lili Taylor) claims she can cure him.

‘Eli’: great idea, flawed execution

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
November 13, 2019

What could have been a great horror film in “Eli”, was regressed by poor writing and mundane performances. Directed by Ciarán Foy, “Eli” is about a boy named Eli (Charlie...

Firefighters rummaging through debris in the aftermath of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. 
Photo by Zackary Canepari (Courtesy of Netflix)

Netflix’s ‘Fire in Paradise’: an intimate look at tragedy

Angel Ortega
November 5, 2019

The Netflix documentary “Fire in Paradise” recounts the events of the Camp Fire through first-hand accounts and video. Directed by Zackary Canepari and Drea Cooper, “Fire in Paradise”...

PG&E: the bane of California’s existence

Angel Ortega
November 5, 2019

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s advocation for public safety post-Camp Fire is a façade to avoid liability and accountability. The investor-owned utility company, which provides natural...

Willem Dafoe (left) and Robert Pattinson (right) star as Thomas Wake and Ephrain Winslow, two lighthouse keepers stuck on an island for four weeks off the coast of New England, in "The Lighthouse."
Photo by Eric Chakeen (Courtesy of A24)

‘The Lighthouse’ is beautiful yet upsetting

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
November 5, 2019
Robert Eggers delivers another instant horror-classic
PG&E crews working on moving electrical lines underground on Black Olive Drive, near the Paradise Fire Department, in Paradise, California. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

Paradise residential cleanup nearly complete

Angel Ortega
November 5, 2019

The removal of debris from residential properties in Paradise is expected to be completed by the end of this November, clearing the way for rebuilding neighborhoods.Susan Hartman, the community development...

Quinn Harris (Elizabeth Lail) downloads an app that tells her she has only three days to live.
(STX Films)

‘Countdown’: cheesy and flawed horror film fails to deliver a scare

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
October 30, 2019

“Countdown” is a flawed horror film riddled with clichés. Directed and written by Justin Dec, “Countdown” tells the story of Quinn Harris (Elizabeth Lail), a nurse who downloads...

Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), Wichita (Emma Stone), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) and Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) continue to fight for survival in Zomebieland, 10 years after the events of the first film.  
Courtesy of Sony Pictures Publicity.

‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ is funny, but not much else

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
October 23, 2019

“Zombieland: Double Tap” is all flash and no substance.Taking place 10 years after the events of the first film, Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Little Rock (Abigail...

Left to right: Magenta (Makenzie Ryan), Dr. Frank N' Furter (Juan Bolaños), and Riff Raff (Brandon Burchard). Photo credit: Angel Ortega

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” delivers an erotically fun show

Angel Ortega
October 23, 2019

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” was a gritty and gruesome, yet erotically captivating musical production. The musical, produced by Chico State’s School of the Arts (SOTA), was originally...

Video: ‘Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ film review

Angel Ortega and Rayanne Painter
October 21, 2019

Resident film critic Angel Ortega discusses "Between Two Ferns: The Movie."Angel Ortega and Melissa Hererra can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com.

Zach Galifianakis plays as himself in "Between Two Ferns: The Movie," where he travels the country and aspires to one day become a famous talk show host. 
iMDB website photo.

‘Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ is a refreshing and hilarious comedy

Angel Ortega and Melissa Herrera
October 14, 2019

“Between Two Ferns: The Movie” is a hilarious film that reflects Zach Galifianakis’ exceptional comedic style. “Between Two Ferns: The Movie” is a fictious spin-off of Galifianakis’...

Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is a failed comedian who's a downward spiral into madness transforms him into the Joker. 
Warner Bros. website photo

‘Joker’ is a beautifully sinister film

Angel Ortega
October 7, 2019

“Joker” is a gruesome, yet poignant adaptation of the infamous DC Comics villain. Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, is a failed comedian who makes his living as a clown-for-hire. Fleck...

Ansel Elgort portrays Theo, a young man who was orphaned at a young age after his mother was killed in bombing. 
Warner Bros. website photo

‘The Goldfinch’ is visually appealing but lacks substance

Angel Ortega
September 30, 2019

Though this film has its moments of excellence, “The Goldfinch” is mundane and has its fair share of shortcomings. Based on a novel of the same name by Donna Tartt, “The Goldfinch”...

Toxic masculinity: shaming men for seeking help

Angel Ortega
September 29, 2019

Shaming men for seeking and receiving mental health counseling and therapy reinforces toxic masculinity. I hate the idea that a man must put on a tough-guy persona if they are going through a turbulent...

Ameer Vann makes solo album after scandal

Angel Ortega
September 24, 2019

Ameer Vann, former member of pop collective Brockhampton, has returned to the music industry following his sudden departure from the group over a year ago. Vann was one of the founding members of Brockhampton...

Brad Pitt stars as Roy McBride, an astronaut who travels to the deep Solar System is search of his father who went missing over 20 years prior. 
Ad Astra/Fox Movies website photo

‘Ad Astra’ is an immersive, thematically deep drama

Angel Ortega
September 22, 2019

“Ad Astra” is a compelling sci-fi drama with stunning visuals, a cohesive narrative and a great performance from Brad Pitt. Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones) leads a voyage called the "Lima...

Brad Pitt stars as Roy McBride, an astronaut who travels to the deep Solar System is search of his father who went missing over 20 years prior. 
Ad Astra/Fox Movies website photo

‘Ad Astra’ is an immersive, thematically deep drama

Angel Ortega
September 22, 2019

“Ad Astra” is a compelling sci-fi drama with stunning visuals, a cohesive narrative and a great performance from Brad Pitt. Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones) leads a voyage called the "Lima...

Ramona (Jennifer Lopez) and Destiny (Constance Wu) manipulate and exploit Wall Street brokers to perpetuate their expensive life styles.
IMDb website photo.

‘Hustlers’ is funny yet fleshed-out

Angel Ortega
September 16, 2019

“Hustlers” is surprisingly profound and nuanced while displaying a compelling performance from the lead actresses. Inspired by an article written by Jessica Pressler, “Hustlers”...

Some pennants depicting Clone Troopers and Storm Troopers, recurring characters featured in the Star Wars franchise. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

‘Chico Print Party’ makes its debut

Angel Ortega
September 12, 2019

The 1078 Gallery hosted its first Chico Print Party; a gathering where artists can showcase and sell all different types of printed, visual art pieces. The event was organized by Micah Black, an artist...

Bill Skarsgård plays as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, a cosmic evil entity that terrorizes and hunts the children of Derry, Maine. 

"IT: Chapter Two" official website photo

‘IT: Chapter Two’ flawed, but entertaining

Angel Ortega
September 10, 2019

Though it may not have been as captivating as the first film, “IT: Chapter Two” brings a lot to the table, both in visual aesthetics and in narrative. The film begins 27 years after the events...

Through the Late Night Podcast: What is Kanye West's best album?

Through the Late Night Podcast: What is Kanye West’s best album?

“Through the Late Night” is The Orion’s Arts & Entertainment section’s new music podcast. Led by section writers Mitchell Kret and Angel Ortega, every other week you’ll...

Rift Raffa preforming “Tip Toe Wing in my Jawwwdinz”  for the crowed during his show at the El Rey Photo credit: Alex Coba

Riff Raff headlines show in Downtown Chico

Angel Ortega
September 8, 2019

Riff Raff performed a headlining show at the El Rey Theater in Downtown Chico on Friday. The concert was held in part as a celebration of the grand opening of the new Blaze N' J’s store in Downtown...

‘Look Mom I Can Fly’ an introspective look at Travis Scott’s life and career

Angel Ortega
August 31, 2019

From performing in front of just 15 people to selling out full-sized arenas, “Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly” documents Travis Scott’s musical career in his new Netflix original documentary. The...

Cody Blanchard and Shannon Shaw performing during Shannon and the Clams' headlining show at the Sierra Nevada Big Room. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

Shannon and the Clams headline show at Sierra Nevada’s Big Room

Angel Ortega
August 29, 2019

Shannon and the Clams, a rock quartet from Oakland, performed at the Sierra Nevada Brewery Big Room Tuesday night. The band consisted of member Shannon Shaw, vocals and bass, Cody Blanchard, vocals and...

All the food served the Sunday Brunch was catered and donated by Leon Bistro. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

Community brunch held as Chico Pride week concludes

Angel Ortega
August 27, 2019

Chico Pride Week ended with a brunch held at One Mile Recreation Area, hosted by The Stonewall Alliance of Chico on Sunday. Chico Pride began on August 22 and lasted four days this year. Event organizer...

Bernie Sanders addresses the public at the Masonic Lodge in Chico on Thursday.

[Photo] Bernie Sanders visits Chico, Paradise

Julian Mendoza
August 23, 2019

Bernie Sanders addresses the public at the Masonic Lodge in Chico on Thursday.

FermÍn (Jorge Antonio Guerrero) embraces Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) during a screening of a film in Alfonso Cuarón's "Roma."
IMDb website photo

My top 15 films of all time

Angel Ortega
May 8, 2019

Disclaimer: This list is my personal opinion. While I do feel that there are other films that are much more influential and significant to cinema both thematically and culturally, these films are the ones...

FermÍn (Jorge Antonio Guerrero) embraces Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) during a screening of a film in Alfonso Cuarón's "Roma."
IMDb website photo

My top 15 films of all time

Angel Ortega
May 8, 2019

Disclaimer: This list is my personal opinion. While I do feel that there are other films that are much more influential and significant to cinema both thematically and culturally, these films are the ones...

Michael Ealy and Meagan Good play a young couple who are being stalked by the house's previous homeowner.
IMDb website photo

“The Intruder”: problematic, distasteful and forgettable

Angel Ortega
May 8, 2019

“The Intruder” is the quite possibly the worst film of the year, and its only May. Scott (Michael Ealy) and his wife, Annie (Meagan Good) are elated when they purchase their new home in the...

A depiction of Jesus Christ on the baptismal pool at the Hope Christian Church on Pentz Road in Paradise. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

Chico-born artist brings hope to Paradise through mural artwork

Angel Ortega
May 8, 2019

An artist has taken it upon himself to paint murals on damaged buildings and homes in Paradise. Shane Grammer, an artist who does both commissioned and freelance artwork for Disney and its parks, has...

Photo credit: Melissa Joseph

Through the Late Night final show featuring ‘Scarlet Pumps’

Angel Ortega and Mitchell Kret
May 7, 2019

  Scarlet Pumps, six months after the Camp Fire, are making a comeback with a record release show on Thursday, May 9. Scarlet Pumps consist of members AJ Dos Santos (vocals, synthesizers), Gabriel...

Chico State's Chamber Singers performing "And the Earth Sings," during a choir concert curated by School of the Arts, commemorating Earth Day. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

School of the Arts hosts final choir concert of the semester

Angel Ortega
April 29, 2019

The Chico State Department of Music and Theatre held a choir concert, featuring Chico State’s Chamber Singers and Acappella Choir, Saturday at the Harlen Adams Theatre. The concert, titled, “And...

Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark (Iron Man) in "Avengers: Endgame" 
IMDb website photo

“Avengers: Endgame” a monumental conclusion to an era

Angel Ortega
April 28, 2019

WARNING: SPOILERS! DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT YET SEEN "AVENGERS: ENDGAME"Exhibiting stellar screen-writing and outstanding performances, “Avengers: Endgame” is the perfect conclusion to the...

Guests dancing on the dance floor during GSEC's Second Annual Queer Prom Photo credit: Angel Ortega

Queer Prom offers music, dancing and inclusivity

Angel Ortega
April 22, 2019

The second annual Queer Prom, organized and promoted by Chico State’s Gender and Sexuality Equity Coalition (GSEC), was hosted on Saturday at the Bell Memorial Union. Queer Prom was held as part...

Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen and Roman Christou stars as Samantha and Chris Garcia in "The Curse of La Llorona."
Warner Bros. Pictures' photo

“The Curse of La Llorona” reaps a flawed attempt at horror

Angel Ortega
April 21, 2019

Exhibiting one of the most flawed and uninspired narratives in contemporary horror, “The Curse of La Llorona” displays nothing original and is reflective of New Line Cinema and Atomic Monster...

KIDS SEE GHOSTS (Kid Cudi and Kanye West) performing at Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in November 2018.
Camp Flog Gnaw Instagram Photo

Playlist: Angel Ortega’s ten picks

Angel Ortega
April 13, 2019

For my playlist, I decided to choose songs that have been in my constant rotation for years and have some significance in my life, one way or another.KANYE WEST – "REAL FRIENDS" Kanye West is one...

Illustration by Melissa Joseph

Through the Late Night Podcast: Kodak Black receives backlash after comment

Alex Coba, Mitchell Kret and Angel Ortega
April 13, 2019

“Through the Late Night” is The Orion’s Arts & Entertainment section’s new music podcast. Led by section writers Mitchell Kret and Angel Ortega, every other week you’ll...

Church, the Creed family cat, is one the main antagonists of the film. 
IMDb website photo

‘Pet Sematary’ is a poor-man’s horror film

Angel Ortega
April 9, 2019

With cheap horror clichés and poor writing, “Pet Sematary” is one of the most disappointing horror films of the year. Dr. Louis Creed (Jason Clarke) and his wife Rachel (Amy Seimetz) move from...

(L to R) Chris Thorne and Aman Cowell performing during their set with Sounds Good. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

SOTA Productions brings “soul” in an intimate concert

Angel Ortega
April 9, 2019

Chico State’s School of the Arts Productions curated an intimate concert featuring artists from Chico to Southern California. The show, "Chico Soul", was hosted by Down Lo, a bar and grill located...

Colin Farrell, Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins star in "Dumbo."
IMDb website phot

Review: ‘Dumbo’ doesn’t fly

Angel Ortega
April 2, 2019

“Dumbo” is a poorly executed remake reflective of Disney’s attempt to cash in on audiences’ nostalgia. Directed by Tim Burton, the film is a live-action remake of the 1941 Disney...

Illustration by Kyle Hilton. Hollywood Reporter website photo.

Ticket scalping: A plague in the concert industry

Angel Ortega
April 2, 2019

Going to a concert can be the most surreal experience some may ever have. Whether it’s an intimate, small venue or a big arena, sharing the same room with one of your favorite artists and seeing...

Illustration Credit: Melissa Joseph

‘Through the Late Night’ podcast features overlooked music producers

Mitchell Kret, Angel Ortega and Alex Coba
March 29, 2019

“Through the Late Night” is The Orion's Arts & Entertainment section's new music podcast. Led by section writers Mitchell Kret and Angel Ortega, every other week you’ll get to hear...

Lupita Nyong'o stars as Adelaide Wilson, a mother who's family is terrorized by their evil doppelgangers. 
IMDb website photo

Jordan Peele delivers another instant-classic horror film

Angel Ortega
March 24, 2019

Although it’s not a perfect horror film, Jordan Peele's “Us” is an outstanding film layered with social commentary and symbolism. Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong’o) and her husband,...

D-FY members (from left to right) Tommy Ghiorso, Milo Hopkins and Aidan Sobon performing their set during their tour kickoff show. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

Bands D-FY and ICED bring hardcore punk to Chico

Angel Ortega
March 19, 2019

Hardcore punk bands D-FY (pronounced “defy”) and ICED, from Chico and Eugene, Oregon respectively, kicked off their tour on Friday in Chico. The concert, hosted by 1078 Gallery, consisted of...

Tyler Perry stars as Mabel "Madea" Simmons in "A Madea Family Funeral". 
IMDb wesbite photo

‘A Madea Family Funeral’ delivers dull attempt at comedy in typical Tyler Perry fashion

Angel Ortega
March 15, 2019

With a horrid narrative and writing style, Tyler Perry’s “A Madea Family Funeral” brings nothing new to the table and exhibits Perry’s consistently poor work ethic as a filmmaker. In...

Photo credit: Melissa Joseph

Through the Late Night podcast: Jaden Smith provides clean water for Flint, Michigan

Mitchell Kret, Angel Ortega and Alex Coba
March 12, 2019

“Through the Late Night” is the Arts & Entertainment’s new music podcast for The Orion News. Led by section writers Mitchell Kret and Angel Ortega, every other week you’ll get...

Brie Larson stars as Vers, an extraterrestrial warrior from the Kree planet, Hala. 
IMDb website photo

‘Captain Marvel’ displays an astronomical origin story

Angel Ortega
March 11, 2019

Though it carries some flaws, “Captain Marvel” is an excellent superhero movie with an outstanding performance from Brie Larson. “Captain Marvel,” the latest installment of the...

Tim Blake Nelson stars as Buster Scruggs, the main character featured in one of six short films in "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs." 
IMDb website photo

Coen Brothers deliver another stellar period piece

Angel Ortega
March 3, 2019
“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” is a well-executed Western with witty, humorous and profound stories.
Viggo Mortensen and Marhershala Ali star as Tony Vallelonga and Don Shirley, respectively, in "Green Book", this year's Best Picture recipient. Ali won Best Supporting Actor for his performance. 
IMDb website photo

Oscars Recap: “Green Book” wins Best Picture

Angel Ortega
February 27, 2019

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Black Panther” and “Green Book” were among the winners at the 91st Academy Awards on Sunday. “Bohemian Rhapsody” received the most...

Rosa Salazar stars as Alita, a female cyborg, in "Alita: Battle Angel". 
IMDb website photo

‘Alita: Battle Angel’ is all flash but no substance

Angel Ortega
February 24, 2019

“Alita: Battle Angel” attempts to compensate a flawed narrative with stunning visuals. The film, directed by Robert Rodriguez, takes place in the year 2563. A cataclysmic war, known as "the...

Photo credit: Melissa Joseph

Through the Late Night podcast: 21 Savage shocking ICE detainment

Mitchell Kret, Angel Ortega and Alex Coba
February 23, 2019

“Through The Late Night” is the Arts & Entertainment's new music podcast for The Orion News. Led by section writers Mitchell Kret and Angel Ortega, every other week you'll get to hear them...

Milo Hopkins of Rogue Squadron performing at Ike's. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

Ike’s Place hosts hardcore rock concert

Angel Ortega
February 21, 2019
Mosh pits and comradery make for a great night for Chico's hardcore community.
Amandla Stenberg plays as Starr Carter.
IMDb website photo

‘The Hate U Give’ is a forgettable drama

Angel Ortega
February 15, 2019
“The Hate U Give” is one of the most poorly executed pieces of social commentary in recent years due to its terrible dialogue and poor performances.
Emmet Birckowski, voiced by Chris Pratt, in "The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part."
IMDb website photo

‘The Lego Movie 2′ is much more than a kids’ movie

Angel Ortega
February 10, 2019

“The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” is a cleverly written comedy with almost no dull moments. In the sequel to “The Lego Movie” (2014), the film picks up where it left off five...

Kiki Layne (left) and Stephan James (right) star as Tish and Fonny in Barry Jenkins' newest film, "If Beale Street Could Talk". 
IMDb website photo.

Director Barry Jenkins delivers another masterpiece with ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’

Angel Ortega
February 6, 2019
“If Beale Street Could Talk” is not only one of the best films of 2018, but it is also one of the best romances of all time.

Chico art curators host 3-D mural art gallery

Angel Ortega
February 4, 2019

Chico Idea Fab Labs hosted a gallery featuring artwork from Santa Cruz muralist, Elijah Pfotenhauer, on Saturday. Daniel Govan, co-founder of Idea Fab Labs, says the art gallery, titled “Terraform,”...

A portrait of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his Senate hearing regarding accusations of sexual assault. Acrylic ink printed on plexiglass. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

BMU hosts interactive, insightful art gallery

Mitchell Kret and Angel Ortega
February 1, 2019
"Resist, Persist and Rise" gallery highlights social movement and female empowerment
"The Favourite" is a brilliant period piece

“The Favourite” is a brilliant period piece

Angel Ortega
January 31, 2019

“The Favourite” captures some of the best on-screen performances and exquisite production values this year. The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, follows Queen Anne of Britain (Olivia Colman)...

"Roma" has been nominated for a variety of Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Nominations for the 91st Academy Awards announced

Angel Ortega
January 24, 2019

Films such as “Roma,” “BlacKkKlansman,” “A Star is Born” and “Black Panther" were among the nominees for the 91st Academy Awards announced Tuesday. Alfonso Cuarón’s...

Image from IMDB

‘Roma’ delivers stunning performance, cinematography

Angel Ortega
January 22, 2019

“Roma” is one of the most emotionally intense films of the year with its minimalistic artistic style and strong female lead.“Roma," directed by Alfonso Cuarón, centers around the...

Left to right: Sakura Ando, Mayu Matsuoka, Miyu Sasaki, Kairi Jo, and Lily Franky star in "Shoplifters"
IMDb website photo

‘Shoplifters’ manages to steal the hearts of moviegoers

Angel Ortega
January 22, 2019

With an incredible cast and immersive storytelling, “Shoplifters” delivers one of the most poignant films about family and love.“Shoplifters,” directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, revolves...

From left to right: Alex Turner (lead vocals, guitar), Jamie Cook (guitar), Nick O'Malley (bass, vocals), and Matt Helders (drums, vocals)
NME website photo

Arctic Monkeys mark the end of a five-year hiatus with a stellar comeback album

Angel Ortega
May 15, 2018

Arctic Monkey’s sixth studio album "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino" delivers an exceptional rock album. Arctic Monkeys are an alternative/indie rock band from High Green, Sheffield, England....

Armie Hammer and Geoffrey Rush star as James Lord and Alberto Giacometti in "Final Portrait"
Sony Pictures Classics' Website Photo

‘Final Portrait’ is clever, yet mundane

Angel Ortega
May 11, 2018

“Final Portrait” is clever and witty but falls short from being an excellent biographical film. Directed by Stanley Tucci, “Final Portrait” follows Alberto Giacometti (Geoffrey...

Jason Mitchell and Garrett Hedlund star as Ronsel Jackson and Jamie McAllan in "Mudbound"
IMDb website photo

Netflix original film ‘Mudbound’ brings a dense insight in race relations

Angel Ortega
May 10, 2018

Through well-crafted production and acting, “Mudbound” delivers an ambitious film that is well worth seeing. “Mudbound,” directed by Dee Rees, follows two families in rural post-World...

Ekaterina Samsonov and Joaquin Phoenix star as Nina and Joe in "You Were Never Really Here"
Amazon Studios Photo

Joaquin Phoenix delivers his best performance yet in ‘You Were Never Really Here’

Angel Ortega
May 3, 2018

With outstanding writing and brilliant performances, “You Never Were Really Here” is one of the best mystery-thrillers this year. The film, directed by Lynne Ramsay, follows Joe (Joaquin Phoenix)...

Dermot Crowley, Paul Whitehouse, Steven Buscemi, Jeffrey Tambor and Paul Chahidi in "The Death of Stalin."

IFC Films Photo

‘The Death of Stalin’ is a cleverly written satire

Angel Ortega
May 1, 2018

Through witty dialogue and great performances, “The Death of Stalin” is one of the best comedies in recent years. Set in 1953, shortly after the death of Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin,...

John Krasinski and Noah Jupe star as Lee and Marcus Abbott in "A Quiet Place."
Paramount Pictures' Website Photo

‘A Quiet Place’ is a decent thriller, but still falls short from being ‘great’

Angel Ortega
April 22, 2018

“A Quiet Place” had the potential to become a great horror film, but its flaws and shortcomings leave something to be desired. Though “A Quiet Place” is far from perfect, John Krasinski...

Chief (Bryan Cranston) and Atari (Koyu Rankin) embrace each other in the film, "Isle of Dogs."
Fox Searchlight Website Photo

‘Isle of Dogs’ captivates and delights its audience in typical Wes Anderson fashion

Angel Ortega
April 20, 2018

With its exceptional writing and wonderful vocal performances, “Isle of Dogs” is one of Wes Anderson’s best films. Anderson, a writer, producer and director of Isle of Dogs, has established...

Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren star as John and Ella Spencer in "The Leisure Seeker."
Sony Pictures Classics' Website Photo

‘The Leisure Seeker’ is a heartfelt romantic-comedy

Angel Ortega
April 14, 2018

Though the film 'The Leisure Seeker' is an emotionally driven film, it does have flaws that almost lead it to its demise.The film “The Leisure Seeker,” John (Donald Sutherland) and Ella Spencer...

Francisco Reyes and Daniela Vega star in "A Fantastic Woman."
Sony Pictures Classics website photo.

‘A Fantastic Woman’ is a brilliant foreign film

Angel Ortega
April 6, 2018

Landmark Chilean film "A Fantastic Woman" brings a refreshing look at romantic dramas. Marina Vidal (Daniela Vega), a transgender woman, is a singer and waitress who has recently moved in with her partner,...

Keir Dullea stars as Dave Bowman on "2001: A Space Odyssey"
IMDB Website Photo

Fifty years later: ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ continues to inspire future filmmakers

Angel Ortega
April 5, 2018

After 50 years since its release, “2001: A Space Odyssey’s” groundbreaking practical effects, cinematography and visualizations continue to hold the benchmark for future directors, filmmakers and...

Jamie Bell and Annette Bening star in "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool."

Sony Classics Website Photo.

‘Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool’ delivers a flawed, but poignant romance

Angel Ortega
March 15, 2018

Though the film does not deliver anything noteworthy in terms of cinematic value, “Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool” brings a heartfelt and emotional romance to the big screen. Recently...

Doug Jones and Sally Hawkins star in "The Shape of Water."
Fox Searchlight Website's Photo

‘The Shape of Water’ delivers unique love story between janitor, creature

Angel Ortega
March 7, 2018

Guillermo del Toro reinvents how monsters in movies are depicted with his signature filmmaking style and methods in his film, “The Shape of Water." There are many good qualities throughout the film...

Timothée Chalamet and Arnie Hammer star in "Call Me by Your Name."

Sony Pictures Classics Website Photo.

Timothée Chalamet delivers outstanding performance in ‘Call Me by Your Name’

Angel Ortega
February 23, 2018

“Call Me by Your Name” is one of the best romances in recent years, earning it a Best Picture nomination at this year’s Academy Awards. Adapted from the novel of the same name by André...

Helen Mirren stars as Sarah Winchester. 
CBS Films Website Photo

‘Winchester’ fails to deliver a fright

Angel Ortega
February 19, 2018

"Winchester" had the potential to be a decent horror film, but its overuse of clichés makes it one of the most disappointing horror films of the year. In terms of commercial success at the box office,...

Replica of a barrack from the Tule Lake Relocation Center. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

Imprisoned at Home: Japanese internment camps are brought to life

Angel Ortega
February 16, 2018

At the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology, a new exhibit focuses on how life was like at the Tule Lake War Relocation Center. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt...

"Revolutionizing the World?" is a traveling art exhibit currently on display at the Jacki Headley University Art Gallery. Photo credit: Angel Ortega

The Russian Revolution is reimagined at the Jacki Headley University Art Gallery

Angel Ortega
February 9, 2018

The social and political impact of the Russian Revolution is conveyed through artwork in a new art exhibit on campus. With photographs and artwork throughout the 20th Century are, "Revolutionizing the...

Lewis Black performs as part of a USO holiday show in Aviano Air Base, Italy, 2007. Photo by Tabitha M. Mans (Wikimedia Commons)

The Joke’s on US: Lewis Black comes to Chico

Angel Ortega
January 30, 2018

Known for his angry attitude on stage and his satirical rants, Lewis Black performs in Chico’s Laxson Auditorium in support of his tour, “The Joke’s on US.” Lewis Black is best...

Daniel Day-Lewis ans Vicky Kreips in Phantom Thread. Courtesy of Focus Features.

Phantom Thread is one of the best romance movies of the year

Angel Ortega
January 27, 2018

An Academy Award nominee that critics have been raving about, “Phantom Thread,” is playing at the Pageant Theatre this week.With its vibrant costume design and wonderful performances, “Phantom...

Gary Oldman plays Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour

Courtesy of Focus Features.

Gary Oldman brings Winston Churchill to the big screen in ‘Darkest Hour’

Angel Ortega
January 22, 2018

Gary Oldman delivers one of his best performances in Joe Wright’s "Darkest Hour." In Darkest Hour, Winston Churchill, portrayed by Oldman, is days away from becoming Prime Minister of the United...