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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

The Orion staff profiles

Sophia Pearson, A&E Editor

This is Sophia’s third semester at The Orion. After two years of reporting for the A&E section she returns this semester as the section’s editor. As a journalism major who is minoring in cinema studies, A&E allows Sophia to write about the things she is passionate about. When she isn’t writing about movies she is surely watching one. Although it changes often her favorite film is “Whiplash” (2014).

All content by Sophia Pearson
Track and field runners at  Chico State home meet earlier this season

[Photo] Board games, life’s questions and running: looking behind and beyond

Mason Tovani, Sports Editor
May 15, 2022

Track and field runners at Chico State home meet earlier this season

A beautiful summer night at Walt Disney Studio's Golden Oak Ranch in Newhall, Ca.

Alec Baldwin’s involvement in fatal shooting raises questions of negligence

Sophia Pearson, AE Editor
November 11, 2021

While on the set of his newest film “Rust,” actor Alec Baldwin was involved in an accidental shooting that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The film’s director, Joel Souza,...

Sound designers from ‘Dune’ share secrets with CSU

Sound designers from ‘Dune’ share secrets with CSU

Sophia Pearson, AE Editor
October 17, 2021

Two sound designers from the upcoming film “Dune” spoke with students on Oct. 14 in a webinar presented by the CSU Entertainment Alliance. Theo Green and Mark Mangini discuss their experience...

Sierra Oro Farm Trail celebrates October harvest with mobile ‘Farm & Wine Pass’

Sierra Oro Farm Trail celebrates October harvest with mobile ‘Farm & Wine Pass’

Sophia Pearson, A&E Editor
October 7, 2021

The Sierra Oro Farm Trail will hold a month-long event in October focused on the farms and wineries of Butte County. Pass holders will have access to 31 different farms and vineyards with special activities...

(Left to right) Kristine Froseth and Diana Silvers ace their role in Amazon's new drama, "Birds of Paradise."

‘Birds of Paradise’ review: A ballet-centered tale of two ‘frenemies’

Sophia Pearson, A&E Editor
September 29, 2021

Amazon presents the R-rated drama “Birds of Paradise” on Sept. 24. The film highlights the struggle of power and privilege within the world of Parisian ballet.  A pair of students at an elite...

Lonewolf was one of several performers scattered throughout the Thursday Night Market on May 6.

The return of the Thursday Night Market

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
May 12, 2021

Downtown Chico’s Thursday Night Market is back for the first time since the pandemic began. Every Thursday from 6-9 p.m., the market will occupy Broadway Street, between 2nd and 4th Street where people...

"Night in Paradise" is available to stream on Netflix as of April 9.

Korean gangster film ‘Night in Paradise’ premieres on Netflix

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
April 21, 2021

The blood-splattered Korean gangster film, “Night in Paradise,” directed by Park Hoon-jung came to Netflix on April 9. The Netflix original serves as Park’s latest gruesome film since “The Witch:...

The jazz quintet known as "Bogg" performed from inside Laxson Auditorium on April 2 in a Chico Voices virtual event.

Chico jazz band ‘Bogg’ livestreams from Laxson

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
April 16, 2021

The Chico jazz group Bogg performed April 2 at Laxson Auditorium for a livestream event.Chico News and Review's Jason Cassidy joined the band onstage to guide the conversation around the band members...

Maria Alquilar's collection is made of of various pieces that reflect a surreal and alternate reality. Photo by Sophia Pearson

monca celebrates reopening

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
April 8, 2021

The Museum of Northern California Art reopened on March 12. This grand reopening marks almost a year to the day when the museum had to shut down for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The...

Students and alumni of the Department of Music and Theater gathered March 11 on a virtual platform to talk about and share original pieces of music.

Student composers share original work on virtual symposium

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
March 25, 2021

CSU Chico’s very own musicians and composition students shared insight about their music-making process and the music itself. This year’s music symposium, which is normally an in-person event, made...

Director Will Wernick disappoints with his newest film, "Safer at Home."

Quarantine thriller ‘Safer at Home’ flops

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
March 10, 2021

Director Will Wernick disappoints in Prime Video’s thriller “Safer at Home” on Feb. 26. The film takes place in a world where the COVID-19 pandemic has lasted two years. A group of friends gather...

Jon Batiste's new album "We Are" is set to release on March 19, titled "We Are."

An exclusive with ‘The Late Show’ bandleader and producer of Disney’s ‘Soul’ soundtrack

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
March 1, 2021

Jon Batiste, the bandleader of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and the producer of Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” soundtrack, will soon release a personal album. Batiste has had a busy year, but...

Here is a top five list of some sports movies to watch before spring rolls around.

Top 5 sports movies to watch before spring

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
February 21, 2021

With spring comes the excitement of some of our favorite sports. March brings the beginning of major golf tournaments, college basketball’s March Madness, baseball’s spring training. This is a list...

Chico State is celebrating Black History Month with a series of virtually interactive events.

‘America’s Got Talent’ winner Brandon Leake leads virtual spoken word performances

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
February 16, 2021

CSU Chico is celebrating Black History Month with a series of Zoom presentations and film showings. Brandon Leake, a poet and motivational speaker, led a series of performances from Chico State students....

Zendaya and John David Washington star in Netflix drama "Malcolm & Marie," released on Feb. 5.

Levinson does it again with Netflix’s ‘Malcolm & Marie’

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
February 9, 2021

On Feb. 5 Netflix released its long-awaited drama “Malcolm & Marie.” Director Sam Levinson tells a story that focuses on the tension of a filmmaker and his girlfriend. The film stars John David...

Photo credit: HBO Max

Academy Award-winning trio stars in new HBO thriller

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
February 5, 2021

"The Little Things" was released by HBO Max on Jan. 29. The film is star-studded with roles played by Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto. Each brings their own energy  that, together, creates...

Part one of the "Euphoria" special released Dec. 4, and follows Rue (Zendaya, right) and Jules' (Hunter Schafer, left) relationship. Photo by Eddy Chen, courtesy of Warner Media.

‘Euphoria’ returns with a two part special

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
December 8, 2020

The first episode of a “Euphoria” two-part special titled, “Rue” began streaming on HBO Max Dec. 4. The “special episodes” are not to be mistaken as the beginning of the second season; they...

Kristen Stewart (right) and Mackenzie Davis (left) star in Clea Duvall's holiday rom-com, "Happiest Season." Photo by Lacey Terrell, courtesy of Sony Pictures.

Hulu’s ‘Happiest Season’ is a home run

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
December 2, 2020

“Happiest Season” is a family holiday romcom that should surely be at the top of your list to watch this holiday season. The movie has put its own spin on a frequently used holiday movie theme. The...

The office of Tribal Relations hosted a Zoom presentation on Nov. 19 in response to Native American Heritage month. Photo credit: Danielle Kessler

Chico State’s Tribal Relations presents ‘Misconceptions of Identity: The Native American Experience’

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
November 22, 2020

On Thursday, Chico State’s new Office of Tribal Relations hosted a presentation via Zoom to hold conversations regarding the Native American experience. The presentation was led by a group of individuals...

"Rebecca" began streaming on Netflix on Oct. 21. Courtesy of Netflix.

Ben Wheately’s adaptation of ‘Rebecca’ falls short

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
November 19, 2020

Filmmaker Ben Wheately’s adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s tale of second-wife blues is hollow and in desperate need of assistance.   The film starts with a chance encounter between the...

A mural titled "Unexpected Hope" resides on the side of the burned van in Paradise.

Artist Shane Grammer revisits Paradise two years after Camp Fire

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
November 16, 2020

Two years ago the Camp Fire ravaged the Paradise community and caused many people to lose their homes. Shortly after the fire, artist Shane Grammer returned to Paradise to comfort some of his friends...

Rashida Jones and Bill Murray are the stars of Sofia Coppola's newest film, "On the Rocks" which released Oct. 23. Photo courtesy of Apple TV+

Bill Murray steals the show in Sofia Coppola’s “On the Rocks”

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
November 12, 2020

Sofia Coppola’s newest film “On the Rocks” is a bittersweet father-daughter comedy set in the bustling city of New York. Coppola casts actors Bill Murray and Rashida Jones who play a loving father-daughter...

Meriam Park continues to offer weekly film screenings at the drive-in theater. Photo credit: Zachary Carels

Meriam Park drive-in theater continues its success

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
November 3, 2020

Meriam Park opened a drive-in theater on Sept. 24 this year in an effort to bring joy to the people of Butte County during these unprecedented times. Since its opening, the drive-in has proven to be a...

Justin Simien's "Bad Hair" is now streaming on Hulu

Simien’s sophomore project ‘Bad Hair’ leaves us in tangles

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
October 30, 2020

In Hulu’s new horror-comedy, a black woman’s weave is more than just hair. It’s the key to a new promotion. It’s a status symbol. It also happens to be possessed by an evil spirit. At its core...

Halloweekend is the perfect time to watch all your favorite '80s classics

Essential ‘80s horror movies to watch this Halloween

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
October 30, 2020

With Halloween just around the corner, now is a perfect time to watch some scary movies. The ‘80s were a pivotal time for horror. Films were often gory and ghoulish yet a little cheesy and sometimes...

The film portions of the event were displayed on a outdoor 20x 30 screen

Slow Theatre’s Garage Fest offers drive-in experience

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
October 26, 2020

On Oct. 17 and 18, Slow Theatre hosted a drive-in event that included comedy, monologues and musical performances centered around the theme “Freedom of Speech.” The presentation was a mix of live...

Ben Ruttenburg and Samantha Francis were inspired to name their band The Bidwells in honor of spending much time creating music in Bidwell Park.

The Bidwells perform in Laxson Auditorium for virtual audience

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
October 21, 2020

Ben Ruttenburg and Samantha Francis, members of the musical duo The Bidwells, performed Friday night inside Chico State’s Laxson Auditorium for a virtual audience. The performance was intimate despite...

Shelley is using a drawn version of her self portrait to help guide her as she creates a new one using fabrics.

Chico State professor sews together self-portrait to be displayed in local art exhibit

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
October 16, 2020

Monca’s (Museum of Northern California Art) current exhibit, “Those Who Can Teach...Can” puts Butte County teacher’s artwork on display. One of the teachers participating in the exhibit is...

Veronica Clarke (Haley Lu Richardson) is a teenage girl who becomes pregnant and embarks on a road trip with her former best friend to become "unpregnant" as the title suggests. Courtesy of Warner Media.

“Unpregnant” a modern day buddy comedy with a twist

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
October 8, 2020

“Unpregnant” is a edgy teen comedy that follows two young women as they take a road trip across state lines in order to get an abortion.  The film stars Haley Lu Richardson who plays straight-edged,...

Janelle Monáe stars in "Antelbellum" the new horror film produced by Jordan Peele.

Bush and Renz make impressive directing debut in ‘Antebellum’

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
October 1, 2020

Director team Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz emerge with their thrilling and timely horror film “Antebellum.” The film was finally released on Aug. 21 after it was originally supposed to be released...

"The Devil All The Time," now available on Netflix, is based on the 2011 novel written by Donald Ray Pollock.

No one is innocent in ‘The Devil All The Time’

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
September 25, 2020

“The Devil All The Time,” now available on Netflix, is a grim and violent tale that is the result of the sinister characters’ acts and the secrets they possess. The film is based on the 2011 novel...

The Monca entrance faces Chico High School on the opposite side of Esplanade

Butte County Art teachers participate in virtual art exhibit at the monca

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
September 23, 2020

On Sept. 17, the Museum of Northern California Art (monca) hosted a virtual art exhibition. Featured artists are all teachers from Butte County who have contributed to the monca’s exhibit. When Penni...

Reta Rickmers posing along side per acrylic paintings inspired by photos she took while in Yucatan, Mexico

Reta Rickmers posing along side per acrylic paintings inspired by photos she took while in Yucatan, Mexico

Penni Baxter stands with her work in the exhibit

Penni Baxter stands with her work in the exhibit

Kandis Horton-Jorth poses alongside her three pieces that will be available to view during the exhibit

Kandis Horton-Jorth poses alongside her three pieces that will be available to view during the exhibit

Three of the artists featured in the exhibit pose with the Monca's executive director, Pat Macias. [pictured left to right: Kandis Horton-Jorth, Pat Macias, Reta Rickmers, Penni Baxter.]

Three of the artists featured in the exhibit pose with the Monca's executive director, Pat Macias. [pictured left to right: Kandis Horton-Jorth, Pat Macias, Reta Rickmers, Penni Baxter.]

Jordan Kristine Seamón and Jack Dylan Grazer are among the cast of HBO's series "We Are Who We Are."

“We Are Who We Are” offers a thrilling and unique coming-of-age story

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
September 17, 2020

The first episode of HBO’s original series directed by Luca Guadagnino titled, “We Are Who We Are,” premiered on Sep. 14. Cast members include  Jack Dylan Grazer, Jordan Kristine Seamon, Kid...

Charlie Kaufman's "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" premiered on Netflix on Sept. 4. and tells the strange story of a young woman meeting her boyfriend's parents.

Charlie Kaufman delivers an eerie romance in “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
September 9, 2020

The recent Netflix film “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” directed by Charlie Kaufman is an adaptation of the book by Iain Reed and stars Jessie Buckley and Jesse Plemons.  The psychological...

Jayna Feldman looking out from behind a lightly colored veil

Jayna Feldman finds her best self on “Renee”

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
September 6, 2020

Chico State senior Jayna Feldman, a singer and songwriter, is releasing a debut single titled “Renee” on Sept. 4. It’s Feldman’s first project since launching her solo career.  Feldman...