‘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 Breslin) and Wichita (Emma Stone) are doing well for themselves as they’ve managed to survi...
The Orion Newscast: New Paint & Joker Review
October 9, 2019
https://youtu.be/9vGTj-M72Vw This week on The Orion Newscast, Butte Environmental Council commissions a new mural and our very own Angel Ortega reviews the controversial movie, Joker. Christian Solis can be reached at [email protected] or @c_alexander20 on Twitter.
Tig Notaro clowns on Chico State
Melissa Joseph
October 2, 2019
Clowns, internal bleeding, and Adele’s “Hello” -- this is what the crowd in Laxson Auditorium enjoyed as quick-witted stand-up comedian, Tig Notaro, performed Saturday night.Before Notaro took to the stage, the auditorium turned dark and a small film began to play. The film was Notar...
‘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 the 11th and final film of the Madea film series, Madea and her brother Joe (both played by Perry)...
Mike G takes insults for a good cause, raising money for Camp Fire survivors
Olyvia Simpson
February 25, 2019
What would it take for you to sit in front of an audience and be publicly ridiculed in the name of comedy? For Mike Griffith, also known as “Mike G Ride,” it took having both a winning personality and it being for a good cause — raising money for Camp Fire victims. The comedy roast of the Chico...
‘F is for Family’ is good, unclean fun
Ulises Duenas
December 9, 2018
At this point, raunchy tv comedies are a dime a dozen. Finding one that actually makes good use of its mature rating is difficult. "F is for Family" not only has clever jokes that hit most of their marks, but it also shows that character growth is possible without losing the core focus of a show.This show follow...
Comedy competition brings big laughs at the El Rey
Alex Coba
September 22, 2018
It was a night of hysterical laughter and drum solos played on toasters. Chico's El Rey theater hosted the 2018 San Francisco Comedy Competition Thursday. This is a yearly competition where hundreds of comedians audition to for a chance to secure one of 32 spots. The late and great Robin Williams once...
Podcast: ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ continues to deliver in its 13th season
Ulises Duenas
September 8, 2018
The Orion is finally making your dreams come true. For the first time (as far as I know) the Arts and Entertainment section is hosting a podcast. It's only fitting that such a momentous occasion is used to cover the 13th season premiere of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Grant Schmieding and...
‘Disenchantment’ can’t enchant its viewers
Ulises Duenas
August 27, 2018
Matt Groening is back with a new show called "Disenchantment," an animated comedy set in a fantasy world. Although it has the distinct style that Groening's shows are known for, it lacks the charm and humor that "The Simpsons" and "Futurama" had. The show's main trio is made up of Bean, a princess that...
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 known for his political satire, social commentary and his angry rants about history, religion and curre...
Patton Oswalt’s ‘Annihilation’ will make you more human
Ulises Duenas
November 7, 2017
A good comedian can weave the tragedies of the world into something hilarious. A strong person can withstand personal tragedy and become better for it. Few have what it takes to turn personal tragedy into hilarity, but Patton Oswalt has done that with his Netflix stand-up special, "Annihilation." &n...
Comedy competition at the El Rey Theatre
Matthew Manfredi
September 14, 2016
On Saturday night, a line outside the El Rey Theatre formed well before doors opened for the 8 p.m. show. Inside the theatre, 16 comedians from all over the U.S., Canada and even as far as China, prepared for the 41st annual San Francisco Comedy Competition, a multi-week event that took place in venues al...
