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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Film

Anupam Kher as "Oberoi" in director Anthony Maras' Hotel Mumbai, a Bleecker Street release. (Courtesy of Mark Rogers / Bleecker Street)

Anupam Kher on Tragedy and Compassion in ‘Hotel Mumbai’

The acclaimed Bollywood thespian spoke with WSN about playing a real-life character in his new film.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor March 25, 2019

Eleven years ago, the Indian metropolis of Mumbai was brought under siege by Pakistani terrorists in a deadly attack. A popular restaurant, two hospitals and the Taj Mahal Palace...

Dev Patel (left) as "Arjun" and Anupam Kher (right) as "Oberoi" in director Anthony Maras' Hotel Mumbai, a Bleecker Street release. (Courtesy of Kerry Monteen / Bleecker Street)

‘Hotel Mumbai’ Thrilling, but Not Too Profound

The new international thriller is intense, though it does not have as much depth as it thinks it does.
Fareid El Gafy, Staff Writer March 24, 2019

Thrusting ordinary people into extraodinary situations is a recipe followed by many gripping films, and it is certainly the backbone of Director Anthony Muras’ “Hotel Mumbai.”...

Poster for the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. (via Facebook)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: March 15 to 17

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Books and Theater Editor March 15, 2019

St. Patrick’s Day is this Sunday — if you want to escape the inevitable onslaught of intoxicated revelers this weekend, check out one of these arts and entertainment events....

The movie poster for 3 Faces. (via Jafar Panahi Film Production)

In ‘3 Faces,’ a Quietly Radical Portrait of Iran

“3 Faces” is a quiet, charming look at a not-so-quiet, not-so-charming patriarchal social system.
Elizabeth Crawford, Staff Writer March 13, 2019

“3 Faces” begins with a girl’s iPhone confessional — her voice is shaking, as is her grip. Aspiring actress Marziyeh Rezaei (playing herself) has been accepted to the drama...

Detective Mike Hoolihan (Patricia Clarkson) investigates the murder of Jennifer Rockwell (Mamie Gummer) (Courtesy of BBC Films)

‘Out of Blue’ Hides Its Messy Narrative Behind Impressive Atmosphere

The new detective thriller feels like an experiment into what a competently-made movie would look like if it had its narrative amputated.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer March 12, 2019

I spent more time trying to make up my mind on how I felt about “Ocean Blue” than I spent actually watching the film. The Carol Morley-directed flick is an adaptation of the...

Poster for Climax by Gaspar Noe (Courtesy of A24)

‘Climax’ Pushes the Limits of Human Nature

Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor March 11, 2019

The best nights are the ones that come unexpectedly — last-minute debauchery that catapults you into the adventure-filled and wondrous unknown. In “Climax,” French director...

A scene from "Dinner for Schmucks," a remake of the French comedy "Le Dîner de Cons." (via Paramount)

Unpopular Opinions: Remakes and Reboots

With A24’s “Gloria Bell,” the remake of the Chilean film “Gloria,” receiving a lot of early praise, the Arts Desk is looking at other remakes and reboots that are also up to par with, or better than, their predecessors.

From “A Star Is Born” to the upcoming live-action “The Lion King,” remakes and reboots have been mainstays in Hollywood for decades. Though it is easy to immediately discredit...

Still from the "The Trouble with You"  Pio Marmai and Adele Haenel (Courtesy of  mk2 Films)

‘The Trouble With You’ Struggles to Balance Crime and Comedy

“The Trouble With You” is an endearingly French stylized comedy featuring a strong cast but showcases romance that feels artificial and forced.
Yaroslava Bondar, Staff Writer March 5, 2019

After her husband, a police officer, is killed in the line of duty, Yvonne Santi (Adèle Haenel) learns that he was not the hero from the bedtime stories she tells her son. He...

Julianne Moore starring in the 2018 film Gloria Bell. (Courtesy of A24)

‘Gloria Bell’ Gets the Remake Game Right

Julianne Moore shines in the quirky romance ‘Gloria Bell,’ a remake of an Oscar-nominated Chilean film.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Staff Writer March 4, 2019

From its opening shot, “Gloria Bell” fulfills its intentions effectively and fearlessly. In a room full of people, the titular character (Julianne Moore) seemingly blends in...

Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski star in the German drama “Transit”. (Courtesy of Music Box Films)

‘Transit’ Is a Bumpy Ride That Still Bores

Officially selected for the New York Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, the German film is a fascinating character drama that is let down by a poor script.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor March 4, 2019

Like its title suggests, “Transit” is mobile, unable to find solace in any one mood, setting or genre, oscillating back and forth between being an interesting character drama,...

Movie Still featuring Zac Efron in "Seventeen Again" (via Facebook)

Staff Recs: High School Movies

This week, the Arts Desk gets a little nostalgic about high school and gives recs for some underrated gems in the genre.
March 1, 2019

As college students, it is not easy to revisit high school, but a fun and feasible way to look back at those innocent and naive times is through movies. From classics like “Rebel...

"How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" is the third and final film in the DreamWorks franchise. (via Flickr)

‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’ Has Great Visuals, but the Same Old Story

The final film in the franchise does not live up to its acclaimed predecessors.
Fareid El Gafy, Staff Writer February 26, 2019

As Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless solidify their place in film history with a complete trilogy, I have to say, let’s end the journey here. In terms of longevity and revenue,...