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

Washington Square News
(Matt Petres for WSN)
Students protest CIA presence at internship fair
(Samson Tu for WSN)
Tandon summer programs for K-12 students surge in popularity
(Lauren Sanchez for WSN)
Former employee sues NYU for religious discrimination
(Ray Qian for WSN)
NYU Abu Dhabi partners with Emirati tech company to further 6G research
(Courtesy of Nicolas Manassi)
Wagner dean on stepping down, returning as a faculty member
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
A person wearing a keffiyeh is zip tied by a cop in protective gear.
Inside NYU’s 180-plus disciplinary cases against pro-Palestinian students and faculty
Students walking on NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus. (Sam Klein for WSN)
‘Extremely disturbing’: Concerns over academic freedom at NYU Abu Dhabi surface following policies restricting attire at graduation
A purple N.Y.U. flag hangs on a building.
A search firm failed to find misconduct allegations against NYU’s former athletics director. Here’s why.
File Photo: NYU Tisch School of the Arts located at 721 Broadway. (Katie Peurrung for WSN)
A Tisch professor disappeared during a misconduct investigation. Two semesters later, he’s scheduled to teach again.
People rally in front of NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in New York. (Danny Arensberg for WSN)
Over 1,000 call on NYU Langone to continue providing gender-affirming care for children
People walking outside of a building that reads “STRAND BOOKS” while holding signs.
Strand Bookstore workers go on strike, demand higher wages
The front of a brick building with a white door. There is a sign to the right of the door that reads “SIGN OUR PETITION SAVE THE LANDMARK MERCHANT’S HOUSE”
A local museum’s campaign to keep its doors open
The exterior of the main entrance of N.Y.U. Langone Health center, located at 550 First Ave.
Researchers at NYU Langone deem kidney transplants between HIV-positive people safe
People stand in front steps lined with candles, while others light them.
NYU students join citywide youth to honor trans lives in Washington Square Park
(Matt Petres for WSN)
Students protest CIA presence at internship fair
(Samson Tu for WSN)
Tandon summer programs for K-12 students surge in popularity
(Lauren Sanchez for WSN)
Former employee sues NYU for religious discrimination
(Ray Qian for WSN)
NYU Abu Dhabi partners with Emirati tech company to further 6G research
(Courtesy of Nicolas Manassi)
Wagner dean on stepping down, returning as a faculty member
(Danny Arensberg for WSN)
Dozens protest onslaught of pro-Palestinian student suspensions
(Samson Tu for WSN)
Admin responds to nonprofit criticizing updated student conduct policy
(Danny Arensberg for WSN)
‘Collective punishment’: NYU suspends 13 students after pro-Palestinian sit-in
People picket in front of a red building with signs reading "DIVEST FROM GENOCIDE," "ARREST NYU TRUSTEES" and "CLASS OF 1972."
Protesters condemn NYU sanctions against students and faculty, demand divestment
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
(Courtesy of Television Academy)
Beyond NYU: Shaping films and shows frame by frame
(Courtesy of Madi Kaplan)
Beyond NYU: Mixing acting with activism
(Courtesy of Chelsea Kyle)
Beyond NYU: Shaking up the restaurant industry one article at a time
A woman smiling against a black background with the words “N.Y.U. BEYOND” written to the left.
Beyond NYU: Opening doors to STEM for students of color nationwide
A close-up shot of a man wearing a blue-striped shirt and brown pants sitting in a floral-decorated staircase with big white words that say “BEYOND N.Y.U.”
Beyond NYU: From 8th-grade star to Broadway regular
President Donald Trump addresses the press outside of the courtroom during his New York civil fraud case in New York City on Oct. 17, 2023. (Jason Alpert-Wisnia for WSN)
Opinion: NYU is failing its trans and non-binary students
(Kevin Wu for WSN)
Opinion: Subway safety is a manufactured crisis
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Guest Essay: NYU is right to suspend students for rule violations
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Opinion: Campus conversations must include all voices
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Editorial: NYU, step up
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Editorial: NYU, step up
Editorial: NYU’s disciplinary measures against students are reckless and reactive
Editorial: NYU’s disciplinary measures against students are reckless and reactive
An illustration of a collage of different scenes, such as a war zone, the face of prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and a person holding a sign that says "BANS OFF OUR BODIES."
Editorial: Reflect. Recharge. Then get to work.
An illustration of a balancing weight scale with a box on each side. One says “LOCAL VOTE” and the other says “FEDERAL VOTE.”
Editorial: Think globally, vote locally
NYU students gather for a vigil in Washington Square Park mourning the loss of life in Lebanon on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in New York.
Editorial: NYU needs to talk about Lebanon. Publicly.
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Silver School dean on the case for a tuition-free social work education
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Wasserman Center director on the Handshake job search platform
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: CWS director on suicide response and mental health resources
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: NYU remains committed to NYU Tel Aviv
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: An open letter to President Hamilton
A four panel illustration of four different people drawn in a monochrome purple pallet.
Off-Third: NYU released their shortlist for consultants on ‘institutional restraint.’ You won’t believe who’s on it.
An illustration of a poster on a utility pole with a woman in the center with a question mark over her face. Above are the words “LINDA MILLS” and below are the words “Lookalike Contest.”
Off-Third: Linda Mills lookalike contest brings new crowd to Gould Plaza
A portrait of Eric Adams wearing a gray suit, white collared shirt and navy blue printed tie. He stands in front of a royal blue background and an American flag on a floor stand.
Off-Third: Eric Adams and Rudy Giuliani compete to be NYC’s most disgraced mayor
An illustration of a person with binoculars staring in awe at a woman wearing dark sunglasses and red lipstick.
Off-Third: How to stalk campus celebrities
An image of a N.Y.U. flag, with the color purple edited into pink.
Off-Third: NYU changes branding to save misled patients
An illustration of a woman screaming and text that reads “STAFF RANTS.”
Staff Rants: Post-election feelings
An illustration of a black megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in white letters. There are black and white lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is red.
Staff Rants: Springing in and out of spring
An illustration of a black megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in white letters. There are black and white lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is red.
Staff Rants: New beginnings or old complaints?
An illustration of a megaphone with the phrase “Staff Rants” written on it. The megaphone wears a red Santa hat and the background is white with blue snowflakes.
Staff Rants: Holiday Overload
An illustration of a purple and orange megaphone that reads ‘STAFF RANTS’ in green letters. There are purple and green lines coming out of the megaphone. The background is black.
Staff Rants: Spooky season
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
In the Huddle: A talk with thrower Kai Aravena
(Kiran Komanduri for WSN)
The architect of a dynasty: How the NYU women’s basketball coach built the team into a powerhouse
Staff Reacts: Super Bowl LIX
Staff Reacts: Super Bowl LIX
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Men’s basketball buzzer-beater win, women’s basketball 50th straight victory and other news
NYU ice hockey honors 2015 national championship team
NYU ice hockey honors 2015 national championship team
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
Men’s basketball buzzer-beater win, women’s basketball 50th straight victory and other news
An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background with light purple flowers.
Soccer and volleyball begin UAA conference play, top finishes for both cross country teams and other news
Women’s tennis player wins championship, men’s soccer score double digits and other news
Women’s tennis player wins championship, men’s soccer score double digits and other news
An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background with light purple flowers.
Women’s golf places third, women’s soccer remains undefeated and other news
An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background with light purple flowers.
Golf and tennis kick off seasons, men’s soccer suffers first loss and other news
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
In the Huddle: A talk with thrower Kai Aravena
(Levi Langley for WSN)
In the Huddle: Janie Cooper on her yearlong racing season
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
In the Huddle: Connor Vincent on his collegiate swimming career
A man in a dark coat standing outside in a park and smiling at the camera.
In the Huddle: Zach Knudsen on his aspirations and optimism for the upcoming season
A woman in a white shirt stands in front of a dark background.
In the Huddle: Maria Stamos on fencing at NYU and competing at the international level
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of the UK, Washington, D.C. and Italy
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of London, Washington, D.C. and Sydney
An illustration of an outline of a referee yelling “OUT OF BOUNDS” with three buildings behind him.
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Accra, London and Madrid
A purple illustration of a referee yelling “OUT OF BOUNDS” in a speech bubble with the Big Ben tower, a tower from Madrid and the United States Capitol building behind him. The referee holds a purple whistle.
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of London, D.C. and Madrid
A purple illustration of a person shouting “OUT OF BOUNDS" while holding a big whistle. Behind the person is Big Ben, the Berlin TV Tower and Puerto Madero's Puente de la Mujer footbridge.
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Buenos Aires, London and Berlin
(Levi Langley for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective highlights 3 East Asian designers at NYFW
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective flaunts the abundance of spring at NYFW
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective toys with heritage, nostalgia and the cosmos
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Flying Solo’s 4th show at NYFW reinvents fashion basics
(Kiara Mujica and Kyra Reilley for WSN)
A guide to Valentine’s Day gifts by NYU school
(Levi Langley for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective highlights 3 East Asian designers at NYFW
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective flaunts the abundance of spring at NYFW
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective toys with heritage, nostalgia and the cosmos
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Flying Solo’s 4th show at NYFW reinvents fashion basics
(Kiran Komanduri for WSN)
Michael DePaulo returns to NYFW with an entourage of futuristic florals
Cooking up suburban escape
Cooking up suburban escape
(Suditi Sircar for WSN)
Love at first bite: The best recipes for Valentine’s Day
(Julia Smerling for WSN)
Ranked: Lunchly
(Mariana Arboleda for WSN)
Is reviving diner culture heroic or corrupt?
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
5 soups to help you combat the winter cold
How NYU students celebrated Lunar New Year
How NYU students celebrated Lunar New Year
(Mariana Arboleda for WSN)
This Stern club highlights minority voices in the world of finance
(Lianna O’Grady for WSN)
Welcoming Lunar New Year in a new home
An illustration of simplified drawings of various forms of self-care like tea, a person wearing a face mask, and a person doing yoga on a blue background.
What it means to take care of yourself across different cultures
On a light green background, four orange rectangles show hands making different signs in each one.
How multicultural sororities foster community at NYU
A collage of various N.Y.U.-specific illustrations in green and blue.
Ranked: NYU lore
An illustration of an oven roasted turkey against a light purple background.
Ranked: Thanksgiving foods
An illustration of a taco fighting french fries boxing in a ring.
Ranked: Fast food near campus
(Gia Sidhu for WSN)
Ranked: Microtrends
A collage of three photos. On the left, a model walks in a black, lace bodysuit with knee–length tassels hanging from the neckline. In the middle, a model stands in front of a flashlight, wearing a high khaki-beige collar with layered circular cut-out on two sides, with a side slit skirt and knee high boots. On the right, a model wears an oversized blue pinstripe suit and a beige hat. There is a red bandana tied around their neck and collection of small red knotted ropes attached to one breast of their jacket.
Ranked: The top 5 looks from WSN’s NYFW coverage
(Levi Langley for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective highlights 3 East Asian designers at NYFW
(Sidney Snider for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective flaunts the abundance of spring at NYFW
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Global Fashion Collective toys with heritage, nostalgia and the cosmos
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Flying Solo’s 4th show at NYFW reinvents fashion basics
(Kiran Komanduri for WSN)
Michael DePaulo returns to NYFW with an entourage of futuristic florals
(Courtesy of HBO)
Review: Abel Tesfaye delivers a final cinematic masterpiece as The Weeknd
(Daniel Yee for WSN)
2 best picture nominees used AI. How should we feel?
(Ivy Chan for WSN)
80WSE’s latest exhibition explores a better society through fashion
(Charlotte Nichols for WSN)
Review: From the battles to the bedroom, ‘Onyx Storm’ was rushed and unsatisfying
(Courtesy of Nick Mora)
Interview: Musician Brent de la Cruz on the importance of collaboration and inspiration
(Charlotte Nichols for WSN)
Review: From the battles to the bedroom, ‘Onyx Storm’ was rushed and unsatisfying
(Kiara Mujica for WSN)
Books beyond Bobst: Essays about the ’60s, stories about body horror and more
The 5 most anticipated reads of 2025
The 5 most anticipated reads of 2025
(Kyra Reilley for WSN)
5 budget-friendly ways to consume books
(Allina Xiao for WSN)
Books beyond Bobst: An Irish novella, a historical fantasy book and more
(Daniel Yee for WSN)
2 best picture nominees used AI. How should we feel?
(Courtesy of IMDb)
Review: The future of dating is bleak in ‘Companion’
(Courtesy of Atlas Media Corp, A Zeitgeist Films Release in Association with Kino Lorber)
Review: ‘Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story’ brings us the unseen stories of the showbiz icon
(Courtesy of IMDb)
10 movies to look out for in 2025
(Courtesy of IMDb)
The case for ‘The Brutalist’
(Courtesy of HBO)
Review: Abel Tesfaye delivers a final cinematic masterpiece as The Weeknd
(Courtesy of Nick Mora)
Interview: Musician Brent de la Cruz on the importance of collaboration and inspiration
10 guilty pleasure albums that we unapologetically love
(Courtesy of Dualtone Records)
Review: Flipturn’s ‘Burnout Days’ explores the tension between youth and stress
(Courtesy of Warner Records)
Review: ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)’ falls saccharine and stale
(Courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company)
Review: In ‘English,’ the fight to learn a new language perseveres
An illustration of a hand holding a nutcracker on a blue background scattered with snowflakes.
Let out of the doll box: My retirement from ‘The Nutcracker’
Dancers dressed in soldier costumes lined up onstage.
The Rockettes don’t know when to tap out
Two people stand on a stage with their hands on a table, looking at each other.
Broke People Play Festival expands to uplift more student artists
A person wearing a blue suit with white sleeves holds the hand of a person wearing a pink dress while they sit on a beige couch in a set of a house.
Review: ‘The Great Gatsby’ disguises mediocrity with a star-studded cast
(Ivy Chan for WSN)
80WSE’s latest exhibition explores a better society through fashion
Three balconies spiraling up with various art pieces on the walls and people perusing them.
Review: The Guggenheim’s new exhibition teaches a history lesson about a fleeting art movement
Ten paintings are hung up in a large group on a light purple gallery wall.
Review: ‘Toward Joy’ builds new frameworks for American art
An illustration of an armed man with a redacted face in front of a collage of U.S. conspiracy imagery.
Review: ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’ is annoyingly fun
A woman stands and looks up in front of abstract colors.
When I need to reconnect with myself, I go to museums
NYU Dining Halls: Farm-to-Table Eats!
NYU Dining Halls: Farm-to-Table Eats!
Cartoon: An ode to Albert
Cartoon: An ode to Albert
(Anna Baird-Hassell, Alex Woodworth, Isabel Albors, and Rachel Ning for WSN)
On the Street: Winter break
(Alex Woodworth for WSN)
Students protest Trump presidency with march on campus
In the panel titled Tisch, a girl with long braided hair, alternative clothing and round glasses types on a computer with sheets of paper flying around her. Her eyes are swirls and her expression is panicked as she says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have a 73-page play due tomorrow!” In the panel titled Stern, a man with short dark hair and rectangular glasses wears a suit saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have 500+ LinkedIn connections due tomorrow…” He holds a phone with a symbol of people and the number 500 while people shake hands in the background. In the panel titled Gallatin, a boy with wavy brown hair and goggles holds ropes while saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to weave a basket underwater tomorrow.” Another dialogue line reads “Yeah, that’s my concentration…” next to drawings of fish and baskets. In the panel titled Steinhardt, a girl with curly blonde hair and freckles stares at a phone while various electronic devices are scattered in the background including a phone with a caller ID saying “Kiara & Allina.” In a dialogue bubble she says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to communicate tomorrow.” In the panel titled Tandon a boy with round glasses, a puffer vest, a quarter-zip sweater and dyed purple hair says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have a robot due tomorrow!” Behind him is a robot holding a sandwich on a plate saying “YUMMY,” a laptop on a desk displaying “Chat G.P.T.” and a blackboard with various diagrams in white chalk. In the panel titled C.A.S. is a girl wearing a white lab coat and goggles over a pink shirt and saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to write an essay on bird migration in Ancient Greece due tomorrow!” She holds an open book while plucking a leaf off of an overhead branch with forceps, facing away from a desk where a beaker of green liquid overflows.
Cartoon: NYU during finals is just so … unique
NYU Dining Halls: Farm-to-Table Eats!
NYU Dining Halls: Farm-to-Table Eats!
Cartoon: An ode to Albert
Cartoon: An ode to Albert
In the panel titled Tisch, a girl with long braided hair, alternative clothing and round glasses types on a computer with sheets of paper flying around her. Her eyes are swirls and her expression is panicked as she says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have a 73-page play due tomorrow!” In the panel titled Stern, a man with short dark hair and rectangular glasses wears a suit saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have 500+ LinkedIn connections due tomorrow…” He holds a phone with a symbol of people and the number 500 while people shake hands in the background. In the panel titled Gallatin, a boy with wavy brown hair and goggles holds ropes while saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to weave a basket underwater tomorrow.” Another dialogue line reads “Yeah, that’s my concentration…” next to drawings of fish and baskets. In the panel titled Steinhardt, a girl with curly blonde hair and freckles stares at a phone while various electronic devices are scattered in the background including a phone with a caller ID saying “Kiara & Allina.” In a dialogue bubble she says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to communicate tomorrow.” In the panel titled Tandon a boy with round glasses, a puffer vest, a quarter-zip sweater and dyed purple hair says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have a robot due tomorrow!” Behind him is a robot holding a sandwich on a plate saying “YUMMY,” a laptop on a desk displaying “Chat G.P.T.” and a blackboard with various diagrams in white chalk. In the panel titled C.A.S. is a girl wearing a white lab coat and goggles over a pink shirt and saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to write an essay on bird migration in Ancient Greece due tomorrow!” She holds an open book while plucking a leaf off of an overhead branch with forceps, facing away from a desk where a beaker of green liquid overflows.
Cartoon: NYU during finals is just so … unique
In a grayscale comic, a person works at a desk in front of a computer next to a window showing a city in ruins with a fallen sign saying “TECH INDUSTRY.” In the bottom right corner is a thought bubble that says, “Why can’t I find an internship?”
Cartoon: Your major in computer science has been declared
Cartoon: Time is Ticking
Cartoon: Time is Ticking
An aerial view of an autumn field with a runway and body of water, with factories and suburbs on the left.
How to legally fly a drone in NYC
A person stands on stage staring into the distance. They have dark hair and wear a black fur shawl.
For Hannah Weisz, performance is resistance
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Finding school spirit at NYU
Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate on Gould Plaza holding a Palestinian flag and a sign that reads “No more dollar sign for Israel’s crimes.”
Inside the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at NYU
(Krish Dev for WSN)
‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ becomes site of mass arrest at NYU
SLAM! at NYU celebrates the art of spoken word
SLAM! at NYU celebrates the art of spoken word
Mou Theatre brings together Mandarin-speaking theater enthusiasts at NYU
Mou Theatre brings together Mandarin-speaking theater enthusiasts at NYU
A woman hanging a Turkish flag on a curtain by a window at N.Y.U.'s Kimmel Center. Outside of the window is a red building.
Turkish NYU students commemorate 85 years since the death of republic founder
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Rob Benevides applies a white wig to an actor wearing a prosthetic costume face.
An inside look at the art and design process of behind-the-scenes artists
The Sports Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
The Sports Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
An illustration of Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump, over a blue and red background.
The Election Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
Six models wearing all black, walking down a runway in a single-file line.
The Fashion Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Welcome home, class of 2028
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
SPONSORED: How to find your best college fit
SPONSORED: Navigating mental health as a student: How Mid City TMS can support you
SPONSORED: How do I sublet my apartment this summer?
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
Australian film, “Friends and Strangers” follows the lives of Ray (Fergus Wilson) and Alice (Emma Diaz) through the fumbles of growing into adulthood. (Image Courtesy of Grasshopper Film)

Review: ‘Friends and Strangers’ is an artful portrait of awkward Australians

James Vaughan’s directorial debut observes the fumbles of growing into adulthood. “Friends and Strangers” opens this weekend at Metrograph NYC.
Sebastian Zufelt, Staff Writer • February 25, 2022

Apart from “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Australian cinema hasn’t been on the world’s radar since the peak of the Australian New Wave of the 1970s. With his directorial debut,...

In Favor of Blockbusters: Cash, Explosions and Artistry

In Favor of Blockbusters: Cash, Explosions and Artistry

Carter Glace, Staff Writer • September 29, 2016

A distaste for blockbusters – so often rooted in snobbery – has escalated in the past few years, along with the rise of superhero movies, massive franchise tent poles and consistent...

Progressive movies can foster progressive audiences

Progressive movies can foster progressive audiences

Michael Dellapi, Contributing writer • September 14, 2015
Movies like Mad Max and Straight Outta Compton might look superficial but carry deeper social messages, and cinemagoers should be more discerning about the sorts of movies they see.