Cheap nostalgia: Disney live-action renditions lack fresh interpretations

Within the past decade, there has been an increase in the production of live-action remakes of many beloved animated films. Disney is by far the largest contributor in this phenomenon, as they appear to be working through their collection of classic animations, most recently debuting the live action “Snow White,” released last month.

Disney has the ability to revamp stories because the company is not the creator of the tales they showcase, many of which are based in folklore. While we understand the immersive appeal of live-action movies, there seems to be a level of halfhearted handiwork on Disney’s part. Many of these live-action remakes include changes that aren’t really significant enough to bring a fresh or interesting take to the source material. Rather than watching a well-coordinated adaptation of animated films or an experimental take, viewers are left with recycled remakes that don’t respect their source material.

In our view, Disney doesn’t seem able to consistently churn out films that are either innovative or thoughtful in their retellings. This dilemma results in remakes that feel like a cheap attempt to appeal to nostalgia rather than create renditions or expand on beloved fairy tales. It’s our view that Disney should be more intentional with their remakes instead of throwing in unnecessary additives. We believe Disney should honor original films with quality shot-for-shot remakes or clearly offer consistent, fresh renditions in an effort to not muddle people’s perceptions of beloved tales.

To read more of the Lanthorn staff’s editorial, click here.

Political polarization leads Kendrick Lamar halftime critiques

Shortly after sweeping the Grammys with the diss track “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar took the stage at the Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans for the most-viewed Super Bowl Halftime Show in history. This wasn’t Lamar’s first time performing at the Super Bowl— he appeared alongside Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem during the 2022 Super Bowl, which marked the first halftime show to focus entirely on hip-hop. With guests including SZA, Mustard, Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams, Lamar used his performance to make a statement; against Drake, of course, but also about greater themes of patriotism and political division.

Jackson, who served as a narrator through the performance, was decked out in a patriotic suit, and personified Uncle Sam. As the Root reported, “Uncle Sam was supposed to represent the ‘sanitized’ America. The America that makes most of the Super Bowl viewers comfortable.”

The show was filled with symbolism, with dancers on the main stage dressed head-to-toe in red, white and blue. During the opening notes of Lamar’s 2017 hit “HUMBLE,” the dancers arranged to form an American flag. The choreography continued, and the flag formation split down the middle, which we see as symbolizing the division within our current political system.

To read more of the Lanthorn staff’s editorial, click here.

Brat or not brat: “We’re bumpin’ that”

Ranking No. 3 on the Billboard music charts, the album “brat” by Charli xcx is more than the soundtrack to our summer. After “brat” released on June 7, the chaotic, high energy album became a viral sensation, and has transformed into an aesthetic and lifestyle trend called “brat summer. Brat summer has swarmed social media and truly took on a life of its own. We are certainly “bumpin’ that.”

One of the trends associated with “Brat” is its lime green album cover– the new color of the summer. The color has had an impact similar to the aesthetic trends of last summer’s blockbuster movie release, “Barbie.”

The singer has defined brat summer as an aesthetic for messy and rebellious party girls to embrace a lifestyle of being your perfectly imperfect self. The trend has been deemed by the general public as an opposite of the “clean girl” aesthetic of 2022, which popularized a groomed and filtered version of femininity. Here at the Lanthorn, we think this acceptance of a real and sometimes messy lifestyle is “so Julia.”

To read more of the Lanthorn staff’s editorial, click here.

Columns

Ranking every Michigan record store I’ve visited

Since starting my music collection in 2018, visiting record stores has become one of my favorite activities– whether that be shopping with friends or my dad, who’s also restarted his own collection. I’ve made a habit of stopping at shops while on mini-vacations or driving through new towns. That being said, I’ve taken the time to rank all of the 13 stores in Michigan that have had me flipping through vinyl. A majority of the shops I’ve ranked are located in West Michigan, however there are a couple exceptions. My list is, in-part, determined by both my preferred selection and the type of shopping experience I enjoy most.

To read more of Hailey Hentz’s column, click here.

Written rivalry: What the Anchor-Bone Classic means to our newspapers

When talking about rivalries in sports, there are plenty of options. Michigan and Michigan State or Michigan and Ohio State are easy answers for Michiganders. Those aren’t the rivalries the Torch and the Lanthorn have the honor of covering.

Our small, midwestern newspapers get to say that we cover the Anchor Bone Classic. It’s built into the DNA of Bulldogs and Lakers to have the date of the Grand Valley and Ferris game circled, either mentally or physically.

Every fall, the Lanthorn releases an article about the Grand Valley versus Ferris game– an article that encapsulates the antagonism and excitement that repeats with unfaltering intensity. With a corresponding photo on the newspaper’s cover, the yearly edition arguably represents school spirit and what it means to “be a Laker” better than any of our editions.

In pages divided up between the latest news, club features and individual Lakers’ columns, pride for Grand Valley normally takes many forms. But when it comes to the edition highlighting the rivalry game, devotion to school spirit is in one substantial place, taking the form of a two-page blue, black, and white compilation.

To read more of Hailey Hentz and Dylan Rider’s column, click here.

Beyond ceasefire: Advocating against apartheid is a continued fight

More than 471 days since Oct. 7, 2023, the day so many of us have been asking for, praying for and demanding, has finally come to pass. A ceasefire has successfully been brokered between Israel and Hamas, ending the former’s genocidal slaughter of the Gaza Strip. For many, and certainly myself, this is cause for celebration. We’ve witnessed war crimes unlike anything our generation has ever seen broadcast daily on our devices. After over a year, we can finally look forward to an imminent ending of the terror and a relative return to “normal.” However, I must urge you to look at what this “normal” entails. While the bombing may stop, we still must continue to advocate for the Palestinian people.

To read more of Jace Perroud’s column, click here.

GV administration should protect students from Trump’s agenda

Like other students at Grand Valley State University, I have become increasingly anxious about the state of America following the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump on Monday, Jan. 20. The inauguration was notably attended by wealthy tech executives and several high-ranking politicians from both parties. The occasion was also filled with much of the hyper-nationalistic rhetoric we have come to expect from Trump, who declared that America would “pursue (its) manifest destiny into the stars.” While the speech captured many people’s attention, it was Trump’s actions soon after that became the main cause of alarm.

Within hours of entering office, Trump began a wave of executive orders and plans, including, but not limited to, the pardoning of all involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, a requirement that all federal employees stop working remotely and even a rename of the Gulf Of Mexico to the “Gulf Of America.” Most concerning, however, are Trump’s attacks on immigration and diversity.

To read more of Jace Perroud’s column, click here.

Reducing financial burdens could improve the college experience

Being broke is a common stereotype for us college students. In most cases, this stereotype reigns true with many of us living paycheck to paycheck and feeling the constant stress of finances. I believe that without the extremely high cost of course materials, housing and tuition we wouldn’t be in such a bad situation. I feel that almost all things related to college should be more affordable.

High costs of university expenses cause major stress and anxiety. Nearly every four-year student has some kind of debt stacked up before the end of their college experience. If the cost of college and materials were cheaper, I think the number of students with debt would be drastically decreased. I can attest to the anxiety that having future debt gives students.

I personally worry about my future and the financial burden my student debt might cause me. Students worry not only about debt, but also semester bills they don’t take out loans for. I’ve had friends cry over expenses and wonder how they’re going to pay. Not every student has the benefit of financial aid– they have to pay their bills immediately. While many students do barely manage to pay, there’s still a large number of students who end up dropping out because they cannot afford the cost of college.

To read more of Gabrielle Ray’s column, click here.

13. State Perceptory, Port Huron

I’ve enjoyed short little vacations to the town State Perceptory is located in, and despite efforts to develop a fondness for the store, I’ve never been able to come across any musical gems. While the shop has unique interior design and an eclectic feel, I expected to find a wider range of genres in their collection. My dad has made a classic rock purchase here but frankly, I would’ve liked to have seen more depth to both their used collection and new releases section.

12. Earworm Records, Niles

Earworm Records used to be one of my favorite music stores in Southwest Michigan. Having previously been named Rumor Records, I had found a variety of wished-for CDs and an Elliott Smith vinyl at the shop. I’m personally a fan of having to scour for my soon-to-be purchases, but that aspect isn’t really existent anymore with Earworm. There’s less hidden finds and fewer collections being purchased– from what I can tell, at least. Occasionally I stop in, but less and less do I leave holding any albums.

11. Phaseshifter Records, Benton Harbor

The store used to be 3 Pillars Music, but switched management in July 2024. Admittedly, I have little experience with the new Phaseshifter management, but due to its location, I’ve been to the store’s previous namesake more than any other on this list. In the past, and from what I can currently tell, the record shop primarily sells used vinyl from the 1960s through 1980s. While I have found pertinent CDs at the location, such as Blur’s “Parklife” and Bjork’s “Debut,” I’ve always felt the shop did little to increase its inventory. However, I have seen efforts by Phaseshifter’s new management to feature a bit of new vinyl, and I hope to see the store expand its reach in the future.

10. Peoples Records, Detroit

Peoples Records is a lively music store that centers jazz, Motown, folk and classic rock artists. The shop is jam-packed with record crates and wall ornamentation, and I even came across a few LaserDiscs in their collection. From my perception, the most acclaimed albums are kept behind the counter, such as John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.” While there are hidden gems, I did notice that records by many well-known artists were out of stock– such was the case when I searched for Lead Belly and Joan Baez.

9. Corner Record Shop, Grandville

I desperately miss Corner Record Shop’s previous location. The store used to feel like a maze to me, as part of its selection was held in a warehouse-esque room. When Corner Records transitioned to their new building in 2022, they opened their near-empty shop for customers to buy posters and furnishings. I rushed over after my class got out, and I still regret not having bought a large Jeff Buckley poster. Regardless, their new location is well put together and they host engaging events for Record Store Day. I haven’t been able to find many albums to purchase since their move though, aside from having convinced my dad to buy Patti Smith’s “Horses” on cassette.

8. Off The Record, Grand Haven

The subject of a few off-campus excursions, Off The Record spotlights a variety of artists and numerous time periods’ worth of albums. My favorite finds at the store include Deftones’ “Covers” and the Stone Roses’ self-titled release. Unfortunately, I do feel the shop’s atmosphere and selection has been altered slightly by its new management. I’ve had less luck coming across unique pressings and uncommon, older vinyl, but the shop still has an ample collection, and it’s a short driving distance from Grand Valley State University.

7. RPM Records, Traverse City

The first and only time I’ve been to RPM Records was during the summer of 2019 when I went on a short vacation to Traverse City. The shop is quite large, and there is a separate room devoted solely to 45 rpm vinyl. My favorite aspect of visiting was seeing the musical murals outside the store. The back side of the building was painted as Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” album cover and the side’s exterior illustrated the Grateful Dead’s Dancing Bears. Truthfully, it’s hard for me to take up a viewpoint on their selection, as my taste and standards have changed since I flipped through their stacks. However, I think the experience RPM Records affords is well-worth the visit.

6. Satellite Records, Kalamazoo

To me, Satellite Records is the definition of a college town’s record store, as it’s located near Western Michigan University. The customers and staff I’ve interacted with have seemed eclectic and conversational. A vast majority of the shop’s vinyl is used, and the new pressing selection is oriented toward alternative picks. My dad I’s purchases include My Bloody Valentine’s “Glider” on cassette and a Record Store Day release of “Stillwater Demos.” The latter is an album by the fictional band Stillwater, which is from my favorite film, “Almost Famous.”

5. Black Dog Books and Records, Grand Rapids

Having opened in April 2024, I’ve only been to Black Dog once. However, I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the shop’s comprehensive selection of both records and books. The store represents two elements of my personality– my love for alternative music and passion for political, non-fiction literature. After noticing unique titles on the store’s bookshelves, I was also able to come across many albums that I scarcely find on vinyl, including Have a Nice Life’s “Deathconsciousness,” Slowdive’s “Souvlaki” and Galaxie 500’s “On Fire.”

4. Third Man Records, Detroit

I didn’t quite know what to expect from Third Man Records, as it’s a record label, store, venue and vinyl pressing plant all in one location. The label was created by Detroit-native Jack White in 2001, and has locations in Detroit, Nashville and London. While I didn’t buy anything at the shop, which spotlights Detroit musicians and the label’s artists, I greatly enjoyed my experience stopping in. I was able to look through glass windows into their pressing facility and utilize the store’s listening booth. Surprisingly, I’d never been to a record store with a booth before, and I was instantly reminded of a scene in the 1995 film “Before Sunrise,” which showcases the feature.

3. UHF Records, Royal Oak

I went to UHF Records in May 2024 with a specific new release in mind. Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” had come out the morning I visited the shop, and I was excited to find it among their music collection. In my opinion, UHF is a perfect example of having not just a well-stocked used selection, but also a variety of new pressings and recent albums. Having browsed their wall of CDs and vinyl stacks, I specifically recall encountering numerous titles by The Cranberries, Alex G’s “Trick” and the Butthole Surfers’ “Electriclarryland.”

2. Green Light Music, Kalamazoo

I haven’t been to Green Light Music since I was in high school, but it’s one of my dad and I’s favorite record stores. The location has a variety of titles, and highlights one of the largest genre collections I’ve seen in West Michigan. Green Light is home to one of my biggest “album regrets,” as I came across Green River’s “Rehab Doll” at the store, and didn’t purchase it. I hope to visit the location again, and since the shop has been posting about the February release of Ethel Cain’s “Preacher’s Daughter” on vinyl, I might drive there in the near future.

1. Vertigo Music, Grand Rapids

My friends and I have made numerous journeys downtown to Vertigo Music. The massive location has everything that I could possibly wish for in a record shop– an exceptional selection of new and used vinyl, out of the ordinary CDs and the best experience of unearthing albums. Over the course of multiple visits, I’ve come to own The 1975’s self-titled release and Phoebe Bridger’s “Punisher” on cassette, among other finds. I was also excited to see that Vertigo sells unique pressings of Studio Ghibli soundtracks, which I hope to purchase someday soon.