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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Feb 9, 2020; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Margaret Qualley arrives at the 92nd Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre.

Review | ‘Drive-Away Dolls’ brings LGBTQ+ spin to road trip comedy

Madison Christenson, Arts Reporter February 26, 2024

Acclaimed filmmaker Ethan Coen debuted his first solo project over the weekend with the road trip crime comedy “Drive-Away Dolls.” As the film opens on Pedro Pascal nervously staring at his analog...

Review | Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ attempt is a good, not great adaptation

Review | Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ attempt is a good, not great adaptation

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter February 25, 2024

Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” was not terrible. However, it wasn’t all that great, either; it certainly didn’t live up to the storytelling prowess of the...

Photo contributed by Evan Hilsabeck of City Circle Theatre Company

Review | ‘Red’ is an immersive and philosophical play

Charlie Hickman, Assistant Arts Editor February 25, 2024

John Logan’s award-winning play “Red” has been revitalized by City Circle Theatre Company through an intimate, wildly entertaining performance. The biographical drama depicts painter Mark...

The poster for the movie Madame Web, which will be released Feb. 14, hangs outside Willamette Town Center in Salem, Oregon. The Madame Web character is from Salem in the Marvel comic books.

Review | ‘Madame Web’ tells an aggressively nonsensical story in the worst way possible

Charlie Hickman, Assistant Arts Editor February 22, 2024

There is no way to properly encapsulate the fever dream that is watching “Madame Web.” It is a once-in-a-lifetime disaster of a film. Released in theaters on Feb. 14, “Madame Web” follows Cassandra...

Brittany Howard performed on the Oak Stage of Bourbon & Beyond Friday afternoon. Sept. 15, 2023

Review | Brittany Howard’s ‘What Now’ is a masterclass in musical creativity

Evan Weidl, Opinions Editor February 21, 2024

If I had to sum up Brittany Howard’s newest album, “What Now,” in one word, I would go with “wow.” Known for both her solo work and her time as lead singer of the band Alabama Shakes,...

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Review | ‘The Sweet East’ tells a jarring tale that left audiences bewildered

Caden Gantenbein, Arts Reporter February 20, 2024

I had very little expectations going into director Sean Price Williams’ “The Sweet East.” What was initially portrayed as a charming indie film with its soft, quaint opening, quickly devolved into...

Photo Illustration by Cody Blissett

Review | ‘Players’ breaks down the many facets of love

Isabelle Lubguban, Arts Reporter February 14, 2024

“Pitch Perfect 3” director Trish Sie made a Valentine’s Day comeback with her new Netflix movie, “Players,” featuring all-stars such as Gina Rodriguez, Tom Ellis, Damon Wayans, and former...

Photo illustration by Cody Blissett

Review | ‘The Road from Belhaven’ tells a well-crafted coming-of-age story

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter February 13, 2024

As someone who enjoys her share of historical fiction — as well as a dash of the supernatural — I was excited to dive into “The Road from Belhaven.” After reading, I can confidently say my excitement...

Review | Romance novelist Dolly Alderton’s ‘Good Material’ is perfect Valentine’s reading

Review | Romance novelist Dolly Alderton’s ‘Good Material’ is perfect Valentine’s reading

Isabelle Lubguban, Arts Reporter February 12, 2024

I was made aware of Dolly Alderton’s work through one of her books, “Everything I Know About Love,” which blew up on TikTok years after it was published in 2018. Alderton has since returned to...

Cole Sprouse greets people Sunday, May 28, 2023, before the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Review | ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ puts a horror spin on the classic romcom format

Charlie Hickman, Assistant Arts Editor February 11, 2024

The wonderfully weird comedy “Lisa Frankenstein” is sure to make for a perfect night out at the movies this Valentine’s Day. Traditional romantic comedies have been making a strong comeback...

Feb 4, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA;  Billy Joel performs "Turn The Lights Back On" during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024.   Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

Review | Billy Joel’s new single is a profound invitation, apology to generations of listeners

Jack Moore, Assistant News Editor February 6, 2024

World-renowned musician Billy Joel, known for household hits like “Piano Man” and “Vienna,” released an emotional single Thursday that echoes his greatest hits and showcases both musical and...

June 18, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portrait of Bryce Dallas Howard taken at the Palihouse Hotel in West Hollywood. Howard returns for a second time as "Claire" in "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" the sequel to "Jurassic World."  Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

Review | ‘Argylle’ is a chaotic yet fun experience

Riley Dunn, Arts Reporter February 4, 2024

After several months of watching the trailer for “Argylle,” I can confidently say that the film is a chaotic and amusing film that entertains its audience after watching it. Released on Friday,...