For the last couple of weeks, you’ve probably logged on to your Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat and have seen your friends posing with their arms stretched out in what seems like a very bright outdoor fair that happens to also have some very well-dressed people walking about in the background.
That very same Ferris wheel then appears on more and more pictures as you scroll down and you’re thinking to yourself: “Should I have gone this year?” This is the same question I’ve asked myself for the last five years and this year I did it and I attended the Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival.
Regarded as one of the largest and fastest growing music festivals on the west coast, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival – better known as just “Coachella” or “’Chella” has brought together the top acts in music every year and also the who’s who of celebrities and social media gurus alike. At it’s heart, Coachella is an experience that celebrates music, art and creativity from all dimensions but now includes food and drink and especially fashion.
If you and your friends are attending Coachella, chances are you have been planning your outfit for months to put together your best festival threads that are worthy of your favorite Instagrammer’s pages. Music blares across 8 stages and other small sponsored stages so you’re guaranteed to have your hands full if you want to see the majority of the acts.
This year’s headliners included Radiohead, Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar plus a myriad of acts from the worlds of Hip-Hop, R&B, EDM and Indie rock. The schedule was jam packed with special guests and surprise DJs popping up at different stages, such as the surprise Skrillex set at the Do-Lab, a Coachella stage favorite for EDM fans. Week one’s guests included Drake and 2Chainz, French Montana and Migos, but this year was widely criticized amongst week two festival goers for having a lack of “bigger surprises”.
The standout artist of this year’s festival was famed film composer Hans Zimmer. Zimmer, most popular for his scores accompanying such blockbuster films as “The Lion King”, “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Gladiator” brought a full orchestra to the dessert and filled the festival with a more monumental and classical interpretation of what a music festival is capable of creating.
Coachella is also a platform for tech companies to showcase their new technology. This year HP had a dome filled with interactive VR booths, a 360-degree camera, and a design-your-own bandana printer which supplied festival goers with their own personalized bandana- an essential tool to protect against sandstorms in on the festival grounds. Intel provided a theatrical projection inside their “Antarctic” tent which included gigantic bean bags that positioned the viewer to look up at the screens’ images created by the projections. It created a 15-minute psychedelic visual experience with kaleidoscopicS Fibonacci sequences galore that also doubled as a place to cool down from the 105-degree heat.
For a first timer like me, it’s obvious that Coachella has come a long way since it’s humble beginnings in 1999. As I walked in through the main gates of the festival, Large posters donning the acts that have graced the Coachella stages are on display for everyone to admire. I realized that Coachella is much more than posing for the best Instagram post in front of the famous Ferris wheel that no one seems to ride, and for first timer like me, is a music desert oasis that everyone should experience at least once.
Written by: Stefanie Bautista
As an anime enthusiast and entertainment journalist, I’ve curated a list of the top five must-see anime series of 2024. These selections showcase the diversity and creativity that define the medium, offering compelling narratives and stunning animation.
Delicious in Dungeon
This series combines culinary arts with fantasy adventure, following a group of dungeon explorers who cook and eat the monsters they defeat. The unique premise and mouth-watering depictions of fantasy cuisine make it a standout this year. Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development.
Kaiju No. 8
Set in a world plagued by kaiju attacks, the story centers on a protagonist who gains the ability to transform into a kaiju himself. The series offers a fresh take on the kaiju genre, blending action with deep character development. Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide.
Solo Leveling
Adapted from the popular web novel, this anime follows a weak hunter who becomes the world’s strongest after a mysterious system grants him unique abilities. Its dynamic animation and gripping storyline have captivated audiences worldwide. The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim.
The Elusive Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, this historical series follows a young samurai who uses his agility and wit to survive in a turbulent era. The anime’s blend of historical context and engaging action sequences has garnered critical acclaim. Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Dragon Ball Daima
The latest installment in the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, this series introduces new transformations and challenges for Goku and his friends. Its high-octane battles and nostalgic elements appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. These anime series exemplify the innovation and storytelling prowess that continue to drive the medium’s global popularity. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to anime, these titles are essential viewing for 2024.
“Mechanic Rocky” is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film that marks the directorial debut of Ravi Teja Mullapudi, who also penned the script. Produced by Ram Talluri under SRT Entertainments, the film features Vishwak Sen in the titular role, with Meenakshi Chaudhary and Shraddha Srinath as the female leads. The technical crew includes Manojh Reddy Katasani handling cinematography, Anwar Ali in charge of editing, and Jakes Bejoy composing the music.
The narrative centers on Rakesh, affectionately known as Rocky, a cheerful mechanic who operates his family’s auto repair shop. His life takes a tumultuous turn when he becomes entangled with two women, Apsara and Priya, both of whom develop romantic interests in him. Complications escalate as Ranki Reddy, a ruthless land grabber portrayed by Sunil, sets his sights on Rocky’s garage, leading to a series of confrontations that blend action, drama, and elements of comedy.
Vishwak Sen delivers a commendable performance, embodying Rocky with a blend of charm and intensity that resonates well with the audience. Meenakshi Chaudhary and Shraddha Srinath provide solid support, each bringing depth to their respective roles. Sunil’s portrayal of the antagonist adds a compelling layer to the film, enhancing the overall narrative.
The film’s music, composed by Jakes Bejoy, complements the storyline effectively, with tracks like “Gulledu Gulledu” and “Oo Pillo” standing out for their catchy tunes and engaging choreography.
Critically, “Mechanic Rocky” has received mixed reviews. The Times of India describes it as “an underdog tale blending drama, action, and redemption,” highlighting its genre-blending approach. Great Andhra notes that the film “feels like two different films,” with a tedious first half and a more engaging second half. 123telugu.com echoes this sentiment, stating that while the second half is gripping, the first half is dull, ultimately calling it a “decent watch.”
In conclusion, “Mechanic Rocky” offers a blend of action, comedy, and drama, with strong performances and engaging music. However, its uneven pacing and predictable plot developments may detract from the overall experience for some viewers. As an entertainment journalist and Indian cinema enthusiast, I would rate “Mechanic Rocky” a 6 out of 10, acknowledging its strengths while noting areas where it could have delivered more effectively.
Rating: 8/10
Director: Robert Eggers
Writer: Robert Eggers
Studio: Focus Features
Cast: Bill Skarsgård (Count Orlok), Lily-Rose Depp (Ellen), Nicholas Hoult (Thomas Hutter)
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is a stunning reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent horror classic, blending a gothic atmosphere with Eggers’ meticulous attention to historical authenticity. The film succeeds in delivering an eerie, slow-burn horror experience that respects its source material while bringing a modern edge to the genre.
Bill Skarsgård shines as the grotesque and unsettling Count Orlok, his performance capturing the monster’s primal terror with chilling intensity. Opposite him, Lily-Rose Depp brings emotional depth to Ellen, combining vulnerability and quiet strength as she navigates Orlok’s dark obsession. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Thomas Hutter adds a grounded, human element to the supernatural narrative, providing a strong counterbalance to the horror.
The film is a visual triumph, with cinematographer Jarin Blaschke’s use of chiaroscuro lighting creating a hauntingly gothic ambiance reminiscent of German Expressionism. Every frame is a masterpiece, enriched by intricate period-accurate production design and costumes. Robin Carolan’s haunting score enhances the foreboding tone, immersing audiences in the shadowy world of 19th-century Europe.
Eggers’ direction is deliberate, favoring atmosphere and tension over jump scares. This methodical approach may challenge viewers seeking more conventional horror pacing but rewards patience with an experience steeped in dread and unease.
However, the film’s stylized nature can create a sense of emotional detachment for some audiences, and its slow pacing may not resonate universally. Despite these minor critiques, Nosferatu stands as a testament to Eggers’ commitment to crafting meaningful, atmospheric cinema.
For fans of gothic horror and classic cinema, Nosferatu is a must-see that revitalizes a seminal narrative with artistry and reverence.
Top Five anime in 2024
Mechanic Rocky
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