Entertainment reviews

Level One in downtown Mesa. Photo by Daily Ben staff member Ainsley McMahon.

Get your game on at Level One arcade

Posted Nov. 7, 2023

By Ainsley McMahon • Daily Ben staff writer

Right in downtown Mesa, Level One arcade, restaurant and bar is bringing back all of the original arcade games and even some new ones.

Level One has games of such originals as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Mortal Kombat and Mario Kart, and it even has an area where you can play live darts.

Another unique thing about this arcade are the pinball machines, which have cameras inside that get projected to TVs so people can watch those who are passing by.

Level One has a variety of food choices, including tacos, sliders, pizzas, salads, mac and cheese, and quick shareables.

Level One is open 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sundays. Only people over the age of 21 can enter after 7 p.m.

Whenever you get a chance, go grab a few friends and swing by Level One, get some tokens, grab a bite, and play some games!

Information: 48 W. Main St., Mesa, on the north side of Main between Center Street and Macdonald; 480-656-9140. https://www.level1arcade.bar/. Level One also has a location in downtown Gilbert at 60 W. Vaughn Ave., No. 107. Phone: 480-687-1192.

Ainsley McMahon is a senior at Benedictine University and plays for the women’s soccer team. In her free time, when not playing soccer or working on schoolwork, she is relaxing with her dog or hanging out with friends. Contact her at ainsley_mcmahon@ben.edu.

Dining reviews

A sampling of menu offerings at RigaTony’s. Photo courtesy of RigaTony’s.

RigaTony’s: Mammoth portions combined with authentic flavor

Posted Sept. 12, 2024

By Zach Haugen • Daily Ben staff writer

RigaTony’s in Tempe is a delightful experience for anyone craving authentic Italian American cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a quintessential place for a date or a delicious meal made fresh. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to an old-school Italian trattoria, complete with charming décor, cozy lighting, and the delicious smell of fresh pasta and sauces filling the air. The ambiance is both casual and family-friendly, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed night out or a celebratory gathering with friends and loved ones.

One of the highlights of dining at RigaTony’s is their famous bread service. The bread arrives warm and soft, accompanied by a plate of olive oil, herbs, and garlic for dipping. It’s the perfect start to your meal and almost addictive, as you’ll likely find yourself reaching for another piece even before the appetizers arrive. Speaking of starters, RigaTony’s offers a range of traditional Italian appetizers, from fried calamari to bruschetta and stuffed mushrooms. We opted for the calamari, which was perfectly crispy and served with a tangy marinara sauce that added just the right kick.

Next comes the table-side tossed salad, one of the unique features that sets RigaTony’s apart. The server brings a large bowl of fresh greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and onions to the table and tosses it right in front of you. It’s a simple but refreshing addition to the meal, and the house-made Italian dressing is light, flavorful, and perfectly coats each bite of the salad. This interactive element adds a personal touch to the dining experience, making you feel like you’re being treated to something special.

As you move on to the main course, RigaTony’s really shines in its pasta dishes. The portions are generous — no, let’s be honest, they’re enormous. Whether you order a classic like spaghetti and meatballs or go for one of their specialties like the baked ziti, you can expect a plate piled high with delicious, saucy pasta. The baked ziti was a standout for us, with its layers of gooey mozzarella, ricotta, and tender pasta all baked to perfection. Every bite was comforting and satisfying, and the portion was so large that we easily had enough to take home for another meal.

For those looking for something beyond pasta, RigaTony’s offers a variety of meat and seafood dishes, including chicken parmesan, eggplant rollatini, and shrimp scampi. We sampled the chicken parmesan, and it was fantastic. The chicken was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and generously topped with marinara and melted cheese. Again, the portion was substantial, but it’s hard to stop eating when the food is this good.

RigaTony’s also features daily specials, which are worth checking out if you’re in the mood to try something new. The specials often showcase seasonal ingredients or unique twists on classic Italian dishes. During our visit, the special was a seafood linguine with shrimp and clams in a garlic white wine sauce. It was a light yet flavorful dish, and the seafood was cooked perfectly fresh, tender, and delicious.

One of the most appealing aspects of RigaTony’s is their menu deals. They offer family-style dining options, which are great for larger groups. These deals come with multiple courses and enough food to feed an army, all at a reasonable price. The family-style meals include salad, bread, pasta, and an entrée, allowing everyone to share and enjoy a variety of dishes. It’s a great way to experience the full range of what RigaTony’s has to offer, and the portions are, of course, generous enough that no one leaves hungry.

For dessert, RigaTony’s keeps it classic with options like tiramisu, cannoli, and spumoni ice cream. We opted for the tiramisu, and it was a perfect end to the meal. Light, creamy, and with just the right amount of coffee flavor, it was the ideal dessert to balance out the richness of the meal. Like everything else at RigaTony’s, the portion was more than enough to share.

The service at RigaTony’s deserves special mention as well. The staff is friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about providing a great dining experience. Even when the restaurant is busy (which it often is, given its popularity), the servers are quick to refill drinks, offer suggestions, and ensure that you’re well taken care of throughout your meal.

 RigaTony’s is a gem in Tempe for anyone who loves Italian food. The large portions, delicious flavors, and warm, inviting atmosphere to make it a must-visit. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving some hearty Italian fare, RigaTony’s delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Just be sure to bring your appetite — and maybe a friend to help you finish those enormous portions!

Prices at RigaTony’s range from $15 to $25.

RigaTony’s is located at 1850 E. Warner Road In Tempe.

Zach Haugen is a communications major at Benedictine University Mesa and plays on the baseball team and aspires to be a play-by-play broadcaster. Contact him at Zach_Haugen@ben.edu.

Photo courtesy of Gus’s Fried Chicken.

Time’s ticking, so get some Gus’s fried chicken

Posted Dec. 15, 2023

By Jacob Peterson • Daily Ben staff writer

Interested in a new spot to eat in Mesa? Try out Gus’s fried chicken in downtown Mesa.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken says it serves hand-battered, made-to-order spicy fried chicken from the South, not Nashville hot chicken.

The restaurant says it produces all of its Southern sides in-house and fresh every day. Enjoy a sweet tea or soda with dinner and then top off your meal with a piece of daily-baked, plain Southern pecan, chocolate, chess, or sweet potato pie. 

A meal can range anywhere from $8 to $20 but will fill you up with good food.

On its website, Gus’s Chicken states, “You can’t keep good fried chicken a secret, and before long Gus’s World Famous Hot and Spicy Fried Chicken had a following that stretched far beyond the quiet streets of Mason, Tennessee. Regional publications, including the Memphis Commercial Appeal, began featuring the restaurant in the late 1980s, and national publications, such as Saveur and GQ magazine, soon followed. In fact, in January 2001, GQ named Gus’s Fried Chicken one of the top ten meals in the United States worth flying for.”

If you would like more information, you can visit the restaurant’s website here. 

Gus’s Fried Chicken is located at 212 W. Main St. in Mesa.

Jacob “JP” Peterson is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa and is a member of the Benedictine Mesa baseball team. Contact him at Jacob_Peterson@ben.edu.

The interior of Outcast Doughnuts. Courtesy of Outcast Doughnuts.

Dine on delectable doughnuts downtown

Posted Sept. 5, 2023

By Ainsley McMahon • Daily Ben staff writer

If you like sweet treats, this new doughnut shop in downtown Mesa is the place to go.

Outcast Doughnuts, near Macdonald and Main Street, might possibly be the new hot spot for Benedictine students to hang out before or after class.

Along with doughnuts, Outcast also serves coffee, ice cream (including “dopecones” — cones made out of doughnut dough), sandwiches and other homemade treats for everyone to enjoy. Most offerings range between $2.50 and $10.

Outcast Donuts has a great seating area inside to chat with friends, do homework if needed, and even some pink couches to take cute pictures on.

So the next time you are wondering where to go in your downtime, give Outcast Donuts a try.

Open: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Contact information: Outcast Doughnuts, 104 W. Main St., Suite 103, Mesa; 480-912-1142. https://www.outcastdoughnuts.com/.

Ainsley McMahon is a senior at Benedictine University and plays for the women’s soccer team. In her free time, when not playing soccer or working on schoolwork, she is relaxing with her dog or hanging out with friends. Contact her at ainsley_mcmahon@ben.edu.

This food truck will have you coming back for more

Posted March 30, 2023

By Damaryan Benton • Daily Ben staff writer

The CheeseSteak Joint is a family-run authentic Philly cheesesteak food truck. The couple, Carli and Skyler, shared the business back in 2017.

The mobile venue travels throughout Arizona monthly, and you can book them on their website by including the date, time, and number of guests at your event. They make a regular neighborhood visit in Mesa at Tipsy Cactus Brewery (2722 S. Alma School Road). Their menu offers an array of food, but cheesesteak eggrolls give them their reputation.

I’ve sampled the churros, mozzarella sticks, and cheesesteak eggrolls. They are experts at
bringing out the best in each culinary item and are masters of taste. The business places a strong emphasis on making customers’ experiences enjoyable. I’d recommend readers experience it for themselves.

Part-time staff member Kylie Bartel describes the pair as “generous and kind” working there. She expresses the employee experience as she couldn’t have asked for a better job. Local businesses, including food trucks, have a demonstrable effect on the communities they serve.

Damaryan Benton is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa
and a member of the Benedictine men’s volleyball team. Contact him at
damaryan_benton@ben.edu.

Hope’s Frybread: Make sure you save room for dessert

Story and photos by Trevor Medigovich • Daily Ben staff member

Posted Feb. 16, 2023

Attention Benedictine students: Are you looking for a new and different place to eat? Late last year, Hope’s Frybread opened up just down the street from Gillett Hall.  

Hope’s is a Navajo owned and operated brick-and-mortar restaurant that brings a “piece of Navajo culture” into Mesa and they do it with their delicious Navajo tacos, burgers and desserts.

I had ordered the Single Navajo Burger for $10 and a S’mores Frybread for $5. I didn’t know what to expect, so when I received my big portion of food I was more than happy.

Hope’s website says that their Navajo Burger is, “Frybread hugging one hand-pressed quarter pound all beef patties, lettuce, cheese, tomato, onions, your choice of sauce.” All of the ingredients were fresh and flavorful, and I’m glad the burger was so big because I kept wanting more bite after bite. 

The S’mores Frybread was so good, I don’t think I will be able to eat s’mores any other way.  The sweetness of the frybread combined with the marshmallow fluff, crushed graham crackers and chocolate syrup; I couldn’t stop eating. It’s a great twist on an infamous dessert. 

All of the staff were friendly and sociable, and since it is so close to our campus, I will quickly become a regular at this great restaurant. More information can be found on their website.

Trevor Medigovich is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa. He is also a member of the men’s volleyball team at BenU. Contact him at trevor_medigovich@ben.edu.

Raspados El Boly

Story and photos by Trevor Medigovich • Daily Ben staff member

Posted Oct. 20, 2022

On the corner of Main and Hobson, tucked away is Raspados El Boly. The small shop sells all types of sweets and treats from Mexican culture.

Their long menu consists of Nieves, or ice cream, with more than seven delicious flavors such as arcoiris (rainbow), cheesecake, and many different flavors with fruits and nuts in them. They also have Raspados, which are shaved ice drinks, and have 10 tropical flavors, which include mango, tamarind, pineapple, along with some sweet flavors, including caramel and vanilla. For drinks, they have a great tropical selection of Agua Frescas that are notably refreshing! On top of this they have a good variety of thick milkshakes. 

If you’re looking for more savory items, on the other side of their menu, they have all sorts of tropical Mexican foods that consist of ceviche, chamoy, fruits, and elotes.

I ended up ordering the enticing Playa, which was a hollowed-out coconut shell full of ceviche, with long slices of coconut protruding from the bowl, all topped with some avocado, surrounded by a bed of chips. I needed a drink to pair with my tropical meal, so I decided on the sweet strawberry agua fresca, which tasted surprisingly fresh and I had to stop myself from finishing the drink in one go. The ceviche in my playa was full of chopped shrimp, onions, cucumbers and chopped coconut. When put all together, they had a great combination of sweet and spicy flavors that kept me going back for more.  

If you’re looking for a place that has a blend of sweets and tropical Mexican flavor, Raspados El Boly is your place to go. For more information, check out their website.

Trevor Medigovich is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa. He is also a member of the men’s volleyball team at BenU. Contact him at trevor_medigovich@ben.edu.

Worth Takeaway: Local sandwich shop

Story and photos by JohnLuca Moschetto • Daily Ben staff member

Posted Sept. 22, 2022

Located on the north side of Main Street just west of Robson in Mesa, there is a sandwich shop by the name of Worth Takeaway.

Worth Takeaway is not your ordinary sandwich shop. They have a plethora of different sandwich ranging from hot sandwiches to cold. There are 15 different sandwich options to choose from.

About every week or so, Worth runs a “sandwich of the week” where they create a specialty sandwich that customers can buy for about seven to 10 days. Some are famous, classic sandwiches everyone loves as well as some sandwiches they create themselves. 

Worth was created on a community first foundation. They strive to provide food and services that gave back in as many ways as possible. They use all locally sourced products and support many local brands. 

And besides having incredible food and a great vibe, they have a very energetic and welcoming staff. They engage with the customers and make you feel like a friend when you are in there ordering your food. 

One last cool thing about this sandwich shop is every year for two or three days around Halloween, the entire shop turns into Bob’s Burgers. One of the owners’ names is Jim Bob, so the shop is called Jim Bob’s Burgers and they create a specialty menu for the event. The line during lunch or dinner usually wraps around the next street.

Their hours are Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with brunch from 9 a.m. to noon. They are completely closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. And they close at 3 p.m. on July 4, Oct. 31, Nov. 23, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

You can visit their website at http://www.worthtakeaway.com

JohnLuca Moschetto is a senior communications major and plays baseball at Benedictine University Mesa. Contact him at johnluca_moschetto@ben.edu.

Movie reviews

Stuck home for spring break?

Posted Feb. 27, 2024

By Chris Kissling • Daily Ben staff writer

As we conclude our first eight weeks of school, and approach spring break next week, most of our spring athletes won’t be getting that weeklong trip to Cancun. Instead, we’ll be hunkering down and competing in our respective sports. With that being said, here’s a list of shows you can binge watch while relaxing after your previous game or while prepping for your next:

1. The White Lotus S1/S2 (Max)
2. Fool Me Once (Netflix)
3. What If…? S1/S2(Disney+)
4. Mr. & Mrs. Smith S1/S2(Amazon Prime)
5. Abbott Elementary S1/S2/S3(Hulu)
6. One Day (Netflix)

To get your fix on escaping reality and traveling to a luxurious resort, you can watch The White Lotus, which entails hotel staff and vacationers intersecting in a serene backdrop where privilege and power dynamics unravel.

Fool Me Once is a British show about a high-stakes game of manipulation as con artists weave a tangled web of deception and betrayal.

For the Marvel fans, What If…? is a show that highlights alternate realities colliding with pivotal moments reimagined, posing intriguing questions and unraveling the unexpected consequences across the multiverse.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a reimagined take of the movie where two undercover spies are matched for marriage while navigating a volatile mix of romance and espionage.

Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary style of sitcom that takes place in a bustling urban school with quirky educators navigating daily chaos, blending humor and heart as they tackle challenges with unconventional methods.

One Day is a tear-jerker that takes place over the course of two decades, following the lives of two individuals intertwining in unexpected ways, exploring love, loss, and the enduring power of destiny. 

Whether you’re drawn to the allure of tropical mysteries, the varying versions of alternate realities, or the everyday dramas of small-town life, these shows will absolutely keep you entertained and in a world of endless possibilities. 

Chris Kissling is a communications major at Benedictine University and plays on the volleyball team. Contact him at christopher_kissling@ben.edu.

‘BEEF’ review served raw!

Posted Jan. 16, 2024

By Chris Kissling • Daily Ben staff writer

After a very successful Emmy Awards night, the limited series BEEF gained 98% positive reviews and an average rating of 8.4/10. The show delves into a plethora of topics and multiple underlying themes such as classism, dealing with anger and frustration, and ultimately begs the question of the meaning of life. 

The series is about two strangers from completely opposite walks of life getting involved in a road rage incident that takes multiple wrong turns. From watching this myself, there is essentially never a time throughout the series where you can predict the outcome of the show, or even the current episode. That’s what great directors and writers do — create stories that are so complex and layered that they will always leave you and your friends talking for hours after the show/movie is finished. 

Obviously, with stellar writing comes stellar performances. Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, the stars of the show, deliver performances that are completely eerie and unhinged. This thriller of a dark comedy earned much deserved accolades this Emmy season, including for Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Limited Series, and Outstanding Directing and Writing. The show is definitely worth the watch if you enjoy some TV that will make you think, laugh, and even cry. 

To be able to watch, stream it on Netflix. 

Chris Kissling is a communications major at Benedictine University and plays on the volleyball team. Contact him at christopher_kissling@ben.edu.

Poster from Mattel Inc. and Warner Bros. Pictures.

‘Barbenheimer’: Now you can watch these hits at home

Posted Nov. 14, 2023

By Ainsley McMahon • Daily Ben staff writer

The “Barbie” movie was released into theaters on July 21, 2023, and is about, well, Barbies, but it has a much deeper meaning to it. Without any spoilers, here is a little insight and facts about the movie.

Mattel debuted the original Barbie doll, created by Ruth Handler, on March 9, 1959, to give kids a doll to play with. But as time went on, Barbie was used to express and give little girls the dream that they can be anything they want to be by making doctor Barbie or chef Barbie and even pilot Barbie.

The movie bases its plot of Barbie being this perfect figure and with the mindset of being a little girl’s best friend. But something takes a turn for the worse, so Barbie and Ken go to the “real world” to find out what is going on, and this is where they find the truth of real life — from how women are treated and looked at, to the power men have just by being men. Ken uses this to his advantage to change Barbie land to Ken land, and Barbie has to figure out how to get her home and friends back.

Greta Gerwig directed “Barbie,” which has broken box office records, including the record for ticket sales of a movie directed by a woman.

Whether you are a woman or a man, this movie is cute, funny, and warmhearted. If you get a chance to watch it, make sure to wear pink!

* * *

Poster from Universal Pictures.

The movie “Oppenheimer” is based on the making of the first atomic bomb, the minds behind it, and the struggle to create the bomb.

J. Robert Oppenheimer was a troubled kid with a brilliant mind. He fought with depression most of his life and wanted to find ways to use his brilliant mind. The rest is history.

The film, directed by Christopher Nolan and based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer,” does an amazing job of showing the internal struggle Oppenheimer had, from before and after the bomb was created.

The film also does an excellent job of keeping you entertained while you learn so much about history that most people didn’t learn about in school.

Make sure you are ready for loud noises because this movie is a blast!

* * *

“Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” which have made billions worldwide since their debut in movie theaters in July, are making their transition from movie theaters to home viewing for a fee. “Barbie” is available to watch now on such streaming services as Prime Video and Apple TV+. “Oppenheimer” will be available to watch starting next week on such streaming services as Prime Video and Apple TV+.

Ainsley McMahon is a senior at Benedictine University and plays for the women’s soccer team. In her free time, when not playing soccer or working on schoolwork, she is relaxing with her dog or hanging out with friends. Contact her at ainsley_mcmahon@ben.edu.

Don’t watch this alone!

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros.

Posted April 27, 2023

By Ainsley McMahon • Daily Ben staff writer  

Do you like horror movies? What about jump scares?  

“Evil Dead Rise” is a horror movie that you may enjoy then. The movie is based off two sisters, who have been separated for some time then reunite, but their time together is abruptly cut short due to the sudden emergence of flesh-possessing demons. The sisters find themselves in a fight for survival, facing a terrifying version of their own family that is beyond their worst nightmares. 

Rotten Tomatoes gave this movie an 85% rating.  

A personal opinion on the movie is I feel like there could have been more of a story line, but if you like pure horror, you will love this movie. I recommend not going and seeing this movie at night alone. Overall, I rate this movie a 7/10. 

Ainsley McMahon is a Communications major at Benedictine University and is going into her senior year as a college athlete as well. She plays for the Benedictine women’s soccer team. When she is not in classes or playing soccer, she is writing, drawing, or playing with her dog. Contact Ainsley at ainsley_mcmahon@ben.edu. 

Will you be able to survive watching ‘Cocaine Bear’?

Posted March 28, 2023

Story by Stephanie Arredia • Daily Ben staff writer

What is your favorite animal?

Is it a bear? Aren’t they cute? They just look so cuddly and adorable. Not so much when they are hopped up on one of the most extreme of drugs, cocaine.

Directed by Elizabeth Banks and Ray Liotta’s last film, “Cocaine Bear” is a graphic depiction of real-life events that happened in the Georgia forest. When a bear finds cocaine, apparently it makes it delusional and very hungry for human flesh. Will everyone survive? 

Hold onto your seat while you experience the gory “Cocaine Bear.”

This film has the best dark humor I have seen in a long time — from children finding cocaine in the woods to the bear passing out on top of a drug dealer. A little kid climbs a tree to escape the bear and tells us, “That bear was f—–!” I was happy this was a movie because I would hate to see an actual animal being subjected to narcotics like this. This movie is very funny and gory, just what you need for a horror/thriller film. 

The movie is in theaters now and to rent or buy on Amazon Prime through early access. 

This film offers closed captions and audio description. 

Stephanie Arredia is a senior communications major. She has a guide dog; her name is River. Stephanie writes movie reviews for The Daily Ben, along with creating a Spotify playlist for students. Stephanie is very interested in photography and photojournalism. She hopes to take pictures one day for either a newspaper, sports or business. Contact her at stephanie_arredia@ben.edu.

‘Creed III’: You can’t run from your past

Photo from POPSUGAR

By Ainsley McMahon • Daily Ben staff writer  

March 8, 2023

The film “Creed 3” was directed by Michael B. Jordan and was the third movie in the “Creed” series. 

In this movie, we learn a lot more of the back story on Adonis Creed and his friend from the past who also was a boxer. Due to some trouble he got himself in, his friend went to jail and the movie starts off with him getting out of jail and reuniting with his friend. Adonis decides to help him catch up on time that he has missed while being locked up and get his name out there in the boxing world, but will he have the right intentions? 

This movie was my personal favorite of the “Creed” series for many reasons: The fight scenes were so much better, the acting was phenomenal, and I really liked how we got to go back in time and see the past and learn more about the character Adonis Creed. 

Ainsley McMahon is a Communications major at Benedictine University and is going into her senior year as a college athlete as well. She plays for the Benedictine women’s soccer team. When she is not in classes or playing soccer, she is writing, drawing, or playing with her dog. Contact Ainsley at ainsley_mcmahon@ben.edu 

Ethan Hawke is the sinister Grabber in ‘The Black Phone’

Feb. 23, 2023

Story by Stephanie Arredia • Daily Ben staff member

What would you do if your town was being preyed upon by a predator and you had no idea when or where they were? You could become the next victim at any time, would you stay inside until they were found by the police or would you go searching for them? 

If this entices you then you might enjoy the film “The Black Phone.” This film is about a boy named Finney who lives in a town that is being preyed upon by a psycho kidnapper the town names, “the Grabber.” Finney experiences his friends and fellow students being grabbed, and posters with their faces on them show up around the school and neighborhood. Unfortunately, when Finney does encounter the Grabber, will he be able to escape?

This film is a work of art. The emotion throughout the characters and the story lets us engage with the characters and root for them. Ethan Hawke plays the Grabber and plays the evil role extremely well, especially for this being the only horror film he has done. It’s so interesting how they explored the arc of the Grabber and the subtle ways he is odd in the way he is. I was locked in at every part of the film and will watch it again. You can stream the film now on Amazon Prime Video. 

Stephanie Arredia is a senior communications major. She has a guide dog; her name is River. She writes movie reviews for The Daily Ben, along with creating a Spotify playlist for students. Stephanie is very interested in photography and photojournalism. She hopes to take pictures one day for either a newspaper, sports or business. Contact her at stephanie_arredia@ben.edu.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ film review

By Ainsley McMahon and Dapre Rogers • Daily Ben staff writers

Posted Dec. 6, 2022

“Black Panther Wakanda Forever” is now available to watch in theaters. This film is a
sequel after the passing of Chadwick Boseman, who was the King of Wakanda. This had people wondering who would fulfill the role of the new Black Panther. The first movie was very inspiring and this sequel attempts to do the same thing. “Wakanda Forever” features powerful and highly intelligent women. Also, this film is centered around family and cultural influences. We really enjoyed how Ryan Cooler, the director, used the perspective of the civilians’ loyalty to their leaders to justify the action and risk they take to preserve their countries.

“Wakanda Forever” is a movie that is dedicated to the passing of the original Black
Panther, Chadwick Boseman. This movie was so well put together and introduces some new villains who have powers underwater. A brief overview of this movie: After the passing of her brother, Shuri goes down a deep path of vengeance, and as this is happening, she is finding out there are new people threatening Wakanda. Without the help of Black Panther, they must find a new way to protect their home, but do it in the right way with the right purposes.

Although the plot is not as developed as the first film, it continues to amaze viewers with
innovative technological advances. Furthermore, the special effects and action scenes were
unbelievably detailed, giving you a full experience. Lastly, the running time of this film is 2 hours and 41 minutes. Although the run time is a little long, it is necessary to develop the new characters, including a new villain; many of the previous characters also must step up and fulfill a new role, deciding on whether to continue their traditions or go down a different path. Overall, we give this movie a nine out of 10. The end credits are a must watch and will have you guessing for the upcoming Marvel movies.

Dapre Rogers is a communications major at Benedictine University at Mesa. He is also a member of the men’s volleyball team. You can contact him at dapre_rogers@ben.ed.

Ainsley McMahon is a senior at Benedictine University and plays for the women’s soccer team. In her free time, when not playing soccer or working on schoolwork, she is relaxing with her dog or hanging out with friends. Contact her at ainsley_mcmahon@ben.edu.

‘Black Adam’ film review

Posted Dec. 1, 2022

By Ainsley McMahon • Daily Ben staff writer

The movie “Black Adam” starring Dwayne Johnson, “The Rock,” got good ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and in my opinion was a great movie. Without giving any spoilers, I wanted to tell you a brief overview of the storyline behind the movie’s ancient Kahndaq. The people are enslaved to find a magic gem to give evil powers to their ruler. Teth Adam finds it and runs from the guards; in doing so, he is sentenced to death. But the gods give Teth powers before he is about to pass away. He is locked in a tomb until someone wakes him when the time is truly needed.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this movie a 7, just because there were some scenes that were long that could have been shorter and there were some fight scenes that were put in slow motion too many times. There are some really good plot twists that you would never have guessed at the beginning of the movie. Rotten Tomatoes gave a 39% overall on the film.

Ainsley McMahon is a senior at Benedictine University and plays for the women’s soccer team. In her free time, when not playing soccer or working on schoolwork, she is relaxing with her dog or hanging out with friends. Contact her at ainsley_mcmahon@ben.edu.

When you ‘Smile,’ it’s too late

By Tyler Butterfield • Daily Ben staff writer

Posted Oct. 27, 2022

If you’re looking for a horror movie to see this fall season, look no further than “Smile.” Giving a new look and feel than your classic horror, it isn’t a typical slasher movie, not your average monster movie and not standard possession movie. It is something all its own. This movie follows hospital psychiatrist Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), who witnesses a patient die in front of her and she begins to see things. With everything on the line, she has about four days to figure out what’s going inside her mind. The R-rated movie is in theaters all over the Valley. 

Tyler Butterfield is a senior communications major and plays baseball for the school. Contact him at christian_butterfield@ben.edu. 

‘Halloween Ends’: It’s about time!

By Stephanie Arredia • Daily Ben staff writer

Posted Oct. 25, 2022

On Sunday, I went to go see “Halloween Ends” in the theaters. I did not look at any spoilers or articles about the film, I went in blind. I sat through the movie … VASTLY disappointed. The film disappointed me as a die-hard “Halloween” fan. A fan who has been on the ride with Michael Myers and Laurie Strode for almost 30 years, to end the way it did. It hurts me.

This movie jumped into the future four years after the events from the last movie, “Halloween Kills.” Laurie is living in a regular house with her granddaughter, Allison, trying to live normally now because, apparently, after the last movie, Myers just decided, “Hey, I’m going to take a four-year break.” We have new characters — why? It’s a little late to introduce new people. One person we meet is a man named Corey. The town’s outcast, Corey gets bullied by the other neighborhood kids. Corey actually ends up finding Michael Myers in Haddonfield, living in a sewer. There is a feeling of evil being transferred from Myers to Corey and Corey ends up killing many of his bullies and other people in town. The question turns into, has Corey always been evil like Myers or was the evil created?

Both my mom and I did not like this movie. It hurts me that this film was made so half-heartedly. It felt like they were trying to make an entirely new film with no regard of the ones that came before. Utterly disappointed. 

Stephanie Arredia is a senior communications major. She has a guide dog; her name is River. She writes movie reviews for The Daily Ben, along with creating a Spotify playlist for students. Stephanie is very interested in photography and photojournalism. She hopes to take pictures one day for either a newspaper, sports or business. Contact her at stephanie_arredia@ben.edu.

Hulu Original: ‘Pure’

By Stephanie Arredia • Daily Ben staff writer

It’s October and nearing Halloween — you know what that means? Horror movies! I like to watch horror movies in general but in October they get amped up. I used to specifically watch “The Exorcist” every October and on Halloween. I don’t recommend that film unless you are not afraid of actually getting scared.

First review of October, and we are starting off with a Hulu Original horror film called “Pure,” released in 2019 and rated mature. The name may be deceiving. The film follows a pair of half-sisters, Shay and Jo, as they travel with their father to their traditional religious retreat. Shay having just met her biological father two months prior, this is her first retreat. The religion they are a part of is almost a religion of its own, taking women’s and daughters’ purity very seriously. So serious, that this whole retreat is centered on the fathers having power over their daughters to keep them as virgins until marriage. Things go awry when a demon or an angel is summoned and Shay begins to see what is really going on during this trip. 

I was treading lightly while I watched the men in this film behave very disrespectfully to their daughters. I was along for the ride but I was not loving some of the dialogue. However, it is worth watching because Shay, Jo and their friends KellyAnn and Lacey start to bond and together they realize that they have the power and their dads do not. Will they triumph?

Watch the trailer

Stephanie Arredia is a senior communications major. She has a guide dog; her name is River. She writes movie reviews for The Daily Ben, along with creating a Spotify playlist for students. Stephanie is very interested in photography and photojournalism. She hopes to take pictures one day for either a newspaper, sports or business. Contact her at stephanie_arredia@ben.edu.

‘Don’t Worry Darling’ worth your time and money

Posted Sept. 27, 2022

By Stephanie Arredia • Daily Ben staff writer

On Sunday, Sept. 25, my mom and I went to the Harkins Theater in Superstition Springs, where we went to go see “Don’t Worry Darling.” I have been following the drama surrounding this film; if you do not know, here’s a rundown:

• Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles dating during the filming.
• Rumors of unprofessionalism on set.
• Florence Pugh not mentioning the film on social media or to the press.
• Harry Styles “spitting” on Chris Pine at the Italian Film Festival. 

‘Don’t Worry Darling’ movie trailer

That is just the tip of the iceberg. After all that controversy, I almost did not go to see it. But, I love going to the movies with my mom so we decided to go see the film. 

The film shows Alice (Florence Pugh) and her husband, Jack (Harry Styles), living in their 1950s style community. The husbands go to work during the day and the wives clean the house and keep up with the chores until the husbands come back home. Alice starts to notice some inconsistencies with her friends and her surroundings. She starts to have scary visions and she starts to wonder about the world she is living in. 

After watching the film, I did like the idea of the film. A perfect 1950s community turns into something sinister. I like that route of conspiracy that they went down, but I feel like there could have been so much more potential if the film was not directed by Oliva Wilde. I just feel like she was distracted and left out some details of the film that after watching led me to some unanswered questions. I wish there was more time taken for character development and less time for us, as the audience, to fill in the gaps. 

Stephanie Arredia is a senior communications major. She has a guide dog; her name is River. She writes movie reviews for The Daily Ben, along with creating a Spotify playlist for students. Stephanie is very interested in photography and photojournalism. She hopes to take pictures one day for either a newspaper, sports or business. Contact her at stephanie_arredia@ben.edu

2 movies worth your time

By Stephanie Arredia • Daily Ben staff writer

Posted Sept. 6, 2022

“Night School”

Since it’s back to school time, beginning a new semester, what is more fitting than watching a school-related film? How about the Universal Pictures production of “Night School,” starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish? The film came out in 2018, which might seem like an “older” movie compared to now in 2022, but trust me, this is a movie you want to see.

Our story begins with our main character Teddy Walker (Kevin Hart). We start with seeing a younger, high school version of Teddy dreading the upcoming SAT test. Teddy does not like school and feels like he does not need to take the test. Teddy walks out of the test and drops out of high school. Next, we see Teddy as an adult. He has a beautiful girlfriend, Lisa, a Porsche, and he is a successful barbecue salesman. Although everything looks great, the fact that he doesn’t have a high school diploma has a lasting effect on how he can work and make money.

Teddy prepares to propose to Lisa and unintentionally blows up the barbecue building and is fired. He must get a job, but no one will hire him because of his lack of education. He realizes that he has to get his GED in order to get a better job. He ends up at the same high school he went to as a kid, to take night school classes, and where he also meets his teacher Carrie (Tiffany Haddish). Will Teddy pass the GED test, and make all of his dreams come true?

If you are someone who likes Kevin Hart, high school jokes, and a cast full of familiar faces like Taran Killam (“SNL”), Rob Riggle (“21 Jump Street”), and even a student remote learning from jail, you will love “Night School.” It does a great job, in a funny way, to show that if you take Teddy’s route of not caring about school, you will not get far in life or the workforce. If you stay the course, believe in yourself, have people who support you, and are willing to put forth the effort, you can achieve your goals.

“500 Days of Summer”

One week before the new semester started, I watched “500 Days of Summer.” I had watched it before but at first did not like it very much. A lot of the movie was hard to understand, like some of the jokes and why the characters acted the way they did. So, I decided to watch the film again with a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective. Let me tell you, this movie was phenomenal. It really helped put a different look on how we as people can look at relationships. We can sometimes be a Tom or a Summer, and that is not necessarily good or bad.

The film opens on our two main characters, Tom and Summer. Tom works at a greeting card business and Summer just started working there. Tom is instantly taken with Summer and wants to try to win her heart. She also seems to be attracted to him and they start talking at work and sharing a similar music taste in “The Smiths.” One night at an office party, Summer professes that she is not looking to be anyone’s girlfriend. This disappoints Tom, as now he feels he is in the friend zone. That is until Summer kisses him in the copy room.

The two of them start spending a lot of time together at work and outside of the office. The whole time, Summer acts as though they are a couple, but when asked directly by Tom, she says they are just friends. Tom is constantly confused by Summer’s actions. Summer acts as though she loves Tom, but there always seems to be something lingering for her. Will Tom win her over?

While I was watching this film, I felt like Summer was acting very manipulatively, gaslighting and blaming Tom for many things that, in my opinion, were not his fault. We can all learn from Tom. Sometimes we get ourselves in situations, sometimes with people, that get out of our control and we can get hurt. It’s important to remember to look within and think about how to improve oneself, rather than the other person. We can also look at the actions of Summer, in that sometimes we meet people who don’t always live up to our expectations. This can be hard, but it’s how we look at ourselves that is more important.

Stephanie Arredia is a senior communications major. She has a guide dog; her name is River. She writes movie reviews for The Daily Ben, along with creating a Spotify playlist for students. Stephanie is very interested in photography and photojournalism. She hopes to take pictures one day for either a newspaper, sports or business. Contact her at stephanie_arredia@ben.edu.