The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan

Film Critic Hunter Friesen roasts Venom: Let There Be Carnage in a scathing review.

Venom: A Carnage of Quality

HUNTER FRIESEN Oct 4, 2021

“Venom: Let There Be Carnage” is an insult. It’s an insult to the pieces of paper that were mutilated to make the script. It’s an insult to the film stock. It’s an insult to the millions of dollars...

Film critic Hunter Friesen says Dear Evan Hansen is misguided but not without its merits.

“Dear Evan Hansen” can not recapture stage magic

HUNTER FRIESEN Sep 23, 2021

Besides the expected superhero films, the genre that seems to be all the rage in 2021 is musicals. This year sees several different variations of the movie musical, featuring original concepts (“Annette”),...

The Power of the Dog earned the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Fall film festival ushers Oscar season

HUNTER FRIESEN Sep 16, 2021

The month of September often signifies the start of a new football season. At both the professional and collegiate levels, teams start a grueling months-long campaign in the hopes of winning a national...

The film Malignant is available in theaters and on HBO MAX until Oct. 10.

“Malignant” is a matter over mind

HUNTER FRIESEN Sep 13, 2021

When talking about the most popular and influential horror films of this century, James Wan’s name pops up on more than one occasion. Spawning the “Saw” franchise in 2004, Wan illustrated his knack...

Starring Simu Lui, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the first Marvel film with an Asian protagonist and predominantly Asian cast.

“Shang-Chi” brings balance to the MCU

HUNTER FRIESEN Sep 9, 2021

For nearly ten years after its inception, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was dominated by the adventures of white men. Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow had to fight to get her own film this year, while...

Dream with ME was produced at UNI by Jim Bray and Gretta Berghammer.

“Dream with ME” premieres its first screening

Theo Loeckle, Film Critic Aug 30, 2021

Many words can be said about the events of last year. From racial protests storming across the nation, fighting for a better change and a pandemic that has changed the world forever. All of the events...

Hunter Friesen, Northern Iowan film critic, at the Cannes Film Festival.

UNI student offers review of Cannes Film Festival

HUNTER FRIESEN Aug 30, 2021

This past summer, I was able to live out one of my dreams by attending the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, located on the glamorous French Riviera. As the festival is invite-only, this adventure was...

Summer 2021 Blockbuster Film Reviews

HUNTER FRIESEN Aug 26, 2021

After the world being upside down for over a year, this past summer saw a slight return to normalcy. Instead of being hunkered down in our houses, we were able to venture outside and socialize (with a...

Film Critic Hunter Friesen gives his thoughts on the. 2021 Academy Awards.

An Oscars to remember for the wrong reasons

HUNTER FRIESEN Apr 29, 2021

Fitting for the year 2020, the 93rd Academy Awards was something that had never been seen before. Instead of taking place in the usual Dolby Theatre, the in-person and maskless event was hosted by Los...

Film Critic Hunter Friesen predicts who will win big at the upcoming Academy Awards.

2021 Academy Award predictions

HUNTER FRIESEN Apr 22, 2021

After being delayed months due to the pandemic, the 93rd Academy Awards are finally upon us, signaling the end of the longest awards season in recent history. With the votes tallied up and the winners...

Film critic Hunter Friesen previews the biggest films set to release this summer.

2021 Summer movie preview

HUNTER FRIESEN Apr 15, 2021

The pandemic has been going on for a while now, but the future is finally starting to look brighter. Millions of vaccines are being administered per day and quarantining is no longer a normal routine. With...

Film critic Hunter Friesen reviews the latest blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong.

‘Godzilla vs Kong’ is exactly what it needs to be

HUNTER FRIESEN Apr 5, 2021

It’s a debate that has dominated lunchrooms and sleepovers for generations. Who would win in a gladiator death match, Godzilla or King Kong? In one corner stands a prehistoric sea monster covered in...

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