Sarah Gabriel – Arts & Culture Editor
Favorite movie: “Abigail”
“Abigail” was the perfect blend of gory horror and comedy. The film focuses on a group of kidnappers trying to leverage the life of a daughter of a rich family for ransom, until they find out the young girl is not who she seems.
The group was hired separately for their specific areas of expertise. Having met for the first time, the kidnappers learn about one another along with the audience as each backstory is somewhat connected. Actions truly speak louder than words as each character’s distinct personalities shine through in the way they carry themselves. Initially, the group is meant to keep their identities hidden, but it is no longer possible as they must work together to survive.
I went into the movie completely blind about the plot and incredibly skeptical of how much I would enjoy this film. The blend of mystery and gore helped pace the movie in a way that kept viewers entranced. I was pleasantly surprised by the synergy of the entire cast including Melissa Berrara, Kathryn Newton, and the late Angus Cloud.
While the kidnappers constantly quarrel, it created a dynamic, comedic, and unpredictable atmosphere. The film was not the type of horror that made me sleep with my light on — it made me laugh through the thrilling anxiety.
Alina Sluzhyvenkova – Opinion Editor
Favorite book: “When Breath Becomes Air”
“When Breath Becomes Air” is a memoir by Dr. Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon and neuroscientist, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer as he was about to graduate from residency. Dr. Kalanithi was fascinated by literature, philosophy, and the human condition; he aimed to learn more about the meaning of life.
He underwent multiple treatments but ultimately passed away two years after the diagnosis. In his memoir, he recalls his earlier years in undergrad, how he fell in love with medicine, and how his diagnosis forced him to confront life, death, and the impact he had on his patients, wife, and family.
While “When Breath Becomes Air” is a memoir, which can be perceived and generalized as boring, this book was anything but. Although there is a fair bit of medical terminology, I didn’t feel like they were too technical; instead, Dr. Kalanithi found a way to easily elaborate on, clarify them and tie them into his story.
Overall, “When Breath Becomes Air” was one of the best books I’ve read this year. Dr. Kalanithi’s story is touching and inspiring; it forces the reader to look at their life from a larger philosophical perspective and perhaps confront their own limiting beliefs. Fair warning, it’s a tear-jerker and I definitely cried at the end.
Sabrina Kippes – Instagram Anchor
Favorite show: “YOU”
“YOU” is a show about Joe Goldberg, who obsesses and stalks people he’s interested in. It’s my favorite show because I’ve been a fan of it since middle school and Penn Badgley is one of my favorite actors — he’s also in Gossip Girl. He plays Joe so well, and I always feel like he’s a real character even after rewatching the show numerous times. I also really enjoy how the show changes locations and characters every season. Overall, it’s very well thought out and further enhanced my interest in psychology.
Karizma Jernigan – News Editor
Favorite show: “Invincible” season 2
I was introduced to “Invincible” a few years ago by my best friend, who couldn’t stop raving about it when the show first premiered. At the time, I was deeply engrossed in “The Boys” and my friend was telling me that if I liked that show so much, I’d really like “Invincible” because the themes were pretty similar.
Clips of “Invincible” kept popping up on my Twitter feed — especially after the last episode of season one came out. So, to avoid spoilers, I decided to watch it immediately.
The trauma Omni-Man left behind in season one loomed over everyone in season two, but particularly over his family who were left to piece together what remained of his actions. The depth of Mark’s character as he struggles as a superhero, son, and boyfriend is one of my favorite aspects of the show.
Watching Mark grow while grappling with his own identity and his father’s legacy made me root for him even more. Another favorite aspect of the show was how each episode title is revealed as a line within the episode itself as you keep watching.
I am so excited to see Mark return as the superhero “Invincible” alongside the Guardians of the Globe as they face new challenges, stronger threats, and escalating drama.
Ashley Kodowa – Multimedia Editor
Favorite album: “GNX”
After the vast success of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” following his heated rap feud with Drake, I immersed myself even further in his previous discography, reminded of why he’s been such a legend in the hip-hop and R&B genres. For me, this feeling increased tenfold after listening to “GNX.”
Although the album was released in late November, I’ve been enraptured by every single track since then, ranging from the explosive energy he has been renowned for this year, to his slower and more personal tracks. Lamar’s storytelling and writing abilities shine on songs like “reincarnated”, “heart pt. 6”, and “gloria”, as we follow descriptive, heartfelt narratives about his life and the inspiration he’s gained throughout his career.
Meanwhile, tracks such as “squabble up” and “tv off” are amazing, dynamic hype songs that most fans will surely enjoy. The praises this album has been receiving throughout social media are well-earned, with many even speculating that we’ll be receiving another album between now and February 2025, where Lamar will be headlining the halftime show during the Super Bowl LIX.
At any rate, “GNX” is an incredible listening experience for fans of hip-hop and rap and is a standout album of 2024.
Ali Hussain – Science & Technology Editor
Favorite Movie: “Inside Out 2”
I never watched the first “Inside Out” movie and ended up watching “Inside Out 2” on a whim when I was out with my girlfriend and we decided to pop in a movie theater we were walking by. I didn’t expect to end up crying that day, but that’s exactly what happened.
There was creative worldbuilding within Riley’s mind that the original emotions of the first movie had to traverse through. There were four new emotions, that were immediately relatable as I’m sure most growing teenagers underwent: Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Anxiety. There was also Nostalgia, but she didn’t show up much and I’m sure she’ll get stronger later in life, but not just yet. Riley went through tough decisions during the course of the movie that culminated in a panic attack. The stakes might have been relatively low but Pixar, in typical Pixar fashion, was able to squeeze all of the emotional juice out of it.
By the end of the movie, Riley learned not to view any of her emotions as negative but to embrace them all and give them all some time in the spotlight. The important part is balance. The complete human experience comes from allowing ourselves to feel without judging ourselves.
And yes, I cried when Joy hugged Anxiety to calm her down instead of trying to banish her. And yes, my Instagram chat background with my girlfriend is still “Inside Out 2” themed and it will remain that way for a long time.
Carol Chen – Production Assistant
Favorite show: “St. Denis Medical”
“St. Denis Medical” is a hilarious comedy about hospital workers. Although only a handful of episodes have been released so far, the current ones have grabbed the attention of millions of people.
Favorite book: “Connie”
Connie Chung’s memoir is an inspiring story of Chung’s career as a journalist in a white, male-dominated industry. Starting from her family’s origins and journey to the U.S., Chung’s talent and obstacles are highlighted in her memoir, bringing a symbol of pride to her family and Asian Americans.
Claire Cancel – TikTok Anchor
Favorite movie: “Challengers”
“Challengers” is a movie that stars Zendaya, Mike Faust, and Josh O’Connor. The film is a romantic sports drama centered around Tashi Donaldson, played by Zendaya, a former tennis prodigy turned coach.
The film follows her as she navigates a love triangle involving her husband, Art, and his former best friend, Patrick, both of whom she has deeply impacted on and off the court. The tension between the characters was intense, and you could feel it while watching. I love how Zendaya took on a new role as a villain and overall, I just love her films, and for me, this one stood out as the best one this year.
Abraham Guzman Silva – TikTok Editor
Favorite Movie: “A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter”
My favorite piece of creative media released in 2024 would have to be “A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter.”
The holiday movie follows a similar scheme of Saturday Night Live and combines playful skits and performances by Sabrina as well as with other well-known artists. Sabrina incorporates her wittiness and playful humor into the movie, making it entertaining to watch, and it captures her personality for those who don’t know her well.
As someone who listened to her Christmas EP, “Fruitcake” when it first came out last year, I was excited to see that she has done a project where she performs the songs. Also, who doesn’t love a good Christmas special movie?
Sonia Kalo – Managing Editor
Favorite live performance: “Chappell Roan on SNL”
Chappell Roan made her Saturday Night Live debut performing her hit song, “Pink Pony Club.” The performance and set design were beautiful. Roan was dressed as the bride of Frankenstein with a long sparkly light pink dress, a large red wig with a streak of white, and her iconic drag makeup.
Roan has quickly become an icon in queer media, pioneering a new wave of pop music. Roan also performed a new song of hers, “The Giver”, which has become a lesbian country anthem. “The Giver” is a fun, up-tempo country song in which she danced country jigs, nodding to her midwestern roots.
The song’s sound and style are very different from Roan’s current discography, symbolizing a new version of Roan for fans to get excited about. I love Roan and am very excited to hear more new music from her.
Vibodha Gallage Dona – Graphics Editor
Favorite Movie: “The Wild Robot”
My first selection is “The Wild Robot”, directed by Chris Sanders. This movie also has an impressive lineup of voice actors, which I only caught on much later, such as Lupita Nyong’o and Kit Conner.
It starts with a robot named Roz, shipwrecked on a deserted island, who must learn to adapt to its new surroundings. She learns to build relationships with the native animals, and Roz soon develops a parental bond with an orphaned gosling who she must now raise.
I saw the trailer for this movie while I was watching “Sing 2” over the summer with my mom. I was very intrigued just by the visuals and soundtrack. When it got to who the creators were and I saw that the people of “How to Train Your Dragon” were involved, I knew it was going to be amazing. It was so heartfelt and meaningful that I found myself unable to stop the waterworks.
The animation style was so beautiful and soul-catching, especially in one moment with a plethora of butterflies surrounding Roz as she explores the forests she crash-lands in. I really hope we get a part two, to see more interactions between Roz and the gosling.
Maya Demchak-Gottlieb – Editor-In-Chief
Favorite Playlist: “The Ticker Playlist”
I’ll admit that I’m not really a Spotify user, but this year I started using it to listen to “The Ticker” staff’s playlist.
From the glittering synth-pop of songs like “Pink Pony Club” to the soulful sounds of songs like “Sunlight” by Hozier, The Ticker‘s taste in music blends together beautifully.
Best of all though — like all good playlists — it captures a moment in time and the people that make it so meaningful.
Like Opinions Editor Alina Sluzhyvenkova said, “layout nights never sounded so good.”
