Students can look forward to a much-needed break this summer and there is no better way to spend that time than to kick back in a cinema to enjoy the blockbusting lineup of summer movies. Just as final exams kick off, so too does “Captain America: Civil War.” The third installment in the Captain America saga is already garnering critical acclaim, giving a jolt of adrenaline to summer moviegoers. Fans of the superhero genre also have DC’s “Suicide Squad” coming on August 6. The action genre can also bolster films like “Jason Bourne,” the highly anticipated continuation of the popular Bourne Trilogy. For those of us looking for something a little more light-hearted this summer, Steven Spielberg may have an answer to that in “The BFG,” a film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel. Other adaptations set for release include “Me Before You,” a love story starring Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke, and “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” a sequel to the 2010 film “Alice in Wonderland.” No matter the genre preference, there is always something new coming around the corner for moviegoers this summer.
—Sam Marz, Film Columnist
Summer 2016 seems to offer a slew of television’s sophomore seasons. This past year has held an impressive amount of noteworthy new series that are returning for a second round. Among these season two’s include shows like Fox’s “Wayward Pines,” Netflix’s “Bloodline,” MTV’s “Scream,” Lifetime’s “UnREAL” and USA’s critically acclaimed “Mr. Robot.” As you soak up the sun and enjoy all that summer has to offer, remember to check out some of these new shows. Each series is new enough to easily binge in its entirety before their second season begins, so finish up those final exams and get started!
—Ben Golden, TV Columnist
“Don’t you want to be alive before you die?” Literature is rife with stories that encompass the end of big moments, the hallmark feelings that accompany another school year ending or the finishing of an era altogether. It is something I have spoken and written about again and again. But writing about books this very last time, marking the end of a much-loved tradition of over two years, I want us to look towards stories that talk of new beginnings. Endings are always inevitable, but a beginning is something we choose. We can choose how we start the next chapter of our lives, and we can sure as hell choose what book is going to define us next. I’ll be doing that by reading “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr and picking up Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” again. “‘Stuff your eyes with wonder,’ he said, ‘live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.’” What story will you choose?
—Maham Hasan, Literature Columnist
The best music to look forward to this summer is that which you find on a directionless journey. With computer algorithms slowly monopolizing our processes for discovering new music, it’s important to add human imperfection and mishap into the equation. Instead of seeing Danny Brown for the third time at Lollapalooza this year, maybe stroll into the smallest tent of the day and watch a local folk band play their hearts out in a legendary set, knowing that the exposure they receive at Lollapalooza could be the turning point of their careers. I also recommend listening to the alternative radio or college radio of wherever you find yourself this summer. Those who stick around to play songs out of cramped, underfunded studios during the most beautiful days of the year do so because of their passion for sharing the music they love with the world; whether it be black metal or country, you should listen in and find out why. Listen to a SoundCloud account with 50 followers. Go to a show with only the parents of the bands playing in attendance. Go to a spoken word or punk festival in a rural town 20 miles out from your base of operations. There’s so little time to revel in the balming sunshine of summer, but so much to discover.
—Jake Witz, Music Columnist
While summer brings long-awaited sunshine and a brand new terrace, it also brings a phenomenal amount of art shows in Madison! One is the famous Art Fair on the Square. This well-loved art festival will celebrate their 58th year and will host 500 artists from around the country. Not only will there be a tantalizing display of paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, clothing and pottery, there will also be various forms of entertainment from music to street performers. This stunning display is on July 9 and 10, two days that you should not miss! In addition, be sure to attend the art fairs in Fitchburg and Mount Horeb as well as the Wisconsin Pottery Association Show & Sale in August. Lastly, if you have been too busy to take advantage of the Madison museums, be sure to take time to go now! Enjoy your summer and I will see you in the fall art lovers!
—Erin Guarnieri, Visual Art Columnist
