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Articles by Jesse Weiner
Writing for Teens: Three Guiding Principles for Crafting Compelling YA Narratives — Author
Before writing for teens, I worked with them as a high school educator. Though I left teaching to focus on raising a family, the guiding principles I relied on as a teacher continue to inform my approach to writing and editing for young adults: authenticity, respect, and hope. Before we get into specifics, a quick reminder: while young adult literature is popular among college students and older adults, teens are your target audience.
Searching for the cinaedus in ancient Rome
Preview [Authors and titles are listed at the end of the review] This collection of essays grew out of a panel at the 2019 meeting of the Society for Classical Studies in San Diego, California. Overall, this volume presents a valuable collection of research from veteran pioneers in the field of sex and gender in classical antiquity and younger scholars. The Latin word cinaedus and its Greek antecedent kinaidos both refer to a feminine-gendered male who submits sexually to other men.
Write Riveting Stories in 100 Words or Less: A Cheat-Sheet to Microfiction — Author
As a judge for the popular storytelling platform NYC Midnight, I read a lot of flash fiction and microfiction submissions. For the unfamiliar, flash fiction is loosely defined as a short story of up to 1,000 words. Microfiction is a subset of flash fiction, with stories weighing in at 100 words or less. If you’re shaking your head, thinking, There’s no way I could write a story that short, let alone a good one, despair not! And please—kick your internal critic to the curb.
‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ a B-Tier Marvel Film in Bite-Size Pieces
Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) team up to battle Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman) and the Flag Smashers in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” (Marvel Studios) *This review contains minor spoilers for “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”* The first season of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” features many of the trappings of a classic Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film: familiar main characters, well-choreographed action sequences and exciting post-credits...
Marvel Trades Ambition for Apathy With ‘WandaVision’
Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) marry and live a seemingly idyllic suburban life in Marvel’s “WandaVision.” (Marvel Studios) It’s undeniable that Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has pulled off a plethora of improbable feats in the last 13 years.
AsiaNet - View Release
Xtreme Pictures Acquires and Produces Vin Diesel xXx Film Franchise LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- Xtreme Pictures Inc., the U.S.-based film and media investment and media property holding company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Cayman Islands' company Xtreme, has acquired and now co-owns the rights with Vin Diesel of the xXx film franchise. The American action film series was created by Rich Wilkes.
I Have a Bad Feeling About This: The 5 Biggest Problems With ‘The Rise of Skywalker’
Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures When “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” was released in 2017, it didn’t seem like any film could divide fans and critics as much as director Rian Johnson’s sequel did. Well, two years later, it has happened again. J.J. Abrams’ “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” the conclusion to the nine-film Skywalker Saga, has once again split audiences since its release on Dec.
‘Richard Jewell’ is No Gem, But Has Sparks of Brilliance
Courtesy of Claire Folger/Warner Bros. For those of us living right outside downtown Atlanta, few stories hit as close to home as the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park bombing. While the tragic event happened nearly 24 years ago, I find it impossible to walk through Centennial Olympic Park without thinking about the pipe bomb that killed two civilians and injured over 100 others.
‘1917’ is a One-Shot Wonder
Imagine “Lord of the Rings,” but instead of Sam and Frodo delivering a ring to Mount Doom to save Middle-Earth, it’s two soldiers delivering a message to the British front lines that will save thousands of lives. Director Sam Mendes’ “1917” takes note from J.R.R. Tolkien’s World War I-based fantasy and delivers a simple but epic tale of heroism that’s not only a non-stop war story but a one-shot technical marvel.
The Jo Bros Know How to Put on a Show
The atmosphere was absolutely electric at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth on Nov. 19, but that was no surprise. After all, Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas were in town. Ten years ago, a Jonas Brothers concert would likely have consisted of thousands of screaming 10-year-old girls. However, those fans have aged, along with the brothers themselves, and their “Happiness Begins” tour was primarily populated by folks in their 20s reliving their glory days (including myself).
‘Knives Out’ a Cut Above the Rest
Courtesy of Claire Folger “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” might be one of Rian Johnson’s most divisive films of all time, but I’ll bet audiences won’t be divided about the director’s latest film, “Knives Out,” which is hands down one of the best movies of 2019. Johnson’s murder mystery masterfully balances humor and suspense to construct an immersive cinematic experience.
Phoenix Catches Fire in Phenomenal ‘Joker’
There have been five portrayals of the Joker on the big screen, but there has never been a film quite like “Joker.” Director Todd Phillips (yes, the same director of “The Hangover” trilogy) has concocted a sinister blend of laughter, terror and discomfort that makes the most of the film’s two-hour runtime.
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ at the Fox is Chocolate-Covered Mediocrity
Several ingredients are missing in the batter of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the musical rendition of Roald Dahl’s classic novel that played at the Fox Theatre from Sept. 24 to 29. The story has already been adapted twice to the silver screen, and the musical version — which spent a nine-month stint on Broadway from 2017 to 2018 — doesn’t contribute much more to the iconic tale.
‘Ad Astra’ a Stellar Cinematic Achievement
Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox The summer movie season has officially come to an end, and the release of director James Gray’s incredible “Ad Astra” is a sign that awards season is in full swing. Fresh off of Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Brad Pitt’s second starring vehicle in the past two months is a big-budget film that breaks the blockbuster mold with emphasis on introspection over spectacle and character over action.
施建祥 (aka Morgan Shi) Strikes Again With "Fight To Fame"
As the former acting chairman and an original partner of the Fight To Fame (“F2F”) project, I am absolutely compelled to state that the opinions in the August 20, 2019 article Mike Tyson Fights to Be Forgotten betrays the author, Adryenn Ashley who joined the Fame To Fame (一战成名) project “a month ago”(!), to be either abominably ignorant or fiendishly opportunistic/devious. Let’s allow our readers to come to their own conclusions.
It’s the Circle of Mediocrity: ‘The Lion King’ Marks a Creative Low for Disney
Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures The dread hit me during the climactic battle of Jon Favreau’s reheated “The Lion King.” An hour and 45 minutes into this dreadful shot-for-shot remake of the classic 1994 film, Timon (Billy Eichner) had just tried to distract the oncoming hordes of hyenas by belting out the first verse of “Be Our Guest,” Lumiere’s show-stopping number from “Beauty and the Beast.” I was in absolute shock; this shameless nod to another Disney property was one of the only changes...
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Brings Heart and Power to the Fox
There are few shows that represent 21st-century culture quite like “Dear Evan Hansen.” The musical phenomenon, which hit Broadway in 2016 and took home six Tony Awards (including Best Musical), puts a prominent focus on how technology-driven and social media-obsessed our society has become.
Long Live House Marvel: ‘Endgame’ Worthy of the Throne
Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures As you brace for “Avengers: Endgame” to hit theaters, you’ve likely found your footing in one of two camps: Either you’re clenching your opening weekend tickets and hoping that the film lives up to the hype, or you’re a casual moviegoer wondering whether you should avoid the crowds and wait a few weeks to see the superhero phenomenon. I was definitely in the former camp, and can now sincerely say that “Endgame” is 100 percent worth the wait.
DC Serves Up Another Win With Superb ‘Shazam!’
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Everybody loves to trash-talk DC films, and these critics are mostly justified. After all, DC’s repertoire is filled with embarrassments — from the mishmashed “Suicide Squad” to the mediocre “Justice League,” it’s easy to write DC off as incompetent, especially in comparison to the consistent success of films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Competent ‘Captain Marvel’ Keeps With Conventions
Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures At this point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) — after 21 films and almost three phases — the standard has been raised higher than the 93-story Avengers Tower. That’s why it’s somewhat jarring that “Captain Marvel,” the latest entry, is so average. The first female-fronted Marvel film is more reminiscent of the first “Captain America” or “Thor” than any of the recent bombastic MCU flicks.
Lively ‘Les Mis’ Frazzles the Fox
Courtesy of Matthew Murphy “Les Miserables” has been a beloved theater mainstay for more than 30 years, and it’s not hard to see why. The iconic musical has all the components of a successful production — romance, humor, drama and catchy music. The Fox Theater’s production, part of the show’s national tour, delivers all the joys of “Les Mis” to Atlanta, albeit not flawlessly. For fans of the show, “Les Mis” at the Fox elegantly follows the beloved beats and provides a satisfactory experience.
'How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World' is Stunning, but Toothless
When it comes to contemporary animation, Dreamworks’ “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise has dominated the non-Pixar market. The trilogy, which follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (Jay Baruchel) and his faithful dragon Toothless, has delighted audiences with heart, humor and gorgeous visuals. The enchanting first film, which debuted in 2010, was followed by 2014’s spectacular sequel and, with “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” the conclusion has finally arrived.
Rewriting the Classics
‘Historically, men translated the Odyssey. Here’s what happened when a woman took the job.’ So begins one of many recent articles on Emily Wilson’s new translation of Homer’s Odyssey, the first in English published by a woman. In the wake of Wilson’s groundbreaking translation, there has been much buzz about how women have been making the Greek and Roman classics their own in recent years.
McVay, Gronk Offer Advice, Talk College
Ndamukong Suh, of the Los Angeles Rams, answers questions at Super Bowl Opening Night./Jesse Weiner, A&E Editor It was six nights before the 2019 Super Bowl, one of the largest sporting events of the year, and the host city of Atlanta was amped up and ready to go. On Jan. 28, the newly renovated and rowdy State Farm Arena served as the venue for Super Bowl Opening Night, a massive annual media event which precedes the main attraction, set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Zemeckis, Carell Cultivate Fantasy in “Welcome to Marwen”
Courtesy of Universal Pictures Legendary director Robert Zemeckis has tackled time travel, trains to the North Pole and tightrope walkers, but now he’s going smaller in more ways than one. His newest flick, “Welcome to Marwen,” captures artist Mark Hogancamp (Steve Carell) and his imaginary doll world of Marwen. After Hogancamp is severely beaten by five men and loses all his memories, he copes with his trauma by making and photographing dolls, who each represent people in his life.
‘Creed II’ a Weak Follow-Up Punch
Courtesy of Barry Wetcher The Rocky franchise is entering its 42nd year and, like people in their 40s, is starting to feel its age. “Creed II,” the sequel to 2015’s critical hit “Creed,” continues the story of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) and his mentor Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), but lacks the pop and swagger of its predecessor. Whether because of a newer and less-experienced director or a lackluster screenplay, “Creed II” is, frankly, a predictable and generic sports flick.
Jordan, Caple Jr. Discuss Returning to the Ring in 'Creed II'
Courtesy of Barry Wetcher It has been 42 years since Sylvester Stallone introduced the world to iconic fictional boxer Rocky Balboa, but the “Rocky” franchise is somehow still fighting. On Thanksgiving, the eighth film in the Rocky franchise will be released in the form of a sequel to 2015’s hit “Creed.” “Creed” followed the rise of Adonis Creed (Michael B.
Vince Staples’ ‘FM!’ Feels Rushed, Unfinished
With its summery beats, “FM!” comes at the perfect time as we all yearn for warmer weather; unfortunately, it probably won’t bring you the joy that most associate with the summer months. Long Beach, Calif., rapper Vince Staples is back with his third studio album, fresh off the success of “Big Fish Theory,” which dropped last year. Known for his dark, heavy beats, boastful lyrics and staccato flows, Staples has achieved moderate success in the hip-hop industry.
Khalid, Kendrick, Fall Out Boy Light Up Piedmont
The afternoon drizzle didn’t stop thousands of attendees and 36 artists from gathering at Piermont Park on Sept. 15 and 16 for one of the South’s largest festivals, Music Midtown. This year’s lineup did not disappoint, with headliners across a variety of genres: Kendrick Lamar, Imagine Dragons, Post Malone and Fall Out Boy. From the glowing ferris wheel to the body paint, the park was transformed into a lively festival as the colors glowed under Atlanta’s night sky.
Students Put Their Best Notes Forward for A Cappella
Acceptance into one of Emory’s eight a cappella groups is highly selective, and those who brave the audition process can find themselves amid an intense process. Singing for a crowd is already intimidating enough — add a group of upperclassmen scrutinizing every note, and Emory a cappella auditions may seem as daunting as being cold called in class when you haven’t completed the reading assignment. Emory is home to eight a cappella groups who hosted their annual fall auditions on Sept.1 and 2.
Stay Out of These Waters: “The Meg” is a Megalo-Mess
Decades after “Jaws,” filmmakers have yet to create a shark film that comes close to Steven Spielberg’s brilliant classic. It’s certainly not for a lack of trying — countless shark films have been produced since then, from the decent “The Shallows” to the ugly “Sharknado.” But it seems directors have given up on crafting a fully cohesive shark flick, and audiences flock to shark films only expecting either a few jump scares or cheesy B-movie fun.
‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ A Small But Mighty Sequel
After the grim, jaw-dropping ending of May’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” it was only appropriate for Marvel’s next installment to be a small-scale, lighthearted romp where giant ants play drums and Paul Rudd frolics around to the Partridge Family’s “Come On Get Happy.” With a wealth of exciting films opening this summer, the sequel to 2015’s middling “Ant-Man” was not one of my most anticipated movies. However, it’s likely to go down as one of my favorites.
Rewriting the Classics
‘Historically, men translated the Odyssey. Here’s what happened when a woman took the job.’ So begins one of many recent articles on Emily Wilson’s new translation of Homer’s Odyssey, the first in English published by a woman. In the wake of Wilson’s groundbreaking translation, there has been much buzz about how women have been making the Greek and Roman classics their own in recent years.
These Boots Were Made for Filmmaking: Riley on Creativity, Capitalism
Rapper and social activist Raymond Lawrence Riley, otherwise known by the stage name Boots Riley, has been a prominent voice in the political hip-hop world for more than two decades. Lead vocalist of Oakland, Calif.,-based rap group The Coup, Riley and his bandmates have released six full-length LPs since their formation in 1991.
'Fallen Kingdom' Spells Extinction for 'Jurassic' Franchise
Dinosaurs have captivated children since their remains were first discovered, and the latest installment of the “Jurassic Park” franchise, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” is childhood imagination on full display: volcanoes gushing molten lava, men driving armored vehicles and, of course, dinosaurs being truly terrible lizards.
'Deadpool 2' Crushes With Crude Comedy
I have to admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan of 2016’s R-rated superhero sensation “Deadpool.” Sure, it was a refreshing new brand of superhero film, but Ryan Reynolds’ shtick quickly became tiresome and its thin plot was underwhelming. Its sequel, “Deadpool 2,” brings a larger budget, bigger stars and more creative freedom. The result? A much better film that thrives on its laugh-out-loud comedy despite some flaws in its story.
'Avengers: Infinity War' is a Superhero Gem
The highly anticipated third Avengers film is a spectacle on the scale of no other superhero flick. During its lengthy two hour and 30 minute runtime, the film brings the audience on a hilarious and emotional journey spanning countries and planets, featuring awe-inspiring action set-pieces, jaw-dropping twists and a laundry list of superheroes finally assembling on the big screen.
Super Troopers Troupe Talks Sequel
The age-old axiom of older siblings, commanding teachers and authoritarians around the globe still rings true today: “My way or the highway.” But what happens when, by forces unknown to this mortal Earth, one has it both their way and the highway? Better yet, what if the original “way” is achieved through control of the highways? In “Super Troopers 2,” starring a motley crew of crude highway patrolmen, we finally get our answer: pure, chaotic awesomeness.
Amy Schumer on Pride and Prettiness
You look in the mirror, but you don’t like what you see. You scroll through Instagram, but all you see are people whom you long to look like. You have devoted friends and a steady job, but you feel like that isn’t enough. People often endure insecurity, feeling vulnerable and invisible. However, it’s important to embrace who you are. This is the message of Amy Schumer’s latest comedy, “I Feel Pretty,” which follows troubled and self-conscious Renee Bennett (Schumer).
Lil Yachty, Desiigner Attracts 2.6k Attendees
Rappers Lil Yachty and Desiigner performed at the April 14 Dooley’s Ball concert, attracting a crowd of about 2,600 people, according to Student Programming Council (SPC) President Tamara Ezzat (18B).
'A Quiet Place' Silent but Deadly
Cinema is a story told through images. The medium itself was born in the nitrate fire of silence, defined by visual storytelling. With the advent of sound, the audible side of filmmaking became a complement to the visual. Thus, films often don’t contain the care behind the camera to utilize both sound and image to their full extents. “A Quiet Place” is not one of those films.
'Thoroughbreds' Needs A Bit More Training
In Alexander Mackendrick’s classic film noir “Sweet Smell of Success,” gossip columnist J.J. Hunsecker (Burt Lancaster) describes the protagonist Sidney Falco (Tony Curtis) as a “cookie full of arsenic.” There is no better turn of phrase to describe “Thoroughbreds,” a slice of cinematic junk food laced with murderous intentions.
The Marvelous Nine: Ranking the Top Films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe | The Emory Wheel
In the post-credits scene of 2008’s “Iron Man,” Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) teased that Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) was “part of a bigger universe.” With that single line of dialogue, the nature of superhero films was changed forever, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was born.
Only a Fan Could Love Fetty Wap's Newest Album | The Emory Wheel
From start to finish, the budding rapper’s latest release, a 12-track project that dropped Jan. 19, offers little in the way of substance or content other than dreamily drug-diluted songs about money and “b***s.” The unabashedly mumble-trap rap album (although it’s closer to R&B) expresses no high hopes or false perceptions about what it is. Throughout the 41-minute run time, Fetty focuses less on impressing others and more on enjoying himself. The rapper has been off the scene for a while.
Theater Emory Slays With 'Kings Are Killed' | The Emory Wheel
It is all too appropriate that the day before Super Bowl LII, Theater Emory recited a story about the Patriot family and their dynasty. Indeed, just like the football team from Massachusetts, this Patriot clan was unrelenting, ruthless and fierce. They wanted to defeat their opponents and they crafted an elaborate game plan to do so. Rather than playing football, however, these Patriots were a family of politicians.
The Best Films of 2017 | The Emory Wheel
Director Sean Baker makes films for purely empathetic reasons, working overtime to tell the stories of communities living in the margins of society. His latest, a colorful, verite portrait of the poverty looming in the shadows of Disney World, exemplifies why independent cinema matters. Meticulously researched and created by a crack team of amateur and professional collaborators, it takes American capitalism to task while creating a uniquely sweet and devastating cinematic language.
From Singing to the Silver Screen: Nick Jonas Talks 'Jumanji' | The Emory Wheel
The transition from music to the the silver screen may seem daunting, but Nick Jonas said he’s had a “warm welcome” into the world of cinema, and he doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon. Jonas is known for his Disney Channel past, but the 25-year-old musician has since furthered his music and acting career.
King of the Creature Feature: Del Toro Discusses 'The Shape of Water' | The Emory Wheel
A janitor at a government laboratory befriends an amphibian creature. If you pitched that idea to most directors, they likely would have thought it too strange. But most directors are not Guillermo del Toro. After all, strange is del Toro’s strong suit.
'Justice League' is a Semi-Heroic Effort | The Emory Wheel
After more than a decade of anticipation, it was time. Proudly sporting my Flash t-shirt, I entered the theater to see DC Comics’ latest film. Admittedly, I was skeptical. After all, I had slogged through 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and was disappointed by the mess that was “Suicide Squad.” While not flawless, director Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” surpasses those films.
'The Shape of Water' a Mesmerizing Masterpiece | The Emory Wheel
Few directors could pull off a love story between a mute janitor and an alien creature. Even fewer could turn that premise into one of this year’s most captivating films, “The Shape of Water.” With his latest flick, director and co-writer Guillermo del Toro has created a compelling story with breathtaking cinematography and intriguing characters. The result is a sensational cinematic love story that should not be missed.
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