Emma Hecht has changed her major four times, starting with accounting then nursing then computer science. Her fourth and change of major as she enters the spring semester of her senior year finally satisfied her academic needs. Hecht is currently a double major with creative writing and huma…
Selena Gomez released her third album “Rare”on Jan. 10. The 13 track album signifies the meaning of losing love but also the power that comes from discovering yourself. Reviews say “Gomez dances out the toxins weighing her down” in this album and I couldn’t have described it better myself; I…
Alternative pop superstar Halsey dropped her latest album “Manic” on Jan. 17. Known for her raw and honest lyrics, Halsey continues this trend throughout this album. While in the past I’ve felt Halsey maintained a consistent style, this album is a beautiful blend of various sounds and genres…
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s American classic is brought to the screen in a daring, magical way that will leave the audience wishing it never had to end. What makes this remake unlike its predecessors is the way in which it is told. While most stories are told in a linear…
Warning: Spoilers to follow.
Ethan Jones is a freshman in the physician assistant program but his science-driven major doesn’t stop his artistic side from flourishing. Jones, who has been taking photos for years, credits the hobby to encourage him to slow down and take in more of the world.
An exhibit containing art from the Hmong people is currently on display in the basement of the Brauer Art Museum. The Hmong are an ethnic group from East and Southeast Asia, who artistically are known for their textiles and silver.
“So Much Fun” by Young Thug
Sophomore Jillian Down’s artistic spirit and creativity have been apparent since she was a child.
“Last Christmas” highlights the roller coaster life of Kate, portrayed by Emilia Clarke, who works at a Christmas supply store and seeks more value during the holiday season. Directed by Peter Feig, who was responsible for the hit comedy “Bridesmaids,” and co-scripted by Emma Thompson, the f…
“Sondheim on Sondheim,” the Valpo Theatre Department’s fall musical, has been a smashing success during its past two weekends of performances. It closed this past Sunday after a total of four riveting performances.
This weekend, “Ford v Ferrari” released in theaters and I had the pleasure of viewing it. It has been on my watchlist since I first saw the trailer, and I’m pleased to say that it didn’t disappoint. This movie is a non-stop thrill ride and is everything you could want from blockbuster entert…
King Princess has been steadily rising in popularity since her 2018 hit single “1950” and her debut album “Cheap Queen,” which came out on Oct. 25, will surely only add to that hype. This long-awaited album contains 13 tracks and more than exceeds any expectations I had.
“Dolemite Is My Name” is a biopic film about Rudy Ray Moore and his quest for stardom. Moore, played by Eddie Murphy, began his career in show business as an aspiring singer. The film begins with Moore struggling to promote his music.
Freshman Emily Gaus is a psychology major with criminology minor who also happens to run an Etsy shop and has a love of experimenting with different artistic media.
Hulu’s adaptation of John Green’s beloved novel “Looking For Alaska” was released on Oct. 18 as a limited series. It’s the kind of show that will make viewers fly through all of the eight episodes, causing them to wish they could restart it with no recollection of what they watched.
Suzanne Brown is currently a freshman at Valpo. While studying as a biology and international economic and cultural affairs major, she also pursues a passion for acrylic painting.
Valeria Lelong, a junior world languages major from France, enjoys spending time working on her artwork. While Lelong enjoys doing all different kinds of art, currently she is really into painting abstract art.
Sydney McKee is a senior special effects makeup artist at Valpo. McKee is completely self-taught and was inspired to begin her special effects makeup after viewing a YouTube channel called “Glam and Gore” during the Halloween season. After viewing the channel she had the idea to do her own m…
One of Netflix’s latest horror films, “In the Tall Grass” is a film adaptation of a novel by the prominent author Stephen King and his son Joe Hill. While I’m a huge horror fan and haven’t read the book yet, I’m not sure If I’ll ever get around to it considering how off-putting this film was.
“Zombieland: Double Tap” was released this weekend, and it definitely lived up to the level of expectations that I had going in. The original “Zombieland” was released in 2009, and was a huge hit considering it came out when the concept of zombies and the apocalypse were especially relevant …
Brendan Miller is a junior at Valpo pursuing a communication major and photography minor. As the photo editor of The Torch, many of Miller’s photos are printed in the weekly issues.
BTS is a mega popular seven member K-pop boy group from South Korea. The group has reached international status, selling out arena and stadium tours around the world, including the U.S. “Map of the Soul: Persona” is the name of BTS’ sixth studio album, which was released on April 12.
The South Korean girl group Blackpink released their comeback album on April 4. The album, “Kill This Love,” was the first new music to be released by them since June 2018 and is their debut with a new record label -- Interscope Records.
When Rachel Jackson initially came to Valpo, she was an art major. But after a few years of exploring and strengthening her skills, as a senior she’s a communication major with an art minor -- and very passionate about doing what she loves. No matter what the resulting degree was, Jackson kn…
Set in the 1970s, “Daisy Jones & The Six” is Taylor Jenkins Reid’s newest book that follows the lives of members in a fictional rock ‘n’ roll band and their relationships with music, fame and addiction.
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish recently released her highly anticipated debut album, “WHEN WE FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” The album contains 14 tracks, one of them being an introduction to the album.
“Free Spirit,” Khalid’s third album, was released on April 5 to the much anticipation of his fans. Known for songs such as “Better,” “Young Dumb & Broke” and “Talk,” Khalid’s discography is full of catchy songs and Billboard hits.
Claire Kovarik is a freshman with a physics and chemistry double major. She loves art and hopes to take art classes in the future, but due to the demands of her majors, she isn’t sure that she’ll have the time. But whether she’s in a class or not, she’s still creating -- for her, art isn’t s…
“Russian Doll” is one of Netflix’s newest TV shows and with only eight episodes at around 30 minutes each, the show has already proven itself to be binge-worthy with its well-written and well-rounded characters and intricate plot.
“Velvet Buzzsaw” is a movie, technically. What it’s about, I still don’t know. Full disclosure, I couldn’t even get through this convoluted absolute mess of a movie, as it’s still sitting on my Netflix account with around 20 minutes left. The supposed plot of the movie is that of an art crit…
Avril Lavigne recently released her sixth album “Head Above Water” after a gap of almost six years since her previous album.
Oh, Ariana. It was only six months ago when I was sitting down to write down the album review for “Sweetener” and I’m already back.
On Feb. 2, I spent the evening in Chicago at the Bottom Lounge watching some of my favorite bands perform, and it was truly a night to remember. Having seen both Dorothy and Spirit Animal before, I couldn’t wait to see how amazing those two bands were touring together. Given their individual…
Rock band American Authors released their new album “Seasons” on Feb. 1, even though a lot of the songs were leaked prior to the release date. The whole album is a mix of different sounds and music styles. It fluctuates between pop, rock and gospel genres.
Leanna Sanchez is a freshman meteorology and psychology double major at Valpo, and she’s been writing poetry since her freshman year of high school. She started off with free-verse where she developed her voice and style but eventually began to transition to other types.
Recently I had stumbled upon the limited Netflix series “A Series of Unfortunate Events” based off the book series by the anonymous Lemony Snicket. I had just finished a show and was looking for something new and decided to give it a try. Admittedly, I wasn't expecting much when I started th…
It’s no secret among fans that Bring Me the Horizon’s sixth studio album “amo” caused a lot of conversation well before its release date on Jan. 25. Now topping the U.K. charts at number one, “amo”is becoming incredibly successful for an album that many did not have high hopes for.
What is “gospel?” If you were to look this word up you would find that it means good news. Goods news for those who have been saved from sinful nature and will live a life of everlasting joy within Christ.
Sophomore Lexi Gault came into college with the intention of pursuing a double major in studio arts and astronomy but realized she couldn’t let go of math because she loves it so much. This has led her to pursue double majors in astronomy and mathematics with minors in studio art and French.…
Singer-songwriter Gnash released his newest album “We” on Jan. 11. While most known for his 2016 hit song featuring Olivia O’Brien “I Hate You, I Love You,” which is included on the album, the album consists of 13 songs in total.
“I’m living my second life, it’s amazing,” Future raps on “Never Stop,” the introductory track to his latest album “Future Hndrxx Presents: The Wizrd.” I have to hand it to Future -- he’s not wrong in the slightest.
M. Night Shyamalan is back. With an opening weekend of $19 million in the box office, “Glass” is a hit. “Glass” is the third film in Shyamalan’s trilogy centered around the characters from his two previous films -- “Unbreakable,” which was released in 2000 starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L.…
With the success of films such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the anticipation of “Rocket Man,” biopics seem to be the type of movie to make these days. With the critical praise the politically based “Vice” is receiving, it’s no surprise that “On the Basis of Sex” was released when it was. “On t…
This year marks the 45th Christ College Freshman Production, and this year’s freshman CC class did justice to the occasion with a hilarious, clever and fun performance.
“Here We Are Now” is a new young adult contemporary novel that, while touching and well done in some aspects, is overwhelmed by other less savory elements that crowd the rest of the story.
“Murder on the Orient Express” is one of the best movies released in 2017, and it’s the murder mystery film we all needed.
Discussing topics such as love, trauma and abuse, “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur has become an increasingly popular book over the last two years and has earned the title of a #1 New York Times Bestseller.
The old Taylor is dead, and we’re all invited to the funeral.
What does the Valparaiso University Theatre’s most recent play, “Rose and the Rime,” have in common with “Frozen” and the “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?” Winter just won’t stop.
“Thor: Ragnarok” is probably one of the better Marvel movies out there, with a plot that wasn’t created with a cookie cutter and a greater depth to character development and plot line than what has been seen in the past.
