Opinion - The Daily Lobo

Opinion

Review: The Iron Claw might be the feel-bad movie of the year, but it’s worth the heartache

Sadie Hopkins | January 8

In a cinematic climate that celebrates biopics as the few films that can reach commercial success, it is refreshing to see a biopic produced with passion and good intentions toward the subjects in question. u201cThe Iron Clawu201d follows the Von Erich family u2013 a clan of wrestlers rumored to have been u201ccursed,u201d due to their history of tragic happenings. As a long-time wrestling fan, I couldnu2019t have been more thrilled to hear that A24 planned to produce this film, and it was worth the wait.

Opinion

Review: O’Keeffe and Moore create a cohesive exhibit

Sadie Hopkins | December 8

Starting in September, The Albuquerque Art Museum has highlighted artists Georgia O’Keeffe and Henry Moore. Although these artists did not work together, the similarities in their work create a cohesive and visually fascinating experience that locals and visitors alike will enjoy. The museum – in addition to their permanently housed works – frequently builds temporary exhibits to highlight artists, eras or movements in fine art. The rotating exhibits create a refreshing and unique experience for every visit, especially those that offer guests something other than the permanent fine art installations.

Culture

Letter: A tribute to Natalie Jude’s kindness and capacity for love

Zara Roy | December 4

Monday, Dec. 4 would have been the 21st birthday of former Daily Lobo editor Natalie Jude. The loss of Natalie on March 26, 2023 was a devastating blow to all that knew her kind soul and radiating goodness – leaving an ever-filling well of sadness for the many people whose lives she touched. I am honored to have met her and to have been able to call her a friend for the time I was able to. I first met Natalie when we started at the paper at the same time in the fall semester of 2021. We became good friends that spring and lived together in bleak campus housing for part of that summer. She was a beautiful soul with bright, expressive eyes and a magnetic personality. She was a truly good person, capable of kindness even in circumstances which would challenge the patience and goodness of a saint.

Opinion

Opinion: Tingley Beach: Sightseeing walk of ABQ

Kat Gomez | November 27

Looking for a place for a peaceful walk here in Albuquerque? Look just south of Central Avenue where Tingley Beach resides. Tingley Beach is a recreational area of land in ABQ, home to national beauties – from parks to picnic at, trails to walk on and ponds for fishing and boating. The park covers miles of land stretching alongside the forest. There are two trails – one for hikers and walkers and the other for mainly bicyclists. You can find yourself on the forest’s path if you want the extra miles.

Opinion

Opinion: A state away: a photographer's view of the nature and wildlife of Colorado

Mackenzie Schwartz | November 27

Colorado is a beautiful place to view the Rocky Mountains and wildlife. Being able to capture the little details in Colorado is gorgeous, from the beautiful birds that stand on the rocks to the ladybugs that crawl on the plants. Going on a walk at different parks around Colorado is an adventure each time.

Opinion

Review: 'The Marvels' was indeed a marvel

Elizabeth Secor | November 20

I will admit I did not originally want to see “The Marvels.” I have been feeling a bit of Marvel Cinematic Universe burnout with the sheer number of productions. However, some free time sent me on my merry way to see the film, and I highly recommend it. “The Marvels” might be one of my favorite releases this year, ranking leagues above “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania.” The movie felt like it had the humor and emotion that has been missing from recent films and it carved a path for the young Avengers in the future.

Opinion

Opinion: UNM’S MidWeek Movie showing: Barbie (2023)

Kat Gomez | November 15

The University of New Mexico had yet another movie showing with a successful turnout. People dressed in pink were greeting one another with “Hi Barbie!” as they sat down for UNM’s Midweek Movie showing of “Barbie” (2023). This movie was the second to last movie for the semester. Directed by Greta Gerwig, “Barbie” (2023) is already considered a classic to viewers and has become a staple for positive representation for women in the modern world.

Opinion

Opinion: The Guild has plenty to offer

Sadie Hopkins | November 13

In recent years, New Mexico has become a hotspot for filmmaking. More than ever before, opportunities for filming locations and industry programs have opened up and drawn in filmmakers – locally and globally. As the University of New Mexico’s film department continues to grow, students should be aware of the incredible opportunities at their disposal to expand their knowledge of film. The Guild Theater in Albuquerque has been operating for nearly 60 years and they continue to provide a space for auteurs to premiere their work as well as conduct special screenings. There is no specific film the Guild screens, but their unpredictable nature keeps their productions fresh and exciting.

Opinion

Opinion: Día de los Muertos and its impact on UNM students

Kat Gomez | November 6

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday that predates as far back as the Aztec era. It is an important holiday for the Mexican population since it celebrates both life and death. The holiday is often celebrated for two days – Nov. 1 - 2 – though it can vary, and celebrations may occur anywhere from Oct. 31 - Nov. 6. El Centro de La Raza’s revolved around the traditions of Día de los Muertos throughout the week.

Opinion

Review: “1989 (TV),” I've been waiting for you

Elizabeth Secor | November 6

Since the “1989 (TV)” announcement in August, Taylor Swift fans have eagerly awaited her fourth re-recorded album. With only two more to go, excitement builds with every re-release. I was excited to kick off Halloweekend with old bangers like "Style" and "New Romantics," and my Spotify was set up right at release time. One of my favorite things about being in New Mexico is that Taylor releases her albums at 12 a.m. Eastern Time, which is 10 p.m. here. As the sweet and upbeat tunes of “Welcome to New York” filled my room, I knew that Taylor Swift had slayed yet another re-release.

Opinion

Letter: A Chicano's Journey in ASUNM: Navigating DEI at an HSI

Julián Ángel | November 6

My involvement with the Associated Students of The University of New Mexico (ASUNM) began with an Emerging Lobo Leaders application, which was rejected. As a first-generation college student from rural New Mexico, this revealed the need for better cultural understanding within ASUNM. My first year at La Universidad de Nuevo México (UNM) marked a profound cultural awakening through the Chicana and Chicano Studies Department. Chicanismo means bridging past, present and future while embracing our heritage and navigating Anglo-centric spaces.

Opinion

Opinion: “Bones and All” is disturbingly decadent

Detroit Kallunki | November 6

Luca Guadagnino’s 2022 film “Bones and All” forges itself a new genre: cannibal romance road trip odyssey. With heavily romantic cinematography, intimate direction and disgustingly real body horror, “Bones and All” is a stomach-churning visual narrative you cannot tear yourself away from. All at once, it manages to be about love, identity and belonging. Oh, and also cannibals. A word to the wise: do not attempt to eat snacks during this movie. The body horror is grotesque and intense, and in case this needs to be said, this movie is graphic.

Opinion

OPINION: 2023 men’s basketball conference predictions

Francesca Cicconetti | October 30

Last season, the Lobos were 8-10 in conference play and 22-12 overall. In the Mountain West Preseason Poll, the Lobos were selected to finish third this season. Under Head Coach Richard Pitino and assistant coaches, the University of New Mexico looks promising for the upcoming season.

Opinion

REVIEW: Shinedown brings a flying piano to Isleta Amphitheater

BillyJack Davidson | October 30

Isleta Amphitheater’s season came to a close on the evening of Oct. 18 with an incredibly rockin’ show. Shinedown was the forerunner for “The Revolutions Live Tour,” bringing with them Spiritbox and Papa Roach. All of them cranked their amps up to 11. Each band put on an exceptional performance alongside the music — with an array of psychedelic backdrops, interactive lighting and pyrotechnics that made the ground jump.

Opinion

OPINION: Albuquerque's Haunted Attractions

Sadie Hopkins | October 30

Every city has their extensive lore, whether it be exclusive to long-time residents or made available to the world through legend. New Mexico is recognized as an especially haunted state, according to the Travel Channel. It is home to many ghost towns that have gained popularity with paranormal investigators nationwide, but Albuquerque also has a fascinating history of paranormal curiosities for residents and visitors to discover. There are two locations in Albuquerque’s Historic Old Town that are rumored – or in some cases, adamantly believed – to be haunted.

Opinion

REVIEW: “SAW X” – a mind-bending journey

Mel Treat | October 18

This entry to the controversial “Saw” series, ironically, breathes new life into the franchise. The movie follows the notorious serial killer, John “Jigsaw ‘’ Kramer (Tobin Bell), to Mexico for a new cancer treatment. The film has a perfect combination of fanfare and casual viewer content. It keeps the most fun aspects of the series: the wild editing, the quick cuts and gut wrenching sounds that combine for a visceral reaction that puts you in the shoes of Jigsaw’s victims.

Opinion

REVIEW: “Men” is a surreal, bizarre deep dive into trauma

Detroit Kallunki | October 18

From the first minutes of “Men,” the atmosphere is deeply unsettling despite the audience not knowing exactly what is wrong – putting the viewer in the shoes of the recently widowed Harper (Jessie Buckley). In “Men” (2022), directed by Alex Garland, Harper visits an isolated village to spend some time alone healing after the death of her husband. Through a series of flashbacks to the night he died, the audience discovers that he became increasingly abusive which culminated in his own accidental death. As Harper copes with surviving domestic violence and witnessing the death of her husband, she meets a series of uncannily similar men, all played by Rory Kinnear.

Opinion

REVIEW: “Psycho” was the best thing to happen to horror

Lily Alexander | October 18

The greatest horror film plot twist of all time took place in 1960 with the spin of a chair. “Psycho,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is irrefutably a classic. It follows secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) who is caught in a thunderstorm while on the run with stolen cash. Exhausted, she stops at Bates Motel for the night, which proves to be a fatal mistake. The performances are electric. Leigh’s growing anxiety as the plot unfolds is palpable through the screen 63 years later.

Opinion

REVIEW: October starts off with Wilco

BillyJack Davidson | October 18

October is arguably Albuquerque's biggest month of the year, thanks to Balloon Fiesta. There was no better way to kick it off than to see a rock ‘n’ roll show. On the night of October 1, Wilco – an alternative rock band – performed at the Kiva Auditorium to a sold out crowd of enthusiastic fans. The Kiva Auditorium is located in the Albuquerque Convention Center. It offers a calm and relaxing venue with comfortable seating and a wide stage for all to see, but fans found no time to sit during their performance; everyone couldn’t help but stand and dance. The audience was full of a wide range of ages from folks who have known Wilco their whole life to parents bringing their kids to see the show for the first time.

Opinion

OPINION: Upcoming women’s basketball season preview

Rodney Prunty | October 16

Last season, the Lobo women’s basketball team finished with a record of 21-13. In Mike Bradbury’s seventh season as Head Coach, it was a slight drop off compared to the 2021-2022 season. Despite that, Bradbury was offered a five-year $275,000 contract extension this past May, keeping him in charge through 2028. Last year, the Lobo’s production was unbelievable, scoring 75.7 points per game – the second most in the conference. Along with that, they were efficient — scoring a top thee field goal, three point and free throw percentage in the conference. A majority of last season’s offense came from University of New Mexico’s four senior starters — Amaya Brown, LaTascya Duff, LaTora Duff and Shaiquel McGruder. Together they combined for 46.5 points per game and were key players in all components of the Lobo’s system.