Culture El Gato • Friday, September 20, 2019 • www.elgatonews.com 13 Tinsley raves about recently released Horror films by Morgan Tinsley answering his phone. Soon she finds her dad; however, at the same haunting illustrations by Stephen Gammell. I probably read each Scary Editor-in-Chief time we meet the first of many gators who attack the protagonist. Stories book by Schwartz six times. So when the 2019 movie Scary Over the summer, I enjoyed seeing many popular flicks including After the first gator attack, there aren’t many moments of calm in Stories to Tell in the Dark, based on Schwartz’s books, hit theaters, I Good Boys, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and The Lion King, as well as the rest of movie. I was on the edge of my seat as protagonist Haley rushed to buy my ticket. multiple films from my favorite genre: horror. Two horror films stood narrowly avoided her death on countless occasions. Though the gators I was a little wary of the movie to begin with, as I loved the books out this summer – Crawl and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. are clearly CGI, and there are a few scenes in the movie that as a child and didn’t want them to be ruined for me. Scary Crawl had an uphill battle to fight as it hit the box office; there had me thinking “okay, yeah, she definitely would’ve died Stories did not disappoint me, however. The film adds some was almost no promotion for the movie whatsoever. Also, the average there,” I never felt like I was taken out of the movie. original plot in addition to Schwartz’s stories, and only chose movie fan, including the friend whom I dragged with me to watch There was so much tension, so many great scares and a few of his stories to include in the film when it needs to the movie, found it hard to view Crawl as a potentially good horror even a few funny attack scenes with minor characters. kill off characters. However, the creatures that the movie movie – not the equivalent of Jaws 3 Crawl is the alligator horror movie that I’ve been wait- does include (which look incredible, both in practical effects in reptile form – based on the trailers. ing for. It’s a horror movie that knows exactly what and CGI) greatly resemble their original drawings, and it’s In reality, Crawl was an extremely it is – an entertaining, 90-minute nice to see a recreation on screen that aligns with the original well-produced movie with great perfor- flick that doesn’t pretend to character on paper. The movie’s ending indicates a possible mances from Kaya Scodelario and Barry be deeper than it actually is, sequel as well, which I will be happy to see if/when it comes out. Pepper. The movie centers around a group of giant while still serving up solid E. Morley Both Crawl and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark are worth alligators who inhabit the protagonist’s crawl space storyline in addition to the scares. watching for horror movie fanatics. Scary Stories is closer to the during a hurricane in Florida. The storm in the movie is After seeing Crawl, I wanted to average horror movie prototype, while Crawl is more for the thrilling, convincing and provides for a gloomy, mysterious atmo- see Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark real-life-monster flick lovers like myself. Whether you view every sphere. The protagonist, a competitive swimmer, willingly next. I grew up reading Alvin Schwartz’s horror movie that hits the box office or are new to horror, both films ventures into the hurricane in search of her father, who has not been C. Wagner scary story anthologies which had those are definitely worth the watch. Wei reviews new Netflix Originals Ryu details Shapiro’s passion by Wilma Wei as they grow closer. Otherhood is a warmhearted, by Sasha Ryu the most memorable are the ones Humor Editor funny, and witty film that is certainly worth your Sports Editor that tell me how I’ve made a As stress levels increase with the amount of time to watch, so be sure to check it out. At only 18 years old, Steven Shapiro is one of difference to their anxiety or homework we get as we enter another school year, Lastly, thriller and drama Secret Obsession the few people his age who can truthfully say his personal problems to their life,” students will need to unwind with more follows the story of Jenni- Instagram following is larger than that of most he commented. “I struggle with a Netflix content. In the fer Williams, portrayed small countries. In the past two years since the lot of [the same things] and I know past few months, by actress Brenda Florida-based musician first started uploading that music is a huge escape for me, Netflix released a Song, who wakes up his original guitar compositions and covers to so when I hear that I’m that kind of variety of films: from a serious car his account, @chaoscanine, he’s already accu- escape for someone else, it makes me Falling Inn Love, crash with short- mulated nearly 300k followers. extremely happy.” Otherhood, and term memory loss. While it’s true that Shapiro runs one of A deeply compassionate and thought- Secret Obsession. During her recov- the fastest-growing music accounts on social ful individual, Shapiro strives to use his Falling Inn ery, her husband media, it wouldn’t be right to reduce him platform as a way to provide others with Love is a feel- cares for her, to just another ‘internet sensation.’ comfort. Not only does he take the time good romantic but after living Although Shapiro’s videos are admit- to reach out to his supporters individu- comedy for teens with him in tedly sensational in nature, ally, he also makes it a point to be and adults alike, tell- the house for racking up hundreds upon genuine and vulnerable — unlike ing the story of Gabriela a few days, it thousands of views in days, so many others in his position who Diaz, played by Christina Milian, is apparent that sometimes hours, his choose to present a perfect per- attempting to restore a New Zealand inn her husband is not who success is the furthest sona of themselves online. Shapiro with the help of contractor Jake Taylor, por- he claims to be. The film does thing from luck or explained: “I try to give glimpses into trayed by actor Adam Demos. Despite the classic a nice job of creating suspense, but the plot coincidence — and my personal life because I know that cliches that happen in this movie, the relation- twist at the end is easily predictable and cliche. it certainly didn’t through all the pain I’ve been through, ship that develops between the two characters Secret Obsession does lack some originality, and happen overnight. someone can relate to that... It’s awful is surprisingly genuine and the acting is incredibly Over the years, to be alone and to know you’re not is realistic. The acting is touch- cheesy. This movie is not Shapiro has per- something really powerful.” ing and emotional, and the great for people who are fected a creative Shapiro embodies some of the most actors deliver excellent per- attentive to details or for and unique video style admirable traits a person can possess: formances. Overall, Falling those expecting a seri- that’s become immedi- C. Wagner creativity, passion, persistence, empathy, Inn Love is a great movie ous movie, but despite ately recognizable as his own. and unbelievable talent. The success he’s had to watch anytime, whether a few gaping plot holes, Traveling to a picturesque location, then secur- is incredibly well-deserved, and the widespread it’s on a chill Sunday night, Secret Obsession is still ing a camera on the inside of his guitar, Shapiro positive impact he’s created with his content only or with your best friends mildly entertaining if films his fingers plucking across the strings further speaks to the quality of his char- on a Friday. you’re looking for a with breathtaking sunsets and lakes in the acter. If you haven’t heard of him Similar to Falling Inn cheesy thriller. background. The pleasing visuals paired with until now — trust me, you’ve Love, Otherhood is a Moth- As the season shifts the soothing melodies often inspire a visceral, been missing out. er’s Day themed movie about from summer to fall, Net- cathartic feeling among Shapiro’s audience. graphics E. Morley three mothers attempting to flix viewers should antici- Every time the artist posts a new video, reconnect with their adult pate season one of The Pol- hundreds of comments flood in, saying sons. Otherhood realistically itician starring Ben Platt, the videos have helped them on a deeply portrays the relationship and much more. Overall, emotional level. E. Morley between mothers and sons as Netflix’s Secret Obsession, These reactions, according to Shapiro, they become distant over time, but the movie does Falling Inn Love, and Otherhood are thoroughly are some of the biggest reasons he enjoys a good job showing a gradual relationship between entertaining and perfect for watching with friends sharing his music with other people. the mothers and their sons that doesn’t seem forced and family. “The ‘fan’ interactions that I consider El Gato Recommends: tv shows and music Bleachers: Born in New Jersey, Jack Antonoff, From chronicling his ruthless battles So Much Fun: Just as school started, rapper Young also known as Bleachers, his stage name, is an against transparency in cam- Thug decided to bless the world with his highly antici- indie-pop singer-songwriter known for his 2014 paign funding to exploring pated album “So Much Fun,” giving us new music to blast album Strange Desire, drawing fans from all over his deep ties with the smoking at parties, jam along to in the car with your friends, or to the globe.