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The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter

All content by Ryan Ranc
Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’ is a love letter to cinema

Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’ is a love letter to cinema

Ryan Ranc, Senior Film Columnist November 30, 2022

Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans” follows the life of Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), as he grows up to love the art of filmmaking. Loosely based on Spielberg’s own life, Sammy begins to question...

Disney's ‘Strange World’ feels strangely ordinary

Disney’s ‘Strange World’ feels strangely ordinary

Ryan Ranc, Senior Film Columnist November 30, 2022

“Strange World” follows the Clade family after entering an alternate world beneath their city on a mission to restore energy to their futuristic utopia. Yet, when familial scars show their teeth, the...

Nikyatu Jusu crafts beautiful, haunting film with “Nanny”

Nikyatu Jusu crafts beautiful, haunting film with “Nanny”

Ryan Ranc, Senior Film Columnist November 30, 2022

Writer and director Nikyatu Jusu, a Sierra Leonean-American filmmaker, tells the story of Aisha, an immigrant living in New York City, and her job as a nanny for an upper-class family. Aisha finds herself...

Q&A: Nikyatu Jusu speaks on cinematography, themes of debut feature: ‘Nanny’

Q&A: Nikyatu Jusu speaks on cinematography, themes of debut feature: ‘Nanny’

Ryan Ranc, Senior Film Columnist November 30, 2022

The Daily Texan sat down and discussed “Nanny” with Nikyatu Jusu, Sierra Leonean-American filmmaker known for writing and directing a wide variety of award-winning short films. Most recently, her directorial...

‘Hellraiser’ brings triumphant return with first female Pinhead

‘Hellraiser’ brings triumphant return with first female Pinhead

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Film Columnist November 18, 2022

After years of subpar sequels squandering “Hellraiser” fans' hopes, director David Bruckner’s entrance into the franchise for its 11th installment breathes new life into a slowly dying franchise.  Actress...

Red Carpet Highlights from Austin Film Festival

Shezan Samanani, Anita Shiva, Ryan Ranc, and Mimi Calzada November 14, 2022

Check out red carpet highlights from the 29th Annual Austin Film Festival. The Daily Texan asked writers, directors, producers and other crew members about their filmmaking experiences and what they hope...

What Makes Austin Film Festival Special

Shezan Samanani, Anita Shiva, Ryan Ranc, and Mimi Calzada November 8, 2022

The 29th Annual Austin Film Festival took place Oct. 27- Nov. 3. Attendees talk about what makes AFF different from other film festivals and share their experiences regarding the screenwriting conference. This...

Austin Film Festival returns to Austin for 29th run

Ryan Ranc, Aaron Boehmer, Sage Dunlap, and Mimi Calzada November 7, 2022

The Austin Film Festival returned last week with its 29th celebration. Filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts alike traveled across the globe to showcase and enjoy anything from feature-length dramas to comedic...

Behind the Scenes of House of Torment

Christina Dove, Ryan Ranc, and Cameron Coburn October 30, 2022

The Daily Texan visits House of Torment to see how it creates its horror. UT alumni discuss how they use their university degrees to help put on the show. This video was produced under Video Editor...

Unscripted Ep 08: The “Halloween” Franchise

In this episode of Unscripted, Ryan and Sage unpack the "Halloween" franchise, including "Halloween" (1978), "Halloween" (2018) and "Halloween Kills" (2021). Stay tuned for an upcoming episode about the...

Unscripted Ep 07: Blonde

This week, Sage and Ryan bring in special guests Reya Mosby, Life & Arts Editor, and Aaron Boehmer, Life & Arts Senior Reporter, and Aaron Boehmer, Life & Arts Senior Reporter, to discuss Netflix's...

‘Terrifier 2’: Excellent, excessive gorefest for all horror fans

‘Terrifier 2’: Excellent, excessive gorefest for all horror fans

Ryan Ranc, Senior film columnist October 3, 2022

Director Damien Leone splattered the screen with the presence of Art the Clown in his 2016 gore-tastic grindhouse horror film: “Terrifier.” Now, Leone and Art the Clown return for a sequel entitled:...

Netflix’s “Blonde” lacks direction, empathy

Netflix’s “Blonde” lacks direction, empathy

Ryan Ranc, Life&Arts Senior Film Columnist September 27, 2022

Content Warning: “Blonde” is rated NC-17 and showcases scenes of sexual assault. “Blonde,” based on a fictional book of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, explores the story of the late Marilyn...

Mia Goth shines bright in Ti West’s ‘X’ prequel: ‘Pearl’

Mia Goth shines bright in Ti West’s ‘X’ prequel: ‘Pearl’

Ryan Ranc, Senior Life & Arts Film Columnist September 15, 2022

“Pearl,” directed by Ti West, follows Pearl (Mia Goth) at her family’s farm during the era of the Spanish Flu and World War I. After her husband Howard (Alistair Sewell) departs to fight overseas,...

Unscripted Ep 04: Enemy

In honor of Sage’s birthday, Sage and Ryan dive into one of Sage’s favorite films, Denis Villeneuve’s “Enemy.” Discussions include: the controversial cuteness of spiders, romance within the horror...

Unscripted Ep 03: Bodies, Bodies, Bodies

Ryan Ranc, Sage Dunlap September 12, 2022

This week, Sage and Ryan break down the new comedy-horror film “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies.” Discussions include: Gen Z humor, complicated friendship dynamics and, of course, Pete Davidson.

Unscripted Ep 02: Suspiria (1977)

Ryan Ranc, Sage Dunlap, and Sylvia Asuncion-Crabb September 12, 2022

This week, Sage and Ryan dive into the colorful world of “Suspira,” Dario Argento’s 1977 horror classic. They discuss the film’s iconic cold open, Argento’s dynamic use of color, the 2018 remake...

Unscripted Ep 01: “Nope” Review

Sage and Ryan are joined by Rachael Hatchett, the Daily Texan's Director of Diversity & Inclusion, to discuss NOPE, the newest horror film from director Jordan Peele. They discuss major themes of the...

Unscripted Ep 00: The Media That Made Us

Sage Dunlap, Ryan Ranc, and Sylvia Asuncion-Crabb September 12, 2022

Welcome to Unscripted, a film podcast by The Daily Texan Audio + Life & Arts departments, hosted by Life & Arts associate editor Sage Dunlap and senior film columnist Ryan Ranc. In this episode,...

B.J. Novak Talks “Vengeance” with The Daily Texan

Ryan Ranc, Senior Film Columnist September 12, 2022

Senior film columnist Ryan Ranc sits down with B.J. Novak to talk "Vengeance," Novak's first feature film and directorial debut. "Vengeance" follows city boy Ben Manalowitz, played by Novak, as he heads...

Brea Grant Interview Video

Ryan Ranc, Senior Film Columnist September 12, 2022

The Daily Texan interviews "Torn Hearts" director Brea Grant.

Interview with Stephanie Martinez-Arndt from Pixar’s ‘Lightyear’

Ryan Ranc, Senior Film Columnist September 12, 2022

The Daily Texan spoke with UT Austin alum Stephanie Martinez-Arndt about her work on Pixar's "Lightyear."

Q&A with ‘Desperate Riders’ actor Drew Waters

Ryan Ranc, Senior Film Columnist September 12, 2022

The Daily Texan sits down with "True Detective" actor Drew Waters to discuss his affection toward Texas, advice for new actors and love of horses. "Desperate Riders," Waters' new film, came out to select...

Director Rebekah McKendry spills secrets and experience with Shudder-exclusive “Glorious”

Director Rebekah McKendry spills secrets and experience with Shudder-exclusive “Glorious”

Ryan Ranc, Life and Arts General Reporter August 31, 2022

The Daily Texan sat down with director and USC professor Rebekah McKendry to discuss the new Lovecraftian horror movie “Glorious” starring Ryan Kwanten and J.K. Simmons, exclusively on Shudder.  The...

‘Beast’: Unnecessary Yet Fun

‘Beast’: Unnecessary Yet Fun

Ryan Ranc, Life and Arts General Reporter August 24, 2022

“Beast” follows recently widowed Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Elba) as he takes his daughters Meredith (Iyana Halley) and Norah (Leah Jeffries) to Africa for a safari tour from his best friend Martin Battles...

‘Glorious’ features Lovecraftian being in bathroom halting the destruction of Earth

‘Glorious’ features Lovecraftian being in bathroom halting the destruction of Earth

Ryan Ranc, Senior Life & Arts Film Columnist August 22, 2022

Rebekah McKendry’s “Glorious” follows Wes (Ryan Kwanten) as he visits a rest stop after a break up and ends up in a public restroom with a Lovecraftian being named Ghat (J.K. Simmons) who claims...

‘What Josiah Saw’ showcases effects of trauma in gut-wrenching gothic horror film

‘What Josiah Saw’ showcases effects of trauma in gut-wrenching gothic horror film

Ryan Ranc, Life and Arts Reporter August 11, 2022

TW: Some scenes discussing sexual assault and incest may be disturbing for some audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.    Vincent Grashaw’s “What Josiah Saw,” released for streaming...

‘Prey’ stalks its way onto Hulu, revitalizing ‘Predator’ franchise

‘Prey’ stalks its way onto Hulu, revitalizing ‘Predator’ franchise

Ryan Ranc, Life and Arts Reporter August 11, 2022

Dan Trachtenberg’s “Prey,” released Aug. 5, sees the return of the Predator — this time in a prequel set 300 years ago in the Comanche Nation. Naru (Amber Midthunder), a female warrior, finds herself...

‘Luck’ tugs at audience heartstrings but suffers from convoluted plot

‘Luck’ tugs at audience heartstrings but suffers from convoluted plot

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter August 7, 2022

Apple TV+’s new animated children’s movie “Luck” follows Sam (Eva Noblezada) after finding a lucky penny on the ground leads her to befriend a talking black cat named Bob (Simon Pegg). While following...

‘DC League of Super-Pets’ satiates DC hunger despite average structure

‘DC League of Super-Pets’ satiates DC hunger despite average structure

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter August 1, 2022

“DC League of Super-Pets,” released July 29, follows Krypto the Super-Dog (Dwayne Johnson) after Superman (John Krasinski) is kidnapped by an evil guinea pig named Lulu (Kate McKinnon). While the...

‘Vengeance’ tackles modern relationships, technology in this dark comedy

‘Vengeance’ tackles modern relationships, technology in this dark comedy

Ryan Ranc, Life and Arts Reporter July 28, 2022

“Vengeance,” a dark comedy written and directed by BJ Novak, follows New York journalist Ben Manalowitz (Novak) after receiving the information that a girl he previously hooked up with was murdered....

‘The Gray Man’ is uninspired, yet beautiful

‘The Gray Man’ is uninspired, yet beautiful

Ryan Ranc, Life and Arts Reporter July 28, 2022

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo of “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” Netflix’s “The Gray Man,” starring Ryan Gosling (Six), Chris Evans (Lloyd Hansen) and Ana de Armas (Dani...

‘Stranger Things 4 Volume 2’  exceeds expectations, solidifies ‘Stranger Things’ as a series to remember

‘Stranger Things 4 Volume 2’ exceeds expectations, solidifies ‘Stranger Things’ as a series to remember

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter July 2, 2022

This article is spoiler-free. “Stranger Things” season four volume two is the culmination of years of rich sci-fi storytelling, heartfelt character arcs and extensive worldbuilding, all setting...

Who will die? - The Texan predicts Stranger Things 4 Volume 2

Who will die? – The Texan predicts Stranger Things 4 Volume 2

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 30, 2022

Major spoilers ahead! Ahead of the release of “Stranger Things” season four volume two, The Duffer Brothers issued a bleak warning to fans: there will be a sizable death count. This hair-raising...

‘A New Old Play’ tugs at heartstrings and engages with what it means to be human

‘A New Old Play’ tugs at heartstrings and engages with what it means to be human

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 29, 2022

Qiu Jiongjiong’s “A New Old Play” follows Qiu Fu (Yi Sicheng), a well known Chinese operatic actor, as he is picked up by a traveling show duo and taken to the Underworld, reliving his life one last...

UT-Austin alum dives into cinematography of The Upside Down

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 29, 2022

The Daily Texan sat down with UT alum Ricardo Diaz to discuss his work on “Stranger Things” volume one as the tandem director of photography, shooting simultaneously with the main unit to help with...

(from left) Gru (Steve Carell, back to camera), and Minions Bob, Kevin and Stuart in Illumination's “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” directed by Kyle Balda.

New ‘Minions’ movie will make audiences laugh with minion mayhem

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 28, 2022

“Minions: The Rise of Gru,” a prequel to “Despicable Me,” takes place in the 1970s and not only establishes Gru’s desire to grow up and be a villain, but also how the minions clumsily waltzed...

‘The Black Phone’ Terrifies with Creepy Villain

‘The Black Phone’ Terrifies with Creepy Villain

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 23, 2022

Scott Derrickson’s “The Black Phone,” follows a town struggling with a string of child abductions done at the hands of the Grabber (Ethan Hawke). A young boy named Finney (Mason Thames) gets nabbed...

UT-Austin alum lands among stars with her work in ‘Lightyear’

UT-Austin alum lands among stars with her work in ‘Lightyear’

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 16, 2022

In 2021, Stephanie Martinez-Arndt was hired by Pixar after graduating from UT in 2017. The highly anticipated movie “Lightyear,” which releases June 17, is the alumna’s first ever film credit, and...

Austin Butler shines as he brings The King of Rock ’n’ Roll to big screen in ‘Elvis’

Austin Butler shines as he brings The King of Rock ’n’ Roll to big screen in ‘Elvis’

Ryan Ranc, Life and Arts Reporter June 15, 2022

“Elvis” follows rock ’n’ roll superstar Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) as he rises to stardom. The film showcases how the star is financially taken advantage of throughout his entire career by his...

‘Lightyear’: To mediocrity and beyond

‘Lightyear’: To mediocrity and beyond

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 14, 2022

“Lightyear,” set to release June 17, situates itself as the movie that made Andy want to buy a Buzz Lightyear toy. The film takes audiences through the life of Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger whose...

‘Ms. Marvel’ takes on new style compared to its predecessors

‘Ms. Marvel’ takes on new style compared to its predecessors

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 9, 2022

High schooler Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) is a big fan of the Avengers, more specifically Captain Marvel. When her parents don’t allow her to go to AvengerCon, a convention celebrating Earth’s mightiest...

Brea Grant Interview, Courtesy of Shudderw2

Director Brea Grant Addresses the Theme Found Within Torn Hearts Long: Director Brea Grant details the making of her film Torn Hearts, gives advice to those looking to follow her path

Ryan Ranc, Life and Arts General Reporter June 9, 2022

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the June 7, 2022 flipbook. The Daily Texan recently spoke with the fantastic and profound Brea Grant, who graduated from UT with an American Studies degree...

‘Jurassic World Dominion’ marks extinction for beloved franchise

‘Jurassic World Dominion’ marks extinction for beloved franchise

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 8, 2022

Dinosaurs roam the earth, free to eat both plants and people in “Jurassic World Dominion,” exclusively in theaters June 10. Many original cast members of “Jurassic Park” return, including Alan...

‘Crimes of the Future’ marks return of Cronenberg’s body horror brilliance

‘Crimes of the Future’ marks return of Cronenberg’s body horror brilliance

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 5, 2022

From the mind of David Cronenberg, body horror thriller “Crimes of the Future” mainly focuses on central characters Saul (Viggo Mortensen) and Caprice (Léa Seydoux) in an alternate reality where civilization...

‘After Blue’ presents world of psychedelic visuals, imaginative plot

‘After Blue’ presents world of psychedelic visuals, imaginative plot

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 3, 2022

The queer sci-fi fantasy romance movie “After Blue” opened in theatres June 3. From the imaginative mind of Bertrand Mandico, the film follows a lonely girl named Roxy (Paula Luna) and her mother Zora...

‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ stuns prequel fans with respect to ‘Star Wars’ source material

‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ stuns prequel fans with respect to ‘Star Wars’ source material

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter June 3, 2022

“Obi-Wan Kenobi,” released May 27, follows Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi’s turn toward isolation and nihilism in the aftermath of Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side. While not yet a complete...

Director Brea Grant addresses theme found within ‘Torn Hearts’

[Video] Director Brea Grant addresses theme found within ‘Torn Hearts’

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter May 30, 2022

The Daily Texan recently got to talk with the fantastic and profound Brea Grant, who graduated from UT with a degree in American studies before pursuing a career in acting. In 2020, she wrote and directed...

Gaspar Noé’s ‘Lux Æterna’ addresses exploitation and inequality in filmmaking industry

Gaspar Noé’s ‘Lux Æterna’ addresses exploitation and inequality in filmmaking industry

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter May 21, 2022

This article contains spoilers for Gaspar Noé’s “Lux Æterna.” Gaspar Noé’s experimental movie “Lux Æterna” depicts an unruly film set and addresses the darker sides of filmmaking, such...

‘Torn Hearts’ tears into country music space with director Brea Grant at helm

‘Torn Hearts’ tears into country music space with director Brea Grant at helm

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter May 21, 2022

This article contains spoilers for Torn Hearts. Brea Grant returns to maintain her title among the modern masters of horror with her newest movie “Torn Hearts.” The film follows country music duo...

‘Choose or Die’ is Netflix’s digital dive into the world of technological horror

‘Choose or Die’ is Netflix’s digital dive into the world of technological horror

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter May 5, 2022

This article contains spoilers for Netflix’s “Choose or Die.” Netflix horror, such as “Bird Box” or “The Babysitter,” often gets talked about for weeks after releasing. However, “Choose...

‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’: love letter to Nicolas Cage … starring Nicolas Cage

‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’: love letter to Nicolas Cage … starring Nicolas Cage

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter April 21, 2022

This article contains spoilers for “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.” “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” set to release in theaters April 22, follows Nicolas Cage (Nicolas Cage)...

‘Father Stu’ does injustice to real hero

‘Father Stu’ does injustice to real hero

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter April 13, 2022

This article contains spoilers for “Father Stu.” Mark Wahlberg’s recent passion project chronicles the life of real-life figure Father Stuart “Stu” Long: a man who survived a motorcycle crash,...

Marvel’s ‘Moon Knight’ ventures to darker side of MCU

Marvel’s ‘Moon Knight’ ventures to darker side of MCU

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter April 4, 2022

This article contains spoilers for “Moon Knight.” “Moon Knight” follows Marc Spector (Oscar Isaac), an Egyption history enthusiast, as he lives through some of the lowest points in his life....

'Morbius:' So bat it’s good

‘Morbius:’ So bat it’s good

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter March 31, 2022

This article contains spoilers for Morbius. “Morbius,” set to release April 1 after two years of delays, follows Spider-Man villain Dr. Morbius (Jared Leto) as he discovers a cure for a disease...

Halo’s mediocre premiere leaves the show infinitely reaching for success

Halo’s mediocre premiere leaves the show infinitely reaching for success

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts General Reporter March 29, 2022
Fans and non-fans alike will find enjoyment in Halo, but won’t walk away claiming it as the best show ever made. 
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ tackles multiverse in mind-bending, heartfelt masterpiece

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ tackles multiverse in mind-bending, heartfelt masterpiece

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter March 27, 2022

This article contains spoilers for Everything Everywhere All at Once. No one can do everything and be everywhere all at once, and “Everything Everywhere All at Once” proves just that. Hollywood’s...

Interview with Drew Waters about his experience acting in new Western movie ‘The Desperate Riders'

Interview with Drew Waters about his experience acting in new Western movie ‘The Desperate Riders’

Ryan Ranc, Life and Arts general reporter February 25, 2022

The Daily Texan interviewed Drew Waters, who plays the main protagonist, Kansas Red, in the upcoming Western flick “The Desperate Riders.” The film is coming to select theaters, digital and on demand...

The Foo Fighters take on supernatural in rockin’ horror comedy ‘Studio 666’

The Foo Fighters take on supernatural in rockin’ horror comedy ‘Studio 666’

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter February 24, 2022
"Studio 666” makes it clear that it takes inspiration from “The Evil Dead” movies, even including a reference to a blood-filled light bulb.
‘Uncharted’ ventures into the box office, but will it find its treasure?

‘Uncharted’ ventures into the box office, but will it find its treasure?

Ryan Ranc, Life and Arts reporter February 18, 2022

This article contains spoilers for “Uncharted.” Movies based on video games tend to do fans a disservice by ignoring their source material. “Uncharted” is no exception. The “Uncharted” video...

‘Peacemaker’ thrills with explosive visuals, raunchy comedy from James Gunn

‘Peacemaker’ thrills with explosive visuals, raunchy comedy from James Gunn

Ryan Ranc, Life & Arts Reporter February 9, 2022
The excellent mind of James Gunn returns once again with television show "Peacemaker."
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