The Static Channel

I recently fell down a rabbit hole of old childhood movies that I grew up with. From Mary Poppins to Brother Bear, these movies shaped who I am as an adult. There’s, however, one movie that stands out to me for multiple reasons. The film that I’m talking about is the 2003 adaptation of Peter Pan.

If you know the story of Peter Pan, it’s one of my favorites. It’s about childhood innocence and the fantasy of never growing up and staying young forever. This film was the second live adaptation of the story since 1961. The film stars Jermey Sumpter as Peter, Rachel Hurd Wood as Wendy, and the talented Jason Issac as the mean Captain Hook. I first stumbled upon this film when I was 8 years old at an after-school latchkey program. Our chaperone put in the old VHS copy of this tape, and I was taken to another planet. As a child, I was much of an outsider. I related to the story a lot on how I can leave in the middle of the night and go away to a magical island where I can not think about rules and just have fun for the rest of my life. After I saw this film, all I can say is that it changed me as a human being. I always believed that I could open my window at night and one day, this magical being would take me away where I could escape the harsh realities of the world.

There are a lot of things that can change a human being. A miracle surgery, a lifelong partner, a catchy song that gets stuck in your head, maybe the words of our lord. But this film made me change a lot. A good example of this would be that this film was one of the reasons why I wanted to be an actor. I was always a “dramatic” kid growing up, making big scenes over the little things. I saw this movie, and it opened my mind to imagination and made me create characters that I have in my head. The actors of both Peter Pan and Captain Hook were amazing in their roles and portrayed to me that a character can be made bigger than before. A personal story that I reference this film as being an inspiration would be when I was in the 6th grade and played a very small role in our school production of “The Wizard of Oz”. I played two small roles in the show, Polisher #3 and Winkie soldier #4. Even though I had a small role, I made sure that I stood out from the other actors and was the best one there, and sometimes, outshone them.

The film opens with the quote “All children grew up…except for one”. This quote was one of my favorites, and it means a lot to me. Growing up in a rural country town with people who had broken homes and little money to come their way, you want in a way to escape to a magical island and never have to grow up, as I mentioned before. I have come across friends who have these broken homes or live in an environment that is surrounded by either financial struggles or substance abuse. I could witness and see in my own eyes the very moment that childhood innocence has left the human body, and they go down this dark path that isn’t that sunny. I am very fortunate that I never had to go through what my friends had to go through. With the idea of Peter Pan and never growing up, sometimes it really makes you think that if there’s really a place out there. Who knows, not me.

Another way this movie changed me is the way I view certain cinematography and special effects that the movie has. This film came out in 2003, and filming would have taken place in 2002. During this time, we just started to using computer generated special effects rather than hand-made ones. In the 1961 version, the “special effects” were made by two guys in a woodshop, using harozirus items to make an explosion that would either wound or kill someone. It’s very obvious in this movie that they either used a computer-generated background or just a simple green screen to get a shot. Whatever it was, I was completely sold to the illusion that this film provided. The cinematography in this film is beyond phenomenal. I’m a current film student at college, and during my time of studies, we are selected to choose a film that has great cinematography, and somehow, I always come back to this one as an example. A couple of examples would be when Peter is at the windowsill trying to convince Wendy to come with him to Neverland. There a close ups to their faces and emotions. Another would be the color grading. The film, when it’s a bright and happy moment, It’s light up well and shows vibrant colors, for example, the final fight scene or arriving at Neverland rather than the sword-fighting scene in the cave or the fight scene where Peter gets knocked down by Captain Hook. The colors are darker and granier showing distress in the moment.

December 14th started like any other day. It was a Sunday, so nothing major was happening. I was lying in bed when I got the notification: “Rob Reiner Found Dead at 78.” My heart sank. This couldn’t be happening. Maybe it was a misprint, but no, it was official. His agent reported that he and his wife, Michelle, had been found dead in their home in what was described as a homicide. I had no words. If I had any, it would simply be: shit.

I was first introduced to Rob Reiner’s work through his 1986 film Stand by Me. My cousin showed it to me, and it opened my eyes to the world of film. Before that, I mostly watched whatever my mom picked out for my sister and me, or random videos on YouTube. This was the movie that shaped me as a person. If you haven’t seen Stand by Me, it’s about a group of boys on the edge of adulthood. I relate to it deeply because I think every teenage boy, before entering high school or adulthood, wants that one last summer adventure before everything changes forever. Rob captured that feeling perfectly. He really had a gift.

Later, I explored more of his work. From When Harry Met Sally to This Is Spinal Tap, Rob Reiner built an incredible catalog of films. In my eyes, he was one of the greats. Alongside Stand by Me, The Princess Bride became a household favorite for Friday movie nights. Rob played a big part in my home life, whether it was quoting scenes from his movies or listening to their soundtracks, especially When Harry Met Sally, with music by Harry Connick Jr.

Before my grandma passed, she told me that When Harry Met Sally was one of her favorite films. She didn’t have many favorites, but that one was her number one. That memory has always stuck with me.

As the day went on, tributes began pouring in from actors, producers, and directors who knew him. I found myself wanting to understand what had happened and who could have done such a thing. Reports eventually suggested that his own son, Nick Reiner, had allegedly killed his parents and fled. A manhunt followed, and he was later found and arrested. The news made me sick to my stomach. I still struggle to understand how something like that could happen.

At the 2026 Oscars, there was a tribute that only reinforced how much Rob meant to the film world. Actors from across his career came together on stage, Faces from Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, and When Harry Met Sally, sharing stories, laughter, and grief. Clips from his films played to a silent, emotional audience, and by the end, the entire room was on its feet. It wasn’t just a tribute; it felt like a thank-you from an entire industry to someone who had given so much to it.

“Actors and actresses from Rob Reiner’s films take the stage during the 2026 Oscars’ In Memoriam segment.” source: Rolling Stone

As of March 18, 2026, Nick Reiner is awaiting trial, and he has pleaded not guilty. But I don’t want to focus on that part of the story. It’s a dark chapter, and it doesn’t define who Rob Reiner was.

An essay

Geese have quickly become one of the most compelling new bands in indie rock, earning attention for their creativity, ambition, and refusal to play by the rules. Their rise feels fresh and electric, signaling a shift in the genre and marking them as one of the most exciting young groups shaping the future of modern rock.

The band formed in 2016 in Brooklyn when a group of high school friends began writing and recording music together. They didn’t start with lofty expectations or access to major studios; instead, they worked out of the basement of drummer Max Bassin’s home, using whatever equipment they had and teaching themselves how to produce their own songs. What began as a hobby gradually turned into something much bigger as the band’s sound developed. Even though the members planned on splitting up after graduation, the strength of their early demos convinced them to take the project seriously. That confidence paid off, eventually leading to a record deal and the launch of a career none of them originally expected.

Their debut album, Projector, released in 2021, introduced Geese as a young band with sharp instincts and a unique blend of post-punk and indie rock energy. The album felt raw yet precise, filled with jittery guitars and clever songwriting that captured the chaotic feeling of being young and unsure of the future. It immediately set them apart from other new acts and showed that Geese were more than a group of teenagers experimenting in a basement; they were serious musicians with something to say.

But it was their second record, 3D Country, that proved Geese were not content to stay in one lane. Instead of repeating the style of their debut, the band intentionally pushed themselves in new directions, bringing in alt-country influences, psychedelic textures, and looser, more expansive arrangements. This bold, creative leap demonstrated their willingness to evolve and chase curiosity over comfort. It also solidified their reputation as one of the most unpredictable and imaginative young bands in the scene.

Now, with their newest album Getting Killed, Geese continue to mature and challenge expectations. The new material shows a band becoming more confident, more ambitious, and more willing to explore strange or surprising ideas. Rather than settling into a single recognizable sound, they embrace experimentation, making each record feel like a fresh chapter.

Geese matter because they represent everything exciting about the new era of indie rock. They aren’t nostalgic. They aren’t trying to recreate the sound of previous generations. Instead, they take inspiration from many different styles and reshape them into something modern and unpredictable. Their music reflects the anxieties, humor, and creative restlessness of today’s young artists.

We lost one of the greats. Rob Reiner was one of the greatest directors out there. He is one of my inspirations when it comes to film making. I love his creative way of storytelling and try to make that happen within my own work. Everybody go watch a Rob Reiner movie today in honor of him.

Rest in peace and thank you for everything❤️

On November 14 in Pontiac, Michigan, I saw the rising indie-folk musician Jake Minch. I first discovered Jake during a deep dive on Apple Music, where I stumbled upon his newest release at the time, George. After listening to it, I instantly became a fan. His sound blends the warm, airy vocals of Phoebe Bridgers with the delicate guitar work of Nick Drake, creating something entirely his own.

My good friend and I waited outside the famous Pike Room, located above the Crofoot Ballroom in downtown Pontiac. While in line, we met other fans from all across the state. One college student even traveled seven hours from Marquette to see the show with her friends. I had the chance to talk with them, and they told me how excited they were to see Jake Minch and how they couldn’t wait for the show to start.

After hours of waiting, we were finally let into the venue. Once I passed the security check, I immediately spotted Jake Minch casually vibing near the entrance. I froze. I didn’t move until he walked away, and then I practically shouted to my friend that I’d just seen him. After grabbing merch and finding our spot, the show was about to begin.

Jake’s opener was the talented Darryl Rahn, who shared a similar cozy indie vibe. He interacted with the crowd, cracked jokes, and set the tone perfectly. At one point, my friend Katie, who came to the show with me, gave Darryl a gummy shark, which he ended up eating later that night. After his set wrapped up, it was finally time for Jake to take the stage.

The vibes were cozy for sure. The stage was decorated with house lamps and warm lighting that made the space feel intimate and inviting. With a 13-song setlist, Jake played the night away, and the crowd was completely here for it. He opened with “Nostalgia Act,” a song about visiting his first crush in his hometown. It ended up being my favorite performance of the night. I loved the pure emotion and raw talent he poured into it.

A few songs in, Jake began interacting with the audience. Katie even talked to him and jokingly offered her diabetic machine for him to sign. Jake laughed and said, “I’ll sign it after the show.” One of the funniest moments came when he asked the crowd, “Anybody drinking tonight?” After someone shouted back, I offered to buy him a drink. He smiled and said, “I’m actually sober, but I appreciate the offer.”

After the show wrapped up, the night got even better. I had the chance to meet Jake Minch in person. He was incredibly kind, genuine, and patient with every fan who came up to him. Talking with him made the whole experience feel even more special, and it confirmed what his music already shows: he’s not just a talented artist, but a truly caring person.

Sorry, not sorry

This year has delivered an outstanding lineup of films across all genres, blending innovation, emotional depth, and gripping narratives. From thrilling dystopias to intimate cliff-hanging dramas, here are my top 10 picks for the best films of the year. Before I get into these, this is all my own opinion. This is simply just a review of the films and nothing more.

10. Caught Stealing

This gritty crime drama explores redemption and betrayal, anchored by an outstanding lead performance and a sharp script that keeps audiences on edge.

9. Weapons

A tense psychological thriller centered on experimental military technology, Weapons pushes the boundaries of suspense while confronting the dark ethics of innovation.

8. The Monkey

Creepy, tense, and grim, The Monkey transforms a simple horror premise into sustained dread. The director Osgood Perkins favors atmosphere over excess, proving that restraint can be just as terrifying.

7. The Running Man

This reimagining of Stephen King’s dystopian classic critiques reality TV and celebrity culture, blending heart-pounding action with biting social commentary.

6. Death of a Unicorn

Dark, funny, and sharply satirical, Death of a Unicorn balances its absurd premise with strong performances and surprising emotional depth. It stands out as one of 2025’s most original films.

5. Wicked: For Good

A prequel to the beloved musical, Wicked: For Good dives into the origins of Glinda and Elphaba, delivering a visual spectacle alongside a heartfelt exploration of friendship and power.

4. Frankenstein

This gothic horror reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic features haunting performances and a chilling examination of creation, identity, and rejection.

3. The Long Walk

Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Long Walk is a gripping survival thriller that combines intense psychological drama with high-stakes action in a bleak, dystopian future.

2. Bugonia

Visually captivating and deeply surreal, Bugonia presents a world ruled by insect-like creatures, blending bold world-building with strong performances and a poignant ecological message.

1. Sinners

Topping the list is Sinners, a darkly thrilling crime drama that explores guilt, redemption, and the human condition. With stunning cinematography and a twist-filled narrative, it stands as the defining film of 2025. Also adding to this, the soundtrack for this is phenomenal. It has the inspiration of old Delta blues combined with the new sound of blues.