Observer Department: Arts and Entertainment


Before the 2024 credits roll: ‘Heretic’ review and upcoming must-watch movies

“Heretic” (2024) is a fresh addition to the horror genre that cleverly combines psychological horror with religious and philosophical debate.  Directed by Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, the film centers on two young Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton (played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East), who find themselves…

Movie poster for Heretic movie showing a large face and two small people


Remembering actor Tony Todd

The actor Anthony Tiran Todd, 69, better known as Tony Todd, passed away at 11:50 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, peacefully at his home in Marina Del Rey, California, according to news reports.  Todd’s cause of death was not disclosed. The actor better known as Tony Todd by his friends…


Fans mourn One Direction member

Pop boy band One Direction formed in 2010, and quickly became popular after an X-factor audition. The group contains members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne. One of the best selling boy bands of all time, with multiple hit albums. You may remember going to…


Are movie theaters dying?

The fate of the big screen in the streaming era As streaming services become more dominant, the age-old ritual of going to the movies faces a new level of uncertainty. Many are questioning whether the days of sitting in a crowded theater are numbered. While some say the magic of…

The building of the AMC in Methuen


Cabaret creates musical memories

A musical exposition hosted by both the NECC Choral and Music Club They’re creepy and they’re kooky; mysterious and spooky; they’re altogether ooky… They’re the performers of the27th annual fall Cabaret at NECC. Oct. 23 marked the date of the fall Cabaret, a musical exposition hosted by both the NECC…


The rise and fall of a Midwest princess?

"Actions speak louder than words, and actions speak louder than an endorsement." - Chappell Roan Chappell Roan and her politics. Do people care too much and have higher expectations for those they have parasocial relationships with? Chappell Roan is an up-and-coming pop star with a spotlight beaming on her. She…

Chappell Roan cover of her song Good Luck, Babe!


Sabrina Carpenter leaves an impression

Sabrina Carpenter has consistently proven herself to be powerful. With her latest release, “Short n’ Sweet,” the 25-year-old singer-songwriter delivers a irresistible collection of tracks that showcase her growth as an artist and her gift for crafting melodies such as her top hit “Espresso”. At only 36 minutes, “Short n’…

Album cover for Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet with a photo of her and the song list


Superpower or curse? How movies deal with identity disorder

Have you ever wondered what happens when a paradigm fragments into multiple personalities? From the psychological terror presented in “Split” to the concept of justice in the Marvel universe through “Moon Knight”, cinema has used dissociative identity disorder (DID) as a tool to explore the complexity of the human mind.…


Two delectable places to eat in Haverhill

Every single person on this planet has something in common…. the need to eat, whether it is a bologna sandwich, a bowl of spaghetti or for those that are fancy, some caviar on a blini.  On average most families eat out once a week but for some it is more…


Top horror movie recommendations for a haunting Halloween

The spooky season is here at last, and what better way to celebrate Halloween than by gathering friends and family for a night of horror movies?  Whether you prefer jump-scares that make you scream or eerie, slow-burning thrillers, horror films create the perfect haunted vibe.  I’ve put together a great…

Drew Barrymore from Scream's opening scene.