Tag: houghton college

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Stories In Focus

Feature: Carolyn Miller

By Anna Catherman ('24)

When Carolyn Paine left the Houghton to go to Vietnam in 1961, she “didn’t cry until she was on the plane.”

“I’m not a person who made unusual, brave, or wild decisions,” Carolyn claims. But when John Miller telephoned her to propose, she agreed.

John had stayed in her family’s home during his years at Houghton College, which she also attended. Wycliffe Bible Translators had assigned him to Vietnam. 

A month after Carolyn’s arrival, they were married. They lived in a thatched house among the Bru people, and started translating the Bible. John and Carolyn began raising a family together; all four of their children were born in Vietnam. 

In 1975, their work came to an abrupt stop. Just as the Millers were finishing typesetting and proofreading, they were captured and held as prisoners of war for eight months. Their youngest daughter, LuAnne (five years old at the time), was with them. Their older children, Gordie, Nate and Margie, had been evacuated. They were sent back to Houghton to live with their grandparents.

John, Carolyn and LuAnne were shuffled from one camp to another before ultimately being released – without their manuscripts.

“When we had to leave without the translation, that seemed like the end,” Carolyn said. 

But she and John were able to continue their work long-distance. In 2014, their team finished translating the entire Bible into Bru. 

Today, retired, Miller continues to translate. She works on one chapter of the Tang Old Testament each day. Currently, she’s back-translating the book of Esther to ensure accuracy. She sits at her desktop computer with a four-language translation screen open, fingers trembling slightly. Surrounding her are framed Bible verses and shelves of other translations she has worked on. 

Four times a week, she shares meals with her daughters, LuAnne Brubaker and Marge Doty, and their families. Miller sits on two church committees. Paul Shea, a retired pastor at the Houghton Wesleyan Church, serves aside Miller on the church’s mission committee. He called her service on the missions committee “invaluable.” Despite the difficulties on the war-torn mission field, “[s]he doesn’t ask for sympathy, she asks for service,” he added.

She hosts Bible studies and organizes potlucks when missionaries come to visit. And Miller keeps up with her friends across the world. Using the convenience of Facebook messenger, they communicate from time zones twelve hours apart.

“I’m at the hospital with a little girl who’s sick. Pray for her,” one friend asks, a picture attached of a tiny child curled up on a cot. 

Another asks for prayers for his son, who has eye problems.

She is grateful for the technology that has allowed her to keep translating while living close to family, and to remain connected with the people she and her late husband ministered to.

She’s also glad that her friends have “learned to call not in the middle of the night, I think.” ★

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Columns

STARchive: College Charters and Centennials

By Christian Welker

Did you know the Houghton STAR is one hundred and fourteen years old? To put that in perspective, The STAR reported through the Great Depression, World Wars, the Cold War, and nineteen U.S. presidencies. As the Resident Expert in STAR Lore™, it is my self-imposed job to study the STAR’s Archives and find exciting and funny moments from throughout the history of Houghton University and the STAR itself.

Time for another fun fact (and one that has more to do with the article). Do you know how long Houghton University was Houghton College? Ninety-nine years!

Isn’t that annoying?

In 1923, Houghton Seminary received its charter from the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSASC. Rolls right off the tongue).

The cool part is that it has been a hundred years since Houghton became a college.

The less cool part was we were impatient and jumped the gun on the whole “University” thing (How epic would it have been to be like “After 100 years of being a college, it’s time for the next chapter”? Missed opportunity, President Lewis).

Anyway, rants aside, in the April edition of the 1923 Houghton STAR (yeah, they were only a monthly publication back then, wild, right?), an article was published titled “Final Victory Won! Houghton now a Chartered College” declaring the good news to the Houghton body, and today, 100 years later, an article titled “From the STARchive: College Charters and Centennials” is doing it again. ★

Final Victory Won!

Houghton Now a Chartered College

Again, through the mercy of God, we have gained another rung in the ladder of achievement which has been elevating us to that plane on which stands the chartered college of this state

Following the action of the Board of Trustees, authorizing this Seminary to apply for a charter, the next step was to make the formal application to the Board of Regents of the State of New York. This was done a few weeks ago, President Luckey going to Albany and presenting with the application a catalog of general information regard[ing] the school, setting [forth] the plan [proposed] if the charter be granted.

April 7, was the date set for the meeting of the Board of Regents, and at that meeting the application from this Seminary was to be considered. President Luckey again journeyed to Albany on that date and was present at the meeting of the Board, answering one or two questions which arose. 

As requested by President Luckey, his home-coming on Monday evening, April 9, was not the hilarious demon- stration which accompanied his return from the meeting of the Church Board. The occasion at this time was of too solemn nature to allow any such program as was followed before. Instead, the students gathered at the church and a committee was delegated to meet the President and escort him to the church where a service of praise and thanksgiving was held, Prof. Whitaker taking charge.

A telegram which was received here Saturday evening, stated that a provisional charter had been granted [to] Houghton Seminary. That word “provisional” puzzled us a little at first but the enigma was solved in a short talk by President Luckey at the service Monday evening. “Provisional” only means that for five years we are on probation. During that time we must prove to the State Board of Regents that we are worthy of onr charter by keeping up the prescribed income and fulfilling the scholastic standards.

The President further stated that the honor and glory at this time of victory, all belongs to God, not to man. It was the hand of God which gave the vision at the beginning and that has led all through the long and laborious campaign, and which is still leading. He also emphasized that with added opportunity comes greater responsibility. 

After several prayers filled with true thanksgiving to God for his great goodness and wise leadership, a hymn was sung and the meeting dismissed.

From the church the students went to the college campus where a large bonfire was burning. Gathering around this an hour was spent in singing school songs and giving yells. As the fire burned low the crowd made their way homeward, their hearts being filled with praise to God for the wonders he has wrought through his servants who have kept close to Him and done His bidding.

—J. Harold Douglas

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News

Changes to Residence Hall Life

By Jax Johnson

Fall semester has come to Houghton University and students have settled into their respective housing locations. While every year brings new beginnings, this year provided more than previous years with the dorm changes for the ‘22 -’23 academic year. Due to the renovations in Shenawana, Lambein has been temporarily converted into a men’s dorm, which, in turn, has made Gillette the only women’s dorm this year.  

  Students like sophomore Jacob Holmberg are happy with these changes, saying, “Lambien is an upgrade to Roth. The rooms are bigger, there’s more storage, and the showers are twice as big. It’s also nice not having to walk up Roth hill every day. It makes me understand why girls outweigh the guys here at Houghton.”

 Others like junior Sarah Rider, a previous Lambein resident, are embracing their new home. Rider discussed that she has enjoyed events such as the Great Gillette Race and the overall liveliness that comes with the new combined women’s dorm. 

“I have been so grateful to have been invited into the Gillette community and really like having all the girls living in one dorm,” she said “It feels more full in there and there are more people around and opportunities to do things with others.”

Senior Izzy Murch, who was previously a resident assistant in Lambein and is now a Gillette RA, has bittersweet feelings toward the transition.

“While I was initially pretty sad about moving to Gillette my senior year after living in Lambein for the last three, I’ve found that the ability to connect with all on-campus women in the same residence hall has been incredibly rewarding and fun,” she said. “Living in a new place has kept the RA position fresh for me and has given me the opportunity to work with 13 amazing women, which would have never happened if I still lived in Lambein. I still miss my creekside view, though!”

Senior Kathryn Groff, another Gillette RA who has moved over from Lambein, has shared her thoughts on her new experiences.“It definitely is a learning experience having lived in Lambein the past three years, but it’s wonderful to have previous Gillette RAs lead the way and with such patience,” Groff said “Additionally, it is an exciting opportunity as an RA to have all the women in one residence hall and focus in on what brings us together women at Houghton, and cultivating a unique culture for future generations of women who come to campus.” 

Resident Director of Gillette Hall Reagan Zelaya also expressed her excitement for Gillette’s changes by saying that she is loving the opportunity to experience the unique culture of all of the women on campus, and is hoping that this experience can display a sense of unity without the division between Lambein and Gillette. 

While the change in dorms has been an adjustment, it is also an opportunity for students to experience something new. Along with those new experiences are new dynamics created through different people living in a community.★

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Campus News

Sophomore Leadership Conference Returns

By Elise Koelbl

It was gone but not forgotten. After a year of strict COVID-19 guidelines forcing its absence, February 4 marks the return of the Sophomore Leadership Conference, just in time for it’s 5th year. The Sophomore Leadership Conference is an event for sophomore students to further understand their strengths and show them their abilities as a leader. This year’s theme is titled “Activate: Leadership, Gifts, and the Kingdom of God,” which is notably different than in past years where the theme was “Oh The Places You’ll Go.” This continues to be a program designed to promote leadership in young students.

The person in charge of organizing the event is Rachel Wright. When asked about the decision to direct this event towards sophomores, she stated, “This event has focused on the Sophomore year as students near the time to officially declare their major and there were already existing opportunities like Transitions, Senior Seminar courses, etc. for students during other years. Because of the pandemic, the event was canceled in 2021, so we are opening this year up to those who would have been Sophomores last year.” The event itself goes from the evening of Friday, February 4 to all day Saturday, February 5. There will also be an exclusive dinner with Kindschi Faith and Justice Symposium guest Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah on Monday, February 7 for all of the conference attendees.

Adelaine Morgiewicz (‘24), who is currently a sophomore, plans to attend the event. Like many sophomores, she received an email from Houghton’s Office of Vocation and Calling informing her of this event. As someone who is still undecided in her major, she is excited to attend to gain a better understanding of herself as a leader. 

Highlights of what is included at the conference with the $20 registration fee include: participants completing the Clifton Strengths Finder Assessment; students completing a Positive Change Project during the event, which can feasibly be enacted during their time as students; as well as Conference swag; and Saturday meals. 

Guests this year include Dr. Greg Bish, the Keynote speaker, who is also the Chief of Staff at Houghton College; Dr. JL Miller, the Associate Dean of the Chapel at Houghton College; and the Strengths Coach, Dr. Ellen Marmon, a Professor of Christian Discipleship and the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Asbury Theological Seminary, who will be Zooming in to the Conference; Sharon Mulligan, the Director of Academic Support and Accessibility Services at Houghton College, who will be leading an Ideation Session; and Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, a Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary, who will be having dinner with Conference participants on Monday.

The administration is excited the Sophomore Leadership Conference was able to return after its absence last year. With a variety of guest speakers, attendees will experience a helpful and informational event. ★

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Stories In Focus

FEATURE: The Writing Center

By Jacqueline Johnson

One of Houghton’s wonderful academic resources is the Writing Center. Located in the Center for Student Success in the Chamberlain Center, the Writing Center assists students on any writing assignment or paper. They are open from 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Mondays and Thursdays, and 3:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. During these times, Students can book slots with their choice of four wonderful student consultants: Megan Brown (‘23), Rachel Huchthausen (‘23), Jacob Lajza (‘23), and Elaine Starling Leeli (‘22). 

The Writing Center is designed to assist students at any point in the writing process from the planning stage to finishing refinements. Whether it be gathering ideas and organizing thoughts or reviewing any stage of draft, the Writing Center consultants are there to help with many different types of assignments, from formal research papers, to personal essays, to lab reports. In addition to a variety of assignments, the Writing Center is also well-versed in a number of styles including MLA, APA, and Chicago. 

The Writing Center is advised by Professor Laurie Dashnau, who is also one of the writing professors here at the college. Professor Dashnau expresses her joy of the Writing Center, along with high praises of the consultants on both their writing skills and their encouraging nature. 

Jacob Lazja (‘23), one of the Writing Center consultants, talks about some of the benefits that he has seen through working in the Writing Center. “Consulting allows me to collaborate with my peers, not only to produce an A+ paper but to produce lifelong writing skills.” He continues by saying, “Our goal at the Writing Center is not to proofread, edit, and send you away. Instead, it is to guide you through strategies and improvements that will, hopefully, be helpful throughout your college career and beyond.” 

The Writing Center has recently welcomed Rachel Huchthausen (‘23) as its newest addition to the consultant team. She is eager to begin helping people hone their writing skills. “I am looking forward to discovering the writing processes of the individuals who come to Houghton’s Writing Center and learning how to tailor each session to each person’s own areas of strength and areas of growth.” Huchthausen has also expressed how her experience with the Writing Center so far has expanded her insight on the writing process and everything that goes into making the Writing Center what it is. 

The Writing Center is truly something that can help any student improve and hone their writing craft. From advanced writers to those who are just starting to develop their voice, any student who walks into the Writing Center will be met with kind and encouraging student consultants who are there to help you along the way to reaching your writing goals. ★

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Campus News

MLK Day Changes Wrought by Snowstorm

By Anna Catherman

Across the nation on Monday, Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday was celebrated with a variety of activities. Houghton College had planned to commemorate the day with a variety of special programs in lieu of classes. Unfortunately, a blinding snowstorm with a foot of snow put Houghton’s plans on pause. The chapel speaker, Rev. Dr. Carolyn Peeler from Macedonia Baptist Church, was unable to reach Houghton safely, and other planned events were canceled as many faculty members worked remotely. 

Prior to the event, the STAR interviewed President Wayne D. Lewis about what he was looking forward to about the day. He explained how growing up, he went to various services commemorating the day over the years, and expressed deep appreciation for how Houghton sets aside a day away from classes for the occasion. “The day for me is really special because it gives us the opportunity to pause what we’re doing and reflect on his life and his legacy, just as a leader who’s had an incredible impact on our country.”

Though the day did not look like it was planned, Houghton still invites students to pause and reflect. Posters were hung around campus, and they remain up for students to read. From academic departments to the dining hall, these posters inform passersby of the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr., as well as other prominent black figures. David Stevick, Director of Library Services, explained that in lieu of the planned poetry and children’s book readings, the library has set up displays of books for students to peruse throughout the coming days. 

Some of the other festivities, including the chapel service, will be rescheduled. According to Dean of Chapel Michael Jordan, Rev. Dr. Peeler’s talk is now scheduled for Feb. 21. The Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles food truck’s visit has not been rescheduled at this time. Also in limbo is an evening concert by Priscilla Ozodo-Acevedo (‘10) and her band. 

Despite the inclement weather, Houghton was still able to honor Dr. King and reflect on his legacy. ★

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Campus News

Center for Sustainability Hosts Open House

By Megan Brown

On a bitterly cold Friday afternoon in late January, while most students were heading back to their residences or leaving campus for the weekend, I trudged up Roth hill on my way to an event occurring on the third floor of the Chamberlain building: the Center for Sustainability Open House.

As I entered this cozy room in Chamberlain, decorated with recycled paper chains handcrafted by Mary Chichester (‘22), an intern at the Center for Sustainability (CFS), I was greeted by a room full of people playing an environmentally-themed game of Kahoot, eating cookies, and getting to know each other. Both the space and the people were welcoming. The large windows revealed a bright and beautiful winter scene outside, framed with a variety of plants perched on the windowsill. In the corner, a bookshelf was full of a range of items, from an impressive collection of literature about sustainability and social change to Russian nesting dolls. Music gently played in the background. The room not only serves as an office for the Center for Sustainability but also provides a delightful hangout space for students and interns alike. It additionally serves as the office for Brian Webb, who heads the CFS.

When I asked what he loves most about his job working on issues of sustainability on campus, Webb remarked “I love Houghton students, getting to work with them, and building connections with them, both in and out of the classroom.” He acknowledged the many difficult challenges that our planet is facing, but noted that “the passion our students have for sustainability and protecting God’s creation gives me hope for the future.”

The first CFS intern with whom I engaged in conversation was Clayton Hardiman (‘22), clad in his signature ball cap and sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate. He encouraged me to help myself to the array of snacks being served, and he even offered me a bottle of local honey. On the down low, he also invited me to take one of the mugs that the coffee and other hot beverages were being served in. Hardiman serves as the Garden Coordinator for the CFS, a position that he noted mainly consists of planning during the winter months. When asked about what the CFS means to him, he shared that the CFS “brings the issue of ecological care and creation into a Christian perspective.”

After chatting with some other interns and students attending the open house, eating some delicious cookies, and drinking a hot cup of coffee, I left the CFS with a complimentary bottle of honey and a smile hiding behind my mask. Next time you’re on the third floor of the Chamberlain Center, I encourage you to also stop by to visit the fine people at the CFS. You can sit down to parooze a book about environmental issues, have a meaningful conversation about sustainability with people who are well-versed on the subject, and perhaps have a spot of tea. ★

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Letter to the Editor Opinions

Covid, Community, and a False Sense of Spirituality

By Haylee Conrad

On March 13, 2020, Houghton College sent out an email that marked the change for the rest of our lives. Now at the start of year three, we would think things would be different; the pandemic would be over, we wouldn’t need to wear masks anymore, but look at where we are.

When that email was first sent out to campus, I was down in North Carolina at a three-day-long Women’s Holiness Conference. I was there with Dr. Derck, Dr. KLP, Katie Allen, and Olivia Flint. The night we received the news that we would be sent home when we made it back to campus didn’t feel real. It turned out to be the night I would feel closest to God in a really long time. I was in the same room with over 500 other women, each who loved God and each who wanted to show God’s light in the world through ministry. The band had gotten special permission from Kari Jobe to play her new song, at the time, “The Blessing,” which was so new, it hadn’t even been released on Youtube yet. I know that song is well overplayed by now, but it has become my absolute favorite worship song. That’s because when I heard it for the first time, the women in that room were singing it. It was real, it was true, and it was genuinely filled with love for one another and for God. That is what true Christian worship is: gathering together to worship God and to love those around you.

In September, we started gathering in chapel twice a week, each week, shoulder to shoulder as if Covid wasn’t still running rampant all over the globe. This semester, we were told that streaming chapel was no longer being offered and online classes are slowly becoming less accessible. Houghton College is forcing a reality of normalcy in a world where normal is no longer an option. There are thousands of people dying on a daily basis. There are hospitals so full, people who need medical attention for heart attacks and strokes can’t be seen. There are schools where all their classes are being taught by subs because every teacher has Covid. Yet we’re expected to go back to normal just because it’s Houghton College and we’re a “community”?

I am, according to medical professionals, in the “high-risk” category. I know many other people on campus who also fit into that category. The new expectations on campus make us uncomfortable and make us feel unsafe. I get anxious about getting food from the dining hall to take it back to my room and eat. Imagine how I feel having to sit in a building with poor ventilation, surrounded by people I don’t talk to on a regular basis, to listen to speakers who seem not to recognize the reality of this deadly virus. As a member of Houghton’s so-called “community,” I do not feel safe or cared for. As a member of this so-called “community,” I wish the situation surrounding Covid was taken more seriously. 

As Christians, we are called by God to love those around us. Right now, in the situation we’re in, loving your neighbor means pulling your mask up above your nose. It means giving the people who aren’t comfortable being in chapel the permission to watch it synchronously or asynchronously from a different location. It means being gentle with those who don’t feel safe in a world that is putting their health at risk. Yet Houghton doesn’t seem to think the same thing. Instead, they are putting the mental health and physical well-being of their students at risk just to maintain a false sense of spirituality on campus.

Houghton College wants its Christian campus to go back to “normal,” but how far will they go and at what cost? ★

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Columns

Spider Man: No Way Home (2021)

By Caleb Tiedemann

MAJOR SPOILER WARNING!

Spider-Man: No Way Home was one of the most hyped-up and anticipated Marvel movies to come out this year. All of this was primarily thanks to the rumors and the advertisements that Marvel practically forced down your throat until you could not go anywhere without hearing or seeing it. After a year of average Marvel, I was starting to feel burnt out and hoping the future would be b6etter. Little did I know that Jon Watts was going to drop one of the best Marvel films of all time right into my lap, to cap off 2021. I arrived home for Christmas break and caught church and breakfast with my friends. Then we went to the mall and mentally prepared ourselves for better or worse. Two and a half hours later, we all came to the same conclusion, “WOW!” I do not think it is too far to claim that Spider-Man: No Way Home is nothing short of a masterpiece.

No Way Home picks up right where Far From Home left off: Mysterio revealing Spider-Man’s identity to the world. With Spider-Man/Peter Parker’s (Tom Holland) friends and family at risk, he seeks help from Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). When Strange tries to cast a spell that makes the world forget Peter Parker is Spider-Man things go horribly wrong and dangerous foes from alternate dimensions appear to put him to the test. In the end, Peter learns the true cost of what it means to be Spider-Man. 

Similar to the other movies I review, there are many amazing details to go over. Let’s start with the elephant, or elephants in the room, the names that everyone wants to hear. The appearances that made the people in my theater scream, clap, cry and shout: Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. The appearance of these characters sent me into an insane frenzy of love and joy. Being one of those 2000s kids, I grew up with Maguire and Garfield, and seeing them back in their titular roles was jaw-dropping and nostalgic. Their intro was not superb but I loved it way too much to be annoyed. Tears and shouts of joy filled the theater on that day. A moment and feeling that cannot be matched. I felt young again, I felt nothing but joy to see them back in action.

You could tell that Maguire and Garfield were both thrilled to return to their roles as they both acted with all their heart, making it seem as if they never left. Tom Holland gives his ultimate performance in this film as Peter is driven to the edge of his sanity, broken and beaten, by trying so hard to be the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Alfred Molina’s return as Doc Ock is another smile-inducing moment. When he is turned good, he is so wholesome and happy, being able to truly be Alfred Molina instead of Ock. Then there’s the other villains: Rhys Ifans’ Lizard, and Thomas Haden Church’s Sandman. Both get further personality development and fun moments as classic villains. Jamie Foxx’s Electro also stood out as an awesome performance. Despite not being blue or balding, Foxx was given a great opportunity to make amends for the previous butchering of Electro. 

Now, we get to talk about the MVP- Green Goblin. Willem Dafoe returns as the titular Spider-Man villain, the one who started it all. Dafoe’s performance was nothing short of legendary. He truly brought his crazy back without a second thought. I personally loved him so much more through this movie as he adopts a very similar personality to that of Heath Ledger’s Joker. The way Goblin tanks punches all while smiling and laughing is one of the most bone-chilling scenes. It gives off the Batman/Joker interrogation scene vibes from the Dark Knight. Instead of having an ulterior motive, the Goblin just wants to break Spider-Man in any way he can, and he almost does. He kills one of the people closest to Peter, driving him nearly mad with grief and instilling vengeance within him. Similar to how Maguire and Garfield had to learn to deal with the grief of losing Uncle Ben and Gwen, so must Holland. Due to the Goblin, Peter is brought to the edge of his sanity, almost losing who he truly is along the way. This was one of the most heartbreaking, surprising, and emotionally well-done things in this movie.

Visually, this movie is stunning. The CG is believable and works well. The Doctor Strange fight is beautiful. Getting tossed back into the mirror dimension is always a visual treat. The cinematography is jaw-dropping. The humor was also fantastic. The interactions between the villains are funny, and the interactions between the three Spider-Men are hilarious. The movie does an excellent job of balancing humor with heart. The humor never feels out of place and never overstays its welcome. Small little details can be revealed in the shortest of sentences. They even got Willem Dafoe to say, “I’m something of a scientist myself,” again. I mean, come on, how could you not like this movie?
Now, for the plot. Previously, the Spider-Man movies have been nothing but fun and adventure, with no real stakes and no real character.  . This does not mean they are bad by any means, but it makes them lesser than, especially if Peter is the exact same after six movies. In this movie, there are stakes and so much development, and not just development for Peter, development for a whole cast of characters from the last twenty years! For once, Spider-Man can’t just get out of trouble by swinging away and making a quip. He is stuck, trying to help everyone and balancing the weight of the world on his shoulders. In the end, he has to make the ultimate sacrifice and let everyone forget he is Spider-Man to save the universe. The ultimate sacrifice that really cemented his reign as a legendary hero. 

Grade: A+

Categories
Columns

Movie Review: The Suicide Squad (2021)

The Suicide Squad is a movie that I fell deeply in love with. Similar to Free Guy, this was a movie that I watched multiple times before coming to college. Because of its timely release, it became a comfort movie to me. Within the first month of release, I had watched the movie, in its entirety, five times. In 2018, Guardians of the Galaxy director, James Gunn, was fired from Marvel for some decade-old raunchy and offensive tweets. Due to the failing efforts from DC Comics and Warner Bros. in kickstarting their own superhero universe, they were eager to employ the talents of someone who had experience and knowledge on the subject. They hired Gunn to direct the film, and I gained one of my favorite DCEU films in recent memory and possibly my favorite movie of this year.

The 2021 film was a pleasant surprise for me. The plot centers around the multiple supervillains of the DCEU universe that make up the Suicide Squad. Despite there being a lot of contenders, only a couple of villains get fleshed out enough to be considered main characters. Those being, Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), and King Shark (Sylvester Stallone). This group is tasked by Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) to infiltrate the enemy-ridden island of Corto Maltese and find The Thinker (Peter Capaldi), the evil scientist in charge of the mysterious “Project Starfish.”

There are a lot of amazing details to go over in this movie. Namely, the characters. The ones that survive get backstory and development that gets tied up into a nice character arc. It does not matter if this is their first on-screen adaptation/appearance or if they have been witnessed by an audience before. Each of these characters gets time to shine and be amazing. Gunn goes as far as to humanize each and every villain, too. He does not let you see these characters for their bad deeds but how the bad deeds of others or loved ones caused them to become what they are today. Some have never known anything different than this criminal life. I believe a movie is only as good as its characters and because I love these characters, I believe that should testify to the skill of Gunn’s writing. 

One of the staples of director James Gunn is his soundtrack musical choices, and the wild humor implemented into his superhero films. With that said, the jokes in this movie are genuinely hilarious. Gunn’s sass and unique charm shine through each and every character and situation. It’s because of this humor that the movie does not take itself seriously. It fully acknowledges its comic-book origins and takes it to heart, going wild with deaths, violence, gore, characters, and situations. As mentioned, the soundtrack is remarkable! Each song fits so perfectly in the scene where they are used. From Grandson’s Rain to K.Flay’s Can’t Sleep, this movie can boast an amazing soundtrack. 

In terms of personal favorites, Ratcatcher 2 was amazing. Also, Rick Flag, whose character was made so much better throughout this film. Having Starro as the main villain was a plot point that I thought was extremely stupid, but just silly enough for Gunn to pull off. Fortunately, he did it magnificently. I absolutely loved the opening and final battle scenes. Once I got over the shock of the opening, it helped me mentally prepare for this cinematic rollercoaster.

David Ayer’s 2016 Suicide Squad was quite the flop since the movie was hastily written, causing it to be disjointed, and had terrible special effects and one-dimensional characters. Luckily, this new movie pushes that degradation far from our minds by giving us a soft reboot and introducing better characters and stories to the DCEU. I highly recommend this movie, despite its odd appearance. It has a heart and should provide everyone with a good time.

Final Grade: A