On a brisk Wednesday night, November 8th, the lively heart of Chelsea was filled with anticipation. Excited fans, numbering in the hundreds, gathered outside Racket, one of NYC’s newest venues. The reason for their enthusiasm? The alternative-pop trio Nightly was in town, headlining two shows for their “Wear Your Heart Out” tour.
With the release of The Marvels, the MCUβs next major film, many have been wondering if this one is as good as previous films, if it is essential to understanding Phase 4, and if it should be watched now or later on Disney+. These questions always arise with every new Marvel release, but I can say with enthusiasm that audiences must understand how great The Marvels is as a film, and how it should not be skipped at all this season.
Guests attend the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)
Below are five reasons you should watch The Marvels as soon as possible, or youβre missing out.
The Marvels features the return of fan-favorite characters and actors
One of the first noticeable draws to watching a major blockbuster film like The Marvels is its use of a stellar cast, some of which are favorites among Marvel fans. Fans have been clamoring for a return for Iman Vellani, and the character she plays, Ms. Marvel, from her hit Disney+ show of the same name. This is the first time we see her working alongside her idol, Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, who we have not seen since Avengers: Endgame, all the way in 2019. Also returning are Teyonah Parris, playing Monica Rambeau, and Samuel L. Jackson, playing his iconic role as Nick Fury. Fans of any of these characters will definitely be pleased, as they are further fleshed out and given new situations they must deal with.
(L-R) Lellies Santiago and Psyche Terry attend the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)
The Marvels makes use of astounding CGI
The film also features amazing action and setpieces that is at times beautiful and a sight to behold. The lush alien landscapes and cosmic battles depicted are crisp, colorful, and grandiose, while still maintaining a level of realism that makes everything look believable. A highlight is the new mechanic that the three titular characters must face, which is that their locations in space are exchanged every time they use their powers. This creates some intense fight scenes that involve them constantly switching places and resulting in frantic, interesting combat that is a pleasure to watch.
Psyche Terry attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)
The Marvels tells a compelling and heartfelt story
While there certainly are entertaining visual elements to the film, it should also be noted that the story is particularly intriguing and downright emotional at times. In the film, Captain Marvel struggles with the repercussions of her actions, as she has attempted to use her powers for good, but in doing so, she inadvertently deprived a planet of critical resources. In this film, she must face the consequences of her decisions, and how this affects her relationship with those that look up to her. There were several moments that were almost tear inducing, and those that enjoy a layered and complex plot will find plenty to love here.
The Marvels is funny as hell
Iβll say it: this movie is absolutely hilarious. For all its deeper and slower moments, it has situations that are side-splittingly funny. The movie seamlessly transitions between serious and comical moments, and one of its strong suits is being able to do so in a way that feels natural and not forced, even with high stakes.
D’Andre McKenzie attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)
A particular moment that comes to mind is a sequence at a planet where all the inhabitants only speak in song and dance, which leads the main characters to fall into some hilarious situations as they attempt to communicate with these individuals. The movie is filled with moments like these that are extremely memorable.
The Marvels contributes to the overarching story in Phase 4
Lastly, those that want to see some progression with the overall Marvel story in Phase 4 will also be pleased. This film shows some continuation of Nick Furyβs character from Secret Invasion, with a possible setup for a future Avengers film, and also continues this phaseβs themes of multiverse and the threats that follow. The after credit scenes show how several old and new characters will make an appearance in future movies, progressing this phase forward.
As can be seen, there are a multitude of reasons to watch The Marvels, and longtime fans of Marvel as well as newcomers will both be pleased. This film has something for everyone, for those that follow the lore extensively to those that are not as serious. Definitely catch this film soon, you will not be disappointed.
Ronnisha Peterson attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)
Special thanks also goes out to Urban Hydration, the sponsor of the premiere event that I attended. I tried several of their moisturizing products, and I could see the difference instantly. For someone that suffers from dry skin in the colder months, something like this is an absolute life saver. Urban Hydrationβs message itself spoke to me as well. I recognized the connection between the ideas of hydration, balance, and finding power within oneself that Marvelβs superheroes embody, while also having fun. The Algae collection specifically is a testament to Urban Hydration’s commitment to providing effective skincare solutions. It’s designed to cater to various skin needs, emphasizing the importance of self-care and achieving a natural, healthy glow, and I couldnβt be more happy to promote this product: such a business that is proudly woman-owned and that supports woman empowerment is exactly what needs to be brought to light to give their mission a voice.
Founder Psyche Terry shared:
I believe that working with Marvel Studios provides an exciting platform for my to share the story of Urban Hydration’s mission and products in fun and creative ways. Β I recognized the connection between the message of hydration, balance, and finding power within oneself that Marvelβs Super Heroes embody. The collaboration further expands on our Urban Hydration mission to reach more people, inspiring them to take charge of their skin needs and help power up their glow. Β The connection between hydration, balance, and inner strength that Marvel’s Super Heroes embody resonates with Urban Hydration’s mission. This collaboration is about product promotion and sharing a powerful message of self-care and empowerment. Β The Algae collection is a testament to Urban Hydration’s commitment to providing effective skincare solutions. It’s designed to cater to various skin needs, emphasizing the importance of self-care and achieving a natural, healthy glow and I couldnβt be more happy to bring this partnership to everyone.
The Marvels is in theaters right now, and Urban Hydration products can be purchased online from their website.
Β It was night to sing about!
Rebecca Miller established the grassroots, non-profit Arthur Miller Foundation in remembrance of her father’s legacy. AMF helps teachers create sustainable theater programs by providing them with robust, customized resources, training, and certification. This ensures that all public school kids have fair access to high-quality theater instruction.Β The premier yearly fundraising event for the Arthur Miller Foundation, held in collaboration with the NYC Public Schools, The City College of New York, and Bridgeport Public Schools, is the Arthur Miller Foundation Honors.Β Β
The Arthur Miller Foundation hosted their 5th annual Honors event on Monday, November 6 at City Winery. The event was hosted by βPurlie Victoriousβ co-stars Leslie Odom Jr. and Kara Young.
Β Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok was honored with the AMF Legacy Award. Majoke is best known for her piece βCost of Livingβ which explores two relationships between able-bodied and non-abled body people.Β Β
Jerre and Mary Joy Stead received the AMF Humanitarian Award for their endless donations to arts education in schools across the country.Β
New York City public school Theater teacher Talia Jaime was awarded with the AMF Excellence in Arts Education AwardΒ for her work at Renaissance High School.
Performers of the night included Brian dβArcy James, Justin David Sullivan, Phillippe Arroyo, Samantha Williams, and Jordan Donica.
The enchanting spirit of the holiday season came to life at Century City Mall on December 8 as Disney hosted a dazzling outdoor mixer to celebrate the launch ofΒ ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2 on Disney+. The event not only brought together fans of the heartwarming show but also invited guests to partake in a magical evening filled with festive attire, Toys for Tots donations, and the chance to delve into an early Christmas Spirit with a special appearance ofΒ Santas’s elves.
As the night began, the outdoor setting at Century City Mall provided the perfect backdrop for a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and a touch of Disney magic. The dress code for the evening was nothing short of enchanting, as attendees gazed through the North Pole in their most festive attire to match the holiday cheer that filled the air.
Throughout the evening, guests had the chance to mingle with fellow Disney enthusiasts, snap photos with festive photo opportunities, and enjoy holiday-themed refreshments. The atmosphere was infectious, and the sense of community and shared joy created memories that made the start of the holiday season memorable.
The winter enchantment continued with complimentary ice skating, turning the outdoor space into a frosty playground for guests of all ages.
The highlight of the evening came alive as Santa’s elves took to the ice, transforming the rink into a spectacle of joyous celebration. The elves enchanted the audience with their expertly choreographed ice-skating routines to the soundtrack ofΒ ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2.Β The crowd in attendance and mall shoppers couldn’t help but bring all focus to such a captivating performance creating a joyous atmosphere that resonated with the heartwarming essence of ‘The Santa Clauses.’
Following the mesmerizing elf ice skating performance, Disney treated attendees to the ultimate gift – a sneak peek into a series of clips from the new season of ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2. The crowd eagerly gathered to witness a preview that would unfold the magic of the upcoming season.
The Disney Holiday Mixer for ‘The Santa Clauses’ Season 2 Premiere became a joyous celebration in honor of the much anticipated new season to premire November 8. The night came to an end, but the magic of Disney and the warmth of the holiday season will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of all who attended.
Check out the reel here!Β
Veteranβs Day is one of the most significant holidays is our society. This holiday gives us the opportunity to honor the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for the nation. Since 1938, This day has been commemorated on November 11. The observance day was originally referred to as Armistice Day. Around 1954, the name of this holiday was changed to Veterans to highlight those who served in all U.S. wars.
This year in Washington D.C., we had the chance to attend one of the most memorable ceremonies in honor of our veterans. The American Veterans Center Annual Gala, American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes was hosted the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The rooms were filled with joy and gratitude from guests and family members. Notable attendees included David Boreanaz, Yvette Nicole Brown, Glenn Powell, and Maggie Sajak. The evening was hosted by the talented Emmy Award Winning nominated actor and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Rob Riggle, who kept a lively atmosphere the whole night. The attendees saw several shows hosted by service academy students from West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. The shows included band performances, singing and short movies. During the interim, the guests enjoyed a dinner during which they had the opportunity to socialize and get to know those monumental figures. After the dinner, the honorees were highlighted by Rob Riggle. 
As he highlighted our heroes, you could see the pride on everyoneβs face, whether they had a personal relationship with the honorees or not. To conclude the event, the attendees took it to the dance floor. The attendees sang and danced the night, while some enjoyed cocktails and conversations. The American Veterans Center Annual Gala, American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes was a night to remember.
Honorees Include:
With the impending TCS New York City Marathon, a long-distance run that sprawled all five boroughs of NYC and over 26.2 miles, New Balance decided to host an event to spotlight specific individuals that had signed up for the marathon, and with the help of New Balance, had taken their game and motivation to the next level. These individuals came from all walks of life and had varying levels of expertise running, and they therefore served as the perfect panelists to channel motivation and generate excitement for the upcoming event.
The event space itself was exuberant and lively, with a bar serving champagne, beer, and wine, and cater waiters walking around with hors d’oeuvres, such as spicy rigatoni vodka and vegetable dumplings. The surrounding walls were emblazoned with the words, “Run Your Way.”
The history of the 1080 sneaker
Along the back of the room was also a display of some of New Balance’s newest creations in terms of footwear, specifically focusing on the 1080 line. A visual diagram of the shoe’s history over 12 iterations was also displayed. I walked around and examined each one while trying a rice ball from the kitchen, and soon enough, the interview with the panelists was announced to begin soon.
Walking onto the stage first was Greydy Diaz, who would serve as the moderator and interviewer for the event. Her backstory was interesting because she had a natural connection with New Balance; she grew up extremely close to a New Balance factory, and could see first hand the impact that brought onto her community. Now, she works as a journalist, producer, and host of the show “Test Run”. She quieted the audience, introduced herself, and ushered in the individuals that would be interviewed.
Moderator Greydy Diaz
Jess Movold, Tommie Runz, Harry Hudson, and Marlon “Chito” Vera walked onto the stage, each person with their own special connection to New Balance and running, and each a participant in the upcoming marathon. Through the interview process, I was able to learn about what motivates each individual, and their unique stories that allowed them to discover running. Jess Movold is an elite runner that is focused on using running as a way to build a community for others, and connect newcomers to the sport. Working as an athlete, coach, creator, and journalist, she works to spread awareness about the benefits of running and make it as assessable as possible.
Tommie Runz used running as a way of coping with his struggles growing up in Detroit while battling addiction, sobriety, and fatherhood. He now works as a content creator and hosts his own Youtube series, which he uses to bring people together and maintain inclusivity, and also uses the platform to talk about his vulnerability and how running has helped him.
Harry Hudson is the most recent advocate of running from those on stage, having only started several months ago, but his story was no less powerful. He battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma early in his life, and as a musician, he used music and running to maintain his physical and mental health. He will be participating in the TCS marathon for the first time this year, and raising money for his charity.
Lastly was Marlon “Chito” Vera, an Ecuadorian UFC fighter who utilizes running to build mental and physical strength, by running thirteen miles each Sunday as part of his training. With this increasing his stamina in and out, he can stay more focused during fights and last much longer than his opponents. The most unlikely out of the panelists to be thought of as a runner, he demonstrated to us that anyone could run.
I truly felt inspired after hearing the panelists’ stories, and I began to reflect on my own workouts and how I may incorporate running to be a part of them. I have traditionally overlooked cardio exercises, but after learning about the overwhelming benefits to the heart, body, and mind, I decided that I would take the initiative to begin running.
Rapper Action Bronson gave a stellar live performance to end the night
I could not run in the TCS marathon this year, but I really want to do so next year, and this would only be possible after becoming comfortable with running. Of course, New Balance would be there with their amazing products along the way.
At the end of the night, we were greeted by a performance by Queens-based rapper Action Bronson and his band, who played a myriad of covers, original pieces, and Action Bronson’s own music. Donning New Balance 990s, his energy and care towards lyricism were truly a sight to behold. On the way out, New Balance employees were giving sneakers to all media attendees, much to my surprise. Internally acknowledging that I had no excuse to avoid running now, I added a reminder to my phone to go on a run the next day. I no longer felt threatened by the prospect, because after all, I would be running my way.
In the heart of Los Angeles, a city renowned for its glitz, glamour, and car culture, the red carpet premiere of “Drive with Swizz Beatz” unfolded in a celebration of community, passion, and the unyielding spirit of drive.
During the holiday season, there are very few places more festive than the heart of Rockefeller Center. Between it’s iconic Christmas tree, dazzling ice skating rink, tons of shops, and close relation to the SAKS windows and their remarkable light show, spending a cozy winter evening there with a cup of hot cocoa is surely a bucket list item for many.
As if the renowned location wasn’t festive enough, it just got even jollier, with it’s latest pop-up, The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic!Β Nestled within the Chanel Gardens, this sugar-coated wonderland is an immersive, family-friendly escapade designed to infuse the holiday spirit with a dash of whimsy.
Running now through January 2nd, the Candy Cottage promises an experience for all ages. It will take guests on an adventure that will invite them to embark on a journey through a magical, candy-filled Christmas tree.
Inspired by a fabled tale of an old cottage within a Christmas tree trunk, overflowing with magical sugar turned into edible delights by the cottage keepers, the Candy Cottage experience beckons visitors into a swirling, sugar-laden fantasy. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by the feverishly working Cottage Keepers, spinning sugar into delectable treats while encouraging visitors to pluck candy from the cottage wallsβtruly a dream come true for those with a sweet tooth!
Once the sugary wonderland cravings are satisfied, visitors are equipped with a specially crafted map, setting them on a scavenger hunt throughout Rockefeller Center. This quest, teeming with hidden Christmas magic, leads participants through the iconic landmarks of the Center.
The journey culminates as guests return to the transformed Candy Cottage, where they receive a magically conjured gift along with a personalized message, as if crafted from thin air. The entire experience is curated to leave a lasting impression of the holiday spirit, wrapping visitors in the magic of Christmas.
The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic is the brainchild of We Are Smile Studio, a creative force founded by seasoned theater and film producer Arielle Tepper and Creative Producer Vance Garrett. Their expertise in crafting immersive experiences is evident in this delightful collaboration, marking the first of many to come from this innovative studio.
The design, courtesy of Nate Bertone and Adam Blumenthal, promises an enchanting atmosphere, while fabrication and production management by Nicolas Locke and Jonathan Zencheck ensure a seamless and magical execution of this whimsical concept.
The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic at Rockefeller Center promises an immersive, magical experience ideal for families, friends, and anyone seeking to infuse the holiday season with a sprinkle of enchantment. With its darling design, creative storytelling, and a touch of theatrical expertise, it’s destined to create lasting memories that capture the essence of Christmas.
The experience operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing ample opportunity for families and visitors of all ages to partake in the festivities. Ticket prices range from $25 to $45 per person, depending on the day of the week and time of visit. Tickets are available here!
