The latest romantic comedy to hit theaters — “Anyone But You” — illustrates a modern take on Sheakespeare’s play “Much Ado About Nothing.”
Released in theaters nationwide on Dec. 22, the film was directed by Golden Globe nominee Will Gluck.
After a picture-perfect first date gone wrong, Ben (Glen Powell) and Bea’s (Sydney Sweeney) fiery affinity turns ice-cold. When fate intrudes a year later, Ben’s close childhood friend Claudia (Alexandra Shipp) and Bea’s sister Halle (Hadley Robinson) get engaged, and they wind up together at a destination wedding in Australia.
As the pair’s hatred threatens to ruin plans, the wedding party plots a ruse to get them together to make peace. Compounded with the attendance of Bea’s ex-fiance Jonathan (Darren Barnet) and Ben’s ex-girlfriend Margaret (Charlee Fraser), the couple realizes that playing into this may be the solution to their problems. That is until their feelings become real.
Over the past couple of years, the romantic comedy genre has fallen out of popularity. Figuring out the right combination of heartache and satire is a science, and storylines can often be obvious or take the raunchiness too far.
“Anyone but You” is one of the few recent movies to proudly and properly achieve its place in the genre. It had me laughing out loud and brought me to tears by the finale.
This Shakespeare-based movie is the first to be rated R for language, brief nudity and sexual content. Most of the Shakespeare movie adaptations take place in high school, but focusing on post-college adults gives this film more flexibility.
Though it rightfully earns its way into the R category, the language and content were reasonable and balanced.
Guilty of being quite the hopeless romantic, I thoroughly enjoyed watching “Anyone but You.” The movie executed the humor, anguish and heart warmth practically flawlessly. I applaud the directors and writers for taking a chance on our society and finally bringing back the essence of a wholesome romantic comedy.
In one of the biggest moves of the Mario Cristobal era, the Miami Hurricanes received the commitment from one of the top transfer portal quarterbacks on the market, Washington State transfer Cameron Ward.
After putting up a magnificent junior season, racking up 3,735 passing yards, 33 total touchdowns and a 66% completion rate, Ward decided to hit the transfer portal. The 6-foot-3, 223-pound dual-threat quarterback quickly grabbed the attention of some of the top programs in the country as the No. 2 overall transfer and top quarterback, according to On3 Sports.
With elite quickness and exceptional arm talent, the Texas native is the ideal modern college quarterback and could be a perfect fit at Miami.
With the only future quarterback options on the current roster being Reese Poffenbarger, Emory Williams and Jacurri Brown for Miami, word quickly spread of the Hurricanes’ interest in getting a top talent at the position. With its back against the wall and in need of making a splash, Miami went ahead and added a big-time game-changer.
Ward has the potential to take the offense to a completely new level. First-year offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson showed flashes of what could be an explosive unit, but inconsistency at the quarterback position held the Hurricanes back. Ward’s skills will bring in a new style that will utilize his running ability, an aspect the ‘Canes have lacked at quarterback since D’Eriq King.
The Hurricanes welcome back plenty of young and emerging talent and currently hold the No. 6 overall recruiting class for 2024, according to 247Sports.
A discouraging 7-5 finish after a 4-0 start calls for action. Getting a player of Ward’s caliber is the type of acquisition that changes the entire outlook for a college football program.
Coach Alicia McIntosh (center) with attendees at her Empower Her women's fitness event on Dec. 2, 2023. Photo credit: Arianna Martinucci @photossbyari
Accomplishing ambitious New Year’s Resolutions can feel unattainable without practical steps, but joining communities with like-minded individuals can help in reaching these 2024 goals.
Kickstarting healthy new year habits, health and fitness coach Alicia McIntosh had community wellness in mind when she hosted a women’s empowerment fitness event called “Empower Her” on Dec. 2, 2023.
“I wanted to create an authentic space where we can connect while bringing businesses together, highlighting women who are locally owned like myself,” said the women’s coach of 8 years. “I came up with this concept by thinking of how to get these groups of women together — network, connect, socialize and possibly use each others’ resources.”
Innovative workouts like HIIT Pilates and Yoga had the room sweating in style, while refreshments from catering company Tangible Delights awaited the hardworking ladies of Miami.
Keana Almonte, the event curator’s vision was to highlight the vendors’ unique talents as they were “able to cultivate their own paths in terms of their brands as it aligns with the overall vision of women’s health and wellness.”
Female vendors gathered in the lobby of Mindspace, an office space and event venue. Denise Katz — the owner, designer, and CEO of Escala activewear and swimwear — presented a colorful array of backpacks, fanny packs, visors and more.
The ambitious entrepreneur has designed uniforms for Jamaica’s Bobsled Team in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, as well as garments worn by Miss Jamaica and Miss South Africa.
Escala translates to “ladder,” a symbolic reflection of the company values that uplift women.
“You have to keep climbing one step at a time, and even if you have to come down the stairs for whatever reason, you’re still looking up,” Katz said.
Kaptivating Krystals, an authentic crystals and waistbeads business, prides itself in allowing customers to create their own destinies rather than handpicking styles for them. CEO Koala notes that this process allows customers to trust in themselves and release codependent behavior.
“Ultimately, you know exactly what it is you need. If you just take a moment to be still and listen to your higher self, it’s going to call to you immediately,” Koala said. “What’s more empowering than knowing that you’re the creator of your own life?”
I walked away from this experience feeling motivated, inspired and ready to tackle my personal goals by becoming more involved in my community. Finding a group of people in your area who share similar goals will undoubtedly inspire you to achieve them. Make 2024 the year that you conquer those New Year’s Resolutions!
If interested in immersing yourself in a women’s fitness community in Miami, feel free to keep up with Empower Her on Instagram @empowerherevent for the next workout wellness event.
South Florida health staple Pura Vida is back and better than ever at the University of Miami, bringing all of its famously nutritious and aesthetic cuisine to the Coral Gables campus.
After closing in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the café has officially reopened in its original location next to the Toppel Career Center and UM’s Hillel Jewish Student Center.
The staff at Pura Vida works diligently to serve guests at the reopened on-campus location. Photo credit: Osvaldo Espino
The addition of Pura Vida is a separate asset to UM Dining’s spring refresh, which includes a partnership with Duran Bakehouse at Archivist Café starting Jan. 16 and new sustainable products available for sale at the on-campus Starbucks. Because the reopened restaurant is not directly affiliated with UM Dining, only cash and credit options are available for payment.
Upon walking in, students will be greeted by a dream-like ambience, complete with nautical white furniture and décor that adds to the feeling of a paradise getaway.
The menu offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, bowls, salads, açaí, smoothies and breakfast options that have been optimized to be some of the healthiest meals available at the U. There are also on-the-go options for those rushing to class, such as the mango coconut chia parfait and oatmeal chocolate peanut butter energy bites.
The menu boasts several healthy options from all-day breakfast, bowls, smoothies and more. Photo credit: Osvaldo Espino
“It’s a healthy alternative to everything else [on-campus],” said senior Carolina Gonzalez. “I like that there’s an option for it now.”
While its healthier options are often what the South Florida locale is known for, there are also plenty of options for those with a sweet tooth, including croissants, cookies, banana bread and much more.
There is also an assortment of coffee and tea options, including cold brew, matcha, lattes or chai, as well as cold pressed juices, kombucha and juice shots to round out the rest of the menu.
The Summer Chicken bowl has traditionally been one of the most popular items on Pura Vida’s menu and is available at the UM location, as well as the restaurant’s most-popular Welcome to Miami smoothie boasting a delectable blend of passion fruit, mango and banana. The combination captures the heart of Miami with its health-conscious tropical flavor, sure to be a favorite on campus.
The Summer Chicken bowl and the Welcome to Miami smoothie (pictured above) are some of the most popular items at Pura Vida. Photo credit: Osvaldo Espino
Pura Vida’s more secluded location away from the hustle-and-bustle of the food court and dining halls may help attract students during midterm and finals season, making it an optimal study spot for those looking for something more silent with patio seating and an abundance of healthy snacks in their vicinity.
“I’m always looking for a new place to check out on-campus, so I’m glad an option like this is popping up for us,” said Taylor Rand, a junior studying musical theater. “It’ll be nice to have a cute place with really different healthy options while also feeling like you’re getting away from campus for a few minutes.”
Now officially in its full comeback swing, Pura Vida is a welcome return to the on-campus food palette for every ‘Cane to indulge in starting this spring.
Actress Cailee Spaeny attends the "Priscilla" Special Presentation premiere during the 67th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall on Oct. 9, 2023. Photo credit: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Elvis Presley is one of the most well-known musicians worldwide. Even if you’ve never listened to his music, the image of his white, jeweled suit with a matching cape might be familiar.
However, the chance of knowing much about his wife, Priscilla Presley, is much lower and that is what makes her the perfect subject for American director and screenwriter Sofia Coppola, who examines Priscilla’s in her recent biopic released in October.
“Priscilla” is the story of how the titular character met Elvis and her marriage to him — it is also a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl trying to find her place in the world, only to end up in the shadow of a man.
This subject matter makes the perfect case for Coppola, a woman who has been marked by the legacy of her father, Francis Ford Coppola, director of “The Godfather.” Several of her prior films have already explored women trapped in a society that’s already decided what it thinks about them.
Priscilla is much the same. She is trapped in the expectations that others have of her and is trying to grapple with them. Coppola uses Elvis’ mansion Graceland to symbolize the cage that Priscilla is thrust into, one so ominous that other characters warn her against stepping onto the lawn outside of its four walls.
Marked by its performances, the film stars Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and beloved teen heartthrob Jacob Elordi as Elvis.
Spaeny plays Priscilla effortlessly, making the transition from 14-years-old to 30 look natural. She’s also able to capture a bird-like ingénue essence reminiscent of another decade, one associated with stars like Audrey Hepburn.
Elordi’s boyish charm plays perfectly off of Spaeny and makes him an intriguing pick for Elvis. His ability to blow up and become menacing at a moment’s notice allows him to display all the complexities of their dynamic.
Another important aspect of this film is its adherence to the Coppola visual aesthetic — which features pastel colors, beautiful clothes and luscious interiors, almost dessert-like in its essence. It makes her films refreshing to a viewer as they embrace a rarely seen kind of on screen femininity.
The ending can feel strange and abrupt, but it fits the narrative structure of Coppola, who makes a similar move in “Marie Antoinette” and breaks the tone that she’s developed throughout the picture.
In both of these movies, it’s purposeful. She intentionally tears apart the candy-colored lens of youth away from her female protagonists and thrusts them into the real world.
Coppola’s “Priscilla” is a beautiful portrait of the power of youth and all-consuming love, especially what that means to a young girl turned woman.
Director Justine Triet and actress Sandra Huller speak during a Q&A at the UK Premiere of "Anatomy Of A Fall" on Nov. 1, 2023. Photo credit: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
No movie feels as relevant to the year 2023 as “Anatomy of a Fall” does. It targets a particular part of the modern psyche, one stuck between ideals of the present and conventions of the past.
“Anatomy of a Fall” is a French courtroom thriller by French film director and screenwriter Justine Triet about a woman trying to defend herself in the case of her husband’s death. It also explores modern gender politics as a woman navigates the assumptions of others.
The film functions on the shifting opinions of the audience and is less interested in giving an answer to the actual cause of death, instead urging viewers to reevaluate their assumptions about gender.
German actress Sandra Huller plays cold and calculating novelist Sandra Voyter. She is not the perfect stereotypical wife or a homemaker, but that doesn’t make her a killer. Huller’s more ambitious personality makes her the perfect actress for a killer because she’s not kind or sweet enough for the society that she’s a part of.
Huller acts opposite Milo Machado Graner who plays her dead husband’s blind son. Graner gives an impressive performance and is able to deliver the emotionally gut-wrenching parts of the film as he expresses the inner moral conflict of the audience.
Triet, who both directed and wrote this movie, was inspired by the works of Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder, in particular noir films like “Witness for the Prosecution” and “Strangers on a Train.”
“Anatomy of a Fall” feels less interested in the aesthetics of the genre like neon colors and gratuitous violence and instead desires to explore the morality of the noir genre.
Language functions as a metaphor for autonomy. With our main character stuck in France and only really able to speak German and English, this barrier strips away her power in the trial and makes her unable to defend herself.
On top of the film’s feminist subtext, it’s also interested in authorship and whose ideas belong to whom. Both Sandra and her husband are writers, sharing a creative relationship on top of an emotional one. The threads of their art become intertwined and create conflict within their lives.
The house that they live in also functions as a symbol, particularly for the relationship between Sandra and her husband. It’s a large, glamorous Chateau sitting on a mountain, but it’s isolated and constantly in a state of repair.
Maybe Triet could have titled this film “Anatomy of a Murder,” but her film is less about the act of killing and more about the mind — how people think, reason and perceive.
The Miami Hurricanes were close to being undefeated in ACC play until a last comeback failed to manifest against Wake Forest last Saturday. For now, Miami sits at 2-1 in the ACC with a record of 11-3 overall. The ‘Canes have a chance to make that 3-1 in the ACC with a win over the Louisville Cardinals.
Miami intends to keep its undefeated home record intact. UM is 9-0 in front of their home fans this season. This will be the only time that the Cardinals and the ‘Canes clash this season.
Louisville is not having the season that it hoped for. With a record of just 5-9 and 0-3 in ACC play, the Cardinals are the underdogs in Coral Gables tonight. Lousiville has lost four of their last five including a loss to Miami star Norchad Omier’s former team Arkansas State.
The Cardinals are led by sophomore guard Skyy Clark, averaging 14.9 points per game as the leading scorer on the team. Louisville has a trio of guards who all average double digits and play over 30 minutes a night. Along with Clark, sophomores Mike James and Tre White run the floor for the Cardinals.
The bigger problem for the Cardinals is their trouble stopping the opponent from scoring. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, Miami has the highest-scoring offense in the ACC.
Miami averages over 85 points per game while being the best team in the ACC in terms of shooting percentage and three-point shooting percentage. Miami should be back to full health after not having junior guard Wooga Poplar available for the Clemson and Wake Forest games. Poplar will only help the ‘Canes already elite shooting ability.
The recent emergence of Kyshawn George will be huge for the depth scoring of Miami. George exploded for a career-high 21 points against Wake Forest. That’s Geroge’s fifth time in his last seven games where he’s scored in double digits.
This game is a great opportunity for Miami to fine-tune its game before playing three tough games over a week against Virginia Tech, rival Florida State and Syracuse.
Tip-off for this matchup is set for 7 p.m. and will be aired on ACC Network.
After months of speculation, the Miami Hurricanes finally landed their first transfer quarterback in Albany’s Reese Poffenbarger.
With Miami’s starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke headed to Wisconsin after three years with the Hurricanes, a change at quarterback was needed. With the youth at the position on the roster, Mario Cristobal and the ‘Canes turned to the transfer portal.
Over the course of two years at Albany, Poffenbarger put up a staggering 6,613 yards and 60 touchdowns while rushing for eight more touchdowns for the Great Danes. Poffenbarger led the FCS in passing yards with 3,603 and passing touchdowns with 36 while leading the Great Danes to the semifinals of the FCS playoffs this past season, where they would fall to the eventual champions, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
After starting his career with Old Dominion, Poffenbarger transferred to Albany for two highly successful seasons before now heading to South Florida, where he’ll have two more years of eligibility.
In competition with Poffenbarger are the three scholarship quarterbacks on Miami’s roster.
The ‘Canes have Emory Williams, who showed promise in his two games this past year but remains out with an arm injury suffered against Florida State. Jaccuri Brown, who started for the ‘Canes in the Pinstripe Bowl, will be a junior next season. Both of those young quarterbacks have flashed the potential that they have.
Miami also has a quarterback signee, Judd Anderson, coming onto campus in the spring to battle with the quarterback group that now includes Poffenbarger.
This competition will continue through the spring and summer. Miami may not even be done adding through the transfer portal, but they have a winner who can fill up the stat sheet in Poffenbarger.
The Miami Hurricanes made a statement in their first game of the new year, defeating the No. 16 Clemson Tigers 95-82 at home. The win was the Hurricanes’ fifth straight victory against a ranked ACC opponent.
Nijel Pack, Norchad Omier and Matthew Cleveland led the way for the Hurricanes, as each scored over 20 points in the victory. All five of Miami’s starters reached double-digit points for the fourth time this season.
The ‘Canes started the game seemingly trying to shake off the cobwebs of the holiday weekend, going down 41-35 at the end of the first half.
Omier sat for a significant portion of the half due to early foul trouble, and his absence effectively neutralized Miami’s interior offense. The Hurricanes made a paltry 31.8% of their attempts from inside the arc, scored only 10 points in the paint and failed to attempt any free throws during the first half.
Freshman guard Kyshawn George shoots a three-pointer in the second half of Miami’s game versus Clemson in the Watsco Center on Jan. 3, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
The lone first-half bright spot for the ‘Canes was freshman Kyshawn George, who started in place of the injured Wooga Poplar. George’s 12 first-half points helped keep the team afloat during an otherwise underwhelming offensive performance.
But Miami’s halftime adjustments worked to perfection, as it erupted for 60 points in the second half.
Omier’s return to the game — he was on the floor for almost the entire second half — jumpstarted Miami’s interior offense. The Hurricanes’ newfound aggressiveness at the rim led to 26 points in the paint and 15 free throw attempts.
Pack did not miss in the second half, shooting 6-for-6 from the field and 6-for-6 from the free throw line, amassing 20 points in the process.
Hustle plays were also crucial for the Hurricanes. Clemson’s four fast break points paled in comparison to Miami’s 15. Bensley Joseph recorded four steals, one shy of Clemson’s total for the game. Joseph’s 2.2 steals per game average is third-best in the ACC.
Clemson’s biggest threat in this game was senior center PJ Hall, who came into the matchup averaging the most blocks (2.2) and second-most points (20.5) per game in the ACC. But Miami’s defense held strong, holding the talented big man to 17 points. Hall failed to record a block, turned the ball over four times, and fouled out of the game with just over two minutes remaining.
Players celebrate in the second half of Miami’s game versus Clemson in the Watsco Center on Jan. 3, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
The win moves the Hurricanes to a 2-0 conference record and an 11-2 record overall. Both marks are tied for the best in the ACC.
Miami heads to Winston-Salem for its next matchup, an ACC bout against Wake Forest, on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:15 p.m.
Not since Botox has a drug brand become so popular so quickly.
Currently FDA-approved for the treatment of type-2 diabetes and clinical obesity, Ozempic and other similar GLP-1 receptor agonists provide life-saving medication.
However, these drugs stand as a new landmark in our diet-obsessed culture – revolutionary medicine that can actually help people lose their stubborn excess weight, unlike the fad diets and supplements that have inundated our lives and that mostly fail.
The problem is not Ozempic itself. There’s no doubt it can save the lives of those who need it by decreasing the risk of disease and increasing longevity. The problem is the misuse by people looking for fast solutions to cosmetic concerns without addressing the root of the issue.
Also, these miracle drugs are likely to distract from more seriously addressing our society’s stigma and shame around fatness, a social disorder that cannot be remedied by simply popping pills or injecting a medicine.
The Ozempic injection contains semaglutide, and works by stimulating insulin release to lower blood sugar levels and slow digestion, so users feel satiated for longer periods of time. Because it also subdues the user’s appetite, some seek out the drug to slim down.
Developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and approved by the FDA in 2017, Ozempic is one of several new medications used to treat obesity. When doctors noticed that patients were losing weight as a side effect, Novo Nordisk began clinical trials on obese and overweight individuals to confirm the observations. A higher dose semaglutide remedy specially to treat obesity, called Wegovy, was then marketed to treat America’s obesity epidemic, as about 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese and an additional 30% are overweight.
Ozempic was not originally intended as a quick fix to get thin. Medical discretion is used to prescribe it to those who require it, such as those who are obese or overweight. However, in some cases, patients who do not meet the criteria are still getting their hands on it.
The drugs have taken Hollywood by storm, forcing its unrealistic beauty standards to manifest themselves in stars taking extreme measures to keep up youthful appearances. Aesthetic procedures like cool sculpting, injections and Brazilian butt lifts allow celebrities to dictate trends, shape beauty standards and influence entire generations.
Ozempic and other similar drugs have become the subject of conversations about weight loss and thinness in Hollywood. An easy, painless and near-instant remedy is appealing, especially in the realms of fashion and entertainment where looking a certain way is a professional requirement.
All this is happening despite a significant change in the popular discourse on bodies since the end of the 20th century, when a slim figure was celebrated and sought after. We began to embrace body positivity and representation in curvy and plus-size models and influencers on social media.
When the craze for drugs began, countless celebrities started to lose noticeable amounts of weight. Which celebrities are using Ozempic became headline stories, as seen with Kim Kardashian losing 16 pounds in three weeks to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s dress for the 2022 Met Gala. Only a select few have openly admitted to using these medications, as Elon Musk did about Wegovy.
The appeal of weight-loss drugs has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the average American adult gained 29 pounds . Losing excess weight could increase one’s life by decreasing risk of high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, having a stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and more.
“People still believe that it’s a personal choice and a lifestyle choice that somebody makes, and this is at fault for their obesity,” said Dr. Scott Butsch, director of Obesity Medicine at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.
Should obesity be perceived as a personal failing, a lack of adequate self-control and self-discipline? Or is it a chronic disease whose prevalence and severity are largely outside individual control?
BIPOC and low-income communities disproportionately experience higher levels of obesity, but lack the ability to pay out-of-pocket for medications such as Ozempic when insurance won’t contribute. How can we ensure access for those with a greater need for these therapies, rather than widening existing disparities?
A month-long Ozempic injection pen costs approximately $900 before insurance. Wegovy, only approved to treat obese/overweight patients or those with a coexisting condition related to weight, is more than $1,300 for a month’s supply. These costs can be made cheaper with qualifying insurance, but coverage can be hard to come by.
Hollywood elites, however, are willing and able to pay the full cost out of pocket, exhausting demand, overwhelming pharmacies and making it difficult for people who actually need the drug to get their prescriptions.
We also don’t understand how these drugs will impact users in the future. Common side effects users experience include nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain and more. Severe allergic reactions, hypoglycemia and pancreatitis can also occur.
For those who only look at the immediate effects of these drugs, they are neglecting the risks associated with long-term usage, including how easy it is to regain any lost weight after treatment. These risks should only be taken if it is meant to protect your health, as recommended and prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.
People tend to not change their habits when on these drugs, which can bring long-term adverse consequences for the short-sighted.
Although Ozempic has been approved and prescribed since 2017, Hollywood’s wholesale adoption of the drug turned it from being an essential medicine to a status symbol, advertising that dramatic weight loss is at our fingertips, readily available for those who can afford it.
Weight loss isn’t always a cure for all ills and can be a distraction from real issues. Unfortunately, fatphobia continues to pervade society and as long as it exists, there will be a market for miracle medicines that help make people thin.
Lia Mussie is a senior majoring in ecosystem science and policy and political science with minors sustainable business and public health.
With a big opportunity in New York, the Miami Hurricanes struck out in their bowl 31-24 loss to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This marks the 11th bowl game in the last 12 that the ‘Canes have lost. The second season in the Mario Cristobal era ends on an unfortunate note.
While the loss is a disappointing way to end the season, there are some positive things to take away from this game.
Jaccuri Brown showed potential.
Sophomore quarterback Jacurri Brown rushes to the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter of Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl Matchup versus Rutgers at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Miami had redshirt freshman quarterback Jaccuri Brown make his first start of the season, and despite his slow start, he did all he could to try and win the game for the ‘Canes. Brown was playing his first snaps of the season in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl. The Georgia native led the ‘Canes in rushing and passing, totaling 238 yards and three touchdowns.
Brown was shaky to start the game as he threw an early interception, but towards the end of the first and into the second half, Brown looked sharp and settled into a rhythm. Brown totaled two touchdowns through the air and rushed for another as the focal point for Miami’s offense. The dual-threat QB rushed 15 times and was effective scrambling on designed runs. The running ability of Brown gives the ‘Canes offense something that it lacked with Tyler Van Dyke and Emory Williams under center.
While Brown was not the most efficient passer, completing 65% of his passes, he was under duress all day long. The makeshift offensive line was poor in pass and run protection. Brown made the most of a bad situation in the pocket.
Brown flashed the skills that made him a top recruit and played well for a quarterback playing in his first snaps of the season.
Miami’s defense was severely shorthanded, and it showed.
Scarlet Knight junior running back Kyle Monangai stiff-arms a defender and rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter of Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl Matchup versus Rutgers at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai ran all over the ‘Canes defense to the tune of 163 yards and a touchdown. Monangai was the entire Rutgers offense. The junior running back carried the ball 25 times for an average of 6.3 yards per carry and a long run of 40. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt only completed 7 of his 15 pass attempts for 84 yards. Wimsatt ran for two touchdowns, but that is about all the junior contributed to the Rutgers offense on Thursday.
Rutgers’ offense took advantage of the depleted Miami defense. Miami was missing three top-five tacklers in James Williams, Kamren Kinchens and Corey Flagg Jr.
Miami will look much different next year.
Junior linebacker Francisco Mauigoa reads the offense in the second quarter of Miami’s Pinstripe Bowl Matchup versus Rutgers at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
This was a bit of a sneak peek at what a team without most of its key contributors looks like. Miami was without its top running back, starting quarterback, a top interior lineman on both sides of the ball, both starting safeties and a rotational linebacker.
Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George will return to make a deadly duo for whoever is under center. But on the defensive side of the ball, Miami will look much different. Francisco Mauigoa and Rueben Bain Jr. will lead a new look ‘Canes defense that loses their leaders on the back end in Kinchens and Williams.
With a top recruiting class coming in, a lot of these prospects will get to play early. The impact of young players like Bain, Mark Fletcher Jr., and Francis Mauigoa was apparent this season.
On the back end and in the trenches, Miami will have freshman pieces to retool depleted units. Look for Zaquon Patterson, Justin Scott, and Armondo Blount to play important minutes early.
The bowl loss is disappointing, but not the end of the world for a team that has made much progress since this time last season.
Once again, Miami Art Week has come down to the shores of Miami for its 21st year. With Art Basel on Miami Beach being the central focus, there were so many events and other art fairs available to enjoy and explore.
Here’s an inside scoop on what went down for the 2023 edition of Miami Art Week.
Monday, Dec 4
Heading to the Design District’s Jungle Plaza, I went to the opening of “The Chronicles of Miami” mural by the world-renowned French artist JR.
The mural displays the portraits of 1,000 Miami residents who had their portraits taken in a mobile studio all over the city, including Liberty City, Coconut Grove, Little Haiti, Wynwood, Design District and Downtown.
An app linked to the mural allowed you to hear each featured person’s story when you aim your camera at their portrait, a unique concept from the 40-year-old artist.
The Jungle Plaza had multiple food trucks lined up, as well as a square bar in the center. A large DJ stage was set up underneath the mural as several of Miami’s local spin jockeys cranked out some tunes in the evening.
JR gave a special “thank you” to everyone who let him paint them for his mural before introducing the guest DJ of the night, Brazilian superstar Anitta.
Though known for her reggaeton hits like “Envolver” and her fiery personality, Anitta took more of a back seat as she showcased her DJ skills. Over the loud groovy beats of Brazilian funk, Anitta’s dancers turned the block into a giant Brazilian party.
Visitors view artwork on display at the Art Miami fair, one of many art fairs held during Miami Art Week 2023.
Tuesday, Dec 5
The morning kicked off with an exploration of the “Paradise Lost” exhibit, an artistic exploration into the life of notorious drug trafficker Griselda Blanco.
Created by Miami artist Flooded, the art displayed Griselda as an image of Betty Boop, a nickname she gave herself after her resemblance to the famous 1930s cartoon character. With the unique location of the Wynwood Hair Supply Company barbershop, it was one of the more interesting Art Week exhibits.
Also in Wynwood, The Art of Hip-Hop exhibit celebrated 50 years of hip-hop and the art behind it.
On display were portraits by legendary photographer Mike Miller, classic Wu Tang Clan artworks by Danny Hastings and memorabilia from the Super Bowl 56 Halftime Show, which included a costume from Kendrick Lamar’s dancers and a denim jacket signed by all the performers.
Art Miami returned for its 33rd edition as Miami’s original modern and contemporary art fair. Galleries came from cities around the world such as Tel Aviv, Venice, Berlin, Seoul, London, Tokyo, Paris, Milan and Hong Kong, as well as U.S. cities like Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Houston.
Works from artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, KAWS, Keith Harring and Jeff Koons were up for grabs. One of the more intriguing displays was KAWS’ Bronze Star Wars set sold by Burgess Modern + Contemporary Gallery for a whopping $1,000,000.
Some of the most interesting and compelling modern art of the week was found in these halls.
“[It shows] art as an enriching element of our lives,” said artist and curator Graciela Montich as she described her latest Art Week gallery exhibit titled, “CHROMA.”
Works from Brandon Clarke, Elidea, Enrique Alfonso, Graciela Montich, Gustavo Ramirez Cruz, Heather Lynn and Payal Tak were all on display at Montich’s exhibit. These international artists emphasized emotions in their work and used a combination of mediums.
Victoria Lopez and her installation “MOTIONS” was made with the intention of pulling the viewer into each individual movement that is first created digitally by the artist, and then presented in a physical form.
The Meridians section of Art Basel featured "Earth Play" by artist Seung-taek Lee, an inflatable balloon painted with a satellite image of Earth. Photo credit: Courtesy of Art Basel
Wednesday, Dec. 6
On the morning of Dec. 6, I went to the Art Basel opening media reception. Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiner joined Jason Chandler, head of global wealth management for America at investment banking company UBS, Art Basel CEO Noah Horowitz and Art Basel executives Vincenzo de Bellis and Bridget Finn to share their vision for this year’s Basel.
Mayor Meiner had some nice things to say about hosting Art Basel for the 21st time.
“Art Basel has been referred to as the Olympics of the art world, and literally we are right now in Miami Beach, the epicenter of the entire world of the arts and culture, world and as we look to enhance our arts and cultural footprint here.”
“Bringing together 277 premier galleries from 38 countries and territories. showcasing the highest quality of modern and contemporary art here, we’re thrilled to present a new platform and a new floor plan for the show adopted for enhancing visibility for galleries across all sectors of the fair,” said de Bellis when going over the large scale of this year’s Basel.
After the reception, I explored “Meridians,” the large scale exhibits that included 19 projects this year.
Following our tour of Meridians, I explored many profound works from legendary artists like Soroyama, Murakami and Picasso. The halls were filled to the brim with some of the most prestigious names.
One of the more outstanding talents was that of Esai Alfredo, a gay Puerto Rican artist who had an exhibition all to himself. All of his paintings sold within the first 90 minutes of exhibition with a range from $11,000 to $32,000.
After Basel, I hopped over to the next street to see galleries decorated with the finest interior designs for sale at Design Miami..
Some of the best displays came from Gallery FUMI (who won Best Gallery), Adrian Sassoon, Ippodo Gallery and Galerie Patrick Seguin. There were also some exciting collaboration exhibits with Maestro Dobel, Birkenstock and Fendi.
Following that visit, I went over to the Untitled Art Fair, the leading independent art fair which returned to Miami Beach for its 12th Edition.
Located right on the beach, the art fair brought forth some of the best in independent art, with notable artists Oh de Laval being part of the Room57 Gallery, Colombian artist Andres Orjuela displaying Galeria La Basa and Katlego Tiabela with Southern Guild.
The Resy Lounge was also a notable addition to the fair, allowing patrons to indulge in complimentary bites and beverages by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard.
Traveling across the bridge to the Design District, Atiba Jefferson held his first ever solo photo exhibition sponsored by Nike Architecture and OTW by Vans. The exhibit held a display of Atiba’s mementos and classic moments captured by the famed skate photographer.
Highlights included portraits of Dylan Rieder, an iconic shot of Eric Koston and Kobe Bryant and throwback photos of Supreme skaters Na-Kel Smith, Kevin Bradley and Tyshawn Jones. Atiba was also there in-person to sign prints and meet with fans, even indulging visitors in conversation.
A quick stop by the Red Dot Art Gallery in Mana Wynwood featured exhibits held by Renssen Art Gallery, Sachie Yoshino, End to End Gallery and Klamp Gallery.
I topped off the night with a collaboration event between Japanese female wrestling organization Sukeban and Out of Service Miami, the local female-run reggaeton party.
With the unique location of the Lot 11 Skatepark, we knew that we were in for quite the show. We watched as Japanese women came into the wrestling ring, put each other in headlocks, jumped off the top ropes and powerbombed one another for two hours.
Notable attendees included rapper Westside Gunn, Sabrina Fuentes of Pretty Sick and Miami-Dade legend Denzel Curry. Curry was kind enough to take pictures and talk to fans throughout the night, inviting some to his events on Friday and Sunday.
After the wrestling, Out of Service did what they do best and turned Lot 11 into a party zone. Perreo was all over the air as many danced the night away with the female DJs.
Thursday, Dec. 7
Pinta Art Fair, held at the Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove, displayed some of the best of Latin art during Miami Art Week. Inside their walls were exhibits from Rosas Ek Balam based out of Mexico City, MAP based out of Bogota and Imaginario based out of Buenos Aires. Notable art included that of Juan Roberto Diago and his work in the Galeria Artizar exhibit.
Alec Monopoly held an art show at The Eden Gallery, with many of his popular works on display for the first time. Monopoly made a late appearance at his own show to talk with some art enthusiasts.
Gen Venom, Kev Mansfield and Mark Halliburton attend the RCA Records event on Friday, Dec. 8. Photo credit: Nina Fernandez/BFA.com
Friday, Dec. 8
For the first time ever, Tribeca Film Festival partnered with Art Basel and held several panels across the street at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. Under the gaze of the Miami sun, John Stamos joined Leila Cobo to give a retrospective on his life and career.
The topic of discussion was mostly the material in Stamos’ book “If You Would Have Told Me.” During the conversation, he gave an in-depth talk of his rehab, rough start in Hollywood, conversations with his mother and the mourning of his good friend, Bob Saget.
A touching moment came when Stamos recalled a moment after Saget’s death.
“I looked to the sky and said, ‘Bob give me a sign!’ Then I saw a white dove fly past me and I knew,” Stamos said.
When asked what advice he had for new actors, Stamos said, “I think everything you could do in your life goes into your career. If you’re a good enough actor or decent, you’d get a shot. You know? So big work on singing and dancing, acting, experience life. So when it’s time to get a job, you can bring all that with you.”
Once again, I headed over the bridge, but this time straight to Wynwood. Bowery Showroom brought their brick and mortar approach of streetwear to Miami. Held at 1-800-Lucky, fashion merchants from New York to Miami came to display their clothing, selling it under the Bowery banner.
After that was the main event of the night, the RCA Arcade being held and sponsored by RCA and Sony Music. The festivities kicked off with an exclusive, invite-only VIP launch event featuring a DJ set from RCA artist Channel Tres, with openers Barbara Doza and DRE WHO. Guests sipped cocktails by South Bound Tequila and played games to win merch.
It was so exciting to win the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones at this event along with other merch available in the form of a claw game. The event was attended by RCA artists Fousheé and Skillibeng and other notable visitors such as rapper Bktherula, influencer Perris Howard, Gen Venom, Kev Mansfield and super producer Yeti Beats.
Throughout the weekend, more guests had the opportunity to receive exclusive merch items and tour through archival images of RCA’s vast history of chart-topping artists, in addition to viewing paintings from RCA artist Doja Cat.
Saturday, Dec. 9
The morning kicked off with the second annual Abloh Invitational hosted by Nike Architecture at Lot 11 Skatepark. The event gave skate enthusiasts the opportunity to skate alongside pros such as Na-Kel Smith, Louie Lopez, Mason Silva, Evan Mock and more.
Photographer Atiba Jefferson and filmmaker Davonte Jolly captured the event, which included opportunities like a cash for tricks contest and the opportunity to win free Nike merch. The big highlight was the unveiling of a new giant spoon obstacle that was added to Lot 11 and skated by all the pros in attendance.
The final event I attended was the Tribeca Film Festival panel that included JR and legendary actor Rober De Niro.
The two sat down and discussed De Niro and his relationship with his father as well as that of his own children. Apparently JR had inspired De Niro to open up his father’s old art studio where he started archiving several momentos.
JR then got the idea to begin a project focusing on De Niro and his father. The project has been in development for two and a half years, and audience members saw a preview that was gravitating and emotional.
My favorite moment which summarized all of Miami Art Week came when JR said, “Each artist’s work is a definition of life. Of their own experiences, what they’ve gone through, and what they transform.”
