The Monarch

What Makes the Perfect Red Carpet Interviewer?

A spotlight on perhaps the most important part of award show season: the red carpet interviews.

Amira Mulji, Staff Writer • February 20, 2024

The ideal interviewer possesses charm, wit, and most importantly a passion for interviewing celebrities.

Kung Fu Panda 4: The Year of the Dragon…Warrior

The wait begins for Kung Fu Panda 4 with the recent release of its trailer. Can it live up to its past three predecessors?

Andrew Park, Staff Writer • February 20, 2024

Just recently, Dreamworks Animation released the newest teaser for Kung Fu Panda 4 releasing this March, generating a substantial amount of excitement and hype for the Dragon Warrior’s latest adventures....

Gold, Glamor…and Glares?

The 2024 Golden Globes were a huge letdown, and fingers are being pointed toward one person.

Claire Kim, Staff Writer • February 20, 2024

Koy’s biggest mistake was making insensitive jokes at not only the expense of his writers, but also the nominees.

Takashi Murakami: The Man Behind the Monsters

Theresa Hoang '24's review on Takashi Murakami's exhibit in the Asian Art Museum and how he has solidified his legacy in the art world.

Theresa Hoang, Staff Writer • December 7, 2023

The 31-foot-wide piece almost serves as a remedy to the calamity and vibrancy of his monster paintings, promoting serenity with every stroke of blue acrylic.

Meet the Sizzling New KBBQ Spot: Valley Fair’s Baekjeong

Seniors Stephanie Ahn, Terena Nguyen, and Elly Nguyen critique San Jose's hottest new KBBQ spot: Baekjeong.

Stephanie Ahn, Terena Nguyen, and Elly Nguyen • December 7, 2023

Speaking of the meat, it was fresh and hot off the grill, melting in your mouth with each bite. Our personal favorites were the beef brisket and pork belly—pro tip: ask for ssamjang (soybean paste) to pair with the pork belly.

1989 TV: The Album That Never Goes Out Of Style

Was Swift successful in releasing a Taylor's Version of her biggest album?

Mia Roxas, Staff Writer • December 7, 2023

This re-recorded pop album showcases Taylor’s well-known hits, “Wildest Dreams” and “Shake It Off”; fan favorites, “You Are In Love,” and “New Romantics”; and the debut of five new songs from the vault.

Avenida de Altares: An Exhibición of Mexican Culture

A personal perspective of Alum Rock's Avenida De Altares Festival with its bright colors and festive dancing.

Andrew Park, Staff Writer • December 6, 2023

The altar was an enormous sight, but it was interesting that many weren’t necessarily mourning the loss of their loved ones; the sentimentality was more that of a celebration and honor for those who have passed.

A&E’s Music Highlights

Read these short music blurbs on the trendiest songs and artists that A&E writers considered worth a spotlight.

Claire Kim, Aarya Gupta, and Julia Marcinkowski • December 6, 2023

Read these short music blurbs on the trendiest songs and artists that A&E writers considered worth a spotlight.

Five Nights at Freddy’s: All Bark, One Bite

How the FNAF movie fared following its video game predecessor.

Aryn Rizal and Tristan Brady • December 6, 2023

Your local animatronic-themed restaurant is creepier than you remember it being.

Loki Season 2: Does It Surpass the First?

Read this review on whether Loki Season 2 was able to live up to the first season’s debut.

Anushka Iyer, Staff Writer • December 6, 2023

It maintained Season 1’s good qualities, like its comedy and cinematography but did have a few drawbacks, so perhaps it can’t be comparable to the first.

Beyoncé’s Revolutionary Renaissance: An Unforgettable Tour and Album

Shiloh Halliburton-Rudy '26 got to experience firsthand just how revolutionary Beyoncé's Renaissance album and tour has been.

Shiloh Halliburton-Rudy, Staff Writer • October 18, 2023

There was no stopping the power channeled by the bodacious dancing, astonishing wardrobe, elaborate staging, electrifying music, or Beyoncé’s enchanting vocals. The power of Renaissance flew through us that night and at the end, Beyoncé flew into the night sky on a silver horse absolutely dripping in jewels.

Spilling My Guts, on Guts

A review of Olivia Rodrigo's hot new sophomore album, Guts.

Kaydence Liu, Staff Writer • October 18, 2023

The album can only be described as pop perfection with the catchiest of melodies and the most heart-wrenching of lyrics. And with all twelve songs debuting in the Billboard’s Top 100, there’s no doubt that fans agree too.