Writer archives: Joel Pelachik
Contact Joel: jdpelach@syr.edu
NY Record Fairs stops in Syracuse, collects enjoyers of different sounds
First organized by Binghamton native Jack Skutnik, NY Record Fairs made its way to Syracuse on Sunday, which gathered record collectors of all ages. Read More »
SaltTee Collections shop distributes clothes printed with historic images
Locals David Haas and Kelly Hall started SaltTee Collections, an online clothing brand, in July 2025 after finding a warehouse full of abandoned screen prints three years ago. Read More »
Luc Besson’s ‘Dracula’ retelling withers with tame, nonsensical subplots
If it wasn’t for the film’s acting performances, Luc Besson’s “Dracula” is an unmemorable depiction of the overdone adaptation. Read More »
Get in the gold medal mindset with these Winter Olympics movies
In honor of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, The Daily Orange compiled a list of their favorite Winter Olympics-themed films. Read More »
Safe script, overlooked themes strand ‘Send Help’ despite grim humor
Sam Raimi's "Send Help" balances laughs, jump scares and thought-provoking themes, yet feels redundant, our columnist says. Read More »
Learn zine-making at Schine, cheer on Super Bowl LX this week
This week, unwind with a zine creation workshop hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha or view Syracuse Stage’s “Relentless” play. Read More »
SU junior Oakes Fegley approaches acting career with humility, ambition
Junior Oakes Fegley starred in his first movie role, “Pete’s Dragon,” in 2016, crediting his family for his acting career. Read More »
Manlius Cinema’s ‘In Memoriam’ series pays homage to passed actors, filmmakers
From Wednesday to Jan. 29, Manlius Cinema’s “In Memoriam” series honors directors and actors who died in 2025 through a curated film lineup. Read More »
Enjoy Syracuse snow with cross-country skiing, nighttime hiking this week
Embrace the cold cross-country skiing or a guided nighttime hike at Drumlins this week. Read More »
Timothée Chalamet ‘dreams big’ in frantic, award-bound ‘Marty Supreme’
Led by an incredible cast, anxiety-filled pacing and a complementary soundtrack, Josh Safdie’s latest film, “Marty Supreme,” features a table tennis player, Marty Mauser, in search of greatness. Read More »
Channel nostalgia with top holiday movies for upcoming season
Among the holiday season's cozy staples, these nostalgic wintertime movies are the centerpiece. Read More »
Packed ending taints ‘The Running Man’ despite exceptional theater debut
Edgar Wright's "The Running Man" adaptation was enthralling and fun, despite an overpacked ending, our columnist says. Read More »
Worthwhile ‘Predator: Badlands’ adaptation fails to match 1987 original
“Predator: Badlands” is surprisingly wholesome, but routine fight scenes and unmemorable moments keep it from outshining its 1987 franchise original. Read More »
Razor-sharp ‘Bugonia’ ridicules conspiracy theorists with quirks, dark comedy
“Bugonia” combines societal criticism with conspiracy theories in a tense dark-comedy film Read More »
‘Good Fortune’ advocates for kindness, critiques capitalist wealth disparity
“Good Fortune” puts a new spin on the trope of an angel showing a human the beauty of life, with a stacked cast, memorable jokes and meaningful themes, our columnist says. Read More »
‘Roofman’ blends depth among absurdity in gracefully crafted dramedy biopic
"Roofman" combines depth, comedy and emotion in telling the real life absurd story of criminal Jeffrey Manchester. Read More »
Based on SU wrestling alum, ‘The Smashing Machine’ right hooks UFC authenticity
“The Smashing Machine," which follows Syracuse University wrestling alum Mark Kerr through his MMA days, is an authentic and memorable contender for best movie of the year, our columnist says. Read More »
Paul Thomas Anderson's timely ‘One Battle After Another’ deserving of praise
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” channels his tension and quirkiness, while taking risks and changing course from his usual work. Read More »
After Sundance win, local director premieres film at Destiny: ‘Full circle moment'
Syracuse native Carmen Emmi premiered his Sundance-winning, Syracuse-based film “Plainclothes” on Thursday at Regal Destiny USA. Read More »
Charming stars can’t save ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ from vaulting ambition
Though “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” features big stars Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, it falls short of the stars of sci-fi and romance films. Read More »
Solid lead performances, dystopian aesthetic doesn't redeem underbaked ‘The Long Walk'
Francis Lawrence's "The Long Walk" leaves viewers unsatisifed, lacking needed intensity and excitement, our columnist says. Read More »
Spike Lee's identity, formative influences ever-present in 'Highest 2 Lowest'
Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” is a strong ode to Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 work, with its own personality and modern feel, our columnist says. Read More »
'Caught Stealing’ hits energetic home run in superb medley of thrilling wit
Darren Aronofsky’s “Caught Stealing” transports viewers into a vivid, grungy portrait of 1990s New York City with creative storytelling and strong acting. Read More »
New director not enough to diversify ‘Nobody 2’ from predecessor
The plot of “Nobody 2” is almost indistinguishable from the original “Nobody,” only adding enhanced camera work and a focus on family Read More »