Wicked (2024) Movie Review: A Mesmerizing Journey Back to Oz
When the much-anticipated Wicked movie adaptation finally hit theaters last week, fans of both the Tony Award-winning musical and The…
Author: Ben Hardy
Hello, I'm Ben Hardy, a dedicated journalist for Willamette Weekly in Portland, Oregon. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a Master's degree from Stanford University, where I specialized in multimedia storytelling and data journalism. At 28, I'm passionate about uncovering stories that matter to our community, from investigative pieces to features on Portland's unique culture. In my free time, I love exploring the city, attending local music events, and enjoying a good book at a cozy coffee shop. Thank you for reading my work and engaging with the stories that shape our vibrant community.
The Cosmic Joy of Oregon’s Annual Mushroom Festival: A Trip Through Fungi and Folklore
Ah, Oregon. The land where the trees reach for the sky, the rivers flow like ancient wisdom, and the air—oh,…
Portland’s Soccer Scene: How the Timbers and Thorns are Shaping the City’s Identity
When you think of Portland, you might imagine the lush green landscapes, the iconic bridges, or the quirky, artsy vibe…
What’s New and Leaving Amazon Prime in September 2024
Ah, September—arguably the Monday of months. School’s back in session, the pumpkin spice lattes are already flowing, and we’re all…
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) Review: A Visually Stunning Yet Flawed Continuation
It’s 2024, and once again, we find ourselves in a world where apes reign supreme, humanity is on the brink…
The Room Next Door: Almodóvar’s Bold and Bittersweet Journey Through Friendship, Mortality, and America
In The Room Next Door, acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar makes his English-language feature debut, and he does so with his…
Twisters: A Wild Ride Through the Heart of Storm Chasing, with a 90s Nostalgia Twist
Gather ’round, fellow thrill-seekers, because the winds of Hollywood are blowing in a wild new direction, and it’s bringing with…
The Union (2024): Wahlberg and Berry: A Dynamic Duo
The Union, Mark Wahlberg’s latest adventure, sees him teaming up with the ever-dynamic Halle Berry in a Netflix film that…
Deadpool 3: A Bold Return of the Merc with a Mouth
Since his debut on the big screen, Deadpool has been a beloved and controversial figure in the superhero genre. The…
Mickey 17 (2025): A Satirical Sci-Fi Thriller by Bong Joon-ho with Robert Pattinson at the Helm
With Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho returns to his cinematic playground, blending social commentary with darkly comic twists in a genre-bending…