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The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor
Ryan Ascalon

Ryan Ascalon, arts & entertainment reporter

(he/him)

Ryan Ascalon joined The State Hornet in 2023. He is a Communications major with aspirations of becoming a cinematographer.
All content by Ryan Ascalon
The Arts and Entertainment resident TV critic presents a guide for summer entertainment. Grab your favorite snack and relax on those warm summer nights. (Graphic created by Ryan Ascalon)

Summer Showtime: The hottest movies and TV series to beat the heat

Animation, action, Kung Fu, Star Wars and more
Ryan Ascalon
July 3, 2023
Summer’s heating up with these must-watch movies and shows.
The Arcane title card that bursts onto screen after the mesmerizing title sequence of each episode. The striking visuals set the tone for the viewers journey through the series. (Image Courtesy of Netflix. Graphic created by Ryan Ascalon.)

The Idiot Box: ‘Arcane,’ emotional depth and action-packed thrills

Breaking the video game to TV curse, 'Arcane' captivates audiences
Ryan Ascalon
May 14, 2023
Discover how “Arcane” shatters expectations with stunning animation, complex characters and a mesmerizing soundtrack.
“The Owl House” title card displays at the end of the opening theme. Step into the magical world and discover the wonders that await. (Images courtesy of Disney. Graphic created by Ryan Ascalon.)

The Idiot Box: ‘The Owl House,’ simply enchanting

Trailblazing LGBTQ+ representation for younger audiences
Ryan Ascalon
April 29, 2023
Discover the reasons why 'The Owl House' has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The Bad Batch title card appears at the start of each episode. It is accompanied by a military-style drum cadence, a tribute to the show's soldiers. (Image courtesy of Disney+. Graphic created by Ryan Ascalon.)

The Idiot Box: ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch,’ Study or Suffer

Research to watch a TV show is now the norm
Ryan Ascalon
April 19, 2023
With a galaxy in turmoil and a budding rebellion on the way, The Bad Batch will play.
The “Doom Patrol” title card reveals itself at the end of the title sequence with an eerie animation depicting the origins of each of the characters. The cast’s journeys from misfits to heroes are what give this DC series an edge against its competition.  (Picture courtesy HBO Max. Graphic created by Ryan Ascalon.)

The Idiot Box: ‘Doom Patrol,’ from tragedy to triumph

Impressive cast and bold storytelling creates a standout series
Ryan Ascalon
April 13, 2023
DC’s niche superhero team makes a big impression with the latest season of “Doom Patrol.”
Screencaps from the various works featured in The State Hornet Spring Picks. (Images courtesy of Universal Pictures, Studio Ghibli, Disney+, Fuji TV, NBC, Paramount Pictures, Open Road Films, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Netflix. Graphic made in Canva by Ryan Ascalon)

The State Hornet Spring Picks: 10 movies and TV shows to vibe with

‘Dope’, ‘Amphibia’ and ‘Community’ in springtime, oh my
Ryan Ascalon
April 9, 2023
Feel the spring sun and smell the flowers in these stories!
The “Primal” title card plays at the start of each episode. It means the survival of the fittest at any cost. (Picture courtesy of HBO Max. Graphic created in Canva by Ryan Ascalon.)

The Idiot Box: ‘Primal,’ A masterpiece of minimalistic, animated storytelling

A visually striking blast from the past in the present
Ryan Ascalon
April 3, 2023
Genndy Tartakovsky’s “Primal” delivers thrills, chills and emotional damage all through visuals.
A Guide to the Mandalorian Galaxy digs into the Disney+ show, featuring everyone’s favorite mini-yoda: Grogu. “The Mandalorian” title graphic courtesy of The Walt Disney Company. (Graphic made in Canva by Isaac Streeter)

A Guide to The Mandalorian Galaxy: ‘The Mines of Mandalore’ and ‘The Convert’

A new Mandalore will rise.
Ryan Ascalon
March 17, 2023
Staff writer Ryan Ascalon takes on the two latest episodes of the hit series “The Mandalorian.”
A gas mask on the wall near the entrance of the Smog Collectors exhibit at the Library Gallery Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. The lens reveals an image depicting various agents of pollution in modern society; the inscription on the filter provides some background behind the inspiration for the piece.

Grim gallery shows haunting future for generations to come

Inside the Smog Collectors Gallery
Ryan Ascalon
March 14, 2023
Renowned Artist Kim Abeles’ gallery, “Smog Collectors” comes to Sac State.
The California State Capitol Friday, Oct 21, 2022. Senate Bill 808, recently introduced to the California legislature in February, aims to hold the California University System accountable with handling sexual assault and sexual harassment complaints. (Photo by Jacob Peterson, Graphic made in Canva by Tierra Tilby).

Proposed bill to hold CSU accountable for sexual misconduct

SB 808 to address reporting process, retreat rights
Tierra Tilby, Ryan Ascalon, and Tobi Fakunle
March 13, 2023
Senate bill aims to ensure sexual assault and harassment cases reach resolution.
Series promotional poster featuring Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna and supporting cast. “Wouldn’t you rather give it all at once to something real?”  (Picture courtesy of Disney+. Graphic created in Canva by Ryan Ascalon).

‘Andor’ grounds Star Wars universe in storytelling

Why the Disney+ series warrants a watch
Ryan Ascalon
February 12, 2023
Andor is the perfect successor to Rogue One and an incredible addition to the Star Wars narrative. Staff writer Ryan Ascalon reviews the Diego Luna vehicle in hopes to entice you to watch the series.
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