Culture

A row of brick buildings with arched windows and a blue portable restroom along a street lined with black bollards.

Lights, camera, action! Boxcar, calling all film fans

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | December 10

Boxcar, located in downtown Opelika, is a nonprofit establishment opening in early 2026 that will primarily screen unique films from a variety of genres. It will have a cinema, a lounge area and a bar, while showcasing other forms of art through live performance.

An illustration of Buddy, the main character from "Elf" movie, throwing a snowball.

An ‘Elf’ review: ‘Santa! I know him!’

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | December 8

When many people think of a Christmas classic, it’s safe to say that “Elf” is one of the first movies to come to mind. The 2003 film stars Will Ferrell as Buddy Hobbs, a human who was raised by Santa’s elves in the North Pole, and follows his odyssey to New York City to discover who he truly is. “Elf” explores themes of family, romance and acceptance, while aiming to warm the hearts of its viewers during the holiday season.

A white silhouette of Dek posed dynamically overlays a dark red background, with the words "PREDATOR" and "BADLANDS" prominently displayed.

A profitable, forgettable sequel: 'Predator: Badlands' review

By Logan Myers | Columnist | December 3

In "Predator: Badlands," writer-director Dan Trachtenberg does away with the traditional cat-and-mouse structure of a Predator film, focusing instead on a buddy-cop adventure film with no human characters. While certainly an ambitious venture, this attempt at humanizing the Predator takes away from the aura of mystery that made the monster so iconic in the first place. For the first time in the history of the series, our titular Predator is given a name — Dex — and daddy issues.

Shadow of two figures facing each other, inside a Christmas ornament with wings wrapped around.

Classical Christmas: A review of Capra’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | December 2

Frank Capra’s 1946 Christmas film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ covers the life of George Bailey (James Stewart) and the struggles that he faces between his family, his finances and missed opportunities. After facing financial ruin due to a bad relationship with the town’s richest man, Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), and a bad night with his wife, Mary Hatch (Donna Reed), George plans to end his own life. Just before he carries out his plan, a guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers) visits George and helps him realize all of the good that he has put into the world around him.

A group of electrical engineering students who participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, stands on steps in front of large, arched windows, dressed in formal and semi-formal attire.

Electrical engineering students make waves in research

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Writer | November 30

Students from Auburn’s Electrical Engineering Department have spent their summer and fall semesters devoted to research projects. Some students have been continuing work they began during a summer research program, while others started working with professors this fall.

A red helmet and an orange helmet are positioned around a football, sitting in the center of the words "DIVIDED house," "ALABAMA" and "AUBURN."

Divided households: Why Auburn students chose The Tigers over The Tide

By Chloe Glass | Lifestyle Writer | November 29

It’s no secret that we inherit most traditions from our families: favorite football teams, pre-game rituals and a shared dislike for opposing teams. As the 90th Iron Bowl approaches and the Auburn-Alabama rivalry begins to heat up, Auburn students in divided households are preparing themselves to go head-to-head with their parents' favorite team.

The lyrics "But because I knew you... I have been changed for GOOD" are on a light yellow background with a pink magic wand and brown broom.

'Wicked: For Good' review: 'It's looking at things another way'

By Chloe Glass | Lifestyle Writer | November 28

After its premiere on Nov. 21, the sequel to “Wicked” (2024) has finally hit theatres, leaving audiences changed for good.

Two cartoon turkeys, one black and one purple, joyfully dance beside large, bold red letters spelling "FREE BIRDS" against a light purple background.

'We're taking turkey off the menu' — A review of 'Free Birds'

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | November 27

The 2013 film “Free Birds,” details the adventures of two talking turkeys, Reggie (Owen Wilson) and Jake (Woody Harrelson) who travel back in time to the year 1621, with the goal of stopping turkey from being served at the first Thanksgiving feast. Reggie and Jake meet a slew of turkey friends when they travel back in time. Reggie also develops a crush on Jenny (Amy Poehler), a charming turkey from 1621. Reggie, Jake and the turkeys they meet in 1621 work to fight a group of colonists hunting them for the first Thanksgiving feast.

A large popcorn bucket sits prominently in front of a movie screen, with a filmstrip curling around it.

Thanksgiving movie guide: New films to see in theaters

By Katie Gibson | Lifestyle Writer | November 25

Thanksgiving is a time that students can finally kick up their feet and relax before finals season comes into full swing. November is typically a time when major movies come out. Do you want to go enjoy a cinematic production on the big screen, while munching on extremely-buttered popcorn and sipping a cold soda? Maybe this sounds appealing, but you have no idea what movie ticket to buy. Luckily for you, I have created a guide of the top three highly-anticipated movie releases that Auburn students will be making sure they go see this Thanksgiving break. In no particular order, here are the must-see movie releases to enjoy this holiday season.

The Auburn Campus Food Pantry's glass door, which features an orange circular sign that reads "CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY," and information about food pantry hours is visible below.

Giving back in times of food insecurity

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Writer | November 24

With the holidays approaching, this is a season of practicing gratitude, giving back and eating delicious food. For many in East Alabama though, food insecurity complicates the season. Food insecurity, the lack of reliable access to affordable and nutritious food, affects at least 16% of Lee County. In times of need, Auburn offers plenty of ways to get involved and give back to the community.

Love Does in Action members pose in front of a sign for the fall festival hosted with Vecinos Ministry. Contributed by Love Does in Action.

Love Does in Action joins The Loveliest Village

By Layla Hyatt | Lifestyle Writer | November 24

This fall, the Love Does in Action club launched in Auburn. The club focuses on loving one another through acts of kindness, from buying a stranger a coffee to hosting community events for underserved families.

BrainSTEM guides neurodivergent students to success

By Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | November 24

College is a notoriously difficult transitional period for young adults because of a mix of increased responsibilities, rigorous studies and a sense of newfound independence. BrainSTEM is a new student organization at Auburn University that seeks to assist all neurodivergent students, who may especially struggle during this transition, with achieving their goals, while providing a community consisting of other self-identifying neurodivergent students.

A brick storefront with a sign reading "Cookie Fix," featuring striped awnings, a glass door, and a wooden bench outside.

Cookie Fix brings a sweet new flavor to Downtown Auburn

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | November 21

Downtown Auburn got a little sweeter with the opening of Cookie Fix on Nov.5. This is the company's 10th location and marks a new chapter for the brand that started nearly a decade ago.

Football players in white jerseys interact with enthusiastic fans reaching over a barrier, celebrating a victorious moment in a stadium at night.

Auburn's culture of away games

By Margaret Griffin | Lifestyle Writer | November 20

For Auburn students, away games are more than a weekend trip – they’re a ritual. Students plan their fall schedules around the football season, as flocks of students pack their cars to get ready for game days across the Southeast. No matter if a game is home or away, Auburn students bring the same loyalty, passion and sense of belonging everywhere they go. The trip might be long and the city may look different, but the feeling remains the same. There is no doubt that Auburn fans show up for their team and for each other.

From Test Track to Highways: NCAT’s Road Innovations

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | November 19

The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) is changing the game in asphalt innovations and their sustainability. The minds behind these advances conduct research in labs and on the Test Track, where they work to build more economically and environmentally friendly roads.

Inside The Auburn Popcorn Company on Nov. 11, 2025.

Pop on in to The Auburn Popcorn Company

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Writer | November 18

Since opening in 2017, The Auburn Popcorn Company has been gracing downtown Auburn's presence with freshly popped popcorn. With about 14 different flavors, there is a salty and sweet treat for everyone who ventures into the store.

GrubHub sign captured in the Chick-fil-A in the Auburn Student Center.

Auburn Campus Dining adapts to students' wants

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | November 17

When it comes to the college student experience, it is safe to say that food is a huge part of it. Auburn University has a variety of options, from dining halls like The Edge to on-campus chain restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Panda Express. However, despite the positives, students and staff alike feel like Auburn's dining options have room for improvement.

Santa Claus sits on a chair surrounded by poinsettias, with a campus backdrop and people walking by.

Christmas countdown with Auburn's Letters to Santa program

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | November 17

With the holidays rapidly approaching, excitement is ramping up for Auburn’s unique Christmas traditions that celebrate community and spread joy through various events. Among the most popular is Letters to Santa, a program that allows children from Auburn and surrounding areas to send letters to Santa Claus and receive a letter in return. For several years, the city of Auburn has sponsored this program for children every holiday season.

A silhouette of the main character beside a motorcycle in front of forested trees, with text reading "THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES."

Ride like lightning, crash like thunder: A review of 'The Place Beyond the Pines'

By Logan Myers | Columnist | November 17

There are films that entertain, and there are films that haunt you long after the credits have rolled. "The Place Beyond the Pines" belongs unmistakably to the latter. Derek Cianfrance’s third feature is not merely a story about men and their choices; it is a meditation on legacy, guilt and the invisible threads binding fathers and sons across time.

A bustling indoor market features shoppers browsing handmade jewelry displays and vintage goods, with a festive atmosphere highlighted by chandeliers and decorations.

Moore's Mill Christmas pop-up returns with holiday spirit

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | November 16

On Nov. 16, a line formed outside of the Moore’s Mill Club, as excited buyers and browsers waited for its highly anticipated Christmas market pop-up. Open to the public, the market welcomed people from every corner of the community, as attendees browsed and bought handmade and vintage goods from local vendors.