Reviews

Does ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ deserve its popularity?

2/5/24

By: Haylie McPartlin, 11

Author, Delia Ownes, crafted a novel bound to make people fall in love with reading. However, the question remains if this book is truly worthy of the fondness it receives. On social media like TikTok, this book is extremely hyped and fawned over and some people guess whether it's really that good. Yet, the answer to this question can be found as soon as you finish the first chapter. Owens is well knowledge on the proper use of syntax, causing this story to be suspenseful and addicting.

Finding a good book can be a large challenge. When I first heard of this book I was skeptical and to be honest it was because of how loved it appeared to be. Quite commonly books that do not deserve the hype receive it, so of course I had my doubts. It came to a point where my curiosity got the best of me and I caved. Thus, I am grateful for my choice in buying this book and I hope after reading this you indulge in it too.

This is a murder-mystery novel that follows the life of a young and self-sufficient girl, Kya, and her experiences along the way. You start to learn about her but also her romantic involvement with two men. Yet what happens when one of those men is found dead? When she becomes a main suspect, the case unfolds and so do all the secrets within it.

This book grasps your attention. It keeps you obsessed with turning each page with its entertaining twists and turns. Each chapter is the same as before. You start at the first entry and then in the blink of an eye you are on to the next, breezing through it not wanting to stop. Getting to the last page of the book had me grieving. I had wished I could read it for the first time again, getting to experience that same adrenaline feeling when guessing how Owens would end it off.

The novel deserves a 5-star rating to say the least. Each page is so well written and truly one of the best books I have ever read. Delia Owens is able to provide such specific details that you can picture the scenery in your head with ease. You feel like you are a character in the book as you are transported to North Carolina along with Kya.

If you want a good read that retains your interest and assists you to be passionate in reading, read this 10 out of 10.

Five Nonfiction Book Recommendations for Young Adults

2/5/24

By: Anonymous

For young adults looking for their next good book comes a list of nonfiction book recommendations made by a young person, for a young person, listed in no particular order. Reading is an important lifelong habit, especially for young people looking to become more informed and empathetic human beings. Oftentimes nonfiction books are considered boring, especially by young people, but this genre can be very interesting and entertaining, as well as a great way to learn new things! See any titles below that look intriguing? Find accessible books through the school library, town library, digital services such as Hoopla, or small independent bookstores, and get reading!

#1: “The Poisoner’s Handbook” by Deborah Blum

While its title may be alarming, Blum’s “The Poisoner’s Handbook” explores the evolution of the field of toxicology during the Prohibition in Jazz Age New York. Following the work of Charles Norris and Alexander Gettler, New York City’s first medical examiner and his chief toxicologist, Blum weaves an intriguing tale of scientific intrigue that reads like true crime. This title is also a great source of historical knowledge, given its backdrop of Prohibition-age New York, and highly recommended to any students covering this period in a U.S. History class. Told in chapters organized by poison--including chloroform, wood alcohol, and radium--“The Poisoner’s Handbook” is equal parts informative and entertaining, and is certain to leave any reader with a budding interest in both chemistry and the hilariously obscure antics of this dynamic duo. Hooked on the history of toxicology and find yourself thinking about poison long after you close the book? “The Poisoner’s Handbook” was adapted into a documentary in 2014, or you can check out Blum’s other titles, including “The Poison Squad,” a thrilling tale of the evolution of food safety in America!

#2: “Mediocre” by Ijeoma Oluo 

A much-needed discussion about race, gender, and systemic oppression that all human beings should read! Exploring topics from colonization to the racist origins of football and how this discrimination is still alive in the world of sports today, Oluo takes a deep dive into heavy topics but does so in a way that is accessible to readers from all backgrounds looking to educate themselves. Given the state of our world, it’s easy for many individuals--especially students--to feel powerless in the face of the centuries-long battle for racial and gender equality or unsure how to even go about pushing back against oppressive forces, and “Mediocre” is a great place to start for anyone seeking to understand systemic oppression in order to combat it in our daily lives. 

#3: “The 57 Bus” by Dashka Slater

I really enjoyed “The 57 Bus” and finished it within a day! Slater’s nonfiction account follows the true story of two teenagers whose stories become intertwined as a result of a hate crime that takes place on a public bus one afternoon. While the act of violence itself is deeply upsetting and sparks a broader conversation about society’s prejudice against and intolerance for differences, the narration following both sides of the story--that of the adolescent who committed the crime and the victim--offers a hopeful glimpse into the power of reflection, accountability, and forgiveness as a force to create a more inclusive future.

#4: “The Anthropocene Reviewed” by John Green

From the author of several widely-acclaimed works including “The Fault in Our Stars,” “Turtles All the Way Down,” and “Looking For Alaska” comes a collection of essays covering a variety of intriguing and obscure topics, from penicillin to third-tier English football teams. Green--in an act of commentary on the more recent rating phenomenon--rates each topic of discussion on a five star scale, followed by a rationale deafening his decision. Considering the wide range of information discussed in this publication, it is highly recommended to any curious minds, especially those taking AP Literature and Composition who are looking to increase their breadth of random knowledge. “The Anthropocene Reviewed” is also a podcast of the same name hosted by Green and available on most music streaming services, allowing readers to continue the excitement of learning new things about topics you never would have thought you’d want to learn about long after the final page!

#5: “How the Word Is Passed” by Clint Smith

“How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America” is one of the most enlightening and eye-opening works of nonfiction I’ve had the privilege of reading. From accomplished writer and poet Clint Smith, “How the Word Is Passed” an account of seven historical locations he visited, their roots in slavery in America, and the various people and perspectives he encountered there. This publication is organized into seven chapters on seven different locations, including the Monticello Plantation, Blandford Cemetery, and Angola Prison. While this book does cover heavy topics that cause many readers to question the history they have traditionally been taught to believe about racism in America, it initiates a much-needed conversation that has come far too late but nevertheless is an important step forward for us as a society in reconciling without past while looking to a better, more equal future.

Now more than ever, it’s imperative that young people maintain an awareness of both the past and the present to better understand the rapidly-changing state of our world--what better way to educate yourself than through these thrilling works of nonfiction?

Are Monster drinks really that bad?

By: Emily Fernandes, 10 

12/6/23

When Monster came out by Hurbet Hansen in 2002, it was a massive hit. Even to this that, it’s still a super popular drink. But are they bad for you even though they taste amazing?

Though the drink might be delicious, it’s not the best. According to one of my sources; “Monster is one of the worst energy drinks. It contains 160 mg of caffeine and 54 grams of added sugar” Even though we know it’s that bad, we can’t get enough of it. Probably because it’s so addictive. 

Drinking energy drinks regularly can have serious consequences on your health. One of the primary risks is dehydration, which occurs when your body loses more water than it takes in. Energy drinks are diuretics, which means they increase urine production, leading to a loss of fluids and electrolytes. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. 

Moreover, energy drinks can also lead to heart complications, including an irregular heartbeat and heart failure. The high levels of caffeine and other stimulants in these drinks can put a strain on your cardiovascular system, especially if you have an underlying heart condition. 

Lastly, energy drinks can cause anxiety, making you feel nervous and jittery. The combination of caffeine and sugar can lead to a surge in energy levels, followed by a crash, leaving you feeling irritable and anxious. Continued use of energy drinks can also lead to addiction, making it challenging to function without them. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of the risks associated with energy drinks and consume them in moderation, if at all.

When it comes to consuming energy drinks like Monsters, it is important to be mindful of the recommended daily intake. According to wikiHow, the average healthy adult can safely consume up to two servings of Monster energy drink per day. However, it's important to note that the caffeine and sugar content in these drinks can have adverse effects on one's health when consumed in excess. Therefore, it is advisable for teenagers to limit their intake to 2 or 3 servings per week, to avoid any potential health risks associated with over-consumption.

It is important to remember that while energy drinks like Monster may provide a quick boost of energy, they can have negative side effects on your health. These drinks contain high levels of sugar and caffeine, which can lead to adverse effects like high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and dehydration. It is recommended to limit your consumption of energy drinks and instead opt for healthier alternatives like water, herbal tea, or natural fruit juices. If you do choose to consume energy drinks, it is advised to limit it to no more than 3 cans per week and to monitor your body's response to the drinks.

Is 'Dark Knight' Trilogy still worth watching?

By: Luke Principe, 9

11/20/23

The Dark Knight Trilogy is three movies that are action-packed with a thrilling story. The three movies are Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises. The watch order is how they were listed. The main character is the fictional character Bruce Wayne also known as Batman, played by the actor Christian Bale. The setting is in the fictional city of Gotham, where Batman and his enemies live. The movies take place between the years 2005 to 2015 with a large time skip after the second movie. In these movies, the main character wants to protect Gotham his city from people who wish it harm. 

You don’t have to be a fan of Batman to like these movies, as you will most likely like these movies if you are a fan of action or drama themes. Also, if you like superhero movies such as Marvel movies you may like The Dark Knight trilogy too even though it does contain a more serious tone. 

The most popular of the three movies is the second one, The Dark Knight. This movie has the most action of all, with the Joker being the main villain. He is played by Heath Ledger, who won an Oscar for his scary but amazing performance. He immensely put himself into character by secluding himself in a hotel room to practice his role. Although sadly he passed away, his Oscar was still given to him after his passing.

These movies do contain violence. If that is not something you wish to watch, these could not be the movies for you. However, if fighting is something you like to watch in movies, you will like this as the fight scenes are well coordinated and fun to watch.

If you are wondering where to watch these movies, they can be found on Max, otherwise known as HBO. You will need a subscription to watch them on HBO. They can also be found on Prime Video, but will have to be rented to watch the movies.

Overall, The Dark Knight trilogy is three great movies that are worth the watch.

Is 'Mr. Robot' worth watching?

9/16/23

By: Luke Principe, 9

Mr. Robot is a TV show 4 seasons long and 45 episodes. The genres are drama, tech thriller, and psychological. This show contains many unexpected plot twists in every season, keeping you on your toes while watching. The most notable streaming service that has it is Prime Video. The show covers the main protagonist Elliot Alderson who is a genius cyber technology employee and vigilante hacker who finds himself changing the world. Mr. Robot is set in New York City, mainly Brooklyn and Coney Island, and the entire show is set in 2015 throughout all 4 seasons. Mr. Robot is a highly recommended show by critics and is worth watching.

The entire show is rated highly on main websites such as IMDB where it is an 8.5/10. Overall, the show is incredible and emotionally breaking for the characters and the audience. The actors do an amazing job and make the show even better.

Most people consider season 4 of Mr. Robot the best season of the show. Season 4 episodes 7 and 13 are the highest rated of the show and some of the all-time rated episodes on IMDB and other websites. Even though season 4 is considered the best by most all of the other seasons are also considered some of the best seasons of all time.

The PG rating is usually not recommended under 16. The show does have some scenes that contain dead bodies, murder, profanity, and death. Although, if you don’t mind things like that, it shouldn’t be a problem while watching it. 

This show does play tricks with your brain throughout every one of the seasons and is never expected. This makes each season very enjoyable and a great watch. Every plot twist was great and unexpected.

Mr. Robot only gets better as it goes on with its mind-blowing story and is worth watching in my and many others including critics' opinions.

'Heroes & Villains' album is the greatest albums made

9/19/23

By: Emily Fernandes, 10

Metro Boomin dropped his “Heroes and Villains” Album, in Boominati (Los Angeles), on December 5th,2022. It was a sequel of his first album, “Not all Heroes wear Capes.”

Metro Boomin came out of nowhere and dropped one of the best albums I have ever heard. It was so good, it made me a huge fan of his. Even though it has been a year since it dropped, I still listen to it every single day. The album “Heros and Villans' contains 15 songs. Most of the songs he wrote became very popular, such as "Trance” with Travis Scott, and Young Thug, “Creepin” with The Weekend and 21 savage, and “Around Me’’ with Don Oliver. Metro Boomin dropped his “Heroes and Villains” Album, in Boominati (Los Angeles), on December 5th,2022. It  was a sequel of his first album “Not all Heroes wear Capes”

Metro Boomin was born in 1993 in ST. Louis Missouri. He’s a record producer and singer. The song that brought him up to fame was “Gucci Mane” Metro then briefly attended Morehouse College, pursuing a degree in business management, which he didn't finish. The genres that he sings are hip-hop and trap. He also became one of the most successful music producers in the world. He became so famous that he made most of the songs for the Spider-Man movie, which became popular.

It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 during the chart week ending December 17, 2022. It’s also the third #1 album on the chart for Metro Boomin following his debut "Not All Heros Wear Capes" and a collaborative project with 21 Savage, "Savage Mode II." According to the review aggregator Metacritic, "Heroes & Villains" received "generally favorable reviews" based on an average score of 73 out of 100 from five critic reviews.

Consider Boston Skydiving

9/19/23

By: Daniel Dennehy, 12

Have you ever felt the thrill of being free in the air? Not shackled down to the ground, we walk every day. Free-falling and watching the world spin before you, looking upon the clouds, except this time they’re next to you. No, you do not have to be a bird with hollow bones, or a balloon released from a child’s birthday party. Welcome, to the intensely riveting extreme sport of Tandem Skydiving at Boston Skydive Company. 

Hanson, Massachusetts is a fairly small town thirty miles south-east of Boston in Plymouth County. They are known for their farm land and extensive family owned businesses, as well as cranberry bogs. At 777 Monponsett Street lies a rather inconspicuous air strip. Outside a small gravel road hangs a sign that simply reads, “Skydiving.” Slightly further down appears an inconsequential airstrip with one miniscule propeller plane, along with one more next to a hangar. However, this is the beginning to a amazing experience with the most pure freedom you can ever experience. 

You are greeted kindly by the staff inside, and after the verification of your ID, you read aloud a waiver about the inherent risks and dangers of this ‘Extreme Sport.’ Here you realize the magnitude of your decision, it is not a simple every day event, and an adrenaline fueled journey of a lifetime. Adjacent to the hangar lies a small building where a few gentlemen work on experimental aircraft, and make their own small engine planes. They were kind enough to talk to me about their operations before I went up for my leap of faith. After a little waiting, you’re sent to watch a video of skydiving safety. Clearly, the real experience lies with the extremely professional instructors, who strap to you during your fall. 

Next, you’re hooked up to your gear by the staff members, who make sure everything is good to go. I went up with instructor Dee Dee, who had clocked in over eleven thousand jumps in his career. You soon enter the plane, at this point there is truly no turning back. I sat in the back adjacent to the other instructors and a fellow jumper, the propeller whirls and the plane whips around barreling towards the afternoon sky. You ascend gradually, and you soon see a fantastic view of the Boston skyline, Plymouth, Duxbury and even Martha’s Vineyard. It is jaw dropping to be able to view essentially all of Massachusetts from the inside of the plane, and soon the door whips open and the first set of jumpers go. The wind whips inside the plane, your hearing is minimal, and you cannot believe you’re about to do this. You step outside the plane, and with little to no notice, you are out. The fall is surprisingly peaceful, you face the plane you left and flip in the wind. Miraculously, the chute opens, and before you know it, you have the reins to the parachute. It is simply bliss, and as you turn, the world before you spins as you slow down. 

After a scenic flow down, you are barreling towards the airstrip once more. The landing was smooth and simple, and you cannot believe you did what you just did. The feeling of euphoria lasts with you afterward, the rush of adrenaline the courses through you is inexplicable to someone that has never done it, I could not recommend this enough to any one able-bodied. Do you have fear? Are you afraid of heights? Does the risk factor intimidate you? I simply have to say, on the other side of fear and anxiety is the adventure of a lifetime. Consider Boston Skydive Company, it will be worth your time.

New DnD Movie, 'Honor Among Thieves' released

4/13/23

By: Remmy Ferris, 10

When a charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic, but then things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. On March 31, 2023, the new Dungeons & Dragons movie, Honor Among Thieves, was released. 

Honor Among Thieves is a funny and easy to follow movie. The movie was made in a way to have small details for DnD fans to spot out, but also have a simple story line so that non DnD fans can enjoy the movie too. From the beginning, the movie is pretty funny. The main character gives his sad backstory while him and his close friends are in trail in from of the head of prison. But one of the judges is late and coming to the end of his story the final judge walks in to only be pushed out the window with the main character and his friend who have now successfully escaped prison. 

With the two out of prison now, they come up with a plan to find the main characters' daughter, who turns out is living in a castle with her ‘uncle’ who somehow became king. When the main character comes for his daughter, she is upset and doesn’t want to go with him. Turns out, the ‘uncle’ LIED to the main character’s daughter and said the tablet they tried to steal (which got the main character and his close friend in prison) was about money when it was acutely about reviewing one person to anyone of your choosing. 

The story then goes on with the main character almost getting killed, but then him and his close friend go and make a team to break into the castle and save his daughter. As they go on they find out the ‘uncle’ was in it from the start for money as he is a conman. He was working with a red witch and wanted to control everyone in the city, and had a plan to do it at an old tournament that was being brought back. The team gets put into the tournament and sneak their way out halfway through. In the end, the daughter found out the truth, helped her father and the team to save the city, but they ended up having to use the tablet to save their close friend instead of using it for the purpose the main character really wanted it for…to bring back his wife. 

Honor Among Thieves really is a great, funny and deep story. The movie has some deep scenes where it feels like you can connect to the characters and their problems or regrets, while also some goofy parts too. The movie really is great for both DnD and non DnD fans, and it's recommended to see it, or at least to just try and see if you enjoy the genre!

'One Punch Man' is a Great Anime to Start With

3/30/23

Brady Simon, 11

One Punch Man is an animanga made by Japanese author, Tomohiro, better known by his pseudonym “One” that was first released in Japan in June 2012. The story of “One Punch Man” takes place on a supercontinent version of Earth that has four moons, where powerful monsters and supervillains wreak havoc. The millionaire, Agoni, creates something known as the "Heroes association," which hires heroes to fight the villains. Our main character, Saitama, is not a part of the Heroes association and does heroic deeds as a hobby. 

Saitama has trained for three years, and he is now strong enough to beat any person with a single punch. He reluctantly becomes the mentor of a cyborg named Genos, a cyborg who wants revenge on the cyborg who killed his family and destroyed his home. They both eventually join the hero association, wanting notability. Genos becomes an S-Rank Hero instantly, but Saitama becomes a C-Rank Hero due to his getting low written exam scores.

Saitama’s feats go unnoticed, even after saving people from an asteroid and then a sea monster, barely getting himself promoted to B-Class. Monsters appear more often, while Garo, a rogue martial artist and the former apprentice of the rank three hero Bang, and self-proclaimed “Hero Hunter” begin terrorizing heroes.

The characters, comedy, and action are out of this world. The first episode got me hooked, and I couldn’t stop watching it. I wanted to know what was going to happen, and I tried to guess how long the fights would take. If you are trying to get into anime, I would recommend this as the one you should start with!

Cheerleading returns to Netflix better than before

3/30/23

By: Maeve LeVine, 10

“Cheer” has returned to Netflix with another season revealing the highs and lows about cheerleading making a comeback at Daytona cheerleading competition. Cheerleading is one of the most dangerous sports but is highly underestimated by millions. Cheerleading is more than pom poms and pretty smiles, but it takes an athlete to be able to do half of the things a cheerleader can do. To be called a cheerleader is a rewarding phrase, and the Netflix documentaries “Cheer” reveals what is known in the cheer world. 

Cheer was released on Netflix in January 2020 starring many well know cheerleaders known in the cheer world. The documentaries got more publicity than anyone starred or creating the show would ever imagine. The show does not just reveal the skills and training that makes the best cheerleaders, but it shows the drama and competitiveness that also comes with cheering. 

After fans waiting 2 years, season two had been released in January 2022 starring one of the most famous cheerleaders there are, 25-year-old Gabi Butler who returned to her team Navarro. Navarro is one of the best cheerleading teams in history and in season two of the series Navarro’s rivals Trinity Valley had agreed to be featured in the show, and they said “We thought it would be a good opportunity because the way they portrayed the athletes in the first season, capturing the athleticism and all the things that are great about our sport.” Talking about why they wanted to be a part of the series.

If you haven’t already been lored into the drama, the skill’s never seen before, or the thrill of this sport, Cheer is there for you to watch on Netflix, and it may even inspire you or others to join their incredible sport.

'Chainsaw Man' becomes one of the most popular anime this season, for very good reason

2/6/23

By: Nick Yout, 11

Chainsaw Man is an anime based off of the manga written by Tatsuki Fujimoto which was first released in Japan in 2019. The story of Chainsaw Man takes place in 1997 in an alternate timeline where there are other lifeforms called devils. Devils are based off of real things, such as a "katana." It follows a character named Denji who has been poor his whole life. When his father died, he left Denji with a ton of debt, making his situation even worse. Denji goes about his childhood struggling on money and just barely making it by. 

One day he was about to die on a hill from starvation. Luckily for him, there was a devil also struggling as it’s been badly hurt. This devil turns out to be the chainsaw devil. Denji helps the chainsaw devil survive, therefore making a contract between the two. Denji decides to name the chainsaw devil Pochita and that’s when their bond truly started to become closer and closer. He decides to go back to the people he owes the debt to and asks them if he can become a devil hunter. They ultimately agree, and Denji grows up being a great devil hunter.

When he’s older, his boss tells him that he has a job to do. He leads him into an abandoned factory. There, Denji finds out that his boss has decided to become a zombie from the zombie devil. Will Denji be able to defeat the zombie devil with the help of Pochita, or will he meet an unexpected fate?

Overall, the story of Chainsaw Man is very interesting and intense. The bond between Denji and Pochita is definitely something to pay attention to while the story progresses. The story never fails to entertain the watcher with the nonstop action, plot points and plot twists. The manga is still ongoing, and the anime has had it’s full first season of twelve episodes released. Tatsuki Fujimoto truly has made an amazing story and I would highly recommend that any anime fan give it a try.

'Twilight' Saga has Something for Everyone 

10/23/22

By: Kayleigh Eichorn, 9

Why should you read The Twilight Saga? Well, if you’re in need of a good book, this is the one for you. These books have many complex emotions and events to read about as you learn more about the main character, Bella, and her never-ending problems. The Twilight Saga also covers a lot of different genres. If you like sad books, Twilight has sad parts. However, if you prefer happy books, it has that too! You might be asking, “what if I don’t like either of those?” Well, these books are also full of angst, romance, action, and more! To make it even better, there are multiple books in the series. If you don’t love Twilight, you could try Breaking Dawn next… and if you don’t like either of those, there are more books in the series to choose from. When you pick out your next book, be sure to give at least one of the books in The Twilight Saga a try! You won’t be disappointed.

Why 'Spider-Man No Way Home' is the Perfect Ending to Trilogy

10/21/22

By: Tim Armand, 10

Spider-Man: No Way Home was one of the biggest movies of 2021, grossing nearly 600 million dollars. Following the release of the third movie in the trilogy, fans flocked to the internet to praise the film. It left fans stunned, many even considering it the best Spider-Man movie of all time. In the first entry to the trilogy, Peter learns that being a hero means you are willing to do the right thing every time. In the second entry, Peter learns that being a hero is an obligation, not a choice. He deals with self-doubt heavily in this movie. These lessons are important because they come together in No Way Home. There are many things I loved about No Way Home, but one thing I want to talk about is one single scene. For context, Spider-Man’s Aunt May had just been killed by the Green Goblin after he tried to help the goblin in the scene before, and she had said to him, “and with great power, there must also come great responsibility,” before she died. The scene opens with Spider-Man, aka Peter Parker, standing in the rain, bloodied and beaten by the goblin. We then see a billboard with J. Jonah Jameson reporting on the tragedy that had happened in the previous scene. Jameson states that everywhere Spider-Man goes, chaos and destruction follow. He also states that everything Spider-Man touches will eventually come to ruin. 

Typically, Jameson is used as comic relief and the things he says are never taken too seriously and don't make a lot of sense. However, in this scene, he is used as a voice for Spider-Man’s self-doubt and fears. Peter has faced many failures so far at this point in No Way Home. He is not only publicly hated, but his identity has been revealed to the public, and his only parental figure had just been killed right in front of him. Jameson’s words resonate with him because he blames himself for his Aunt’s death. He finally realizes what it truly means to be a hero. He must pick himself back up, time and time again, only to be slammed back down on the ground every single time. He learns that being a hero is painful, and things don't always work out, but he has to keep going. 

'Hocus Pocus 2' Review

By: Maddie Pina, 12

Recently, Hocus Pocus 2 came out Friday, September 30th. However, since it's release date, many people have many mixed opinions on it. Some people loved it and found it to be a nostalgic experience, while others are very disappointed. People feel as though the characters and character development were bad, and it didn’t give them the same feeling that the first one was able to create. 

Viewers are saying they didn’t find it to be anything special, and many think that stopping at just one Hocus Pocus would have been better. Nowadays, there are many unnecessary sequels to classic movies being made, and they aren’t doing the original justice. 

Some people are even going as far as saying that their childhood memories were ruined and that the second Hocus Pocus has ruined the first one for them as well! Also, the fact that people waited such a long time for this to come out, as well, doesn’t help. People who have read reviews say that it's more the adult millennials that are very disappointed rather than the kids. Millennials grew up with the original, so they had very high expectations, while young kids didn't really have much to compare it to. Therefore, they gave the second one much better ratings. Hocus Pocus 2 is a great movie if you have never seen the original, but comparing it to the original, it wasn't worth the wait. 

Movie Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

'One Piece' is one of the best shows to watch

9/21/22

By: Nick Yout, 11

Whether you’re as big of a fan as me or someone who never had any interest in anime before, One Piece is a great show to start. Most people will be scared by the thousand episodes that are out so far, but it is completely worth it to watch or read. The anime is based on the long-running manga series called One Piece by Eiichiro Oda. Throughout the show, the main character Luffy travels around the world as a pirate to find the "one piece." The One Piece is from a pirate from long ago. He gathered his treasure and hid it somewhere in the ocean. Along the way, Luffy establishes his crew, called the "Straw Hats" and travels to unknown islands in hopes for discovering it. With Luffy and his companions searching for the One Piece, they come across many other pirates who share the same goal. 

One of the key points of the anime is the character’s powers and strengths. Some characters obtain power from a "Devil Fruit" that grant people special powers like super strength or mind reading. The one downside is that whoever eats a Devil Fruit can no longer swim. This leads to many different interactions and fights between people with Devil Fruit powers and others who are trained to become strong. 

Everything One Piece does is amazing. It has amazing characters, an awesome world, and a very engaging story. There is a lot of action, but it also has some slower and more emotional episodes. Whether you’re as big of a fan as me or someone who never had any interest in anime before, One Piece is a great show to start. From the characters, to the world-building, to the main story, One Piece truly has it all. 

Is 'One of Us Lying' worth the read?

9/21/22

By: Haylie McPartlin, 10

Before reading One of us is Lying, I considered reading a dreadful task. I could not remain interested in a book for more than two pages. I searched and searched for an independent reading book for class that I would read until I landed on One of Us is Lying. 

This book is interesting, but also relatable in many ways. The main characters are high school students each with "normal" characteristics and lives. 

The main character Cooper, is a baseball star who struggles with his identity. Bronwyn is the brains of the operations in striving off of academic validation. Addy is a part of the couple, and she feels that she is only her pretty face. Nate is a misunderstood ¨criminal¨ that has struggles involved with drugs. 

This book brings you through an emotional roller coaster while figuring out the death of your peer. Along the way, their secrets start to reveal. Simon, Bronwyn, Nate, Addy, and Cooper are all in detention on a "normal" afternoon. All five enter the classroom, but only four leave. It was an accidental death until it started to seem more like a mysterious murder.

Although a bunch of teenagers solving a murder is slightly unrealistic, the characters are just normal teens. This story also gives you a sense of the harsh things some high schoolers and people go through. I would give this book a ten out of ten because of its emotional realness and baffling twist and turns.

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' is the go to book! 

9/20/22

By: Mikaela York, 10

The Summer I Turned Pretty written by Jenny Hann is a book series, now show, that consists of three books. The books follow Isabel “Belly'' Conklin and the two Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. This book is about Belly finding herself and love, it's about her fighting an inner battle with herself of what brother she will choose. Jeremiah Fisher has always been her best friend, the shoulder she can cry on, and the one person she is able to tell all of her secrets to. Every summer if there were to be someone who would include Belly in things it would be Jeremiah. His brother, Conrad Fisher is the boy she has been in love with since she was a young girl. In her mind and heart it had alway been and always will be Conrad. To Bellys luck this summer has been the only summer where Conrad sees Belly like she is not five or “one of the boys” anymore. But this is the last full summer in Cousins Beach, since Conrad goes off to college the following fall. Will Belly finally face her fears and tell Conrad how she really feels or will she find someone who has been there all along?

'The Black Phone' Review

9/20/22

By: Olivia Uzzo, 9

A movie trending right now is a horror film called The Black Phone. This amazing movie has a running time of 103 minutes (1h 42m). It aired over the summer on June 24th, 2022.

This movie stars Mason Thames, Madeline McGraw, Jeremy Davies, James Ransome, and Ethan Hawke. This movie is so good it's ranking on rotten tomatoes is 82% and made 159.8 million USD in the box office. It managed to find a spot in the highest performing films globally by Universal Pictures. 

The plot of The Black Phone is about an abducted teeanger who uses a mysterious wall phone to communicate to previous victims of "The Grabber ''. The Black Phone takes place in 1978 in the suburbs of Denver. The main character Finney and his little sister Gwen are raised by their abusive and alcoholic father without a mother. Gwen carries psychic traits from her mother that helps Finney escaping.The Black Phone is one of the best thriller movies I've ever watched. 

'Batman' Movie Exceeds Expectations

4/13/22

By: Wil Long, 12

With Robert Pattinson playing the new Batman fans were skeptic, however he smashed through those expectations. The Batman is a tremendous movie.  First off, the special effects are exceptional.  With many explosions and car chases the editors were given a challenging task.  However they did such a good job you feel as though you are in Gotham City witnessing the tragedies happen live.  Another great aspect of this movie is the character developments.  With the main antagonist being the Riddler, someone who has not appeared in any other movies, we learn alot about him.  A man with a twisted mind he is about ending the corruption in Gotham and taking down Batman.   Differing from the comics, the Riddler is very creepy, and brings a sadistic aspect to the movie. The only negative comment about the movie is that we see very little Bruce Wayne, Batman's true identity.  With Robert Pattinson bent on solving the various challenges the Riddler sets up, there is little screen time for his alter ego, as he is in his suit for about eighty percent of the film. All in all, The Batman is a tremendous film and I would recommend it to everyone.  The Batman brings in all types of movie fans; from DC comic nerds to horror fans, as the Riddler adds a sinister aspect to the film. If you like action packed and emotionally developed characters this the movie for you. 

Why 'The Maze Runner' is still a fantastic series

3/30/22

By: Garrett Barry, 9

Are you interested in reading a new trilogy series? Well, The Maze Runner is for you. Not only is it a book series but shortly after the first dystopian novel release in 2009 by James Dashner, the movies shortly followed starting in 2014. The story follows Thomas, who is transported to a maze away from his family. The main character, Thomas is played by Dylan O’Brien. Other stars in this series include Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, and Ki Hong Lee. If you enjoy going to the movies, this series is for you. The second movie, Maze Runner: Scorch Trials and third, Maze Runner: The Death Cure followed and were also big hits in the box office. They were all very, very good movies and I recommend them. Even though this series came out in the late 2010s, it's still one of my personal favorites.  The last movie is the best! Although it is the longest, there is a lot of action going on, which should keep any viewer engaged the whole time.  Make sure you spend this weekend catching up on this great series!

Is 'Attack on Titan' the Best Show to Ever be released?

3/10/22

By: Anonymous, 12

Attack on Titan is a show for everyone. Male or Female, avid anime fan or someone who’s never watched it, Attack on Titan is for you.  Constant action draws you in and the plot twists are what keeps you watching.  The characters in this show are also amazing.  Easily likable with constant development, the main characters steal the show. The story follows the main character Eren Yeager from his adolescent years all the way to adulthood.  In the anime, Eren lives in a dystopian society with little knowledge of the world outside his home.  In a world plagued by terrors and death, Eren is forced to grow up fast and survive in a world bent on killing him.  Another reason this show is so amazing is the way it is able to portray emotions through the artwork.  Fear, anger, sadness and heartbreak are all portrayed in a way that allows the consumer to feel the emotions as if they were in the show themselves.  All in all, I would highly recommend this show.  Whether or not you typically watch anime does not matter, as anyone can love this show.  If you are looking for something new to watch and love action and adventure, Attack on Titan is the show for you.  

Chatta Box, presenting fine dining

11/19/21

By: Beth Pennington, 12

Looking for a good Chinese restaurant? The Chatta box in Bridgewater has great choices for many of your tastings. You could get a variety of appetizers to share with your group: such as some fan favorites of banok rolls, crab rangoons, and deep-fried dumplings. The options are endless whether you are booking a rice dish, noodle soup, vegetarian, or seafood. Right when you walk through the door, you are greeted by the hostess who brings you to your set. The appetizers come out within 5 minutes and the presentation comes with fancy cucumber mint sauce. The color choices and authentic feel for the restaurant allows you to enjoy the food and relax with friends. I recommend the pork fried rice and sesame chicken. They provide many different types of vegetables and proteins, giving you a lot of food. The serving size could be up to three people as there is plenty for leftovers. The flavors are sweet and salty in one dish such as the sesame chicken served with broccoli and crispy chicken noodles. The food is sharable and every bite is like heaven in your mouth. The prices are manageable and I highly recommend trying a variety of different things with a group of friends or family. The restaurant has great customer service and has a quiet atmosphere.  This is a 5 out of 5!

'Anne With An E' Netflix Original

11/18/21

By: Olivia Forgit, 10

  The show Anne With An E Is based on the book series “Anne Of Green Gables” By Lucy Maud Montgomery. The show Anne With An E Is based on the book series Anne Of Green Gables By Lucy Maud Montgomery. The show is a little different than the books because there are some subjects talked about that were not acceptable back when the books were first published. Anne Shirley is a red-headed orphan with a very big imagination. She was adopted by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and became Anne Shirley Cuthbert. Throughout the show, Anne goes through many challenges, adventures, and heartfelt moments. Anne has always talked a lot and that is sometimes a good thing, but also something that can get her in trouble, or made fun of. And she was. All her life she was picked on and unincluded just because she was different from the others. People thought of her as weird when in reality, she was just happy. She's kind, caring, enthusiastic, optimistic, adventurous, and most of all, creative. Other children would pick on her for using big words, or telling stories, and reading books. Anne loved to read. She always accepted everyone and never judged anyone. Many people judged Anne before they got to know her and many people loved her immediately. I mean who wouldn't? She had the spirit of an angel. Anne Shirley Cuthbert is definitely one of a kind.

Arctic Monkeys, Who Are They Really?

11/17/21

By: Haley Murphy, 12

Arctic Monkeys are possibly one of the greatest alternative bands this world has seen so far, but what are they like off the stage? The Music that Arctic Monkeys produce contains a lot of well, personality. The band kickstarted their music career in 2002, almost 20 years ago and they still are one of the most popular bands in the U.S to date. The group contains 4 consistent members, Lead singer Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Nick O’Malley, and Matt Helders. All four members of the group had been friends all throughout school, but they did not start performing locally until the middle of 2003. There is not a lot on the internet about the members of Arctic Monkeys, however, Alex Turner has plenty of information to read. Turner was born on January 6, 1986, making him 35 years old. He is the only child of Penny and David Turner. His full name is Alexander David Turner, and he stands at five feet and eleven inches tall. Besides Arctic Monkeys, he is also a part of the group Shadow Puppets with alternative artist Miles Kane. Alex did not enjoy school, so he decided to pursue music instead. His band won multiple awards. The Arctic Monkeys won 38 out of 92 award nominations. Not only does this band have incredible music, but also contains driven and creative members who create the music. 

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover Review 

11/15/21

By: Madison Wosny, 9

It Ends With Us is a fascinating novel that has a heart-wrenching storyline and an incredibly more intricate love triangle than most stories. Colleen Hoover wrote this story not only to spread awareness about the major issue of domestic abuse, but to relate to young, or old people who may have experienced similar events as the main character, Lily Bloom. This book brings out the importance of abuse, and how to overcome it if you’re in a troubled relationship. 

If you are usually not someone to be invested in books, or you are not someone who enjoys leisurely reading in your free time, this book will get you out of your shell. Colleen Hoover strays away from the typical protagonist-antagonist trope. In the words of the character, Ryle, "There's no such thing as bad people. We're all just people who sometimes do bad things." The sacrifices and the heartbreaking decisions Lily has to make in this novel are what make it such a painful read. I never could come up with an important excuse to put this novel down. Walking in the hallway, still reading. In the car, still reading. At two-thirty in the morning, still reading. The way that Colleen Hoover packs her novels with hopelessness, and heart-wrenching backgrounds will make your hands be forever stuck to the book. This novel not only left my eyes empty of tears at the end but left the last few pages stained with them. 

Film Review of the chaotic Joker

10/14/21

By: Angela Dodd, 9

The glorious film Joker released in 2019, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro, caught many people’s attention. If you’re a lover of horror, suspense, or even tear-jerkers, you’re going to fall in love with this film. The biggest takeaway from this film is Joaquin Phoenix’s whole performance and portrayal of the Joker. He just absolutely took everyone’s breath away from how well he played this insane character. Some of the most widely loved and well-known actors, Robert De Niro and Joaquin Phoenix, have fantastic on-screen chemistry. Especially when De Niro plays Murray Franklin, a veteran talk show host in Gotham City with his program, Live! With Murray Franklin. The Joker stars on this talk show and then everything goes berserk but you’ll have to watch to find out. The character Murray Franklin is based on the real-life former talk show host Johnny Carson. This film was directed by Todd Phillips, a very well-known and talented American filmmaker. Phillips has directed films like War Dogs, Due Date, and The Hangover. To prove how groundbreaking this film is, it got 239 award nominations and there were 118 wins, I’d say that’s pretty impressive. Overall, this is one of the greatest thrillers I’ve ever seen and I 100% recommend you all give this a go.