Happy Holidays!
Table of Contents
Wonder -- The Movie and Book
Wonder -- The Movie and Book
By Erica Jiang
Class 814
Wonder is a story about a boy named Auggie (August) who is born with facial differences. This story takes place in present day New York City, and to be exact, Upper Manhattan. His middle school, Beecher Prep, is in walking distance from his home. Auggie likes to think he is normal, doing typical things a 10-year-old does like playing Xbox, and being completely obsessed with Star Wars. However, because of his facial differences, he has never stepped foot inside a public school. When he finally has the chance, he is scared to go. The story follows Auggie’s journey of self-acceptance, while dealing with bullies and making friends in school.
Main Characters and Actors:
August Pullman - Jacob Tremblay
Isabel Pullman - Julia Roberts
Nate Pullman - Owen Wilson
Olivia Pullman - Izabela Vidovic
Jack Will - Noah Jupe
Julian Albans - Bryce Gheisar
Mr. Tushman - Mandy Patinkin
Miranda Navas - Danielle Rose Russell
Mr. Browne - Daveed Diggs
Summer - Millie Davis
Charlotte Cody - Elle McKinnon
Justin - Nadji Jeter
The book and the movie are special in their own ways. I would like to explain how they pique my interest. I like how in the novel, the author includes a new part every few chapters. The story is told from Auggie’s point of view. Additionally, it is told from the persecptive of other characters providing the reader a picture of how their behavior impacts those around them. I like Justin’s point of view because the author doesn’t use any capitalization. Everything is written using lowercase. It is interesting how the book includes text messages between Auggie and Jack, details of the time and date, and also emails between Mr. Tushman and the parents. The tiny details in these parts always amaze me.
On the other hand with the movie, I like the real-life action that the movie provides. The film is for familes, and it’s well-created. My personal favorite part about the movie is the actors. The actors all play their roles really well and they all fit their parts. I think the producers that made this film did a really good job with these actors.
Overall Ratings by Others:
Wonder Book: 4.7/5
Wonder Movie: 4.7/5
Personal Overall Rating:
Wonder Book: 5/5
Wonder Movie: 4.5/5
Dune Leaves Audiences Swept Away
Dune Leaves Audiences Swept Away
By Lucas Alvear
Class 751
It’s rare that movies get a second chance, but in the case of Dune, the remake released in 2021 has been very successful. The 1984 version of Dune, went down as one of the biggest film flops ever. The remake, directed by Dennis Villeneuve, is based on Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel of the same name.
Dune has many elements that made Star Wars one of the most popular movie franchises in history, including a futuristic setting and the rise of a young savior. The film begins in the year 10191 on the desert planet Arrakis, which is the source of conflict between two groups: House Atreides and House Harkonnens. At the heart of their dispute is the much desired spice, Melange, that is used to fuel spacecrafts. Melange is produced deep beneath the sands of Arrakis, which makes the planet desirable. The desert is protected by the Freman, desert-dwellers, who serve as resistance against imperial forces. When Duke Leto of House Atreides is assassinated by the evil Baron of Harkonnen, Duke Leto’s son Paul, and Paul’s mother Jessica, flee deep into the desert of Arrakis. The question remains: Will he be able to survive the vast desert as he sets out for revenge and attepmts to liberate Arrakis from the corrupt emperor?
The appeal of the film includes visually stunning scenes, a solid screenplay by Villeneuve, John Spaihts, and Eric Roth, as well as music from film legend Hans Zimmer. His music is quite suspenseful which helps tell the story of a war-torn planet. More importantly, the film boasts a collection of some of Hollywood’s most popular actors including Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya (Spiderman: Far from Home), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy), Oscar Issac (Star Wars), Josh Brolin (Avengers: Endgame), Academy Award Winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) and Rebecca Furguson (Mission Impossible). The film not only put together an all-star cast, but one that seems to complement each other very well.
The film’s drawbacks are not many, but there are two that stand out. The first is the length of the film which could've easily been 30 minutes shorter considering some of the scenes were repetitive. The second drawback is the film’s failure to mention that the story would be told in two parts, as the sequel will begin production soon. The cliffhanger will either leave audiences wanting more or leaving theaters feeling disappointed without a final end. After watching the movie, I was a little bit disappointed with the ending since I wasn’t expecting a cliffhanger.
To watch and appreciate Dune requires commitment as it is almost three hours long, but it is well worth it. While the first film made viewers want to stick their heads in the sand, this modern version has movie audiences eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this epic tale.
Dune
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Starring Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, and Oscar Issac
Screenplay by Denis Villeneuve, John Spaihts, and Eric Roth
Running Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Rated: PG-13
Home Alone: A Timeless Movie of Laughs and Surprises
Home Alone: A Timeless Movie of Laughs and Surprises
By Daniel Lo
Class 832
Home Alone is a classic Christmas movie that was released on November 16, 1990 and is still enjoyed today. It is a wonderful movie to watch during the holidays to get a good laugh. As one of the funniest Christmas movies in the world, it continues to bring joy to families everywhere. The movie is about an eight-year-old troublemaker, Kevin, who must protect his house from a pair of thieves when his family accidentally leaves without him during Christmas vacation.
What can I say about this film that hasn’t already been said? As one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time, Home Alone is a live-action comedy with an engaging storyline, memorable characters, and touching moments. Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) wished that his family would disappear after the conflict he had with his older brother Buzz (Devin Ratray). Eventually, he becomes regretful after spending time alone and will do everything he can to set the record straight. Kevin even goes as far as taking on challenging situations such as grocery shopping, overcoming his greatest fears, and protecting the house.
The movie’s highlights are the booby trap scenes when Kevin attempts to outsmart the burglars. I always remember rewinding these scenes again and again. However, as I've looked back and analyzed what was in between, I grew to understand the true heart of this movie.
I can’t believe after all the times I’ve seen this movie, I still enjoy it as much as I did the first time. I’ve just finished watching it again, and it is a movie that will never grow old. It’s hard to imagine it was released 31 years ago. This is a movie that HAS to be seen if you’re in the mood for family fun. If you’ve never had the chance to see Home Alone, then go check it out! You won’t regret it!
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
by Gavin Moyano
Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is A Kung-Fu Marvel movie. The protagonist is Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) the son of the main antagonist Xu Wenwu, or the Mandarin (Tony Leung Chiu-wai). Shang-Chi has a best friend from San Francisco, Katy (Awkwafina).
That is some background information, but here is a little bit about the actual director. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton revealed that the creature known as Morris in the film was inspired by two major things: the Chinese deity called a Hundun, a God of Chaos. This movie is available for streaming on Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Vudu. So, if you are looking for a new kung-fu action movie to watch, watch this.
Mini-Movie Reviews:
Mini-Movie Reviews:
Ghosbusters Afterlife
Ghosbusters Afterlife
"Something strange... in the neighborhood, who you gonna call... Ghostbusters!!" This a high energy, fast paced movie about a single mother and her two children who realize their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the legacy their grandfather left behind! Check it out, if you love the original Ghostbusters!!
Ron's Gone Wrong
Ron's Gone Wrong
A comedic, warm, heartfelt movie that takes you on a journey to learn about the true value of friendship. Barney, an awkward middle schooler and Ron his new walking, talking, digitally connected device learn from each other, grow together, and form an ever lasting bond. Watch this movie with your closest friends!!
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Clifford the Big Red Dog
If you loved reading about Clifford when you were younger of if you have a love for dogs, you are sure to enjoy this movie!! A young girl's love for a tiny puppy, Clifford, makes the dog grow to an enormous size. Definitely a must see on Family Movie Night!!!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
A humorous, uplifting movie about surviving middle school!! If you enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, you are sure to love this movie! Greg, an ambitious kid with an active imagination, has big plans to be rich and famous. The only problem is that he has to survive middle school first. Enjoy this movie with your friends and siblings!!
Inside Out
Inside Out
Feeling moody??!! Young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco. Her emotions- Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness- conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school. Do you ever feel like your moods conflict with each other, this is a perfect movie for YOU!!
Akeelah and the Bee
Akeelah and the Bee
This an inspirational, uplifting movie about a young girl from South Los Angeles overcoming obstacles to make it to the National Spelling Bee. It's an awesome movie to watch with your family!!
Page updated
Report abuse