Art, ENTERTAINMENT & Reviews
Book review: “I Am Not A Serial Killer”
Valerie Mecha
John Wayne Cleaver Sketch
Valerie Mecha |
Written by Dan Wells
Reviewed by Valerie Mecha Rating: 8/10 Bookworms The novel, “I Am Not A Serial Killer” focuses on a 15-year-old sociopath named, John Wayne Cleaver. This particular teen works in his mother’s mortuary, has the hobby of researching serial killers, and is fighting internally not to become a killer. Intrigued? Nearly every predictor that are signs of a person possibly becoming serial killer ㅡ John has. He realizes this at an early age and designs a set of rules that keeps those around him safe and prevents him from becoming a bad person. Some of them being: he won’t hurt animals: if he thinks violent thoughts about someone, he’ll compliment them instead; if he begins to exhibit stalking behavior towards someone, he will then ignore that someone for a week, and he won’t refer to people as “it” (this rule doesn’t apply to dead bodies). John’s character and rules are tested when a serial killer visits his small town, Clayton. Should he use his powers of observation and his knowledge of serial killers to investigate this killer? Should he bend his rules and try save the town? This is just the tip of the iceberg. On top of this, John is trying to navigate his way around high school and girls. Most of which he has no interest in; hello, sociopath. Except for one girl, Brooke Watson. He has an interest in her, but not in the way most guys would have an interest in a girl and apparently, she is interested in him for reasons he cannot comprehend. This book is a refreshing read. A majority of YA novels involve young love, something John doesn’t feel. Readers can delve into the mind of a unique individual who thinks like a serial killer, but isn’t one. John’s thought process and powers of investigation would impress the mind of Sherlock Holmes. The audience is with John, teetering on the edge of good and bad. High praise goes to the author, Dan Wells, for creating a character with depth and a sense of humor, as well as creating a book with a good mystery and a supernatural twist. At times though John seems too involved in his thoughts and for lengthy periods of time is delving deep into profiling the serial killer and the examining of the serial killer’s victims; almost boring the reader of the subject. However, all the details are valuable to the investigation. Fair warning, this books is not for those with a sensitive stomach. On occasion the descriptions and thoughts that come from John can simply be too gory or disturbing. Keeping all this in mind, “I Am Not A Serial Killer” is a novel worthy of reading. It will have readers itching to pick up the sequel, not because of a cliff hanger, but simply because they want more of John Wayne Cleaver and more of what Dan Wells has to offer. |
Disney on Ice: A Spectacular Performance
Emma Duffy
The traveling “Disney on Ice” show came to the Bradley Center this past month, performing Passport to Adventure, a musical show that features skating, dancing, singing, and four popular Disney movies: “The Lion King”, “The Little Mermaid”, “Peter Pan”, and “Frozen”. Like most of these shows, the skaters performed mini versions of each story and sang highlight songs to choreographed figure skating.
Ticket coupons were given out at Reagan a week before the performance, and two students that were able to see the show were interviewed about their experience. Both were thoroughly impressed, and gave great reviews of the performers. An anonymous student wrote, “First of all, I am a huge Disney fan. Always have been, always will be. So when I saw Disney on Ice, it blew my mind. The choreography was spectacular. There were many lifts throughout and I was amazed every time it happened. It was amazing. I can't really put into words how great it was.”
Reagan senior Noemi Sanchez Arias added that “the choreography was very well organized and you could tell a lot of effort and practice was put into the making of the show,” and “the costumes were colorful, sparkly and very detailed.”
Reagan senior Noemi Sanchez Arias added that “the choreography was very well organized and you could tell a lot of effort and practice was put into the making of the show,” and “the costumes were colorful, sparkly and very detailed.”
Although happy with the experience, both students did have comments on the choice of movies, particularly the emphasis on “Frozen.” Anonymous felt that, regarding the treatment of the first three stories, “though the choreography was amazing, it was short” and “Frozen was the longest out of all of them. I'm almost positive they did that because it was the biggest thing and, in my opinion, they have been going overboard with the Frozen merchandise.”
Noemi Sanchez Arias agreed, having said, “They did a really good job at giving a shortened version of the ‘Lion King’ story line and the ‘Frozen’ story line, however the other stories were shorter and less in depth. Also, they failed to incorporate the classics such as ‘Cinderella’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Snow White’.” Despite any criticisms, both loved the show and recommend seeing it if you have the chance. “Overall, I really enjoyed the show and it was definitely worth the money.” -Noemi Sanchez Arias |
Review: Lego Batman Movie
Alexis Torres
In contradiction to the original definition of Batman, DC comics makes Batman come to life being the leading man. Bruce Wayne (a.k.a. Batman) is known to be a reserved and courageous character with a hint of sass. Growing up to be one of Gotham’s most wealthiest bachelors, he was able to devise a secret identity that allowed him to help defend those in need in Gotham city. The character was first created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and first appeared in “Detective Comics” #27 in May of 1939.
For over 50 years, movies and TV shows have been created in honor of this DC character. The first movie made was based on the Batman character and his sidekick, Robin was previewed in 1966. Actor, Adam West was recorded as the first ever live action Batman. Since 1966, the Batman themed movies have truly outdone themselves. Including the most recent, 2017, “Lego Batman Movie”. Featuring the vocal stylings of Will Arnett (as Batman), Mariah Carey (as the Mayor), Jenny Slate (as Harley Quinn), and five other popular actors. “The Lego Batman Movie” is (obviously) about Batman, in a sense of him facing his emotional issues towards opening up and working with others in order to defeat Joker’s plan of a hostile take over towards Gotham City. |
The movie is considered to be a comedy, which I believe fits appropriately. When the movie first begins, your hear the voice of Will Arnett (a.k.a Batman) say “Black. All important movies start with a black screen,” which ultimately gives the audience insight into how serious the character is but can still crack a joke. The movie continues to feature various jokes, new songs/rhymes that were created only for the movie, and issues that viewers can relate to. Two parts of the movie I found particularly amusing were the fact that whenever a Lego character shot a weapon, they said the action the gun was making, “PEW! PEW!” and when Batman says “If you wanna be like Batman, take care of your abs.”
The main focus of this movie is the villainous character, Joker, trying to get Batman to recognize that he is Batman’s biggest enemy
In the beginning, they have a confrontation about this situation. Some of the dialogue includes:
<When speaking to the Joker>
“I’m fighting around.”-Batman
“Batman and Joker are not a thing.”-Batman
“You mean nothing to me.”-Batman
In the beginning, they have a confrontation about this situation. Some of the dialogue includes:
<When speaking to the Joker>
“I’m fighting around.”-Batman
“Batman and Joker are not a thing.”-Batman
“You mean nothing to me.”-Batman
Even though this movie has many positive qualities, the literal quality of the movie did not live up to it’s full potential. Comparing this 2017 version to the first “Lego Movie” (showcased in 2014), the CGI (computer-generated imagery) of the movie was not of the quality that I had hoped. would have suggested that the creators—Chris Mckay, Dan Lin, and Roy Lee—use extra action packed scenes with more detail and a better plot line,which could have been accomplished if they collaborated with the original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller who had directed the prequel, plus various other popular comedic movies.
Overall, the “Lego Batman Movie” was very satisfactory: I would personally give it four out of five stars. With the combination of the characters, plot line, and endingᅳI would definitely recommend this to any other engrossed movie lovers/lego lovers.
Overall, the “Lego Batman Movie” was very satisfactory: I would personally give it four out of five stars. With the combination of the characters, plot line, and endingᅳI would definitely recommend this to any other engrossed movie lovers/lego lovers.