Film influences seniors’ paths
While we know and appreciate the film industry, can it inspire more than a fun night out?
Granite Bay High School seniors vote “yes.”
“Movies are a very special thing to me, they are a way to escape reality and forget about the stress of life for two hours,” GBHS senior Adri Briuolo said.
More than a means of comfort, movies can motivate viewers to explore and discover.
For senior Bronson Vanderjack, movies prove to be the trigger for his creative side.
“I got a whole bunch of cardboard and I would make myself an ‘Iron Man’ helmet. I had so many versions of everything. I had the arm blasters, the chest plates – by the time ‘Iron Man 2’ came out I had a full-on costume and my mom had to tell me I had to take it off before we went to the movies because she wasn’t going to walk around with a little cardboard man,” Vanderjack said.
While Vanderjack recalled his years in armor, he too explained another contributor to his love for film.
“In general, watching movies and going to the movies has always been a family event for me” Vanderjack said. “Whatever the movie is, (the experience) is amplified by that togetherness, because that’s really one of the only times I have my whole family together.”
The case is similar for senior Dean Wilson.
“My grandfather was really into old movies and my mom is also into old movies,” Wilson said. “I got to see their interest and what really made them fall in love with movies, and it actually really impacted me because I got to start falling in love with the same movies.”
Amidst his interest in classic films like “Singin’ in the Rain” and Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of “Hamlet,” Wilson says a playful, upbeat film still has the ability to resonate with him. Take “Sixteen Candles,” for example.
“I really felt like a true high schooler (watching ‘Sixteen Candles’); it’s a real feel-good movie and I really connected with these people because I live a similar lifestyle – especially the character Jake who’s the big stud that all the ladies are into,” Wilson joked.
Other films, however, have the power to heavily influence one’s future plans – maybe even career path.
“As someone who is interested in filmmaking, it is super inspiring to see a director from Sacramento find national success and bring attention to where I grew up – it makes me feel less like I have to escape to San Francisco or LA or New York to be successful,” former GBHS student Nash Rood said in a text message.
Even after leaving the theater, the message might remain.
“Few films have resonated with me as deeply as ‘Lady Bird’ (does),” Rood said. “Every time I drive across the bridges in Sacramento I think of ‘Lady Bird’ and that scene where it switches from her mom driving to her driving.”
While Vanderjack has known for a while that he’d (probably eventually) wind up teaching, movies have given him ideas as to how he’ll go about instruction.
“It’s my passion to create things and (movies) give me that outlet to create and see it there and then be inspired,” Vanderjack said.
Vanderjack voiced some of his post-film-watching thoughts and ideas.
“Let’s make a bunch of election badges for Hoover in 1928 out of cardboard. I’m teaching World War I, then I’m going to make a World War I helmet,” Vanderjack said. “That kind of you-can-do-it and you-can-create-it (attitude) has been inspired in me through movies.”
Arguably one of – emphasis on “one of” – the most praiseworthy qualities of film is its capacity to touch those of all walks of life – a cornucopia of struggles, preferences, upbringings, and aspirations.
“I would say that ‘Perks of Being a ’ is a film that has stuck with me through high school because it presents a high school kid dealing with mental health issues and follows his journey through finding himself,” Briuolo said. “It sends a very positive message to teenagers that fitting in and appearing perfect is not what’s important but rather finding yourself and being who ever you may be, unapologetically.”
Sure, there’s a vast and immeasurable variety of reasons people watch films, but isn’t that what makes film so special – its undeniable, inexplicable, universal application?
“There are so many beautiful films out in the world and I try to watch as many new ones as possible,” Briuolo said. “I find it so fascinating, the way a movie is able to captivate and inspire people all around the world.”
Media bulletin resonates with students
It’s practically common knowledge by now that large-scale media publications influence public opinion. But what about on a local level? Does a high school media class have the ability to impact the masses?
Granite Bay High School students certainly seem to think so.
“So I’m making my first movie right now and I’m directing it,” senior and Advanced Media’s current Content Creator Ian Mackey said.
But rewind to a few years back – success is seldom found without a load of hard work done first.
“(Back where I lived in Austin, Texas) there were no opportunities for the arts, so coming here is like a land of opportunity,” Mackey said. “You can truly do anything at this campus and in this community that you can’t find elsewhere.”
After two and a half years as GBTV Studio Director, Mackey is now working on a full-length feature film concerning mental health and high school culture. (http://kck.st/2Fe4LUk)
“My inspiration to start this project really starts at my own mental health problems and the problems I’ve seen my peers struggle with. We all have our own issues and I want to break the stigma (surrounding) mental health disorders,” Mackey said.
While some students are spreading messages through outside creative projects, many are busy at work inside the Advanced Media classroom too.
Junior and GBTV Content Producer Martelle Jackson spends most days coordinating with the other media departments and scheduling and approving the content of the campus-famous weekly bulletins.
“I feel like naturally people really enjoy hearing stories and seeing them come alive. (Members of Advanced Media) have the opportunity to hit such a deep level with people when we can give them both visual and verbal content to help make the information stick with them on a personal level,” Jackson said. “A really good video can resonate with people and make a strong impact. It’s also really efficient and we’re able to update the news on GBTV quickly so everyone stays up to date.”
Jackson also mentioned how GBTV acts as a platform of communication and interaction among GBHS students influencing the ways they perceive school culture.
Serving as a catalyst for discussion and as a representation of the school’s atmosphere, the weekly bulletins prove to impact – in some way, shape, or form – the lot of its viewers.
Sophomore and Producer of the Bulletin Lindsey Zabell oversees the bulletin production process and makes sure the quality is up to par.
Zabell says she is especially wary of media’s ability to showcase diversity.
“I mostly enjoy working on stories that highlight different students on campus because I love getting the chance to learn about the background of different students,” Zabell said. “It’s really special to be able to create a video that will be shown to everyone so they can see a more in depth view of their peers rather than what they just see on a daily basis.”
Like Jackson, Zabell said she views Advanced Media’s resources as an efficient and effective medium to disperse information to students in an exciting way.
I think our class has a big impact on our school in the way that we are able to reach so many students and get the information out to the school. We are one of the major sources of communication at GBHS and we also are able to promote a positive school culture within our bulletin,” Zabell said.
With respect to (perceived) accessibility and effort, many students find it easier to watch a lively video than do their own personal (draining) research.
“I think what makes media different than other information platforms at our school is that it’s a lot easier for students to watch a video rather than search to find information they need,” Zabell said. “It’s a lot more effective to have students all just watch the bulletin together in one class rather than expect them to find the same information elsewhere, whether it be from our school’s social media accounts or posters around the school.”
While each Media student’s story differs from the next, there seems to be a trend that most come out of the program having gained some new useful knowledge and, perhaps, the discovery of a newfound hobby.
“My experience within the media program has been very fluid. At many times it was good and others it was bad,” Mackey said. “There’s a lot of reasons to blame about that, but, at the end of the day, the class helped me discover my passion.”
Black Friday Lines are Spookier than this Year’s Horror Movies
It seems that this holiday season our bellies won’t be the only things expanding.
Lines of deal-hungry customers are ready to form on America’s favorite money-snagging corporate holiday: Black Friday.
To those who whine that Christmas is the only holiday with accompanying playlists tailored to its much exalted symbols: string lights and fir trees — don’t undermine the sweet hymns of commercialism; they’ll be ringing all throughout November 24.
What was once a considerably large shopping spree is now a year-long anticipated event with eager customers streaming around the shelves of discounted clothing, appliances and trinkets. Now the festivity rallies determined campers outside of stores as early as the night before.
Seniors Adri Briuolo, Sydney Esposito and Tara Zamiri all began their Black Friday adventures around 9 p.m. Thanksgiving night to get a head start.
“I participated in Black Friday last year and I really just went for recreational purposes. Although, I did get a few things for a good deal,” Briuolo said.
Though many had an overall positive experience, their financial ventures were not wholly without oddity.
“It was a little frightening when we were in Hollister. It had so many people in it that we could barely look around,” Briuolo said. “A girl fainted because of all the heat and walking.”
The experience of Esposito and Zamiri was also chock-full of peculiar occurrences.
The two, who faced this “intimidating endeavor” together mentioned that one customer in the apparel store, American Eagle Outfitters, was so bent on getting her awaited discounts that she refused to leave the store for a bathroom trip.
As for senior John Murphy, his purchase was not only the result of waiting in a long line or rising in the particularly early morning, but the reward of an intense, verbal, first world battle.
“(This lady) and I got in a fight for this TV,” Murphy said. “Basically, we got into a loud fight and (eventually) I took it and ran. She couldn’t keep up with me.”
Enticing deals are at the epicenter of what Black Friday aims to represent, but for some this calculated marketing is completely transparent.
Senior Spencer Richard claimed to despise the seemingly endless lines and the, in his eyes, false advertisement.
“They say stuff is cheap but it’s not — there are no good deals whatsoever. It’s a better use of your time to just stay at home,” Richard said.
Not so quick, critics — Cyber Monday is a comparable, accessible means of securing deals from the comfort of your own couch.
“Cyber Monday seems like a much better fit for me because I do most of my shopping online anyways due to my extreme dislike for the mall. You still get good deals without having to deal with all of the negatives of Black Friday crowds and chaos,” Esposito said. “I definitely think (Cyber Monday will become more popular) because online shopping is becoming more popular regardless.”
“I feel like (Cyber Monday) is much easier from both the buyer’s and seller’s perspective,” Briuolo said.
Regardless of motive or taste, it is doubtful that anyone truly enjoys being thrown in a mosh pit of sleep deprived and ruthless shoppers — now that is a genuine horror story.
Movie Review: Battle of the Sexes
“Empowering” is a term I see as giving a just description of the “Battle of the Sexes” plot. Based on true events, the story of both personal and nation-wide growth becomes that much more resonant.
The gist of the movie is an American tennis match between opposing genders — at first glance, it’s subjectively bland. The catch: the match takes place in the 70’s, a decade exemplifying the nation’s ongoing struggle to reach a consensus on gender roles, and racial and sexual matters.
Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) — witty and modest female tennis extraordinaire — and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) — globally praised tennis champion and proudly self-proclaimed chauvinistic pig — are pinned against one another in a game proving to be about much more than tennis. Their notably different personas make for engaging and humorous screenplay.
What makes the story so interesting, though, is that the characters are portrayed as encompassing more than just their athletic feats. The story delves into the personal lives of both players and the struggles they face on and off the court. While King struggles with her sexuality, Riggs works to preserve his marriage and mask his gambling tendencies.
By shedding light on the relatable struggles of such powerful figures, the movie familiarizes the audience with the plot allows them to be personally influenced rather than solely impressed by the entertainment.
However, I will say that the film’s lucid predictability did discount its theatrical caliber.
I did appreciate the lighthearted nature of the film, while it was still able to successfully tackle issues of great significance to American and global history.
Stone’s interpretation of King was pleasant and impressive, as she was able to adapt to and capture the essence of a character with many distinctively different qualities than herself.
Steve Carell, as always, is a shoo in for laughs. His humor enhances Riggs’ outwardly foolish nature as well as the baselessness of his sexist remarks, and those of his many male supporters.
“Battle of the Sexes” is an uplifting, fun and easy watch — and I believe it was made to be so. While it was a lively and inspiring film, it was not a theatrical masterpiece.
Playlist Construction is a Science
Much controversy has arisen concerning the music played at school dances. From oldies to today’s mainstream pop, students are still finding themselves dissatisfied with the music selection. Whether it’s Party in the U.S.A. or Low by Flo Rida, someone is bound to be a critic.
Music is undeniably a key component of most praiseworthy events nowadays, certainly not excluding the dances at Granite Bay High School. Though music does play a part in the atmosphere that makes up the dance experience, it’s seemingly not the role that GBHS students desire.
The real struggle lies within the task of discerning the problem: is it the censorship or the music selection itself that makes students critical of the dance playlists?
“I think the playlists are bad, and the censorship makes it worse,” GBHS senior Allyse Zimmerman said.
Conversely, GBHS junior, Stephanie Samson, views the problem as the music choice rather than the censorship.
“You can have a good (explicit) song. If it (has to be censored), they can still play it, but they don’t do that,” Samson said.
“(Administration has) a problem and they avoid it altogether. They don’t find ways to go around (it),” GBHS senior Milan French said.
Both Samson and French are in agreement that a compromise must be made in order to satisfy the student body’s different music tastes.
Only the matter is not so easily resolved, as constructing a playlist is harder than it may seem.
“I’ll say that in my opinion, (providing relevant music that is also appropriate for a school dance) is a very difficult task because so much of the music that is popular does not qualify as ‘school appropriate’,” GBHS Assistant Principal, Jessup McGregor said.
Tamara Givens, Student Government Advisor, says that the majority of the outcome is dependent on the DJ.
Being able to trust the DJ is the key to satisfying both the students and the administration when it comes to creating a school-appropriate atmosphere.
“I just need to trust my DJ enough to not play songs that are inappropriate,” Givens said. “Of course that is up to interpretation, but we do our best to be on the same page.”
To some students, the censorship is actually appreciated.
“What students listen to you can’t really play at school dances. I believe that the adults choosing the music is a positive thing,” GBHS senior, Colton Schaffert said.
Both censorship fans and critics do agree that there should be a wide variety of genres played in order to accommodate the varying musical preferences of the many school dance attendees.
Students proposed that country, new “high energy hits” and everything in between, deserve a place on the playlists.
The themed dances are no exceptions either. At the annual decades dance, students still want to hear more.
“Although it was the decades dance, I felt not all of the music should’ve been played from the decades,” Samson said.
Though students may claim their displeasure with the playlists, any bypasser would be able to tell that in the midst of the dances, students have no trouble finding ways to enjoy their time out on the dance floor
If you’re still feeling skeptical, Givens advises us to remember: “(We) are still in high school at a high school function, not a club.”
Cafe Review: The Mill
Cliché as it may sound, sometimes taking the extra mile is necessary to achieve the best results – both literally and figuratively.
For me, this week’s objective was to find a cafe sans the usual hustle and bustle of a coffee shop franchise.
I was lucky to both meet my goal, and have my expectations exceeded.
The Mill in midtown, is a solo location cafe established around 3 years ago, offering coffees, teas, waffles and pastries.
Upon entrance, the cozy cafe graces each customer with a perfected amalgam of soothing music, sights of delicate flowers lining the walls, a simple and bright color palette, and warm greetings via friendly baristas.
The inside area is inviting and relaxing, the bathroom: clean and spacious, and the back patio: filled with lush green plants, space, shade and soft natural lighting.
Sure, a good ol’ cup of joe isn’t particularly difficult to come by, but to find one with an authentic twist, delivered in an equally as delightful environment is both a gem and a rarity.
I, myself, was intrigued by the seasonal option: the Wildwood Flower Latte, and as one easily and shamelessly excited by anything floral, I had to order it.
Perhaps the name alone was enough to win me over, but the quality and taste of the drink was, indeed, another pleasant surprise. The floral notes amongst the housemade almond macadamia nut milk (result of special request) combined to make a delicious and notably different flavor.
The only caveat, might be the portion sizes, not an issue for myself particularly but — proceed with caution, avid coffee consumers.
The blend of the calm and charming ambience with the quality of the food and drinks, convenient parking, free WiFi, and the kind and helpful baristas, made for both a thoroughly enjoyable Monday evening and a more-than-satisfactory work environment.
Though it stands alone, the cafe is surely no ordinary, run-of-the-mill establishment — all puns intended.
Noelani Nichols 