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Entertainment, Reviews

‘Wonka’ is a sweet prequel

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     “Wonka,” starring the charismatic Timothée Chalamet as the iconic chocolatier, takes audiences on a whimsical journey through the origins of Willy Wonka’s chocolate empire. Directed by Paul King, who has also been most popularly involved in the “Paddington” movie series, this film promises a fresh perspective on a beloved character which blends Chalamet’s acting prowess with the magical world of “Wonka.”

     This movie opens up with a song from their new soundtrack, produced by Neil Hannon who has written songs for the “Doctor Who” series as well as many other acclaimed singles. “Wonka” goes through his first day in a fictional town that resembles a cross between London, Prague, Paris and several other affluent European cities.

     Wonka’s narrative unfolds as a vibrant tapestry, chronicling his early years and the events that led to the creation of his extraordinary chocolate factory. The story was a delightful mix of heartwarming moments, comedic escapades and a touch of mystery, providing a nostalgic nod to the classic Willy Wonka tales.

     A visual feast presented by the film which was nothing short of extraordinary. The whimsy of Wonka’s chocolate wonderland is brought to life with stunning cinematography, capturing the vibrant colors and imaginative landscapes. The camera work seamlessly complements the fantastical elements, making it a treat for the eyes.

     This film showcases many popular actors including Timothée Chalamet as Wonka, Keegan-Michael Key as the Chief of Police, Rowan Atkinson as the Priest, Olivia Colman as Mrs.Scrubbit, Hugh Grant as the Oompa-Loompa and many more. With such diverse actors, their talents shine with each role more captivating than the next.

     Chalamet embodies the eccentric charm of Willy Wonka with finesse. His charismatic performance adds layers to the character, providing a depth that both newcomers and fans of the original will appreciate. He resembles a whole new, yet memorable, version of Willy Wonka yet t be seen.

     Many things follow-through between the new “Wonka” movie, and the previous ones with Johnny Depp and Gene Wilder. This new film also gives clarity to many important details of the previous movies as well. We learn the meaning of the golden tickets inside of the Wonka bars and their relevance to Wonka himself. 

     Mr. Slugworth makes his reappearance in the new movie, adding depth to his character. The movie shows the audience what the “Chocolate Cartel” had done to Wonka in his past to create such a tense relationship in the previous movies.

     Many iconic lines from the previous movies are made, including Gene Wilder’s, “Strike that, reverse it.” Another reappearance includes the iconic song “Pure Imagination,” first sung by Gene Wilder. They also tell the audience the origins of the Oompa-Loompas as well as their songs.

     There were many comical, heartwarming and depressing moments throughout the movie. My own personal opinion of the movie was an eight out of ten. I believe that many things are explained from the original movies; however, this story feels more of a spin-off than a prequel. The movie was well written, with a solid script in the beginning. My favorite part of the movie was the soundtrack. I did not expect to like this movie, being more-so a musical than a regular comedy, but they executed it perfectly. There are a few “cringy” parts throughout the movie, but overall it was well thought out. 

Sports

Ice hockey gives fans chills

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     Stow hockey had their first season game against Kenston on Dec. 1.

     In preseason they were struggling to catch a rhythm. 

     “We have a lot of younger talent this year. We lost a lot of key players that held our team together last year, so we have to rebuild our team this year,” senior Aiden Brebant said. 

     Hockey lost four starting players last season, all being key components on offense, as well as their goalie. As the team is working on connecting the puck on the ice to catch momentum during games to get ahead during preseason, they had previously played Kenston. 

     “They play dirty, and last time we played them they injured one of our players, and he’s no longer allowed to play as of now until he is healed. He was a strong player, and with him being out it is really hurting our team,” sophomore AJ Halsne said.

     Liam Schelien had his clavicle broken last time Stow played Kenston, and with angry teammates, the game against Kenston was bound to be an aggressive game. 

     “We can win–we just all have to focus. We can’t get caught up in the anger. We have to play the puck and ignore Kenston trying to get in our heads and not stoop to their level of playing dirty,” senior Alessio Simpson stated. 

     Bulldogs headed to the Pond to face Kenston for round two, and they already did not have home rink advantage, so they really had to focus and work together. The game started at 8:50 p.m. The Bulldogs were out to avenge their teammate and take a win to start their season off on the right foot. 

     Each game consists of three periods, each 15 minutes long. When the first period started, they started off strongly attacking the Kenston goal and getting good opportunities to score, but nothing seemed to hit the back of the net. 

Source: Stohion/Kenzie Gash
Senior Alessio Simpson skates down the rink in the Dec. 1 game against Kenston. The team lost 7-4.

     Kenston took the lead early in the first period. Towards the end of the first period, the Bulldogs fell behind 4-0. The first intermission started and both teams headed to the locker room to regroup. 

     “We were all frustrated, but we couldn’t get in our heads. We were still in this game–we just had to connect more on offense and not force shots that aren’t there,” senior Mason Schelien said. 

     They were falling behind, but there were still two more periods for them to get in rhythm with each other and come out on top. They hit the floor running in the second period. Schelien found the back of the net first and put Stow back in the game. 

     With a point on the board, the Bulldogs were out for more. Simpson found the net not too long after Schelien, and Stow was only trailing by two. Stow fans spirits were high in hopes they could keep up this momentum and come out victorious. 

     Kenston came back with some defense and scored for a fifth time. Both teams started playing dirty, and many athletes ended up in the penalty box. 

     Close to the end of the second period, senior Reed Surrena scored, which helped the Bulldogs keep their heads up as they headed into the third period. 

     Both teams were off to the locker rooms where they go to debrief the past period and get a game plan for the final period. The third period started, and it was back and forth, no scoring for the majority of the last period. 

     Finally, freshman Lex Watts had a big goal to get Stow’s energy back up. There was still time for the Bulldogs to come back, as they were only down by one. The game got very physical as both teams were going at each other. It became less about the puck and more about slamming one another into the boards. 

     Schelien got a penalty, which if he served, would have given Kenston an advantage; instead, Stow took a risk, and Kenston got to take a penalty shot. The goalie, freshman Seraphina Nyitray, could not let her team down. 

     With only minutes to spare and Stow only trailing by one point, it was a huge play that could change the energy of the game. The shot was taken, and saved. 

     A huge save from Nyitray, put the Bulldogs back even with Kenston as Shelien was still on the ice. 

    Even with the momentum of a save, Stow could not seem to find the net for a fifth time in the last remaining minutes of the game; however for Kenston, they were able to score two more times to end the game 7-4. 

     Stow battled to the very end, but struggled on offense to make something happen. They will face Kenston again later in their season and hope to have a better outcome.

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Could a four day school week be beneficial?

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Currently, the high school, along with most other schools operate on a five day week: school from Monday-Friday, then a break on Saturday and Sunday. However, many have come to question the efficiency of this system. It is possible a four day week may be more beneficial for students and teachers.

Switching to a four day school week could reap numerous benefits. The National Conference of State Legislatures said, “with a longer weekend, students have more time to rest and engage in extracurricular activities, which can lead to better attendance during the week. This, in turn, can lead to improved academic performance.”

While a five day week does give teachers more time to teach their lessons, it may be overwhelming for students, especially those who are very involved.

“I feel like [a five day school week] is definitely a downside for those who have a really hard schedule because they can get burnt out easily,” Senior Daniella Vasquez explained. “Most students will get burnt out easily and like can affect their mental health in a negative way.”

Students with vigorous schedules and students involved in extracurriculars commonly feel spread thin with the five day school week. When accounting for academics, extracurricular activities, work and free time, the five day school week does not seem to provide students with the time they need.

Freshman Keira Sayre shared what she thinks of the current five day school week: “I feel like some of the benefits are that it gives teachers more time to teach us,” Sayre then continued sharing downsides, “But I feel like some of the downsides are it can over-stress students and we don’t have a lot of time to do our own things or do our own activities.”

A four day school week would provide students with more rest, leading to better performance during the school week.

Senior Allie Bloom stated, “I think [a four day school week] would definitely be beneficial so that people can get more sleep and be more productive on the days that they are in school.”

According to Healthline, research shows 73 percent of high school students regularly do not get a healthy amount of sleep. A lack of sleep leads to decreased academic performance.

Vasquez shared how she thinks students’ attitudes could change if switched to a four day work week. “I think it could definitely help improve mental health because kids would get more time to themselves
and, if you’re burnt out you can have more time to rest.”

Vasquez also introduces a teacher perspective, saying it will give [teachers] more time to plan out better work.

“The four day week could be beneficial to everyone, from students who say they are stressed and overwhelmed to teachers who could appreciate the extra time for lesson planning,” Vasquez explained.

There are many benefits to a four day school week, and many students would prefer it to a five day school week.

Sayre said, “I would personally like to switch to a four day week. I feel like it would be so much easier, especially because of a lot of homework being in honors classes, and I don’t have that much time because of activities after school, so it gives me a lot less time to do my work and it just leaves me stressed out.”

A four day week could exponentially decrease stress of students and increase academic performance.