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The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

AI chatbots can be a source of entertainment and, to an extent, even companionship. Illustration | Amberly Sun

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly taking a larger role in our daily entertainment

MVHS students and staff explore the effect of AI’s growth on entertainment
Owen Liu and Benjamin Zhang
January 30, 2025
Illustration | Sagnik Nag Chowdhury

Monsters and metaphors: How horror movies reflect societal issues

Horror movies are often overlooked despite their relevant social commentary
Sagnik Nag Chowdhury
January 30, 2025
Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz pose for the “Back in Action” movie poster. Photo by Netflix | Used with permission

‘Back in Action’ doubles down on its cliche cheesiness

The comedy excels in dramatic fight scenes but fails to captivate its audience with a meaningful plot
Elizabeth Yang and Owen Liu
January 28, 2025
The MVHS Chamber Orchestra stands in front of the California State Capitol.
Photo courtesy of John Gilchrist | Used with permission

MVHS Chamber Orchestra plays at CASMEC

Chamber Orchestra showcases their talent at the annual California All-State Music Education Conference
Corinna Kuo and Sania Nadkarni
January 27, 2025
Customers browse at the Popmart blind box store at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, CA. Photo by Jie Yao | Used with permission

Sonny ‘angels’

Blind box companies keep teenage consumers hooked with monetization and marketing tactics
Kate Yang
January 24, 2025
Tóth hugs his wife, Erzebet, as they observe a schematic design for a building. Photo by A24 | Used with permission

‘The Brutalist’ is a raw take on the American dream

The award-winning period drama delivers a solid screenplay and performances
Sagnik Nag Chowdhury
January 19, 2025
Giljoon Lee and Kate Yang discuss the negative impact of AI on this year's Spotify Wrapped. Graphic | Kate Yang

Wrapping music with AI

Reliance on AI has sucked the soul out of “niche” remnants of the long-awaited Spotify Wrapped
Giljoon Lee and Kate Yang
December 22, 2024
“rosie” is a good showcase of Rosé’s vocal skill but little else, falling short of making an impact in the wake of the positive reception to her pre-release “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars. Photo courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corporation | Used with permission

‘rosie’ by Rosé is a dime a dozen

Rosé’s debut album is a nostalgic but lukewarm attempt at reflection on a past relationship
Ellie Wang and Asha Wojciechowski
December 18, 2024
Moana prepares herself to fight off the Kakamora tribe and the monster clam. Photo courtesy of Disney Movies | Used with permission

‘Moana 2’ is wholesome but afraid to rock the boat

The creation of the sequel lacks attentiveness, producing a predictable and disappointing storyline
Isabelle Kok and Ananda Singh
December 17, 2024
“Small Changes” is Michael Kiwanuka’s return to the grounded warmth of childhood memories. Polydor Records | Used with permission

‘Small Changes’ unravels the depth in the details

Michael Kiwanuka’s fourth album is a quiet memoir of dedication and mellow maturity
Isabelle Kok
December 12, 2024
Outside exterior of Saratoga Bagels. Photo by Trisha Sannappanavar

Inside Saratoga Bagels

Exploring Mei Huang’s journey opening and running Saratoga Bagels
Trisha Sannappanavar
December 9, 2024
Which holiday drink are you?

Which holiday drink are you?

Take our 2024 seasonal drink quiz
Ananya Chaudhary and Zaid Naqvi
December 8, 2024
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