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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

“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
Wicked tells the story of the rise (and fall) of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures | Used with permission

‘Wicked’ shines in all of its technicolor glory

The visually stunning and emotional story makes for an exceptional adaptation, despite its lengthy run
Corinna Kuo
December 7, 2024
“The Party Never Ends” is far from a bad album, but is ultimately underwhelming given its importance to Juice WRLD’s legacy and fans. Graphic by Grade A Productions | Used with permission

‘The Party Never Ends’ is a forgettable farewell

Juice WRLD’s final album is a sad reminder that all parties come to an end
Benjamin Zhang, Arts & Entertainment Editor
December 6, 2024
El Estoque reviews most viral(and significant!) moments in 2024 pop culture | Graphic by Owen Liu

2024 Year in Review

El Estoque’s Arts & Entertainment section revisits significant pop culture media from 2024
Owen Liu
December 5, 2024
'Ghost Cat Anzu' revolves around the two characters: Anzu, an immature and irresponsible ghost cat and Karin, an 11-year-old girl who attempts to resurrect her mother after being left at the temple by his irresponsible father. Photo courtesy of Shin-Ei Animation and Miyu Productions | Used with permission

‘Ghost Cat Anzu’ haunts its viewers with comedic delight

The animated film charms the audience with stunning graphics and humor but is awkward in its progression
Elizabeth Yang and Owen Liu
December 2, 2024
Rapper Ken Carson performed atop a stage constructed of steel poles throughout the night. Photo by Trey Karson | Used with permission

Ken Carson’s ‘A Great Chaos’ tour is the epitome of its name

The rapper’s aggressive artistry lures concertgoers into a never-ending delirium
Samika Bhatkar
November 23, 2024
The plot of “Red One” revolves around the kidnapping of winter demigod St. Nick and the attempt to rescue him just in time for Christmas. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures | Used with permission

‘Red One’ makes the naughty list of holiday films with charm

The star-studded movie takes a unique approach but fails to stand out from average Christmas cinema
Sagnik Nag Chowdhury and Benjamin Zhang
November 16, 2024
Tyler, the Creator poses on top of an airplane as he sings in the music video for "Thought I Was Dead".  Photo Courtesy of Columbia Records | Used with permission

‘CHROMAKOPIA’ is Tyler, the Creator’s most personal and vibrant record yet

Tyler's new album contains shades of maturity arranged into a colorful mosaic of life experiences
Sagnik Nag Chowdhury and Dylan Nguyen
November 7, 2024
Waterhouse dances as she performs “My Fun”

Suki Waterhouse charms her audience with an enchanting performance

Suki Waterhouse’s "The Sparklemuffin Tour" perfectly encapsulates fan’s expectations succeeding the release of her recent album
Created by visual artist collective Sports Banger, the album cover of “Godspeed” depicts a laying-of-hands ceremony, adding to the album’s religious themes. Warner Records | Used with permission

‘Godspeed’ blesses listeners with its revelry

The Blessed Madonna’s first album overflows with life
Jillian Ju
October 26, 2024
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