In Review: Volume 7, 2025
El Estoque’s staff review recently released media, ranging from Ken Carson's surprise release to Maroon 5’s latest single
Sagnik Nag Chowdhury, Arts & Entertainment Editor
Bay Area-based business Twrl Milk Tea brings boba into household pantries
Two Bay Area women built their own eco-friendly bubble tea business
‘Sinners’ is stylish, sexy and seething with culture
The only sin this film commits is not giving us more
Entertainment shouldn’t be homework: Reevaluating critique
Critics need to reassess how they review art to consider a variety of target audiences and themes
In Review: Volume 6, 2025
El Estoque's staff review recently released media, ranging from Netflix's newest romcom to Lil Tecca's latest single
‘MUSIC – SORRY 4 DA WAIT’ marks a new era of stardom for rapper Playboi Carti
Despite hard driving production, the project suffers from hasty mixing
Varsity Boys Volleyball falls 3-0 to The Harker School
Matadors put up a strong fight but are unable to prevail
Restaurant rundown
El Estoque’s Arts & Entertainment section reviews four archetypes of Bay Area restaurants
Small business showdown
El Estoque’s Arts & Entertainment section reviews three local small business restaurants
‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U’ is Valentine’s Day slop
Let’s hope Drake won’t meet anyone’s madre anytime soon with his immature and juvenile lyricism
In Review: Volume 4, 2025
El Estoque's staff review recently released media, ranging from LiAngelo Ball's first shot at music to Tate McRae's new pop experiment
Monsters and metaphors: How horror movies reflect societal issues
Horror movies are often overlooked despite their relevant social commentary
Cupertino holds sixth annual Cupertino Spelling Bee
Youth Activity Board holds an educational event for elementary schoolers
‘The Brutalist’ is a raw take on the American dream
The award-winning period drama delivers a solid screenplay and performances
MVHS students and staff review the use of film in class
Literature classes utilize film and media as supplementary learning resources for essential topics
‘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
‘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
Time Out! Ep. 27: Kiana Mark
Spiking Success: Kiana Mark’s experience with volleyball
The fall of movie theaters
Movie theater closures have led to a decline in movie theater customers
The ‘PSYCHO’ tour introduces fans to a new era in Don Toliver’s career
Rapper Don Toliver brings both old and new hits to an exciting setlist complementing an even more exciting environment
Beginnings and ends: Student perspectives on Homecoming
Two seniors and two freshmen share their perspectives going into Homecoming season
Homecoming from another lens
MVHS students and staff share experiences leading up to the 2024 Homecoming week
Boys Water Polo defeats Saratoga High School 12-9
The Matadors kick off the first home game of the season with a victory
The Project 2025 predicament
Three of the project education policies could affect FUHSD economically
‘Short n’ Sweet’ is spicier than ever
Sabrina Carpenter rides her Billboard fame to deliver a raunchy, unique album
Award-winning artists
Prestigious MVHS artists reflect on their journeys
Artistic ambitions
From self-expression to building community, MVHS students utilize art for many different purposes
‘Cirque du Soleil: Kooza’ delivers a magical and heart-racing experience
World-renowned performance company Cirque du Soleil arrives in San Jose with a new vision
Toxic Vista: Fixing our flaws
El Estoque's Opinion Section examines the factors and effects of a "toxic" school environment
Work to the top till you drop
Students need to find balance to live fulfilling high school lives
‘Monkey Man’ provides a visceral, modern take on Hindu mythology
Actor Dev Patel’s directorial debut is a monumental arc for cultural representation
Varsity Badminton loses to Lynbrook High School 25-5
The Matadors fall to reigning league champions
Fearing the inevitable
El Estoque's opinion section unpacks long-term fears in the lives of the Monta Vista community
A “major” decision
Students address their conflicts and questions regarding picking a life path
“Dune: Part Two” raises the bar for the sci-fi genre
Director Denis Villeneuve’s long awaited sequel innovates with breathtaking visuals
The cost of fresh food
Small Cupertino businesses struggle to stay afloat amid high rent and cost of living
Unfolding Cupertino city limits
El Estoque's Opinion section examines how housing, entertainment and restaurants in the area affect the community
Boys Basketball narrowly falls to Leland High School 58-50
The Matadors lose momentum as the game enters overtime
Reflecting on modern values
Analyzing opinions on changes in societal views
Girls Soccer defeats Prospect High School 4-3
The Matadors gain momentum in the second half to secure the game
Examining sex education
How students advocate for themselves to receive comprehensive sex ed
Hopeful Tendencies
Examining the role that hope plays in the MVHS community
Boys Basketball falls to The King’s Academy 58-42
The Matadors lose the sportsmanship game
‘The Marvels’ is a failed attempt to propel the Marvel Cinematic Universe forward
The convoluted and lackluster plotline fails to innovate
Time out! Ep. 9: Gracie Lee
Following Gracie Lee's journey in dance
‘Larger than Life’ is a disconnected mess larger than life
Faiyaz attempts to deliver the positive aspects of his previous discography but fails to produce a solid record
Field Hockey falls to Palo Alto High School 2-0
Despite putting up consistent effort, Field Hockey fails to win on senior night
What are you hopeful for?
Delving into the MVHS community's short-term and long-term hopes and goals
Girls Volleyball beats Sequoia High School 3-1
Girls Volleyball starts off strong in the first two sets and regains momentum to win the fourth set
‘For All the Dogs’ seems to suffer an identity crisis
While Drake attempts to bark back with his latest album, he falls short with a redundant project
Select your passion
Exploring the niche passions of MVHS
50 Fresh Faces
The Class of 2027 shares its impressions of MVHS
Cafeteria Crackdown 2
El Estoque’s Arts & Entertainment section assesses school brunches
The Law of fashion
Learning about senior Miriam Law’s passion for all things fashion and style
‘Jawan’ points out flaws in India’s government system with a powerful message
With stunning visuals and a diverse cast, Jawan tells a compelling story
Field Hockey falls to Branham High School 5-1
Field Hockey continues to prepare for the regular season, but fails to maintain its positive momentum
Style on stage
Exploring how MVHS sports teams utilize clothing in their performances
Boys Volleyball falls to The Harker School 3-0 on its senior night
Matadors narrowly lost two final sets 22-25 and 23-25
A cinematic connection
Examining how movies brought my dad and I closer
I think you should…
Exploring the MVHS community's opinions on giving and receiving advice
Who inspires you?
Delving into MVHS students’ biggest inspirations and role models
The peaks and pitfalls of parental advice
Exploring MVHS student and staff opinions on receiving advice from their parents
Art: a universal language
Exploring MVHS’s connection with art in their foreign language
Behind the Scenes: Singing Valentines
Exploring the process behind putting together Singing Valentines
Countdown to Spring: MVHS’ Late Winter Events Keep Spirits High
Diving into the preparation behind various student-involved happenings