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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

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
'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
“Joker: Folie à Deux,” despite its $200 million budget, turned out to be the worst possible fate for its already tortured characters. Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures | Used with permission

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ is a double dose of pure delusion

The ‘Joker’ sequel is a pathetic shadow of its former self
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
October 8, 2024
Abigail (Alisha Weir) dances onstage while covered in her victims' blood. | Universal Pictures

‘Abigail’ bleeds its tired premise dry

Predictable plot, shallow characters and juvenile scripting hammer the last nail in the coffin
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
April 25, 2024
Participants of the 2022 ALA Girls State convention in Missouri pose for a selfie. | Courtesy of Apple TV

‘Girls State’ falls victim to the female empowerment cliches it criticizes

Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine’s documentary sequel tells an average yet endearing chronicle of a teenage-run democracy
Isabelle Kok
April 15, 2024
Kid, played by Patel, stands amongst a crowd in Yatana. Photo courtesy of Monkeypaw Productions

‘Monkey Man’ provides a visceral, modern take on Hindu mythology

Actor Dev Patel’s directorial debut is a monumental arc for cultural representation
"Love Lies Bleeding" brilliantly potrays complex themes of pain, identity, and love. Photo | Anna Kooris / A24

‘Love Lies Bleeding’ oozes with carnal tension and heart

Director Rose Glass’s refreshing take on the noir genre tackles impulse and intimacy with power
Jillian Ju and Giljoon Lee
March 27, 2024
'Kung Fu Panda 4' leaves audience bored and bamboo-zled

‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ leaves audience bored and bamboo-zled

A poor script and predictable plotline result in the iconic franchise’s fall from grace
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
March 13, 2024
Chani, played by Zendaya, embraces Paul, played by Timothée Chalamet. Photo by Warner Bros. Pictures

“Dune: Part Two” raises the bar for the sci-fi genre

Director Denis Villeneuve’s long awaited sequel innovates with breathtaking visuals
Sagnik Nag Chowdhury
March 1, 2024
“Argylle” features numerous superstars and celebrities, but none fulfill expectations

‘Argylle’ laughably fails its own mission

Matthew Vaughn’s creation proves to be too dysfunctional to be redeemed by its over-the-top comedy
Jillian Ju and Benjamin Zhang
February 6, 2024
"Mean Girls" attempts to resemble its predecessor stylistically while reflecting modern trends.

“Mean Girls” arrives too early for its time

The unnecessary remake is unsalvageable by its musical theater charm
Jami Lim
January 18, 2024
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