By Sean Kang ‘14 When you think of Kevin Hart, you think “funny.” When you think of Ice Cube, you think “gangster.” Well, what happens when you put the two together in a buddy cop movie? Boring. “Ride Along” merely offers a mediocre plot, bland characters, and a plethora of clichés, with a few gunfights and car chases here and … Read More
By Katie Mercogliano ‘14 It seems absurd to “lightly suggest” to some of the most esteemed directors in film history, such as Francis Ford Coppola (“The Godfather Part I, II, III”), Quentin Tarantino (“Pulp Fiction,” “Inglorious Basterds,” “Django Unchained”) and Darren Aronofsky (“Requiem for a Dream,” “Black Swan,” “The Wrestler”), to cut parts of their movies to make it more … Read More
By Ankur Kayastha ’15 The well-anticipated sequel within the Hobbit trilogy entitled “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” encompasses elements of humor, romance, and action all into one lengthy and entertaining film. J.R.R. Tolkien’s writing truly received a new vitality in the new film. An element unique to the film is that the entire movie is not selectively focused on … Read More
By Jack McCallister ’15 When entering the little Chinese restaurant right off Morningwood drive, one will see a few small tables and flickering light in the corner. However, don’t let its appearance faze you, because Shanghai Chinese offers some of the best oriental cuisine in the area. While other Chinese restaurants in the area such as Hunan Delight do not … Read More
By Steven Witkin ’16 Many people know the story of Mary Poppins, the magical nanny who saves a family through life lessons, but there is a more emotional and somber story behind her creation. “Saving Mr. Banks”, directed by John Lee Hancock, reveals the story behind the story, the fascinatingly real experiences of Mary Poppins’ creator, P.L. Travers, which fueled … Read More
By Katie Mercogliano ’14 New pop sensation Lana Del Rey released her short film, “Tropico,” on December 5 online. Packed with biblical symbolism, vibrant colors, soft filters and an awful Elvis impersonator, “Tropico” doesn’t quite match Del Rey’s previous work in terms of living up to the hype. Director Anthony Mandler, who has a respectable reputation under his belt, collaborated … Read More
By Amanda Evans ’15 Childish Gambino, more popularly known as Donald Glover, proves that rap can be sophisticated while maintaining its raunchy roots. Gambino, who stars in the critically acclaimed television show “Community,” made a splash when he jumped into the rap game in 2011. His second album “Because of Internet” was released December 10 and is projected to sell … Read More
By Will Van Gelder ‘16 Sherwood will host a film festival on May 16 at 7 p.m. in the Ertzman Theatre. The film fest will show student-created short films. Students from any school in MCPS can compete in the festival. Literature as Film and English teacher Christiane Lock is organizing the festival. “The film festival is an opportunity for high … Read More
By Catherine Jou ’15 “Ender’s Game” gives an ethereal sense to the viewer of wanting to be immersed into space. Writer-director Gavin Hood allows for the film, based on Orson Scott Card’s 1985 novel, of the same name, to be more than just an action flick for teenage boys. Hood explores the ethics of war through the emotional and psychological … Read More
By Jenni Kenel ‘14 The film “The Hunger Games” came out in March 2012, and while many fans are anticipating the thrilling sequel that is released on November 22, directors/writers Jason Freidberg and Aaron Seltzer, who teamed together for “Vampires Suck,” “Epic Movie,” “Disaster Movie” and “Meet the Spartans,” have yet again morphed a beloved blockbuster into a spoof. “The … Read More