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A&E, Christian DiMartino

‘The Amazing Spider-man 2’ fails to live up to previous films

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By Christian DiMartino

I attended the 11 p.m. showing of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 last Thursday night, and had planned on writing the review the next morning. Much to my surprise, things didn’t quite happen like that. Once the movie was over, my friend and I exited the theater and then discussed how mixed we were on the movie for an entire hour. Days have gone by since then, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 still has me so torn, it has taken me this long to express myself.

This is the first big blockbuster of the summer, and one of the most highly anticipated, but even I had some doubts. As a non-Jamie Foxx fan, his casting seemed off. That wasn’t the only concern, but it was the main one. So once the negative reviews arrived, my doubts deepened.

Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man, as wonderfully surprising as it was, was unnecessary, mainly because the studio only waited five years to reboot Sam Rami’s Spider-Man movies (I personally would like to see those continued, but, whatever). As unnecessary as it may have been, it actually turned out to be the second best Spider-Man adventure, ranking behind Rami’s perfect Spider-Man 2 (sue me, I don’t care, it’s amazing). What brought the movie to life was the chemistry between Peter Parker/ Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy (on and off-screen couple Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone). They worked so well together that I was tempted to hug myself. Webb, who’s only other non-Spider-Man movie is 500 Days of Summer, knows what he is doing when it comes to the romance. Also, Garfield is perfect in the title role; a worthy replacement for Tobey Maguire.

Now, Webb returns with the sequel, and Stone and Garfield are as charming as ever. In fact, they just might be the greatest comic book couple of them all. It’s a bold statement, but a true one. The visual effects are spectacular and the entertainment value is high. Also, there are some strong moments here. There were times when I let the action carry me away, and these times were reminiscent of the other movies. But yet, there were a few short time periods where the movie was so bad that I felt like my soul was being shanked.

The sequel picks up some time after the original (original isn’t exactly appropriate but that’s beside the point). Peter Parker is still trying to fight crime, while protecting the ones he loves. Peter and Gwen are still dating, which leaves him with a guilty conscience. If you remember from the previous movie, Peter promised Gwen’s late father (Denis Leary) that he would avoid her at all costs. He doesn’t do that, until he begins seeing Captain Stacy everywhere. He is also still trying to figure out what exactly happened to his parents and how they were involved with the sinister Oscorp company.

If that wasn’t bad enough, just wait. Enter Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx), a grown-up Steve Erkel who becomes obsessed with Spider-Man after he rescues him. Dillon, an Oscorp employee, soon falls into an eel tank, gets stung a lot (duh), and becomes Electro. Judging from that last sentence, I wonder how Oscorp is still a running company. It clearly isn’t a safe work environment. Anyways, Electro, who can manipulate electricity, is pretty cool and one of the movies many visual marvels, but his motives for killing Spider-Man (Spider-Man doesn’t remember him) are weak.

Then, enter Harry Osbourne (Dane Dehaan), Peter’s childhood friend and son of Oscorp founder Norman Osbourne (Chris Cooper), who carries a very distracting Hitler haircut. Seriously, that haircut drove me crazy. When Harry becomes terminally ill, he believes that Spider-Man’s blood can save his life. So, let’s just say, he wants Spidey dead too. Harry certainly is an interesting character, but had Dehaan done what he did with Chronicle, then the performance would’ve been remarkable. Instead, Harry is just whiny (he has a temper tantrum) and, well, his haircut is obnoxious. I’m not letting it go.

TASM2, like the constantly bashed Spider-Man 3, has a little bit too much story and just a bit too many villains, but it works. Also, the action sequences are a knockout, and Garfield shares some sublime moments with Stone and Sally Field, who plays his Aunt May. While a good amount of it does work, it is kind of a bumpy ride.

The scenes with Dillon talking to himself are awkward and occasionally dumb. In fact, Electro doesn’t become cool until the final hour. Despite this however he is quite the special effect. The soundtrack is bizarre, and the score doesn’t always mesh well with what’s happening on-screen. Spider-Man himself seems a little too jokey this time around. Sometimes, he tries so hard to be funny I’m surprised the crowds of people “oohing” and “awing” didn’t hand him a microphone.

Also, some of the one liners from him and Electro, again, shanked my soul with their stupidity. Not all of them are bad though, just a handful. Not to mention Paul Giamatti’s brief performance as The Rhino is inconceivably dumb. If he is the lead villain in the next round (there’s supposedly two more movies coming out at least), then you may just have to count me out. Giamatti is a great actor, but his accent is too difficult to take seriously. Also, there are a few loose ends that need to be tied up, and some of them probably won’t be in the sequel.

Lastly, the movie would’ve been better had the ending not dragged on. Had the movie stopped at a certain point, then it would have had more of an effective and poignant ending. Instead, the movie wants to get everyone jazzed up for round three, so it sets up the next movie… but not very well.

There is more wrong with The Amazing Spider-Man 2 than right, but yet it still gets my recommendation, I guess. How? Well, its target audience (Spider-Man fans) will go for it. Being one of them, I enjoyed a good amount of it. Yes, it had its ups and downs, but it is still an enjoyable movie to some extent. It’s a close call though; if round three is a similar movie, then expect harsher criticism. Whether we like it or not, more Spider-Man is coming. Hopefully it’s a bit better the next time. The Passable Spider-Man is a more appropriate title.

The movie still has me torn though. Right now, it’s good, borderline okay. Ask me in a month or so and I might say otherwise. As of now though, Spider-Man is getting a pass. Next time, he might not be as lucky.

 

News

Students, teachers prepare for upcoming AP exams

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By Sydney Sears and Delaney Smith

As the year is coming to a close the stakes rise. AP exams begin next week and many students begin to feel stressed around this time of year. Preparation is a significant part in passing these important tests.

According to counselor Mark Clark, the AP exams are graded on a five-point scale with “5” being the highest and “1” being the lowest. If a “3” or higher is scored a student can receive three credits to any college in Indiana.

To earn these credits students typically must put forth a lot of hard work and dedication. Many teachers have been doing in-class work and before or after-school study sessions to help prepare their students to the best of their ability.

“I plan to go to the cram session. I’ve also been looking over my notes,” said Junior Bailey Smit,h who is preparing for Monday’s AP psychology exam.

Senior Scott Schuchardt has been taking a lot of time to prepare for his AP government  exam by going over old AP Government College Board tests and the writing prompts for them. He has also been going to Suzanne Moss’s after-school study sessions.

Teachers have also been working to prepare their students for the upcoming exams.

“In class I have covered all the main units, done weekend review sessions, and have given handouts and charts in class over major concepts. I have also given bell ringer questions from old AP tests to try to prepare my students,” said AP psychology teacher Chad Clunie.

Students have high hopes for their scores on these tests.

“I hope I do well on the test because if I don’t do well my mom is making me pay for the test,” said Smith.

The two-week AP exam schedule is as follows:

AP Exam Schedule 2014

Monday, May 5

8 a.m. – AP Chemistry

12 p.m. – AP Psychology

Tuesday, May 6

8 a.m. – AP Computer Science

Wednesday, May 7

8 a.m. – AP Calculus

Thursday, May 8

8 a.m. – AP English Literature

Friday, May 9

8 a.m. – English Composition

Monday,May 12

8 a.m. – AP Biology, AP Music Theory

12 p.m. – AP Physics

Tuesday, May 13

8 a.m. – AP U.S. Government

Wednesday, May 14

8 a.m. – AP U.S. History

12 p.m. – AP European History

Thursday, May 15

8 a.m. – AP Macroeconomics

A&E

Theatre seniors rise to inspirational finale

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By Megan Johnson

Senior year. The finale of a teen’s high school career. Some feel it is the last time they will ever been seen as a teenager and the first time they will be seen as an adult. However, for some teens involved in theatre, their “finale” is very literal.

Theatre seniors experienced such a finale last weekend in “Pride and Prejudice.” Within this show, some of the seniors had major roles. Other cast members like sophomore Ashley Denny said seniors displayed leadership in playing their roles.

“They’re very helpful, dedicated and hard working actors,” she said.

Denny said that senior Savannah Wormley taught her how to work hard during performances, but also enjoy herself.

Wormley shared that theatre has not always been her main priority. However, over the years it has become a major part of her life.

“Theatre is what got me to come out of my shell. I’m not exactly shy, but theatre really takes away inhibitions, you become very outgoing,” said Wormley.

Sophomore Henry Miller said his inspiration comes from not only one actor, but two: seniors Clay Gulley and Collin Jackson.

“They have taught me that theater is tough because you have a lot of competition, but a lot of people want you to succeed,” said Miller.

Jackson explained that theatre has always been a part of his life.

“I feel like it’s just a part of me. I don’t experience what I feel on stage anywhere else. I just can’t not do it,” he said.

Miller shared that he sees both of these actors as very talented and wishes to succeed as they have.

Theatre director Robbie Steiner said Gulley stood out amongst his peers as a true leader.

“He’s the thespian president and a great example of somebody who works very hard. He’s humble, he cares for his peers and makes effort to be a good role model,” said Steiner.

Steiner shared that Gulley has matured since his freshman year and has become a hard-working, poised young man.

Gulley shared that this maturity has mainly blossomed within the past year.

“The fact that I’m almost 18 and about to graduate has really given me perspective on things. To accept that you’re growing up requires some maturity, and I think some of that maturity has transcended into my performances,” said Gulley.

With all four years of experience and growth in theatre, Gulley leaves with high hopes for the up and coming leaders.

“I believe that anyone who is true to their passions, is hardworking and above all, truly respectful of others has the potential to truly be a wonderful leader. Theatre is a fire within the performer and only he can keep it ablaze.”

Additional reporting by Melanie Parrish.

Bryce Romig

Students share Derby plans for this weekend

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By Bryce Romig

Every year Louisville hosts one of the biggest moments in sports: the Kentucky Derby. From sophisticated hats to luxurious parties, Derby is a big deal in the Kentuckiana area. High profile celebrities attend the event, along with the world’s top horse trainers.

Award-winning horses and professional jockeys make the races extremely competitive. This year’s favorite horse is California Chrome and is expected to be the horse with the most bids. Betting on horses is one of the many traditions that come along with this weekend’s big event.

“My family always votes for the horse expected to come in second place. You have to factor in previous races, temperature of track, type of track, how much the jockey weights, and past horse industries,” said senior Christian Overbey.

Along with the race come the parties and fashion. Many students take part in Derby traditions and enjoy the event annually. Families and businesses hold extravagant after parties the same day, allowing women to show off their high class hats and celebrate. Today, Oaks Day, is when female horses race.

“Although I’m only attending Oaks, I still picked out a hat. I’m going with my boyfriend and we plan on attending an after party,” said junior Hannah Enlow

Senior Tierney Flahtery plans on going out to dinner after the race.

“The family I’m going with usually goes out to dinner afterwards. Last year we went to DiOrio’s Pizza and did karoke. It was delicious and really fun.”

Derby hats are one of the many Derby icons. Women who plan on attending spend an extensive amount of money and time picking out the perfect hat to match their outfit. Typical hats are pastel colored and attention drawing. They have prominent features and tend to be quite big.

“I’m really excited to go, because I love looking at all the different hats and outfits. I also love the atmosphere and yelling when the race starts. I’ve gone the last two years,” said Flahtery.

Enlow shares enthusiasm about her own outfit.

“The hat I picked out is orange-creme, yellow, and blue. It goes with my outfit really well and im really excited to wear it,” said Enlow.

Junior Corina Watier also plans on attending and wearing a hat.

“I found the perfect white hat to go with my dress. They match so well.”

Tomorrow’s horses racing and odds:

1. Vicar’s in Trouble – 30-1

2. Harry’s Holiday – 50-1

3. Uncle Sigh – 30-1

4. Danza  – 10-1

5. California Chrome- 5-2

6. Samraat  5-1

7. We Miss Artie  – 50-1

8. General a Rod J – 15-1

9. Vinceremos  – 30-1

10. Wildcat Red – 15-1

11. Hoppertunity  – 6-1

12. Dance With Fate – 20-1

13. Chitu Martin -1

14. Medal Count  -20-1

15. Tapiture Ricardo -15-1

16. Intense Holiday –  12-1

17. Commanding Curve –  – 50-1

18. Candy Boy –  – 20-1

19. Ride On Curlin – 15-1

20. Wicked Strong – 8-1

 

Christian DiMartino, Girls Tennis, Peter Hyle, Sports

Girls’ tennis aims to beat their record

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By Peter Hyle and Christian DiMartino

This year the girls’ tennis team has worked to reach the goals set by last year’s team. With a record of 6-2, they aim to do just as well as they did last year. Despite losing many team mates the previous year due to graduation, the team is still going strong.

Junior Alexis Applegate and sophomore Alex Jamison practice before their match against Assumption. Photo by Peter Hyle
Junior Alexis Applegate and sophomore Alex Jamison practice before their match against Assumption. Photo by Peter Hyle

“Our team this year is working extremely well together. Everyone on the team has stepped up and done their part, and we’re still doing great despite the loss,” said junior Erin Patterson.

After last year’s success, everyone on the team has high hopes for what they can accomplish this year.

“I honestly think we have a great chance of making it to state again this season, as long as everyone on the team stays healthy and positive,” said senior Dana Frank.

To produce the kind of hard work and dedication that the team reached last year, everyone is doing their best to achieve their goals.

“I think that last year’s team was so successful because we had really strong team leaders who pushed us to do our absolute best,” said sophomore Kailyn Little, “and because of that we’re state runner-ups now.”

Everyone on the team is remaining positive and optimistic about the rest of their current season.

“Last year we finished second in state, which is actually the farthest any FC girls’ tennis team has gone before. It’s crazy to think about,” said Frank.

Even though the team is doing well so far this year, it is hard for everyone on the team to go through a season without the seniors that they lost last year.

“They impacted the team in so many ways. They were truly just role models to every girl on the team, and they were amazing players too. It was a hard transition after losing four of them. It felt like losing family members,” said Little.

Everyone on the team is optimistic about the future of this years’ team, looking past the loss and focusing on the strengths that the team still holds.

“They [the seniors] were a huge part of the team, but they weren’t the whole team. It was obviously tough losing them, but we’re excelling more than anyone thought we would this year without them,” said sophomore Alex Jamison.