86th annual academy awards

By Kelsey McDougall
Copy Editor

Hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, the 86th Annual Academy Awards were both memorable and eventful, filled with legendary performances and celebration.

“12 Years a Slave” came out on top, winning the award for Best Picture and beating the movies “American Hustle,” “Captain Phillips,” “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Gravity,” “Her,” “Nebraska,” “Philomena,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

Despite its star-studded cast, great reviews from critics, and ten academy award nominations, David O. Russell’s “American Hustle” did not win any awards in any of the categories. However, “Gravity” won seven awards, including Best Director, Alfonso Cuaron, and Best Original Score.

Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club”) won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, beating Christian Bale (“American Hustle”), Bruce Dern (“Nebraska”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave”), and left fifth-time nominee Leonardo DiCaprio (“The Wolf of Wall Street”) with yet another Oscar disappointment.

“I am highly disappointed. Leo got robbed of an Oscar with his amazing performance in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’ It was a sad day. Tears were shed,” said Canton senior Sasha Cucuz.

Despite nominations for his performances in the films “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” “The Aviator,” “Blood Diamond,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street” for which he was nominated for Best Actor as well as Best Picture as the producer, DiCaprio has never won the Oscar.

Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”) won the academy award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, defeating Amy Adams (“American Hustle”), Sandra Bullock (“Gravity”), Judi Dench (“Philomena”), and Meryl Streep (“August: Osage County”).

Jared Leto (“Dallas Buyers Club”) took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, beating opponents Barkhad Abdi (“Captain Phillips”), Bradley Cooper (“American Hustle”), Michael Fassbender (“12 Years a Slave”), and Jonah Hill (“The Wolf of Wall Street”).

Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”) won the award for Best Supporting Actress, defeating opponents Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), academy award-winner Jennifer Lawrence (“American Hustle”), academy award-winner Julia Roberts (“August: Osage County”), and June Squibb (“Nebraska”).

DeGeneres kept the crowd on its toes, cracking jokes and poking fun at various stars and ordering pizza that was enjoyed by Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lawrence, and many others. She also took a selfie that allegedly shut down twitter for a brief period of time.

John Travolta also made social media history when he butchered Idina Menzel’s name while announcing her performance of “Let It Go,” calling her ‘Adele Dazeem.’ The song from Disney’s “Frozen” ended up winning the academy award for Best Original Song. “Frozen” also took home the award for Best Animated Feature.

“That was the funniest part of the show. The fact that John Travolta couldn’t take five seconds before he went on stage to figure out who he was introducing is a little sad, but it was definitely entertaining,” said Salem senior Shannon Burke.

Travolta’s mistake created a social media uproar, including the creation of a website where people can have their names be ‘Travoltafied.’

In addition to Menzel, the show included performances by Pharrell Williams, Karen O and Ezra Koenig, U2, and Bette Midler.

Review: Lie to Me

By Raquel Allen

Could you imagine yourself working for someone who had the ability to interpret micro expressions through facial gestures and body language? Someone who could tell what emotion you’re feeling at anytime? On an American crime drama series called Lie to Me, Dr. Cal Lightman and his colleagues work for a private company called The Lightman Group in a popular Netflix show.
The characters take on assignments from local and federal law enforcement to help solve crimes. The main characters primarily focus on reaching the truth in every case they take on.
“I think it is a great show, I recommend watching it. It’s a great show about how to catch people lying, so if you want to know how to catch people lying you should watch this show,” said Jack Driscoll, Salem Senior.
“Even though I’ve only seen one-eighth of an episode, I was so intrigued and thought those skills would come in handy in high school,” said Kerry Breen, Salem senior.
The stars of the show are Tim Roth, Kelli Williams, Monica Raymund, and Brendan Hines. These actors and actresses do a good job making you feel like a part of the team. As the first season starts, you get a better understanding of the psychology behind the profession. They take you through every step it takes to solve a crime and explain how they’ve come up with their conclusions.
“Lie to me is really a phenomenal show. I’ve caught all kinds of people in lies after studying the show,” said Brady Cole, Salem senior.
The riveting crime drama does not only entertain, but teaches its viewers how to tell what emotion a person is feeling based on their body language. The shows inspiration is from Paul Ekman’s expertise on the psychology of facial expressions. He’s a professor at the University of California San Francisco, school of medicine. He has assisted in anti-terrorism groups and advised police work to help solve crimes. He’s also written 15 books, the most popular ones include ‘Telling Lies’ and ‘Emotions Revealed’.
The show aired in January of 2009 and ended in January 2011. It was a short lived series, but it’s not uncalled for that Netflix has resurfaced the shows first three seasons. There was talk of continuing the third season, as it ended with only 13 episodes, evidentially the show never picked up again.

Review: ‘Frozen’

By Jana Boster
Staff Writer

Since being released Nov. 27, Disney’s latest animated film, Frozen, has been a huge success. The movie won the Golden Globe award for Best Animated Film, beating nominees The Croods and Despicable Me 2. The song “Let it Go,” performed by Idina Menzel (Queen Elsa) in the movie, was also nominated for a Golden Globe award. Sections of the movie had also been nominated at the Academy Awards and the Oscars. The movie’s professional success is not the only thing that makes it a great movie; it has touched the hearts of many through its relatable characters, relevant morals and humor suited for all ages, which is why many people have paid to go see the movie in theaters more than one time.
The story begins with a royal family whose heir to the throne, Princess Elsa, is cursed with a sometimes-uncontrollable power to freeze things with her touch and thoughts. After her sister, Anna, almost lost her life due to these dangerous abilities, Elsa is forced to keep her powers a secret and isolate herself from everyone because of her fear of hurting someone one day. After her parents’ deaths, Elsa is forced to take the throne, and her coronation goes horribly wrong; her powers get out of control, she sets off an eternal winter and she can no longer hide her curse. Panicked, she runs away into the wilderness, and Anna goes on a quest to bring her back home and stop the freezing winter she has caused.
Despite the beautiful palaces, the great adventure and the magic, the movie Frozen is still relatable and easily connected to the average teenager’s life, particularly young women. Posts about the film clutter girls’ Twitter, Facebook and Instagram timelines; it has become a hit among young women across the country. Anna’s charming awkwardness makes the audience laugh while seeing reflections of themselves in her characteristics. Every teenage girl can relate to the embarrassing moment of getting tongue-tied in front of a cute guy they barely know, and Frozen assures people that it is okay not to be perfect, and people should embrace themselves and their uniqueness not matter what kind of challenges they may face because of it.
Not only can people relate to Anna; they can relate to Elsa as well. The “conceal; don’t feel” theme of the movie, which connects the most to her character, has applied to most people at some point in their life. Whether someone battles against anxiety, depression, discrimination, low self esteem or difficulties with expressing himself or herself, chances are they have felt the need to hide something about themselves at one point in his or her life. Even if someone is a generally happy and healthy person, they probably still know the feeling of going through a problem and not being able to go to someone about it. This is why Frozen can be an inspiring movie for anyone, regardless of age, even though it is a children’s movie. The part where Elsa sings “Let it Go” particularly encourages people to accept themselves and do everything in their power to make themselves happy.
Frozen is still showing in theaters, and going to see it is worthwhile. Those interested in the movie can also buy it on DVD in March.

Review: 47 Ronan

By Octavia Mercer
Staff Writer

47 Ronin

The movie 47 Ronin hit theatres on Dec. 25, 2013 and I had the displeasure of seeing the movie this weekend. With a world class actor like Keanu Reeves from the Matrix, you would think this movie would be filled with action and suspense.
The movie was first released as a Japanese film and was a hit in Japan. That led movie producers to make a version for the states. The story takes place in ancient Japan and is a true story based on the 47 Ronin warriors who defied the king by avenging their Lord’s death.
Reeves plays the half-breed Ronin Kai who was hated for being a ‘demon’ among the people. After the death of Lord causes all the samurai in Ako to become Ronin, samurais without masters, and get ban from their land they vow to seek vengeance and restore honor. After a series of events, the men attack the land that was once their home in order to restore honor.
The movie had a great story line and great actors but I was still upset. The movie had a slow start with really no explanation of what was happening. The movie had very little action to it but is listed in the action category. I fell asleep twice, which should not happen in an action movie.
The worst part of the movie was that there wasn’t a plot. Everything just seemed to happen without reason and it was hard to understand why it was happening. You have a hard time keeping up with the plot and if you zone out for just a minute, you come back very confused.
The ending also tanked and was by far the worst ending to any movie I’ve ever seen. The movie was boring and was two hours of my life I will never get back. The trailer itself was more interesting than the movie was. I would have to give this movie a half star and two thumbs down. I would never recommend seeing 47 Ronin anytime in the near future.

Review: Sleepy Hollow

By Madelyn Momano
Guest Writer

It’s official, FOX has joined the paranormal trend. A reboot of the classic children’s tale, the new drama, “Sleepy Hollow,” has joined the ranks of shows like NBC’s “Grimm” and ABC’s “Once Upon A Time.” But does it measure up to the rest?
While “Sleepy Hollow” does not shy away from the occasional monster or two, the play has a little more to it than one would think. Taking place in present-day Sleepy Hollow, North Carolina, the story takes off when Ichabod Crane, played by Tom Mison, is awoken in the 21st century after being under a sleeping curse since the Revolutionary War in order to save the world from the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse (and yes, one of them is headless).
Disoriented by his surroundings, he winds up crossing paths with Lt. Abbie Mills, played by Nicole Beharie, who is a detective working at the Sleepy Hallow Police Department. Together they find out that according to the Bible the two of them are destined to uncover the mysteries of Sleepy Hollow and prevent all Hell from breaking loose – literally.
What sets “Sleepy Hollow” apart from the typical supernatural drama is its clever integration of the American Revolution. The writers of the series manage to pull off weaving in events such as the Boston Tea Party, Battle of Bunker Hill, and other staples of America’s beginnings without coming off as cliché of unoriginal. References to America’s history also prove to be a great source of comedic relief, as Ichabod Crane struggles to adapt to the modern-day United States.
“What’s insane is a ten percent levy on baked goods,” Ichabod complains in the episode titled “Blood Moon”. “You do realize that the Revolutionary war began with less than two percent? How is the public nor flocking to the streets in outrage?”
Even if you aren’t a fan of headless horsemen or creatures that go bump in the night, this show still has elements that will keep you interested. The lives of Abbie and Ichabod are full of struggles that many of us face on a daily basis, including discovering our faith and coping with the loss of a loved one. While Ichabod hopes to free his long-lost wife from Purgatory, Abbie is in constant competition with her own common sense about the likeliness of everything that is happening around her. Will she finally face her calling, or will she keep running from the truth? And I haven’t even mentioned the chemistry between the two of them… could that spark jeopardize everything? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Tune in the “Sleepy Hollow” every Monday night at 9/8c on FOX.

Review: Prison Break

By Jaclyn Schaumburger
Guest Writer

Imagine you are on a rollercoaster, slowly ascending up to the tipping point. Your feelings and emotions are racing uncontrollably through your mind. You may be scared, you may be excited, or you may simply just want it to be over with so you can see what ride you are going to next. But then you get to that one point – the point of no return. The place where you take a slight inhale before you’re screaming with your face looking straight to the ground. From that point on your stomach feels as if it is in the back of your throat. Your head is whipping back and forth and you have no idea what is going to come next.
Some people may not enjoy the feeling that a rollercoaster gives them, but for those of you that do, ‘Prison Break’ is comparable to the best rollercoaster I have ever been on. It takes you on a wild ride of emotions. It’s so intriguing that you won’t want to turn it off, not only because of the crazy plot but also because of the main character.
Wentworth Miller plays Michael Scofield and along with his ‘partner in crime,’ Lincoln Burrows, played by Dominic Purcell. Throughout the show, the duo is seemingly unstoppable.
It all starts when Lincoln is framed for a crime that he has nothing to do with. The government would do anything to cover up their tracks and keep him in jail, but Michael has other plans. He fakes robbing a bank so that he is put in jail with his brother.
Little do the officers know, Michael not only designed the jail – but also had the blueprints tattooed on his body. Although Michael had a plan of action going into the jail, he relied on other inmates as soon as he got there. He was able to build up trust and eventually get what he needed from them. Soon, the dynamic, escaping duo turned into a group, doing whatever they could to escape. Does Michael become close enough with the prison staff where they would help him in the escaping process, and does he really escape?
As I was watching this show I found so many strengths. The first episode captured my attention and from then on the addiction grew. All I wanted to do was watch the show in my free time. Every episode and season grew with greater tension and every end of an episode was made so that you always wanted to find out what was going to happen next. It was nothing like I expected, it was impossible to find a single weakness.
“Prison Break” is not only for people who enjoy watching crime shows. It has incredibly crazy twists and turns that it would capture anyone’s attention. Even the non-rollercoaster loving people would enjoy the show, and I would suggest it to anyone who would consider watching it.

Review: Gossip Girl

By Kelly Powell
Guest Writer

In the Upper East Side of New York City there’s shopping, business, scheming, heartbreak, love, and drama. The Upper East Side that has been described occurs in a television show, ‘Gossip Girl.’ The show takes place in Manhattan, and follows the lives of several teenagers starting with their high school years into college and through the start of their careers. 

The show, created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, has six seasons. It is based on the book series written by Cecily von Ziegesar.

The stars of the show are Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford, and Ed Westwick. These actors are the best at what they do; they make you feel as though you are right there with them, caught up in the same drama as they are.

The plot begins when Serena VanDerWoodsen returns from a mysterious stay at a boarding school in Cornwall, Connecticut. When rejoining her friends she experiences warm embraces, yet can’t help but notice the increasing amount of cold shoulders and faint whispers.

Throughout the series the queen bee, Blair Waldorf, dominates her high school and schemes against anyone who crosses her. Blair and Serena are both the ‘it’ girls of the Upper East Side, coming from wealthy families along with their friends, Chuck Bass and Nate Archibald.

The character not mentioned above is Gossip Girl herself; Gossip Girl has made a webpage that posts gossip about the Upper East Siders anonymously. This is where most of the friction in the lives of the characters comes in, exposing secrets that weren’t intended for the public eye. Throughout the series it’s questionable who Gossip Girl is until the end of the final season.

This show is a perfect young adult drama, showing the perks of the Upper East Side and the difficulties it may also bring.  This television show is incomparable to other dramas because of its strength in keeping you on the edge of your seat and making you stick around for the next piece of juicy gossip.

Made in 2007, Gossip Girl has yet to disappoint its viewers, which is highly unlikely because of its attractive plot and characters.