Two Is Not Always Better Than One
By: Nicole Ramirez
Editorial Page Editor
Have you ever watched a movie and fell completely head over heels in love with it, only to have it ruined in its’ entirety by a sequel? Any specific movies that comes to mind, like Mean Girls 2 and/or Grease 2? These movies had a lot of anticipation and hype to live up to, but ended up falling short. This is not always the case, as we’ve had numerous sequels that have not only played out precisely as we’ve wanted them to, but far exceeded our wildest imaginations. Those awesome second movies include Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride, Lethal Weapon 2, and even the Addams Family Values. It is more common though, that our excitement and anxious turbulence leads to unsheathed disappointment when streaming, renting, or going to see a movie.
When asked about the hype sequels have and how they are affected by high expectations, Sara Graff, WVHS junior replied “Certain movies that get good reviews create a lot of excitement. When it's all over and suddenly a sequel comes out, the excitement [comes] back. I feel like expectations for sequels are high. I think it all depends on who the writers and directors are, and how well they actors can do, but most sequels suck.” She also commented about the sequels that were good and lived up to the high expectations she set, which included, “Hellboy 2 was really good, I really liked it a lot, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation was awesome and really funny.” When asked, Matt Tomko a WVHS senior commented “I would say if the first movie is really good, then I definitely just automatically have higher expectations for the second one. It's probably harder to follow up a really good movie so it's easier to get let down.” Matt said one of his least favorite sequels was Mean Girls 2, explaining that, “it was too predictable, and a poor attempt to recreate the original. It just ended up too familiar and not done as well [as the original].”
There is no sure way to make sure your favorite movie’s next chapter will be as good, or hopefully better. When asked if the hype of first time movies ruin the overall experience that sequels bring, WVHS freshman Francesca Micallef commented, “No because for instance The Hunger Games, it's a sequel, and when I saw the first movie it was so good I couldn't wait for more. I thought to myself, how is the next movie going to be able to beat this? Most sequels the movies get better and better, and [in] some sequels the first movie is better than the rest. When people wait for a movie so eagerly they just want to read the books to find out what happened. I don't read books so I wait for the movies to come out, and I'm so eager to watch the next movie. I don't think my eagerness destroys the sequel making it less awesome.”
Not all movies are performed and executed flawlessly. Sometimes even the greatest books and scripts end up failing miserably. The question of do we ruin next chapter movies by eagerly waiting and anticipating greatness from them is still left undetermined. It is
common that we amp up the experiences original movies give us, only expecting the next one to not just match that intensity, but exceed our beloved expectations. But with that anticipation, we are also able to hold on to it and see the transfer of our favorite movie characters throughout a multiple movie storyline in an unimaginable way. There is no solid answer as to why some sequels cannot match the greatness of their originals, rather a debatable topic, in which, multiple opinions are valued and hold the unlocked truth. Producers will continue to release sequels and follow up movies, and we, as audience members, can only hope they stay true to the treasured originals and live up to our film aficionados.
Editorial Page Editor
Have you ever watched a movie and fell completely head over heels in love with it, only to have it ruined in its’ entirety by a sequel? Any specific movies that comes to mind, like Mean Girls 2 and/or Grease 2? These movies had a lot of anticipation and hype to live up to, but ended up falling short. This is not always the case, as we’ve had numerous sequels that have not only played out precisely as we’ve wanted them to, but far exceeded our wildest imaginations. Those awesome second movies include Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride, Lethal Weapon 2, and even the Addams Family Values. It is more common though, that our excitement and anxious turbulence leads to unsheathed disappointment when streaming, renting, or going to see a movie.
When asked about the hype sequels have and how they are affected by high expectations, Sara Graff, WVHS junior replied “Certain movies that get good reviews create a lot of excitement. When it's all over and suddenly a sequel comes out, the excitement [comes] back. I feel like expectations for sequels are high. I think it all depends on who the writers and directors are, and how well they actors can do, but most sequels suck.” She also commented about the sequels that were good and lived up to the high expectations she set, which included, “Hellboy 2 was really good, I really liked it a lot, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation was awesome and really funny.” When asked, Matt Tomko a WVHS senior commented “I would say if the first movie is really good, then I definitely just automatically have higher expectations for the second one. It's probably harder to follow up a really good movie so it's easier to get let down.” Matt said one of his least favorite sequels was Mean Girls 2, explaining that, “it was too predictable, and a poor attempt to recreate the original. It just ended up too familiar and not done as well [as the original].”
There is no sure way to make sure your favorite movie’s next chapter will be as good, or hopefully better. When asked if the hype of first time movies ruin the overall experience that sequels bring, WVHS freshman Francesca Micallef commented, “No because for instance The Hunger Games, it's a sequel, and when I saw the first movie it was so good I couldn't wait for more. I thought to myself, how is the next movie going to be able to beat this? Most sequels the movies get better and better, and [in] some sequels the first movie is better than the rest. When people wait for a movie so eagerly they just want to read the books to find out what happened. I don't read books so I wait for the movies to come out, and I'm so eager to watch the next movie. I don't think my eagerness destroys the sequel making it less awesome.”
Not all movies are performed and executed flawlessly. Sometimes even the greatest books and scripts end up failing miserably. The question of do we ruin next chapter movies by eagerly waiting and anticipating greatness from them is still left undetermined. It is
common that we amp up the experiences original movies give us, only expecting the next one to not just match that intensity, but exceed our beloved expectations. But with that anticipation, we are also able to hold on to it and see the transfer of our favorite movie characters throughout a multiple movie storyline in an unimaginable way. There is no solid answer as to why some sequels cannot match the greatness of their originals, rather a debatable topic, in which, multiple opinions are valued and hold the unlocked truth. Producers will continue to release sequels and follow up movies, and we, as audience members, can only hope they stay true to the treasured originals and live up to our film aficionados.
Talent or Objectification?
Editorial by: Kayla Burgoa
Staff Writer
An issue involving the music business now, that has been an issue for a while but not as evident, is women being objectified as sexual objects through music videos and even female singers/rappers themselves. These women dress in provocative clothes, in barely any and call it “self confidence.” They say they are standing up for women's rights and freedom, when in reality they sometimes come off as vulgar and naive on this subject. The question is why do people praise them? Should they really be a marker for our generation?
Being a woman in the public eye is not an easy job, and it seems to be even more stressful now than before. There’s a lot of pressure and an urge to be on the top of all the charts. Some of the females in music now are young, beautiful and seen as examples of success to many people. But they also flaunt themselves in ways that are promoting them more as sexual objects rather than respected artists. Other female musicians who have been around for a decade or more, have now begun to follow in these young singers’ footsteps to maintain their place in the spotlight. Nicki Minaj is a good example of someone who people idolize, but shouldn’t solely on how she promotes herself and her music. Not so long ago, women were criticized for their appearance and were told to cover their alluring assets, but now it seems that the newfound freedom has been taken too far. Nicki and other females today use their sexuality as their main advantage rather than using their talent to achieve fame. Minaj does just that in her music video for Anaconda with the way she attracts Drake and just the overall way she moves in the video. She acts very provocatively and there is no real reason to do this but, it seems to her that it is her only way of making fame and fortune.
Miley Cyrus is definitely a star who has completely changed herself from the girl everyone knew from Hannah Montana. She does have a great voice, she can sing and her covers from Happy Hippie were positively received by many, but why does she feel the need to show herself off the way that she does? A Warwick Valley High School Sophomore student named Julia Devito commented "I think she dresses too provocatively. She only seems to dress to draw attention to herself like Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj did in the beginning of their careers but now they dress more appropriately and are more respected." It is true that Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga used to be the way Miley Cyrus is now, but it seems that Nicki Minaj still shows off her body in her music videos. An example of Miley Cyrus' raunchy appearance was at the VMA’s. She was the host because according to her, the producers thought it was the only way to stop her from performing in a crude way. Obviously that wasn’t the least of their worries; her wardrobe was of course tasteless especially to adults. Each time she came out in a different outfit, it seemed to be more revealing than the last. Her music videos are also problematic because she is very revealing, odd, and just overall crass. The fact that kids watch these videos is a shame because back then music videos were nothing like they are now. They revolved around talent and exploiting creativity rather than praising female promiscuity.
A singer who seems to have overcome this is Lady Gaga. But some may disagree, like WVHS junior student Luke Rodriguez who mentioned, "Well to be honest, I never liked her. She is too out there and too flashy. She needs to stop the nonsense like every other celebrity." This was true back in the mid 2000’s up to a year or two ago, she would dress in a very controversial way as in the music video for Telephone with Beyonce. Lady Gaga recently created a whole album with old school Tony Bennett, and she has matured because she now sings a more classical jazz style of music that shows off her vocal ability, another example would be her Sound of Music tribute performance at the 2015 Oscars. Due to how well received her album and performance where she now dresses more elegantly and poise, relying more on her musical talent rather than her outlandish acts and outfits. English teacher at WVHS, Mrs. Brozycki-Smith stated, “I think that we could use some better female role models in the music business because artists like Nicki Minaj send a message to today’s youth, intended or not, that women who are in the spotlight are willing to sell themselves short. The focus is on shock value not talent.” This is true especially, when it comes to Nicki Minaj. Some artists don’t send the message many adults would want for their kids.
Stars now don’t necessarily realize the kind of standards they are putting for new upcoming talents. It’s as if now, girls mostly have to use their bodies and looks to become famous in music rather than their actual ability to create music. It’s difficult to be noticed solely for your voice or talent in this day in age, because of what the paparazzi will always look for is the latest outfit and toned bodies. People will be judged no matter what they look like or who they are, and that’s probably the reason so many of the females like Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga feel like they have to stand out so much so that they are always noticed and always talked about. Women’s expectations as a celebrity are very high at this very moment and that kind of pressure is what makes them show themselves off to be loved and sometimes to hide their insecurity of not making it in this business.
Staff Writer
An issue involving the music business now, that has been an issue for a while but not as evident, is women being objectified as sexual objects through music videos and even female singers/rappers themselves. These women dress in provocative clothes, in barely any and call it “self confidence.” They say they are standing up for women's rights and freedom, when in reality they sometimes come off as vulgar and naive on this subject. The question is why do people praise them? Should they really be a marker for our generation?
Being a woman in the public eye is not an easy job, and it seems to be even more stressful now than before. There’s a lot of pressure and an urge to be on the top of all the charts. Some of the females in music now are young, beautiful and seen as examples of success to many people. But they also flaunt themselves in ways that are promoting them more as sexual objects rather than respected artists. Other female musicians who have been around for a decade or more, have now begun to follow in these young singers’ footsteps to maintain their place in the spotlight. Nicki Minaj is a good example of someone who people idolize, but shouldn’t solely on how she promotes herself and her music. Not so long ago, women were criticized for their appearance and were told to cover their alluring assets, but now it seems that the newfound freedom has been taken too far. Nicki and other females today use their sexuality as their main advantage rather than using their talent to achieve fame. Minaj does just that in her music video for Anaconda with the way she attracts Drake and just the overall way she moves in the video. She acts very provocatively and there is no real reason to do this but, it seems to her that it is her only way of making fame and fortune.
Miley Cyrus is definitely a star who has completely changed herself from the girl everyone knew from Hannah Montana. She does have a great voice, she can sing and her covers from Happy Hippie were positively received by many, but why does she feel the need to show herself off the way that she does? A Warwick Valley High School Sophomore student named Julia Devito commented "I think she dresses too provocatively. She only seems to dress to draw attention to herself like Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj did in the beginning of their careers but now they dress more appropriately and are more respected." It is true that Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga used to be the way Miley Cyrus is now, but it seems that Nicki Minaj still shows off her body in her music videos. An example of Miley Cyrus' raunchy appearance was at the VMA’s. She was the host because according to her, the producers thought it was the only way to stop her from performing in a crude way. Obviously that wasn’t the least of their worries; her wardrobe was of course tasteless especially to adults. Each time she came out in a different outfit, it seemed to be more revealing than the last. Her music videos are also problematic because she is very revealing, odd, and just overall crass. The fact that kids watch these videos is a shame because back then music videos were nothing like they are now. They revolved around talent and exploiting creativity rather than praising female promiscuity.
A singer who seems to have overcome this is Lady Gaga. But some may disagree, like WVHS junior student Luke Rodriguez who mentioned, "Well to be honest, I never liked her. She is too out there and too flashy. She needs to stop the nonsense like every other celebrity." This was true back in the mid 2000’s up to a year or two ago, she would dress in a very controversial way as in the music video for Telephone with Beyonce. Lady Gaga recently created a whole album with old school Tony Bennett, and she has matured because she now sings a more classical jazz style of music that shows off her vocal ability, another example would be her Sound of Music tribute performance at the 2015 Oscars. Due to how well received her album and performance where she now dresses more elegantly and poise, relying more on her musical talent rather than her outlandish acts and outfits. English teacher at WVHS, Mrs. Brozycki-Smith stated, “I think that we could use some better female role models in the music business because artists like Nicki Minaj send a message to today’s youth, intended or not, that women who are in the spotlight are willing to sell themselves short. The focus is on shock value not talent.” This is true especially, when it comes to Nicki Minaj. Some artists don’t send the message many adults would want for their kids.
Stars now don’t necessarily realize the kind of standards they are putting for new upcoming talents. It’s as if now, girls mostly have to use their bodies and looks to become famous in music rather than their actual ability to create music. It’s difficult to be noticed solely for your voice or talent in this day in age, because of what the paparazzi will always look for is the latest outfit and toned bodies. People will be judged no matter what they look like or who they are, and that’s probably the reason so many of the females like Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga feel like they have to stand out so much so that they are always noticed and always talked about. Women’s expectations as a celebrity are very high at this very moment and that kind of pressure is what makes them show themselves off to be loved and sometimes to hide their insecurity of not making it in this business.