Aedan's Journey

(From the Editor)

As a teacher we have the opportunity to guide students through a myriad of subject matter and sometimes the pleasure of actually influencing some to apply lessons learned to their personal lives. I'm not speaking about the general academics of a given subject that is later utilized in a chosen vocation or career; I speak of the student seeing the sincere love and dedication that that teacher has for them as a student and the determination to ensure the personal success of that student.

The Calvary Courier is the avenue that the Calvary Christian School Journalism Class displays their expressive works to the public. Individuals that read this Blog publication on a regular bases will attest to the phenomenal contribution of each student.

Occasionally a student will grab the determination and passion they have witnessed in the classroom, making it their own. One such student who currently contributes to this Blog, is a young man named Aedan. Against excruciating odds beyond measure, he has not only grabbed the passion for Journalism (as visible in his many entries here), he has grabbed an exhilarating passion for life itself; modeling a prodigious example for others.

I will not tell here of the excruciating odds that young Aedan has experienced in his short tenure of this expression we call life; that is for his elucidation, which you may espy at http://aedansjourney.blogspot.com

Who's Your Nanny?

(Movie Review By: Maggie Noakes)

“Nanny McPhee” is a classic movie about a large family with mischievous children, chosen due to its promising features which did disappoint to an extent in more than one way. Unfortunately, it was a short movie that did not leave too much to review, but had an interesting concept. The movie had a fun story-telling atmosphere about it, with narration at the beginning, however, the farther into the movie, the more it began to lose traction. It started out fun and played to the theme of the children’s behavior, but moved toward hidden jokes and began to, like many movies, revolve around romance; so once more we deal with that issue.

Moving on, there was not much time for character development, but the different personalities were made quite clear. I do feel like the producers could have made a prequel to give some backstory on all the different contributing people. Unfortunately, it was a short movie that did not leave too much to review, but had an interesting concept.

All though the movie did mainly focus on two people getting married, the journey to that point was an excitable story to tell children as a bedtime tale. One thing was awkward though, and that was the apparent age gap between certain actors such as the servant girl, Evangaline, and the father of the troublesome children who indeed looked old enough to also be the father of Evangaline.

There’s nothing better than a little magic to make the story more interesting. Nanny McPhee’s walking stick had the power to make certain things happen in order to get the children to do as they were told, however, when it came to the children affecting the lives of others, the Nanny was unable to interfere as long as the young ones were willing to accept the consequences, good or bad, this was a fun way to teach planning ahead.

Much like other movies, there is a strict plot line which can become a bore, unless of course, you are the producer of “Nanny McPhee.” Though there was still a plot to stick to, there were also some curve balls thrown at the audience, making the show more entertaining.

Some aspects that added to the story include the wildly colored house of the main family and the loud clothing and personality of one of the characters, Mrs. Quickly. Like most online entertainment, it was rather cliche but still a fun and playful story, recommended for a family movie night that will keep the kids laughing and the parents searching and chuckling at some of the hidden jokes.

MPAC Nutcracker Ballet

(Theater Review By: Delani Ennis)

On Saturday, December 3rd, and Sunday, December 4th, 2016, the “Milford Performing Arts Center, MPAC,” unveiled their version of “The Nutcracker” for the fifteenth year in a row in the Delaware Vally High School auditorium. Based on Alexandre Dumas Père’s adaptation of the tale that was originally written by E.T.A. Hoffmann and was set to music by composer Pyotr (Peter) Tchaikovsky.

The story takes place in Nuremberg, Germany in 1816. The ballet, consisting of two acts, tells the story of a magical Christmas Eve celebration, after which a young girl’s favorite gift, a nutcracker, comes to life. The Nutcracker leads the girl, Clara, on an enchanted journey, in which they encounter a Rat King and his army, fairies, queens, and living dolls.

MPAC performers include dancers aged as young as age 2 through 18 year old, as well as special appearances by parents and grandparents throughout the show. Costumes where beautiful and well designed to fit the dancer in each part. The stage was very well set, and dressed in the appropriate lighting. Tchaikovsky’s music rang throughout the auditorium, as the aspiring dancers used the excellent choreography to tell the classic tale. Tickets were sold at the door for $5 for children/seniors and $10 for adults . All in all, everything fit together perfectly, and made for a memorable afternoon.

A Different View Of Home

(A Movie Review By: Priscilla Cassase)

Cast:

Jim Parsons as “ Oh ”, Rhianna as “ Gratuity 'Tip' Tucci ”, Steve Martin as “ Captain Smek ”, Jennifer Lopez as “ Lucy Tucci ”, Matt Jones as “ Kyle ”

Produced By: Suzanne Buirgy, Christopher Jenkins, Mireille Soria

Music By: Lorne Balfe, Stargate

Film Editing By:  Nick Fletcher

Casting By: Leslee Feldman, Christi Soper

Production Design By: Kathy Altieri

Art Direction By: Emil Mitev

Synopsis:

Jim Parsons voiced a character by the name of “Oh”. Oh is a sweet, pure hearted “Boov” that is rejected by all others because of a series of mistakes. One final mistake leads him to meet a lost girl “Trip” who is voiced by Rhianna. The story continues as they both join in an adventure to find that one thing they are looking for.

Review:

In an attempt to be funny, the sarcastic humor is childish and obnoxious. Despite the tasteless humor, the storyline follows through, and the emotion behind the voices are well executed. Friendly aliens called “Boov” run from planet to planet in an attempt to escape from their nemesis the “Gorg”. One particular “Boov” known as “Oh” makes one final mistake, which is how he encounters “Trip”. Trip, who is not very fond of the cowardly Boov, makes a deal with “Oh” requiring that he has to help her find a lost loved one. “Oh,” at first is just using Trip as an escape route from all his foes. In their journey to both run away, they are faced with different difficulties and tragedies. Most of the movie is cliche, although there are few scenes that are humorous. In the writers struggle to be funny, it just becomes a distasteful enactment that makes you embarrassed to even be watching it. Overall the stereotypical plot and dull humor ends in a way you would think it would. I would not suggest you waste your time or money to see this.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

(Movie Review By: Delani Ennis)

“Rogue One”, the latest movie in the Star Wars saga was recently released on December 16th, 2016. While Rogue One is considered to be a stand alone film, it is actually prequel leading up to Star Wars episode 4, A New Hope. It story takes place immediately prior to the A New Hope in the Star Wars timeline. Rogue One was created to fill in the gaps in the republics history. It’s sole purpose is to explain how the plans to the Death Star were obtained and how it was able to be destroyed so easily. Questions that have plagued the most devout fans for years.

The story follows a former scientist named Galen Erso, who is played by Mads Mikkelsen, and his daughter Jyn, who is played by actress Felicity Jones, as well as the protagonist, the evil Orson Krennic played by actor, Ben Mendelsohn. It is Galen after all who is contracted by the Empire to engineer the most powerful weapon in the galaxy, the Death Star. Knowing that her father holds the key to its destruction, a vengeful Jyn holds out hope that her father is the man she knows him to be.

Rogue one is a science fiction/action film by Walt Disney and Lucas Films, that was rated PG-13 for violence and action packed nature. For every fan that says it is the best, there is another that say it is arguably the worst of all Star Wars films.

The ending, without giving it away, is absolutely perfect in every way, bringing the viewer directly to the beginning of A New Hope making it an amazing prequel. In the end, Rogue One is a strong movie, there are some truly great action scenes, amazing special effects, and some very funny moments, along with multiple references to the other movies, but it is the ending that truly makes the film. Whether you are a Star Wars fanatic or are just looking for a good movie experience, go see Rogue One and decide for yourself if Jyn is right to believe in Galen or has he joined the dark side????

(A Play Review By Maggie Noakes)

Aladdin is a very popular Disney movie that I selected because it was a highly recommended performance.

While the actors and stage workers alike did a fantastic job, the show also had some downsides. Unfortunately, it was hard to hear, but that was do to watching a recording and having a rather cheerful live audience, and that cannot be controlled.

What was disliked most about Aladdin was the story line; it was slightly cliche as it
seems entertainment not revolving around love is seldom found, however, there were good parts too, such as incredible special effects and the genie being more modernized to be a sarcastic character who references all the viral jokes such as, “What are those” or “Bye Felisha” with a sassy hair flip to non-existent hair spice it up.

Throughout the performance, character development could be seen well as the actors became their part. Though not everyone had lines, the mannerisms were still either charming or just down right hilarious.

Not much could be improved as the show was a job well done with choreography fit for any event and catchy songs that viewers will continue to hear day and night. And while there were other funny things and a wise casting choice, the plot was very simple, thus not much room was left for writing. There were few major changes so it can be challenging to write a satisfactory review.

Now, in the way of villains, the selection for those characters was absolutely magnificent. The puppeteer did his job very well and had the voices down to a science and though the puppeteer was not invisible, he made up for that by matching his puppet’s movements and doing facial expressions to go along; this made it seem more like the puppet was talking and less like a man was controlling it. For such a short timeframe of only one hour, the production was well done.

In conclusion, I think that this should be recommended only to a select audience that find such simple stories enjoyable. I watched the program on youtube, posted by “Inside the Magic” and performed by “Disney California Adventure.” so I encourage everyone to go and find out their opinion.