Convergence Journalism Blog!

Lillian's CHS Report is a blog all about things going on at Central High School in Springfield, MO. It will feature video reports, audio news stories, and much more.

The link to the blog is here and the link to the blog's twitter is here.

Home is Oh Me Rearranged, Dreamworks Confirmed For Illuminati: 3/27/15

This week, Dreamworks newest film, Home, premiered in theaters.
This film was pretty anticipated, as it features mainstream 3D animation's first black protagonist (which is a HUGE deal). It is about a little girl, Tip, befriending an small purple alien named Oh (no, that is not a typo). They both meet while on some important quest, and their objectives/ outcomes probably end up being more or less the same thing.

Honestly, I was really looking forward to this movie. The animation looked great, the aliens (Boovs?) were pretty cute, and it's a Dreamworks film that features Rihanna so it can't be THAT bad. Unfortunately, some critics don't seem to think that's so.

"Anyone over 10 will see the plot twists a mile away. Kids will probably enjoy the goofy Boovs, the rainbows of colors and the music. Call me a traditionalist, but I still say the world was a better place before those darn Boovs invaded." -Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun Times

"Another conspicuously packaged product seemingly designed to wear down an audience more than entertain it." -Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews

So, seems like a simple plot with dry humor, right?

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

"A surprisingly moving tale of friendship and family, dressed up as an adorably frivolous sci-fi comedy." -Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine

That's not cute that's terrifying 

"It's not pixel-pushing artistry in DreamWorks Animation's latest that will win over audiences, rather it's the film's timeless traits of sincerity and originality" -Kirk Baird, Toledo Blade

Honestly, I'm not sure what to think of this film after all of these mixed reviews. It hold a 47% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.7/10 stars on IMDb. Honestly, this seems like one of those movies you just have to see yourself. Some like it, some don't and that's the way it's gonna be. I'll make sure to update this post if I ever have a chance to see the movie. 

Speed-blog link: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-zmiofxf-VtbF9xak0tN2ozM0E/edit

Cinderella Doesn't Cindersmella:3/20/15

Official Cinderella
Movie Poster

After 65 years, Disney has released a live action version of one of their most iconic movies: Cinderella.

Cinderella Limited Edition
Fine China Tea Set
- Live Action Film

This life action version stars Lily James as Cinderella and Cate Blanchett as the stepmother. It follows the basic plot of the original, with a few extra twists and turns. 

Disney has released many different products to promote the movie. Everything from tee shirts to foundation to tea sets have been branded "Live Action Cinderella". The PR that went into this movie is insane.

Since it's release on March 13th of this year, Cinderella has earned $87,549,134. It is currently ranked #1 at the box office, outranking new releases like Chappie and Run All Night. Cinderella currently maintains a 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.8 on IMDb.

"Branagh [the director] pulls off the same sort of trick he did with Thor: he creates a visually overwhelming, heavily gilded world, and then keeps the focus on the characters within it." -Helen OHara, GQ Magazine.

"Nearly a century after that black-and-white cartoon short, and 65 years after a "classic" animated feature that missed the mark, Disney finally got Cinderella right -- for now and, happily, ever after." -Richard Corliss, TIME.

I have not seen this movie yet, but it seems like a beautifully done movie with an enjoyable plot and probably tolerable characters. Definitely a good movie to see with little siblings, cousins, or other small ones. I believe this movie is definitely worth suffering through Frozen Fever for. Did I mention that plays before the movie in every theater? Good luck.

A proud father with his tiny sons

Leonard Nimoy Passes Away: 2/21/15

Today, Leonard Nimoy died at the age of 83.

Nimoy starred in many different films. His most famous role was that of Spock in the original Star Trek movies.

The first Star Trek movie was created in 1979. It was almost an instant hit, spawning a T.V. show a few years after. Nimoy played his character Spock up until the most recent incarnation of the franchise, where he played Spock's father.

Nimoy was also nominated for four Emmys and has won many minor awards.

In 2003, he started the Nimoy foundation. The Nimoy foundation was created to encourage, recognise, and support the work of artists everywhere. It gives out art scholarships annually.

Nimoy will be missed by all of his fans and family, but he will always be there in spirit to help them Live Long and Prosper.

Sponge Abs Were Not Necessary: 2/20/15

Ok, i got a great idea.
 Let's give the sponge abs.

Are you ready kids? I'm not. I never was. I was hoping this day would never come: the day the second Spongebob movie was released (February 6th, 2015).

Due to the decrease in quality of the Spongebob series ever sense the creator left the show (and also due to the fact the first Spongebob movie was supposed to be the end of the series), I expected this movie to be a little better than absolute crap.

According to IMDb, the movie is about the Krabby Patty formula (a very special sandwich recipe) getting stolen from the Krusty Krab (a very relevant underwater restaurant) by a pirate. Not an underwater pirate, a human pirate. Spongebob (a talking sea sponge) and the usual antagonist, Plankton (a talking plankton), team up to get the formula back.

Having been out only for two weeks, Sponge Out of Water has secured its place among the top three grossing movies of the month. Its current total is $94,589,934.

The reviews of the movie are a good mix of positive and negative, but Sponge Out of Water maintains a 74% on Rotten Tomatoes.

"It's big, loud, choppy, in-your-face, and absolutely, positively glorious." (David Edelstein, NY Magazine)

"Why a movie about an unassuming cartoon sponge felt compelled to adopt the register of a summer blockbuster is beyond me." (Calum Marsh, National Post)

Wake me up inside (can't wake up).

So, maybe it's not as bad as I previously thought. Maybe i'm giving Spongebob too much crap. Maybe these blog posts are becoming less informative and much more opinionated, who knows.

Whatever the case, i'm still creeped out by the Sponge-abs.

Anyway, don't let me or the critics stop you from enjoying this movie. It's probably no masterpiece, but it's probably not awful either. Maybe we should all just give the sponge a chance.

Has Nothing To Do With Flux Capacitors, Millions Disappointed: 2/6/15

This week, the Movie Hotspot is going to do something a bit different: a movie review.

Aeon Flux started as a very... interesting.... animated series aired on MTV from 1991 to 1995. The full show was only a season, but it had a few mini-sodes which brought the total up to three almost-seasons. 

In 2005, the series got a major motion picture adaption. On December 2nd, 2005 the $62m movie opened with lukewarm response. While most movies (no matter how bad they are) make it to #1 for a least a week, Aeon Flux peaked at #2 and never quite made back it's budget.

Even though it has received a low rating on the major critic sites (30 on Metacritic and 10% on Rotten Tomatoes) and gained a bit of a bad rep among movie goers, I found the film quite enjoyable..

Those feet look really handy

It had very good scenery, great special effects, and a killer sci-fi atmosphere. One girl literally gets her feet replaced with another set of hands. If that's not sci-fi i don't know what is....

There was a lot of character on character fights that utilized the futuristic technology. In one scene, Aeon appears and disappears into a hidden parallel dimension (using something she just randomly found, not giving this movie any awards for being discreet) to avoid her pursuer.

If you couldn't tell, I was pretty much mesmerised the whole time I was watching it.

If you are the type that likes heavy sci-fi and/or kick-butt female leads, you are sure to enjoy Aeon Flux. Just fair warning, it is rated PG-13 for some adult content and violence. If you're ok with that, then watch away.

Who You Gonna Call?: 1/30/15

Talk about a 3rd Ghostbusters has been floating around for a long time. It wasn't until a few weeks ago that writer Paul Feig said he had a plan to make GB3 a reality. But, this time around we may not be following the adventures of a Dr. Peter, but a Dr. Patricia.

The actresses asked to be in the film (so far) are Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones.

McCarthy has been in many films like Bridesmaids and The Heat. Both of these films have pretty good reviews and maintain a rating of"fresh"  on the Rotten Tomatoes website.

(from left to right) Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones,
 Kate McKinnon, and Melissa McCarthy.

Wiig also appeared in Bridesmaids, but she is better known for being a regular on SNL (at least since 2005).

McKinnon is another SNL lady. She was also the first openly gay woman to join the cast of SNL and is most famous for portraying Justin Bieber on the show.

Jones is a bit new on the comedy scene. She has been in a few movies and SNL skits, but that's it. Don't get me wrong, she'll definitely give her other possible co-stars a run for their money.

In summary, all of these ladies are very talented comedians and should bring a lot of funny to the film. It is definitely a film to look forward to. There is no approximate release date yet, but that doesn't matter. Fans young and old will want a front row seat to Ghostbusters 3, no matter who the stars are.