Check out the feature - pg. 3.
Read Christmas articles - pgs. 5-6.
Review Breaking Dawn - pg. 8.
Bear Facts
The
25¢
A PUBLICATION OF MENA HIGH SCHOOL
Volume 2 Number 3
December 2011
1200 Dallas Ave, Mena, Arkansas 71953
Craig and Wilson enjoy the trip of a lifetime by Taylor Hale
Alexa Craig and Flannery Wilson packed up and traveled to New York City on Saturday, Nov. 19 to participate in the event of a lifetime. The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on Nov. 24 and showcased many forms of entertainment, one being the All-American Cheer and Dance Squads’ performance. The girls were selected by a production called Spirit of America, and captains and co-captains of any squad in America could register online to be one of the lucky 2,000 girls to make the team. To prepare for the final performance, each girl learned the routine, and when they arrived in New York, two, four-hour practices each day were required.
While they weren’t practicing, Craig, Wilson, and all of the other cheerleaders and dancers attended Sister Act on Broadway, watched the Rockettes perform, toured the Statue of Liberty, and attended Justin Bieber’s private concert at the annual tree lighting at the Rockefeller Center. On Tuesday, Craig and Wilson got the day to spend with their families and explore the city. According to Craig, they shopped and caught up on some much-needed sleep. Each girl on the squad was required to pay her own way, allowing each team member to keep her uniform, hair bow, pompoms, jacket, and bag. “It was a once in a lifetime chance, I made friends and memories that will last forever,” Craig stated. Both girls enjoyed the opportunity to travel and experience such a huge event.
FLANNERY WILSON, ALEXA Craig, and other team members rehearse for the Thanksgiving performance. (photo courtesy Flannery Wilson)
Mena High School JAG visits the Capitol by Emily O’Rear
MENA JAG REPRESENTATIVES Dakota Rapp, Morgan Fletcher, and Joseph Cabello, accompanied by adviser Karen Purvis, visited the White House while in Washington, D.C. (photo submitted by Karen Purvis)
Members of the Mena High School JAG flew to Washington D.C. for the annual JAG National Student Leadership Conference Nov. 16. Joseph Cabello, Morgan Fletcher, and Dakota Rapp traveled with their teacher, Karen Purvis, to visit monuments, tour museums, and work with over 500 other talented students from all over the United States. While they were at the conference, they heard guest speakers and separated into groups to work on leadership skills and attend workshops based on leadership qualities. In order to be selected for the trip, students were required to write a one page essay telling why they should be selected. A committee of teachers then read the anonymous essays and chose the three they judged to be the best.
The students visited the White House, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian Castle, and many other landmarks in D.C. “The students I took were awesome. I think they were the best students there,” said Purvis. “The trip was awesome. It was different being in a big city after living in a small town for so long,” said Rapp. Mena was recognized by the National JAG for the low unavailable contact rate, which means that when Mena did a follow up with their students after graduation, they had very few former students who were unavailable to answer the check up. They were also recognized for the high graduation rate and for their 5of 5 performance outcomes for the class of 2010. JAG continues to work hard and do good things for our community, state, and country.
Page 2
The Bear Facts - Editorials
December 2011
Legacy of a generation
The Internet shapes our lives Access to the Internet has become such a huge part of our lives. For many, accessing by computer, iPad, or smartphone is the first order of business for the day. Using Facebook, Twitter, Google, and many other sites, we are capable of viewing virtually anything we please. YouTube is a website that contains videos ranging from seconds to hours that have caught, and kept, our attention throughout the years. A discerning eye is needed when judging these videos from the truly absurd to the truly amazing. Tutorials on anything imaginable, music videos, home movies, or just plain pointless, yet comical videos are just a fraction of what can be found on YouTube. This website is so popular, there are television shows dedicated solely to viewing and commenting on videos from YouTube. We have all heard of the Fred, the obnoxious, squeaky-voiced teenage boy who takes his viewers on his many ridiculous adventures. Even our little brothers or sisters have watched his videos. Fred had an entire movie made just for his character. David Goes to the Dentist, Jenna Marbles, kitten videos, Sitting on the Toilet, Where’s the Chapstick, and Double Rainbow are just a few of the other extremely popular videos on YouTube. Colbie Calliat and Justin Bieber, two of the biggest musical talents of our time, were discovered through their online videos. This website is just an example of how much the Internet shapes our lives. These videos are topics of many of this generation’s conversation. It’s amazing if you really sit back and think about it; sites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, even Google are what we will be telling our children about one day. Technology moves so quickly, and it’s great to think we have a part in it.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Taylor Hale; FEATURE PAGE EDITOR: Kimmi Hanners; EDITORIAL COLUMNIST: Ayla Powell; SPORTS EDITOR: Hana Hunter; PHOTO/GRAPHICS EDITOR: Emily O’Rear; ADVERTISING MANAGER: Lake Ashley; LAYOUT MANAGER: Kim Erickson; CLUBS/ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Taylor Betz; CIRCULATION MANAGER: Viet Nguyen; PAGE DESIGN by Digital Communications students:
Monique Chelius, Carolyn Cobb, Brenden Daniels, Brittney Duvak, Bryan Ernst, Nathaniel Faught, April Ganster, Sydney Hebert, Nathan Hinson, Alyssa Looney, Ryan Lowery, Megan Moon, Gage Runion, Dakota Schaffer, BJ Schuller, Nathan Smallwood, Greg Spalding, Olivia Stafford, Kayla Stone, Jamie Thacker, Trent Vaught, Austin Williams, Mariya Zagulova; ADVISER: Lisa Schuller
The Bear Facts, a publication of Mena High School, is published monthly October through May by MHS journalism students and is printed by the Mena Star. The Bear Facts is a member of the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association, the American Scholastic Press Association, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. Editorials and letters to the editor reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the staff or school. All letters must be signed, and all published letters will include the author’s name. Advertising rates are $10 per column inch. For advertising or subscription information, address all correspondence to Bear Facts, Mena High School, 1200 Dallas Ave, Mena, Arkansas 71953.
Piercing the Veil: Is it worth it? by Ayla Powell
Has anybody else noticed the influx of piercings lately? Otherwise cute girls are ruining their pixie noses with ugly pink studs that end up looking more like pimples. Rings protrude form rosebud lips. Large holes are put through ears in an attempt to look different. When did this trend start? It seems to go back to pre-history. Humans have always tried new things to make themselves more attractive, whether it’d changing their hair color, painting their skin, or piercing their dermis with bone instruments. I personally understand the appeal of a piercing, something dangerous and individualistic, but I feel like many, many people are just getting piercings because it’s a fad. One should never do anything to the body that can be considered permanent unless the heart is set on it, especially at this age. Also, just because one can get a piercing doesn’t mean one should. Body modification is meant to accentuate looks, one’s own personal and individualistic looks. Just because a friend looks good with a lip ring doesn’t necessarily meant that everyone will. Not that they can’t look attractive. A nice understated silver ring or heart stud can certainly be cute, and if one has thing for a metal face, it’s generally accepted by mainstream society, even encouraged. There’s nothing wrong with trying to make one more attractive, goodness no, but it needs to be done safely and with the proper equipment, not by buddies at a birthday party. A professional is the best bet to avoid infection and have the procedure done right. Only a dentist should be trusted with teeth, right? Why trust any other part of your body to someone who might not know what he or she is doing? The body is precious, and no matter how many piercings are put in it, it still must be cared for. We only get one, after all.
December 2011
The Bear Facts - Feature
Page 3
Bob Carver
A man of inspiration stands as Mena icon by Kimmi Hanners
Only a few people live for the true, heartwarming moments in life, and a Mena man has done just that. Holding more occupations than the average person and making charitable contributions out of the kindness of one his heart, this man has given hope to the small town of Mena that one person can change the world by accomplishing one goal at a time. This man is Bob Carver. Bob Carver, owner of Bob Carver’s Cars and Trucks, Inc., was born as one of seven children and has lived in Mena, AR the majority of his life. His parents, Richard and Francis Carver, both deceased, former owners of Carver’s LP Gas Company, helped make him the man he is today through their inspiration. Beloved friends, like Paul Eels, coworkers, and every day customers have also inspired Carver by giving him hope for the future. Growing up, Carver was quickly enthused by business and marketing. His parents had served in roles of business, as his father was on the board of the Union Bank of Mena, and his mother was active on the Library Board of the Mena Public Library. In fact, his grandfather was the Vice-president of the Union Bank of Mena at one time. During Carver’s childhood, he didn’t just get to witness the amazing people in his life do what they loved most, he was able to do the same. Graduating Mena High School in 1954, Carver attended the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1958. Motivated by his family and friends, Carver quickly began his career as a math teacher and assistant coach to Frank Moseley at Mena Public Schools. This remained his occupation for four years. Remarkably, Carver decided to become a reservist for the National Guard due to the inspiration of his brother serving in the Korean War and his dad serving in World War II. He was a Major for 23 years, 6 months, and 11 days. He then looked towards his dream of business, as his entire family had been involved in business and marketing for several decades. Richard Carver, his father, ran a propane business in Nashville, AR, which propelled Bob Carver to have to move away for nine years until he decided what he truly wanted to do. Carver said, “My father has been a huge inspiration to me. No question about it.” Carver was able to run the distribution office with his father with no regret, as he learned everything he could. Sadly enough, Carver’s mother became ill after his nine years of working at the propane business and had to return to Mena for her sake. When coming home, he realized what his family had pursued all along, the occupation of business and marketing. Carver decided to become the proud owner of Reeves’ Chevrolet Dealership in 1970, which he purchased from Gene and Mary Reeves. Growth of this business lead to the need for a new facility that was built in 1980 and is the present location of his current dealership, Bob Carver’s Cars and Trucks, Inc. of Mena, which he has now owned for 41 years. Carver has not only served in the military as a reservist, operated a business, and worked at Mena Public Schools, but he has achieved far greater. Carver worked for the War Memorial Stadium Commission for 36 years, was a spotter for the Arkansas Razorbacks for 38 years,
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and was a police officer for 20 years. He said, “There are many funny stories from when I worked as a police officer, one being of a drunken man who had murdered five people at the time of his arrest. My partner and I were waiting outside for Simpson, the suspect of the murders, to come out of the house he was residing in, when all of sudden he came out high on alcohol and stumbling like crazy. We eventually had to shackle him with a ten pound boot, which wasn’t very easy and turned out to be quite a funny story.” Today, Carver retells his stories to whomever wants to hear but continues to be a delight in many people’s lives as he helps people he sees who need it. “People were good to me through all my life. Everyone needs help at a point in their lives, and I was able to support these different people, whoever they may be, as I once was helped,” said Carver. He shows great deeds he has done for the University of Arkansas, Mena Public Schools, Rich Mountain Community College, and several other schools and programs through this simple statement, as he does in daily life. Carver has donated twenty thousand dollars to the University of Arkansas for the development of a registered nurse program, which has increased in value to at least fifty thousand dollars. He has also donated several thousands of dollars for sports medicine and equipment to the University in hopes of a safer and better future. Carver also donates to Rich Mountain Community College regularly as a general donation for anything the college may need, and he has also helped Mena High School in its turf project for the Jim Rackley Stadium as he was inspired by being a commissioner himself in Little Rock, AR for several years. When asked what he would say to a high school student looking toward the future, Carver simply said, “Get after it. You’ve got to go forward, not backwards. There are a lot of things you can do if you just put your mind to it.”
LOCAL BUSINESSMAN BOB Carver relates details that have shaped his life to The Bear Facts staff members Taylor Hale and Kimmi Hanners. (photo by Emily O’Rear)
Help save our environment RECYCLE
Page 4
The Bear Facts - News
December 2011
FCCLA supports Change Angels by Kimmi Hanners
BUILDING MANAGER RICK Watt delivers an interactive lecture on vocabulary and character development in Judy Burnett’s and Jessica Munger’s English classes. (photo by Ayla Powell)
Mena High School Band takes the stage by Emily O’Rear
The Mena High School Marching Band has put away their marching gear for the uniforms of the concert stage. On Dec.13 the band entertained friends, parents, and other music lovers at their annual Christmas concert. Some of their pieces included, “Christmas Festival,” “Sleigh Bells,” and “Fantasia for Christmas.” “The Christmas concert is the highlight of the season. We look forward to bringing Christmas music to the community,” said band director Charles Morgan. Now that the concert is over, they will begin to prepare for their Sightreading and Concert Assessment
contest. This contest requires the ability to read a piece of music that the bands have never seen before, and the band will play their concert music as well. If they receive a one on both Sightreading and on Concert they will receive a sweepstakes honor. Since this group is the first to play in the new Paul Gray Band Center, the students in this band will also be the first band to receive this honor if they succeed. “If you want to enjoy an evening of Christmas music, come watch the band. It’s not going to kill you,” said Junior Ayla Powell. The band has worked very hard this year and is looking forward to their final concert in the spring.
What better way to give during the holiday season than by donating to those who care for children every day? The Champions for Children Radiothon has been benefitting Arkansas Children’s Hospital and doing just that. Change Angels was developed as a simple fundraising project to raise money for the Patient Care Fund at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. This particular fund, which is overseen by a committee of physicians and administrators, is designated to fund the patient care areas of the hospital with the greatest need. Partnering up with this organization is Mena High School’s own Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. A few weeks ago at the FCCLA’s officer meeting, FCCLA Coordinator Kristi Wilson and the FCCLA officers collaborated and decided to participate in this heartwarming project to help hundreds of patients no matter the level of need. Wilson made it known in previous weeks that anyone could donate to this benefit by simply sparing some change or even by donating a few dollars by
TEACHERS JUDY BURNETT, Jessica Munger, and Lisa Schuller collaborate with the community regarding ethics and curriculum. (photo by Larry Lindly)
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just stopping by her room. Wilson and her classes raised money for the event and were looking toward a goal of seven hundred dollars for the betterment of Arkansas Children’s hospital. The Patient Care Fund committee not only uses the money received from FCCLA and other partners in the program to fund pieces of equipment used in the hospital but to any other service or project within the hospital that improves the care of all the patients. Even though the hospital is called Arkansas Children’s Hospital, all patients are welcome. Patients of any age can be checked in, just as many adults have been patients in the burn victim unit and several other parts of the hospital. Collecting change from friends, family members and local businesses for the Change Angels has been only one of the wonderful projects that FCCLA has participated in this year, and donations were accepted all the way through December 9. Junior Lake Ashley said, “I’m glad that the school got to do something important that helped benefit those who really need it!”
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December 2011
The Bear Facts - Christmas
Page 5
Not only Americans celebrate Christmas by Viet Nguyen
Good news everyone; December is here! That means Santa Claus and his elves are packing up the presents and are going to pay you a visit via your chimney! Christmas is a holiday observed on Dec. 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. This day is a traditional holiday celebrated by many in the United States. Although it’s a Christian holiday, Christmas is celebrated by many non-Christians worldwide. In China, Christians celebrate by lighting their houses with beautiful paper lanterns and decorating their Christmas trees, which they call ‘Trees of Light,’ with paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns. Chinese children hang muslin stockings and await a visit from Santa Claus, whom they call ‘Dun Che Lao Ren,’ which means ‘Christmas Old Man.’ Non-Christians in China participate in the main winter festival called the Chinese New Year, which takes place toward the end of January. Now officially called the ‘Spring Festival,’ it is a time when children receive new clothing, eat luxurious meals, receive new toys, and enjoy firecracker displays. Christmas Eve in Spain is known as ‘Nochebuena’ or ‘the Good Night.’ An exchange student from Spain, Ivan de Frutos said, “On Nochebuena, it is time for family members to gather together to rejoice and have dinner, and by the time we finish eating, the streets will
be filled with dancers and onlookers. They dance to the sounds of guitars and castanets.” The Spanish Christmas is called Navidad. On this day, people go to church, exchange presents, and many play on swing sets set up especially for the occasion. Swinging at solstice time evokes an ancient desire to encourage the sun, urging it to ‘swing’ ever higher in the sky. In Vietnam, Christmas is one of the most wonderful holidays celebrated. Christians attend church and attend the midnight mass. After church they return to their homes for the most important meal, the Christmas supper, usually consisting of chicken soup and Christmas pudding. Non-Christians enjoy Christmas day hanging out with friends, exchanging presents, and enjoying the beautiful decorations and the joy of Christmas day. There’s no snow during winter, so instead of riding a sleigh pulled by Rudolph the reindeer, Santa Claus rides a motorbike with a big bag of presents on his back. I hope you enjoy your holiday. Merry Christmas to all of the readers, or as we say it in Vietnamese: “Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh.”
Mena High School Choirs carol for Christmas by Emily O’Rear
The glad sound of music was heard on Dec. 1 as the Mena High School Bearcat Chorus and Spotlight Singers performed the much anticipated Christmas songs in their concert. The program included, “All I want for Christmas” featuring soloist Austin Stroud, “Emmanuel” featuring soloists Samantha Talamentez, Stephanie Vidrine, and Amanda Wiggins, and “You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch” featuring speakers Cody Edwards and Keegan Tatsch. The choirs were led by Tammy Taylor, music director, and Amber Lane, president of the Spotlight Singers. “It was awesome! It was tremendous! My students are truly the best that Mena has to offer! I am honored to work with each and every one of them,” said Taylor. The choirs sang songs separately as well as a group. “What a wonderful experience! I have always loved the Christmas holiday, the decorations, the joy, and the music! This
year’s Christmas choir concert was, as always, a wonderful and fun experience. Both choirs, the Bearcat Chorus and Spotlight Singers did fantastic! I couldn’t be more proud to be a member of the Mena High School Spotlight Singers,” said junior Lauryn Madison. The night ran smoothly, and the concert was well-received by everyone in attendance from the very young to those of experience. Now that the concert is over, several students will begin putting all of their effort into preparing for their All-State tryouts in February. Senior Lucas Head said, “I am really enjoying my last year of choir. From Elfis to All-State, it’s been an awesome ride!”
MHS SPOTLIGHT SINGER Aussie Stroud belts it out, accompanied by Sasha Zavala, Jach Fijman, Lucas Head, Amber Lane, Christina Rodriguez, and Heather Madison at Delta Kappa Gamma’s annual Christmas meeting. (photo by Molly Lindsey)
Page 6
The Bear Facts - Christmas
December 2011
Christmas cooking begins by Lake Ashley
This is a recipe for Russian Tea Cakes, a common Christmas cookie: 1 cup softened butter or margarine 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts additional powdered sugar In a large bowl combine first 6 ingredients on low speed of mixer about 1 minute. Blend well. Gradually add flour at low speed until just combined; stir in nuts. Roll dough into 1 inch balls; place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° F for 8-10 minutes until firm to the touch but not brown. Don’t over-bake. While warm, roll in additional powdered sugar. Cool; re-roll in powdered sugar before serving.
What’s the weirdest Christmas gift ever?
Many families in America like to cook homemade food during the holidays to spread Christmas cheer. One of the most popular amongst Christmas cooking recipes is cookies. There are numerous kinds of cookies themed for Christmas, such as gingerbread, shortbread, sugar, and chocolate chip. The idea for making cookies at Christmas time has been around since the 16th century in Medieval Europe. The most common Christmas cookie tradition in the United States is leaving cookies out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. This idea popped up in the 1930s during the Great Depression. The point was so the kids in America would learn to be generous to others in times of need. That tradition is ongoing.
Lake Ashley.............A Barbie doll Caleb Breeze............Toilet paper Danielle Burton........A dead flower Delina Evans............Men’s size 19 shoes Ashli Foster..............Scorpion in solid casing Bailee Green.............Men’s watch Cathy Haynes...........A voodoo doll Holly Lewis..............Men’s cologne from my grandmother Bridget Matheson.....A banana Katie Mitchell..........A singing cow stuffed animal Zeke McPherson......Body wash from my great grandmother Ayla Powell..............A bear claw Kayla Pringle...........A pair of boy’s boxers Phillip Schuller........Barbie Jeep Elli Serrano..............Ouiji board Tiffany Simpson.......A ball of aluminum foil in my stocking Kayla Thomas..........Three hundred dollars in pennies and paper towels Stephanie Vidrine.....Christmas tree stand
FBLA PRESIDENT DANI Lindsey and JAG president Britain Morris lead a bingo game at their combined FCCLA, FBLA, JAG, and NHS Christmas party. (photo by Molly Lindsey)
SOPHOMORE KASSIDY SUMMIT displays her Best Overall Wreath which is displayed on Kristi Wilson’s door. (photo by Emily O’Rear)
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December 2011
The Bear Facts - Sports
Page 7
Ladycat basketball season set in motion by Hana Hunter
Participating in the Ouachita Baptist University Tournament held Nov. 7-12, the Ladycats emerged 0-3. Playing Nashville Nov. 8, Mena lost the first game 39-21. Sophomore Madi Sherrer led the team with 13 points. Falling just short to Arkadelphia Nov. 9 with a score of 26-22, the Ladycats worked hard and showed improvement with each quarter. In addition to 7 rebounds, Sherrer once again led the Ladycats with 8 points. Junior Tiffany McElveen, point guard for Mena, contributed 5 points. Competing against Centerpoint Nov. 10, the Ladycats played extremely hard defensively, although they lost, 22-17. Coach Heather Clark made it clear there was room for improvement and time to work on their strengths. Traveling to Lake Hamilton Nov. 15, the Ladycats endured yet another loss of the season, with a score of 49-21. Sophomores Sherrer and Maegan Kent contributed the leading points, Sherrer with a total of 5, and Kent with 4. Brittany Fields also scored 3 points for the Ladycats. A few players noted, with corrected mistakes, improvement was achievable. Junior Susan Bissell later on noted the infamous Michael Jordan quote, “To learn to succeed, you must learn to fail.” Hosting DeQueen Nov. 17 in the new Union Bank Center for Mena’s first home game, the Ladycats were just short of a win, finishing with a score of 37-32. Rebounding 6 shots,
Hailey Knittig scored 8 points for Mena, and Megan Moon contributed 2 additional points. Fields carried 10 points and McElveen chipped in 5. Although the Ladycats were defeated, the offense executed more efficiently and played harder than usual. Enduring another loss Nov. 22 against Kirby, the final score of 45-10 proved the Ladycats have plenty of room to continue improving. Fields, McElveen, and Sherrer each scored 2 points for Mena. Knittig rebounded 5 balls and scored 4 points for the Ladycats. Shortly after the game, Sherrer was announced as the Subway Player of the Game. Traveling over an hour to Greenwood Nov. 29, the Ladycats were defeated 60-22. Although this marked another ‘L’ for Mena, the Ladycats used the opportunity to analyze their mistakes and work toward correcting them. McElveen explains, “We have tons of room to progress as basketball players and become better as a whole team.” The Mena Ladycats are currently working toward improvement and finishing the season with multiple victories.
Bearcats shoot for a successful basketball season by Hana Hunter
Hosting their first game Nov. 15 against Lake Hamilton in the new Union Bank Center, the Bearcats fell just short of a win, with a final score of 51-45. Going into halftime, the Trojans led the game with a double digit lead, but later on Mena responded with a great amount of agility and determination. Juniors Tate Oglesby and Kyle Roberts led the team in points; Oglesby with 17 and Roberts with 11. Malachi McGee also contributed 9 points to Mena’s score. After the game, Coach Bobby Tedder stated, “We had opportunities that we will improve and capitalize on as the year progresses.” Bringing an intense game to the court Nov. 22 against Kirby, the Bearcats once again fell shy a few points of a ‘W’ in the
ace on Earth
stat book, the final score standing at 5548. The fairly large student section held an outstanding fan base that cheered the Bearcats in a nail-biting game. Nearing the 4th quarter, both teams became heated and very competitive, making for an exciting end. It seemed for every basket Kirby made, Mena responded with one of their own. Traveling to Greenwood Nov. 29, the Bearcats were defeated 63-39. Noting their mistakes, the Bearcats use practices as an efficient opportunity to correct their errors and become an overall winning team. Since the basketball season just set into full throttle, the Bearcats still have the possibility to alter the overall outcome, modifying their current statistics. Many Bearcat teammates agreed Mena will have a successful season and a high probability of achieving district and conference titles. 2.
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Page 8
The Bear Facts - Entertainment
December 2011
Movie Review
This time it’s dullest at Dawn by Taylor Betz
Over the course of a decade, Harry Potter laid out a sprawling, 8-film saga that consistently broke records and managed to mature along with its intended audience. In less than five years, Twilight is already on its second to final installment, and while it lacks the extra three novels that kept Potter going, it’s certainly rushed along at an alarming rate. So far we’ve gotten one a year, and while the logic lies in the fact the vampire characters don’t age and traditional human actors do, one can’t help but feel this might be a drawback. The announcement of Bill Condon, an Oscar-winning director, at the helm, enticed me to see if maybe this franchise could pull a winner out of its bag, and the end result is something entirely disappointing. Honestly, the previous installment, Eclipse, was basically a high point for the franchise even if it was only subpar. It seemed last time the writers figured out just how much self-aware humor to eject, and the banter became a lot stronger once you got rid of the soap-opera tone these characters reside in. One would be lead to believe that putting an actual professional behind the camera would only further these films into a much better state. The problem is fairly simple; Condon overdirects, and everyone else underacts. The camera work runs on B-movie levels of dramatic staging with music cues that are lazier than ever. Again, Eclipse had Oscar-winner Howard Shore composing, and he breathed a bit of originality into it. The plot resumes entire melodrama, as opposed to the knowingly over-the-top nature of the last one, where we see Bella marrying vampire Edward, much to shifter Jacob Black’s dismay, eventually culminating in the birth of a vampire baby. The only moment where Condon figures out exactly how to handle a scene comes in the much talked-about birth sequence. Since Breaking Dawn refuses to step into R-rated territory, we’re given a rather minimal handling of this scene. The makeup effects of Bella are genuinely sickening, and that in itself is an accomplished feat. Now if only they figured
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out exactly how to enhance the actors’ performances, the scene would be actually dramatic. Poor Robert Pattinson - he seems to be the only one here who cares about attempting to emote, though to be fair, Kristen Stewart pulls in her best turn as Bella to date, for whatever that’s worth. Taylor Lautner, who seemed to be the most reliable early in the franchise, gets more wooden each scene, achieving a new high of terrible in a bit of dialogue in regards to “imprinting” (werewolf stuff, folks). The blank expression with the monotone voice just doesn’t add up. One can’t really blame these kids though, especially with the always terrific Michael Sheen portraying a powerful vampire and turning in a fairly dull ‘crazy, eccentric’ performance. I guess when it comes down to it, the root of all evil lies in its script, which for the most part robs anyone of having something interesting to say. At no point am I attempting to bash this film as I found Eclipse to be mildly entertaining. It makes sense that Condon would present the second-to-last trip to Forks as unsubtly as the plot suggests with a lavish wedding, a gorgeous out-of-country honeymoon, and a grisly birth, but the fans and the franchise deserve more, at the very least a self-aware vibe. Sadly it’s denied. It is very strange that the thing that kills these films is the poorly-handled romances, which resemble something out of a saucy paperback novel, considering that’s the apparent appeal of them. The book’s original plot needed to be slimmed down. We didn’t need to leave the country or have the cringe-worthy honeymoon scenes. We also needed actors who know how to show us their feelings and not via stock faces. I honestly was enthralled by the idea of a marriage that leads to a bizarre, emergency C-section with a supernatural twist. It seemed like great material on paper, yet it didn’t work on screen. Maybe the finale will justify what we’ve seen here, akin to an awesome punch line preceded by a long, dull set-up. I hope that analogy isn’t taken literally, as I want this franchise to end on its first real emotional moment, not a joke.
Merry Christmas Mena High School
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www.unionbankofmena.com ATM LOCATIONS MENA WICKES
WICKES 118 Hwy 278 East 870-385-2211
Established 1934