19 minute read
Knives Out
Manas Khatore Entertainment Editor
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Jessica Zhou DPS Editor
“Knives Out” is the newest addition to the “whodunit genre,” placing a fresh twist on classics such as “Clue.” Released worldwide on Nov. 27, the movie has received critical acclaim and currently holds a 96 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Seeing as most of the horror movies of 2019 have been pretty horrible, we decided to take a stab at the murder mystery genre and attended the premiere of the fi lm. Even though we sat in the front row of a packed theater, “Knives Out” was worth all two hours and ten minutes of neck pain endured.
Th e movie starts with the death of Harlan Th rombey, a famous mystery author and the wealthy owner of a renowned publishing company. Th e death is believed to be a murder and suspicion is immediately placed on Th rombey’s three children and his caregiver Marta Cabrera, a Latina immigrant. Aft er Cabrera receives Th rombey’s will, the rest of the family turns against Cabrera, who believes she accidentally killed Th rombey herself. However, in a shocking (or not) turn of events, an alternate suspect is revealed to have plotted Th rombey’s murder at the end of the movie.
It is pretty clear that the structure of the movie is very basic; a wealthy man is killed, a will is argued over and the surprise murderer is revealed at the very end. However, “Knives Out” builds off of this outline brilliantly through a diverse set of subplots and characters. Each of
Th rombey’s children is dealing with their own issues, ranging from a romantic aff air to a failing skincare startup, all of which are shown to provide motive to kill Th rombey. Additionally, the movie is fi lled with various comedic moments, including Cabrera’s tendency to literally vomit when telling a lie and Chris Evans’ portrayal of Ransom Drysdale, Th rombey’s grandson.
Th ere needs to be a life lesson in order for it to fi t the PG-13 category. Th e whole story aims to reveal a central message of kindness toward others. Cabrera is the epitome of an angel on Earth, while the Th rombey family is the literal image of corruption and failure under wealth. Members of the family are also racist, including Th rombey’s son and “alt-right” grandson, and threaten to deport Cabrera aft er she receives the will. Cabrera never retaliates and is always polite to the family in return. As the Th rombeys reach their demise at the end of the movie, the audience is able to witness a full circle of beautiful karma in action.
“Knives Out” has elevated the basic murder mystery plot and made it relevant and entertaining to modern audiences. Whether you are an aspiring detective or looking for a way out of “Frozen 2,” this movie is a must-see for all. Jacob Malone/Prowler
“Ford vs. Ferrari” races into the box offi ce
Rahul D’Souza Chief Photographer
Contrary to what the name implies, “Ford vs. Ferrari” isn’t just a car movie with fast driving and loud races. Th e fi lm combines drama with a deep appreciation for the intricacies and art that go into a race car.
Based on a true story, the main confl ict in the fi lm is between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari. Aft er Ford attempts to buy a controlling share in his company, Ferrari practically spits back in his face, insulting his lineage. Ford takes this is a declaration of war, determined to destroy Ferrari in the most prestigious race of the time: the 24-hour Le Mans race in France.
Ford brings in Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), a masterful car designer with an eye for performance like no other. His name will go down in history associated with the Shelby Mustang muscle-car, but in this fi lm, he works on the Ford GT40, a pure race car. Damon delivers a fi ery, yet likeable performance. He doesn’t stand for anyone insulting him, even going so far as to fi stfi ght his driver, Ken Miles (Christian Bale). At the same time, he is cheerful and lively, contrasting sharply with the stubborn attitude of Bale’s character.
Bale is known to immerse himself in his roles entirely, losing or gaining unhealthy amounts of weight to fi t his characters. Aft er playing Dick Cheney in his last movie, “Vice”, Bale lost an astounding 70 pounds to play Ken Miles, a daring racer. Compared to many of his other roles, Bale puts on a much less brooding persona, opting for a more quippy drift er instead. Headstrong and stubborn, Bale’s character clashes with the others, but is also the force driving the team forward.
Th e chemistry between Bale and Damon leads to a beautiful friendship on screen. Th eir characters’ personalities confl ict, but also compliment each other. Th e infl exible loner and the goodnatured designer are an unlikely pair, but by the end of the movie an unbreakable bond is formed between the two.
Set in the 1960’s, the car culture in the movie is strong, with many nostalgic beauties making their way onto the screen. Some can be seen in only a few clips, while others are favorites for the entire movie, but all these old beasts are welcome sights for those that can appreciate them.
Unfamiliar viewers may confuse “Ford vs. Ferrari” with “Th e Fast and the Furious” series. Th is may make them turn away, as the series has experienced a downward trajectory the last few years. However, don’t get it twisted: “Ford vs. Ferrari” currently holds a 91 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is excellent.
Overall, “Ford Vs Ferrari” brings us a movie that redneck motorheads and average moviegoers can love together. Regardless of whether or not you like race cars, the performances delivered by the seasoned cast of actors is sure to keep you content.
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S F Emily Augustine/Prowler
Alyssa Boedigheimer/Prowler
Christmas is the time for many things; oversized evergreen trees, talking snowmen and time with family and friends are just the start of them. Music is one aspect that those who celebrate this iconic holiday remember vividly, because some Christmas albums are just timeless. One of the most beloved Christmas albums is “Christmas Portrait” by Th e Carpenters, which, in 1978, seamlessly blended the silky vocals of Karen Carpenter with classic holiday songs. Th is album revolutionized 70’s Christmas tunes by adapting them to modern music standards, all the while keeping the authenticity and warm vibe of older Christmas tracks.
Music Corner
Emma Schoors News Editor
Frank Sinatra’s 1957 “Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra” is an iconic, sleek album. His classic arrangements do not stray far from the classic 40’s sounds that made Christmas music a modern phenomenon, but his famously smooth voice ties the bow on the top of this album. Many immediately associate Sinatra with Christmas music, and there is a good reason why.
Th e Beach Boys shook up the classic holiday music scene with the release of their 1964 album “Th e Beach Boys’ Christmas Album.” Featuring seven iconic Christmas songs and fi ve originals, the band eff ortlessly balances their signature Southern California pop sound with snowy Christmas charm.
Alyssa Boedigheimer/Prowler
In terms of popularity, Bing Crosby’s famed “Bing Crosby’s Christmas Classics,” released in 1988, is a holiday staple for millions. Th is is largely due to its classical feel, which makes it a beacon for great Christmas music. Th ose who celebrate Christmas tend to sway toward this album to accompany their holiday celebrations.
Th ere are dozens of iconic Christmas albums, and they all have similarly nostalgic, positive undertones. It is no wonder that so many people fall back into the same Christmas songs again and again.
entertainment 13 Panther Prowler • Dec. 6, 2019
“ f r o z e n 2 ” Loved with the same exuberance of Anna to Elsa
Adalia Luo Staff Writer
Clarissa Shin Sports Editor
Emily Augustine/Prowler
With freshly diff erent outfi ts, unfamiliar settings and new songs, the recent Frozen sequel was fi lled with stand-out features. Released on Nov. 22, “Frozen 2” brought in many fans both new and old. Brimming with a new event or character every moment of the fi lm, the movie had a much more complex storyline than the fi rst.
Right off the bat, one of the main protagonists, Elsa, begins to hear a lilting and nearly-operatic melody, which instantly captured our attention. Th e plot thickened when Elsa, aft er a heartwarming musical number about family, proceeded to follow the voice into the Enchanted Forest, an intriguing new setting change. While the fi rst movie was primarily based in Arendelle, “Frozen 2” introduced the Northuldra and characterized the elements of nature.
Th e movie was full of explanations as to the elusive death of Anna and Elsa’s parents, the sisters’ future and an update on Kristoff and Anna’s relationship. Th e characters had all received extensive development as the movie incorporated details of all aspects of their lives into the wonderfully exhaustive plot. By the end of the movie, there were almost no unanswered questions.
Even the characters’ outfi ts gave the audience a better understanding about who they were and where the movie took place. For example, Anna’s outfi t was light brown in the beginning of the movie, showing her fun, lighthearted nature. We were captivated by Anna’s outfi t change to a black dress under her purple cape because it foreshadowed the “dark” events to come.
Th e movie had no repeat songs, which we loved because it gave the movie an overall novel feeling and allowed the audience to experience variety. Th e songs played at the right times and were not too overwhelming. Elsa’s songs, “Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself ” were great and summed up a big portion of the movie’s plot.
Th roughout the movie, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Sven were introduced to new characters, including Bruni, Yelana and Ryder. Th ese additions added greater understanding to the overall movie and we felt the new characters fi t perfectly into the storyline.
Th e end of the movie caught us off guard because Anna ended up taking Elsa’s place as queen and Elsa ruled the land of Northuldra. We were happy because it gave Anna a well-deserved position of power, when in the previous Frozen, Elsa was the main character who was queen of Arendelle.
Overall, we loved Frozen 2 because the songs, characters and settings were so interesting and diff erent than the fi rst movie. Frozen 2 presented a well thought out plot and fl owed very well from scene to scene. Th e movie ended with a happy ending, leaving us satisfi ed and amazed. We recommend this movie for any age who wants to watch a great family movie for the winter.
“Baaaaa-Maste” meets Conejo Valley
Reese Kelem Staff Writer
You make your way slowly to a tabletop position, engaging your core, and all of a sudden, leap! A goat jumps onto your back for a treat.
On Sunday, Nov. 17, YOGOAT LA came to Th e Lakes in Th ousand Oaks to instruct an hour-long yoga class with their trained goats. YOGOAT is a goat yoga company started by Eli Bahar, a student at UCSB, who rented and brought goats to Coachella Music and Arts Festival two years ago for a one time yoga event. Over time, however, Bahar continued these events and it grew into his up and coming company. Bahar trained his goats for social interaction and his company has since traveled from San Diego to San Francisco doing these events. As the company grew, they bought a “goat mobile” and even a farm for their goats, and the media became more and more interested.
“We’ve made it onto some pretty big platforms. We’ve worked with the Ellen DeGeneres Show now three times, so that’s been a very big step for us. We’ve done events with NBC Universal, we’ve done events with Ernst and Young, we’ve done events with so many big corporations. Th at kind of blows my mind sometimes,” Bahar said. Moreover, Bahar looks forward to making his company into a lifetime career.
I had heard about the event while looking at upcoming local events online and decided to participate in this unique experience that Sunday morning for only $20. As I arrived at Th e Lakes, a long line of over 50 people waited to join the outside class, one of the largest classes Bahar has had outside of university events. Th e goats were brought into the gated area, where everyone laid out their mats.
Th is class was taught by one of Bahar’s friends, Olivia House, who aspires to be a yoga instructor and open a yoga studio. Although it was hard to hear the instructions at some points and the poses were rather repetitive, many class members and I enjoyed interacting with the goats as we did poses like Downward Dog and Reverse Warrior. Th is was her fi rst time teaching a class like this, but she believed the class went smoothly. “I really
Leap- One of the goats featured in Eli Bahar’s YOGOAT LA class jumps on one of the yoga student’s backs when they were in Tabletop position. The class came to the Lakes in Westlake on Nov. 17 and had one of their largest classes be held with over 50 people in it. “And then from one thing to the next, I ended up buying my own goats, training them for goat yoga and social interaction. And now we’re here two years later with a good company,” said Bahar. Reese Kelem/Prowler
could tell the energy was great. Th e goats made it really fun and comedic,” House said.
Th e goats were extremely well behaved and would climb on people for treats (animal crackers). Unfortunately, some of the class-takers tricked the goats into thinking they had treats so they would jump on them, but it only made the goats upset. One mom brought two small children who would not stop complaining until the goat jumped on them, and once it did, I thought the goat would crush the kid due to how small she was compared to the animal. Luckily, they were pretty light when they got on people’s backs and it felt like getting a back massage. Th e goats weren’t exactly potty-trained, but luckily nobody got peed on. Some goats did their business on a yoga mat or two, but that was about the worst thing that happened. Th e goats didn’t fear people either and would walk through warrior poses to get treats and pets.
Th e class closed with quiet meditation, despite the distraction of a couple bleats from the goats. Aft erwards, everyone was welcome to take pictures with the goats on their backs in tabletop position, which I couldn’t help myself and had to participate in. I got to talk to the instructors aft erwards and learned all about their passions of both yoga and goats. When leaving the event, the local smoothie store, Sunlife, off ered free samples of their most popular smoothie and ten percent off their smoothies for any participants of the yoga class. Although I didn’t love the taste of their samples, it was still a kind gesture.
All in all, this class was entertaining and an enjoyable time. It was a good opportunity to have fun with animals while building your core. To any who seek to do this event in the future: it is more about the goats and less about the yoga, but I recommend doing it because it is a unique, great experience.
Luke Varav joins national team
Jessica Zhou DPS Editor
While many NPHS students took the opportunity to reunite with families and travel to new places during Th anksgiving break, senior Luke Varav boarded a plane to Sweden to start off a tournament with the Estonia National Soccer Team.
Varav’s passion for soccer started ever since he could walk and it continues as a major part in his life as he currently plays for the LA Breakers and the Estonia National Team.
“When my older brother Noah and I were very young, I saw him play in his fi rst ever soccer game, and I immediately wanted to be just like him with a jersey that had a number on the back, and scoring goals,” Varav said.
Varav has also been part of the Newbury Park Soccer Club, LA Galaxy Academy, Real So Cal, Strikers FC and was also one of the main forces on the high school team. His past achievements and results from his previous experiences on diff erent teams set the stage for him to join the national team.
“My dad was born in Estonia, so I was able to get dual citizenship. From there my dad and I emailed the national team coach with a link to my highlight reel, and the coach was impressed. He replied saying that there was an upcoming tournament and that he’d like me to fl y out and play for them,” Varav said.
Varav’s friends were very excited but not at all surprised at the news of him making the national team, including Bradley Magnussen, senior, who has been on the school team with Varav for four years.
“He is super Estonian and it has been his dream to play for his country. As soon as he told me I got him to sign my jersey because he will be famous when he grows up for sure,” Magnussen said.
Once Varav runs on the fi eld with the soccer ball he immediately gives the impression of a skilled, hardworking and outstanding player, especially in the eyes of his teammates. “Luke is one of the most infl uential players on the fi eld. He controls the game when he’s on the fi eld. He’s one of the hardest workers I know and he never gives up,” Stone Watring, sophomore, said.
Varav joined the Estonia national team in May and ever since then he has been participating in many tournaments around the world, including the Baltic Tournament and the European Qualifi ers.
“I’ve played in the Baltic Tournament which was in Estonia, and European Qualifi ers which took place in Sweden. Each one was special for diff erent reasons. Th e Baltic Tournament was my international debut, while the European Qualifi ers was the biggest stage I’ve ever played on,” Varav said. While many people would enjoy the experience of travelling around the world with a national team and competing with some of the best teams internationally, Varav has to put in double the sweat and eff ort as he balances athletics with school.
“Every morning we start by doing a morning walk before breakfast, then we train from around 11:00 to 1:00. Aft er training we eat lunch and then do some form of recovery, like ice baths or Normatec boots. Aft er that we’d have meetings where we’d analyze our opponents and see how they play. It’s diffi cult at times to balance this with school, so I just do my best to get done as much work as I can in our limited free time,” Varav said.
Looking back at the time he spent on the national team, Varav feels honored to represent Estonia and contribute to the team. He hopes to continue his passion and grow in the sport that he loves. “My goal for soccer is to play it for as long as I enjoy it. I can’t wait to see where it takes me in the future,” Varav said.
Hustle- Luke Varav, senior, plays soccer in a tournament in Sweden with the Estonia National Soccer team. Varav has played for this team since May and has played in the Baltic Tournamentin Estonia and the European Qualifi ers in Sweden. “There’s so many reasons why I enjoy playing on the national team, I’m just honored to be able to represent Estonia playing the sport that I love,” said Varav. Reese Kelem/Prowler
Tennis underclassmen show promise
Aditya Vunnum Editor-In-Chief
Aft er losing fi ve starting players from last year, the boys’ varsity tennis team hopes to carry their momentum from last year forward in the Marmonte League with the support of two key underclassmen: sophomores, Dhilan Patel and Jared Gillespie.
Both players were starting members of the varsity team as freshmen, and will step into a bigger role on the team as the season approaches in January.
“Th ey are players, like many very good tennis players, from tennis families. Th eir families were incredibly supportive of them growing up, getting them to competitions and letting them train individually. And because of that support, when they came to this team they both were experienced and ready to compete as freshmen,” Richard Kick, head tennis coach, said.
Th e team ended their season last year as second in the Marmonte League, and both Patel and Gillespie played a signifi cant part in their success. Patel played as part of the number one doubles team, and Gillespie played as number three singles.
“Th ey have earned the right to be starting varsity players as freshmen. Seeing them progress through the year and for Jared to get to a playoff match against some incredibly tough singles players, and tie back against them. Th at’s amazing,” Kick said.
Both underclassmen feel that their exposure to the high level of play within the league as freshmen will help them during their sophomore season.
“Last season was really amazing. We had a lot of good players last year, and it was a great experience to watch them. Th e people from other schools were really good too. So I got beaten a lot, but I also won a lot. It defi nitely made me better, so I’m super excited for this year,” Gillespie said.
Th ough the team lost in the fi rst round of CIF playoff s last year, Gillespie was able to get to 6-6 with a very high level singles player as a freshman. Patel was one of four doubles players from Newbury in the tournament and played as the number one seed.
“I know I want to do better in CIF than last year. As a freshman, I played mostly doubles and this year, I expect to play singles. So I know that I would like to get further inside CIF and just the league overall this season,” Patel said.
With the season drawing nearer, boys’ tennis feels confi dent in their placement within the league.“Because of players like Dhilan and Jared, the expectation is, we’re going to be competitive. Th is year we’re going to go in with the attitude that we have as good a chance as anybody to win the Marmonte League title,” Kick said. “Th at’s a great place to be right now.”
