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Oscar Winners Cinderella Live Drama Goes Blonde
Felix Varela Sr. High School 15255 S.W. 96 St., Miami, FL 33196
n i t e l l bu rd a o b
Hits and misses
There are 12 weeks of school left till Summer Break!...
...unfortunately, it’s all testing.
Drama does an amazing production of Legally Blonde the Musical. Bravo!
Florida Department of Education blames software updates and cyber attacks for faulty testing. News headline...or lousy blockbuster pitch? Disney’s live action Cinderella is surprisingly good. We’ll forgive them for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. I have been and always shall be your friend. Live long and prosper, Spock.
From th e Ed itors
View p oints
the editor says: Love my staff I absolutely love movies. I can quote anything from Empire Strikes Back to The Big Lebowski, recognize almost any actor from some obscure past work, and I can name the winner of the Best Picture Academy Award each year from the past 45 years (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest won in 1975, American Beauty won in 1999). So, with that said, I thought I’d take the time to tell our lovely readers that it’s cool to like different things. It’s even cooler to respect
the things that people like. Whether someone is into different kinds of music, movies or people, it shouldn’t matter. Now, let’s stop fighting, sit back, and watch some M*A*S*H.
Test. It’s the new four-letter word. Just when the state of Florida decided to move away from the FCAT and move more towards Common Core, it decided to strike out on its own and spend millions of taxpayer dollars developing, administering, and grading brand new standardized tests. As if students weren’t tested enough before, now they have the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA…replacing the old FCAT) and End-of-Course Exams (EOCs) for every single class…including electives. How do you even test Stagecraft…Band…Drawing…Drama Improvisation…Yearbook? In its great wisdom, the state has also required all these tests to be administered on the computer. No more paper tests. Hey, gotta save money somewhere, right? This extends to elementary schools where teachers are scrambling to teach 5th graders how to type so that they can type their essays into the computer. Then, the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) requires that the computer being used for testing run only on the operating system (OS) of Windows 7 or higher. Mind you, this editorial is being typed on a computer in The Viper Vibe room that runs on Windows XP. As far as Varela is concerned, there are close to 500 computers that run on XP, and because of their age, cannot be upgraded to the higher OS. While we at The Viper Vibe believe that testing is important, schools need something to gauge what the students have learned all year, we think that the number of tests, their execution, and their weight is impractical and unnecessary.
Besides the FSA and EOCs, students at Varela take a wide variety of other tests. The ESOL students take CELLA. The Reading students take FAIR. The juniors and seniors take the PERT and SAT and/or ACT. Sophomores take the PSAT. Freshmen and sophomores take the English Language Arts (ELA) writing test. Advanced Placement students take the end-of-the-year AP Exams. Then there are any number of interim and teacher created course quizzes and tests. Sometimes, it feels like all we do is take tests…or learn how to take tests. The entire school year is spent on test preparation and no actual learning is taking place. The entire fourth nine-weeks is pretty useless as it is full of standardized testing. Florida Governor Rick Scott made news in February when he issued an executive order stating that juniors would not have to be tested in ELA. While this is good news for juniors, it may not last. This may just be a postponement. Juniors may be required to take the test next year, with seniors following in the 2016-2017 school year. Scott’s one executive order doesn’t even begin to scratch the service of our state’s testing problems. More like testing our patience. Our leaders are politicians that want numbers. But numbers should not be the only deciding factor to determine if a student (or teacher for that matter) is succeeding. Parents, teachers and students should be contacting their local and state officials and letting them know that our current testing model is flawed. If things don’t change soon, we as students will be nothing more than our numbers.
We Say:
Thank you #WellThatsJustLikeYourOpinionMan Cj Salcedo Editor-in-Chief
Test model is flawed
Parents, teachers and students should be contacting their local and state officials
Talk to us: thevipervibe@gmail.com
Your thoughts may be featured in the next issue of the Viper Vibe!
volume 14 March ‘15 Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cj Salcedo Jr. EDITOR David Murray
Staffers Jordan Cline Alec Di Lella Danielle Malkin Krystal Valdes
Cover art by
Meghan Espinosa
Adviser
Elizabeth Cardenas
Editorial Policy The Viper Vibe is the student newspaper of Felix Varela Senior High (15255 SW 96 St. Miami, FL, 33196). It is an open forum for student expression. The opinions expressed in the publication do not reflect the official opinions or policies of the school. The Viper Vibe welcomes letters to the editor, but requires that they be signed and reserves the right to reject, edit and condense letters. The staff and advisor can be contacted at 305-752-7900 or thevipervibe@gmail.com
Ads The Viper Vibe solicits advertising but reserves the right to reject any material deemed obscene as to minors, defamatory or materially and substantially disruptive of school activities.
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News A ro u n d V arel a
Legally Blonde takes the stage in spring production By valery morales and Varela’s DraJoselyn Martinez ma depart-
Staff Reporters ment took @valery_yasmin everyone to joselynmartinez90@yahoo.com Harvard in their adaptation of the Broadway musical Legally Blonde. The play, which was based off a movie which was based off a book, tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. She discovers how her knowledge of the law can help others, and successfully defends exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial. It was a musical filled with humor, catchy numbers and excellent performances and a message about perseverance and self-confidence. The performance that really shined on the stage was sophomore Victoria Saint-Louis, who played Woods. She took on a huge role, which she described as “amazing.” Yet, all that glamour came at a price. “I was the lead, I was in every part of the play meaning I had to be at rehearsal every day and missing a rehearsal would slow down the process of the production,” she said.
Thankfully, all that hard worked paid off. She sang excellently, delivered her lines with perfect timing and even looked the part of Woods. She couldn’t have been a more perfect representation of the character both physically and vocally. Not only were the performances great, but the handmade sets really felt like audiences were in a college setting. “The set definitely came out together, it came out impressive,” senior Sabrina Ramirez said. It was a treat to the eyes, but it also was great to listen to thanks to the addition of the live music being played by Varela’s own Band of Mystery. Overall, Varela’s production of Legally Blonde was a funny, touching and well-made musical that brought an iconic character to our auditorium.
Clockwise from top: 1. Sophomore Victoria Saint-Louis plays Elle Woods. 2. Saint-Louis with senior Ryan Bauta who plays Emmett, Elle’s love interest. 3. Senior Olivia Mata plays Paulette, Elle’s faithful stylist. 4. Senior Melissa Barbieri plays Elle’s sorority sister Margot. photos with permission Patrice Saint-Louis Photography
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By the Numbers... Great Comedies from the past five decades
With 2014 being the 20th anniversary of the series Friends, and the comedies Ace Ventura Pet Detective and The Mask, and 2015 marking the 20th for other comedies like Tommy Boy (that whole brake pad sale scene is still hilarious today, I don’t care what anybody says), and Clueless, we at The Viper Vibe thought it would be cool to look at some great comedies from each decade since the 1960s.
1970s - Annie Hall Despite what you may think of Woody Allen or whether you felt that Star Wars should have won Best Picture instead, Annie Hall is definitely one of the funniest movies ever made. It’s the story of a man’s journey to discover why his relationship with the titular character (played by Diane Keaton) failed. The writing is witty, the timing is perfect and the story is just great. The movie went on to win four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress in a Leading Role for Keaton.
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1960s - Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb Director and screenwriter Stanley Kubrick originally intended to adapt Peter George’s nuclear war novel, Red Alert as a serious and frightening film on the dangers of nuclear war. Instead, he turned it into one of the funniest and darkest comedies ever put to screen. The film stars George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden and Peter Sellers playing three roles. While not necessarily laugh out loud funny, the movie does deliver some great commentary, and has some great quotable lines.
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1980s - Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Even with great movies like Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, and one of my all-time favorites Airplane!, all coming out in the 80s, I am ultimately picking Ferris Bueller’s Day off simply because the words “Save Ferris” keep coming to mind. This whole idea that the entire city is rooting for a kid who is faking a sickness is probably one of the funniest things I have ever heard. Matthew Broderick’s character is a perfect representation of any teenager bored by his mundane life, no matter when they grew up. It’s quite possibly the greatest teen comedy of the 80s, and John Hughes’ best film. It’s a required movie for any high school student looking for an escape from reality.
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1990s - Wayne’s World Although The Big Lebowski should rightfully be called the funniest film of the 90s (“That rug really tied the room together, did it not?”), strong opposition from my superiors requires me to surrender that claim. Thankfully, the movie that I am putting here is pretty great. Wayne’s World, based off the popular Saturday Night Live skit, is an experience filled with a nonexistent fourth wall that demands to be broken, consistently funny cultural references, and an incred- 2000s - Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy Instead of telling you why this movie is here, ibly insane script written by star I’ll just leave some quotes here. Mike Myers. It’s probably the most “Boy that escalated quickly... I mean, that really “excellent” comedy here and one got out of hand fast.” of the most quotable ones of the “I’m in a glass case of emotion.” decade. “Party on, Wayne!” “Party “Where’d you get your clothes... from the... toilet store?” on, Garth!” “I immediately regret this decision.” Even if you have never seen this movie, you still know where these lines are from. It has become more than some photos courtesy of Columbia Pictures ridiculous and incoherent comedy (which it is), it has become a Corporation, Rollins-Joffe Productions, cultural phenomenon that will never die. It’s kind of a big deal. Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG
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News A ro u n d V arel a
Inside the Staff Lounge What inspires you?
What is your favorite word?
Kids learning
Extemporaneous
What sound or noise do you hate?
What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
Loud motorcycles
Electrical Engineer
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
What is the hardest equation you ever had to solve?
My subject teaches students to think and use their brains.
“You did good”
∑ 16 ( 13 ) n-1 n-1
What is your least favorite word?
Supposedly What profession other than yours would you not like to participate in?
What is your favorite number?
Social Worker
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Why do you think your subject is important for students to learn?
What sound or noise do you love?
Both my daughters laughing
Mr. Felix Zayas
Mr. Zayas has been teaching at Felix Varela Sr. High for 10 years. He teaches Geometry to both freshmen and sophomores in room 138.
These questions are based on the French television series Bouillon de Culture hosted by Bernard Pivot. photo by Jordan Cline
How has testing taken over our lives?
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“The FSA was a relatively easy test. I had no complications, but my only complaint was that we did not have enough time to prepare.” - Andres Leon (10)
“Getting [the test] started was a little bit of an issue, not the actual test. Pen and paper is obviously much easier by nature, it just is. But this [computer testing] was fine, there were no issues.” - Mr. Chris Migueles (English teacher)
FSA
Wading through th With the FCAT kicked to the curb, which test –or tests- will take its place? The answer is the Florida Standardized Assessment (FSA). Similar to Common Core, FSA has two main parts, writing and reading comprehension. The writing portion took place in March. The reading component will take place in April. How different is this new test from the old FCAT Writes? Some students and teachers have been apprehensive about the new test and what it may entail. With teachers needing to base their curriculum on a new test and students anxious about the change, it’s clear why staff and students would feel this way. “I felt it was too easy for all the preparations teachers put into it,” said sophomore Devoun Cetoute. “It honestly feels like the FCAT but typed on the computer and has some passages to read.” Essentially, with the new format, rather than just a standard prompt to which students had to respond, they are now given a prompt along with three sources arguing for and against the prompt. Then, students must type, edit and revise their finished essay. After much speculation on how different it would be typed (previous essays were hand-written), most students were relaxed and comfortable with the software. Freshman Fatima Saenz said she “didn’t mind doing the writing test through the computer.” There have also been technical problems with the computer-based exams. According to NBC 6, “The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating cyber-attacks on a server used to administer the Florida Standards Assessment
that led to statewide testing delays.” A pencil and paper back up was used in most cases, yet the FDLE is still concerned. “While most Florida students are continuing to test successfully, we now know that some of the delays in testing were due to cyberattacks on our testing system operated by American Institutes for Research (AIR),” Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said in a statement. (NBC6) Here at Varela, testing officially started on Monday March 2, but was cancelled half-way through the day due to the state’s technical problems. Testing did not resume until Thursday, March 5. In April, freshmen and sophomores will be taking the new FSA Reading test. While a new standardized test doesn’t usually cause panic, in this case, the new test has not been seen by teachers. In effect, teachers are preparing students for a test that no one has seen yet. Not only is the FSA a major hot topic for schools in Florida, but the state has made end-of-course exams
R I A F
“I thought it [FSA Writing] was a little difficult, but I feel it will help me with college.” - Aliyah Linares (10)
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photos by Jordan Cline and Danielle Malkin
he testing season (EOC) required for every class, including electives. Research on both Miami-Dade County Public School’s website and the Florida Department of Education’s website has proved fruitless, since there is no information on the tests. This has elective teachers, like yearbook adviser Zoila Garcia, worried. “How do I test design elements on a student who is a writer, or writing on a student who is a better designer?” she said. All of this testing is not only a problem that students face, teachers fear the preparation process and how difficult it would be to put out a product and successfully teach students the testing material. Electives such as drama, art, band, TV production, dance, and yearbook create products. Rarely do these teachers stand in the front of a classroom lecturing. If the teacher must spend their time preparing students for a multiple-choice test, when do they have the time to put on a play, paint, play their instruments, produce the morning news show, learn a new dance step, or create a 300-page
Contributing Writers Jordan Cline Alec DiLella CJ Salcedo
How are Teachers Evaluated? According to the Florida Department of Education’s (FLDOE) website, half of a teacher’s evaluation is based on the Value Added Model (VAM). A student’s VAM score is not just based on test scores. There are several variables involved, which include: •
The number of subject-relevant courses in which the student is enrolled • Two prior years of achievement scores • Students with Disabilities (SWD) status • English language learner (ELL) status • Gifted status • Attendance • Mobility (number of transitions) • Difference from modal age in grade (as an indicator of retention) • Class size • Homogeneity of entering test scores in the class
A teacher’s value-added score comes from two components, “one that reflects how much the school’s students on average gained above or below similar students in the state and another that reflects how much the teacher’s student on average gained above or below similar students within the school” (FLDOE). The FLDOE describes this model with a particular equation.
“where denotes the test score for student i, is the coefficient associated with gth prior test score, is the coefficient associated with covariate j, is the common school component of school k assumed , is the effect of teacher m in school k assumed and is the random error term assumed . The school and teacher effects were treated as random effects, and the teacher - and school - specific values are empirical Bayes estimates” (FLDOE).
Interim T A S AP
CELLA
yearbook publication? “How do I prepare the students for this?” Garcia said. The situation has since escalated to protests from parents, teachers and students, as well as a petition on Change.org asking to ban all EOCs from every grade level. High-school students are not the only ones worrying about taking these exams. All over the state, both middle and elementary schools have these required tests. The FSA is also hitting these lower grade levels. Eighth graders Nicholas and Andres Salcedo, who attend Archimedean Middle Conservatory, were nervous about having to take it on the computer for the first time. “We don’t type a lot and we don’t really feel good about taking this test,” they said. Parents have complained about how much pressure these tests are putting on students who have not even been properly taught how to type. The State of Florida itself recognizes that the amount of testing is overwhelming. In February, Governor Rick Scott’s press office released a statement in which he admitted, “I have heard from parents and teachers that there are too many tests and I agree.” Florida’s Education Commissioner Pam Stewart “recommended a reduction in the number of tests Florida students in public schools are required to take.” One week before the FSA Writing was to begin, Scott issued Executive Order 15-31 which suspended testing for 11th grade students.
EOC
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Best Supporting Actor J.K. Simmons, Whiplash Although Edward Norton did an excellent job in Birdman (I would quote the character, but there’s just too much profanity), JK Simmons’ role as abusive drum instructor Terrence Fletcher is something special, and deserving of the gold.
Best Supporting Actress Patricia Arquette, Boyhood In her acceptance speech, Patricia Arquette talks about being a mother and how it had helped her with the film. In Boyhood, she along with the cast grows and matures over the years. She did a great job playing the role she loves playing so much in real life.
Best Adapted Screenplay The Imitation Game Graham Moore’s screenplay may have given Alan Turning some attention he deserved, but I can’t help but feel that Paul Thomas Anderson deserved it for his adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s Inherent Vice. It was funny, well-acted, well-shot and most importantly, very well-written. Plus, I think Anderson’s Oscar is long overdue (The Master should have been up for Best Picture, Director at least.)
Best Picture Best Director Best Original Screenplay Birdman Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is something more of a strange ego trip than a film. It’s the kind of experience that seems weird, yet inviting at the same time. It’s also an experience that no sensible person would want to leave. The story of Riggan Thomson (played by the award-deserving Michael Keaton) is the story of humanity. It is a story of relevance, fame and celebrity. That is why Birdman is not only worthy of its win, it is worthy of the title “Film of the Decade” or even “Film of the Century.” It manages to hit all the marks and fires on all cylinders. From a great script written by director/writer Alejandro G. Iñárritu, to stellar performances by Keaton, Edward Norton, and Emma Stone, there is no element of the movie that can be removed to improve. There is no improving upon perfection, which is what Birdman is.
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Movies
Oscar Awards
L if estyle
By Cj Salcedo
Editor-in-Chief @cj_fett_salcedo
Best Actor Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything Although Eddie Redmayne did truly transform himself to play the part of Stephen Hawking, I can’t help but hear the words Oscar bait escape my mouth. (King’s Speech or Forrest Gump came to mind as well, but those are two movies that people will defend to their graves.) So, I was deeply disappointed by this one. I felt that Michael Keaton deserved to win the big prize. If not him, then Steve Carell. He’s an actor who transformed himself in a way where it’s impossible to see him the same way again.
Best Actress Julianne Moore, Still Alice Despite my complaint with Eddie Redmayne, at times, playing a disabled character can be tasteful and subtle. Take Julianne Moore in Still Alice. She plays the part of a doctor afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. Most reviews cite it as an accurate portrayal of the disease and have praised Julianne Moore’s performance.
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Disney expands its live-action world with Cinderella By Danielle Malkin Staff Reporter IG: @_candidani
Kenneth Branagh dons his latest directorial credit in the new Cinderella, Disney’s Live-Action spin on the age old story of a girl turned servant, a fairy godmother, some magical shoes, a night to remember, and the quickest shot at happily ever after. If only it were that easy. The film sticks to the traditional tale of young Ella (Lily James), whose beautiful life is swept away like the cinders that soon embody her, as her stepmother Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters take the reins on what was once every little girl’s dream: a beautiful mother, a loving father, and a “magical” life. It is the final words of Ella’s mother that will definitely stick with the young protagonist and female movie goers for longer than the screening: “Have courage and be kind.” There is a prince, a pumpkin and the glass slipper that will all fade to grey at the stroke of midnight, but Disney is beginning to play its
Above: Lily James is Cinderella and Cate Blanchett is the Stepmother in Disney’s live-action feature “Cinderella.” Right: James is Cinderella in the feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella.” photos with permission Disney/TNS/MCT
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part in the lives of young girls. As the next generation of Disney girls grows up with Princesses such as Merida, of Brave and sisters Anna and Elsa in mega blockbuster Frozen, the company is branding its female protagonists as clever, independent and beautiful (inside and out), rather than waiting up in the tower for Prince Charming. Ariel may have traded her voice for legs, but in Branagh’s Cinderella, James will mount her own horse and ride to her own emotional catharsis away from her evil family. There is an evident strength in this new Cinderella, who meets our Prince Kit (Richard Madden) all alone in the woods. She does not swoon or fawn over the stranger, but remains in calm demeanor and her true self. Neither pry for too much information about the other, and the scene keeps its Disney naivety intact. Cinderella approaches the ball in a gown that ap-
pears to be alive (thank you Helena Bonham Carter as Fairy Godmother), and crystal shoes that could only be the work of top notch animation only to, as we suspect, shock the world of nobility, and the young Prince Kit. We all know it from here: she leaves her shoe, there is a kingdom-wide quest and the two will reunite. But the smallest details and lacings of strength and individualism, are everywhere in the film, slowly paving the way for the independent princess. We, as an audience, see Cinderella utilize her strength and kindness to move her way along a life that seems ordinary to her, but torturous to us. Cinderella can be found throughout the film reading, writing, throwing verbal shade at Lady Tremaine and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb (oh, excuse me, the stepsisters) and fighting for what she believes in. When offered help with
laborious tasks, she denied help. When Lady Tremaine offers her a life with the prince in exchange for her step-mother’s lifelong control, Cinderella says no. And when given the chance to curse Lady Tremaine over forever, there are only three words that escape the lips of Lily James: “I forgive you.” It’s a bit much to say Disney is becoming a guiding hand in the next generation of feminism ideals working in cahoots with Disney princesses; in all honesty, I can’t see Snow White marching on Washington without a bra or Princess Aurora taking the microphone at a congressional hearing on women’s healthcare, but it is a strong start. Branagh’s take captures the essence of Cinderella’s traditional story, while allowing its leading lady to shed light on female independence and individualism, and reminding all of us at home, to have courage and always be kind.
Jonny Weston is David Raskin, Sam Lerner is Quinn Goldberg and Allen Evangelista is Adam Le in “Project Almanac,” from Insurge Pictures, in association with Michael Bay. photo with permission Paramount Pictures/ MCT
Michael Bay delivers time after time It’s clear that the subject of time travel has captivated audiences since its first depiction in motion films. Most prominently, the Back to the Future trilogy and The Butterfly Effect portray the effects of altering the space time continuum in the world around us. A complex subject no doubt, with continuity errors rampant and difficulty maintaining control. Being able to piece together a plot that remains fluid despite multiple changing variables and aspects is an art. Project Almanac seems to achieve this fluidity despite a noticeably more complex story-line than, say, Back to the Future. It delves deeper into the details of how seemingly small decisions and
insignificant actions can affect the bigger picture, and send the world spiraling down. Instead of going from cause straight to effect, it goes from cause to effect and then takes a step back to explain the many alterations that led to the end effect. In terms of cast, as was expected with a relatively small budget film with a relatively unknown group, the acting was sub-par; not one actor or actress was terrible, but only one stood out as being exceptionally impressive. Jonny Weston, who played David, proved to be a valuable part of the movie. He knew and understood the character he needed to play and the emotions
that needed to be By Alec DiLella conveyed during the Staff Reporter progression of the @AlecDilella plot, which brings me to the main point of my interest towards the movie: emotion. Project Almanac evokes emotion in the audience, which is difficult to do. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s nowhere near as effective at expressing emotion as, say, Schindler’s List, or Shawshank Redemption, but it sets itself apart from the norm of the 21st century in its own right. Project Almanac is the product of an interesting idea and excellent organization (and perhaps an excellent continuity department).
Time Out with Jonny Weston
The Viper Vibe met up with Project Almanac star Jonny Weston at a recent press junket.
How do you think the general audience is going to react to the movie and the message the movie has? I think when I first picked up the script, that’s what it was, that’s what I saw in the page, that it’s fun. It’s great fun. It’s found footage so you could be in the car with this, you could be in the basement with this. Really you could be the one holding the camera. It was really important to me and I think that’s why I got the role as opposed to other people. It’s because I really wanted to explore the dark part of the concept of time travel and the idea that it’s an addiction. What’s the difference to you between working on Indie films and major motion pictures? Well this one is surprisingly Indie, especially for Michael Bay. He’s a big explosion type of guy and this movie is not $150 million. I’ve always done these Indie films...and it kind of gives you this freedom to be creative and go off the page to say what you want. So with this one, we were able to do really Indie stuff and make up our own lines and have this slower pace and this off-beat type of behavior, knowing that Michael Bay was going to take that and make it into a perfect meshing of Indie and Studio.
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Hero’s story stirs, inspires By David Murray
Released on Christmas day, directed by AcademyJunior Editor Award winner Angelina Jolie, @heyydavid and written by Joel and Ethan Coen, Unbroken is a film based on the bestselling book of the same name, written by Laura Hillenbrand. It tells the amazing tale of Louis Zamperini (Jack O’Connell), an Olympic runner who served as a bombardier in World War II. When his plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean, he and a fellow crew member survive in a raft for 47 days only to be captured by Japanese soldiers and sent to P.O.W. camps. Unbroken was well put together. It was not just some hastily-made biopic thrown out to the world. Countless other directors were considered for the project, but it ultimately went to Jolie after she actively sought the job. Jolie met with Zamperini so much in preparation for the film that they became dear friends. (Today) Jolie stayed as true to his story as time would permit and her efforts paid off making the viewer really feel for Zamperini. Unfortunately, Zamperini died July 2, 2014, but he was able to see a part of the movie and his life relived for a moment. The movie portrays Zamperini as a remarkable hero with a determined spirit. Too bad this sensational film would receive no love from the Academy. With only three nominations from the Oscars (Cinematography, Sound Editing and Sound Mixing), I felt the 5-star film deserved more than these three. Jolie would get snubbed for the Best Director category and star O’Connell being nominated for nothing. I felt the Academy made a big mistake in shoving this to the side. Unbroken is a film that will both inspire and entertain generations to come.
Kyle Gallner, left, as Goat-Winston and Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ drama American Sniper. photo with permission Warner Bros. Pictures/MCT
Cooper portrays real life Seal marksman American Sniper is the true story of the United Sates’ most lethal sniper, Chris Kyle. It was directed by both film and war veteran Clint Eastwood and stars Bradley Cooper as Kyle. It was also based off of Kyle’s biography of the same name. While it began as a fairly low budget film (it cost about $58 million to make this movie), it has gone on to make over $430 million world-wide, and is one of the highest grossing war movies of all time, beating out films like Platoon and Saving Private Ryan. American Sniper opened to limited release on Christmas Day in order to qualify for the 20142015 awards season. It gained positive reviews from critics and was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for star Cooper. The movie is based on Kyle’s military career as a sniper for the Navy Seals. He served four tours of duty in Iraq and became what many called “The Legend,” due to the number of kills he’d gotten on the battlefield. Cooper did an amazing job of portraying Kyle. It wasn’t just his physique, (according to IMDB. com, he packed on 40 pounds to bulk up) or shooting ability, but he was able to demonstrate Kyle’s
psychological By Jahhel Thernelan trauma and Staff Reporter PTSD (post- @_jt13 traumatic stress disorder). In spite of his horrific actions, Cooper allowed audiences to sympathize with his situation. While the acting was wonderful and the cinematography was superb (some of the best since Saving Private Ryan), the pacing of the movie was a little slow. The war scenes were fast and typical of this kind of movie. However, the scenes about Kyle’s personal life tended to drag. The movie clocked in at 132 minutes, which may not seem like much with today’s movies, but I was checking my phone to see how much time I had left. My legs literally felt like noodles when I got up at the end of the movie. Cooper wanted very much to get Kyle’s story right, especially since Kyle was killed at a gun range by a fellow veteran in 2013 during production of the film. Overall, American Sniper was a good, though long film. It had some superb acting from Cooper (quite possibly the best from his career so far) and flawless direction from Eastwood. It is a great way to remember a skilled marksman’s career serving our nation.
Top 5 Domestic Grossing Post-9/11 War Films
1 4 t h ev i p er vi b e @ g mai l. com
photo courtesy of 3 Arts Entertainment
1. American Sniper - $341 million 2. Lone Survivor - $125 million 3. Zero Dark Thirty - $95 million 4. Act of Valor - $70 million 5. Jarhead - $62 million
M usic L if estyle
photos courtesy of Interscope Records
By Krystal Valdes
U.K. delivers new boy band At the beginning of 2013, Rixton was a not-so-popular boy band struggling to find attention from the media. But after being discovered by Scooter Bruan, a popular talent manager, from a cover that the group had posted on YouTube, their careers were set. The boy band’s emergence from online singers to becoming a supporting act for stars like Justin Bieber, paved their way to stardom. After releasing their debut, it seems that the British boy band has attracted more and more attention from their fan base, resulting in two confirmed openings for Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran’s North American tours. Consisting of four members, Jake Roche (lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist), Charley Bagnall (lead guitarist and vocalist), Danny Wilkin (bassist, keyboardist, and vocalist), and Lewi Morgan (drummer and vocalist), Rixton’s music ranges from a soulful brand of R&B to pop, which can be compared to Maroon
5 and Bruno Mars. Rixton starts off their debut album Let the Road with an ear-enhancing a capella of the same name, which includes beautiful harmonies and an inspirational message of not being discouraged by the difficulties in life. The album also offers popular singles “Me and My Broken Heart” and “Wait on Me” which were both on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart. Although the album offers catchy, upbeat songs that make you want to belt out in the shower, there’s also “Hotel Ceiling.” Written by Ed Sheeran, this song depicts the story of an unhealthy relationship between a couple, resulting in the death of the significant other. Truthfully, every time I hear the song I want to bawl and possibly sue Sheeran for making me go through an emotional crisis for three minutes and eleven seconds. But ignoring the waterfall of tears, this song is lyrical genius. Another personal favorite of mine,
by Krystal Valdes The Australian family founded band, Sheppard, has released its new single “Geronimo” which is rapidly ascending the U.S. charts. This catchy tune is upbeat and exciting—making you want to sing along. Not only is “Geronimo” a lyrical de-stressor but it offers your ears the pleasure of euphoric melodies. This song favors the idea of jumping into the unknown, and according to singer George Sheppard, “taking leaps of faith and doing something everybody
photo courtesy of Republic Records
Staff Reporter IG: @i’mal00ser
“Appreciated,” is a perfect acoustic-driven pop piece that allows one’s self-esteem to rise as they sway to the beautiful guitar riffs in the background. This song is a perfect representation of the talent Rixton has, portraying the vocals that meld together like a symphony of Tumblr boys. Don’t get me wrong, this debut album has its faults—not having more tracks. Every single song in this album has such wonderful lyric choices and harmonies that I’m starting to question any other band I listen too. Individual songs on the album are selling for $1.29 on both iTunes and Amazon. However, you’ll love so many of their songs, that at the album price of $7.99, you’ll actually save money just buying the whole album. Not only is the price a rarity in today’s music industry, but the amount of talent these four boys have is extraordinary. Rixton is not a typical British boy band. I look forward to seeing what the future brings them.
else totally thinks is going to fail but you have the courage to see it through and get through it.” Sheppard is made up of siblings George, Amy, and Emma, guitarists Jay Bovino and Dean Gordon and drummer Michael Butler. Sheppard has done a more than excellent job in capturing the essence of “Geronimo.” It is the first single off their debut album Bombs Away which became available on March 10.
th evip ervib e@ gmail.c om 1 5
S por t s A ro u n d V arel a coach whose always pushing us to get better and better.” And just like that, another banner was ordered. We should expect it high in the Varela gym within the next year. The team went on to face the Ronald Regan-Doral Bison in regional play winning the semi-final match 2-1. They would eventually duke it out with Broward County’s Cypress Bay Senior Senior Miguel Coira dribbles the ball High for a fifth regional down the field. Coira scored the tietitle; unfortunately, the breaking goal in the regional semifinal game against Reagan-Doral Sr. Lightening would walk High. photo by Fox-Mar away with the win 5-1. But the district title would still find itself in Viper halls and the Boys Soccer team would end their season on a high note. sports, Varela holds district title, and for the final goal, solidify “Winning the title By Danielle Malkin over five district titles, Varela, a chance at ing another district was amazing… this seaStaff Reporter four regional titles, one leading once again in title in the name of son was just phenomIG: @_candidani Greater Miami Athletic District 5A-16. Varela. enal,” Torres said. Growing up in Conference Champi “It was very satis “The fact that I The team finished South Florida, it seems onship, back to back fying because our boys helped the team to vic- the 2014-15 season as if soccer has a larger state titles (2006-07 are very disciplined tory made me feel even 9-2-3, and a sixth presence here than and 2007-08) and one and hardworking,” better,” Franco said district title, with only anywhere else in the national crown (2007- Orichio said. about securing the win. one more point scored continental United 08). Without a doubt, The Vipers would “It was a great season (all season) than Coral States. If one were to soccer is serious at face the Coral Reef and it’s a great feeling Reef: 30. travel to Connecticut Felix Varela, but the Barracudas in the dishaving all my team As for next season? or Texas or California Vipers would soon hit a trict final, looking for mates and making it as No promises have been and utter the word dry spell. redemption not only in far as we got. I’m just made for a back to back “football,” images of According to the name of soccer, but grateful to have a moti- title, a state playoff homecoming kings and Assistant Coach for Varela, and another vating and supporting berth or the promise of 6’5” lineman stocked in Giancarlo Orichio, as proud banner; another national pads and helmets pops other schools became the game held a crown, but as into the heads of these “strong” and “formidistrict crown and Coach Orichio non-natives. dable,” the Vipers went continuation into said, there will But in the “Miunnoticed. regional and state be more worth ami Dictionary,” there This year, however, titles. With the in the moments might as well be two struck a new chord ball in play, it was uncalculated and definitions of the word with the Varela Viper all up to the boys unplanned. football. Boys Soccer team. in green. “I made great At Felix Varela, “A banner hasn’t been Junior Haitam relationships with it’s no different. Five put up since 2008, so it Chanti would these kids. We soccer banners proudly was important to us,” make the first had a lot of fun hang in the gymnasisenior Mauricio Torres Viper goal, leaving together. Above it um, allowing for reflec- said. the game tied. all, we had some tion on Vipers of the A strong start in It was All-Dade unforgettable mopast and inspiration for conference play would ranked senior ments,” he said. After several unfruitful years, Boys Socthe future. eventually lead to the Matthew Franco cer wins the District Championsip. The Among its various chance at another who would score boys defeated Ronald Reagan-Doral 2-1.
Boys Soccer breaks dry spell
photo by G. Orichio
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Spring Sports Baseball The Viper Baseball team is back in action and bringing success back to the diamond: The boys currently hold a record of 10-2-1, and are contending for a top seed in the district. “It’s been a great opportunity to see such individual growth,” Assistant Head Coach Eryk Dees said about his experiences in the dugout. Big news came for the team when Varela Baseball Alumna Johnny Barbato was traded to the New York Yankees, bringing a little “pinstripe pride” to Viper Territory. Mixed Tennis On the court are the Varela Boys and Girls Tennis teams, led by head coach Judy Kubit. Facing a district composed of the current state champions (as well as second and third place), the Vipers are showing well with a record of 2-3. In April, the team will compete in district tournament. “They know it’s tough, but they’re trying their best,” Coach Kubit said. Boys Volleyball Undefeated at Varela is the Boys Volleyball team; towering over their competition (and most of the student population), the boys find themselves in district contention for another season. Statistic leaders include senior Alejandro Gonzalez, who averages a whopping near 30 kills per game. “The team has humble ambitions to perfect our ability to play the game,” said junior and Captain Randall Elkind. “The unity we share is hard to copy, filled with responsibility as well as passion.” Girls’ Softball For the ladies on the diamond, it’s been a little tougher, as the Lady Viper Softball team currently holds a record of 2-8. “This is a rebuilding year,” said sophomore Carla Rodriguez, “It’s been hard work, but we’re trying our best. Rodriguez hit three triples and one single in the ladies standout victory over the Killian Cougars. Seniors Kayla Leon and Samantha Saywack, sophomore Janelle Dominguez, and junior Cassandra Iglesias have also proved to be assets to this year’s squad. Mixed Track and Field Scientifically, Vipers don’t have legs, but the Varela Track and Field team has had quite the season. Senior Neysa Parham led the Viper ladies at the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) competition, where she says the team, as well as individual, performance has seen quite a boost. Parham was the only female runner to continue onto finals for cross country as well. Junior Ilenia Garcia proves to be an asset to the ladies team, too, with spectacular performances in the 100 and 200 yard dash. The Boys Track and Field team is seeing similar success this year. Junior Jeremiah Stringer placed 7th at GMAC competition, having a great performance in double long jump. Senior, and tri-sport athlete, Adrian Elkind also advanced for the discuss field event in the hopes to compete in the decathlon at the collegiate level. Finally, the boys 4x100 team (Anthony Guevara (12), Jovanny Valdez (10), Delano Morgan (10), and Stringer) had a strong showing at GMAC’s this year. Mixed Badminton Vipers are seeing positive action on the court, with the Boys and Girls Badminton teams led by Coach Ryan Schneider. Holding a record of 4-4-1, the team, and certain individuals, are in contention for top spots within the district. “It’s been a real fun group to work with,” Coach Schneider said. “They were all new to the sport and now it’s really competitive and very serious.” Standing out on the ladies side are 2nd Place Youth Fair champions seniors Valeria Ruiz and Valeria Matallana. Meanwhile, seniors Robert Armand and Miguel Coira, and junior Randall Elkind (yes, the volleyball team captain) are leading the boys. photos by Fox-Mar
S por t s Out s i d e V arel a
NFL goes across the pond By danielle malkin
The word “football” takes on staff reporter a whole new meanIG: @_candidani ing as soon as you cross the pond. (To quote Legally Blonde: The Musical “Shiny shirts and Tiny Shorts”) However, the National Football League (NFL), is hoping to make the American staple commonplace on the international scene. Helmets and offensive lineman standing shoulder to shoulder with the Queen? The tradition itself goes back to 2007, when the New York Giants took our very own Miami Dolphins to the field at Wembley Stadium (Yes, where they play the Wimbledon Open). Fast forward, the NFL has scheduled games and pre-game performances all the way through 2016. So who’s buying into more airtime underneath the Union
Jack? The Jacksonville Jaguars will play a home game in the International Series until 2016; if the games prove to be successful, both socially, financially and culturally, the league will look to expand into Europe. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall and fellow officials have been looking for expansion for quite some time and “view the International Series as a way to build fan interest in a London-based team.” According to officials, it was “less if, and more when.” So in 50 or 100 years, when we teach Advanced Placement United States History, and get to the fun topic of imperialism, will we teach of Teddy Roosevelt and the Jacksonville Jaguars? Roger Goodall and his policy to “throw nicely and carry a nice wallet.” The expansion looks to be posi-
tive for the American sports market, introducing world travel to its homely football fans. And who knows? Maybe you can enjoy your pretzel and beverage adjacent to tea and crumpets in the middle of an American Football game, give or take a few years.
2015 International Series Wembley Stadium, London NY Jets vs. Miami Dolphins Sunday, October 4 CBS
Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, October 25 CBS
Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, November 1 Fox 1 8 t h ev i p er vi b e @ g mai l. com
photos courtesy of nfl.com
Miami Heat cools down
Playoffs loom large for a team plagued by problems Column By cj salcedo
The Miami Heat is not only one of basketball’s biggest teams, but it’s also one of the most controversial. For years, fan reception, Editor-in-chief even though they have won two championships (they lost to the San @cj_fett_salcedo Antonio Spurs at last year’s Championships, yet won two in a row in the preceding years), has been mixed. Ever since small forward Lebron James came from Cleveland and went back, the Heat has been the source for all the love and criticism that Miami fans are known for. Now, with the 2014-2015 NBA season approaching its final months, Miami has been struggling to find any hope for a spot in the Playoffs. The Miami Herald stated that “a few days ago, Dwyane Wade cautioned that three consecutive losses could be devastating for his team’s playoff chances.” Wade also said, “We have to figure out at some time during these last games to put a streak together at some point. And we’ve got a challenging schedule coming up with tough games, so we’re going to have to do more than win one and lose one, and try to put a streak together.” (Miami Herald) In other words, it has been a rough season for our city’s team. They have not been able to maintain a winning-streak and have been losing too many games. With a 31-36 record, a star player (James) leaving back in June, and Chris Bosh having health problems, could we really expect them to make it? In no way am I criticizing this team. There is still a chance considering the slew of new players that they drafted and received in trades, players like University of Connecticut’s point guard Shabazz Napier or Phoenix Suns Guard Goran Dragic. I don’t know for sure. They have all the right components, they just need more drive. They still need to try hard to make it to late April. I think that they have worked too hard to just give up easily. There are a few weeks left until the playoffs; if they really push themselves, their team name will be among those fighting for Finals gold. It’s a long journey, but the heat is still on for Miami. Clockwise from top: 1. Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James hugs Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade just before the game on March 16, at American Airlines Arena in Miami. 2. Miami Heat’s Hassan Whiteside shoots over the defense of Boston Celtics’ Tyler Zeller during the first quarter on March 9, at American Airlines Arena in Miami. 3. The Miami Heat’s Goran Dragic drives to the basket in the third quarter against Brooklyn Nets at the American Airlines Arena in Miami on March 11. The Heat won, 104-98. 4. Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra give instructions in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at the American Airlines Arena in Miami on March 11. photos with permission El Nuevo Herald/MCT
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