New Year, New Movies

The month of January has a small list of new movies to be released, but there is one that soaks up all the excitement. 27 Dresses comes out on Friday January 18, 2008 and carries a very high level of anticipation. The IMDB website gives us a little fact about the movie, noting that “The wardrobe department reported that their initial designs for the dresses all looked too good on Katherine Heigl because of her figure, and they were hard-pressed to design bridesmaid’s dresses that would look bad on her.” Sarah Slemons says that when she saw the preview for this movie she almost passed out because she was so excited! “This movie looks funny and heart-warming, I just hope that one day that will not be me” says an anonymous female source. Courtney Beyer says, “I am looking forward to seeing this movie mainly because of the cast. Katherine Heigl is one of my absolute favorites! She did an amazing job in Knocked Up and I can not wait to see the impact this beautiful actress will have on me from this particular film.” 27 Dresses is a movie that is being talked about currently, amongst many girls, however, those who have already seen this movie say that it is a great chick-flick for all, even guys!

Another January film that actually came out on Friday January 4th, 2008 was the movie One Missed Call. This is a remake of a Japanese horror film and is about people who get voice messages on their phone, containing some kind of a recording of their own death. One critic from the reviews of IMDB says that it was a terrible movie and was a waste of his money. These reviews also gave the movie two out of ten stars. Senior Anna Hranilovich, who saw this movie, says “The dialogue was awful and it was so cheesy… one of the worst ‘horror’ movies that has ever been made.”

To return for a moment to our December movie review, one film seemed to be talked about more than I thought it would be. I Am Legend, the Will Smith movie that was anticipated so highly, seemed to have its reputation dragged down a little. Many said that is was too “freaky” for them and not even close to a good Will Smith movie. “He is still a good actor, but this movie did not do him justice. It was not what I was expecting and I was frankly a bit disappointed” says an anonymous student.

Another movie that turned many heads and got many talking was the sweet romantic comedy P.S. I Love You. It had an unpredictable ending and would make a perfect date movie for any age. If you have not seen this movie, I recommend you make it a must see!

Resolutions: Just A Tradition?

The New Year always brings up talk of New Year’s resolutions. People especially like to plan for what is to come for the New Year and ponder what resolutions were made from the past year. As I took a random survey of Worthington Christian high school students and staff, I discovered that my results were a little surprising.


A large percentage of the people here do not make New Year’s resolutions. This fact was astounding to me. Even among those who did do resolutions for last year, many of them only kept up with their goals for a few weeks at the most. Once the excitement of New Year’s had left them and had reality set in, people realized that wanting to learn to fly or be the world’s next super hero is a little out of their reach.
However, the few people who did make resolutions last year did a very good job with their goals. I asked people to reminisce about last year and tell me what resolutions they made and how that worked out for them. Shae Miller made a goal to start up her skating skills again and she attained this goal to her highest expectation. Cody Irwin had an ambitious goal to gain 35 pounds, and to his satisfaction, he was able to do so.

Many of our students here have not had the chance to meet our new school counselor, Miss Chris Berestecky (a.k.a. Miss B.). When asking her about her New Year’s resolutions from last year, I was touched with her response. Miss B. began to tell me that she has been a widow for about four years and it has just been her and her daughter who is currently in 8th grade. It was New Year’s 2007 when Miss B. decided to put full trust in Christ and to be content with where she was at that time. That was her goal, and that was her prayer. It was only two weeks later, on January 14, 2007, that her now fiancé gave her a call. “I think God knew that I wouldn’t last long, so he blessed me with a loving and caring man to take care of me and my daughter for now and forever as quickly as the second week of January” says Miss B. Now Miss B. is to be married on June 6th, 2008, and praises God for the blessing that He gave her and her young daughter.


What do you think? Are making New Year’s resolutions a thing of the past, or an opportunity to make you a better person? It is never too late to make a goal for yourself; if you did not make one on the first of the month, make one by the end. That is my challenge that I am leaving you all with.

Santa's Advice

Dear Santa,
This year for Christmas I want something different than what I normally ask for:
It is a gift that will not need a ribbon or a bow.
You cannot fit it through the chimney, window, or door
It’s not so much the size that would be a problem, though;
Or really the fact that you can’t buy it in a store.

This is my last year at home for Christmas;
I do not know what the years to come will entail,
This Christmas I must do something special for all,
Because future holidays might be done through phone or email.

I need that one perfect gift that will be unforgotten;
Something that no one will want to return.
Clothes go out of fashion, games get old, and food can go rotten;
I need something new that will make heads turn.

~WC Senior seeking Santa’s advice

I appreciate your coming to me and asking what I think you should do for this most-needed advice. There are many others just like yourself struggling with this same problem. As much as everyone wants to receive good gifts, most know that they want to give the best gift possible. Giving something to an acquaintance, a teacher, or a Christmas party’s gift exchange is usually so much easier than trying to give a sentimental gift. So what do you do as a young person trying to give something to close friends that you might not see after graduation, or to family members that you only see once a year; or even to your mom and dad that mean too much to you to possibly know what to get them?




Baked goods, gift certificates, or a sweet smelling fragrance may be a good option for you if you need to a quick gift. Homemade cookies, snacks, and other sweets can be a fun way to share with those whom you see on a regular basis, but might not be as close with. These goods are most always appreciated because people know how much time is put into making these. Gift cards are always an easy gift to pick up for someone. Places like Starbucks, Target, or even the mall in general are simple gifts that anyone will put to great use. Little things like candles also make for great gifts; everyone can use more candles (and do not be fooled, ladies; guys like them, too!).






When it comes to those who mean a little more in your life, and when you want to do something bigger than a candle or more personal than a gift card, this can be tricky. As cheesy as this advice may sound, though, homemade, well thought out gifts sometimes make the best ones. With all the programs and technology we have these days, it can be so simple to make a personalized calendar, cute scrapbook, or even a dinner out. Parents and grandparents like reflecting on memories; and giving a photo album of pictures of you all together or making a movie of things you have done together is something that can be kept forever. Just be creative and put your heart into it; and I can guarantee that you and those you love will have a great holiday!

HOHOHO ~Santa

December Movies

The Holidays are always a good time for new movies to come out. If you really take the time to think about it, not to many good movies come out over the summer, and even if they do, people are too busy with lying out by the pool, going on family vacations, or working overtime to save up money for their college funds. However, after the rush of high quality November movies, it is finally the month of December, and there are many more movies that are on popular demand to see.

Many Worthington Christian students and staff say they want to see the movie The Golden Compass. Some say that they grew up liking the books and want to see how the movie compares. Others want to see it for the sheer reason of knowing more about it. There has been much controversy over this movie, and many people want to see it for themselves to have their own opinion about it.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets is the sequel to the popular movie National Treasure that came out in November 2004 (another holiday movie!), this movie starred Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, and Sean Bean. The same actors will also be in the sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, except Sean Bean who played Ian Howe (the bad guy). The movie comes out December 21, 2007.

Will Smith is a world renowned movie star, comedian, singer, main character of what is still a popular TV show, a husband, and dad. He has been in over twenty five movies, all of which consist of different and challenging roles. Will Smith is a household name and now has just one more movie to add to his list. I Am Legend is a movie where Will Smith plays the last possible person on earth. Senior Anna Hranilovich says, “It looks intense and like a top notch Will Smith movie, I can’t wait to see it. Smith is such a thriller!”

“I thought it was going to be a horror movie from the first commercial I saw of it” says Sarah Slemons. “When I saw that movie was coming out the only thing I thought was who would actually go see that?” says Courtney Beyer. Such strong and negative opinions concern the new movie coming out on December 14, 2007 called Alvin and the Chipmunks. This movie is about on the 1980’s cartoon based on three chipmunks who have an undeniable talent for music and vocals. If you are looking for a good family movie to go see, or you want take a younger sibling/cousin to see a classic, Alvin and the Chipmunks would be a great choice!

More great movies to see this month may include Atonement, Awake, Bucket List, or Sweeney Todd. 2007 has had a great list of movies and this month really helps to wrap it all up.

If you go and see any of these movies, I would love to hear your feedback!
-Amanda Keusal

Amanda's Advice

Q: Dear Amanda,
There is this guy that I’m totally in love with. He is super cute and really talented. I’ve known him for a while now and admire all there is to him. We seem so right for each other. I write him often because we live far apart. He hasn’t been writing me back and I’m starting to worry that he doesn’t even know I exist anymore. Our first encounter was magical; he even sang me a song. He is family- oriented and very close to his older and younger brothers. I know these siblings of his, and they are just as sweet as he, but none can compare to him. I feel like Joe and I are growing apart; there is even a rumor of his seeing other girls. He is also on the road with Hannah Montana and it is getting harder to keep tabs on him because of the “fame.” Joe Jonas is the love of my life; what is there to do?
Cali Mennja
(This concerned lover’s name has been changed due to certain privacy rights)

A: Dear Cali Mennja,
Well, it definitely sounds like you are a little love struck. Now, the fact that your love is Joe Jonas does make things a little more complicated than most situations because of his growing fame. However, if you have known him for a while now and are close with his siblings too, then that does help. There are thousands of girls who would love to know him and have the encounters with Joe that you have had, and the truth is, there might be others who have had those “moments” with him. The rumors that you have heard could be just that: rumors. If you do not know for certain, then I would simply recommend asking him yourself; and tell him to be completely honest.

I can understand that it must be hard for you to keep in touch in with someone who lives far away and is constantly traveling. Maybe you can try talking more over the phone. Sending a quick text to someone simply to tell them that you are thinking of them can really make their day and help them not to lose sight of how much you care for that person. The fact that he is family-oriented is a positive quality to have and something that is not as common nowadays. Try showing him the ways that you and your family are close, this will be attractive to him, just like it is for you. Relationships are definitely more complicated when one or both of the people is famous, but it is manageable. You just have to learn to be strong and not let what others say affect what you know is true. Don’t forget that even if things don’t work out, you will have plenty of time to find love again. It sounds like you go for the guys who are musical, outgoing, and love their family. There are many guys out there like this, so if Joe isn’t the one for you, be patient because love can find you, too. Just remember this; stay honest with him and stay honest with yourself.

American Gangster: Have You Seen It?

What is your initial thought when someone mentions the names Denzel Washington or Russell Crowe? For most people, a flash of the new movie American Gangster probably comes in your mind. Taking a random poll of those at Worthington Christian High School I discovered that my results were a little overwhelming.
Godfrey Cheshire of Independent Weekly says, “Crowe and Denzel are, inarguably, two of the most charismatic actors in movies—I'll go see anything either appears in.” Also, Shayna Murphy of The Daily Massachusetts Online Collegian made a good point about Crowe by saying, “He's not deterred by what might normally trip up the everyday actor - wigs, costumes, accents, and mannerisms are all his friends.” Crowe told the writers of Access Hollywood that, “[there’s a] certain responsibility that comes when you are playing somebody who has had a real life.” This is very true for many actors and in this movie, Crowe really showed the way he felt and the passion he had for this movie and the real life person he plays. Some are saying that this is a typical role for Denzel and that he has no range to do anything else. Even if you believe that this comment is true, do you think that he does a good enough job in his movies that you would rather him not doing anything else?
In talking to over fifty students and staff here at WC, I found that only about eight of them had actually seen American Gangster so far. When I asked those who had seen the movie their brief opinion, many of their answers were very compelling. “It was surprisingly historically accurate” says senior Cody Irwin. “Best movie of the year so far and I think it is a lifestyle that is necessary for many people to see.” Courtney Beyer says very seriously. Junior Matt Schoonover said that it was different, but better than he had expected; and it had an interesting impact on him and the way he is now going to live his life. Others gave good but simple comments such as “heroine is gross” and “it was long but good” and “well worth the money.”
Out of the fifty to whom I talked who had not seen American Gangster, 66% of them said that they did plan on seeing it sometime in the near future; and some of those people already had plans to see it this very weekend. The other 34% said that they had no intentions of seeing this movie. (Quoting once again from Shayna Murphy with The Daily Massachusetts Online Collegian) she has a good overall statement about American Gangster, “As social commentary, American Gangster has something interesting to say. However, as a crime drama, American Gangster falls short of the mark, relying on recycled material to get the story where it needs to go.” This movie is rated R and seems to be more popular with the upperclassmen compared to some of the younger students at WC. American Gangster has been very highly recommended, but please watch it at your own risk.