Academy Students Review Recent Movies

Throughout the month of December, several highly anticipated movies were released in nearby theaters. During Academy’s winter break, many students had the opportunity to see some of these popular releases. After seeing these movies, the students were able to develop their own opinions, especially on the following movies.

“Pitch Perfect 3”

“Pitch Perfect 3,” the final installment of the “Pitch Perfect” movies, depicts the Barden Bellas as they embark on their final tour as an acappella group. Through this tour, the Bellas are given the opportunity to compete together once more as they continue to develop their relationship as a group. The cast included well-known actresses, such as Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson.

Sophia Montero (‘20) said, “I liked “Pitch Perfect 3,” but it wasn’t my favorite of the three movies. It was pretty funny, and the music was good, but I still think the original “Pitch Perfect” movie was the best. It set the scene, and the soundtrack was the best. It also showed the whole point of the acappella group.”

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi”

Within the newest “Stars Wars” movie, Luke Skywalker discovers the strength of Rey’s connection to the Force and, with his help, teaches Rey how to use it.

Reagan Finch (‘20) said, “I felt like it was a good movie, but because it was a “Star Wars” movie I had higher expectations. I felt like there was something missing in the movie, and I thought that something bigger should have happened.”

How many times have you seen #TheLastJedi?
Tickets: https://t.co/x84tTTrLSi pic.twitter.com/Z8aKkpn1ku

— Star Wars (@starwars) December 28, 2017

“Molly’s Game”

Based on a true story, “Molly’s Game” depicts the story of Molly Bloom, who had previously been a skier at the Olympic-level. “Molly’s Game” centers around Bloom’s involvement in high-stakes poker games, which she ran and were regularly attended by well-known celebrities. The movie depicts Bloom’s start in the poker world through several flashbacks. Meanwhile, she and her lawyer work through how to best approach her legal case.  

Jaclyn McCauley (‘19) said, “I was really impressed by the acting in “Molly’s Game.” I thought Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba did an excellent job. Also, I thought that the story itself was really interesting.”

Don’t miss the film @latimes raves as “Electrifying. Dazzling. Jessica Chastain pulls a winning hand.” #MollysGame is NOW PLAYING everywhere, get tickets: https://t.co/8RHpWjdKyx pic.twitter.com/PsYWLp5cxT

— Molly's Game (@Mollys_Game) January 9, 2018

“Coco”

Pixar’s “Coco” depicts the story of Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician. However, his dream is complicated by his family’s ban on music. As Miguel searches for the reasoning behind this ban, he finds himself in the land of the dead.

Olivia Martinez (‘21) said, “I thought that “Coco” was a really good movie. I really liked how it showed Mexican culture that a lot of people don’t know about. I also thought it had a great storyline in general.”

Congrats to the cast and crew of #PixarCoco on the #GoldenGlobes win for Best Animated Feature! pic.twitter.com/NvMRL2HQLs

— Disney•Pixar's Coco (@pixarcoco) January 8, 2018

In addition, Alley Pauley (‘19) said, “I saw “Coco” at the drive-in theater with my friends. I loved the movie because I thought it was really cute. The characters were animated really well.”

“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”

Following the same storyline as the original, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” portrays the adventure of four high school students after they discover an old video game, which physically brings the teenagers into the game. After becoming the players they chose, the characters must win the game in order to go back to their world.

Hanna Skelly (‘19) said, “I thought the movie [“Jumanji”] was hilarious. Jack Black was way too believable as a teenage girl. I also thought Kevin Hart was really funny because he always came in at random times and said random things.”

In addition, Samantha Lleras (‘19) said, “I loved “Jumanji.” Compared to the original, this version of “Jumanji” was more of a comedy. The original movie was much more serious. I liked the comedy version better.”