Movie Review by Oraida R.

M3gan (2022)
Rated PG-13, 1 hour 42 minutes

M3GAN is a sci-fi horror film which premiered in 2022. The story is based on an AI human doll–M3GAN– that is designed to be a child’s faithful friend. When Gemma–one of the main creators of this invention– gives her creation to her niece Cady, all chaos is set loose. Ultimately, M3GAN malfunctions from an attack and becomes seriously overprotective of Cady. M3GAN now sees that anything or anyone that hurts Cady is a threat and must protect Cady at all costs, even if that means ending a life. Progressively, as M3GAN’s behavior becomes violent, Gemma must stop this doll from hurting people before it’s too late.

This movie is an astonishing piece outlining action and even the love and importance of family. A little backstory…8-year-old Cady James tragically lost her parents by their car crashing into a truck while going up the blizzard covered mountains for a ski trip. Cady, now filled with emotion and anger, is now sent to live with her aunt Gemma, who is an astonishing robotic engineer. Gemme ultimately has never been a parent before so to make her task simpler, she calms Cady down with the robotic creation, M3GAN. M3GAN becomes Cady’s second friend and even parent. Although every creation has a malfunction. Cady is soon attacked by her neighbor’s dog which leaves M3GAN to come to her defense. Sadly, the dog causes M3GAN to malfunction. After this dog incident, M3GAN now sees that anyone that makes Cady get hurt, cry, feel sad, strong emotion, as a threat and must be annihilated out of existence. After the loss of 2 people Gemma gets suspicious as to why this is happening. All fingers point to this doll that may seem all loving and caring but can also be deadly. It’s now up to Gemma to stop this doll before M3GAN ends Gemma too.

At first, I didn’t think I would watch this movie, but once it started getting hype, I really enjoyed watching it. There is so much strong emotion and action here all mixed into one film. What I find really interesting is how the actor played this doll really well. The robotic-like movements and the artwork really tied this marvelous film together and is definitely worth the watch!

Movie Review by Steven R.

The Incredibles (2004)
Rated PG, 1 hour 55 minutes

The Incredibles is an exciting and action packed animated film from Pixar that follows the Parr family. A family of superheroes living in a world where superheroes are forced to live undercover due to public backlash. The story centers around Mr. Incredible, who longs for the days when he could fight crime and his wife Elastigirl. Elastigirl balances her own superpowers while raising three kids – Dash, who has super speed, Violet, who can become invisible and create force fields, and baby Jack-Jack, whose powers are unknown. After being recruited by a mysterious figure, Mr. Incredible takes on a mission to defeat a dangerous villain named Syndrome, who was once his biggest fan but now harbors a vendetta. As Mr. Incredible uncovers Syndrome’s plan to unleash a deadly robot, the entire family must come together to stop him. The film is both a humorous and heartwarming adventure, celebrating the power of unity and embracing one’s unique qualities. I recommend this movie.

Incredibles 2 (2018)
Rated PG, 1 hour 58 minutes

Incredibles 2 picks up right where its predecessor left off, with the Parr family facing the challenges of being superheroes in a society that still frowns upon their existence. The movie centers on Elastigirl being recruited for a high profile mission to help re-establish the public’s trust in superheroes. Mr. Incredible is at home to take care of the kids. While Elastigirl embarks on a dangerous mission to stop a new villain, Screenslaver. Screenslaver uses mind control to manipulate people through screens. Mr. Incredible struggles with the challenges of being a stay-at-home dad and dealing with Dash’s homework, Violet’s teenage angst, and baby Jack-Jack’s newly discovered and unpredictable powers. Ultimately, the family comes together to defeat Screenslaver, learning the importance of teamwork and supporting one another. Incredibles 2 explores themes of family dynamics, gender roles, and the power of unity, all while delivering thrilling action sequences and heartwarming moments that appeal to both adults and kids. A movie that I highly recommend.

TV Show Review by Phoebe S.

The Good Place (2016-2020)
Rated TV-PG

The Good Place is a super creative and humorous show that manages to teach life lessons about living life to the fullest, while still being really entertaining. It starts off with this woman, Eleanor, who ends up in the “good place” after she dies, even though she knows she belongs in the “bad place”, because she didn’t lead an amazing life. As the story goes on, it goes into questions about what it means to be a good person and how people can actually change for the better. The writing is smart, the characters are fun, and there are a ton of unexpected twists. It’s one of those shows that makes you laugh but also leaves you rethinking life, and the ending actually wraps everything up in a really satisfying way, resulting in all the characters finding peace and balance. I have personally rewatched this show many times, and the twists and turns never get old and neither does the show, it’s one of my favorite shows to watch, especially with no distractions.

Book Review by Alan C.

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Fablehaven series, book 1
(2006) 368 pages

Fablehaven is a fantasy novel by Brandon Mull which begins an entire five book series, as well as another series named Dragonwatch with another five books and two guide books. Great for all fans of fantasy! It takes many stories from all over the world and integrates the magical creatures.

Basic Plot

Slight Spoiler Warning

The main characters, Kendra and Seth Sorenson, discover their grandparents own a magical preserve dedicated to protecting magical creatures from humans, from fairies to demons.

Slightly Bigger Spoiler Warning

However, when Seth opens a window and frees malevolent creatures into the house on Midsummer Eve, he and Kendra have to try to save the preserve. They have to free a witch, Muriel, in order to transform their grandmother back to being human. Muriel, in turn frees Bahumat, a demon and they wreak havoc on the preserve.

Big Spoiler Warning

Kendra is now alone and has to try to save the preserve.

Review

Fablehaven is a great book! It brings magical creatures to life and constructs them into stories intricately. It takes mythological creatures, and builds off of them. Brandon Mull takes all of the stereotypes of mythological creatures and changes it to the point where his books with their own creatures are extremely separate from any mythology, folk tales, or stereotypes of the modern day. Fablehaven takes magic and weaves it into a giant story of its own. Brandon Mull shows his skill in writing books in his Fablehaven series. This book, overall, is amazing, and the two series it creates after it are even better. If you haven’t read Fablehaven yet, I suggest you give it a try. Brandon Mull created a fast-paced book, but slow enough that you can understand everything that happens.

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