ON CINEMA

An Interview with Author and Director Stephen Chbosky

CINEMA - October 2012 Feature Interview

By Lizzie Chadbourne, Tom Ogden and Bridget Went, Marin Academy

When a book is transformed into a film, and thousands of fans finally watch the highly anticipated movie, they expect to see how their personally imagined characters and scenes are shown on screen. This obviously leaves room for a lot of disappointment and criticism of the acting and direction of the film. Some feel the main character was mis-cast, or that the writer left out a significant part of the story. The Perks of Being A Wallflower is an exception. Those who see the film after reading Stephen Chbosky’s highly popular and critically-acclaimed novel are sure not to be disappointed.

80,000 Tweets and Counting: About Ai Weiwei’s Story and the Woman That Made a Documentary About His Life

CINEMA - July 2012 Feature Interview

By Sabrina Hao; Freshman, University High School

Over 166,000 Twitter followers. One may wonder why this means so much. Alison Klayman shows the world the significance of these tweets in her documentary Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry.

Klayman, a journalist and filmmaker, created a riveting documentary about an inspirational artist, Ai Weiwei. When she lived in China from 2006-2010, she was introduced to Ai. After, she decided that she wanted to make a documentary about his life and work. Ai is a Chinese artist who rebels against the Chinese government. Ai helped create the Bird’s Nest for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, but shortly after, he spoke out against the government's decision to relocate civilians (whom were living where the Bird Nest currently stands). He has fought to raise awareness in China ever since. Ai creates art that is meaningful, shocking, and powerful. His photos and exhibits are known throughout the world. Using Twitter and his blog, Ai shares his experiences about living in China and the injustices that he has faced by posting pictures and tweeting. When the Chinese government made him “disappear” from the public eye, or any eye for that matter, the people created an uproar. After he was released, he was on strict probation and was unable to use Twitter or his blog like he did before. In the US, Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry came out on July 27. Klayman talks a little bit about her experience working with Ai and creating this film.

CINEMA - December 2011

By Kathryn Khalvati, Marin Catholic High School

It’s a bird... no it’s a plane... NO it’s an array of actors and gymnasts singing their hearts out as they are flipping in midair! With its magnificent choreography that blends cheerleading, hip-hop, and gymnastics into one awe-inspiring combination, first-rate acting and singing, thrilling plot, and an altogether inspiring and uplifting message to viewers, Bring It On: The Musical.

The show revolves around Campell, the blonde peppy Senior Cheer Captain of the Truman Cheer Squad, and the journey she ventures on as she is re-districted to the more independent and diverse Jackson High School that opens her eyes to a world beyond blonde cheerleaders and jock-like boyfriends. By overcoming the struggle to fit into a to school that dances to the beat of a different queen bee, hip-hop virtuoso Danielle, and letting go of grudges on former Truman cheer-mates, Campbell learns to see the importance of true friendships and in living in the moment over winning first place trophies and having a picture-perfect high school experience. So join Campbell and the rest of the wonderful cast of Bring It On: The Musical to see how Jackson High proves that life is more than just a ruthless cheer competition!