Mount Hood

Live action: take two

Escrito por: Gretchen Sims | Editor-in-Chief

Advertencia sobre el contenido: this article contains spoilers.

When Netflix announced that they would be re-remaking “Avatar: The Last Airbender” as a live-action series, expectations were high. As a childhood favorite to many, another failed remake was all that was on fans’ worried minds. 

Starring Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka and Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko, the release of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” was, unfortunately, met with mixed feelings. 

When the show was set to hit production, Netflix announced that the original creators of the Nickelodeon cartoon, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, would work as executive producers on their live-action remake. This news excited fans who were, not long after, met with the disappointing news that DiMartino and Konietzko had departed from the show, citing creative differences — the two received writing credits for the first and sixth episodes. This disheartening turn of events raised questions regarding the show’s integrity to the original cartoon. 

First, I want to preface with the fact that this new remake was nowhere near as awful as the first attempt, which went as far as to mispronounce its character’s names. It was not as good as the original, I think anyone could have guessed that, but it wasn’t horrible. However, there were a few aspects of the remake that caused it to fall short of the cartoon. 

Growing up, Katara was always my favorite character. As a sister to annoying siblings, who often took on an authoritative position in their lives, I felt myself relating to her. In the Netflix remake, I didn’t get any of that. I felt like the energy and life Katara brought to the cartoon were lost in the live-action — it was as though she were flat and two-dimensional. 

Additionally — and there has been a lot of online discourse surrounding this — Sokka’s sexist character arch was cut from the adaptation. In the Nickelodeon series, Sokka starts the show with very sexist views that were instilled in him throughout his childhood, but he slowly loses them as he meets strong women throughout their quests. 

While there is an argument for cutting this arch, I think that writing Sokka’s initial sexism out of the show erased an important lesson the original writers wanted to portray. Talking about sexist themes is crucial to fighting gender biases — especially in children’s TV shows. 

The show’s creators stated that they wanted to make things darker to make the series not only for kids but “…people who are big fans of ‘Game of Thrones’” as well. 

This attempted direction fell more than short and left viewers with a weirdly “edgy” feel — in a “not at all edgy” sort of way.

The cartoon was supposed to be lighthearted to appeal to children, while also teaching valuable lessons to this younger audience. Because this was executed so well, the original “Avatar: The Last Airbender” show was a hit among all ages. Sadly, this new remake does not quite reach this mark — completely overlooking the essence of the original show. 

If one is debating whether it is still worth a watch, it is important to ask oneself why they fell in love with the original in the first place. Like I said in the beginning, it’s not horrible, it just leaves out some key components that can leave a returning viewer wanting more. 

6.5/10.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en howleditorinchief@wou.edu

Un cambio para el entretenimiento

Escrito por: Taylor Duff | Freelancer

Back in March of 2023, an article was released called “Writers are not keeping up” — published by the Writers Guild of America contract. This article was the start of the Writer’s Strike, expressing how writers are feeling devalued and objectified in harsh work environments, including tiny rooms and decreased pay as well as being overworked. 

The demand for writers is based on the switch to streaming from many if not most, entertainment channels. Because of the high demand, another complaint is the lack of experienced writers being hired to fill the gaps — with below or bare minimum pay giving the green light to have an excuse to pay less. 

Writers have also stated they have felt like second class to the actors and directors — being undervalued in the workplace despite doing double the amount of work and hours.

As a result of this strike taking place, the Screen Actor Guild also went on strike, and actors across all platforms made statements and interviews about the unfair treatment and harassment of their writers and staff. 

Actors such as Amanda Seyfried, Rob Lowe and Wonda Sykes all stood in solidarity with the writers during the protest. One main reason the actors joined the strike with the writers was to address the use of AI versions of themselves; using their likeness for gain in media. The SAG strike lasted until Nov. 9 of this year, meaning both WGA and SAG strikes are now over. WAG reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers back in September, and slowly but surely, they reached an agreement with the Screen Actors Guild as well. 

As for what this means for entertainment, the agreement is effective in protecting writers and giving proper residuals for international viewing. Due to streaming becoming the new wave of entertainment, the agreement takes effect now giving proper pay toward its writers with the royalties standing in their favor. 

Many movies will be delayed due to the strike shutting down production studios, with many directors and producers walking out. TV shows may resume, but will also be pushed back for months without new episodes. As for actors, the agreement gives them more security knowing they are protected against their likeness being used. 

As for the future of entertainment, the WGA contract term will be in effect until May 2026 — keeping in effect this protection for the people behind the entertainment consumed.      



Póngase en contacto con el autor en tduff23@mail.wou.edu

Celebrating women through novel and film

Escrito por:Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

March is Women’s History Month — a time dedicated to the celebration of the contributions, triumphs and progress of women throughout history. To celebrate, here is a list of recommendations for movies and novels featuring many of the beloved and strong female characters of generations.

Films

“Hidden Figures” (2016) — The story of the three genius African-American mathematicians who turned the tides of the space race. The movie was inspired by the New York Times bestseller novel of the same title.

“Lady Bird” (2017) — “Lady Bird” follows the life of a spontaneous high school senior, as she navigates a tremulous relationship with her equally ardent and strong willed mother. 

“Wonder Woman” (2017) — A remarkable movie detailing the consequences and loss faced by war, through the eyes of the Amazonian warrior, Wonder Woman.

“The Woman King” (2022) — Based on a true story, “The Woman King” tells the story of the tribe of female warriors, Agojie.

“Frida” (2002) — “Frida” details the real story of iconic and surrealist Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo.

“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018) — Based on the worldwide bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan, the movie centers around Rachel Ru — a native New Yorker — as she navigates the relationship between her and her long-time boyfriend’s East Asian family.

“Jackie” (2016) — A movie that tells the tragic story of the United States’ First Lady, Jackie Kennedy, after the death of her husband.

“Legally Blond” (2001) — Based on the novel of the same name by Amanda Brown, this film journeys through Elle Woods’ life, the sorority girl and aspiring lawyer at Harvard Law School.

Books

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott — A coming-of-age story following the lives of four sisters, Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg as they learn about love, strength and womanhood.

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas — A young woman grapples with identity, racism and discrimination after witnessing the fatal shooting of a childhood friend at the hands of police.

“The Radium Girls” by Kate Moore — A novel detailing the incredible yet tragic true story of the “Radium Girls,” the female factory workers who contracted radiation poisoning as a result of corporate greed.

“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood — “The Handmaid’s Tale” details the story of a woman forced to live as a concubine in a futuristic world struggling with a fertility crisis.

“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by Victoria E. Schwab — This fiction novel details the story of a young woman who makes a deal with the “devil,” which begins her endless journey through time.

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy — The debut memoir by Jennete McCurdy, as she details her struggles as a former child actress, demonstrating resilience and strength through mentality.

Póngase en contacto con el autor en howlnews@wou.edu

Kyra Marcotte shows how art gives a second chance

Escrito por: Gretchen Sims

The featured senior artist for the month of March is Kyra Marcotte. “Revive,” the exhibit in the Werner University Center, is the result of a renewal of passion in Marcotte, as an aspiring teacher turned artist explores their turmoil and joy in a post-pandemic world. 

Q: What does art mean to you?

A: “To me, art is self-expression, in a way that you don’t have to conform to society’s rules and expectations. Even though you can go to school and study the principles of design and composition (which are still very important), you can break free from them and explore infinite ideas and realities. And to me that is really beautiful, especially in a world that has so much pressure and expectations thrown on you from an early age.”

Q: What first got you interested in art?

A: “I never thought I wanted to be an art major or do anything in art. But my love for art was actually first sparked in middle school, when I met my best friend Precious. They always carried a sketchbook with them everywhere and they inspired me to do that as well. I didn’t realize until college that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, but they were the one to spark that passion in me.”

Q: What would you like others to take from your art?

A: “The main takeaway I want people to get from my art is the healing and therapeutic power of art. During the pandemic, creating these pieces helped keep me sane, and helped me process what was going on around me. I went from feeling lost and hopeless to seeing a bright future ahead of me. I used art to create a new life for myself.”

Q: What inspires you?

A: “I take a lot of inspiration from existing media around me. I love finding found images/videos and creating something new. Two of the videos in my show were made using found footage, that I edited together to create a new meaning. Same with the magazine collages. I love how taking multiple images/videos from different sources and putting them together can create something more interesting with more depth, but yet is also slightly jarring. I hope when people see these collages I created, they question what the deeper meaning is created by putting them together.” 

Q: What is your “why”? (what makes you the artist you are today)

A: “Self expression is extremely important to me. And my artwork is my favorite way to express who I am as a person and communicate that to the people around me. Through art, I can communicate myself through bright colors and interesting textures, and that brings me joy that is hard to match.”

Póngase en contacto con el autor en howlentertainment@wou.edu

Sonatas para la primavera

Un abanico musical perfecto para la nueva estación

Colectivo Western Howl

Póngase en contacto con el autor en howlentertainment@wou.edu 

La primavera ya está aquí, y ¿qué mejor manera de celebrar el cambio de estación que con una nueva lista de reproducción? A continuación encontrarás una colección de canciones recopiladas por el equipo de The Western Howl que nos gusta escuchar en primavera. Echa un vistazo a esta lista de reproducción junto con otras que hemos hecho en Spotify en @The Western Howl.

 

  • "Young, Wild & Free" - Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars
  • "Wonderwall" - Oasis
  • "Breakin'" - The All-American Rejects
  • "Painting Flowers" - All Time Low
  • "Mustache Man (Wasted)" - CAKE 
  • "Breezeblocks" - alt-J
  • "Walkin' On The Sun" - Smash Mouth 
  • "Superfast Jellyfish (feat. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul)" - Gorillaz 
  • "Stunnin'" - Curtis Waters ft. Harm Franklin
  • "La duda" - Hippo Campus
  • "Ha llegado la primavera" - Skeggs
  • "Temblor en las rodillas" - Grizfolk 
  • "Abolicionista de las setas" - Vegyn
  • "Chaise Lounge" - Pata Mojada
  • "Silvertongue" - Young the Giant
  • "Primavera" - BTS
  • "Junio" - Superficies
  • "Shine On Top" - Superficies
  • "Sunroof" - Nicky Youre, dazy
  • "INCREÍBLE" - Rex Orange County
  • "Watermelon Sugar" - Harry Styles
  • "La vida es una autopista" - Rascal Flatts
  • “Here Comes the Sun” — The Beatles
  •  “Good Kisser” — Lake Street Dive

Review: “Turning Red”

“Turning Red”: The starting point of representation for this generation’s teenagers

Mirella Barrera-Betancourt | Redactor

Póngase en contacto con el autor en howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

This review contains spoilers. 

“We’ve all got an inner beast. We’ve all got a messy, loud, weird part of ourselves hidden away. And a lot of us never let it out.”

It seems that Disney and Pixar have a knack for calling out the faults present in modern parenting methods. While I liked the film, I honestly would not have watched it if it hadn’t been for the trending topics caused by the film’s release.

For those unfamiliar with the premise of the movie, it follows the story of Meilin Lee — who is referred to as Mei throughout most of the film — a thirteen year old girl at the onset of her teenage years. Unbeknownst to Mei for the first few minutes of the film, she is the descendant of a gifted — or cursed — lineage, which instantly transforms her into a fluffy red panda.

Ever since its release, the film has sparked controversy among viewers for issues related to “taboo” topics. What I have to say is: f–k them. 

The film hits audiences in the feels, like most Pixar films do. It is a heartwarming and relatable story that discusses the importance of menstrual cycles in a hilarious, yet educational way. It also makes a suggestive joke on “gyrating,” or what I would call, “twerking.” While others might see all this as inappropriate, I just see it as the real representation of teenagers and their quirks.

My favorite aspect of the film was the conflict Mei found herself in while choosing between her friend group, who seemed to understand her for who she really was, and her mother, who all but dumped her own dreams and expectations onto her. I loved the idea that this soft red panda represented the wild and carefree side of Mei and how her splitting away from the red panda meant she was separating from an integral part of who she was.

Also, don’t get me started on Mei’s mother. On occasions, I thought her mother was incredibly selfish. However, as the film delved further into the storyline, I slowly grew to like her. Perhaps mothers and grandparents can have the best intent in mind but go about it in selfish ways. 

Like all films, “Turning Red” has its fair share of dislikable elements. I was slightly put off with the stereotypes present within the film, such as that all girls only think about boys or that menstruation is deemed critical to reaching womanhood. There’s also the small fact that Mei’s friends criticize her for seemingly being a “goody two-shoes,” which only adds to the plight of the already negative connotation attached to the term.

But who cares? In the end, “Turning Red” is a film soon-to-be and existing teenagers should watch. I know that if I were a teenager, I would have appreciated such a film to help me laugh on the ups and downs of adolescence. Rating: 8.5/10.

Western’s bands are back indoors

Band rehearsals have moved back inside, just in time for colder fall weather

Camille Lenning | Editor de entretenimiento

Those who frequented campus the first two weeks of fall term may have heard the sound of music flowing from outside Smith Hall. This is where Western’s instrumental ensembles practiced to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines. However, bands like the jazz orchestra have recently found themselves back inside for practice sessions, since they received specialized equipment that greatly limits the spread of respiratory droplets while playing. 

“This includes custom masks designed to be worn while playing a wind instrument, as well as bell covers that reduce the spread of aerosols while playing an instrument,” said jazz orchestra director Dr. Keith Karns. “This PPE is part of the COVID mitigation plan adopted by virtually all music programs in public schools, colleges, and universities in the Pacific Northwest.”

These COVID safety protocols have also allowed the ensembles to schedule performances again, something they were unable to do last year. 

“One of them is going to be a side-by-side concert with … McKay High School. So we’ll just be over there, showing the high schoolers what we can do … and they can play with us and they get on the stage with us,” said sophomore general music major Jacob McDonald, who plays trumpet for the jazz orchestra. 

Ensembles are no longer required to practice outside Smith Hall.

McDonald is also a member of the wind ensemble, who will be joining the jazz orchestra for an end of term concert featuring famous jazz clarinetist Eddie Daniels, scheduled for Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. 

The two groups are performing a wide variety of music this term; the jazz orchestra lineup includes several pieces by renowned jazz pianist Count Basie, “I Left my Heart in San Francisco” by Tony Bennett and “Strasbourg / St. Denis” by jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, and the wind ensemble will perform arrangements such as an homage to silent films and a march composed by John Phillip Sousa.

“I am very, very excited for concerts and to be playing again … (it’s) doing what I like to do, right? And so, yeah, very excited,” said McDonald. 

Póngase en contacto con el autor en entertainmenteditor@thewesternhowl.com

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