Mount Hood

The comeback of Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

History was made on June 28, 2005, when Rick Riordan first published “The Lightning Thief.” In the last year, the author of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” has released two new books belonging to the original beloved book series. Over the last 18 years, the series has grown to be 17 books long in addition to two trilogies that take place in the same universe.

To date, the “Percy Jackson” series has been adapted into two movies and a television series that is scheduled to air on Disney+ on Dec. 20. The series stars actors Walker Scobell as Jackson, Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase and Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood. Trailers for the show depict the trio embarking on epic adventures, accurately mirroring the first book in the series.

Fans have ultimately been more receptive to the casting of the show than the original two movies, though the characters don’t exactly match their book descriptions. Lovers of the book series were disappointed by previous adaptations of the book series to see plot points erased and the characters inappropriately cast in the movies. 

As Riordan continued to expand his universe, he added more diversity to his book by including POC, LGBTQ+ and disabled characters. “Percy Jackson” fans are excited to see this diversity has carried over into the series as well.

Since the original “Percy Jackson” pentalogy was released in the 2000s, Rick Riordan has continued to write bestselling novels. “The Heroes of Olympus” continued the “Percy Jackson” story with a new cast of characters in the 2010s, and “The Trials of Apollo” took the point of view of one of the Olympians the previous series discussed. “Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard” and “The Kane Chronicles” followed Norse and Egyptian mythology, and were also adored by loyal Riordan fans, who dubbed their favorite author Uncle Rick.

Though Rick Riordan has claimed he is finished writing books in the “Percy Jackson” series, he released two new additions in 2023 — “The Chalice of the Gods” and “The Sun and the Star”. “The Chalice of the Gods” follows Percy as he navigates his senior year of high school. “The Sun and the Star,” co-written with Mark Oshiro, is the treacherous tale of demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace as they venture into the underworld.

“Percy Jackson” has continued to thrive due to its healthy mix of nostalgia, a connected fanbase and incredible writing throughout the years. Fans are expecting a bright future for both the books and the show. 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Our favorite movies are getting old

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

It’s crazy to think that the year 2023 is almost at its end and our favorite, as well as our busiest, holidays are fast approaching. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years are all right around the corner which means we can take advantage of the break from school and cozy weather by watching some movie classics. Some of the world’s favorite movies are celebrating their 10, 20 and 30 year anniversaries; feeling old yet?

10 years old — Disney’s “Big Hero 6” is having its tenth birthday on Nov. 7, 2024, celebrating being the highest grossing animated film of 2014. Robotics genius of fictional city San Fransokyo, Hiro, faces a devastating loss of his brother, Tadashi, that throws him into a dangerous plot to avenge his brother and solve the mystery of who is stealing his invention. Transforming his squishy human helping companion, Baymax, and other friends, into a team of high-tech heroes, they come together to find who was responsible for his brother’s death and avenge him to the fullest. 

20 years old — Does one still wear pink on Wednesdays because of the iconic film “Mean Girls?” If so, it’s been 20 years since that movie came out so that’s a real fan. The 2004 film grossed 130 million in the box office and instantly became a cult classic. Homeschooled teenager Cady moves from Africa to face the world of U.S. high school cliques. Befriended by outsiders Janis Ian and Damian Leigh, they explain the cliques, specifically the infamous ‘plastics’ with popular girls Gretchen Wieners, Karen Smith and queen bee, Regina George. After the plastics invite Cady to sit with them at lunch, Janis encourages Cady to infiltrate the clique and take down the plastics. 

It’s also been 20 years since the release of the coming of age movie, “Napoleon Dynamite,” which ended up at number 14 on Bravos top 100 funniest movies of all time. Jon Heder plays the socially awkward student, Napoleon Dynamite, who daydreams his way through school to avoid the constant bullying. As he is befriended by Mexico transfer student, Pedro, and small town girl, Deb, together they attempt to take on the school and have a decent high school experience — even if that means being humiliated in the process. “Just vote for Pedro, gosh,” *Napoleon Dynamite voice*.

30 years old — Still don’t feel old yet? One might after they learn about which movie classics are turning 30 this year — like “The Lion King.” Disney released the musical drama film “The Lion King,” based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, in June of 1994 and it quickly became the highest grossing film of that year and the second highest grossing film until 2003.

“The Lion King ” follows the life of Simba as he grows to succeed his father, Mufasa, as king of the Pride Lands. However, Simba’s uncle, Scar, was spiteful and killed Mufasa to seize the throne — allowing Simba to believe he was responsible for his fathers death resulting in him fleeing into exile. 

Being raised by carefree mentors Pumbaa and Timone, as well as getting valuable advice from childhood friends, Nala and Rafiki, Simba is encouraged to return to the Pride Lands to challenge Scar and avenge his father.  



Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

The classic origins of “Clueless,” “She’s the Man” and “10 Things I Hate About You”

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

“Clueless,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” and “She’s the Man” are humorous high school movies with dynamic protagonists. These three films have kept audiences entertained since the 1990s and 2000s. However, what many may not know about these movies is that they are based on century-old classics. 

Jane Austen’s “Emma” was first published in 1815 and was the last novel to be published during Austen’s lifetime. The title character, Emma Woodhouse, is intelligent, a little spoiled and an enthusiastic matchmaker. What modern character is Emma’s equal? Cher Horowitz from the 1995 chick flick “Clueless,” of course. It would be a disservice to Jane Austen to limit “Clueless” to just a chick flick — there is more nuance to the movie that refreshingly pulls from the original story.

The witty female protagonist and charming bad-boy love interest from the film “10 Things I Hate About You” has dominated the screen since 1999. The film’s protagonists, Kat and Patrick, are the late ’90s equivalent of Katherina and Petruchio from “The Taming of the Shrew” — the Shakespeare play that was written over 400 years before the movie. Kat is stubborn, Patrick is sarcastic and together they create the perfect couple.

A lesser-known Shakespearean modern favorite is “She’s the Man,” a high school movie based on the comedy “Twelfth Night.” Twins Viola and Sebastian Hastings are complete opposites — Viola loves sports and Sebastian is an aspiring musician. The 2006 rom-com challenged gender norms, as Viola pretended to be her brother in order to play on the boys’ soccer team — and kicked some serious butt no less. This movie carries on the miscommunication trope that both Shakespeare and modern audiences love so much.

Hailee Carmody, a sophomore at Western shared her opinions on “She’s the Man” and how it presented feminism. 

“We see the idea that women are just as capable as men… especially when the gender switch happens,” Carmody said. However, she also spoke up about parts of the movie that are now outdated. “I definitely think there are some gender stereotypes that are present and not necessarily addressed. It’s a movie that’s a product of its time and should be taken with a grain of salt.”

These classics had powerful female protagonists centuries ago, and their stories have carried over into the present day for modern audiences to enjoy. These tales never became irrelevant — they just needed a little reworking. This genre of movie has reintroduced fans to inspiring stories their ancestors once enjoyed.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Upcoming headliners

Written by: Hannah Field | News Editor

November 2023 is projected to be a busy month for media releases. Some great hits have already come out, including lots of anticipated movies like “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and novels such as the new Percy Jackson book, a Hunger Games addition and many celebrity memoirs topping the charts. The excitement is expected to last through the end of the year with new content lined up for avid readers and movie-enjoyers.
Author Rebecca Yarros came in hot in April 2023 with “Fourth Wing” — the first book in her series titled The Empyrean. “Fourth Wing” is projected on Goodreads with a 4.6 rating out of 5, prompting the release of her highly anticipated sequel, “Iron Flame,” which is expected to be released Nov. 7.     

With themes of fantasy and romance, protagonist Violet Sorrengail is thrown headfirst into a grueling test of wits and will in her second year at Basgiath War College — all while being pushed to betray her one true love. After “Iron Flame,” Yarros is expected to release three more books. “Iron Flame” is a must-read after “Fourth Wing’s” success.

Suzanne Collins’ newest novel, “Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” may have been released by now, but the movie directed by Francis Lawrence premieres Nov. 17. The movie is eyeing a $50 million box opening and may be one of the most anticipated films of the year. Taking place long before Katniss Everdeen’s iconic overture of the Hunger Games, the plot focuses on insidious president Coriolanus Snow, pre-presidency, and delves into the philosophical themes around control and chaos.

Christopher Paolini began his writing career with his publication of “Eragon” when he was 19, going on to resolve the Eragon series in 2011 — until now, with the expected release of his follow-up novel “Murtagh,” the name of a beloved character from the original tetralogy. 

While the plot itself is largely unknown, it has been said that “Murtagh” takes place a year after the last novel, “Inheritance,” left off and that the Dragon Rider has been exiled to unknown territory. Dragons appear to be a major hit with new novels this November.

The animated movie “Wish” premieres Nov. 22 in theaters — produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. With a 200 million dollar budget, “Wish” is expected to stun crowds with its worldbuilding and animation. 

After the protagonist Asha makes a wish on a star, she is forced into exile while trying to save the future of her beloved kingdom. Chances are, “Wish” will be a hit for kids, families and adults alike — utilizing that Disney charm to win over audiences. Secondly, it hosts the same teams that worked on “Frozen” and “Moana,” a sign of success for the film. “Wish” will be commemorating Disney’s 100th year of production as an animation studio, so expect a stellar show.

While not a movie nor a book, the drama series “All The Light We Cannot See,” arrives Nov. 2.  Modeled after the novel of the same name by author Anthony Doerr, the story revolves around a blind girl during Nazi reign who meets a young German soldier and tells a tale of resistance, hope and survival. The series has some big names, like Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Laurie, and stars breakout actress Aria Mia Loberti. The show will have four episodes and is to be streamed on Netflix.

Calling all horror fans: “Thanksgiving” releases Nov. 17, starring big names like Patrick Dempsey and Addison Rae. Plymouth, Massachusetts, is plagued by an axe-wielding serial killer in this upcoming thriller directed by Eli Roth.

Carol Danvers returns to theaters Nov. 10 in “The Marvels,” where she and two others join forces under the alias — you guessed it — The Marvels. With entangled powers and a breaking universe’s fate on their backs, the three have to unite to achieve their goal. The action movie has a gross budget of $274.9 million and includes another performance from Brie Larson. 

Audience reviews have a mixed expectation for the movie: while it is far too early for a rotten tomatoes rating as the movie isn’t even out yet, “The Marvels” has the shortest runtime of any Marvel movie to date and Brie Larson has faced plenty of critique online for supposedly being “disillusioned” in her role as Captain Marvel. Disney+ may receive the film early in 2024, but that is only a projected guess; in the meantime, it can be found in theaters near you very soon. 



Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Bite of ’89

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

Two well-loved fan bases are celebrating simultaneous, monumental releases on Oct. 27. Both horror video game and pop music fans are being brought together by this fateful fall Friday. The ultimate question is which one will one be indulging in: the release of the live-action “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” or both?

Taylor Swift, currently one of the most well-known artists in pop music, announced she was going to re-record her first six albums in November of 2020. Swift’s old label sold her music to her manager, Scooter Braun, meaning she no longer owns the rights to any of her music. It’s no wonder that fans of the singer/songwriter are excited about the re-recording of the albums.

Fans of Swift — Swifties — everywhere are proud of this empowering transformation of their favorite artist.

“It’s one of her most iconic albums. This is the year she really embraced pop… I’m just really excited to be back in that era again,” said Kayla Smith, a sophomore at Western.

Though Swifties are ecstatic, some still look down on Taylor Swift and her music. “Even if you’re not a Swiftie… be supportive. You don’t have to listen to it if you don’t want to, but try not to be mean to Swifties out there who are really excited,” said Smith.

On the same day, fans of “Five Nights at Freddy’s” will be in theaters for the release of the movie adaptation of the horror game. The video game was first popularized in 2014 by gaming Youtubers who streamed videos of themselves playing “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Was that the bite of ’87? Players have to survive five nights alone as a security guard at a pizzeria — avoiding animatronics in the dark and learning the many years of intricate game lore.

The ultimate lesson to take away from this encroaching date is to be supportive of each other. Whether it’s pop star Taylor Swift, or horror game turned movie “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” both have made large advances in the last few years. Though both are very different, there is much to celebrate this fateful October weekend.

Contact the author at howlenterrtainment@wou.edu

Fun fall watchlist

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

“Gilmore Girls” on Netflix

“Practical Magic” on Hulu

“Charmed” on Netflix

“Dead Poets Society” on Prime

“Coraline” on Max and Hulu

“Coco” on Disney+

“Over the Garden Wall” on Hulu

“The Shining” on Max

“Knives Out” on Prime

“Wendell and Wild” on Netflix

“The Birds” on Prime

“The Golden Bachelor” on Hulu

“Halloweentown” on Disney+

“What We Do In the Shadows” on Hulu

“Haunted Mansion” on Disney+

“Black Swan” on Prime

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Lessons from the school of SAW

Written by: Aubrey Laine Baker | Freelancer

The late September release of “Saw X” met box office success and critical acclaim as the film grossed $29.3 million worldwide on its opening weekend. Long-time fans of the “Saw” franchise have rejoiced at its return to the limelight, inciting countless sentimental reflections on its colorful history and cultural relevance. For almost 20 years, the continuing saga has dispensed dopamine fixes and unified audiences across the globe through their insatiable desire for psychologically unsettling storytelling, complex moral quandaries and labyrinthine narrative twists. Or, maybe they’re simply brought together by their hardwired, human hunger for ultraviolence.

While some critics dismiss the films with labels such as “torture porn,” others praise them for their deeper philosophical outlooks and metaphorical explorations of redemption — needle pits, anyone? But whether one is binging on gore or strung out on the subtleties of cinema, “Saw” leaves viewers of any disposition with a timeless takeaway: life is to be cherished.

I want to play a game. The game I want to play is not unlike the game of life. There’s a slow-acting poison coursing through the world that each and every person has the antidote for.

Are they going to watch themselves die, or are they going to do something about it?

Thankfully they’re not typically strapped by their teeth to a home-brew head shredder on a timer, and they don’t need to face their most personal flaws in a grimly ironic, gruesome death room. They don’t need to push the limits of self-mutilation or sacrifice the well-being of others for their survival.

But they will have to do some surgery. Somewhere inside of them is the glow of their passions. Can they find it?

Will they tend to it and radiate with its warmth? Or let it dwindle and die, and rob the world of their brilliance.

Life is a gift and it’s not to be squandered. In our contemporary world of nihilistic persuasion and ever-rising suicidal tendencies, it can be easy to forget that. 

In the words of John Kramer, “Congratulations, you are alive. So many people are ungrateful to be alive, but not you. Not anymore.”

Contact the author at

albaker23@mail.wou.edu

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