A Movie Review:
Release: February 2016 Rating: 15 Director: Tim Miller Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, Brianna Hildebrand, TJ Miller, Stefan Kapicic Plot: After developing multiple inoperable tumours, Wade Wilson undertakes an experiment to cure him. After suffering drastic side effects, he sets out to seek revenge on the man who ruined his life.
Development hell. That unsavoury purgatory from which most films never escape. After more than 10 years in development, involving multiple rewrites, recastings and even a PG-13 version, Deadpool finally escapes, thanks to some "leaked" test footage which saw Fox greenlight the picture within 24 hours. And it's been a long time coming.
Right from the spectacular opening credits (which will surely go down as some of the best ever made) it's clear that director Tim Miller and star Ryan Reynolds have got Deadpool's spirit spot on. Reynolds is an absolute joy to watch; he's clearly having a much better time here than in 2009's disastrous X-Men: Origins (which he has since stated he felt "blackmailed" into doing). The Merc With a Mouth is exactly that; there are in-jokes, pop culture references and fourth-wall breaks abound (even an Inception-esque fourth- wall break within a fourth-wall break). Little escapes unmentioned, Deadpool opting to take the mickey out of just about everything that springs to mind, including Reynolds' turn as Green Lantern, Reynolds himself, Hugh Jackman, and there's even a cheeky reference to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In terms of character, Deadpool is perfect.
The film doesn't fall short in its story aspect either; instead of opting for a standard "the world is in immediate danger and only the hero can stop it" story, Miller rolls with more of an action-romance, and it's much better for it. The romance in question is really well-played; it's something one can actually be invested in and root for. In terms of the action, all I can say is it's a whole lot better for its 15/R rating. The higher rating allows the team to be more true to Deadpool as a character, letting the language and blood just flow when the feeling comes. But what makes it truly great is the fact that it's rarely overly gruesome or disgusting, and the times when it is so are played for laughs by Deadpool. One thing is for sure; there's never a dull moment.
If I had to say one thing, though, it would be that the sheer amount of crude jokes may be tiring for some, and the pace becomes a tad uneven in the second act. In fairness, this slight lull is better in the middle than at the beginning, as with most origin stories. In fact, Deadpool deliberately does this, opening with a stunning action sequence, and then taking us back a pace to explain things.
But these are tiny flaws in a movie that will surely change the comic book movie genre as we know it, and hopefully pave the way for more R-rated superhero movies.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - While the abundance of sex jokes may be seen as distasteful, it doesn't detract the fact that this is the funniest comic book movie ever made, and also one of the most fun.
PS: Stick around for the credits.
Matt Taylor Movie Review Kung Fu Panda 3
Kung Fu Panda 3 is the third instalment in the remarkable Kung Fu Panda series. In this movie Po now becomes the teacher of Kung Fu, then he meets his father and finds out there are more pandas out there. So he goes there to learn the art of chi. Meanwhile the spirit warrior named Kai busts out of the spirit world and he steals warriors’ chi and turn them into his own emerald warriors. Now he is coming for the pandas and the only one who stands in his way is of course the Kung Fu Panda.
This movie is one for all members of the family to enjoy, it is funny with lots of laugh out loud moments. There is a good story line involving Po’s father as well as his adopted father and how that becomes a little odd for him. Similarly to the last two movies there is something he needs to discover for himself, he didn't know he was capable of. Thus creating a moral for young and old to believe in themselves. I had a great time watching this film and I would rate it 4.5/5 stars.
By Ibrahim Ali 7F The Oscars 2016 – The 88th Academy Awards
By Owais Khalid 7F
!
Every year in the United States, an event occurs in the film industry which is designed to be one of the most breathtaking events of the year. The press start camping outside to capture glimpses of Hollywood royalty as the red carpet is rolled out. The stars come out to honour the occasion in all their glitz and glamour.
This year was no exception, only slightly overshadowed by the whisperings of boycotts from certain stars amidst allegations of racism in Hollywood. Regardless, the show must go on and so it did, in all its glory.
On 28th February 2016, the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, braced itself for the 88th Academy Awards Ceremony which was to take place that evening, giving out awards in 24 different categories and celebrating the best films of the preceding year 2015.
The event was produced by David Hill and directed by Glenn Weiss. The actor Chris Rock had been tasked with the job of hosting the show. This was still a pressured job even though he had already hosted previously in 2005 and had some experience.
The most craved awards are certainly given to the best actor, best actress and best film. This year, it was Leonardo DiCaprio who, after many years of hoping, finally won the best actor award for his outstanding role of a 19th century bear hunter in “The Revenant”. It was noted that “The Revenant” took awards in other categories too – namely for best Directing and best Cinematography.
The new Mad Max movie “Fury Road” also did well scooping many awards in various categories. The best actress was awarded to Brie Larson for her leading role in the “Room”. The best picture was “Spotlight” which was about a group of journalists uncovering a conspiracy of child abuse.
However my two favourite awards were for best animation which went to the Disney Pixar creation “Inside Out” and best music (original song) for one of my favourite songs “Writings on the wall” used for the latest James Bond movie “Spectre”.
As the evening drew to a close, it had been a long event, and there had been many tears of joy as well as some disappointed faces. I knew though that the clock had already started ticking for the next year’s event preparation.
Let’s see what happens next year...
The Bolton Wanderers Takeover Drama
Last summer Bolton wanderers received interest from a few consortiums whom were considering buying the club. Many were foreign, from the like of Korea and Thailand, but one stuck out to Edwin Davies, a lifelong Boltonian and Wanderers owner, Sports Shield. Sports Shield is an investment company, which is headed by former BWFC striker, Dean Holdsworth. This looked very appealing to Edwin Davies as it was a former Bolton player, but also a British investment company, not a foreign one.
The deal was now moving forward, but over the next few months it hit problems after problems. The problems were varied, they came from both Sports Shield and the club. Sports shield wanted Edwin Davies to write off the clubs debt which was mostly owed to him. Edwin agreed, but with a view to still keep some of the debt there. However another problem aroused when Edwin questioned the financial capability of the company. To which they had no reply. At this point the takeover bid was seen as a certain failure. Then Sports Shield came back with new investment and they successfully proved to Edwin Davies that they had the necessary funding needed to takeover.
Then something shocking happened. Edwin Davies removed all financial support to the club. Suddenly the club was in turmoil. It could no longer afford to pay players nor staff wages. Therefore with players not being paid, performances dipped, which left them marooned at the bottom. In this position in the league a Middle Eastern investor pulled out.
Now the club were forced to sell their assets to raise enough money to pay wages. The club car park was sold with reports saying it was sold between £5 million and £25 million pounds. Once the players and staff were paid, another issues came to fruition. Tax. BWFC now had an outstanding tax bill. However since sports shield were still interested in buying Bolton asked the high court to give them a period of time in which they could finalise the deal. This was a crucial moment. If the high court declined then BWFC would've entered administration and faced certain relegation, fortunately no such thing occurred.
Another month went by and no deal was finalised, but almost complete. So the high court granted Bolton some more time to finalise the deal which they did this time. Sports shield were now the new owners of a football club. It only cost them £7.5 million!!! Now the deal was almost done, Sports Shield had to now get confirmation from the football league. This took longer than expected. The football league needed to know whether Sports Shield had a contingency plan if Bolton fell into league 1. Once this was indicated to the league the deal was finally completed and many were smiling around the Macron stadium. Maybe now the club would become more transparent? Something Wanderers fans have been begging for, for years.
But now sports shield have the humongous task of keeping the club up from certain relegation. Can it be done?
Written by Sa'ood Mulla Classics Lectures
On Wednesday 16th March, journalist, comedienne, broadcaster, author and classicist Natalie Haynes visited school to lead two fascinating lectures on the Classical world. Natalie read Classics at Christ’s College, Cambridge and was made a Distinguished Supporter of the British Humanist Association in April 2010. We were incredibly fortunate to have been able to attend lectures from such a distinguished speaker and it was most certainly enjoyed by all who attended.
Firstly during lunch, Natalie discussed topics such as religion, women and money in the Classical world, whilst managing to entertain us all with witty anecdotes and the ever popular theme of the weird and wonderful lives and deaths of mythological figures. Pupils from all years and both divisions in addition to staff were given the opportunity to ask questions to Natalie; who was more than happy to give fully detailed and opinionated responses to a collection of thoughtful questions.
Secondly during period five, an audience of classicists and dramatists gathered to hear Natalie talk on the subject of Greek Tragedy and Comedy. Once again, Natalie delivered a comedic and fast paced lecture featuring discussion about the work of Aristophanes and his more prolific works such as the Lysistrata. Furthermore questions posed by pupils gave Natalie the opportunity to recount her own experiences in, and opinions on comedy as well as expressing a clear passion for the Classics.
In conclusion, all members of the audience were clearly engaged and entertained in what was an exceptional pair of lectures delivered by a fantastic orator. Many thanks to Natalie Haynes for taking time out of a tremendously busy schedule to inspire a future generation of classicists. Also, thanks to Miss Worth and the rest of the Classics department for organising such an enjoyable event.
Sam Warburton Bomb Attack
On the 4th March there was a bombing under a police van in Belfast. The prison officer was injured and was in critical condition, but unfortunately - 11 days after the bombing - Adrian Ismay died in hospital.
He was 52 years of age. When he was in hospital he had heart failure. Chief Constable George Hamilton said police would have to wait for medical evidence before confirming if his death would be treated as a murder. The officials say that the bomb attack was claimed to be by a group called the IRA. This is a picture of part of the van. The police suspect that there was two cars used by the bombers, one of them was a Citroen C3. The police also believe that the car was used to plant the bomb at Hillsborough Drive around 2:00 am. The second car was a silver Skoda Fabia which was believed to have been used before and after By Shady Morgan 7F the attack. The police spotted a man being dropped off in the Skoda in Pilot Street, near Belfast docks, at around 3:00 am, the morning of the bombing. Brain Teasers
Do your best to answer these tricky riddles, think your way through them using logic and problem solving. For answers please email [email protected].
1. You are a cyclist in a cross-country race. Just before crossing the finish line you overtake the person in second place. What place did you finish in?
2. In a year there are 12 months. 7 months have 31 days. How many months have 28 days?
3. A plane crashes on the border between the U.S.A and Canada. Where do they bury the survivors?
4. What are the next 3 letters in the following sequence? J, F, M, A, M, J, J, A, __, __, __
5. Before Mt. Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world?
6. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
7. Your sock drawer contains 24 white socks and 30 black socks. The lights in your room are off, so you cannot see the colour of the socks. How many socks must you grab to ensure to have at least one matching pair?
8. What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never speaks, has a head but never weeps, and has a bed but never sleeps?
9. What is full of holes but can still hold water?
10. Two fathers and two sons go fishing, they each catch one fish. But when they get home there are only three fish. No fish are eaten or lost on the way home? How is this possible? How to contact us at The Bolt
Follow us on Twitter at: @bolton_thebolt
Like our Facebook page: The Bolt Magazine
Email the Editor at: [email protected] Or Miss Brearley at: [email protected]
All editions are availible on the school website
Come along to meetings at 1:30 in B35 on Wednesdays
Listen out for notices in assemblies and see our notice board on B corridor