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Water for Elephants: Hit or Miss?

By Carly Rech

This movie has it all: romance, action, and drama! 

Sara Gruen’s gritty and rough best-selling novel, Water for Elephants, was transformed into a fun, respectable film by Fox’s screenwriter, Richard LaGravenese. Although the plot changed from book to movie, it was a good transformation leading to a great story. 

Water for Elephants is set during the tough times of the Great Depression in the early 1930’s.  Jacob (Robert Pattinson), a Cornell veterinary school student, jumps a train after losing his family, home, and future business only to find himself with a traveling circus.  Because of his skills with animals, Jacob is eventually hired as the Benzini Brothers Circus’ vet and is taken under the wing of the bipolar owner, August (Christopher Waltz).

With his new job, Jacob is forced to spend the majority of his time with August and his young wife Marlena (Reese Witherspoon).  Jacob enjoys working with Marlena and the animals, especially the new elephant, but quickly witnesses the corrupt ways of the circus business:  men red lighted, workers not paid, animals abused and rubes cheated out of their money.  Soon hatred burns between Jacob and August, because of different morals and loving the same woman, Marlena.  Although Jacob despises August, he feels he must stay with the circus in order to protect the animals and Marlena from August’s rage.

The director of this movie, Francis Lawrence, did a wonderful job showing the rugged and gritty setting while still keeping it clean and safe for kids to watch.  The setting was the same as the book, and the plot was even better.  It was nice how the story was framed by the elderly Jacob (Hal Holbrook) telling the story to a modern circus manager.  The only element this film lacked in was acting.

It wasn't that the acting was bad, Waltz and the supporting actors were great; it was Whitherspoon who didn't fit the part portrayed in the book.  Marlena wasn't as weak and was more respectable in the book than in the movie.  Other than that, this movie was a homerun.  I give it four stars out of five.

Madman's Journal

 

He’s ruining everything…the show, the system, my marriage. I hate him! I hate that sniveling brat! I hate how he works. I hate how he thinks. I hate how he looks at Marlena. It obvious the stupid kid has fallen for her.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the two of them; waiting for the chance to act. Right now, I’ve kept low waiting for any sparks, watching for any mistakes. Marlena is mine and no one else will EVER have her.

Jacob is too stupid to see what he has coming. He’s going to pay soon…very, very soon. He made a huge mistake jumping on my train.    

One Man Circus

“But I don’t want to!” I whined in protest.  My ridiculous parents insist on trying to embarrass me every chance they get, but this time they’ve gone too far.  It’ll be in front of the whole county.  What are they thinking?!  Everyone will be there…friends, family, classmates.  The teasing will be endless.  I’m seven years old; I can’t be seen like this! Why do they have to think it’s their responsibility to torture their children?

My mother tries to persuade me in her sweet voice, “Come on, honey. You’ll be adorable.  Everyone will think it’s cute.”

“Cute!  I’ll look like an idiot.  Why don’t you do it, if you think it’s so adorable?” It didn’t take long for me to realize I had replied a little too harshly, after I glanced at my father.

“Stop acting like a two year old,” my dad said forcefully. “Do as you mother says and put on the costume.”

After hearing the tone of his voice, I knew there was no way out of the situation. There was nowhere to hide; no place to run.  I was stuck.  So I pulled on my hideous purple wig, allowed my mom to paint my face, and grabbed hold of the little red wagon full of candy and my basset hound, Lucky.  He glanced up at me with those sad eyes clearly enjoying his costume as much as I was enjoying mine.  I shake my head sadly as I trudge toward the parade with my wagon.

“Well, Lucky, it looks like the circus is in town.”

Whenever I’m down and out

I give my girl a shout

She’s fun and kind and smiley

Of her I think highly

Always there to lift me up

Constant in filling my cup

Of all people she’s the one I admire

And she never ceases to inspire

Everyone looks to her

When everything seems a blur

Strong and brave

We know she will never cave

A beast on the court

She knows how to hold down the fort

A student in the school

She’s clearly a jewel

Gorgeous, bubbly, and pretty

Even a bit witty

This girl has it all

And never lets her friends fall

Loved by everyone

She shines like the sun

What would the world be without Keri?

To tell you the truth, it’d be a little scary

Peru…

                         

…home of snow-capped mountains, tropical rainforests, giant sand dunes, and massive volcanoes.  A land of great diversity and adventure…

                               

…ancient ruins, exotic animals, friendly people…

…no place can compare. This place is paradise. 

                                                            

Stories Untold

Differences, conflict, war

Rots through a being’s core.

No understanding turns to hate

Where suffering and pain await.

Covetousness, intolerance, greed

Ignores as peace pleads.

Men’s hunger for more

Leaves the world tore.

Hurt, agony, tears

The suffering has no cures.

Memories and images engraved

Until innocent minds have caved.

Violate, beat, maul

Man’s greed affects us all.

Children’s eyes behold

A story of pain untold.

Slay, butcher, slaughter

One massacre leads to another.

Hatred turns to genocide

What does war prove? You decide.

SGCHS Journal

SGCHS Studnents Enjoy Outstanding Performance

Shakespeare in the Schools came to Sweet Grass County High School this week on Monday October 24.  They put on an outstanding show.  Costumes, prompts, and characters were all wonderful.  As You Like It was the Shakespeare play performed by this group and it turned out to be ideal for this school; it left the whole auditorium laughing, gasping, and craving more.  When asked about their feelings on the play, one SGHS student replied without pause, “I loved it. It was funny and the acting was phenomenal.”

Shakespeare in the Schools performing As You Like It

            Following the stupendous performance, the actors gave advice about acting and taught the students about various areas of performing.  Many students participated in the workshops put on by the Shakespeare in the Schools group.  Language, friends, banishment, and stage combat were the four different workshops taught.  In the short time frame they had to teach, their students made progress and had a blast doing so.  

            By the end of the day all who had come had a better appreciation for Shakespeare, acting, and plays.  It is obvious this event was very beneficial for SGCHS’s students.  Sweet Grass County High School appreciates the time and energy Shakespeare in the Schools put into the performance on Monday.  Thank you, Shakespeare in the Schools, for coming to Big Timber!

Battle of the Brain

Johnny, Jazzy, Jezey, Jake, and little Jessie battle with no cease; each screams at the top of his/her lungs trying to drown out the others with no success.  This group stuck together makes for a strange combination.  First there is Johnny, the brains and usually leader of the outfit.  This girl is always there to make situations better, solve problems, and decide which route to take.  Whenever the group is unsure about something they turn to Johnny.  Next is Jazzy; she runs around with a flashy grin and sparkling eyes.  She’s creative, artistic, loud, and ready to have a great time; Jazzy is the soul and spunk of the group.  The third member is Jazzy’s evil twin, Jezey.  She’s the complete opposite of her sister. Jezey is hateful, critical, and degrading.  No one wants to be around her, because she is constantly putting herself down and pulling others down with her. Nothing is ever good enough for Jezey and never has she uttered a kind or encouraging word.  It’s a good thing she doesn’t lead the group often; the day never goes well when she does.  Next is the muscle and jock of the unit, Jake. Jake is athletic, hardworking, competitive, and very reliable.  He always strives to better himself, the group, and the world.  Jake never settles for anything but his best and loves adventures.  Last but definitely not least is sweet, innocent, usually clueless Jessie.  As the baby of the group she doesn’t know much and is extremely shy, but the others protect and defend this girl from anything and everything threatening.  Jessie is always present and can be seen close to the other members of the outfit; she’s the heart that sustains the entire group.  All these different personalities combined together are definitely unique and kind of strange to say the least, but without each and every one of them the end result wouldn’t be complete.  It just wouldn’t be me.

September 26, 2031

Wow! The world is so vast and filled with such a variety of amazing things. I’ve traveled across the country and have seen so many great places and met so many good people. Never would I have imagined all that I have accomplished and witnessed in my thirty-six years.

            After working at a medical center/daycare in Peru this last summer, returning home to my cozy little cabin and family again fills me with happiness. All my precious nieces and nephews have grown into outstanding kids! Neither of my brothers are very amused with my spoiling of their kids, but that’s what all great aunts do.J

I really didn’t realize how long I’ve been gone until I saw all the kids grown up, parents gray, and town expanded. Everything has changed here while I was gone pursuing the career I love. Mom and the rest of the family really don’t want me to leave again for Kenya, but I’m determined to go. Another medical position has opened there and the people are in rough shape. I leave in two weeks.

Carly

A River Runs Through It Movie Review

Robert Redford did an excellent job creating the film A River Runs Through It. Even though the film is quite a bit difference from Maclean’s original story, Redford transforms the novella into a great film. He adds helpful background information, captivating action, and tops it off with perfect cinematography.

            Information about Norman Maclean’s life not present in the book is in Redford’s film. This is very helpful for the viewers to understand what and why some of the events took place. For example, Redford adds detail’s of Norman’s education and career that weren’t mentioned in the novella. This way people could understand where Norman came from and why he acted the way he did.

            More action and drama are also added to the story in the film. This keeps the viewers interest while watching the film. One example is Norman and Jessie’s relationship; in the book, Norman and Jessie are married but in the movie they have just met and are dating. Also, there were scenes such as the Maclean brothers riding down a massive waterfall in a wooden row boat that makes the film more exciting.

            Most every scene in the film was perfect. Redford did a wonderful job of producing the feeling of the story and determining which scenes to use. He knew just what to cut and what to add to Maclean’s novella, so that the movie would be good while keeping the story and lessons strait.

            Overall Redford did a great job constructing A River Runs Through It. Unlike most books produced into movies, this film was just as good as the book. I give it two thumbs up.

*Quote of the Week*

“A river, though, has so many things to say that it is hard to know what it says to each of us.”

            ~Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It

Life has so many paths to travel, advice to follow, and choices to make that soon it is easy to become confused with what we are actually meant to do. The world seems to call each of us to fulfill a unique role, but it is hard to hear our entire calling at times. Background noise can distract and get us off course or we sometimes mishear and end up trying to play someone else’s role. It is important to stop, listen, and find what our unique purpose is.

..::Live Your Best Life::..

            “Live like there is no tomorrow, but act as though you will live forever.” I do not remember where I first heard this quote, but it definitely has had a substantial impact on my life. Whoever is the author of it had life figured out; they knew how to live life to the fullest.

            My interpretation of this quote is take chances and enjoy every moment of life, but make sure you’ll be able to live with yourself at the end of the day. No one can redo life; each moment that passes is unchangeable, so don’t waste any of them. This is your only chance to impact the world! Life is way too short to just sit and watch, so greet every day, whether good or bad, with enthusiasm, passion, and joy. Don’t wait until it’s too late.  

Over time, this quote has become a motto of mine. Because of it, I’ve strived to take advantage of every opportunity and meet adversity with a smile. To me living a fulfilling life doesn’t only come from the activities I do; it comes from the person I become. I strive to develop my full potential in everything I do and am, especially as a person and friend. This quote has helped me become a better person; it reminds me to let go of the past, live in the present, and plan for the future.

10 Things That Make Me Happy:)

1. Family: My family is so awesome. They're always there, whether it be to encourage, motivate, or just to laugh with. I wouldn't trade my family for anything.
2. Water: Swimming, snorkeling, tubing, boating,...the list could go on forever! There's so many fun activities in water. 
3. Smoothies: This drink must be man's finiest creation. I'd seriously drink a smoothie for every meal if i could. My favorite flavor is Wild Berry at the Crazy Bean.  
4. Friends: Life is so much fuller with friends. With true friends, it doesn't matter where we are or what we're doing, I have a good time just because they're there.
5. Running and hiking: I've always been able to "restore my soul" while I'm doing one of these. They relax and calm me. Whenever I'm having a horrible day I'll just go outside and run around.
6. Little kids: It doesn't matter what age or personality, little kids can make anyone smile. They do the funniest things! Little kids are so cute and innocent.
7. Puppies: Its no wonder why dogs are man's best friends. They are by far the most amazing pets. Puppies are so playful, loving, and loyal.
8. Food: I'm so glad there is food. I love sampling a variety of dishes from different cultures and areas. Each is so unique.
9. Others: I really like to make other people's day better. Its a good feeling when you know you made someone else happy.
10. Traveling: Traveling and trying new things makes me happy. I never want to live the same day twice; I like to see new places, do new things, meet new people, and just get out of my comfort zone. Experiences help create what kind of person you are.