![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
The Hobbit features brilliant storytelling and stunning scenery – 4/5 stars
James Fisher
January 4, 2013
The Hobbit is an epic, classic, and splendidly crafted film–the quintessence of a fantasy movie. Though coupled with beautiful graphics and skillful storytelling, it falls short in the characterization of selected characters.
Preceding the Fellowship of the Ring’s quest to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, The Hobbit is a prelude to The Lord of the Rings.
The film focuses on the efforts of Dwarf prince Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) to reclaim the fortress of Erebor (Lonely Mountain), which was pillaged by the great dragon Smaug. The group of Dwarves is accompanied by the great wizard Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen) as well as their trusty burglar and hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman). Throughout the journey, the party encounters a series of obstacles ranging from a trio of Trolls, the Goblin King, the pale Orc Azog, and Gollum, who is excellently portrayed by Andy Serkis.
The plot is simple and straightforward like a fairy tale, but events in the movie brilliantly foreshadow future occurrences. Known as the “Necromancer,” a solitary spirit lies in the forest of Mirkwood, consuming and darkening the sanctuary little by little. The discovered Morgul blade is proof that the Dark Lord Sauron is slowly resurrecting, and he needs one item to return to his ultimate strength: the Ring of Power, which is in the hands of Baggins.
Overall, the film is a masterpiece but slightly monotonous because it extends half of a short novel to three hours. The storyline is easy for just about anyone to follow. In addition, the props are realistic especially Gandalf’s staff, Orcrist, and Sting. Many of the scenes are breathtaking, namely the Battle of Moria and the confrontation with the Goblin King. The greatest aspect of the movie is the stunning depiction of the landscapes. The utopia-like Shire, lush green forests, goldenrod plains, and heavenly Rivendell are marvelously filmed.
However, there is little depth to some characters, namely the dwarves who each receive one or two lines. Only Thorin and Kili actually have significant speaking opportunities–a disappointment because there is plenty of time for extra quotes for all the characters.
For the most part, the acting is average except for the “Riddles” scene with Gollum who practically steals the show. Combined with 48 fps and 3D film technology, the movie is a success and certainly worth the time and money to watch.
