![“[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)
“Beastly” Review: A different side of actors
Takashi Seida
March 4, 2011
The classic Beauty and the Beast comes to life in the movie Beastly. Vain, conceited Kyle Kingsbury (Alex Pettyfer) is bewitched by Kendra (Mary Kate Olsen) after humiliating her in front of the entire school and transforms into a “beast” with scars and tattoos lining his pale and disfigured face. The only way to break the spell is the utterance of three words from a girl: “I love you.”
Typical of any other chick flick, Beastly follows the journey of a girl and a boy who fall for each other yet have obstacles they must surpass. Lindy Taylor (Vanessa Hudgens), daughter of a drug addict, is an intelligent girl on scholarship in high school and the closest hope Kyle has to unlock the spell.
Beastly delves into the transformation of teenage Kyle from a self-centered, snobby high school student motivated by wealth and good looks to an understanding, caring individual. As a result of his altered appearance, he learns that looks are not always everything.
Though the plot could be easily predicted, the acting reveals a different side of the actors and actresses. Hudgens is no longer in a high school musical, though she does upkeep her somewhat quiet and reserved countenance. Beastly takes Hudgens to new ground as she must project the emotions and actions of a daughter who wanders out at night looking for her addict father.
The movie also welcomes the return of Mary Kate Olsen, who has not been seen on the big screen for quite some time. Olsen plays the eerie and eccentric role of the witch Kendra, a undoubtedly interesting role for her debut back on screen, heavily contrasting against her “Full House” and “So Little Time” days.
Neil Patrick Harris, who plays Will the tutor, brings his well-known humor into Beastly and does an admirable job eliciting sympathy and laughter by playing a blind man.
Pettyfer, who’s most recent movie I am Number Four just debuted as well, changes roles from a sci-fi film to a heartfelt movie that elicits the admiration of the teenage girl audience.
Though most people know the plot of Beauty and the Beast, the acting itself is not bad and the story culminates in a love story that girls will swoon over. If that’s not enough, check out the movie just to see Kyle’s beastly face, exhibiting the make up department’s intricate skills and success of turning blonde-hair, blue-eyed Alex Pettyfer into a beast.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
