![“[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)
Review: Percy Jackson
March 4, 2010
Flying evil teachers, huge men controlling water and fire breathing multiple headed dragons. The recently released movie, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief was interesting while it lasted.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is based on the first book in a series of five by Rick Riordan.
Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) is a 17 year old boy who is dyslexic and has ADD. He finds out that he is the son of Poseidon and is accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt. He then sets out on a journey to tell the gods that he is innocent.
The plot was alright. The acting was very believable. In particular, Uma Thurman who played Medusa did an excellent job. Her voice was frightening and her piercing stare terrified the audience.
The movie succeeded in capturing and holding my attention. Every time the story line began to become a little dull, there was an action scene. The effects used to create the monsters that Percy fought were well done.
The movie also had some comedic moments which were done well and helped lighten the mood. These made it more appealing as a regular movie instead of just a movie for fans of the book or fans of fantasy movies.
Another positive aspect of the movie was the modern day connection to Greek mythology. This helped make the movie interesting while talking about topics that may be boring to some teenagers.
If this movie is to be compared with the Harry Potter series or Lord of the Rings series, it falls flat. The friendship between Percy and his friends is nowhere near that of Harry, Ron and Hermione.
The movie had good elements but overall lacked the spark it needed as scenes seemed artificial. The directing was not to the level it should have been.
While some scenes are done well, other parts of the movie come across as a bit cheesy or over the top.
Although I have not read the Percy Jackson series, a few changes have been made. In the movie Percy is seventeen and those who have read the book have told me that he was twelve in it. In addition, there is no mention of a prophecy that is present in the book.
Overall, this movie is amusing for two hours but not a must-see movie.
3/5 STARS
