Monthly Archives: April 2025

The Bone Collector Review

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Recently, I’ve been on a streak of feel good movies or action movies. Movies filled with things like superheroes or family fluff. Despite that, I wouldn’t have picked this movie on my own. But thanks to my CSI class, I got a taste of a new genre and a good movie. 

The Bone Collector is an older movie, coming out in 1999, classified as a crime thriller movie. Following policewoman Amelia Donaghy on her shift, she discovers a murder scene leading her to become involved in a much more intricate case. Despite not wanting to get involved further, forensic criminology expert Lincoln Rhyme does his best to persuade her to help. After heavy convincing, she joins Rhyme and his leading team of detectives and forensics in order to uncover the murderer and next victims. 

The Bone Collector was a super interesting movie. I am not a fanatic for thriller or horror or suspense. If I even sense a single jumpscare, I begin to cover my face and peak out through my fingers. Which is what I did for various moments in this movie. The Bone Collector was not extremely scary, if anything, it was only a slight thriller; but it still had me anxious for something to come out of the screen. Despite that, it was still a fun watch. I haven’t watched a good mystery in a while, so I had a great time tying together pieces of the puzzle and where the mystery was going. The overall motive was interesting, but I just wish it were developed further or had more details. I felt it came out of the blue and wasn’t really developed and not too in depth.  While the movie gained some extra points towards the movie because it had some interesting CSI forensic scenes that piqued my interest, it had some scenes that felt like there were some dead ends, or were unneeded. 

There was just one main thing that irked me throughout the movie: the romance. I personally felt that the romance was unnecessary and even made me feel slightly uncomfortable. In my opinion, the relationship between Donaghy and Rhyme would have been better as a more platonic relationship, even seeming more like a father-daughter relationship. The romance didn’t feel natural and it would have been better if romance hadn’t been included at all. 

Overall, The Bone Collector was a fun movie to watch, while it may have its spots that were dry or unnecessary, the mystery itself was interesting to figure out and the thriller aspect made the movie more appealing. It is a good movie in the end, but if you get scared easily or grossed out easily, I might not recommend it to you. If you like thrillers and mysteries, this movie might be a good one to check out.

-Nicole R.

The Bone Collector is available for checkout at the Mission Viejo Library. 

Play Review: All My Sons by Arthur Miller

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My English teacher recently recommended that I listen to or read some modernist plays in preparation for the next unit, and needless to say, I didn’t regret it. I found the play very interesting and moving, and I found the play’s nuance and Miller’s masterful usage of tension especially significant to the play’s powerful nature.

Set during the post-WWII era, All My Sons follows the tale of the Keller family, consisting of Joe Keller, the head of the family, Chris Keller, Joe’s son, Kate Keller, Chris’s mother, as well as Larry Keller, who went missing during the war. While Joe and Chris both think that Larry is dead, and that Kate should move on, she refuses to, deciding instead to turn to superstition to keep her hope alive. Meanwhile, Joe also has a dark secret in his past. During the war, he and his partner were convicted of selling cracked cylinder heads to the air force, causing the deaths of 21 pilots. While Joe was acquitted of any charges, Steve, his partner, was jailed because of this.

After establishing the beginning conflicts in the play, Miller goes on to expand upon the fatal flaws of each individual characters, He establishes Joe’s unwillingness to talk about the crime, implying that he was the one who was actually guilty of it. Kate’s vehement denial of Larry’s death is made more apparent in late act 1 and act 2, as she sees random events, such as finding Larry’s baseball glove, as signs that he would come back. Finally, Chris reveals his idealism to Larry’s old fiance, Ann, whom he is dating.

I won’t spoil the rest of the play, but I think this is a play that is definitely worth listening to, watching, or just reading. Miller does a great job of highlighting the flaws and traits of every character in the book, and making that work with the overall story is no small feat. Miller’s worldbuilding and writing style in this novel characterizes a break from a typical Modernist style of writing; While using very relatable and realistic characters and a realistic premise, Miller ultimately alludes to the theme of pursuing the deeper meaning of life and the world. I would recommend this book for anybody who enjoys modernist works of literature, or just anybody who wants to watch a classic American play in general.

All My Sons by Arthur Miller is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Saying No Is A Strength- But Why Do People Have Trouble Saying No to Distractions?

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Daily writing prompt
How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?
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In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by distractions that attempt to pull us away from more meaningful pursuits. Take, for instance, technology such as our phones. Whenever we are faced with a task that we find uninteresting, the temptation to check social media may creep in. Perhaps a student scrolls through TikTok for several minutes before starting calculus homework, or a teacher feels the need to to check Pinterest before they begin grading essays. In reality, the task may only take a short period of time to complete, but still we allow small distractions to get in our way. This feeling is universal, but does it signal laziness, or is there a deeper meaning behind this phenomenon?

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Stressed Out Teen Images – Browse 188,097 Stock Photos, Vectors, and Video | Adobe Stock

According to McLean Hospital, there are several reasons why we might procrastinate. For some, it truly is a sense of laziness that, from time to time, causes us to lose motivation. Other times, there may be deep-rooted mental health problems that interfere with our ability to complete tasks. This includes, but is not limited to: anxiety, OCD, depression, and ADHD, just to name a few. What’s more is that procrastination can not only be a result of these mental health issues, but it can also be a cause of them as well. As people procrastinate, they have less time to accomplish whatever goals they have, which can then cause stress over time management.

The National Library of Medicine states that most people who procrastinate are between the ages of 14-29, and in another study, found that people between 18-25 have the greatest prevalence of mental illness. These statistics make even more sense when considering the especially high workload placed on people in this age group— college students attempting to manage rigorous academics along with anxiety around starting their new lives.

However, there is one positive to be considered. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), mental illnesses such as those linked to procrastination tend to peak around 18-25 and consistently decrease thereafter; a similar trend can be seen with procrastination.

Results from the 2010 NSDUH: Mental Health Findings, SAMHSA, CBHSQ

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUHmhfr2010/NSDUHmhfr2010.htm

Procrastination scores across the life span according to sex. Note:... | Download Scientific Diagram

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Procrastination-scores-across-the-life-span-according-to-sex-Note-Post-hoc-analyses_fig5_294257227

So, given this information, what can we take away from this? I believe this shows that we must be kinder to ourselves, even when we have trouble saying “no” to something that’s on our to-do lists. If we continually struggle to complete a certain task, it may be worthwhile to examine the underlying emotions that it brings us and address those feelings before we move forward. As always, we must strive to be better, not perfect.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Introduction and Review

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I’ll start off by saying one thing: this one is not for the weak.

If you’ve been a part of the anime/manga fandom for long enough (or even if not, really), you’ve definitely either seen this meme (right) lingering around the internet across multiple forms of media or have heard the song Cruel Angel’s Thesis.

Well, it’s good to know where memes and songs come from. These two insanely popular and widespread bases for lighthearted humor are actually from the existential, gut-wrenching, apocalyptic psychological drama (with a side of sick robots): Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Hello! Can someone please photoshop me into the shinji chair pose? : r/PhotoshopRequest
Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV Series 1995–1996) - IMDb

Neon Genesis Evangelion created by Hideaki Anno, abbreviated as NGE, follows the point of view of 14-year-old Shinji Ikari in a futuristic Tokyo-3, 15 years after a worldwide cataclysm. Shinji’s flaws are extremely obvious and made known quickly (literally ten minutes into the series); he’s emotionally insecure, weak, and pathetically vulnerable to the pains of the world around him. Having had a traumatic childhood with both his passed mother and disapproving distant father, Shinji struggles with feelings of inadequacy and self-worth, making it difficult to form meaningful relationships for much of his life. However, his weak self-perception is challenged throughout the entire series as an overarching question: how do we perceive ourselves, and what is the meaning of existence and the nature of humanity?

In this apocalyptic world, beings with a 99.89% genetic affinity to humans called Angels seek to initiate a ‘Third Impact’ to reclaim Earth from humanity. To counter Angels, an organization called NERV was created, along with gigantic mecha-robots called Evangelions. These Evangelions require a pilot to ‘link’ to them, and those pilots will feel the same amount of pain of whatever pain the Evangelions feel during combat. In this sense, the Evangelions and pilots become one.

During an Angel attack, Shinji was suddenly recruited by his absent father to become a pilot for Evangelion Unit-01. This initiation is the starting point for the rest of the series as we follow Shinji’s struggles, the hauntingly relatable actions of every character, and see for ourselves the cost of advantage and greed, the instability of mental health, and the complex relationships between duty, identity, and self-worth. As Shinji and the other teenage pilots face gigantic monsters, their personal battles become intertwined with the fate of humanity, forcing them to confront not only the Angels but also the darkest parts of themselves.

(left to right) Shinji Ikari, Asuka Langley Soryu, Rei Ayanami, Kaworu Nagisa

So, that sounded horrifying! But trust me, walking into this piece of media will either make you question your own sanity or give you the biggest brain stretch you’ve ever had. Both aren’t that great, but you gotta believe me when I say it’s amazing. To be honest, I understood 30% of what I watched when I decided to give NGE a go for the first time. However, after delving into the intricate symbolism and trying to understand the psychology of each character, I found myself getting more and more hooked on this show’s eerie atmosphere and strangely familiar story work.

Neon Genesis Evangelion' Ending, Explained: Not the End We Expected - Thrillist
“Anywhere can be paradise as long as you have the will to live. After all, you are alive, so you will always have the chance to be happy”

If you couldn’t tell at this point, this definitely isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But can I tell you a secret? It clearly wasn’t mine either! I have a strong dislike for dystopian, fighting, and fantasy novels or shows, but I decided to put aside that fact and give this show a try. I can’t say that everyone I’ve recommended this show to has acknowledged or come to like NGE as a wonderful classic, but I can announce that every single person has told me they enjoyed the process of watching it. In my opinion, NGE isn’t just about understanding the show and its deep, hidden intents fully, but rather enjoying the process of watching and feeling yourself fall deeper and deeper into a world filled with questions, theories, and feelings to explore.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997) - IMDb

There are several different parts to the full story of Neon Genesis Evangelion, including multiple movies and the original series. As such, the watch order should be as follows:

1) Neon Genesis Evangelion (26 eps TV, 1995), 2) The End of Evangelion (Movie, 1997), 3) [Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone] (Movie, 2007), 4) [Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance] (Movie, 2009), 5) [Evangelion 3.0: You Can (Not) Redo] (Movie, 2012), 6) Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0: Thrice Upon a Time (Movie, 2021)

My personal note is that you only really need to watch the 26-episode anime and The End of Evangelion. The movie gives a more clear-cut yet tragic parallel ending to the anime finale.

Do you believe these endings are in the same universe : r/evangelion
“And to all the children, congratulations!”

I highly recommend this anime as it opened my eyes to many more abstract ideas and insights on characterization. In a way, I believe that it also challenges traditional anime plotlines. As always, I hope this overview/review was an enjoyable read, and this time, congratulations on making it to the end! Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations!

Ann

Neon Genesis Evangelion is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.

Dear Evan Hansen: Musical vs Book

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Dear Evan Hansen is a story about an anxious high schooler, Evan Hansen, who spins himself a tale and convinces everyone of a fake personality and story he made for himself. Throughout the plot, he gets deeper and deeper into this false role he created, and he can’t find a way out without exposing himself as a fraud. This story had a musical, book, and movie adaptation. I’ll be comparing the musical and book without major spoilers for either.

The story started out as a musical by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. It opened on Broadway in 2016 and was nominated for 9 different awards. The most distinguishable feature of this play is the life-like acting that Ben Platt utilizes in his role as Evan. He brings with him both depth and comedy, as well as a natural sort of awkwardness that comes with every high schooler. One of the key features of the musical is, of course, the music. Dear Evan Hansen shows a grand display of emotions and development through their musical numbers. A great example of this is in the song “Words Fail,” where Ben Platt shows the true devastation that Evan feels through his raw tone and intentional voice cracks. 

The book came a few years after in 2018, written by Val Emmich. The main story is the same, following the descent of Evan’s self-sabotage. But while the musical uses songs to convey emotion, the book uses internal monologue and description. Emmich goes more into depth about Evan’s mental state and personal thoughts. We get a glimpse into Evan’s anxiety disorder and how it affects his desicions and actions. Another major difference is how Connor Murphy– a large character in the musical– is more thoroughly fleshed out in the book. We get flashbacks from his perspective, as well as friends he had, his social life, and the mental struggles he faced. Personally, I liked this element of the book and how it elaborated on Connor, whereas in the musical we don’t get much about him as a person. Another main difference between the book and musical is the resolution. While the fundamental concept of the resolution is the same, the book cleans up a few more loose ends. Without revealing too much, Evan basically takes a bit more time to reconciles with people he affected.

No matter whether you watch the musical or read the book, both tell Evan Hansen’s story beautifully. Especially for teens struggling with anxiety or depression, Dear Evan Hansen is a message of honesty, belonging, and individuality. 

Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Libby.

Movie Review: Despicable Me 4

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To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from Despicable Me 4. I mean, it’s the fourth movie in a franchise that started when I was a little kid. But honestly? It was a fun movie nonetheless.

The classic Minions humor is still prevalent. I am not going to spoil the movie, but the audience gets a lot of humor with Gru trying to fit in with “normal” suburban folk. The Minions are still as chaotic as ever, and the movie introduces some power-ups for the minions. Maybe they should be called Super Minions now? This was an interesting addition, to say to the least.

I will admit, some of the scenes made me laugh out loud because of how illogical they were. But I guess that is the beauty of the Minions–delivering great comedy, whether it makes sense or not.

The antagonist or villain of the movie wasn’t as iconic as past villains like Vector. The new villain’s whole revenge plot felt a little rushed, and I wish he had more screen time.

Overall, if you are looking to just have some nostalgic fun for an hour and a half, Despicable Me 4 is definitely worth a watch. I would not say it is the best in the franchise, but it still brings the humor, nostalgia, and Minion madness.

Despicable Me 4 is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Redwall by Brian Jaqués

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Redwall by Brian Jaqués is about a county of animals that live together in harmony. But when Cluny the Scourge, an evil rat only heard of in legends, comes to take over Redwall, the city of the mice, a brave young warrior steps up to save the day.

Ever since the passing of the great mouse warrior Martin, the forest has made a pact for Redwall to be a city of peace and wellbeing. This is so that any injured animal could come for aid, but in return Redwall could never be attacked: it was the unwritten law. However, Cluny the Scourge and his band of rats have tried to seize the opportunity of Redwall’s poor defense, and have made it their objective to break in and steal the valuables; starting with the mice’s precious Martin painting.

This is where Matthias comes in. As a young apprentice of Redwall, his duty is to obey Father Abbot at all times. The way of the mice is peaceful now, but Matthias longs to fight in an honorable war like Martin. When Cluny announces his threat, Matthias and his friend Methuselah try to find Martin’s long lost sword, shield, and belt. Cracking many clues, solving riddles, and an immense amount of courage Matthias is sent on a chase around the forest, hurrying to save his home before it’s too late.

Overall, I really liked the book. It had many unexpected plots, and the characters were well-thought out. It is a pretty thick book, so it took some time to read, but I really liked it. I would definitely recommend it to people who like animals but also adventure. There are 22 books in total in the Redwall series, and I would definitely keep reading them.

Brian Jacques’ Redwall series is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Women In Science

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Women are typically overlooked in STEM subjects, even though they contribute heavily to research and innovations. It is now time to recognize the significant achievements women have made. Here are just some women who don’t get the attention they deserve.

  1. Margarethe Hilferding

Hilferding grew up among liberal and Jewish women; she contributed a lot of her knowledge to the field of psychoanalysis, and medicine while also advocating for women’s rights to contraception. She knew as a young kid that she wanted to study medicine, and was one of three female students to be accepted into a university to study physics and math. Many professors made fun of her for taking such rigorous courses as during this time women typically didn’t study these courses. Hilferding was the first Austrian woman to receive a medical degree from the University of Vienna. She produced a theory on maternal instinct, which is seen as controversial, and died in the Holocaust on September 23, 1942.

Aus den medizinhistorischen Beständen der Ub MedUni Wien [132]: Zum 150. Geburtstag von: Hilferding-Hönigsberg, Margarethe: Zur Behandlung der Schwangerschaftsbeschwerden. Vortrag, gehalten in der Gesellschaft für innere Medizin in Wien. | VAN SWIETEN

2. Dr. Dorothy Andersen

Dorothy Andersen was a physician and pathologist who discovered cystic fibrosis in 1983, a heretical condition that impacts the pancreas and lungs. She identified how to look for acute lung and gastrointestinal problems in children. Her first task as a pathologist was to dissect a young child’s organs who was deemed to have celiac disease. As she was examining the organs she noticed some differences in the child’s lungs and pancreas and decided to look at other patients’ autopsies to identify the problem. She wrote a 50-page paper called, “Cystic Fibrosis of the Pancreas and its Relation to Celiac Disease: A Clinical and Pathological Study” and was the first to diagnose this disease in a living patient.

3. Dora Richardson

Dora Richardson was a chemist who invented a breast cancer treatment, tamoxifen. She became a chemist after visiting her sick grandmother in the hospital and worked alongside Arthur Walpole, another chemist. She worked to create compounds, and one day she developed a base for the drug, tamoxifen. Walpole and Richardson discovered it could be an effective drug to prevent breast cancer. A pharmacologist named Craig Jordan selfishly took the title of the “Father of Tamoxifen,” and is now associated with this drug.

Many women are undervalued for their contributions to science. These are just some of many women in the world who are unforgotten for their life-changing discoveries.

SK8 the Infinity: TV Series Review (Spoiler-Free)

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SK8 the Infinity is a lighthearted slice of life anime about skateboarding (which you probably could tell by the title). It’s a great show with lots of comedy and drama to boot, all wrapped up in a neat 12 episodes, making it a quick and easy watch!

The show is about two main characters: Reki, a skateboard-loving, overenthusiastic highschooler who skates at a dangerous underground course called “S”, and Langa, a quiet, blunt transfer student from Canada. The two quickly bond as they dive deeper into the top-secret insanity that is “S”!

Reki and Langa are incredibly endearing as protagonists, making it super easy to want them to succeed. The side characters all have great chemistry with each other, making the in-between character moments just as special as the dramatic skateboarding races.

Speaking of that, this show tends to be very overdramatic at times – which might not be ideal for someone who prefers very grounded shows. It does do a fairly good job at ramping up the unbelievability as the show goes on instead of throwing the viewer right in, but the point still stands. It’s best to go into this show with some suspension of disbelief. However, I personally found the drama to be incredibly entertaining and fun to watch!

In the end, I would highly recommend SK8- it’s got great characters, intense races, and fun episodes that I continue to rewatch. Check it out!