For some Stone Ridge students, spring break is a time to get away by going on exciting vacations. For others, it is a time to escape the stresses of reality through a variety of entertainment mediums including movies, television shows, and books. The faculty of Stone Ridge have made some suggestions so that no Stone Ridge student misses the opportunity to take a break from the stressful reality of high school.
When questioned about her television preferences, Ms. Fontanone gushed about Empire, a Fox drama that started its third season on March 18. According to Ms. Fontanone, the show’s central premise follows, “a recording label and the family around it, but it’s really so more.” As an English teacher, Ms. Fontanone also enjoys that the show has “a lot of Shakespearean undertones” and encourages Shakespeare fans, and anyone who has read his works in English class, to be on the lookout for references. She enjoys watching the show “and discussing it with [her] colleagues, especially Mrs. Garcez and Ms. Spisak.” Ms. Fontanone did add one warning, however, saying, “Some of it is a little explicit, like a good rap album should be.”
In response to our last issue’s article about teaching financial literacy in school, Mr. Rook recommends that students watch The Big Short. He says it is “fun and enjoyable, but also very informative.” The movie, directed by Adam McKay and co-starring Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, takes place during the financial crisis of the mid-2000s, which was triggered by the housing market and and credit bubble. If Mr. Rook’s recommendation is not enough to persuade you to go out and buy a ticket, The Big Short was also nominated for Best Motion Picture at the Oscars. If you enjoy the movie, says Mr. Rook, “read the book by Michael Lewis.”
If you have been looking for the perfect romantic drama, look no further. According to Ms. Key, the movie Brooklyn provides an alluring escape for viewers. She described it as, “ a beautiful love story set partially in Brooklyn and partially in Ireland.” Ms. Key was quite to note that the story “it very compelling and simply beautiful,” adding, “It’s very moving.” The movie was also nominated for several Oscars, including Best Motion Picture, so it comes highly recommended by the film community as well. If you are more of a book person, the movie is based off of Colm Toibin’s novel, and while Ms. Key has not read it, she says it comes highly recommended from her friends. Overhearing our conversation, Ms. McKinney seconded Ms. Key’s enthusiasm for Brooklyn, claiming, “With all the darkness in the world, this is very beautiful movie that provides some light.”
With these recommendations in mind, be sure to allot some time to curl up on the couch and escape into another world this spring break. And for those of you traveling, use these recommendations for those long, boring flights.
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