The Plank - Opinions

Plank Article Kevin Mun ’22

Squid Game delivers deep messages to it’s audience at Jesuit

“Squid Game,” the South Korean hit Netflix series was released Sept. 17, 2021. “Squid Game”is about a small group of wealthy elites kidnapping and coercing the poor in South Korea, who are in grave debt, to compete in life-and-death versions of popular children’s games. “Squid Game” dystopian themes  incorporate many of the contemporary real world problems that the world faces today.

Plank Article Lucas Rucker ’24

Review: “Spider-Man No Way Home” looks to be a promising and ambitious film despite only a few details revealed

“Spider-Man No Way Home,” the long-awaited sequel to “Spider-Man Far From Home,” is directed by Jon Watts and will be released on Dec. 17, 2021. Some actors confirmed to be in the movie include Tom Holland, Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jamie Foxx, Alfred Molina, J.K. Simmons, and Willem Dafoe.

Plank Article Rowan Craig '23

Review: “UFC 4” has something for sports and fighting game fans alike

“UFC 4” was released on Aug. 14 of 2020 and was developed by Electronic Arts Inc. and published under the company’s sports division, EA Sports. “UFC 4” is the fourth installment in the series following up “UFC 3,” which was released on Dec. 1, 2017. 

The game follows the classic sports game template with a “Career Mode,” a “Play Now” mode and an “Online” mode. Even though the game doesn’t add to the classic format of sports games, it doesn’t stop the existing game modes from being fun.

Plank Article Lucas Rucker ’24

Review: Ted Lasso is full of talent and compelling story-telling

The dramatic comedy “Ted Lasso” aired its first episode on the streaming service Apple TV+ on Aug. 14, 2020, and the last episode of its 2nd season aired Oct. 8, 2021. The show was developed by Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly. 

In the show, an American Division II college football coach, Ted Lasso played by Jason Sudeikis, is hired to coach for a Premier League soccer team in Britain by its new owner Rebecca Welton, played by Hannah Waddingham. Ted’s coaching abilities are underestimated by both the team and the country but he perseveres because of his undying optimism.

Plank Article Oliver Leinberger ’23

Review: Valorant offers an intense, competitive, and unique FPS experience

On June 2, 2020 “Valorant,” a competitive addition to PC gaming, hit the market. 

“Valorant,” released by Riot Games, is a first-person shooter multiplayer game that currently involves 16 different playable agents and seven unique maps each with their own unique features. Valorant, also known as “Valo,” is constantly releasing brand new exciting content, including new agents and maps that continue to draw current players closer to the game while simultaneously bringing new players to the fanbase. 

Plank Article Luke Kriss ’23

Review: Can Dune deliver a blockbuster…finally?

“Dune,” the upcoming $165 million blockbuster by Legendary Pictures, is based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 book of the same name. Released on October 22, 2021, and directed by Denis Villeneuve, this film includes actors Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, & Stellan Skarsgård.

Plank Article Rowan Craig '23

Review: “Hollow Knight” has an immersive map and unique experiences for metroidvania players

The new videogame “Hollow Knight” is a new take on the classic metroidvania subgenre that delivers a completely different experience from any other video game in the genre. Created and released by the small Australian indie studio Team Cherry, “Hollow Knight” shows some of the best that the indie gaming industry has to offer. 

Despite only having a small development team of four and a small budget of 50 thousand dollars, “Hollow Knight” easily puts many AAA Games to shame with its incredible gameplay, soundtrack, and stunning visuals.

Plank Article Matt Parks ’21

The Gender Wage Gap, an inequality that still exists

The following is the next installment of a series of articles written around women’s voices on campus at Jesuit High School Sacramento. This third edition explores the nuances of the gender wage gap, its historical beginning, why it’s still present, and what the standard of pay equity means. ​

Plank Article Matt Parks ’21

Jesuit students define what it means to be a Marauder

This latest edition of the “What it means to be a Marauder?” series comes from current students, who answer the question as it relates to them today. 

Since the establishment of Jesuit High School Sacramento in 1963, the school’s mascot has been the Marauders. Now, 57 years later, in 2020, what does it mean to be a Marauder for students?

Plank Article Matt Parks ’21

“What does it mean to be a Marauder?”: Teachers weigh in on the complex

In 1963, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s mascot was chosen to be the Marauders when the school was founded. This fall the significance and meaning of that mascot was explored by various perspectives within the Jesuit Community  — each member asked a variation of “In 2020, what does it mean to you to be a Marauder?” In this edition, teachers reflect on the different ways 2020 has challenged being a Marauder.

Plank Article Matt Parks ’21

Jesuit Administrators and Program Directors reveal what it is to be a Marauder amid 2020 challenges

Jesuit High School Sacramento’s mascot was chosen to be the Marauders when the school was founded in 1963. This fall the significance and meaning of that mascot was explored by various perspectives within the Jesuit Community  — each member asked a variation of “In 2020, what does it mean to you to be a Marauder?” This second edition explores the insights of Jesuit’s administrators and program directors.