Movies are one of the most unique and captivating art forms worldwide. Lakewood is home to a diverse community of people who all share one thing: a love of movies. From romantic comedies to action films, the students of Lakewood High School enjoy catching a good movie.
While Lakewood High students appreciate all kinds of films, horror is a clear favorite, with 24% of students saying it’s their top genre. From Terrifier to A Clockwork Orange, horror fans’ tastes vary drastically. Some rush to see a classic slasher, while others prefer psychological horror for its less gory, more suspenseful approach.
Many Lakewood High students have expressed interest in potentially pursuing a career in the film industry, whether acting, directing, or playing a behind-the-scenes role.
“I would want to work with props or lighting or maybe be a stuntman,” John Grasso said.
Lakewood’s enthusiasm for film culminates in monthly gatherings to enjoy movies (and snacks) together. From animated features like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to, most recently, Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, the club watches it all. For many, the film club has become a highlight of the high school experience.
“It exposes people to new forms of art and new expressions, new genres and things they may enjoy—things they can enjoy with friends also,” junior Giovanni Awad said.
Many people prefer to enjoy films with others, and the film club allows people to enjoy films in groups and with friends, allowing all to connect over the movies they enjoy.
“I like watching movies in communities; the community is very important with certain films,” Awad said. “Art can be a bonding experience, especially with films. They can reach a wide range of people in a very short amount of time.”
In addition to introducing students to new and interesting films, the club helps members form friendships with others who share their love of movies.
Both Wanda Collins and Giovanni Awad’s favorite movie is Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Several other students also list the movie among their top picks.
While Mrs. Pesta is the current Film Club advisor, she has pointed out that the real brain behind the operation is Lakewood High Student Wanda Collins.
“The student that is the force behind the club is Wanda Collins,” Pesta said. “She picks the movies we watch and makes the posters to put around the school building. She has been in charge since last year and has selected the movies since then. I just set things up and make popcorn. Wanda knows more than I do.”
Collins, a member of the Lakewood High School Barnstormers, was recently seen on stage in their fall play, How to Make Audio Flowers. Besides acting on stage, Wanda is dedicated to introducing other students in Lakewood to the world of cinema.
The club has brought together many students who share a common interest in film.
“People just enjoy coming together,” Collins said. “There are lots of people that enjoy watching movies, and we can just get more people to find something that they might not have known is something they want to get further into.”
Collins carefully selects all the films the club watches, aiming to spark conversations and introduce members to new ideas.
“There’s a line in the movie where it says, ‘Don’t try to understand it, feel it.’ I feel like that kind of goes for a comprehensive idea of film, just like how many ways you can watch and experience a film,” Collins said about choosing Tenet.
The film club is open to anyone at LHS, whenever a meeting is coming up posters will be all over the school telling the time, place, and the film being shown. This same information can be found in the announcements emails and the Ranger Rundown. Tune in to lecture hall 3 next month to catch the classic festive film, A Muppet Christmas Carol.
The film club has proven to be a valued part of the high school experience for many of the students at LHS; it allows them to meet new people, experience new things, learn more about movies, and explore their interest in film. Besides, who doesn’t love free popcorn?
