KruzeReviews Update and What if Boys' State was a Movie?

​   Over the past couple weeks, you may have noticed that there have been no new posts on this blog. This is because I've been extremely busy with two things in particular. The first was a trip I took with my high school band down to San Antonio, and the second was the annual Cornhuskers Boys' State at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. While I was at Boys' State, I had the opportunity to be involved in a newspaper with some other truly talented students. For one of the final assignments for the week, we were asked to come up with Feature Articles for the last paper. Being the big movie buff that I am, I decided to write mine on the topic "What if Boys' State was a Movie?". It was a fun little article to write, and it's one that I felt the need to share on here. 
   If you are unaware as to what Boys' State is, it's basically a week-long convention where students from across the state run a moc-government. People are elected into all sorts of offices, and we discuss real topics facing the nation today. It was a fantastic experience, and it's one that I would definitely have to recommend to anyone given the opportunity. You will make some truly great friends. I was in the town of Valley Forge and everyone in that group helped make that week something truly special. If any of you are reading this, thanks guys. 
   So, without further ado, here is my article "What if Boys' State was a Movie" from the Boys' State Newspaper.

​   Humanity as a whole has always loved stories. Whenever you may go since the dawn of the human race there have always been storytellers: drawings on a cave wall, Shakespearean dramas, motion pictures. Film is a major pillar in today’s entertainment industry. It seems as if there is constant conversation about the latest films and what people thought of them. According to the Motion Picture Association of America, more than two-thirds of the US and Canadian population went to the movies at least once in the year of 2014.
   Everybody loves movies, but what if Boys’ State was a movie? What would it be? Would it be a high-stakes political thriller? A coming of age story? A big summer blockbuster? It's an interesting question with multiple answers. So, here are a few movies that when together describe the overall experience here at Boys' State.
   First off, Boys' State could be The Breakfast Club. Many of us came here not knowing anybody, having no idea what we were going to do, and facing unsurety as to whether or not we'd have any fun. However, as the week has gone on, we became friends. We grew close to people that we may not have expected. We discovered things about ourselves that we weren't even aware existed. There are so many different personalities here that it'd be hard not to fit in. While we may not be the most conventional groups, we've all expanded our horizons and learned to be more open-minded when dealing with others.
   The second film that I believe describes the atmosphere at Boys' State is Batman Begins. Yes, that's right, Batman Begins. It seems to be a bit of a stretch but have an open mind. While UNL's campus might not be Gotham City, each of us here is Batman in a way. We see the problems in our towns and state and we want to find a way to fix them. Though not everyone may agree on the methods, we're doing what we believe is best for the people. Even though we may not be running around dressed as bats, we have been working on town boards, through the legislature, and many other ways to help make our towns a better place. Plus, sometimes we'd all like to have Morgan Freeman there for advice. 
   The final of these three films has been a topic of discussion throughout the week. Top Gun is in many ways an accurate depiction of what life at Boys' State is like, setting aside the planes obviously. All of us here are the best our schools had to offer. We come from all over offering unique skills that make the group better as a whole. Similarly, all of the characters in Top Gun are the best of the best. The main character, Maverick, is competing to be the most successful fighter pilot there is. He's constantly pushing himself to become better than he was before. Here at Boys' state, there is constant competition. Whether it be for a political office, in a sport, or the race to the showers every morning, there is competition all around. So, when you truly look, there are quite a few similarities between Top Gun and Cornhusker Boys' State.
   Everybody's experience here at Boys' State has been different, but we all enjoyed the week in one way or another. We learned more about ourselves like the Breakfast Club, we fought for change like Batman, and we stood up to the challenge like Maverick in Top Gun. Now, as we all head back to our lives, we'll be changed people. Boys' State has really been a special experience, and it's one that we won't forget in a million years.

   Again, I'd just like to say thanks to everyone involved at Cornhuskers Boys' State. It was a truly amazing experience, and if you ever have an opportunity to go, do it. You won't regret it. 
   So, if you enjoyed this article, share it on Facebook and Twitter. It really helps! Also, don't forget I post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so check back then for more movie reviews and miscellaneous movie thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by!