Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Edwardsville High School Entry Title: Three Recent Releases Tell Important, Relevant Stories in the Modern Era Entry Credit: Izzy Robinson Judge Comment: The writer does a masterful job of illuminating the urgency and strengths of the work they are elevating.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Edwardsville High School Entry Title: ‘Megalopolis’: Coppola’s Mega Flopolis Entry Credit: Zach Kennett Judge Comment: A hilarious take-down of one of 2024's worst films that had me laughing out loud (Dustin Hoffman's death scene did indeed feel like a cutaway gag).
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Glenbard West High School Entry Title: Carbon Copy Chalamet – “A Complete Unknown” Review Entry Credit: Annalise Ricci Judge Comment: A fantastic, in-depth review that examines how the lead actor's performance captured the essence of Bob Dylan.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Glenbard West High School Entry Title: How Civil War masterfully puts its audience in the perspective of journalists Entry Credit: Sam Lapalm Judge Comment: A chilling look at how Alex Garland's film continues to feel more timely with every passing day.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Niles West High School Entry Title: Tyler The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA Review Entry Credit: Fiona Rae Judge Comment: A hugely effective review filled with enticing descriptions of the artist's work that grab the reader's attention.
Competition Comment: Yet again, I am amazed by the quality, thoroughness and professionalism of the work on display here.
