Gavin Baker - Staff Reporter
FNAF 2: Room for improvement
Scott Cawthon created Five Nights at Freddy's (FNAF) from the ashes of his failed family-friendly games, particularly Chipper & Sons Lumber Co., which critics had described as having scary, animatronic-like characters, inspiring him to create a horror game. After feeling defeated, he decided to lean into the uncanny valley, turning perceived flaws into a strength, resulting in the hugely successful horror game released in 2014 that spawned a massive franchise. He persisted in crafting an impressive number of nine captivating games until he paused his creative endeavors in 2019. His final masterpiece, titled “Help Wanted,” emerged as an immersive virtual reality experience that drew players into a chillingly engaging world. Fast forward to 2023, and he took on a new challenge as a producer for the eagerly anticipated FNAF movie, infusing it with his unique vision with in-game mechanics and characters. OH senior William Wilkins-Jones said, “I liked how they used the mask and the flashlight, like in the second game, [[and]] brought [[it]] into the movie.”
1-16-26 Student announcements
Here are the 1-16-26 student announcements from 42Fifty. Please see our YouTube channel for previous announcements and our video archive.
From utopia to Zootopia: The animated sequel now taking over Oswego screens
Fans at OH and across the Oswego community returned to the bustling, anthropomorphic city of Zootopia when Disney’s Zootopia 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2016 blockbuster, released on Nov. 26, promising new adventures, fresh characters, and an expanded look at the city where anyone—from a timid bunny to a sly fox—can be anything. According to IMDB, the original Zootopia became a global phenomenon for its humor, stunning animation, and clever approach to social themes. Directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, it paired rookie cop rabbit Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) with fox con‑artist Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) as they uncovered a city‑wide mystery. The original film was a hit: it grossed over $1 billion worldwide and earned Disney its 55th Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. For many local fans, the sequel represents a chance to revisit the dynamic duo. “It was way better in my opinion,” said Traughber Junior High eighth grader Jonathan Baker, reflecting the excitement among students preparing to see the film. The sequel is expected to explore Judy and Nick’s evolving roles as officers navigating a more complex and unpredictable Zootopia, introducing new districts, cultural zones, and mysteries.
Misunderstood: Survival of Dek the Predator
According to American author and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To be great is to be misunderstood." Perhaps no one knows this more than Dek, the predator, in Predator: Badlands. Portrayed as an aggressive, angry creature with a thirst to prove himself and be more elite, audiences now see Dek alone and without friends or allies. Ultimately, Dek gains a more open mind and shows compassion to his friends. Released on Nov. 7, Predator: Badlands is the ninth film in the Predator series and the first of its kind. All of its predecessors were based around human and predator interaction, while this new movie focused on the predator himself and the clan/family of which he is a part.
Breaking News: OH set to debut new gym floor after damage due to flood
Students and staff at OH are stepping into a new era of school pride with the completion of a renovated main gym floor designed with input from the entire OH community. The replacement became necessary after severe water damage ruined the old floor and made it unusable. OH Athletic Director Daniel Arntzen said the project prioritized collaboration with students and staff. “We wanted something that honors the history of the orange and blue court we had before," Artzen said. "Student input was honestly the deciding factor.”