by Jade Spilka | Jun 10, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
Featuring an impeccable cast and heart-wrenching storyline, the highly-anticipated tearjerker Me Before You is the romantic film of the year. The film, which is based on the novel of the same name by Jojo Moyes, follows Louisa Clark’s (Emilia Clarke) journey as a caretaker for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a young, wealthy quadriplegic man. Traynor is initially put off by Clark’s talkativeness and outfit choices, but as time goes on, he finds she is exactly what he needs. A relationship blossoms quickly, but Will’s desire to terminate his life causes a riff between anyone he cares about and himself. Clark dedicates all her time to making Traynor’s life exciting and happy. Though Traynor sees Clark could offer him a good life, he is still hesitant to continue their relationship because he could never have the life he once had. The film keeps you consistently guessing what their fate will be, and it features several tear-jerking moments. Kate Dowd casted the film, and I was impressed by every choice she made. Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin deliver extraordinary performances. Many films and television shows have supporting characters that sometimes overpower the main characters. However, Me Before You had clear stars throughout every scene. Clarke and Claflin shown the brightest while the supporting cast subtlety executed their performances in a realistic way that supported the storyline without stealing the spotlight. In a time where romantic films seem highly predictable and redundant, Me Before You offers a charming, completely unpredictable, fresh storyline. I was captivated within the first five minutes — a statement I rarely make. Me Before You is a must-see. Though you will leave...
by Jade Spilka | May 31, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
Filled with adventure and creativity, Director James Bobin’s Alice Through the Looking Glass captivates a creative-minded viewer and allows one to visit the enchanting land of Wonderland for a second delightful time. I was skeptical when I first heard Producer Tim Burton, who directed the 2010 Oscar-winning film Alice in Wonderland, would be bringing Wonderland to life once again. However, within the first ten minutes of the film, my fears were instantly put to rest. There are many positive messages portrayed throughout the fantasy film. Alice Kingsleigh (Mia Wasikowska) is the perfect role model for young girls. She is a tough go-getter who believes that nothing is impossible. She is not dependent on a man and knows that a woman can do any job a man can do. The Mad Hatter’s (Johnny Depp) storyline focuses on family and rekindling lost relationships. The Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) and White Queen (Anne Hathaway) demonstrate repentance, forgiveness and the power of sisterhood. The film’s main focus, however, is time. Alice hates time and believes it is a thief, but as the story progresses, she learns time is a gift. After several attempts to change the past, she learns the past cannot be changed, but it can be a lesson applied to the future. The lessons were beautifully portrayed, and I left the theater feeling happy and surprised at the sequel’s fresh and imaginative ideas. Alice Through the Looking Glass is a must-see for any creative individual. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney...
by Jade Spilka | May 24, 2016 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider, Opinion
Director Lorene Scafaria’s sophomore film The Meddler focuses on overbearing widow Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon) who latches onto her daughter, Lori, (Rose Byrne) and anyone who will keep her company. The film opens with Marnie’s move to Los Angeles where her daughter works as a screenplay writer. Lori, however, is depressed from the loss of her father and a recent breakup, busy with work and feels smothered by her mother’s constant phone calls and text messages. Marnie, desiring to feel needed, begins volunteering at a hospital and giving large amounts of time and money to people she barely knows. A therapist suggests she may be spending so much because she feels guilty having her husband’s money. Marnie focuses most of her time on others but feels lonely in the process. She is rarely placed as a priority in anyone’s life until she meets a retired police officer named Zipper (J.K. Simmons) who is instantly attracted to her. The film follows Marnie’s journey in pursuit of her daughter’s time and her own happiness. She is led to find a balance in her life, and with the help of Zipper, finds love and friendship, too. The comedy-drama, while charming at times, lacked an apparent message and coherent storyline. There was no obvious struggle or villain which made it lack an aspect of entertainment that is usually crucial to a movie. The film was ultimately not engaging, but it was filled with extraordinary acting. Sarandon and Byrne’s delivery seems effortless. Sarandon’s strong Brooklyn accent is consistent, while Byrne, an Australian native, speaks with a flawless American accent. The Meddler certainly has sweet,...
