ScreenFish

where faith and film are intertwined

Awkwafina

Raya and the Last Dragon: Trust Lost. Trust Restored.

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I love The Mandalorian (and all Star Wars).

I love WandaVision (and all Marvel).

I love High School Musical (and all the others).

But my favorite, FAVORITE Disney moments come when Disney goes back to its roots and gives us a good animated classic. And Raya and the Last Dragon should be considered one of Disney’s finest moments in the genre it defined.

Division is no stranger to the world. As far as history takes us, there has been tensions between people, often resulting in feuds, borders, and violence. Our reasons for such behavior are as varied as our humanity itself and, from my vantage point, it’s hard to have hope for authentic reconciliation.

For Raya, there was a moment of that same hope that was quickly destroyed. For 500 years, the once-harmonious people of Kumandra had been fighting amongst themselves in the wake of a monstrous Druun attack. Through the power and sacrifice of the dragons that once lived peacefully with the people of Kumandra, the dark beings were defeated, but the people were left divided, breaking into factions and arguing over who should have the Dragon Gem. Raya and her father, leader of the Heart tribe, are the protectors. During an invitation for peace, Raya befriends Namaari of the Fang tribe, only to learn that peace was never truly an option as the Druun return and terrorize yet again. Years later, Raya continues her quest to find the last dragon, Sisu, who is said to have the power to once again defeat the Druun and bring back those who were lost.

Disney’s 21st century approach to princess movies continues to earn my respect. And while no movie is perfect, Raya and the Last Dragon was pretty close. For starters, the majority of the voice cast are actors and actresses of Asian heritage – fitting considering the context of the film. This is an increasingly important element in movie making, so I am glad to see the intentionality with the casting. Kelly Marie Tran as Raya, Awkwafina as Sisu, Gemma Chan as Namaari, Daniel Dae Kim as Raya’s father Benja, and Benedict Wong and Sandra Oh are incredible together. So, I consider that a pretty solid starting point.

Also, let’s take a minute to appreciate just how pretty this movie is. The technology and craftmanship behind the animation blew me away, down to the stands of hair coming undone in Raya’s braids. With such attention to detail, it was near impossible to look away. The cracks in the sand, the dimension of the water – even the dust floating – all of it painted a realistic-yet-enchanting visual.

Plus there is ZERO LOVE INTEREST and I am here for it. While trying to find the last dragon, find all the pieces of the Dragon Gem, avoid being turned to stone by the Druun, and relentlessly hoping to save her father, Raya flat out does not have time for a relationship. To force something into the story for the sake of it would have ruined this entire film.

Instead, Raya has to learn something else. She has to open her heart back up to people in general. Trusting a stranger led the world to ruin, so to protect herself from ever making the same mistake, she withdraws and keeps everyone she meets along the way at arm’s length. Goodness, how often have we all been broken by someone turning on us after trusting them? And unfortunately, this is often something kids learn at young ages, so they can relate to Raya’s journey in a way that is understandable and relevant to them.

Finally (for the sake of this review), this movie rejuvenated my sense of hope. Reconciliation is straight up hard work. It’s uncomfortable. It requires time and intentionality. It can hurt. But it’s possible. Raya fought the truth that Sisu regularly spoke out of fear that she would be hurt again. But the truth is, yes, we will get hurt again. And we will hurt others. But we don’t stop trying. Peace-making is messy. But man, how beautiful it can be.

Raya and the Last Dragon is now available in select theatres and to rent on Disney+.

Breaking News in Yuba County: The Affirmations Run Out

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He’s missing! Then again, so is a slice of my birthday cake…

I think it’s safe to say that most of us have had days where it seemed like nothing seemed to go right. The car ran out of gas; a coworker received a promotion instead of you; a stain appeared on your outfit that couldn’t be easily disguised; and many more situations that have already come to your mind. 

In the case of Sue Buttons (Allison Janney), her life seems to consist of nothing good. At the beginning of Tate Taylor’s Breaking News in Yuba County, she picks up a birthday cake for herself while muttering affirmations to herself (“I am good”; “I am special”). The cake is misspelled and she is unable to do anything about it. She drives to her job at a call center and her first call is demeaning. She thinks her workplace remembered her birthday, but their celebration was for another person.  These are only the beginning of her issues thanks to a completely dysfunctional family and a latent desire to be known and respected.

In theory, this sounds like a fantastic premise for a film. Add in an extremely talented group of Hollywood actors (Wanda Sykes; Juliette Lewis; Ellen Barkin; and Dominic Burgess among others) and actresses and you’ve got a verifiable winner.  The problem is that Breaking News in Yuba County starts off wonderfully before devolving into a muddled mess that leaves more questions than answers. How did it go so wrong?

The problems begin as soon as Sue gets home. Her husband Carl (Matthew Modine, who gets woefully little screen time) is caught up in a bad situation involving millions of dollars and a tryst in a seedy hotel. Thinking the flowers he purchased were for her, Sue follows him and discovers more than she bargained for. Catching him in the middle of an affair was bad enough, but watching him fall over dead was worse. Suddenly, the film takes on a dark Weekend at Bernie’s feel except she buries Carl and the money in the hotel playground.

This triggers a flood of cops, confusion, and a trio of Mafia-ish characters (including Awkwafina) that are geared up to inflict damage in cruel ways. There’s more, but I’ll focus on Sue’s attempt to increase her popularity as a result of a missing person case not unlike those Nancy Grace episodes on CNN. Her sister Nancy (Mila Kunis) is a local reporter and gets the word out that Sue’s husband is “missing,” but Sue wants to go higher and piggybacks on a national missing person case. At this point, the plot completely unravels and becomes a gore-fest – both in its ending and in a number of grisly deaths that would’ve made the director of Saw proud.  Will Sue be able to finally affirm herself?  You’ll find out if you can make it to the Crash-like ending.

It is important to recognize that a common thread throughout Breaking News in Yuba County involves Sue’s constant attempts to affirm herself.  She starts off talking to herself in the grocery store and is heard recounting the same phrases as she goes from nobody to pseudo-star.  It becomes a catalyst that transforms her into someone who is desperate to do anything to get seen in a popular light (at least in her eyes) by the public. The issue here is not the affirmations themselves, but where the words point her to. They give her ego a massive boost that, once triggered, is near impossible to get rid of.  Conversely, as a Christian, I believe that our affirmations should come from the Bible and the words God tells us. He loves each of us with an everlasting love and has drawn us with lovingkindness (see Jeremiah 31:3).  If that’s good, there’s a whole lot more of these God has to share.  By finding our value and worth in Him, we won’t have to resort to being a part of a racket (knowingly or unknowingly) as Sue horrifyingly discovered. Instead, we can relate to One who sings songs over us (see Zephaniah 3:17)

Breaking News in Yuba County is available on VOD.

Finding Her Voice: 1on1 with Kalia Love Jones (THE POWER OF HOPE)

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It doesn’t matter how old you are. Everyone is looking for hope.

Written and directed by 13-year-old Kalia Love Jones, The Power of Hopeis an animated short that tells the inspirational story of a young woman who has big dreams of becoming an architect. When her mother becomes ill, she feels overwhelmed and helpless. However, after hearing a powerful speech by former First Lady Michelle Obama, she is inspired to find the strength to persevere and bring her dreams to life.

As a first-time filmmaker, Jones says that she wanted to both encourage diversity in the filmmaking world while, at the same time, creating a story that was relatable to as many people as possible.


“I made the film because I want to see more diversity in film,” Jones begins. “I want to see more people of color and women in film, but the story was just something that I came up with. I wanted The Power of Hope to be something that was relatable. I wanted it to be as relatable as possible [so that], when [people] would watch it, they would feel inspired.” 

Creating a film at any age is always a difficult process. However, featuring sharp animation and visuals, Power of Hope is an incredible first step for the young Jones. Though, with that in mind, one of the most difficult aspects of the film’s production to her was finding a team that was willing to work because of her youth.

“I think the biggest challenge in making this film was finding people to work on it because we’re so new to this industry,” Jones recalls. “We don’t know really anybody so finding someone to help us was really hard. We went to colleges and asked for animators or people that are working on the film. But it was really hard because nobody would want to work with a 13-year-old. After a few months of looking, we finally found some a crew and it all came together.”

Anchoring the film is the incredibly powerful speech by former First Lady Michelle Obama, which empowers the young protagonist to keep going when she faces tough times. While Obama wasn’t involved directly in the project, Jones wanted to use her words because of the incredible impact that the First Lady has had on her life.

“[Michelle Obama] didn’t work on this film herself,” Jones clarifies. “She was just a very big inspiration to me. I don’t think I would have felt inspired to have made a film without Michelle as my huge inspiration. I just love Michelle Obama. She’s a huge inspiration to me. So, I wanted to use her speech in the film.

In addition to Obama, Jones also takes the opportunity to pay homage to other women such as Awkwafina and Ava DuVernay in the end credits who she believes are worth looking to as motivation.

“I think all of them are there because they’re all inspiring to me,” she says. “They inspired me to make the film. So, I felt that they should be in the credits.” 

Asked where she believes the true power of hope lies, Jones contends that she thinks it stems from the encouraging words of others.

“I think the power [of hope is] the power to motivate someone to be successful [or] to take steps to get out of a hard place and get into a better one,” Jones explains. “It’s the power to motivate someone and make them feel inspired to overcome all the obstacles that get in their way.” 

“I think it’s hard to cling to hope when you’re facing adversity,” she continues. “That’s why I made this film because I wanted people to feel inspired when so they would feel hopeful for a better future and success they saw the film. I wanted them to feel hope so that they can overcome obstacles.”

For Jones, however, the most important thing is that people feel encouraged by the film to face difficult circumstances head on so that they can conquer their fears and be successful.

“I want people to feel inspired when they watch my film,” she reassures. “I want them to feel confident and brave, [so] they can feel like they can overcome all the obstacles that can come in their way and reach their goals.”

For audio of our interview with Kalia Love Jones, click here.

The Power of Hope premieres at the Shorts by the Sea Festival in September.

The Power of Hope: Inspiration by Influence

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Dear Michelle Obama,

Admittedly, you and I don’t talk much (read: never). Even so, I’m a big fan of your work and I hope you’re doing well. I don’t expect you to reply to this post but I did have one question for you: Did you know that you recently starred in a film?

You really should. 

Because you’d be proud of it.

Written and directed by 13-year-old Kalia Love Jones, The Power of Hope is an animated short that tells the story of a young woman who has big dreams of becoming an architect. When her mother becomes ill, she feels overwhelmed and helpless. However, after hearing a powerful speech by former First Lady Michelle Obama, she is inspired to find the strength to persevere and bring her dreams to life.

Beautifully written and animated, Jones’ short is both charming and challenging. Though brief in length, her desire to empower young girls to overcome the trials that they face shines through, providing encouragement to everyone who watches. Considering her young age, there’s a maturity within the story-telling and visuals that makes this short film an impressive debut for Jones. Gradually moving from shadow to light, the film’s images emphasize the importance of looking for hope in the midst of life’s moments of deepest darkness. From having to care for a sick parent to struggling financially, Jones’ short is willing to stare down the most difficult of circumstances and prove that they need not define or defeat you. For Jones, the message is clear.

No matter what you’re going through, you can do it.

What’s most interesting about the film though is how Jones uses Obama’s (your?) speech within the film. Sitting broken in her living room, the young girl overhears the former First Lady’s voice on the television and is instantly transfixed by it. Then, as her hero’s words of hope sink in, she decides to fight for her future. From there, the voiceover takes over the remainder of the film, walking with her through each stage of life. Though leading the narrative component, its true importance lies in the way that it gives the young girl something to cling to and points to the impact that people of influence can have on a generation. Never once does Jones’ character meet Obama or receive any direct help from her yet she owes a great deal to her words. For this young girl, Obama’s message of confidence gives her courage in the face of the overwhelming odds against her. 

This sentiment is also echoed throughout the film’s closing credits, as Jones chooses to highlight other women who have inspired her in her young life. From Ava DuVernay to Ellen DeGeneres to Awkwafina, Jones highlights women of different ethnicities who have become trailblazers in their diverse fields yet have also provided an example of succeeding in the face of adversity to young women everywhere. Although Jones may have never met or spoken to any of these particular women, it’s clear that she holds them in high esteem and views them as people who matter. 

Their example has provided an example for her to follow.

So Mrs. Obama, I hope that you get a chance to see Kalia’s film. Not only because it’s enjoyable and effective but because I believe that it’s a testament to the voice that you have given to the next generation. 

And, like Jones herself, that voice has proven incredibly powerful.

For audio of our interview with Kalia Love Jones, click here.

The Power of Hope premieres at the Shorts by the Sea Festival in September.

teenFish#8 JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL

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Welcome to teenFish, a podcast series that lets teenagers speak about media that matters to them in their own voice. Hosted by Daniel Collins (Infinity Warm-Up), teenFish airs every month and invites local youth to engage the truth and lies of the shows and films that excite them.

When Spencer decides to re-enter the world of JUMANJI, his friends follow in order to save him from the dangers inside. However, when glitches in the game push the boundaries of their experience, the team is forced to take a hard look at themselves in order to decide who they really are and what they’re capable of. This month, Daniel and Jacob delve into JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL to talk about finding our identity, purpose and reconnecting.

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), or Spotify! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts or Google Play!

The Farewell: The Beautiful Lie

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Based on an actual lie,’ The Farewell follows the young Chinese-born but U.S.-raised Billi (Awkwafina) who reluctantly returns to Changchun to find that, although the whole family knows their beloved matriarch, Nai-Nai (grandma), has been given mere weeks to live, everyone has decided not to tell Nai Nai herself. To ensure that she doesn’t worry about her own condition, the family comes together under the guise of an expedited wedding in an effort to see their beloved matriarch for potentially the last time. Torn between being honest with her Nai Nai and supporting her families wishes, Billi rediscovers the beauty of her heritage, her grandmother’s spirit and the ties that bind us.

Written and directed by Lulu Wang, The Farewell is a genuinely heart-warming story that charms its audience with endearing performances by its cast. Normally recognized for her comedic talents, the film is anchored by a solid dramatic performance by Awkwafina. However, that is not to take away from the rest of the cast as each performer breathes life into their characters as they trek through the murky morality of lying to their beloved Nai Nai. Ironically, for a film about deception, each scene feels honest and genuine, never shying away from the complexity of the situation. Choosing to focus on the faces of her characters, Wang’s direction allows the conflicting emotions of each character to be felt by her audience. In this film, there are no heroes or villains. Every family member is allowed to be both imperfect and brave as they attempt to make the best decisions that they can in an awful situation.

In the midst of the family drama, the film also asks earnest questions about the nature of morality. While Billi and her father grapple with keeping such a huge secret from their Nai Nai, the rest of the family holds tightly to their belief that there is nothing wrong with their decision to keep the truth from her. In doing so, the film offers up the tension between Eastern and Western ideologies, without belittling either position. While Billie and her father battle through the North American lens of individual morality, the rest of the family speaks of the Chinese view that the family takes care of each other corporately. Unlike most films that point to cultural differences, The Farewell actually proves to be a love letter to both worldviews, allowing them to be respected in their differences. Can a deliberate deception be a thing of beauty or is there a subtle cruelty in not giving someone the chance to say their ‘proper goodbyes’? Does culture really shape our beliefs of right and wrong more fully than we realize? This is a film that wants its audience to bring their own beliefs to the table and express them, knowing that their arguments are imperfect as well.

While it’s unlikely that The Farewell will break box office records, that in no way reflects its value. Tightly written and executed, Wang’s film is a gem that is worth spreading the word to your friends about.

Just don’t tell Nai Nai.

The Farewell speaks from the heart in theatres on July 19th, 2019.