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The Prom: Everyone is Welcome

December 5, 2020 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

There’s a certain mystique about the prom.

From ‘prom-posals’ to having the right date or transportation, proms are supposed to be nights of whimsy where everyone can celebrate their journey through high school. However, at the same time, they also continue to be infected with multiple levels of social politics as teens scramble to ensure that they have the perfect night. As such, what’s supposed to be a night of celebration for everyone can very quickly devolve into a night of exclusion and conformity.

With The Prom, director Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, Glee) wants to believe that this can still be a night for everyone. Adapted from the Tony-nominated musical of the same name, The Prom tells the story of Indiana student Emma Nolan (Jo Ellen Pellman), a young woman who finds herself banned from her high school prom because she wants to attend with her girlfriend Alyssa (Ariana DeBose). Despite the support of her principal (Keegan-Michael Key) Emma is heartbroken and longs to be accepted for who she is. Meanwhile, in New York City, Broadway stars Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman (James Corden) find themselves in a crisis of their own when their elaborate Broadway show is cancelled suddenly. With their careers in peril, Allen and Glickman discover Emma’s story online and believe that supporting her may help their public image. As a result, they trek to Indiana with friends (and fellow struggling actors) Angie Dickinson (Nicole Kidman) and Trent Oliver (Andrew Rannells) in an effort help Emma have the night she wants and give themselves a professional lift in the process.

There’s a lot to like about this Prom, a blistering ball of fun that provides the type of energetic escapism that may bring some joy during this difficult season. Brightly lit with blasts of colour, most of the musical numbers sparkle onscreen. Performances within the film are generally solid, especially from co-stars Andrew Rannells, Keegan-Michael Key and, of course, Meryl Streep. Anchoring the film, however, is newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman who shines as hero-in-waiting, Emma. A joy to watch onscreen, Pellman sparkles as the impetuous and courageous young woman, bringing an earnestness and enthusiasm to the film. 

Even so, the film is not without its issues. Clocking in at over 2 hours, The Prom ends up feeling a bit too long. What’s more, the primary lightning rod for the film is the casting of Corden as the openly gay Glickman. Admittedly, at a time where inclusion and representation have become daily (and necessary) headlines, the casting of the heterosexual Corden definitely could be argued as showing a lack of sensitivity to current conversations. (Certainly, there are other openly gay actors in Hollywood who could have filled Glickman’s silver suit.) However, it is worth noting that the LGBTQ+ community have significant representation within the film as well. From stars Pellman and DeBose to the significant diversity amongst its extras to director Ryan Murphy himself, The Prom takes its inclusiveness very seriously and, hopefully, that may help to counterbalance the controversy surrounding Corden’s position within the film.

In terms of discussing modern issues, The Prom keeps things as light and simple as the colour palette that it uses. This is not a tale that seeks to delve into the murkiness of moral ambiguity but rather invites others to step into the light of acceptance. While the film keeps the lines of ‘good v. evil’ clear from the opening scene (modern thinkers = noble; religious zealots = bad), The Prom does draw a clear line between inclusiveness and a proper understanding of Christian grace. (“When you’re lost it always helps recalling those immortal words that Jesus said. ‘There’s one rule that trumps them all: Love thy neighbour’”, Rannells pops.)

For Murphy, the most important truth remains that all are invited to enjoy the party. More specifically, the film is a call to offer genuine love to one another by reminding the viewer what it means to break down the divisive walls of judgmentalism and hypocrisy. In this way, the film does a good job of getting its message across that everyone matters and deserves to feel accepted and valued for who they are. 

In the end, The Prom is an enjoyable (but arguably forgettable) piece that offers enough charm and liveliness to keep viewers entertained. Despite its flaws, the film’s pop and ‘zazz’ does a fairly good job of creating a dream-like experience for viewers that only Broadway can achieve. Even so, the most important aspect of this Prom is that Murphy wants to make sure that everyone is invited to the party. While it may not be perfect, that doesn’t mean that you should throw out the invitation.

The Prom is in select theatres now and will be available on Netflix on December 11th, 2020.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Netflix, Reviews Tagged With: Andrew Rannells, Ariana DeBose, james corden, Jo Ellen Pellman, keegan-michael key, LBGTQ, LGBTQ+, Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Ryan Murphy, The Prom

Jingle Jangle: Lighting the Spark of Hope

November 13, 2020 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Set in the whimsical wintery world of a Christmas bedtime story, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey tells the story of Jeronicus Jangle (Forrest Whitaker), toymaker extraordinaire. A brilliant inventor, Jangle is known around the land for his innovative creations and wild toys. However, when his book of inventions is stolen by his protégé, Gustafson (Keegan-Michael Key), Jangle is left in ruins as his competition takes credit for his ideas and makes a fortune. Years later, when his granddaughter Journey Jangle (Madelen Mills) arrives, Jangle recognizes her talent but struggles to grapple with his own failures. However, when a new invention begins to reignite the spark of his soul, Jangle also sees the re-emergence of an old foe who wishes to steal the project for himself as well.

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (2020) Forest Whitaker as Jeronicus Jangle. NETFLIX

Written and directed by David E. Talbert (Almost Christmas), Jingle Jangle is certainly a much more ambitious project than his previous efforts. While Talbert’s work normally focuses on families and relationships, Jangle is a steam-punk sight for the senses. Featuring stunning special effects and some spectacular musical numbers, the film effectively brings to life the magic and whimsy that families want from their Christmas classics. Frankly, the attention to detail in the visuals is often truly remarkable, with each whizzing gear and popping spring feeling like an extension of Jeronicus Jangle’s complicated emotional state. 

Speaking of Jangle himself, Whitaker handles the role in with a mixture of sadness and charm as the once-great toymaker. For someone who is not particularly known for his work in children’s fare (has he ever done a film like this before?), Whitaker embraces the script and manages to bring a subtle spark to the character. While much of the cast are in fine form here, from Key’s mustache-twirling villain Gustafsen to the always regal Phylicia Rashad, the real story of the film is newcomer Madalen Mills who is absolutely wonderful as Jeronicus’ granddaughter and protégé, Journey Jangle. In her first major role, Mills absolutely lights up the screen with her performance and holds the film together with a sparkling debut. (And, frankly, it’s also refreshing to see a holiday myth that features an entirely African-American cast as well.)

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (2020) Diaana Babnicova as Young Jessica Jangle and Justin Cornwell as Young Jeronicus Jangle. Cr.Gareth Gatrell/NETFLIX

Despite the magical music and eye-popping contraptions, the true heart of the film lies in its celebration of belief. While this is a theme that extends through numerous films at this time of year, there is something special about Jangle in the way that it explores its message. With each failed invention, Jeronicus Jangle falls further into bitterness, refusing more and more to try. Having seen his best days stolen from him, his frustration is understandable. Burned out and broken, Jangle is a man who has lost everything and feels frozen in his inability to move forward. (Seems appropriate for 2020, doesn’t it?)

However, with the arrival of Journey, light begins to enter the room again. Transformed by the belief that ‘nothing is impossible if you believe’, Journey recognizes that, even in our worst circumstances, hope exists. Her youthful innocence and willingness to take risks have not yet been marred by trauma and she is able to find joy in the midst of suffering. As a result of Journey’s willingness to believe that there is more on the horizon, Jeronicus is forced to confront his own emotional blockage and, potentially, allow himself to heal. While the film doesn’t take particularly focus on what to believe in, it is refreshing at this time for a film to remind audiences in 2020 that belief and hope are essential, especially in the darkest of moments.

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (2020) Keegan-Michael Key as Gustafson. Cr.Gareth Gatrell/NETFLIX

Having said this, the film does have a few flaws. Clocking in at just over two hours, admittedly the film does feel a tad too long at time. What’s more, though some of the musical numbers are truly amazing, there are also those that fall flat. (Whitaker does his best but he likely does not have a singing career in his future.) Even so, these are minor quibbles. The truth is that, for the most part, there is more than jingle and magic in Jingle Jangle to keep families enchanted through the holiday season.

And, in 2020, that may be the most that one could hope for.

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (2020) Phylicia Rashad as Grandmother Cr.Gareth Gatrell/NETFLIX

Jingle Jangle is available on Netflix on November 13th, 2020. 

Filed Under: Film, Netflix, Reviews Tagged With: Forrest Whitaker, keegan-michael key, Madelin Mills, Phylicia Rashad

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

July 25, 2018 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Image result for hotel transylvania 3

Hotel Transylvania brought us the story of a safe space for all monsters, a touching father/daughter relationship, and what happens when a vampire and a human fall in love.

In the second installment, we welcome Dennis (or, of course, Dennisavitch), the half vampire/half human addition to the family.

But, in Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, we take a break from Mavis’ evolution, and bring the focus back to Dracula himself.  After the death of his wife, Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) became completely focused on his daughter, Mavis (voiced by Selena Gomez), ensuring that she was raised with love and complete safety.  Now that Mavis is married and a mother, it’s time for Dracula to move on. He’s lonely and needs companionship (and it’s clear that dating apps are not his best friend).  Mavis can tell that Dracula is not being himself so, initially against his will, she takes the entire group on a cruise to the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. Clever location for a monster cruise, I thought.

Image result for hotel transylvania 3

The film begins with a history lesson of sorts, as we get a glimpse of Dracula’s archenemy, Van Helsing (voiced by Jim Gaffigan).  I’m sure you recognize this name. Van Helsing dates back to the original Dracula film of 1897 and has been featured in numerous novels and films over the decades.  It seems only natural that the infamous vampire hunter makes some sort of appearance in the Hotel Transylvania trilogy. Although, perhaps, this might have been an easy story line to grab in order to extend the series.  Personally, I found that introducing an archenemy in the more lovable Hotel Transylvania series gave it more of a ‘Despicable Me’ vibe.

The entirety of this film has an overall theme of family legacy.  (Though I’m not reaching very far for that theme – I mean, the cruise ship was even named ‘Legacy’.)  Our pal Van Helsing is obsessed with the ideas of his great-granddaughter, Ericka (posing as the cruise director), capturing a weapon (the “family heirloom”), killing Dracula, and fulfilling the Van Helsing family legacy.

However, the plot twists when Dracula ‘zings’ and falls head over heels for young Ericka.  Initially, Ericka (voiced by Kathryn Hahn) runs with it, even going on a fake date with Dracula in an attempt to get closer to her supposed enemy.  But as the film progresses, Ericka seems to see something more in Dracula, and we see her struggling with these conflicting feelings.  The love story between Dracula and Ericka is very Romeo and Juliet, portraying them as star-crossed lovers unable to be together because of their feuding family past.

We see an interesting role reversal with Mavis and Dracula.  All of Mavis’ life, Dracula has protected her, and was very concerned when a love interest came on the scene, especially a human!  Though, in Hotel Transylvania 3, Mavis becomes very concerned and protective of her father when he begins his relationship with Ericka. Mavis immediately senses that she’s trouble. And, interestingly, Dracula also falls for a human.

Image result for hotel transylvania 3

As we near the end of the film, we see a very unexpected undertone that touches on the extraordinary power of music.  When paired with a specific musical composition, the “family heirloom” that Ericka captured (which is really a quasi-weapon of mass destruction), turns the typically friendly sea creature, The Kraken (voiced by Joe Jonas), into a furious monster.  Trapped on a sea structure for the final party, Dracula and the gang have nowhere to run when The Kraken begins demolishing the structure and aiming his tentacles directly at them. Well, luckily, Johnny is a wannabe DJ who pulls out his music library and counteracts the evil composition with a set of the happiest music he’s got, a set list that includes everything from “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” to the infamous “Macarena”. This was a riot of a scene–and I embarrassed by daughter by doing the Macarena in the theatre. (90’s for the win!)

Finally, we go out on a kind note as the evil Van Helsing is saved instead of destroyed, despite his plans to destroy Dracula.  The lovable Murray (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key) put is so well: “You gotta be greater than the haters”.

Filed Under: Film, Reviews Tagged With: Adam Sandler, dracula, hotel transylvania 3, jim gaffigan, joe jonas, Kathryn Hahn, keegan-michael key, selena gomez, the kraken, van helsing

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