Page 6 April 26, 2018 EL SEGUNDO HERALD
Check It Out Film Review
Reviewed by Katrena Woodson,
Teen and Young Reader Librarian,
El Segundo Public Library
Phoebe and Her Unicorn is a wonderful
graphic novel by Dana Simpson. This comic
book has a very Calvin and Hobbes feel
to it, only more modern and with female
protagonists. The story is centered on the
adventures of Phoebe, a likable fourth grader,
and a unicorn named Marigold Heavenly
Nostrils. The two cross paths when by
chance Phoebe skips a rock and happens
to hit Marigold the unicorn with it. Prior
to this Marigold had been entranced by her
own reflection, as unicorns are prone to, and
trapped in a Narcissus-like state. By hitting
Marigold with a rock, Phoebe accidentally
set the unicorn free and as a result Marigold
grants Phoebe a wish. As any fourth grade
Entertainment
girl might do in this situation, Phoebe wishes
that Marigold be her best friend. From that
moment, on the two are inseparable and spend
their free time on one adventure after another.
Simpson has given Phoebe a fantastic voice
for a 9-year-old. Phoebe is not always the
wisest and can often be prone to whimsy,
whereas Marigold often comes across as
the straight man. She takes things very
literally, resulting in some very comedic
situations indeed. These two are able to
transform mundane things like piano lessons
or encounters with a mean girl into giggleworthy
situations that feel magical. This
series is perfect for young readers ages
6-11. I would highly recommend this series
to fans of Jennifer and Matthew Holm’s
Babymouse series.
The El Segundo Public Library offers
access to its collection of titles in a variety
of formats, including traditional hardback,
e-books and books on CD. To check out
Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson,
or any other title on your to-read list, please
visit the library to apply for your library
card, or please contact the reference staff
for further assistance. •
Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson.
Katrena Woodson.
Bloodlight and Bami Shows Grace
Jones Like Never Seen Before
By Morgan Rojas
for www.cinemacy.com
In 2015, Grace Jones released a memoir
called I’ll Never Write My Memoirs. In
it, along with proving that she is not one
to be labeled “predictable,” Jones made
the divisive claim that Beyonce, Miley Cyrus,
Lady Gaga and other pop stars are guilty of
copying her style. This, of course, caused a
social media firestorm among the generation
that was too young to know who this Grace
Jones person was – how dare she insult
Queen Bey! In the long-awaited and (apparently)
much-needed reintroduction, director
Sophie Fiennes gives audiences a rare look
at this controversial, multi-hyphenated artist in
the documentary-meets-art house film, Grace
Jones: Bloodlight and Bami. The result is a
product that may make millennials think
twice before discrediting Jones as a selfproclaimed
“original.”
Filmed over a 10-year span and throughout
various countries, Fiennes has created a
Grace Jones. Courtesy of Kino Lorber.
quintessential profile piece with Bloodlight
and Bami that explores Grace Jones far beyond
her controversial statements and tabloid
headlines. Through hotel room conversations,
intimate family dinners and private recording
studio sessions, audiences see Jones as a
mother, a churchgoer and a daughter, among
other personal monikers. Most of the film
takes place in Jamaica, Jones’ birthplace,
and audiences are thrust into the center
of her family dynamic. Perhaps the most
revelatory fact is Jones’ admission of an
abusive relationship with her stepfather, and
the lasting effect it had on her. Yet she also
credits the man, whom she calls Mas P, for
inspiring her extremely masculine and “scary”
onstage persona.
Watching Grace’s creative process from
early studio sessions to her live performances
of “Slave to the Rhythm” and “Pull Up to
the Bumper” are perhaps among the film’s
most fascinating scenes. Like a true artist,
she performs without inhibition (except
when she thinks she looks like a lady pimp
with call girls as backup dancers) and follows
an “art over money” philosophy that is
inspiring to anyone pursuing creative dreams.
Much like Jones herself, Fiennes’ filmmaking
style is a reflection of her innovation.
This type of filmmaking includes using
film that looks dated, including glitches and
lags. It switches between more intimate,
fly-on-the-wall moments and energetic live
performances.
For as inclusionary as the film’s content
tries to be, it seems like if one is not already
a Grace Jones super fan or particularly interested
in the ‘80s music scene, Bloodlight
and Bami can feel exclusionary. No scene
is particularly set up, leaving the audience
to find themselves dropped into the middle
of a moment without prior context, which
can feel confusing and exacerbating during
long takes. The takeaway is to go in without
expecting this to be a straightforward
documentary, as Bloodlight and Bami is not
trying to be the next Amy. Approach this
film with an open mind and prepare for it
to get blown away by the wildly wonderful
Grace Jones.
Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami is not
rated. 115 minutes. Now playing at the Nuart
Theatre in Los Angeles. •
Phoebe and Her Unicorn: Graphic
Novel Is Comedic and Magical
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Morgan Rojas.