EL SEGUNDO HERALD December 8, 2016 Page 7 Entertainment Check It Out Film Review Reviewed by Katrena Woodson, Teen and Young Reader Librarian, El Segundo Public Library This week, I am going to review some new fairytale picture books, starting with a fun bedtime story called Good Night Baddies by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Juli Kangas. Underwood’s story focuses on the villains or “baddies” from some familiar fairytales and their bedtime routines. The illustrations created by Kangas are bold and colorful—and are cute rather than scary. These baddies are likable and this story is bound to be become a bedtime favorite. Bethan Woollvin provides a fun retelling of a classic fairytale through the story entitled Little Red. The illustrations are primarily black, white and grey with a pop of color–most notably Little Red’s coat and boots. The illustrations and text fit together perfectly, but my favorite aspect of Wollvin’s version of this fairytale is how Little Red doesn’t need to be rescued, as she is proven to be both brave and smart. This picture book is how fairy tales were supposed to be told and is perfect for children grades K-2. Lastly, The Princess and the Warrior by Duncan Tonatiuh is a reimagined story of one of Mexico’s cherished legends. Tonatiuh is an award-winning author/illustrator who uses his trademark digital collage-style illustrations. He illustrates his scenes in earthy colors with plenty of sharp angles. The main character, Princess Izta, who is said to be the most beautiful maiden in the land, falls in love with a humble warrior. Princess Izta’s father doesn’t approve of the match, leading to a See Check It Out, page 9 To everyone who supported the El Segundo Ed! Foundation’s Ladies Night Out - Major Sponsors Thank You! Catwalk Contributors Model Sponsors Fashion Beauty Tastings Partners Lewis Golden Josette Murphy Elizabeth O’Donnell Jenette Osborne Pamela Sullivan Banana Republic, Big 5, D’Arte Connection, Fabletics, Frocks & Rocks, The Jewelry Source, JustFab, Kendra Scott, LuLaRoe, Lululemon, Ya Ya’s Boutique Cambria Hotels, DoubleTree El Segundo, El Segundo Commercial Pro, El Segundo Dermatology, eSalon, Happy Hour Wine Co., Kate Somerville, Kendra Scott, Kristin Anderson Photography, NYX, Rodan and Fields, Sephora, SoCalGas For event highlights visit us at www.ESEdF.org Ed! La La Land a Beautiful, Bittersweet Look at Love and Stardom By Morgan Rojas for www.cinemacy. com This isn’t the first time 36-year-old Ryan Gosling and 28-year-old Emma Stone have played on-screen lovers (Gangster Squad, Crazy Stupid Love), nor is it the first time 31-year-old Damien Chazelle wrote and directed an electrifying feature film about an artist’s drive to perform onstage (Academy Award-winning Whiplash). Put them all together, and here we have one of the most feverishly loved films of the year– La La Land, an infectiously romantic modern-day musical that will sing and dance its way into your heart. Like a lot of aspiring actresses, Mia (Stone) has moved to Los Angeles to make it big, living with three roommates in a cramped apartment--and only works as a barista on the Warner Brothers studio lot so she is within running distance to her less-than-glamorous auditions. It’s here where self-important casting directors and waiting rooms filled with girls who look just like Mia leave her with broken spirits day in and day out. That is, until a lonely night’s walk leads her to a dark, dive-y restaurant where the most beautiful piano music is playing inside. As she attempts to pay the pianist a compliment, he literally bumps right past her--both unaware that these soon-to-be star-crossed lovers will meet again, and soon. The mystery man behind the piano is Sebastian (Gosling), an old-school jazz pianist who, when he’s not playing music, obsesses over its history and laments its fading from modern culture (Gosling impressively was in piano lessons six days a week for months in preparation for the role). After running into each other at an L.A. party, Sebastian and Mia are drawn closer after discovering that each is as artistically unfulfilled as the other--but both share lofty dreams: hers of putting on that one-woman show and his of opening that jazz club. But La La Land sidesteps from the classic Hollywood story when the modern practicalities and realities set in– when sacrifices are to be made, will they be there to support their partner, or do what is necessary to achieve their own dreams? With their undeniable onscreen chemistry, the casting of Gosling and Stone feels like this generation’s Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The two draw on their own unique musical experiences, withy Stone having recently wrapped up a three-month-long stint on Broadway as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and Gosling having crooned for his rock band side project Dead Man’s Bones. Director Chazelle inherited his penchant for jazz from his father, continuing his love of classical music at Princeton High School (he played the jazz drums) and later Harvard. The storyline and sweeping dance sequences feel timeless--a classic homage to the great musicals of old Hollywood like Singin’ in the Rain--yet the mix of contemporary additions such as running Prius jokes and iPhone interruptions keep the film’s playful energy Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in La La Land. Courtesy of Lionsgate. The Jewelry Source 337 Main St. El Segundo. 310-322-7110 www.jewelrysourceUSA.com See Film Review, page 9 ©2007 No assembly required Thus, the perfect holiday gift. The Princess and the Warrior, Little Red, and Good Night Baddies Good Night Baddies by Deborah Underwood. Little Red by Bethan Woollvin.
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