Page 6 December 28, 2017 EL SEGUNDO HERALD Reviewed by Kristina Kora-Beckman, Librarian I, El Segundo Public Library Gabrielle Zevin is one of my favorite authors. Her works include Elsewhere, The Storied Life of A.J. Filkry and her latest novel, Young Jane Young--a witty, thoughtful story that explores the lasting effects of a political sex scandal in the Internet era, where infamy is only a Google search away. Aspiring student Aviva Grossman interns with a Florida Congressman, quickly rising in the ranks until her affair with her married boss is exposed with catastrophic results, at least for her. While the Congressman escapes relatively unscathed, Aviva has to change her name (to Jane Young) and flee to Maine in attempts to move on with her life. After Entertainment Check It Out Film Review Three Films to See This Season By Morgan & Ryan Rojas for www.cinemacy.com Are you planning on seeing a movie this holiday season and looking for a suggestion that isn’t the latest Star Wars? We here at Cinemacy are happy to recommend a few films we saw this year that also happen to be some our favorites. On a side note, we also want to quickly express our thanks to Herald Publications who, going on our fourth year, continue to allow us to share our thoughts The Florida Project (A24), Call Me By Your Name (Sony Pictures Classics), and Lady Bird (A24). on indie films with you. We sincerely hope that through Cinemacy, you have learned of a new movie or checked out a film that you might not have otherwise considered, which is what inspires us year after year. Happy holidays! The Florida Project (111 min. Rated R) by Ryan Rojas Imagine if The Little Rascals took place within a string of budget motels located outside Disney World and you have The Florida Project, the most triumphant statement on childhood since 2014’s Boyhood. Following a group of youngsters over one unsupervised summer as they run, play and altogether cause mischief around the extended-stay motels where they live, writer and director Sean Baker’s second feature film is a masterful exercise in dichotomy. Juxtaposing beautiful moments of kids running towards rainbows and celebrating fireworks in the low-income environment where vices and dangers loom large, Baker reveals the fantasy against the harsh reality of their lives. Willem Dafoe, as maintenance worker Bobby, is subtle and stunning. But it’s the spunky six year-old Brooklynn Prince who steals the show as spirited youngster Moonee, whose boundless energy reminds us that the make-believe and innocence of childhood inevitably ends, but should be cherished while it’s here. Call Me By Your Name (132 min. Rated R) by Morgan Rojas Call Me By Your Name is the rare kind of big-screen adaptation that not only stays true to the details that made the novel so special, but improves upon them. Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer star as two acquaintances/turned friends/turned lovers who navigate the confused feelings of desire for each other over one sunshine-soaked summer in a 1980s Italian countryside. With a screenplay by James Ivory and directed by Luca Guadagnino, the story is beautifully sensual and lyrical, making for a romantic film that offers enough intimacy and devastation to capsize anyone. Newcomer Chalamet commands the film as teen Elio, whose journey of self-discovery and coming-of-age is one that bridges worlds in its emotional resonance and is already gathering awards and early Best Actor buzz. Lady Bird (94 min. Rated R) by Morgan Rojas The mother-daughter relationship can be a delicate dance, especially during those teenage years when it feels like the world and everyone in it is literally against you, and if you could only move to New York, that would solve everything! For those of us who have lived through that phase (*raises hand), Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut, Lady Bird, is sure to strike a personal chord. Saoirse Ronan leads a cast of equally talented actors as she struggles to see eye to eye with her mother and vice versa—with neither realizing their frustrations stem from the fact that they are exactly alike. This is a must-see for anyone who likes their humor darkly realistic and cunning. • Gabrielle Zevin’s Latest Looks at Effects of a Political Sex Scandal building a career while raising her daughter, Ruby, Jane’s past comes back to haunt her when she runs for office in her adopted town. One of my favorite aspects of the story is how Zevin plays with form, using a “Choose Your Adventure” format to recount Jane’s experiences with the Congressman and illustrating Ruby’s experiences and thoughts through her emails to her international pen pal. I also enjoyed how Zevin gives readers multiple perspectives through which to view the scandal--not only Ruby’s, but also Aviva’s mom and even the Congressman’s wife, Embeth. All are complicated women making the best of difficult situations while striving, sometimes mistakenly, for what they believe at the time to be the better good. The El Segundo Public Library offers access to its collection of titles in a variety of formats, including traditional hardback, e-books and audiobooks. To check out Young Jane Young, or any other titles on your mustread list, please visit the library to apply for your free library card. • Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin. Kristina Kora-Beckman. “He that loves reading has everything within his reach.” – William Godwin We wish everyone a safe and happy new year. Herald Publications Holiday Schedule Our offices will be closed the following days for the holidays. Thursday, December 28 | Friday, December 29 | Monday, January 1
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