Page 2 May 17, 2018
Entertainment
Film Review
Charlize Theron Plays a Fearless
Mother in the Riveting Film Tully
By Ryan Rojas for www.cinemacy.com
If you’re looking for a film that is simultaneously
sharp and funny, as well as deeply
and deftly observational of the struggles
of early motherhood, then I can’t recommend
Tully enough. Starring a fearless Charlize
Theron as a mother of two – and then to an
unexpected third, before a night nanny comes
to offer her some relief – Tully is intimate,
emotionally affecting, and in the end, an
unexpectedly surprising film that should
connect with audiences who are willing to
seek out a smaller, darker movie about the
joys and hardship of motherhood.
Marlo (Theron) is a mother of two, struggling
to keep her head above water when an
unexpected third child enters the equation.
With heavy bags under her eyes and a bloated
middle (Theron gained 50 pounds pounds for
the role), she is obviously overworked and
beyond tired, which her sweet but oblivious
husband Drew (Ron Livingston) doesn’t seem
to notice. This leads her financially well-off
brother, Craig (Mark Duplass), to offer her
the services of a night nanny to help when
her newborn arrives. When Marlo welcomes
child number three, she’s hesitant to accept
Craig’s offer… until she can no longer say
no. This is when we see the arrival of Tully
(Mackenzie Davis) – a free-spirited bohemian
girl living out her youthful twenties
as a caretaker, who swoops in at night and
cares for the infant so Marlo can get a decent
night’s sleep. Early hesitations turn into a real
connection and friendship, in which Marlo
reconnects with her younger self, resulting
in a freer, lighter spirit that fosters a more
positive self-image. However, Tully goes even
further when it reveals the dilemma Marlo
feels in confronting the spirited nanny about
whether to continue using her services or
revert back to mothering by herself.
In Tully, Theron takes on her role with
full fire and commitment. It’s absolutely
Theron’s movie, and she should be applauded
for her commitment that requires her to be
so emotionally vulnerable -- something she
hasn’t displayed since Young Adult which,
no coincidence, was also directed by Jason
Reitman and penned by screenwriter Diablo
Cody. In that film, Theron portrayed a
woman looking to steal a married man
away. She plays the exact opposite role
in Tully. They are bookend performances,
no doubt, and Tully showcases Theron as a
serious actress willing to take on these sorts
of demanding roles. Not to be overlooked,
Mackenzie Davis is true magic onscreen as
her spirit captivates at every turn and only
promises more moving performances.
While Tully is a small movie that might not
register with everyone, its detail is extremely
rewarding. Reitman crafts a very moving
love letter to the tolls of motherhood and
all that it demands. The film leans into its
humor with a strong story and dialogue that
are absolutely fearless as well as humorous.
Theron, Reitman and Cody collectively
manage to craft a sharp and funny movie
with beautiful images and sequences that
will remain in audiences’ heads long after
the credits.
Tully is rated R for language and some
sexuality/nudity. 95 minutes. Now playing
in theaters everywhere including ArcLight
Beach Cities. •
Courtesy of Focus Features.
Ryan Rojas.
Check It Out
Posted
by John David Anderson
Reviewed by Katrena Woodson,
Teen and Young Reader Librarian,
El Segundo Public Library
This week’s review features Posted by
John David Anderson. This novel offers
an anti-bullying message that is presented
in a way that is entertaining and will speak
to the intended audience between the ages
of 9 and 13. This story is brimming with
challenges and solutions that feel authentic
and realistic. Anderson’s characters are welldeveloped
and the plot is well-constructed
and woven with emotions.
The story takes place in the halls of Branton
Middle School at a time when cellphones
have been banned due to problems with
online bullying, causing the student population
to go into a frenzy. As a result, the
students develop a new way of communicating
with one another: Post-it notes. Some of them
use the Post-it notes to leave cruel messages
on the lockers of other students. The
story follows four friends and the “sticky
note war” as well as a new student, Rose
Holland, who challenges the quiet acceptance
of the harsh taunts and bullying. The
message that words can hurt and that they
have a lasting effect is not a new idea,
but it is one that warrants reminding -- especially
when the Internet can encourage
anonymity and lessen the sense of responsibility
for one’s words. Perhaps the most
important message presented in this novel
is that even though it can be difficult and
scary, we should not be afraid to make our
voices heard if we are standing up for what’s
right. This is a story that is sure to capture
the reader’s attention.
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
Posted by John David Anderson, 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. •
Posted by John David Anderson.
Katrena Woodson.
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