Tag: abby ryder fortson

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET – Review

Rachel McAdams as Barbara Dimon and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Photo Credit: Dana Hawley. Courtesy of Lionsgate

Judy Blume’s beloved 1970 classic young adult novel finally makes it to the big screen in a sweet film of the same name, ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET. The biggest question with this charming film version is what took it so long? Maybe it was waiting for writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig, who has crafted a marvelous film adaptation, that balances the novel’s honesty with a lightness and entertaining touch appropriate for the character’s age. An excellent cast, and perfect music from the era, complete the picture.

The film offers plenty of moments pre-teen girls will recognize, but this film is for everyone regardless of age or gender. It also has nostalgic treats for parents who read the book when they were young, but one does not have to have read Judy Blume’s classic novel to enjoy this delightful film.

Set in 1970, the film opens as 11-year-old Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) is just returning from summer camp. She is glad to be back home in New York City, but her parents Barbara and Herb (Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie) have big news: they are moving. To the suburbs in New Jersey, no less. It is a big change and Margaret is upset, particularly because her beloved paternal grandma Sylvia (a wonderful Kathy Bates) will no longer be so close by.

But they do move to the land of lawns and lawnmowers, because her dad got a promotion that gives them more money. Her mom Barbara, an art teacher, is actually looking forward to being just a housewife, and having more time with her daughter and to participate in school activities like the PTA. Plus they will have a bigger house and a yard. As soon as they move in, a girl from next door, Nancy (Elle Graham), knocks on their door and invites Margaret to her house to run through the sprinkler, a new experience for city girl Margaret. Plus Nancy has a cute brother. Maybe it’s not all bad.

While Margaret copes with all the changes the move brings, she also faces all the typical worries and concerns of a girl who is 11 going on 12. Margaret worries about her changing body, if she should buy a bra, if she is “normal,” about fitting in, as she navigates new friendships. She witnesses bullying, has questions about religion, and has budding romantic feelings, all as she starts to explore who she is. The film, like the book, deals with these real-world questions in an honest way but with an age-appropriate touch.

The actual Judy Blume makes a brief appearance near the film’s start, shortly after the family moves to the suburbs. Judy Blume’s classic children’s novel deals with a number of real-world problems pre-teens and teens face, as does this fine film adaption. When the book was published in 1970 (the same year in which this film is set), “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” was ground-breaking, a big departure for children’s literature, by dealing with honesty with the real-life concerns of a girl of her age but written in an age-appropriate and entertaining style. The novel became a huge bestseller and also created a new literary genre: the young adult novel. Over the years, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” has remained popular but also often the target of book banning. Judy Blume fans might also like to know there is a new documentary about the author coming out, JUDY BLUME FOREVER, to go along with this film release.

The film’s visual style perfectly captures the 1970s era where it is set, and that is perfectly paired with excellent music choices drawn from the era. songs that often punctuate moment with just the right feeling. The film has bright lighting and candy-color period sets and costumes, complemented by that marvelous period-appropriate score. The score delights again and again, underlining things Margaret is coping with, often adding a touch of humor with its spot-on choices.

One of the most charming parts of this sweet coming-of-age film is Kathy Bates as Margaret’s loving grandma Sylvia. Bates is funny and cute as the typically New York Jewish bubbe, a role she plays extremely well. Actually, she steals the show at several points, standing up for her granddaughter, providing love and support, and a refuge from all the changes Margaret is facing.

The film is sweet and appealing, with a fine cast led by young Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret. Audiences may recognize Fortson from her previously role as Paul Rudd’s daughter in the Ant-Man movies. Here, Fortson gives a nice, likable performance, capturing nuances of Margaret’s inner struggles on her expressive face. Rachel McAdams is very good as Margaret’s mom, who faces her own crises in this story, and is well supported by Benny Safdie as her husband. But often it is Kathy Bates as grandma Sylvia who steals the scenes, and acts as Margaret’s anchor in the storm. The young cast members who play Margaret’s friends, Elle Graham as Nancy, Amari Alexis Price as Janie, Katherine Mallen Kupferer as Gretchen, and other characters, played by Isol Young, Landon S. Baxter and Aidan Wojtak-Hissong, all give well-crafted performances.

This is a sweet, charming adaptation of a beloved children’s classic that both younger audiences and parents can enjoy, even if they haven’t read the Judy Blume book.

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET opens Friday, Apr. 28, in theaters.

RATING: 3.5 out of 4 stars

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET. St. Louis Advance Screening – Win 4 Passes Plus A Swag Bag – This Saturday!

It’s finally that time. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret – Only in Theatres April 28.

For over fifty years, Judy Blume’s classic and groundbreaking novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. has impacted generations with its timeless coming of age story, insightful humor, and candid exploration of life’s biggest questions.

In Lionsgate’s big-screen adaptation, 11-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) is uprooted from her life in New York City for the suburbs of New Jersey, going through the messy and tumultuous throes of puberty with new friends in a new school. She relies on her mother, Barbara (Rachel McAdams), who is also struggling to adjust to life outside the big city, and her adoring grandmother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates), who isn’t happy they moved away and likes to remind them every chance she gets.

The film also stars Benny Safdie (Licorice Pizza, Good Time) and is written for the screen and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig (The Edge of Seventeen), based on the book by Judy Blume, and produced by Gracie Films’ Academy Award® winner James L. Brooks (Best Picture, 1983 – Terms of Endearment), alongside Julie Ansell, Richard Sakai, Kelly Fremon Craig, Judy Blume, Amy Lorraine Brooks, Aldric La’auli Porter, and executive produced by Jonathan McCoy.

https://www.itsmemargaret.movie/tickets/

Enter to Win 4 Passes to the Advance Screening this Saturday on April 22 – plus a Tote Bag full of goodies (Journal, Bookmark, Stickers, Folder & Sunglasses).

Marcus Ronnie’s 20

Saturday, April 22nd 11AM (Arrive at 10AM)

WAMG is giving away to TEN of our lucky readers a Swag Bag and 4-passes.

  • EMAIL michelle@wearemoviegeeks.com to enter.
  • WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

Winners will receive an an email stating they will be on the guest list & will receive their prize pack at the screening.

Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon, Amari Price as Janie Loomis, Elle Graham as Nancy Wheeler, and Katherine Kupferer as Gretchen Potter in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Photo Credit: Dana Hawley

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET First Look Photos Feature Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson And Kathy Bates

Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon, Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon, and Benny Safdie as Herb Simon in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Photo Credit: Dana Hawley

Lionsgate has revealed first look images featuring Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Benny Safdie, and Kathy Bates on behalf of ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET. The movie arrives in theaters on April 28, 2023.

For over fifty years, Judy Blume’s classic and groundbreaking novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. has impacted generations with its timeless coming of age story, insightful humor, and candid exploration of life’s biggest questions.

In Lionsgate’s big-screen adaptation, 11-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) is uprooted from her life in New York City for the suburbs of New Jersey, going through the messy and tumultuous throes of puberty with new friends in a new school. She relies on her mother, Barbara (Rachel McAdams), who is also struggling to adjust to life outside the big city, and her adoring grandmother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates), who isn’t happy they moved away and likes to remind them every chance she gets.

Kathy Bates as Sylvia Simon and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Photo Credit: Dana Hawley

The film also stars Benny Safdie (Licorice Pizza, Good Time) and is written for the screen and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig (The Edge of Seventeen), based on the book by Judy Blume, and produced by Gracie Films’ Academy Award® winner James L. Brooks (Best Picture, 1983 – Terms of Endearment), alongside Julie Ansell, Richard Sakai, Kelly Fremon Craig, Judy Blume, Amy Lorraine Brooks, Aldric La’auli Porter, and executive produced by Jonathan McCoy.

Kathy Bates as Sylvia Simon in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Photo Credit: Dana Hawley
Rachel McAdams as Barbara Dimon and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Photo Credit: Dana Hawley

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP – Review

 

What better way is there to celebrate the big Fourth of July holiday weekend than taking a trip? Instead of schlepping your luggage to the airport or train station, just head on over to your favorite multiplex and grab your ticket for one last trip to the “Marvel Movie-verse”. Well the last one for 2018. The year’s barely halfway spent, and the third film’s release will have to tide fans over for eight months when CAPTAIN MARVEL makes her (that’s right) feature debut. Now in February we witnessed the wonders of Wakanda in BLACK PANTHER and in late April we were dazzled by the epic galactic fight to stop Thanos in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (really part one). After that massive movie event, perhaps it might be the time to go smaller. A whole lot smaller, in fact. Three years ago many film buffs (including myself, to be honest) were poised for Marvel Studios’ first box office dud. This flick showcased one of the earliest Marvel comic book heroes (a founding member of the Avengers), but over the years he had become a punchline (particularly in a famous SNL superhero party sketch from 1979). Plus there was turmoil behind the camera as the director who developed the film was ousted and replaced. And the lead was best known for “rom-coms” and as a lovable goofball in several “indie” flicks. Yet somehow ANT-MAN was a embraced by critics and film goers. He even returned a year later for the big airport battle in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. Now finally he’s back, and as teased in the first film’s mid-credits scene, he’s got a petite partner, as part of the titanic tiny team of ANT-MAN AND THE WASP.

First thing to know is that this adventure takes place before the evens of the big Infinity War. Now, as mentioned in that film, Scott Lang AKA Ant-Man and Clint Barton AKA Hawkeye both took plea deals for breaking the Sokovia Accords by helping Captain America (the guys are both fathers and didn’t want to be fugitives from the law and their families). So Scott (Paul Rudd) is back in San Francisco and under house arrest at the place he shares with old prison pal Luis (Michael Pena). There just a couple days left in his sentence, but nerdy FBI agent Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) continues to hover, even as Scott is visited by his adorable daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson) and his supportive ex-wife Maggie (Judy Greer) and her even more supportive new hubby (he loves Scott) Paxton (Bobby Cannavale). Scott keeps busy, mainly by being a consultant to the private security business he started with Luis and partners Dave (T.I.) and Kurt (David Dastmalchian). Still, he’s haunted by dreams and memories from his first outing as Ant-Man, especially his descent into the sub-atomic micro-universe known as the “Quantum Realm”. After one nightmare, in which he seems to be looking through the eyes of a mystery woman, Scott makes a risky call via “burner phone” to Henry “Hank” Pym (Michael Douglas) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), who are on the run for providing Scott with the tech and suit. Shortly after leaving a message, Scott blacks out after an insect bite and wakes up in the secret lab of Henry and Hope (they figured out a way to trick the FBI). Hank believes that Scott has a connection to his wife (and Hope’s mom) Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer), who was lost in the Realm decades ago. He’s convinced that she’s still alive and that they can track her down and bring her back . But the rescue window will soon close, so they must finish his new invention. They need equipment that can only be purchased from shady underground tech merchant Sonny Burch (Walton Goggins). But things go bad when Burch insists that he partner with the Pyms before he hands over the gizmo. Luckily Hope brought her tricked out Wasp suit complete with wings and blaster ‘stings”. Ah, but then things go from bad to much, much worse when Ava, AKA the mysterious Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) materializes (literally) to snatch that tech. Thus begins a wild three-way battle and chase between the Ghost, Burch, and “Team Pym” to acquire the device before time runs out on Janet, and the FBI pounces on Scott as his “home/prison” sentence expires.

Of course, the film’s worth rests on whether audiences will root for Scott to triumph. With Rudd’s seemingly effortless charm, that’s not a concern. Once again, he’s the ultimate ‘every-guy”, a conman/clown with a heart of gold, dealing with science concepts “way above his pay grade”. Not cool like Tony Stark or stern and stoic like the “dark knight”, just a fella wanting to make up for lost time with his kid. His partner Hope (the Wasp) as played by Lilly is closer to the standard no-nonsense action hero. She puts up a sturdy emotional wall between herself and Scott (their budding romance from the first flick has long since “played out”), but she softens a touch as Lilly then shows us Hope’s “inner tot” as she nears the “mother and child reunion” she’s desired for decades. As for her papa, Douglas is still the gruff curmudgeon, but now he’s more of the hero (donning his own tech suit), a man on mission trying to save the love of his life. But Scott still gets under his skin, thinking that his union with Captain America to be a betrayal (“Ask me first, before running off with my stuff”). Their main adversary is more complex that most super-villains. John-Kamen is deadly and determined, but also tragic as her powers leave her in agony as they shorten her life, reminding us of Spider-Man’s sometimes sympathetic baddies like Dr. Octopus and the Sandman. And surprisingly she’s a bit sultry and seductive particularly in a scene in which she questions a captured Scott. Oh, and she’s got a past association with Pym, as does another new addition to the franchise, Laurence Fishburne as Dr. Bill Foster. He’s an academic who worked with (more like butted heads with) Pym in his old S.H.I.E.L.D. days. The two screen vets are terrific sparring partners as Fishburne exudes a smooth, icy, smart demeanor. Then there’s the third wheel of the “tech triangle” with Goggins as a pompous high-class fence who’s not nearly as suave as he believes he is (he aspires to be a Bond foe, but wouldn’t even stand a chance against Maxwell Smart).

It’s a G-G-Ghost!! The comic book version is on the right of the film’s villain

As for the returning supporting players and comic co-stars, Pena is still a scene-stealer as Scott’s motor-mouthed BFF. Pena wrings countless laughs by mangling old adages and, reprising a crowd-pleaser, as he recounts past events in his own distinctive vocal pattern. And T.I. is “too cool for the room” once more as the enigmatic hustler Dave. But Dastmalchian, with his Lugosi-like accent, has one of the funniest gags when he encounters the Ghost. After Scott describes her abilities, Kurt tells him that she is the living embodiment of the “boogyman” stories his Eastern European “grandmater” spooked him with as a boy. The moment when he sees Ava, his eyes widen as he says in a quiet gasp, “Baba-Jaga”, well it just had me rolling. Also hysterical is the talented Park as the socially awkward, “by the book” Woo, who thinks Scott is cool and struggles to hide it. He clashes with team Scott several times, as when Greer’s Maggie insists, “This is harrassment, you can’t do this”, as her police detective hubby Paxton, played with energy by Cannavale, meekly shakes his head, as if to say, “Yes honey, he can”. Fortson is endearing and cute, without being cloying or precious. The best addition to the growing franchise is the luminous, dynamic Ms. Pfeiffer as the nurturing Earth (or “micro-Earth”) mother. In recent years her screen appearances have been sporatic, so it’s great news that she’s now a part of the Marvel movies as Wasp 1.0.

Returning director Peyton Reed proves that his action storytelling skills in the first film were not a fluke. He’s had a knack for comedy, but he truly keeps “all the plates spinning” as the guide to this script penned by Rudd himself along with an expert quartet of writers. While the original outing balanced the basic superhero origin story with a sprightly OCEANS 11-style heist, they set their sights a bit higher aiming for a comic caper chase farce mixing elements of the first PINK PANTHER, HEAT, BULLITT (yes, they careen down that twisty SF street while constantly changing size), and (dare I say it) IT’S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD with its scrambling comic cast.. Plus Douglas’s Hank is inching more toward those wacky scientists from the classic 60’s Disney comedies (could Flubber be part of the formula for those perplexing Pym Particles) with his whimsical creations. And it’s refreshing that the planet, or the whole universe, isn’t hanging in the balance though the emotional stakes (we’re comin’ fer’ ya’, ma) are still pretty high (Pym’s gizmos could wreck havoc in the wrong hands). This flick’s often lighthearted tone may be the perfect antidote to what some media folks are calling “superhero fatigue”. Though often tiny in stature, ANT-MAN AND THE WASP tower above most of the big, noisy blockbusters crowding the multiplex. I guess charming entertainment can come in the  smallest of packages.

4.5 Out of 5

 

FOREVER MY GIRL – Review

 

Though the day of cupid’s arrow is still a month away, that doesn’t stop the studios from trying to heat up these frigid Winter nights (and matinees). And, for at least this February 14, the holiday is claimed by Christian Gray and company (add joke about restraining cherubs). As foretold by its PG rating, this romance is pretty gentle, though it’s also based on a literary “heart-tugger”. Plus it’s got a “mighty strong” country kick with its locale and music (soundtrack and setting). so Hollywood’s hoping for a “long term relationship” rather than a one night (or single viewing) stand with FOREVER MY GIRL.

The little town of St. Augustine, Louisiana is all abuzz on this sunny warm afternoon. Home town boy Liam Page’s first CD is climbing the charts (everyone’s heard his hit song on the radio). And today he’s marrying his high school sweetheart Josie (Jessica Rothe). But as she adjusts her veil, the best man pays a visit to the bridal prep station. Seems that Liam has left word that he’ll not attend. Of course, Josie is devastated. Flash forward eight years to the present day, and Liam (Alex Roe) is a superstar, selling out huge concert venues. He’s a music sensation, and a handful for his manager Sam (Peter Cambor). Late the next morning Liam finally rises from his booze and groupie-fueled stupor. In his limo ride, the TV news report informs him of the car crash death of his hometown “best bud’ (and almost best man). Braking from his “handlers”, Liam bribes his driver to take him back to his little birth home. He arrives mid funeral service, much to the chagrin of his widowed father, Pastor Brian (John Benjamin Hickey) and shocks Josie. Crashing at his old home, Liam has Sam overnight his charge cards (and send a rental car). While he “gets his head together”, Liam tracks down the very angry Josie. Still single, she has taken over a local flower shop. On a visit there, Liam is surprised to meet Josie’s seven year-old daughter Billy (Abby Ryder Fortson), named after Liam’s late mom. Could she be his offspring? While Sam and Liam’s publicist Doris (Gillian Vigman) fret about Liam’s musical commitments, he leaves the fast lane to spent time with Billy and perhaps mend fences with her mama. But is it too late? Can the over-indulgent pampered singer finally become a responsible adult, let alone a daddy?

 

Despite his absence from the opening flashback sequence (he’s a runaway groom), Roe’s Liam is the film’s main focus, though he seems to be more at ease as the hard-partyin’ “honky-tonker” in his first scenes. But he does, as they say, “clean up nice”, when he returns to his roots (all the stage “sweat” is overdone, reminding us of the “on air” Albert Brooks in BROADCAST NEWS), though his discomfort never fully erodes away. Perhaps this stems from the huge hurdle he must clear in order to get us on his side, the hurdle being his big bail eight years previous. The victim of the incredibly selfish act, Josie immediately gains our sympathies, thanks to the work of rising star Rothe (one of the roomies in LA LA LAND, who also delighted us last year with her energetic lead role in HAPPY DEATH DAY). Upon his return, Rothe gives Roe a look that would destroy him a thousand times over (I imagined the eye beams from X-MEN’s Cyclops reducing him to ashes). Luckily her character warms, and Rothe shows us soaring joy as her heart finally heals. Here’s wishing her more opportunities that showcase her talents in more worthy material. Fortson is, of course, unstoppably adorable as lil’ Billy (hey, she’s the daughter of ANT-MAN, so maybe that’s a super-power), even as she’s burdened with all too mature, precious bits of dialogue (this seven year-old talks like a thirty year-old sitcom writer). Hickey is humble and sincere as the preacher papa, projecting a quiet dignity and strength, while Cambor is full of exasperation and perspiration as Liam’s show-biz daddy (rather than the cliché “woman on the phone” we’ve got the male counterpart).

 

Director Bethany Ashton Wolf also wrote the screenplay adaptation of Heidi McLaughlin’s best seller, keeping a tight rein on the movie’s narrative. Not having read the original novel, I’m wondering if the story meanders as much as this retelling. There are long lingering shots of the gorgeous Louisiana countryside (the tourism board must be delighted) that help establish the mood, as the plot clumsily attempts to hit the dramatic beats as it marches toward its inevitable “life is grand” final clinch. It appears that the marketing folks are going after the audience that somehow still flock to the Nicholas Sparks-inspired schlock. Unfortunately GIRL has none of the camp excesses of those flicks. I mean, there’s no real villain, no outside force scheming to keep the lovers apart, other than Josie’s too protective older brother who delivers a stern lecture to Liam. Plus there’s no big dramatic bit of action that puts the duo in jeopardy. A chaotic cook-out can’t compete with gale force wind and rain. I’m also wondering if the characters were simplified for the screen, as Josie seems far too quick to forgive and forget, even indulging in a showy “50 Shades”-style date (no chains, just a big helicopter getaway) And, as mentioned earlier, Billy’s “beyond her years” speech patterns and references (invoking RAIN MAN and JERRY MAGUIRE’s Jonathan Lipnicki) don’t work. The whole things plays out like a sub par basic cable movie, its PG rating ensuring that it won’t offend or shock. Thanks to that, FOREVER MY GIRL certainly feels like an eternity.

1 Out of 5