Remember Me, Poignant Perfection

Beginning, not as a love story but a relationship story, “Remember Me”, starring Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin, explores the tragedies and aftermaths of two NYU students, Tyler Hawkins and Ally Craig. Each ravaged by grief, as Tyler’s brother committed suicide and Ally’s mother was murdered on a subway platform, the two bond and keep each other balanced. But as Tyler approaches his 22nd birthday, he feels a deeper loss for his brother, who died at the same age. He feels a deeper sense of anger toward his father (Pierce Brosnan), who fails to treat his children, especially young daughter Caroline (Ruby Jerins), with love and support. And moreover, Tyler struggles to find his own life’s purpose. Through his relationship with Ally, his unconditional love for his sister, and wearing patience with his father, “Remember Me” reveals an emotional, sincere story that audiences everywhere can relate to.
The film takes on an artsy perspective appropriate for its SoHo locale, while evoking the stories of real people and personalities. The acting in its entirety was interesting, but especially from two fresher faces. Emilie de Ravin’s charming performance made the movie honest and realistic. Playing an intelligent and witty college student, de Ravin filled Ally’s character with life. The screenplay writer Will Fetters deserves credit for illustrating such a believable relationship between Tyler and Ally, though the actor’s chemistry together is enough to make “Twilight” fans brush off Pattinson’s character’s bond with Bella as just a fling. But holding her own in this film was Ruby Jerins, playing Tyler’s sister Caroline. Delving into the role of a sensitive young artist who yearns for acknowledgement from her all-business father, Jerins shines in every scene, emerging as a sweet, but wise sister who cares deeply for her older brother. While the movie is admittedly a tearjerker, more so at the end, it is a story of life and the passing of time that all viewers can appreciate.

To be completely honest, I was speechless for hours after seeing this movie. I highly suggest watching it because, not only is the acting humorous and moving, the story is relatable and pure. There is no plot to this movie. It’s about life and its repercussions.

Whip It

In Drew Barrymore’s “Whip It”, an eclectic cast and flat screenplay fail to live up to the potential of the unique plot. I finally got the opportunity to see this movie, and while I was interested in seeing how Ellen Page emerged in this role, I can’t help but see Bliss Cavendar as a less bloated extension of Juno. Bliss joins a roller derby team, the Hurl Scouts, which quickly develops into a quirky life lesson for the high school senior. However, complications arise around her age, and around her weakly described relationship with musician Oliver (Landon Pigg) who she met at the derby. The movie was ultimately a flop as it combined underutilized stars, with irrelevant newcomers. SNL front woman Kristen Wiig emerged more so as a mother figure to Page’s character, rather than as her goofy, humorous self. Barrymore limited her own performance to that of a tough but spacey skater named Smashley Simpson. And then you almost wonder why Marcia Gay Harden took the role, playing Bliss’ beauty pageant mother in this coming-of-age story. Though her performance was the most believable out of the bunch. The best acting came from Jimmy Fallon, who showed off his humor the way that Wiig should have, playing derby announcer 'Hot Tub' Johnny Rocket. Alia Shawkat, playing Bliss’ friend Pash, Carlo Alban, as Bliss’ young boss named Birdman, and Landon Pigg’s portrayal of Oliver, were all unnecessary distractions from the story. Also completely unbelievable was the rookie’s ability to skate amongst ‘professionals’ in the league. Overall the movie was uninteresting and a misstep for Barrymore. Better luck next time.