#FIRSTLOOK: “MY OLD ASS” CANADIAN POSTER

Today we get a new Canadian Poster for MY OLD ASS starring Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella! Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release this September.

Synopsis:

In this fresh coming-of-age story, an 18th birthday mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliott (Maisy Stella) face-to-face with her wisecracking 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza).

But when Elliott’s “old ass” starts handing out warnings about what her younger self should and shouldn’t do, Elliott realizes she has to rethink everything about family, love, and what’s becoming a transformative summer.

Amazon MGM Studios and Indian Paintbrush present, A LuckyChap Production.

Written and Directed by Megan Park

Starring Maisy Stella, Percy Hynes White, Maddie Ziegler, Kerrice Brooks and Aubrey Plaza

Produced by Tom Ackerley, Margot Robbie, Josey McNamara, Steven Rales

Executive Produced by Daniel Bekerman, Bronte Payne, Megan Park

#SXSW: “THE FALLOUT”

Review by Amanda Gilmore

During a deadly high school shooting, Vada (Jenna Ortega) and fellow students Mia (Maddie Ziegler) and Quinton (Miles Fitch) survive by hiding in a bathroom stall. In the aftermath, Vada struggles with processing her emotions and suffering from PTSD. Her relationships with her family and friends, along with her view of the world are forever altered.

Canadian Actress-Writer-Director Megan Park makes her Feature-debut with this heartbreaking look at one student’s emotional fallout following a school shooting. Park creates a difficult task for herself by making her protagonist a student who doesn’t process trauma in a traditional way. Overall, Vada is a character that is so anxious about returning back to school she’s halted her life. In doing so, she has given audiences a different look into grief and trauma for a teenager, while making us question: what is the “right” way to process such a horrific experience?

From the beginning, Park brings us into the life of a modern-day teenager. We are taken into the world of social media, teen influencers, and text communication. She does an effective job of making her text messaging scenes entertaining by adding background action and music, which is scored by FINNEAS. Most importantly, she has a grasp on the slang and rhetoric of a teenager today and laces her script with authentic dialogue.

The most impactful scene in the Film happens near the beginning when the three students are in the bathroom. Park effectively uses terrifying sounds of gunshots and the reactions of Ortega and Ziegler to bring us into this horrifying experience. Once the students are in the confines of the bathroom stall, close-up shots create visual claustrophobia for Vada and Mia’s inner turmoil. The stakes and anxiety become heightened for the characters and audience when Quinton enters covered in his brother’s blood. Overall, it’s heavy material that is depicted and handled in a serious manner.

This scene is expertly acted as well. Ortega, Ziegler and Fitch’s unflinching fear are prominent and heartbreaking. There is no need to see the horror that happens offscreen because we can see the horror among their faces. Throughout the film, Ortega is magnetic to watch. She manages to portray the emotionally numb Vada in an expressive way. This is a darker role for her than her previous work and it’s clear she has an emotional range. In a minor role, Julie Bowen gives a touching performance as Vada’s anxious and caring mother. And young actress Lumi Pollack plays Vada’s younger sister Amelia. She provides moments of comic relief and has a powerful scene with Ortega near the end that requires tissues.

The Fallout screens at SXSW Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 5 PM ET

#SPOTTED: DANIEL RADCLIFFE, ZOE KAZAN, MEGAN PARK & MORE IN TORONTO FOR “THE F WORD”

Filmed in Toronto over the Summer of 2012, a Red Carpet Premiere in the City only would be fitting as a proper homecoming for The F Word. The Romantic-Comedy directed by Michael Dowse (Goon, Take Me Home Tonight) comes well-regarded after a debut at TIFF last Fall, with multiple nominations including Best Picture at the Canadian Screen Awards. The Film which almost didn’t get made locally, now at last is primed for an international release.  From humble beginnings, it received a significant boost in profile with Megastar Daniel Radcliffe signing-on as the Male Lead in a bit of a mold-breaking move which has him trying something completely different than what we’d expect of the Harry Potter Star.

Stars Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks), Megan Park (The Secret Life of an American Teenager), Meghan Heffern (Degrassi), Screenwriter Elan Mastai and Director Dowse all came out to support The F Word – the mysterious “f” of course standing for “friendship”.   Also seen zipping through the Carpet was Kazan‘s longtime partner Paul Dano (12 Years a Slave, Prisoners), present but careful not to draw too much attention to himself.

The F Word, based on the Play Toothpaste and Cigarettes, centers around Wallace (Radcliffe), a Med School Dropout who falls hopelessly in love with an Animator named Chantry (Kazan).  The only problem is however that she is in a long-term relationship with Ben (Rafe Spall).  This poses the question what to do when the love of your life happens to be your Best Friend.

I had the pleasure of speaking with all in attendance tonight, the Group enthusiastic to promote what appears to be a labour of love for an endearing story about finding love when gray areas are involved.

Montreal’s Dowse tells us about how he came to be involved with The F Word and how the Toronto Story almost didn’t get made in the City. “I was only involved a year and a bit outside of shooting, but it took a while”, says the Director. “It went to a couple different Producers and almost got made in the States.”.  “We got it to turn around and were able to make it and once  we got Dan on it, it worked really quickly and went by smoothly.”.

We ask Matsai about the decision to brand the Film a tamer What If in other territories and the decision to keep its original Title here in Canada. “Actually, my Girlfriend at the time – who’s now my Wife – named it”, he reveals to us.  “I’ve always loved the Title as I think it’s cheeky and tells you about the spirit of the Movie.”.  “In the U.S., the ratings might find it a bit too cheeky and edgy, which is disappointing, but on one hand it’s like renaming your Child and I’m happy my Child gets to blossom.”.

Toronto’s Meghan Heffern tells us that she’s now based in Los Angeles and walks us through her casting process and the sacrifices she made for the role of Tabby. “I auditioned and it happened that all my auditions took place while I was outside the City. It was super-stressful because I really wanted it.”.  “It was shot on the day of my Best Friend’s wedding, but she’s very understanding and happy. This is such a big deal for Canada.”.

Megan Park certainly is a familiar face, having starred in The Secert Life of an American Teenager alongside now-Superstar Shailene Woodley. Although she had read for another part originally, she landed the part of Dalia –  Chantry‘s bubbly and sassy Sister. “I gave it a shot and really liked Michael as a person and was on the same page in what type of a Movie he wanted to make.”.  As a Canadian, she finds it refreshing that The F Word portrays Toronto as itself.  She states, “It’s the first time I’ve filmed here and it was supposed to be Toronto. It was nice not to hide my Canadian accent. I’m proud to be an honourary member of the Cast.”.  Park can be seen currently in brand new Series, The Lottery.

Kazan has wowed Critics as both a Writer and an Actress, including 2012 Indie Darling Ruby Sparks which she penned and co-starred in along with Partner Dano.  She lights-up the screen with a complex innocence to her in The F Word.  Keeping busy much of late in New York starring in the Play When We Were Young and Unafraid, she calls working with Co-Star Radcliffe “a dream come true”.  Dressed in a chic piece by New York Dressmaker Honor, she  accepts a compliment how smart she has been in her output of work.  On whether or not she feels it’s wise for Friends to date, she admits, “It’s better just to move on.  Sometimes it’s actually better to be friends than romantically involved!”.

Always impeccably-dressed – we’ve met him a couple occasions now – Radcliffe  is gracious in his interviews and when probed by Bloggers about his dating past, he defers with grace.  Does he feel Men and Women can just be friends? The once-highest paid Actor in Hollywood replies, “I do,  yes. If romantic and sexual attraction comes into it, then it’s a different question. But I think there’s plenty of people in the World who are just friends and it doesn’t go anywhere.”.  I ask him about the most fun he had in Toronto since work has brought him to our City on multiple occasions over the past couple years. “I think it’s a great City to work in. The Crew on The F Word was awesome was really fun to hang with off-set as well.”.  “One of the best things in the City to do was The Hockey Hall of Fame actually” he remembers. “If you’re not into Hockey you’ll hate it, but if you are into it, you’ll love it!”.  We’re guessing he is a Fan of our National Sport?

Check-out some of our Chats with the Cast, Writer and Director of The F Word below:

eOne Films release THE F WORD across Canada on Friday, August 22, 2014.

 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)