Best-selling author Trina Boice speaks at LDSPMA writers' conference

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https://www.ldspma.org/2018-ldspma-annual-conference/

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Beauty and the Beast brings animation magic to life

Movie Title:
  Beauty and the Beast

Grade:  A

Rating:  PG, 129 minutes

In a Nutshell:  In this lovely Disney re-telling of a tale as old as time, Emma Watson shows us she can sing, dance, and cast a delightful spell on audiences, even when she isn’t playing Hermione Granger.  

Bill Condon (who also directed Dreamgirls and one of the Twilight movies) sticks fairly close to the source material, but adds a few new songs and some new jokes to freshen up the story.

While I enjoyed this new version, I have to admit the 1991 Disney animation did it better.

Uplifting theme: 

• Do not be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within.
• “Don’t be afraid.” - Beast
• Be kind and fearless

Things I liked:

• There are some beautiful set pieces and landscapes that put the make-believe French village and castle in the magic zone. 
• Josh Gad is Disney awesomeness and looks quite comfortable in another musical.
• It’s better in 3D, but not necessary.  (I saw it in both.)
• I love Dan Stevens’ blue eyes.
• I’ve always loved Kevin Kline in anything he does, so I thought his little solo was very touching. “How does a moment last forever? How does a story never die? It's love we must hold on to.”  Celine Dion sings it again at the end of the movie.  More love.  Did you know she won a Grammy for a song she sang with the 1991 animated movie?
• Audra McDonald clearly has the best pipes out of all the singers in the movie.  Did you know she is married to Will Swenson (I thought he was hilarious in Sons of Provo)
• I loved the Beast’s eye makeup in the beginning.
• I thought the tomato soup and rolls that Belle and the Beast ate for lunch looked delicious.  Yeah, of course I would notice the food.
• As an author, I love that books played a prominent role in the movie.  Belle explains that books allow you to escape.  Yes!  (So do movies.)
• Did you notice Belle’s modern earring that she wore on one ear at the ball?
• I thought Belle and the Beast looked good together at the end, like they matched.
• I loved how the rolling credits showed the cast at the end of the movie.
• Emma Thompson is magical in everything she does.
• The sets and costumes are all gorgeous.
• The original composer from the 1991 animation came back to score this film!
• Luke Evans was awesome as Gaston.
• If you loved the original, you'll be glad they didn't change much in this version.
• A lot of critics are bashing Ewan McGregor for his terrible French accent, but I thought it was fine.  I've always really liked him.  I mean, c'mon, he's a Jedi.
• Can't get enough of this movie?  Check out this interesting video that includes 20 secrets about the making of Beauty and the Beast.

Things I didn’t like:

• While I thought the live action remake of Cinderella with Lily James and Cate Blanchett was absolutely fantastic, this new version of Beauty and the Beast is just ok.
• In this new adaptation, the Beast has a magical book that allows you to teleport anywhere.  Awesome, right?  So then, why is the magic mirror still needed?
• While I enjoyed Emma Watson, I’m just wondering why Anna Kendrick wasn’t cast as Belle.  She has a much, much better voice.
• Why is Belle’s skirt always pulled up on the right side?
• It feels like a stage play at times.
• Sometimes the camera moves too fast.  I wanted to see more things slower.
• I wanted the famous ballroom dance scene to be breathtaking, like in the newest Cinderella, but it was underwhelming.
• If you were hoping for a new take on the original story, you might be disappointed, because it is very much the same movie, except with live action.
• I thought Belle was kind of rude when Gaston gave her flowers in the square.

Interesting lines:

• “She hasn’t made a fool of herself just to gain my favor.  What would you call that?” – Gaston (Luke Evans)

“Dignity.” – Le Fou
"It's outrageously attractive, don't you think?" - Gaston

• “Your library makes our small corner of the world feel big.” – Belle
• “People say a lot of things in anger.  It is our choice whether or not to listen.” – Mrs. Pott
• “Can anybody be happy if they’re not free?” – Belle

Funny lines:

• “It’s never going to happen, ladies.” – Le Fou (Josh Gad)
• "You really want to marry into this family?" - Le Fou

Tips for parents: 

• There is a scene with LeFou, Gaston’s sidekick, that has been labeled a “gay moment." Because of it, the movie has already been banned in Malaysia and restricted to viewers over the age of 16 in Russia.  In my opinion, that moment has been blown out of proportion.  In fact, I was able to identify what could be called 3 "gay moments."  I completely understand why parents feel betrayed by Disney, who they look to for "safe" family-friendly entertainment; however, over the years, more and more Disney films have contained potentially offensive material. What are parents to do?  Talk with your children about what you value and why, while teaching them to love others.
• Young girls will notice that only the boys were allowed to go to school and read.  Talk to your daughters about that.  Point out how smart, independent, and capable Belle was because she read and sought knowledge.
• No profanity.  Thank you Disney!
• There are some scenes that might frighten young children, particularly with scary wolves and fighting.

Check out this cool video that BYU's Vocal Point just made with Lexi Walker to honor the wonderful music of Beauty and the Beast! The male dancer in the scene "Tale as Old as Time" was dating my niece. They were both on the award-winning BYU Ballroom dance team together! He's a really great guy.

The Founder reveals a story you might not know about McDonalds

Movie Title:   The Founder

Grade:  B+

Rating:  PG-13, 115 minutes

In a Nutshell:  The Golden Arches! You may actually want to swing by McDonald’s after you leave the theater to celebrate the American Dream…either that or ban it because of what Ray Kroc did to the real McDonald brothers in order to build his fast food empire.

It’s a fascinating look at business, persistence, and the history of America’s original fast food chain.  According to the movie, every day, McDonald’s feeds 1% of the world’s population!

Uplifting theme: 

• Hard work, persistence, the American Dream
• “They all lack the one thing that makes McDonald’s special…” – Ray

“Which is?” – Dick McDonald

“Even YOU don’t know what it is!” – Ray

“Enlighten me.” – Dick

“It’s not just the system, Dick. It’s the name, that glorious name.  It can be anything you want it to be.  It’s limitless.  It sounds like America….” – Ray

• If you’re an older entrepreneur, you’ll be inspired by these older men who made it big later in life.

Things I liked:

• I love what director John Lee Hancock did with the movies Saving Mr. Banks and The Blind Side.  He has become quite the storyteller when it comes to biopic dramas.
• Michael Keaton gives a great performance, especially shines when Ray Kroc’s behavior gets worse and worse.  His piano duet Linda Cardellini was charming.
• The tennis court scene was fascinating to watch.  Brilliant planning, eh?
• Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series fan favorite Nick Offerman plays Dick McDonald.
• You get to see video of the real Ray Kroc at the end of the film.  You also get to see pictures of the real people who played secondary roles in this true story, as well as read what happened to them.  Interesting stuff.

Things I didn’t like:

• Some people will be a bit bored. 
• So, the moral of the story seems to be that you can step on people, be unscrupulous and win in the end...?  You'll leave the theater in a bit of a downer.  It's not a "feel good" story with a happy ending that leaves you morally inspired.
• So, Ray Kroc was basically a thief…he stole a business and he stole someone’s wife.  He’s a scoundrel, but because Michael Keaton plays Ray Kroc, you somehow cheer for him during the movie.
• I kind of felt bad for Laura Dern.  Both she and Ethel Kroc, whom she played, probably both wished they could have been given a bigger part in the McDonald's story.

Interesting lines:

• “McDonald’s can become America’s new church: feeding bodies and feeding souls, and it ain’t just open on Sundays, boys.” – Ray Kroc
• “There are many things we could do to make a quick buck, but that doesn’t mean we should.” – Dick McDonald
• “There’s a wolf in the hen house.  We let him in!” – Dick McDonald
• Good things come to those who wait.” – Joan Smith (Linda Cardellini)
• “You think big Joan, don’t you?” – Ray

“Is there any other way to?” – Joan

• “Contracts are like hearts.  They’re made to be broken.” – Ray
• “Business is war.” – Ray
• “We will never beat him.  We will never be rid of him.” – Mac McDonald (John Carroll Lynch)
• “So, if you can’t beat ‘em, buy ‘em?” - Dick
• “You’re not in the food business…you’re in the real estate business.” -  Harry Sonneborn (played by the all grown up B.J. Novak)

Funny lines:

• “When is enough going to be enough for you?” – Ethel Kroc (Laura Dern)

“Honestly, probably never.” – Ray Kroc

• “Would you eat at a place named Kroc’s?” - Ray

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity, including 1 F-bomb.
• Those of us who grew up when McDonald's was truly popular (60's & 70's) will enjoy learning more about this American icon.  None of my kids ever liked McDonalds, so the younger generations of viewers will probably only be mildly entertained by this movie. 

@trinaboice 

The Edge of Seventeen will make you glad you're not a teenager anymore

Movie Title:    The Edge of Seventeen

Grade:  B+

Rating: R, 98 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Hailee Steinfeld plays a completely self-absorbed teenager who has a hard time learning some of the most important lessons in life…that loving and caring for others is important and necessary to be happy.  It’s a bit frustrating how long it takes her to discover those simple truths, but she’s still a complete delight to watch, because the magnificent Hailee Steinfeld plays her.  

Woody Harrelson is fantastic in every scene he’s in and complements Hailee's performance perfectly.  I wish there had been more scenes in the movie with both of them together. I could have watched their hilarious banter all day long.

It’s an edgy coming-of-age story that will make you ache and laugh at the same time.

Uplifting theme: 

• “I have to spend the rest of my life with myself.” – Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld)
• “Wow, I’m one of those people who thinks everything’s about them.” - Nadine

 

Things I liked:

• What a sweet dad.  Oh that every kid could have such a kind, loving, supportive father.
• It was touching to watch each family member finally learn how to relate and communicate with each other.
• I thought Erwin Kim’s short film at the end was pretty funny.
• First-time writer Kelly Fremon Craig will have a bright future if he keeps producing honest movies like this one.
• I’m so grateful I’m not in high school anymore.
• Fans who first fell in love with Blake Jenner on Glee The Complete Series will be happy to see him in this film.

Things I didn’t like:

• Kyra Sedgwick doesn’t seem to age.  She plays a terrible mother to counterpoint the very sweet father played by Eric Keenleyside.
• I know it was part of the story, but it was NOT smart for Mr. Bruner to bring a young female student into his home.  My husband never even drove any of our female babysitters home when we had little kids.  Thankfully, the movie doesn't go in that direction, but it's important for men to use wisdom when dealing with dramatic, psycho teenage girls.
• As a mother, I would be super depressed if I had a daughter like Nadine.  I hate seeing young girls already be so foul-mouthed, cynical, mean, and desperate.
• Erwin is too rich, talented and good-looking to be so shy and awkward. His character didn’t seem believable, but I really liked him.

Funny lines:

• “You are so going to get fired when I actually do it.”  (commit suicide) - Nadine

“Well, not actually for sure, but I can dream.” – Br. Bruner

• “There are two types of people in this world: the people who radiate confidence and naturally excel at life, and the people who hope all those people die in a big explosion.” – Nadine
• “My mom has to take medicine or else she’ll get too upset at the mall.” = Nadine

Tips for parents: 

• Lots of profanity, including many F-bombs.
• Talk of suicide, bullying.
• Loss of virginity, inappropriate sex jokes, teens in bed, awkward car make-out scene.
• Your kids will probably laugh, but you need to remind them that Nadine is terribly messed up and NOT a positive role model for them.
• Nadine drives a car without a driver’s license.

@trinaboice 

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 @TrinaBoice




 

Peanuts movie is like visiting an old friend

Movie:     The Peanuts Movie

Rating:    G, 1 hour 32 minutes

Grade:   B+

In a Nutshell:    How wonderful that a whole new generation is being introduced to the lovable Peanuts.    Hollywood did this one right: they kept the message clean and pure, just as Charles Schultz would have liked it.   

I suspect parents who grew up with the Peanuts will enjoy this more than their kids. This is a classic, simple love story and underdog tale.   While it doesn’t really offer anything new or fresh, it feels like a nostalgic visit with an old friend and plays like a “Best of Peanuts” film.

Uplifting Theme:

·         You’re as young as your imagination will allow you to be.

·         Be kind to others.  We are all fighting our own battles.

·         Never give up.

Things I liked:

·          Meagan Trainer’s cute song Better When I'm Dancin' is adorable and catchy.  You’ll leave the theater dancing.

·         Snoopy’s timeline is adorable.

·         Cute Charlie Brown balloons at the school assembly.  I’ll bet you can buy them on Amazon soon.

·          When I was in high school, I played the little red-haired girl.  Nope, no lines. I just sat there on the stage while Charlie Brown did all the work.  I pretended to pick my nose and eat  my boogers …and stole the scene.  Ha ha

·         Linus plays Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata , which my mother used to play on the piano while I was growing up.

·         Fans of Minions will get a kick out of the overly dramatic Snoopy and the sounds he makes.

·         Keep watching during the closing credits.

Things I didn’t like:

·          It’s so true to its source material that it feels unimaginative.  We’ve seen it before.

·         Paying extra for 3D is not necessary.

·         Some children who are used to sophisticated animation nowadays may think the simple animation design of the peanuts is too…simple.

·         It’s weird that so many of the Peanuts characters are balding as young children, right?

·         There aren’t very many really funny lines.

Funny lines:  

·          “Is there an emoji for good grief?” – Charlie Brown

·         “Can a brother and sister get a divorce?” – Sally (Charlie Brown’s sister).   She kind of reminds me of Lisa from the The Simpsons Movie .

Tips for Parents:

·          The language gets as bad as “Rats!” and “Good Grief!”   How refreshing.

        It's sweet and innocent.

·          

Can't get enough of the Peanuts?  Check out these fun Peanuts products:

PAN disappoints and bewilders

Movie:    Pan

Rating:  PG, 1 hour 51 minutes

Grade:   C-

In a Nutshell:    Maybe I’m weird, but I’ve never really liked Bobby Driscoll's story of Peter Pan .  I mean, a boy who refuses to grow up?  Don’t we already have enough of those in the world today?  Jealousy among Tinkerbell, Wendy, and the mermaids?...yep, we have enough caddy women in the world too.

And did we really need ANOTHER version of this movie?  This film, however, offers a new backstory that fleshes out the story and provides greater depth to the character motivation as a type of prequel.  Is it worth the retelling?  Meh.

Uplifting Theme:

·         “Sometimes to truly understand how things end, we must understand how they begin.”  - narrator 

       Hope, friendship

         

Things I liked:

·         Levi Miller, who plays Peter Pan,  is absolutely adorable.  Unfortunately, his pacing makes it look like he was told to constantly hurry up!

·         Hugh Jackman as Blackbeard is awesome.  He can do it all.

·         It’s very colorful and imaginative with lots of CGI action for kids.

·         Wow, Amanda Seyfried is playing a mother’s role already?  She is always beautiful and welcome in any role.

·         There is a surprising amount of music. 

·         Cara Delevingne is a beautiful mermaid.  You’ve seen her recently in the mopey teenage angst-ridden Paper Towns , which I hated.  Read my movie review of Paper Towns here.

·         Rooney Mara is a strange casting choice for Tiger Lily, but she's already winning awards for her role in "Carol".

·         There is a decent amount of subtle humor.  More please.

Things I didn’t like:

·         There were some odd religious undertones that I didn’t like.  For example, it was so cliché to have the nuns in the orphanage be cruel, but the surprising parts were the lines that Captain Hook spoke that made him out to be an evil Savior, quoting things like “Come unto me”.

·         It kind of felt like Mad Max in the sky....lots of crazy people and stuff constantly flying around.

·         Garrett Hedlund turns Hook into a kind of Indiana Jones douche bag.  His accent is super annoying.

·         The story line is messy, all over the place, and rushed.
-     Every shot looks manufactured and artificial.
-     Everyone starts singing Nivarna's "Everyone's Got Teen Spirit" for no apparent reason.  What the?

Interesting lines:

·         Are brave, Peter?”  - Blackbeard

“Trying to be.” – Peter

“Are you scared?” – Blackbeard

“Yes.”  - Peter

·         “Have you come to kill me?” – Blackbeard

“I don’t believe in bedtime stories.” – Peter

·         “I lie sometimes.  It’s called being a grown-up.”  - Hook     (What a terrible thing to say.)

Tips for Parents:

·          Little kids won't mind all the nonsense.  Purists of the original Disney version might hate it.
-      Lots of fighting, but nothing too scary.

Want to see other versions of this story?

Highway to Dhampus is lovely, inspiring and heart-breaking at the same time

Movie:    Highway to Dhampus

Rating:    PG

Grade:   A-

In a Nutshell:   This is not a fast-moving action flick, but a very sophisticated, simple journey of the soul.  It’s lovely and inspiring and heart-breaking all at the same time.

Written and directed by Utah filmmaker Rick McFarland, this indie film recently won several “Best Film” awards including the Madrid International Film Festival, the SoHo International Film Festival and the Heartland Film Festival.

When I asked Director Rick McFarland what inspired him to write this film, he told me "The characters and messages in the film are all based off of qualities that I want to have or wish I didn't, and experiences that I've had in my life--but I did't want to tell the story of me or my life. I wanted to transpose these things that were personal into a story that was more allegorical and less literal, more romantic and less pedestrian than my life could show. Living well, loving, giving, being kind and changing--all things I wish I knew how to do better."

This is the first indie feature film shot entirely in Nepal by a foreign director and crew.  It opens October 9^th in select theaters.  Check this web site to find out if it’s going to be playing in your neighborhood:  http://www.highwaytodhampus.com 

Uplifting Theme:

·         “It’s not really an effort to make a change in the big picture.” – Elizabeth James (played by Rachel Hurd-Wood)

·         We don’t serve to change the world.  We serve to change ourselves. - (me....Trina Boice...quick, somebody quote me!)

·         Namaste means please, thank you, and welcome. What a touching concept.
-    Love, kindness, charity, doing what's right

Things I liked:

·         The music in the film features a Bansuri flute.  It's a wooden flute that is a very typical native instrument in Nepal.  I asked McFarland about it and he said "We tried to also weave a very well known Nepali melody into the music--a folk tune called Himalayan Trekking Song." 
-    Laxmi is such a sweet character.  The lovely Suesha Rana plays her beautifully.  Her stirring reaction at the end of the movie brought me to tears.
-        I love learning other languages and so I noticed the term “Babu” mentioned several times. When I asked about it,  McFarland explained it as: "Babu is a term of endearment--it simply means "boy," but with the warmest familial connotations. I repeated it in the script a bunch between Laxmi and Prabhujee, in an effort to familiarize the viewer with the word. The hope was that as we heard Mahendra call Ajit babu in the third act, that we would get a subtle sense of the father-son relationship that they have." 

-  I loved seeing the bustling street scenes, landscapes from the plane,  and charming people of Nepal.

·         I liked how Colt (Gunner Wright) started up a friendship with Ajit (Raj Ballav Koirala) immediately.  Their relationship deepens and you get to experience growth in everyone in the movie in this true character study.

·         Elizabeth looked ridiculous in her fur coat sitting next to the poor orphans.  The contrast between how she physically looked in the beginning and end revealed her inner transformation as well.  She even lightens her hair to illustrate her illumination.

·         There are quite a few music montages with songs that range from instrumental to more modern ballads on the guitar.  They carry the feeling of the movie, although they also seem like lazy writing when there are so many of them.

·         I really loved how McFarland chose to finish the story.  It was powerful, simple, and understated, just like the entire movie.

·         Prabhujee is adorable.  He is played by Sayush Gurung Bajracharya.

·         Reincarnation is a common belief in Nepal.  I thought it was poignant when Ajit looked up and saw the bird flying in the sky over a cremation site.

·         The cinematography is beautiful.  I would have loved to see even more.

Things I didn’t like:

·         The subtitles flash so quickly that you don’t have time to read AND spend time really observing the faces of the characters as they speak.  Don't worry.  The entire film is not in a foreign language.

·         The air really is dirty there in the big city.  Ick.

·         Colt’s personality seems so uneven. One moment he’s playing tenderly with the children and the next moment he’s bad-mouthing them.  His unkind outburst to Elizabeth when she was reading a book to the orphans was odd coming from a guy who seemed so sensitive and easy-going earlier.  He crushes her spirit again in the car on the way to the airport after their second trip to Nepal.  I suppose it's meant to be ironic that he's criticizing her for being shallow when he is also.

·         There are a few strange edits and cuts that are distracting.
-     The movie needed more MONKEYS!
-     It's a bit slow-moving.

Funny lines:  

·         “Look at the mountain.  It’s ‘namaste-ing” to the whole world.  So, when you Namaste back to the mountain, it bestows you with peace, progress, and prosperity.” – AJ

“I’m the first one to do that, right?” = Colt

“Actually, I just made that up.” – AJ

·         “I bought this stuff.  I don’t even know what it is.” – Elizabeth

·         “I’ve heard that the girls like scars.” – Mahendra Sharma (played by Deshbhakra Khanal)

“Yeah, I’m really dreamy.” - Ajit

Things to look for:

·         The beginning of the movie starts with a poem: “As the little heart leaf of the bettle tree, grows my love for you.   Day and night.  Day and night.  Ebbing and swelling like the Marshyangdi it flows and flows.“   Marshyangdi is a mountain river in Nepal.  It's the perfect imagery to illustrate how two people in the movie come together, as that particular river starts from a confluence of two rivers.

Tips for Parents:

·         There is a scene where Elizabeth is taken to a sacred temple where people burn bodies of their loved ones who have died.  While Westerners are often frightened by such an image,  to those in Nepal, it is an honorable ceremony that demonstrates respect.
-   Young children may be a bit bored watching the story.
-    No profanity or sexual innuendos.  This is a family-friendly film.

·     After you see the movie, you and your family will want to do more to help others who are suffering in the world.  FiftyFilms and Highway to Dhampus have partnered with Mind the Gap Worldwide to help raise money to send to Nepal.  You can learn more at www.mindthegapworldwide.com

The Walk HAS to be seen in 3D

Movie: The Walk

Rating: PG, 2 hours 3 minutes

Grade:  A-

In a Nutshell: BEWARE: If you’re afraid of heights, this movie may not be for you! The movie poster alone will make your palms start to sweat.

The inspiring true story of French “wire walker” Philippe Petit is engaging and inspiring.  The film moves slowly at first in order to give you some background story (and fill enough time to make a feature film), but when the big moment arrives when Philippe walks on a wire between New York City’s former World Trade Center Twin Towers, it’s worth every minute.

You must see this one in 3D, IMAX if you can...unless you’re afraid of heights…..




Uplifting Theme: 
• Every dream begins with a single step.
*Persistence. Fearful and frozen on the wire, Philippe finally said to himself, “I will only leave my wires and towers in victory.”
• Oh what the human spirit can accomplish!
• “We did it. We showed the world that anything’s possible.” – Jean-Louis (played by Clement Sibony)

Things I liked:
 • Phillipe narrates his experience from the top of the Statue of Liberty, which is appropriate since Lady Liberty was a gift to the USA from France!
 • If you loved Hundred-Foot Journey like I did, you’ll be happy to see Charlotte Le Bon in this film.
• Ben Kingsley is always a welcome addition to any movie.
• Is it too soon to make a movie featuring New York City’s fallen Twin Towers? Audiences say no. In fact, this movie pays a loving tribute to them as much as it does to Phillippe Petit. I remember visiting the Twin Towers when I was a college student. I dined in the restaurant on the top floor and was wowed by the views. My heart broke on 9/11 as those two dignified buildings collapsed. Since that horrific day, I have taken my family to Ground Zero to pay our respects to those who perished on the site 14 years ago.
• You’ll see some fantastic views of New York City. She steals every scene she’s in.
• Moonlight Sonata plays when Philippe walks on the wire. I remember my mother playing that on the piano when I was a little girl.  I loved it when the clouds covered the street scenes below and it felt like he was almost walking to the moon.  Philippe even says, "The clouds – they’re like music.”
• The movie is not entirely in French. Don’t worry, there are subtitles throughout the movie, but they’re not distracting.

Things I didn’t like: 
* It's a little slow-moving in the beginning.
* The fact that Philippe tells us about his experience lets us know that he doesn't die in his attempt (in case we didn't already know.)
* Philippe called his amazing feat a "coup".  There may be some who worry that Philippe's defiance of the law (and gravity) might encourage young copy-cats to attempt other dangerous feats.



Interesting lines: 
• “People always ask me ‘Why do you risk death?’ For me, this is life.” – Philippe
• “What you did was something. I know I’ll never see anything like that again in my life. Good job.” – one of the cops who arrested Philippe after his illegal walk
• “Now every New Yorker loves the towers. Perhaps you’ve given them a life, given them a soul.” – Jean-Louis
• “You’ve accomplished your dream. Now it’s time for me to find mine.” – Annie (Charlotte Le Bon) • “I’m glad the towers called you.” – Annie
• “The dressing room…this is where the disguised impostor, the intruder, becomes the performer.” - Philippe



Did you know? 
• Director Robert Zemeckis wanted to find the most perfect 3D movie and this was what he came up with!
•Joseph Gordon-Levitt looks and speaks French with impressive believability.  He spoke French before the movie. He can also sing really well! He says that he gets more compliments from fans about his lip sync video of Nicki Manaj than any of his other work! Ha ha He has great poise in this film and almost dances across the wire with calm.
 • The movie that preceded this film was Man on Wire , an Academy Award winning documentary in 2008.

Tips for Parents: 
• A construction worker calls Philippe and his crew “Frogs”, which your kids may not know is a derogatory nickname for the French.
• At one point, Philippe jumps around on top of the tower completely naked, but it’s late at night and dark, so you don’t see any “naughty bits.”
• Audiences will learn French sayings like “the carrots are cooked”, which means “there’s no going back”. In a country that prides itself on its world-class cuisine, many of the sayings are food-related!

 Want to know more?