Talia Ryder first made an impactful entrance into theatre as Hortensia in Matilda the Musical. Since then she has gone on to appear in Master, Never Rarely Sometimes Always and West Side Story – earning critical acclaim along the way.
Hello Goodbye and Everything in Between premiered on Netflix on July 6 and marks another highlight in her impressive career trajectory.
Hello Goodbye and Everything in Between
Hello Goodbye and Everything in Between is a Netflix teen drama adapted from Jennifer E. Smith’s book of the same name and stars Jordan Fisher as Aidan and Talia Ryder as Clare, two characters who meet at a Halloween party and soon fall deeply in love. After their senior year romance quickly turned serious, they agreed to break up before college – yet when Clare is faced with her final date with Aidan she finds herself wondering whether to stay or break their contract.
This film from the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise achieves an effective balance between lighthearted fun and serious drama, its overarching message being one that love should not be taken for granted – though that may be difficult for some viewers to stomach.
Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between fits into this category perfectly and is certainly enjoyable cinematic experience.
Twee, glossy, and pretty – The aesthetic of this film owes much to director John Hughes’ influence; from atmospheric pop music, crop tops and skirts, bottled chemistry fizzing with realistic dialogue, desirable homes in the Pacific northwest as well as parties where no one gets drunk; this movie contains many hallmarks of his signature style.
Nico Hiraga as Aidan’s best friend Scotty brings lighthearted comic relief, while Ayo Edebiri (currently making waves with The Bear) shines as Clare’s bestie Stella.
Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between isn’t a flawless film by any means; its meaningful ending could have been handled better – yet somehow its plot works perfectly for its intended audience. While I wouldn’t call Hello Goodbye and Everything In Between an outstanding teen drama film, it certainly deserves your consideration if that genre interests you.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Never Rarely Sometimes Always by writer-director Eliza Hittman was one of the more emotionally moving films at Sundance this year, telling the tale of a 17-year-old female from Pennsylvania traveling from her small town to New York City for an abortion, an action which forces both she and Skylar (Talia Ryder) to face difficult challenges as they navigate a society that seems opposed to them.
It’s no mystery why “Ratatouille” earned a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and won the Silver Bear at Berlin Film Festival; its compelling story offers both discomfort and satisfaction at once.
At the center of this movie are two young women: Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) and Skylar (Talia Ryder). Both girls exude quiet intensity that’s beautifully captured on-screen; their friendship drives this movie forward – one which I hope won’t fade into history anytime soon.
Sidney Flanigan and Talia Ryder are two highly skilled actresses. Their performances were convincing and made me truly understand the pain felt by these girls – making this film both moving and important.
This film provides a vivid depiction of what it’s like being a teen in this society, prompting one to think and feel deeply about issues they wouldn’t otherwise consider. Although at times hard to watch, I found myself continually thinking back on its message upon completion of viewing.
I highly recommend this movie and recommend it to everyone! Although this film might not be your typical popcorn flick, it serves an important purpose and could potentially earn many Academy Awards nominations this year!
West Side Story
West Side Story is an iconic musical that adapts the story of Romeo and Juliet for 1950s New York City, boasting songs that remain beloved over time. West Side Story was composed by Leonard Bernstein, written by Stephen Sondheim, directed by Jerome Robbins, based on an original play written by Arthur Laurents and produced at New York City’s Metropolitan Playhouse.
Tony and Maria meet in an impoverished working-class neighborhood of New York City where rival gangs compete over territory. When the Jets (white teens) and Sharks (Puerto Ricans) collide, however, their hatred quickly turns into love.
This movie version offers an expansive and exciting take on the original novel. Among its impressive cast is Rita Moreno as Valentina, widow of Doc’s drugstore owner and landlady of Tony.
It also makes some changes to the casting of local gang, the Sharks, as well as including significant scenes with unsubtitled Spanish dialogue – a step toward making the film more representative of Latino culture and making the 1961 version obsolete.
Spielberg and Tony Kushner don’t shy away from subtly altering the narrative to achieve profound effects, and their update of The Shining is certain to appeal to audiences searching for something other than blockbuster overkill or indie angst.
Leonard Bernstein’s urgent, catchy scores blend perfectly with Sondheim’s emotive lyrics; their songs convey big emotions in ways designed to keep audiences singing long after the credits roll.
This film first made its Broadway debut in 1957; four years later it finally hit cinematic screens as an extraordinary masterpiece of music, dance and storytelling.
“America,” “I Feel Free” and “Suite Number One” are timeless hits written by Leonard Bernstein with Stephen Sondheim – perfect for introducing young audiences.
Families can discuss how the songs explore racial and ethnic stereotypes explored in the story and their impact on its characters, and whether the narrative challenges those stereotypes.
Do Revenge
Do Revenge is a Netflix original film that continues the teen comedy trend from previous decades with its own Gen Z twist, paying homage to classic films like Mean Girls, Clueless, Jawbreaker and Cruel Intentions. Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke star as two ostracized social queens who join forces to get back at those who wronged them in some form or another.
Drea (Camila Mendes), the most beloved student at an elite prep school, becomes unpopular after her former flame Austin Abrams (Austin Abrams) leaks a nude tape featuring Drea to all of her classmates and friends – leading many of them against her.
But after meeting Eleanor (Maya Hawke), who had her feelings manipulated at age 13, she forms a plan to get back at those responsible. Though initially Do Revenge may appear as a straightforward teen comedy, its tone turns darkly comic and violent like many Hitchcock films.
Do Revenge is a spirited high school revenge comedy directed and written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and Celeste Ballard that pays homage to some of the most influential teen movies from the ’90s and 2000s. With its unconventional visual palette and irreverent dialogue, Do Revenge stands out as an easily shareable influencer-worthy flick – yet its story offers much more depth than just another take on revenge narratives.
This film is a hilarious, contemporary satire on modern culture that pokes light fun at progressive politics and queer issues while remaining an honest examination of teenage life in the 1990s. Though at times unsteady in its plot development, the movie maintains an upbeat spirit with attractive, propulsive gusto.
Do Revenge may not be the ideal teen comedy movie, but it does make some powerful statements about gender politics and why girls shouldn’t be treated as lesser human beings. Additionally, Do Revenge delivers a powerful warning against mislabeling people as predators.
Revenge is an action flick that’s sure to create buzz, but well worth your while. The cast includes recent Oscar winners like Sophie Turner (known for her role as Sansa Stark on HBO’s Game of Thrones). She can be seen here playing Erica, Drea’s former best friend and rival.