MeganPark – Credits Rolling

Elliot (Maisy Stella) has always felt like a big fish in a small pond. She can’t wait to get out of Muskoka and stat over again at university in Toronto. When she and her friends Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler) and Ro (Kerrice Brooks) trip out on shrooms, Elliot comes face to face with her thirty nine year old self (Aubrey Plaza). Older Elliot comes with some warnings that will completely alter everything younger Elliot thought she knew.

Over the years there have been many coming of age films. Lady Bird, Eighth Grade and Perks of Being a Wallflower all walked so that My Old Ass could run. I wish there was something like this around when I was growing up. Turns out it still had an impact on me now.

I first saw Stella in 2012’s Nashville. After some time away from the spotlight, she’s back and better than ever. She brought so much charm and charisma to the role and was so extremely relatable. I’m really looking forward to seeing what she does next. Plaza, on the other hand, was not who I would have thought for Stella’s older counterpart, but it worked. I really enjoyed their scenes together and thought that they had a natural chemistry.

This film was so completely Canadian and I loved that aspect so much. Being able to experience cottage country again in its full form was pure joy. The beautiful Muskoka lake, the little islands scattered around it and puttering around on a motorboat brought me back to the various summers that I spent in an area not too far away from there. I also appreciated the fact that they casted some proper Canadian talent too.

I had a feeling that I would love My Old Ass, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much. Director Megan Park truly understands the minds of young adults. There were so many moments where I felt sucker punched with how real it all was. It gave me a lot to think about and I love it when a film does that. I highly recommend checking this one out!

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

What starts out as an ordinary day for Vada (Jenna Ortega), Mia (Maddie Ziegler) and Quinton (Niles Fitch) suddenly turns into a tragedy that will change their lives forever. The way in which they deal with the aftermath may be different, but the bond they form will only grow stronger.

I don’t think I can put into words just how much this movie struck a chord with me. The subject matter, while extremely heavy, was dealt in such a poignant way that I have to give props to director Megan Park. Her approach was exactly the way it should have been.

Something I really appreciated was the fact that instead of focusing on the event itself, we got to see the aftermath of it. How these characters tried to not only move on from what happened, but make peace with it at the same time. Although they couldn’t be more opposite, the ways in which they lean on each other was not only realistic, but moving to watch.

Jenna Ortega knocked her performance out of the park. I’ve seen her in a few times before, but never anything on this level. She’s got a bright future ahead. The same can be said for Maddie Ziegler. To me she was always Sia’s protege, yet she really proved herself here. The rest of the cast in Will Ropp, Lumi Pollack, John Ortiz, Julie Bowen and Shailene Woodley were outstanding too.

In spite of its heavy subject matter, The Fallout should be recommended viewing for everybody. I know it’s a movie I won’t soon forget.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥