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The Ithacan
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The Student News Site of Ithaca College

The Ithacan
The Student News Site of Ithaca College

The Ithacan
After taking mushrooms in the woods for her birthday, 18-year-old Elliot (Maisy Stella) meets 39-year-old Elliot (Aubrey Plaza) in "My Old Ass."

‘My Old Ass’ proves growing up can be a hot yet heartwarming mess

By Maya Silveira Scuri, Contributing Writer • October 8, 2024
Released in theaters Sept. 27, Megan Park’s sophomore movie, “My Old Ass,” is about an 18-year-old girl named Elliott (Maisy Stella) who is about to move away from her small town to Toronto for college. A funny script with solid performances, My Old Ass stumbles a bit on the path to delivering its message. But just like Park’s previous work, it’s a movie with a passionate lead seeking answers to their struggles as a teenager.  Elliott is a classic angsty teen character who can’t wait to leave her hometown life behind. She decides to celebrate her 18th birthday by taking mushrooms with her best friends in the woods, which, of course, leads to her coming face-to-face with her older self, played by Aubrey Plaza.
After Cáit (Catherine Clinch) is sent off to live with distant relatives for the summer, she finds her life forever changed.

Review: Irish coming-of-age drama is quietly moving

By Matt Minton, Co Life and Culture Editor • March 29, 2023
"The Quiet Girl" is a remarkably moving Irish film, empathetically portraying themes of childhood adolescence and loss.
'Deja View' - Women in Film: "Booksmart" (2019)

‘Deja View’ – Women in Film: “Booksmart” (2019)

By Sydney Brumfield • October 21, 2021

The Ithacan · 'Deja View' - Women in Film: "Booksmart" (2019) In this week’s episode, tune in to host Sydney Brumfield and guest Sarah Borsari as they discuss the soon-to-be classic film, “Booksmart”...

"The Half of It" is a coming of age film that explores the complex nature of relationships, but its over use of stereotypical character archetypes and cliche plot devices makes it unbelievable. The film is too distant form the reality high school life to be relatable.

Review: Progressive love story is too predictable

By Gabrielle Topping • June 2, 2020
"The Half of It" is a coming of age film that explores the complex nature of relationships, but its overuse of character archetypes and cliche plot devices make it unbelievable.
Director Hikari’s first film, "37 Seconds," is a beautiful exploration of the life of a young girl with cerebral palsy. The film uses dark humor to drive forward, but its main character is the highlight of the narrative.

Review: Film balances comedy and coming-of-age themes

By Elijah de Castro • February 12, 2020

Great coming-of-age films delicately balance comedy and drama like no other genre. First-time director Hikari’s “37 Seconds” has the same youthful enthusiasm and sincere drama that other coming-of-age...

Jonah Hill's directorial debut focuses on growing up is 1990s Los Angeles.

Review: Jonah Hill depicts brutally honest adolescence

By Phoebe Harms, Staff Writer • November 4, 2018
The film follows Stevie’s journey through the height of adolescence, his experiences stemming from his wish to be as “cool” as his brother.
Bo Burnham's directorial debut offers an honest, realistic and loving look at growing up in the age of social media.

Review: Bo Burnam’s directorial debut dazzles with depth

By Arleigh Rodgers, Staff Writer • August 28, 2018
The honest and loving way writer and director Bo Burnham treats the newly blossomed teen at the focus of his film speaks to all members of the audience.
In "Flower," Zoey Deutch stars as Erica Vandross, a teenage girl who attempts to expose former high school teacher Will (Adam Scott) as a pedophile.

Review: ‘Flower’ relies on caricatures of female characters

By Stephanie Philo, Contributing Writer • April 10, 2018
The true problem with “Flower” is that it is a female-led film by male writers who have no real insight on the topics they are attempting to tackle.
“Love, Simon” is based on the young adult novel “Simon vs. the Homo Sapien Agenda.” It follows teenager Simon Spears (Nick Robinson) as he comes out as gay, and is the first major studio rom-com to feature a gay protagonist.

Review: ‘Love, Simon’ is shallow but sufficiently sweet

By Arleigh Rodgers, Contributing Writer • March 21, 2018
Like Simon, the film often slips on its own mistakes, but its effect runs clean and burns with an ebullient spirit.
Deja View: Why 'Lady Bird' is special

Deja View: Why ‘Lady Bird’ is special

By Kendyl Bennett, Podcast Editor • December 6, 2017

This week on Deja View, reviews editor Jake Leary sat down with contributing writer Liza Gillespie about Greta Gerwig's "Lady Bird."   You can read Liza's review of "Lady Bird" here

“Your Name,” directed by Makoto Shinakai, is a coming of age story layered over the tale of Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu, two high school students who switch bodies. As they attempt to find each other, they’re forced to save Mitsuha’s small town from an impending environmental disaster.

Review: Popular anime makes a name for itself in America

By Jake Leary, Assistant Life and Culture Editor • April 12, 2017
The frames flow with intoxicating grace, making the characters feel more real than the theater and the bags of popcorn in the viewers’ hands.
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