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March 8, 2017 The Skanner Page 7 Film Review: ‘Before I Fall’ a Bittersweet Tale of Redemption Arts & Entertainment Ice Cube: The “Fist Fight” Interview By Kam Williams For The Skanner News I “Kudos aplenty are in order for Zoey Deutch, who’s incredibly convincing as Sam in a demanding role” in ‘Before I Fall’ By Kam Williams For The Skanner News S amantha “Sam” Kingston (Zoey Deutch) was a spoiled-rotten brat the night she perished in a tragic car crash. First of all, she and her little sister Izzy (Erica Tremblay) were lucky enough to be raised in the lap of luxury by a couple of loving parents (Jennifer Beals and Nicholas Lea). Secondly, the recently-deceased 17 year-old was not only leaving behind a handsome boyfriend in Rob (Kian Lawley), but an ardent admirer in Kent (Logan Miller), a platonic friend she’d taken for granted since grade school. Sam was also pretty popular at Ridgview High School where she was a member of an exclusive clique along with her three BFFs, Liz (Halston Sage), Elody (Medalion Rahimi) and Ally (Cynthy Wu). The snobby quartet took delight in teasing classmates like lesbian Anna (Liv Hewson) and reclusive outcast Ju- liet (Elena Kampouri). So Sam would think nothing of participating in such mean-girl rituals as dumping drinks on Juliet while calling her a “psycho bitch.” However, after the accident, she was afforded an unusual opportunity to reconsider her cruel behavior when, instead of proceeding to the hereaf- ter, her spirit miraculously reentered her body. Upon opening her eyes, she realized that it was again dawn on Feb. 12, and that she was about to relive the same day again. SHOWTIMES In fact, Sam’s about to experience Feb. 12 over and over, while learning valuable lessons in tolerance each go- round. Thus unfolds “Before I Fall,” a bittersweet tale of redemption based on Lauren Oliver’s young adult novel of the same name. At first blush, the picture’s prem- ise reads rather reminiscent of the Bill Murray classic “Groundhog Day” (1993), although this is a drama as op- posed to a comedy, and it’s set on Feb. 12 instead of Feb. 2. The movie was directed by Ry Russo-Young (“Nobody Walks”), who puts a fresh enough spin on the familiar theme to make you for- get “Groundhog Day” after 15 minutes. Kudos aplenty are in order for Zoey Deutch, who’s incredibly convincing as Sam in a demanding role which calls for the exhibition of a considerable acting range over the course of the sto- ry. Her supporting cast delivers stellar work selling an escapist fantasy which might otherwise fall apart oh so easily. A deja vu-driven, surrealistic moral- ity play designed to leave you deep in reflection and weeping as you walk up the aisle. Excellent HHHH Rated PG-13 for mature themes, bully- ing, sexuality, violent images, profani- ty and underage drinking Running time: 99 minutes Distributor: Open Road Films To see a trailer for Before I Fall, go to TheSkanner.com. The Week of Friday, March 10 through Thursday, March 16, 2017 2017 OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS - ANIMATED (NR) Fri-Thur: 5:00, 9:40 FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (PG-13) Fri,Sun-Thur: 4:45 PASSENGERS (PG-13) Fri-Thur: 12:15, 7:00 ARRIVAL (PG-13) Fri-Thur: 2:15, 6:45, 9:30 JACKIE (R) Fri-Thur: 12:05, 7:30 MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO (R) Fri-Thur: 2:45, 9:15 MOANA (PG) Fri-Thur: 11:30, 1:55, 4:20 $4.00 adults, $3.00 senior citizens (65+), $3.00 for kids (12 & under) 7818 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215 503-252-1707 • AcademyTheaterPdx.com Babysitting: Available for children 2 to 8 years old. Fri: shows after 3:30pm and before 8:00pm. Sat - Sun: all shows before 8:00pm. $9.50 per child for the length of the movie. Call to reserve a spot, no drop ins. ce Cube in a Mellow Mood! Born O’Shea Jackson in Compton, Cali- fornia on June 15, 1969, Renais- sance man Ice Cube is an actor, writer, produc- er, director, rap- per, philanthro- “Kudos aplenty are in order for Zoey Deutch, who’s incredibly convincing as pist and father. Sam in a demanding role” in ‘Before I Fall’ N.W.A., the rap you, Kam? group he co-founded with Dr. Dre, Ea- zy-E, MC Ren and DJ Yella, was induct- KW: Great, thanks. What interested ed into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in you in “Fist Fight”? 2016. IC: I thought it was a great concept Cube made his feature film debut in based on a funny premise. And when 1991 in “Boyz n the Hood,” and proceed- they started filling in the pieces with ed to parlay his critically-acclaimed Charlie Day and Tracy Morgan, I just performance into an enviable career. knew we were going to have a great He has become one of the most bank- time and hopefully shoot a funny mov- able names in Hollywood as a writer, ie. star and producer. His production company, Cube Vi- KW: In this film you play a teacher sion, has been making memorable who is sort of like a bully. Did you ever films for over two decades. And his have a teacher like your character, Mr. movies have cumulatively grossed Strickland? And were you either bul- over a billion dollars at the box office. lied or a bully when you were a kid? Here, he talks about his latest outing IC: In my neighborhood, you were in “Fist Fight,” a comedy co-starring either one or the other. Going back to Charlie Day. my memory bank, there were teachers Kam Williams: Hey Cube. How you been, brother? Ice Cube: I’m good, good. How about who were no-nonsense and intimidat- ing. Most of them were coaches or gym See CUBE on page 11
