George’s pick: “Lady Bird”
For my choice of a coming-of-age movie I decided to revisit my last review’s director, Greta Gerwig, and watch “Lady Bird.” The movie revolves around Saoirse Ronan’s character Lady Bird, or Christine. Christine is a high school senior living on the West Coast that yearns to travel East for college. Due to Christine’s family’s financial situation, this plan is considered unfeasible by her mother. Christine is written brilliantly as a perfect blend of confidence and wonderous while also simply yearning for acceptance whether it be from her peers or her mother.
While there were so many aspects of this movie that I loved, I think that the most interesting point is the complex relationship between Christine and her mother. This bond of poignant hostility is undertones with deep care for one another, both simply unable to express that love to the other. As I prepare to graduate just as Christine does in the movie, I can distinctly see the care that Gerwig put into writing such a relatable, elaborate character. I would suggest this movie to any upcoming graduates or anybody looking for a powerful, beautifully produced film.
Ariella’s pick: “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
For the final issue of Movie Madness, my choice of a coming-of-age themed movie was “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” The final movie follows the movies’ most iconic characters including Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens), and Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale). To set off the film, Ms. Darbus tell everyone that some students including Troy have been considered for a scholarship from Julliard. Gabriella is accepted into Stanford Freshman’s Honors Program, and Troy convinces her to go. Troy goes to Stanford so they can have their own dance. To end the movie, Tory and Gabriella return to East High to sing their final duet, and Tory reveal his going to University of California, Berkley to be closer to Gabriella.
For all high school seniors who grew up watching the High School Musical franchise, the final movie’s plot is relatable but also is a source of nostalgia provide by the movies always iconic songs. Troy’s decision to attend college close to Gabriella is the ending everyone wanted as their love story that had been followed throughout the movies continues. “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” is the perfect movie for anyone, but especially for high school senior entering a new chapter of their life, just like the characters.
