Adventureland is a nostalgic, feel-good coming-of-age film set in 1987 that captures the bittersweet and humorous experiences of youth working at a theme park, evoking a sense of euphoric escapism and personal reflection.
Maude Apatow's directorial debut 'Poetic License' is a warm but aimless campus comedy about a middle-aged woman who becomes entangled in the lives of two college students, featuring strong performances but lacking a clear narrative focus and depth.
Maude Apatow makes her directorial debut with 'Poetic License,' a coming-of-age comedy highlighted by strong performances from Cooper Hoffman and Andrew Barth Feldman at TIFF, showcasing the potential for great family-run comedy films.
Japan's Prince Hisahito, the first male royal to reach adulthood in 40 years, has celebrated his coming-of-age ceremony, highlighting ongoing debates over the country's male-only royal succession policy amid concerns about the shrinking and aging imperial family. Hisahito, second in line to the throne, is likely to become emperor, but the tradition limits succession to males, raising questions about the future of the monarchy, especially with his sister Mako having left the royal family after marriage.
Japan celebrated the coming of age of Prince Hisahito with a ceremony at the Imperial Palace, amid ongoing concerns about a potential succession crisis as he prepares to become a future emperor.
Green Day teases a new comedy film, 'New Years Rev,' about three friends who embark on a road trip believing they've secured a chance to open for Green Day at a New Year's Eve concert, with the film featuring Green Day's music and a cast including Mason Thames and Jenna Fischer, premiering at TIFF.
Universal Pictures is re-releasing 'The Breakfast Club' in theaters on September 7 and 10 to celebrate its 40th anniversary, highlighting its cultural impact and enduring popularity among audiences.
Director Wade Allain-Marcus' remake of "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" breathes new life into the '90s classic, infusing it with modern humor and a focus on a Black family's coming-of-age journey. The film cleverly reworks the original story, emphasizing familial ties and addressing timely topics like fast fashion and privilege, while incorporating nostalgic nods and signature aesthetic flourishes. Lead actress Simone Joy Jones shines alongside a talented ensemble, delivering a genuinely funny, charming, and sincere update that resonates in contemporary times.
Rudy Mancuso's debut feature film "Música" explores a charming coming-of-age story with a unique aesthetic, drawing from the director's personal experiences and synesthesia. The film follows Rudy's struggles with an uncertain future, a breakup, and a budding romance with a Brazilian woman, played by Camila Mendes. While the film's visual flair and humor shine, the narrative at times feels thin, with predictable plot points and underdeveloped characters. Despite this, "Música" offers an engaging glimpse into Mancuso's singular worldview and creative spirit.
Snack Shack, directed by Adam Rehmeier, is a coming-of-age comedy set in 1991 Nebraska, following two 14-year-old boys as they navigate various schemes and misadventures. While the film boasts energetic performances and evocative cinematography, its humor falls flat, with jokes drowning out potential laughs and a messy script overcomplicating the promising premise. Despite strong performances, the film struggles to capture the balance between chaos and sentimentality, ultimately missing the mark as a lighthearted comedy.
The trailer for "Snack Shack" takes viewers back to the R-rated fun of '90s summer comedies, following teenage best friends AJ and Moose as they venture into the world of entrepreneurship with a poolside snack shack, encountering love and trouble along the way. Described as a nostalgic journey for those who grew up before cell phones and a hilarious escape for others, the film captures the fuzzy nostalgia and relatable ennui of the era, reminiscent of Richard Linklater's work and the comedic sensibilities of early '90s cinema. Starring Conor Sherry, Gabriel LaBelle, and Mika Abdalla, "Snack Shack" is set to hit theaters on Mar. 15.
Molly Manning Walker's "How to Have Sex" takes viewers on a drifty journey through euphoria and dread, following recent British high-school graduate Tara and her friends as they experience post-exams summer fun in Greece. The film, directed by cinematographer Molly Manning Walker, captures the atmosphere of hedonism and the ominous cadence of a techno-fueled descent into hell, while delicately portraying the unspoken rituals and complexities of teenage interactions. Mia McKenna-Bruce's expressive performance anchors the film, as the narrative unfolds with a fragmented, elliptical style that mirrors a dark, fragile memory.
"How to Have Sex" is a vaporous coming-of-age drama directed by Molly Manning Walker, following 16-year-old Tara, played by Mia McKenna-Bruce, on a booze-soaked getaway in Greece with her friends. The film explores themes of partying, self-discovery, and relationships as the characters navigate the holiday's highs and lows, all captured through sensitive cinematography and a keen use of color.
"How to Have Sex" is a sensitive British coming-of-age film that follows three 16-year-old girls on a spring break trip to a coastal Greek town, where they aim to party and lose their virginity. The film takes a dark turn when one of the girls experiences a traumatic event, shedding light on the complexities of teenage sexuality and the lasting impact of toxic experiences. Director Molly Manning Walker handles the subject matter with sensitivity, while Mia McKenna-Bruce delivers a compelling and vulnerable performance, prompting viewers to consider how to navigate and prevent such traumas in teenage experiences.
Tótem, Mexico's Oscar submission, portrays a young girl and her family celebrating the birthday of her terminally ill father, Tona, in a poignant drama about life, death, grief, and joy. Director Lily Avilés skillfully balances an ensemble cast, capturing the chaos and love within the family as they navigate Tona's impending passing. Through the eyes of the young daughter, Sol, the film beautifully portrays the bustling world surrounding a person facing mortality, culminating in a poignant and euphoric coming-of-age tale amidst the sorrow.