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‘Dolittle’ does little to wow
audience, despite much hype flashing arrows. The main antagonist’s motivation was very poor, Staff Writer and it was hard to watch. The sec“Dolittle” is a film about Dr. ondary villain of the movie has a John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.) very confusing motivation due to and his amazing ability to speak poor writing that did not establish to animals. Dolittle’s wife passed his character very well. away, causing him to be depressed The CGI was very well done at and to isolate himself and his ani- times and at others was very poor. mals from the world. When Queen The score of this film was amazing, Victoria falls gravely ill, Dr. Dolit- and it helped immerse the audience tle and his animals must go on an into the movie. The film does tell adventure to find the cure. When Dr. Dolittle’s backstory in an inthe adventure teresting way. begins, Dr. DoIt’s told through little takes up a watercolor young Tommy painting collecStubins (Harry tion before tranCollett) as his sitioning into apprentice and live action. shows him how What was exto communicate pected to be an with animals. amazing film “I rate ‘Dolittle’ a Dr. Dolittle and was a disapthree out of five Tiger pointment, and Tommy work together to save putting a really Paws.” the Queen befamous name on -Wyatt Ashlock fore it is too late. the poster can “Dolittle” is a only do so much very mediocre film. Having a very in a film with many issues. I do talented cast is what provided the not believe that “Dolittle” is a bad “hype” for “Dolittle.” However, movie, but it definitely did not live using this strategy caused the mov- up to audience expectations. ie to be a let-down for those who Many criticized Downey, Jr.’s expected a high quality film. The performance as Dr. Dolittle, but I voice actors did an amazing job; felt it was a refreshing take on the however, some of their most publi- character. “Dolittle” tries to send a cized celebrities—including Sele- message about being who you are, na Gomez and Tom Holland—only but its cheesy style prevents it from had a few lines in the first 20 min- being taken seriously. utes and then were written off until This film is definitely a Redbox the end of the movie. Downey, Jr. rental instead of going to see it in did an amazing job portraying his the theaters. It is a great family character. Collett is very impres- movie if your family has no other sive in his role, especially for being movie to watch. I recommend this such a young actor. The voice ac- film to people who enjoyed movtors also did a great job of bringing ies like the live action “Lion King” their characters to life. and live action “Lady and the The plot is very predictable, Tramp.” While this motion picture with foreshadowing so obvious will not win any awards, it is a film they might as well have been using that many can appreciate.
BY WYATT ASHLOCK
Students Ryan Lynch and Carlin Campbell rehearse for this year’s Muse Project “Almost, Maine.” The show is directed by seniors Dylan Blackwood and Raleigh Peterson. (photo by Danielle Sourber)
‘Almost, Maine’ displays real love BY SCARLETT CASTLEBERRY Staff Writer “‘Almost’ is the saddest word in the English language because it had the potential to be something and it never was,” Student Director Dylan Blackwood said. Blackwood and fellow senior musical theatre major Raleigh Peterson set out as co-directors to bring this year’s Muse Project to the Ouachita stage. “Almost, Maine” is a modern play written in 2006 by actor and playwright John Cariani. It originally opened in Portland, Maine, before going off-Broadway and then becoming one of the most popular choices for high school and college productions across the United States. It is a collection of nine vignettes that are, according to Blackwood, about “honest connection and the transparency of love.” The show exists in a kind of twilight zone where love is depicted as various physical objects to demonstrate its realism. “Almost, Maine” deals with love
at every stage of a relationship. Each scene depicts a relationship and “how they almost had someone, almost left someone, almost lost someone, almost fell in love,” Peterson said. Before rehearsal typically begins, the two directors are ready to go with the goals they’ve set for that night. Cast and crew members alike rush around, setting up props and equipment, doing jumping jacks to keep the energy high and falling into line immediately when Blackwood and Peterson say it’s time to start. As the scene begins, stage manager Ashlynn Lockhart watches everything, ready for anything. Blackwood and Peterson whisper back and forth intermittently as they watch the show. They nod with approval and make notes to discuss with the cast. Once a scene is finished, everyone is up and moving, discussing accomplishments and improvements. As they compare movements and character choices, Blackwood and Peterson work hard to ensure that each actor is
connecting with and understanding the character they are portraying. It is through collaboration that the team reaches an understanding of how they are going to bring their vision to life. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Blackwood and Peterson said. “We’re hoping that people can see themselves,” Blackwood said. “We want people to not be afraid to laugh and cry. This is a modern play. It’s very close, very relational and real. It’s not presentational.” “And it’s not a sad show,” Peterson said. “But all of the comedy is grounded in realism,” Blackwood said. “It’s kind of fitting that this play is opening the week of Valentine’s Day.” The show stars Carlin Campbell, Molly Kennedy, Cross Brandon, Ryan Lynch, Autumn Romines, Emily Johnson, Aaron George and Lily Kay as the lead actors. “Almost, Maine” runs Feb. 1317, with performances on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday at 7:30 p.m., and one on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
