Sydney's Sunday Reads: #25
Sydney's Sunday Reads is a weekly blog series that highlights some of my favorite stories, articles, think-pieces, and more from around the Internet.
Lara Jean, the new classic American teen.- Like Cher Horowitz from Clueless, Samantha Baker from Sixteen Candles, and countless other teenage heroines before her, Lara Jean Covey from the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise will go down in cinematic history as a beloved teen queen of her era. If you’re at all a fan of romantic comedies wrapped up in coming-of-age stories, I’m sure you’ve at least heard of the first film, which follows shy and creative Lara Jean Covey and high school jock Peter Kavinsky as they agree to carry on a fake romance after secret love letters - which no one was ever supposed to read! - were sent to all of her past crushes, including Josh, her sister’s ex-boyfriend, and Peter himself. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement: by being publicly linked to Peter, Lara Jean can avoid an uncomfortable confrontation with Josh, and for Peter, having a new girlfriend is the ultimate way to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. Of course, as all die-hard rom-com fans know, it’s nearly impossible for two characters faking a relationship to keep pretending for long before sparks start to fly, and Lara Jean and Peter are no exception. Throughout the series, fans are treated to a slow-burning relationship between the two that’s filled with some pretty interesting ups and downs as time goes on. The TATBILB trilogy officially wrapped on February 12 with the final film, Always and Forever, which follows Lara Jean and Peter K as they step over the threshold from being mere high school flames worried about school dances and lacrosse games, to blossoming young adults trying to navigate a future outside of their hometown. In this article, Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz, whose formative years were spent learning life lessons from characters like Lizzie McGuire and Cady Heron, ponders, as well as celebrates, Lara Jean’s legacy. (The Cut)
Here comes Cruella! - I know I always question why classics need to be reimagined or turned into sequels or prequels, but this time, I’m making an exception. In 2018 it was announced that Emma Stone was set to star as a young Cruella de Vill, the fabulous villainess and hater of sweet dalmatian puppies (originally played by Glenn Close in the 90s live-action films), as she lived through 1970s London. Directed by I, Tonya’s Craig Gillespie, Cruella "follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly Haute...but their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella." A still image of Stone in full costume was released all the way back in August of 2019, but this week, the film’s first official trailer dropped, and I’m just going to say it: this movie’s going to be epic! Check out the trailer here! (Nylon)
Not the first, but definitely the last. - In this powerful personal essay, actor Anna Deavere Smith reflects on her time as one of a handful of “nice” Black girls who were recruited to attend a tiny, predominately white women’s college in a suburb outside of Philadelphia in the late 60s. While Deavere Smith began her journey there trying hard to blend in, straightening her hair and actively avoiding associating with the other Black students, over time, and after significant social and cultural movements too big to be ignored, she and her fellow women of color found their voices, embraced their natural hair with gusto, and demanded to not only be seen, but fully represented on campus. One of the best essays I’ve ever read. (The Atlantic)
When bad lip-reading is actually good. - Football season might be over, but there’s still plenty to enjoy. One of my favorite channels on Youtube is Bad Lip Reading, which regularly uploads videos of everything from classic movies to key historical moments like presidential debates with a twist: the dubbing is intentionally wrong! This channel has gotten bigger and bigger over the years, and the dubbing funnier and funnier. Check out what some of your favorite NFL stars were “saying” on and off the field this season in the video below! (Bad Lip Reading via Youtube)
A Scotsman makes wee food. - Outlander fans, where you at?! In this video, Sam Heughan, who also stars in the new series Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham, takes on a Tiny Kitchen challenge by making traditional Scottish Cranachan, similar to strawberry shortcake. There’s something about a handsome man with a British accent making tiny food (which makes him look like a giant in comparison) that just thrills me. Watch for lots of laughs! (Tiny Kitchen via Youtube)