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Film Review: The Florida Project

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Written by Taylor Kokas

The Florida Project, named after an early title of “Disney World,” follows six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) living week-to-week in a bubble gum colored motel called “The Magic Castle,” being raised by her young, rebellious mother Halley (Bria Vinaite). When Moonee isn’t out on the streets with her mother – selling perfume, trespassing or stealing to make rent – she goes on adventures with her motel friends Scooty and Jancey. Making the best out of their summer, the group collects ice cream money from strangers and annoys the motel’s manager Bobby (Willem Dafoe).

Moonee shows us how to make the best of what you have. However, at any moment, the reality that she experiences could be taken away from her if rent isn’t paid or Bobby doesn’t act as her protector. In the end, Moonee’s reality is threatened when child services shows up. In this scene, she runs away to tell her friend Jancey bye, the visual transition from 35mm film to iPhone footage can be extremely frustrating and jarring to the audience. This rough transition however is a visual display, mirroring the experiences of Moonee’s life. Overall the film does a good job of exposing the viewer to this overlooked world in our society and the people that experience it while taking the viewer on a ride that will be, both, heartbreaking and heartwarming.

The Florida Project, was released by A24 Films on October 13th with a limited theatrical run and home video to follow.

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Halloween in Austin

Written by Tracy Fuller

The Halloween season in Austin can be indulging. With the hustle and bustle of the academic life, it’s paramount that time is made to decompress, especially after midterms. There are several events in town to suit your social craving from cult classic horror screenings to traditional 6th Street shenanigans. But remember, Halloween falls on a Tuesday this year – so play enough to make it back to class.

Halloween At The Drive-In (10/23)

What better way to celebrate Halloween than at the drive-in! The 35th anniversary of the cult classic Poltergeist is on the big screen. Drive your car right in, sit back and enjoy this classic tale of ghosts and ghouls. Moreover, the Blue Starlite Drive-In will hook you up when you get your reservation ticket, good for $10 of saloon drinks or concession stand beverages while there.

Jewels In The Wasteland: They Live (10/25)

A special screening of John Carpenter’s cult classic They Live. Wrestling-turned-actor Roddy Piper plays a drifter who accidentally finds out first hand that people have become enslaved by an alien-like elite who lurk behind an advanced system of propaganda and deceits.

This screening includes a live introduction from Austin Film Society Founder Richard Linklater (Dazed & Confused, School of Rock). Following the screening, there will be a post conversation on stage with Mr. Linklater as well.

Stranger Things Season 2 Watch Party (10/27)

Taking you to the “Upside Down” at Buzzmill to celebrate the second season of your favorite 80’s themed thriller TV series. Hosting a costume contest, specialty cocktails and Buzz Mill waffles, plus a DJ spinning a Stranger Things playlist. Leave a mark at the photo booth, and watch the Season 2 premiere on the big screen.  Come out and get like any Demogorgon would because a portion of the proceeds is going towards Hurricane Harvey relief.

Alien Apocalypse Halloween Lock-In (10/28)

The Blazer Tag “Alien Apocalypse Halloween Lock-In” is the biggest Blazer Tag event of the season with tons of games, trivia, and all-night laser tag! Show up in your best Halloween costume, and you could have a chance at winning the Colossal Costume Contest. Not to mention, showing off in the arcade. There will be prizes and giveaways all the way until the sun comes up!

LCD Soundsystem with special guest Big Freedia (10/31)

Dance yourself clean with LCD Soundsystem at the Austin360 Amphitheater. After reuniting, the band is on their ‘American Dream’ tour with the Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia. It should be a boo-ty shaking time. Doors at 7, show at 8p.

House of Torment (9/22-11/11)

A Halloween staple for the Austin area is House of Torment. Every year people line up to get their fright fix. Even while standing in line, you will get a taste of what’s coming. It’s a unique experience for everyone due to the control room operators. They can trigger different effects for each patron, making it a complete and unexpected time for everyone. It is named as the number one haunt in America by Hauntworld Magazine.

 

Austin City Limits 2017

Written and photos by Halie Davis

Pulling in headliners as Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Killers, Chance The Rapper and Gorrillaz, made for a variety of dance parties across the stages. If those artists just weren’t an attendees jam, silent disco was offered. Adding in a new stage this year (Barton Springs) and the festival merchandise store, it’s evident to see the growth of the festival.

We were able to take some photos of bands we were able to catch, from the multi-talented musician Tash Sultana to Austin’s The Black Angels. There is more to be found on aclfestival.com.

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ACC at PRIDE Parade

Written by Ruben Hernandez
Photos by Stefanie Vermillion

The annual Austin Pride Parade is a festivity that comes once a year. From across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, the festival allows self-expression in a variety of forms from all walks of life. While the Pride Parade isn’t Austin-exclusive, locals did use this as an opportunity to hit the streets and enjoy Austin’s nightlife. Many establishments, like Apple and Google, marched to show their Pride spirit. ACC was no exception to the long list of organizations that marched through downtown Austin on September 30th.

“I think it’s of paramount importance that you celebrate Pride, especially in times like these,” second-year ACC student Jacob Silverthorne said. “The point is to be loud and proud, and to remind people that no matter what they do or if they’re trying to take away our rights, that we’re not going anywhere. We’re still going to be here.”

Pride is a big deal for many. Some see it as a way to acknowledge a group of people who may not always have the spotlight. It’s a way for people to come together for a better cause.

“The Pride Parade is a celebration of our difficult past, our current place in society, and where we are going,” first year ACC Student Patrick Rodriguez said. “I feel pride is a way for people to come together and say, ‘We are gay and we deserve an equal place in the world.’ Even though the parade has evolved into many varied forms, it still shows our diverse and varied cultures within the LGBTQ and friends community.“

Not only is it important to some that the general public celebrates Pride, it is also comforting for others to know that ACC celebrates with them. Having an entry in the parade shows that ACC is supportive to those that are members of the LGBTQ community.

“Knowing that ACC is involved regardless of the political or religious rhetoric, shows me that the school supports an equitable environment that is committed to treating all of its students with respect,” SIlverthorne said. “Just simply having ACC attend, and show their support for LGBTQ rights goes a long way in making not only me feel welcome, but also other LGBTQ students as well.”

The Pride Parade is a sight to see for many first-timers. Silverthorne believes that while it may be fun to attend, there’s a lesson that attendees should walk away with.

“If someone went to Pride and had to learn something, I think that they should learn that we’re just like everyone else – people who value our freedom,” Silverthorne said. “We also value our liberty and our ability to search for happiness in the one life that we get. LGBTQ lives are just as important as theirs, or anyone else for that matter.”

Due to weather complications from Hurricane Harvey, the Pride Parade was rescheduled. The Pride Festival is set for October 21st in Austin at Fiesta Gardens.

More photos of ACC at Pride Parade can be found on the ACC LGBT eQuity Facebook page.

Male Athlete of the Year

Photo By: Joe Van Vranken
Story By: Halie Davis

The Intramural Sports & Recreation program at ACC provides ways for students to participate in a variety of sports from bowling, co-rec flag football, volleyball and more.

Terrell Hill, Business student at Austin Community College, posses natural-born talents for both leadership and athletic endurance. These skill attributed to him being named as the 2016-2017 ACC Athlete of the Year.

Read more about Terrell Hill’s story in Life4U magazine or pick up an issue on your campus.

Student Organization of the Year

Photo By: Joe Van Vranken
Story By: Halie Davis

STEAM
The purpose of STEAM as a student organization is to create a a network of students entering the file of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

Some of us may, still, be getting familiar with the education acronym for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Evolving with the world, however, many institutions are adding an “A” to make STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) a more inclusive organization. Last year, a small group of ACC students met to construct a 3D-world out of the, seemingly, one-dimensional experiences they were receiving at ACC.

Read more about the STEAM story in Life4U magazine or pick up an issue on your campus.

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

Photo and Story By: Halie Davis

The Community Service Experience provides all students the opportunity to connect with our community through service. 

One might not expect a registered nurse, certified tax preparer and full-time ACC student to serve as a volunteer. however, ACC student, Alisha Merchant put in over 400 hours of volunteer time alongside her busy schedule last year.

Read more about Alisha Merchant’s story in Life4U magazine of pick up an issue on your campus.