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Orlando Film Festival 2016: ‘To Write Love on Her Arms’ Unsettling, Tips Hat to Orlando

Published

9 years ago

October 21, 2016

ORLANDO: Nathan Frankowski's To Write Love on Her Arms Sheds Light on Addiction Recovery

ORLANDO – Nathan Frankowski wowed Orlando Film Festival audiences Wednesday night with the premiere of Te Ata and provided a second heart-rending true story Friday with To Write Love on Her Arms, another biopic based on the global movement of the same name.

About To Write Love on Her Arms

The film follows the tumultuous life of 19-year-old Renee Yohe (played by Kat Dennings), who always enjoyed fantasies of living happily ever after, but in reality suffers from bipolar disorder, drug addiction, and self-injury. Though she wavers many times–as is the custom of many in recovery–she is fortunate to have a small group of friends who support her and her journey through rehabilitation.

One friend, Jamie Tworkowski (played by Chad Michael Murray), was touched to the point that he wrote her story while at an airport and shared it on the Internet. He awoke to an overwhelming response of other young people just like Yohe experiencing unspoken pain and unprocessed traumas, expressing their relief that they were not alone. Tworkowski started the To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) online community as a result, selling t-shirts as well. This comes as news to Yohe, who he invites to speak to an audience of fans after she completes her rehab. Yohe reaches a crossroads: Should she share her story and finally conquer the pain by facing it, or surrender to her grief and instability again?

Yohe’s experience lifts the wool off of an unsettling reality that isn’t often explored: the possibility that a person in rehab can leave no different than when he or she went in, and the emotional and psychological pressure that can result from that once the person is reunited with friends and family. One cathartic thread throughout the movie is Yohe’s drawings, which come to life in the movie with the help of DAVE School’s digital animation.

The feature, which was filmed in Downtown Orlando, shows the area’s grittier side, which can be an eye opener even for those who live here. One particular building wall, with all of its unsightly graffiti, becomes a character in the film in its own right as Yohe’s journey progresses.

Dennings’s performance in this film is similar to her performance in the Thor franchise, but with more slurred words, unique ticks, and rasher decisions as a result of the manic half of Yohe’s bipolar disorder. She acts alongside fellow well-known actors Chad Michael Murray (“Agent Carter”) and Rupert Friend (“Homeland”), who provide solid supporting performances, particularly Friend, whose character David McKenna hits a low point at a very keen time in Yohe’s rehab journey.

To Write Love on Her Arms is a thought-provoking eyeful, but one that must also be taken with a grain of salt. Some who have had similar experiences may question the simplicity of the portrayal of Yohe’s life change, given where she’s coming from. As with everything, research is key.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

_{Mellissa Thomas is Editor of the Florida National News. The Jamaica-born author and journalist is a decorated U.S. Navy veteran with degrees in Entertainment Business and Film. She also helps business owners, CEOs, executives, and speakers double their income and clinch the credibility they deserve by walking them step by step through the process of developing, completing, marketing, and publishing their first book.}

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Val Kilmer, Iconic ‘Top Gun’ Star, Dies at 65

Published

4 weeks ago

April 3, 2025

Kareen Kennedy

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.

A Career Full of Iconic Roles

Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.

Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.

A Life Beyond the Screen

Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.

The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.

A Legacy That Will Live On

Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.

Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

Celebrity

LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge

Published

3 months ago

January 28, 2025

Mike Brodsky

Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.

Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)

Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.

Celebrity

[PHOTOS] 2022 Cannes Film Festival: Supermodel Adriana Lima Boasts Baby Bump on ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Red Carpet

Published

3 years ago

May 28, 2022

Mellissa Thomas

Adriana Lima walks the "Top Gun: Maverick" Cannes Film Festival red carpet with boyfriend Andre Lemmers a baby bump. Photo: Patience Eding/Another Concept via Florida National News.

CANNES, France (FNN) – Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima brought a guest with her to the red carpet premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. No, we don’t mean her boyfriend Andre Lemmers, but her adorable–and well-styled–bun in the oven.

Lima, 40, graced the red carpet dressed in Chopard jewelry and a black long-sleeved Balmain gown with a baby bump cutout.

Lima announced in February that she was expecting her third child, this one being the first with Lemmers, and her first son. She has two daughters, Valentina, 12, and Sienna, 9, with ex-husband Marco Jarić.

Boyfriend Andrew Lemmers holds Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima’s baby bump on the 2022 Cannes Film Festival red carpet for the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick.” Photo: Patience Eding/Another Concept via Florida National News.

Boyfriend Andrew Lemmers and Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima enjoy a quick smooch on the 2022 Cannes Film Festival red carpet for the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick.” Photo: Patience Eding/Another Concept via Florida National News.

Supermodel Adriana Lima’s hair almost perfectly the texture of the her baby bump-baring Balmain gown on the 2022 Cannes Film Festival red carpet for the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick.” Photo: Patience Eding/Another Concept via Florida National News.

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Florida National News editor Mellissa Thomas and FNN News international correspondent Patience Eding contributed to this report. | info@floridanationalnews.com