Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

THE TOP BABY NAMES OF 2010 REVEALED.

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Katie and Amy have fallen out of the list of the top 20 female christian names, it emerged yesterday (30th January 2010).

The monikers of troubled stars Katie Price and Amy Winehouse have been replaced by prettier and less infamous names, Maisie and Isabella.

The highest climber in the list of the most popular girls’ names in the UK today is Bella, due in no small part to the lead character in Twilight, played by actress Kristen Stewart. Lacey, as in EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, is also on the up, soaring from number 57 up to 37. Florence is also becoming increasingly popular, moving up 33 places, as is Maisy.

Olivia is still top after 3 years and Sophie is still second. Lily is now third, up from 8th place, with Emily and Ruby completing the top five.

In the boys list Jack has finally been bumped off top spot by Oliver after 16 years in first place. Jack is now second while Harry, Charlie and Alfie, all non-movers, make up the top five.

Another bad year for F1 ace Lewis Hamilton has seen the popularity of his first name drop from 13th to 19th place, whilst his singer girlfriend Nicole Sherzinger fares even worse, with the name Nicole dropping seven places down the girls list to 84th place.

Ollie emerged as the biggest climber – up 56 places to number 53 – while Zachary, perhaps inspired by High School Musical’s Zac Efron or even the son of jungle queen Stacey Soloman, has also become more common.

Bobby – the name of the late Jade Goody’s son – is another big climber, up 25 places to number 70. And Kai – Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s son has stepped up 10 places to number 56, despite his father’s indiscretions.

The list was compiled by parenting club Bounty from names given to 423,000 children born in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during 2010.

Yesterday, Faye Mingo, spokeswoman for bounty.com said: ”Our records show that parents are continuing to be influenced by popular culture and celebrity trends.

“The remarkable rise in popularity of names such as Ollie and Florence are most probably due to the X Factor star Olly Murs and the singer from Florence and the Machine experiencing their time in the limelight.

“However, parents are looking to a wide range of sources for influence and also seem to be rediscovering more traditional, ‘old-fashioned’ names like Ava and Stanley which have been more associated with grandparents in the past.

“Biblical names are also proving popular with Noah rising 20 places to 15th place and Jacob up 7, just missing the top ten.”

Olivia is enjoying its third year in top spot after deposing Grace in 2008.

Jessica climbed one place to sixth, while Chloe dropped from fifth to seventh. Ava made it into the top ten for the first time while Grace slipped to ninth from sixth.

Amelia completed the top ten. Lucy was a non-mover at 13 while the next four places were all taken up by new names, including Isabella which climbed eight places to 14th.

Megan, Isla and Freya have all become more popular as has Lilly, most probably inspired by the singer Lily Allen.

On the boys list Jack finally surrendered top spot to Oliver but very little of the rest of the top ten changed. William climbed one spot to eighth as did Daniel to ninth while James slipped two to tenth.

Other names we will be hearing more regularly includes Logan, which climbed seven places to 17th and Oscar, which moved up four to 22nd.

Callum and Liam seem to have had their day – they were the biggest fallers in the top 30, seven and nine places respectively.

And new entries into the bounty.com top 100 lists were Esme, Courtney, Jude, Elliot and Stanley.

Faye Mingo added: “A recent study we ran found that one in five parents regret the names they have chosen for their children, so it’s more important than ever for parents to choose a name them and their child will love for the rest of their life.

“It’s hard to predict what we’ll see next year but it’s most probable that celebrities and popular culture will again play a part – and with a royal wedding on the horizon we may well see an increase in Williams and Kates born in celebration!”

See the Top 100 boys and girls names of 2010 and check the latest regional popularity ratings at Bounty’s baby names section which features a host of unique and handy functions to help parents decide on baby names. As well as being able to search names using letters of the

alphabet, number of syllables, origin, and meaning, parents can also search trend graphs which show if names are declining/growing in popularity as well as popular sibling/middle names for their chosen name, amongst a host of other useful tools.

TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2010

1. Oliver
2. Jack
3. Harry
4. Charlie
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. Daniel
10. James
11. Jacob
12. George
13. Ethan
14. Lucas
15. Noah
16. Max
17. Logan
18. Joseph
19. Lewis
20. Dylan
21. Samuel
22. Oscar
23. Ryan
24. Archie
25. Riley
26. Jayden
27. Tyler
28. Jake
29. Callum
30. Liam
31. Alexander
32. Connor
33. Luke
34. Adam
35. Benjamin
36. Matthew
37. Leo
38. Finley
39. Jamie
40. Alex
41. Freddie
42. Mason
43. Harrison
44. Henry
45. Ben
46. Harvey
47. Nathan
48. Isaac
49. Cameron
50. Aaron
51. Theo
52. Edward
53. Ollie
54. Finlay
55. Owen
56. Kai
57. Harley
58. Aiden
59. Michael
60. Toby
61. Sam
62. Leon
63. Kyle
64. David
65. Rhys
66. Evan
67. Bailey
68. Reece
69. Zachary
70. Bobby
71. Ashton
72. Kian
73. Sebastian
74. Luca
75. Kayden
76. Louis
77. Zac
78. Taylor
79. Brandon
80. John
81. Hayden
82. Billy
83. Caleb
84. Jude
85. Blake
86. Joe
87. Louie
88. Jay
89. Christopher
90. Joel
91. Bradley
92. Ellis
93. Corey
94. Elliot
95. Zak
96. Robert
97. Stanley
98. Aidan
99. Jenson
100. Patrick

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2010

1. Olivia
2. Sophie
3. Lily
4. Emily
5. Ruby
6. Jessica
7. Chloe
8. Ava
9. Grace
10. Amelia
11. Mia
12. Evie
13. Lucy
14. Isabella
15. Maisie
16. Poppy
17. Daisy
18. Ellie
19. Ella
20. Megan
21. Isla
22. Freya
23. Charlotte
24. Lilly
25. Summer
26. Isabelle
27. Holly
28. Sophia
29. Millie
30. Erin
31. Katie
32. Amy
33. Scarlett
34. Hannah
35. Lexi
36. Imogen
37. Lacey
38. Molly
39. Eva
40. Brooke
41. Lola
42. Phoebe
43. Layla
44. Emma
45. Leah
46. Abigail
47. Sienna
48. Gracie
49. Amber
50. Jasmine
51. Alice
52. Matilda
53. Elizabeth
54. Anna
55. Madison
56. Rosie
57. Paige
58. Lauren
59. Isabel
60. Bethany
61. Caitlin
62. Georgia
63. Faith
64. Lexie
65. Florence
66. Rebecca
67. Niamh
68. Zoe
69. Maya
70. Skye
71. Maddison
72. Tilly
73. Keira
74. Scarlet
75. Tia
76. Amelie
77. Libby
78. Sofia
79. Sarah
80. Aimee
81. Isobel
82. Esme
83. Zara
84. Nicole
85. Julia
86. Martha
87. Maisy
88. Heidi
89. Abbie
90. Mya
91. Darcy
92. Rose
93. Eleanor
94. Kayla
95. Miley
96. Hollie
97. Eve
98. Bella
99. Evelyn
100. Courtney

TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2009

1. Jack
2. Oliver
3. Charlie
4. Harry
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. James
10. Daniel
11. George
12. Ethan
13. Lewis
14. Max
15. Lucas
16. Dylan
17. Archie
18. Joseph
19. Jacob
20. Samuel
21. Liam
22. Callum
23. Oscar
24. Jayden
25. Logan
26. Ryan
27. Jake
28. Tyler
29. Riley
30. Luke
31. Harvey
32. Ben
33. Adam
34. Alexander
35. Benjamin
36. Leo
37. Matthew
38. Noah
39. Connor
40. Alex
41. Jamie
42. Harrison
43. Mason
44. Cameron
45. Owen
46. Henry
47. Nathan
48. Finley
49. Aaron
50. Freddie
51. Issac
52. Sam
53. Finlay
54. Theo
55. Harley
56. Aiden
57. Toby
58. Edward
59. Rhys
60. Michael
61. Evan
62. Kyle
63. Leon
64. Reece
65. David
66. Kai
67. Ashton
68. Bailey
69. Kian
70. Louis
71. Taylor
72. Hayden
73. Brandon
74. Joe
75. Jay
76. Luca
77. Kayden
78. Ewan
79. Joel
80. Sebastian
81. Zac
82. Ellis
83. Josh
84. Aidan
85. John
86. Billy
87. Zak
88. Bradley
89. Kieran
90. Blake
91. Christopher
92. Morgan
93. Caleb
94. Louie
95. Andrew
96. Bobby
97. Gabriel
98. Robert
99. Elliot

100.Jude

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2009

1. Olivia
2. Ruby
3. Sophie
4. Chloe
5. Emily
6. Grace
7. Jessica
8. Lily
9. Amelia
10. Evie
11. Mia
12. Lucy
13. Ava
14. Ella
15. Charlotte
16. Amy
17. Daisy
18. Katie
19. Megan
20. Summer
21. Ellie
22. Isabella
23. Holly
24. Millie
25. Poppy
26. Freya
27. Erin
28. Isla
29. Isabelle
30. Hannah
31. Emma
32. Brooke
33. Molly
34. Phoebe
35. Eva
36. Leah
37. Lilly
38. Abigail
39. Sophia
40. Imogen
41. Maisie
42. Scarlett
43. Lexi
44. Jasmine
45. Lola
46. Layla
47. Isabel
48. Lauren
49. Amber
50. Madison
51. Matilda
52. Elizabeth
53. Bethany
54. Sienna
55. Rosie
56. Anna
57. Gracie
58. Paige
59. Alice
60. Caitlin
61. Georgia
62. Maddison
63. Rebecca
64. Lacey
65. Isobel
66. Faith
67. Libby
68. Tia
69. Keira
70. Lexie
71. Niamh
72. Skye
73. Nicole
74. Aimee
75. Sarah
76. Zoe
77. Eleanor
78. Amelie
79. Julia
80. Eve
81. Maya
82. Tilly
83. Zara
84. Martha
85. Sofia
86. Scarlet
87. Darcy
88. Abbie
89. Victoria
90. Heidi
91. Alexandra
92. Taylor
93. Miley
94. Kayla
95. Mya
96. Lydia
97. Florence
98. Evelyn
99. Rose
100. Courtney

A Guide to the new cost of traveling in London. {Travel}

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While main line season ticket rail fares rise by an average of 5.8% from Sunday, bus and Tube fares in London are going up by an average of 6.8%.

Here is a guide to the new cost of traveling in London.

Buses and Trams

* Oyster pay as you go fares increase by 10p to £1.30
* A single cash fare rises from £2 to £2.20

Tube, DLR, Overground

* The Zone 1 pay as you go fare rises by 10p to £1.90
* Oyster pay as you go fares traveling into Zone 1 in the evening rush hour are reduced to the off-peak rate
* The refundable deposit on a new Oyster card increased from £3 to £5.
* A Visitor Oyster card will cost £3.

Travelcard changes

One-Day Travelcards between Zones 2 and 6 are being withdrawn.

The new ticket price changes on public transport come into effect from Sunday 2nd January.:

Oyster Ticket Stops will no longer sell One Day Travelcards.

Maximum fare for not touching in/out

If you don’t touch in and out on the Tube, DLR, London Overground and National Rail, you may be charged a maximum Oyster fare of up to £7.40.

Travel overnight on New Year’s Eve will be free.

Transport for London (TfL) said that although some one-day Travelcards were being withdrawn, by switching to Oyster cards “most customers should see little increase in their travel costs”.

London mayor Boris Johnson said: “I have kept the fares for 2011 at the absolute minimum while still protecting the vital improvements that London’s transport network needs. Those improvements include upgrades to the Tube, the delivery of (the cross-London scheme) Crossrail, and maintenance of London’s bus network.

“I promised to protect free and concessionary travel for those needing it most and this package does exactly that.”

He went on: “Even in difficult times I am not passing the buck to the travelling public; we have stuck with the fare rise we said we would deliver last year and we continue to make efficiencies at TfL in order to make sure Londoners are getting the best value for money possible.”

Keep your New Year’s Resolution with Marie Curie Cancer Care. {Health}

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Whether your goal is to get fit, lose weight, meet new people or do something adventurous in 2011, Marie Curie Cancer Care is offering challenges to fulfil those common New Year’s resolutions.

This week, Marie Curie Cancer Care is launching its programme of events and challenges for the coming year, Rise to the Challenge, offering everything from runs, treks, triathlons and cycle rides to swimming, walking and dancing.

If you’re looking to get in shape in 2011, Marie Curie has nationwide running events all year round, from marathons to local fun runs. And if your ambition is to see the world this year, the charity’s South African Cycle Challenge along the stunning Garden Route might be just the way to satisfy your wanderlust.

Fabian French, Director of Fundraising at Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “New Year’s resolutions often fall by the wayside before January is over, but Marie Curie Cancer Care has events and challenges throughout the year to help you stick to, and achieve, your aims for 2011. Whether you want to improve your fitness, have fun or get outdoors more, there’s something for everyone. So why not take up a challenge, fulfil your ambitions and help raise valuable funds for Marie Curie Nurses, who provide free care to people with terminal cancer and other illnesses in their own homes.”

New Year’s Resolution Suggested Marie Curie Challenge

Get fit Dextro Energy Triathlon

Lose weight Marathons, 10k events and Fun Runs

Reduce stress Swimathon

Travel South African Cycle Challenge

Meet new people Daffodil Dance

Get outdoors more UK mountain challenges

Spend more time with friends and family Walk Ten

Enjoy life and have more fun Ladies’ Driving Challenges

Do something adventurous Parachuting, zipwires and abseils

Volunteer and help others Organise your own event

To take part in an event or challenge for Marie Curie Cancer Care, telephone 08700 340 040, visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/challenge or email: events@mariecurie.org.uk

Join the Craze on Facebook with Me to You My Place, THE Place to be

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Me to You My Place game to launch on Facebook

Experience Me to You and My Blue Nose Friends like never before with the latest, free to play, must-play social game on Facebook, Me to You My Place.

Launching on Monday 20 December, the free to play Me to You My Place social game, featuring the hugely popular Tatty Teddy and adorable My Blue Nose Friends, is set to become the next big game craze on Facebook for people of all ages.

Become Tatty Teddy and embark on a massive adventure to find, nurture and love your favourite My Blue Nose Friends (currently selling 17 per min in store) just like you do in real life. Shower them with enough love and they’ll become your Friends for Keeps! You can then add them to your virtual collection of friends and give them a fun nickname to truly make them your own. You can even customise your Tatty Teddy with bow ties, hats and bags to create your very own unique, stylish Tatty Teddy.

Share your Me to You My Place with those that you love on Facebook and at the click of a mouse your friends will be able to see how many My Blue Nose Friends you have and help you decorate your garden with big items that will earn you bonuses. And don’t forget to return the favour!

Become part of the latest Facebook game craze by simply searching for ‘Me to You My Place’ on Facebook and downloading the application. The perfect way to keep teens quiet and even while away a few hours in the office in the holidays.

For more information on Me to You and My Blue Nose Friends visit www.metoyou.com and www.mybluenosefriends.com

2010's most popular bands, comedians and shows. {Showbiz}

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2010: The Year of the ‘man band’

viagogo reveals the most popular gigs of 2010

2010 was the year of the man band with Take That topping the charts as the most popular act of the past 12 months.

According to viagogo, Europe’s largest secondary ticket marketplace, 2010 was a year of testosterone-fuelled acts as the Kings of Leon and JLS complete the top three. There was just one woman in the top ten – Lady Gaga in fourth position.

The Libertines, in their intimate comeback gig at the HMV Kentish Town Forum, was the highest priced ticket of 2010.Tickets for Libertines reunion gig sold for well over the odds with the highest price ticket going for £223, £197 above face value.

Surprisingly, Cliff Richard’s recent 70’th anniversary gigs also pulled in the pennies with fans paying £136 – £76 over face value – to get a glimpse of the golden oldie.

Top 20 most popular acts of 2010

1. Take That

2. Kings of Leon

3. JLS

4. Lady Gaga

5. Michael Bublé

6. Roger Waters

7. Bon Jovi

8. Muse

9. Black Eyed Peas

10. Westlife

11. Usher

12. Katy Perry

13. Justin Bieber

14. Rhianna

15. Leona Lewis

16. Foo Fighters

17. Eric Clapton

18. Linkin Park

19. Tinie Tempah

20. Florence and the Machine

Top 10 most expensive gigs of 2010

1. The Libertines £223

2. Sade £144

3. Cliff Richard £136

4. Van Morrison £133

5. Eric Clapton £126

6. Elton John £125

7. Roxy Music £124

8. Michael Buble £122

9. Kylie Minogue £120

10. Barry Manilow £115

Ed Parkinson, director of viagogo UK said: “This year has been all about Take That with ticket sales breaking all records but other ‘man bands’ have benefitted from a year that’s been all about the boys including Kings of Leon and The reformed Libertines. The X Factor has also played a pivotal role in driving ticket demand for certain acts, with nine acts from the top 20 appearing live on the talent show this year.”

Top 10 most popular theatre shows of 2010

1. Glee Live!

2. Britain’s Got Talent

3. Flight of the Choncords

4. Lord of the Dance

5. Doctor Who Live

6. Love Never Dies

7. BBC Electric Proms

8. Strictly Come Dancing

9. Diversity

10. Les Miserbales

As for theatre, it’s TV that is driving us from our sofas to the stalls, with two

thirds (60 per cent) of shows in the top 10 most in demand theatre productions being based on the small screen

Top 10 most popular comedians of 2010

1. Michael McIntyre

2. Frankie Boyle

3. Peter Kay

4. Lee Evans

5. Ricky Gervais

6. Billy Connelly

7. John Bishop

8. Jimmy Carr

9. Dara O’Brien

10. Tim Minchin

TV dominates the most in demand comedians list as well with newly appointed Britain’s Got Talent judge Michael McIntyre topping the funnymen league, whilst Apprentice You’re Fired host Dara O’ Brien clinches ninth place. Panel show guests Frankie Boyle and Jimmy Carr are also cashing in on their TV fame, taking 2nd and 8th place in the most in demand comedians’ list.

Who was your favourite entertainers of 2010? Let us know.

E4 ANNOUNCE ‘SKINS TOUR’. {TV & Music}

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JANUARY 19TH – JANUARY 29TH 2011

THE HOTTEST NEW MUSIC ACTS AND DJs INCLUDING KATY B, THE WOMBATS, PULLED APART BY HORSES, DEVLIN, MONA, NERO, BEARDYMAN, JAYMO & ANDY GEORGE and TROPHY WIFE

8 FREE PARTIES! TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLY VIA E4.COM/SKINS

E4 is taking SKINS on tour heading to the eight home towns of our new SKINS generation. After 2010’s month long ‘House Party’ in Bristol this year will see members of the new Skins cast throwing a party in their own hometown – and you’re invited. Kicking off in BRISTOL on January 19th we hit the city with live performances from rising stars MORNING PARADE and WILDER plus a very special guest DJ

. Other performances include some of the hottest new acts of 2011 including KATY B, DEVLIN, MONA, PULLED APART BY HORSES, KID ADRIFT, JAGGA, TROPHY WIFE, THE MIDNIGHT BEAST, WILDER AND BEARDYMAN . Guests DJs include the brilliant NERO, KISSY SELLOUT, YASMIN, JAYMO & ANDY GEORGE (RADIO 1) plus Ibiza Rocks resident DOORLY. The shows finish with a huge party in Oxford on January 29th with a headline performance from superstars THE WOMBATS plus hometown boys TROPHY WIFE and the hotly tipped THE GOOD NATURED. Exclusive footage from the shows including band interviews and live performances will be shown on E4.com/skins

Tickets are available now

For more info go to www.e4.com/skins

The full line-up is as follows, with further artists to be confirmed:

WEDNEDAY 19TH JANUARY – BRISTOL – PROPAGANDA AT THE SYNDICATE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROPAGANDA – WWW.THEPROPAGANDA.COM/BRISTOL

Special Guest DJ + Live performances from MORNING PARADE and WILDER AND THE PROPAGANDA DJS

THURSDAY 20TH JANUARY – SWANSEA – MONKEY CAFÉ

KATY B, (Live) JAGGA and DJ set by NERO

FRIDAY 21ST JANUARY – HEREFORD – SAXTYS

DJ sets by KISSY SELLOUT (RADIO 1) and NICOLA BEAR (IBIZA ROCKS)

SATURDAY 22ND JANUARY – ASHFORD – LIQUID AND ENVY

PERFORMANCE FROM DEVLIN. DJ set by YASMIN

TUESDAY 25TH JANUARY – EDINBURGH – THE CAVES

Special Guests TBC + Performances from KID ADRIFT and FLUX DJs

THURSDAY 27TH JANUARY – LONDON – BRIXTON ELECTRIC

Performances from PULLED APART BY HORSES, MONA and MIDNIGHT BEAST. Plus appearances from JAYMO & ANDY GEORGE (RADIO 1) and PROPAGANDA DJs.

FRIDAY 28TH JANUARY – BRIGHTON- THE PIER

Special Performances by BEARDYMAN, MORNING PARADE and DOORLY

SATURDAY 29TH OXFORD – 02 ACADEMY – PROPAGANDA

WWW.THEPROPAGANDA.COM/OXFORD

Performances from THE WOMBATS, TROPHY WIFE and THE GOOD NATURED

Black Swan. {Film review/preview}

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Black Swan is a horror film. But a quiet one. You are not sure what is real, what is not. Neither does the protagonist, Nina, played to the hilt by Natalie Portman. It’s the role – and performance- of a lifetime. Portman does not let it down. She trained for 5 hours a day, for 10 months to take the role. She plays the anorexic, self harming, psychologically unravelling ballerina so well, at times, it is hard to watch. Though, a lesbian sex scene (in which Portman actually has sex with herself; a scene that is rumoured to have upset her father) should draw the crowds in.

Like Darren Aronofsky’s previous films, Black Swan is a head fuck. Nina lives with her mother. Her life is controlled by her mother and ballet. She is desperate to be perfect. Barbara Hershey is great as her mother. Vincent Cassel effortlessly brilliant as the cruel, cold artistic director. Winona Ryder is stellar as the retiring, washed up ballerina forced into retirement. Dealing with the winding down of the body clock, replaced by the younger model. It’s uncomfortable to watch, and important to note that there is only 10 years between Portman and Ryder. The truisms that strike with reality are painful. Times has let her down. The industry she has given her life to has tossed her out.

The brutality of pushing your body is heard in the film. The cracking of bones, the splintering toenails. This is a dark, gothic film. It’s not just about ballet. It’s also about an ageist society and an artist trying to lose themselves to the role. It is darkly beautiful, scarily apt and even just that little bit depressing. It’s definitely one to see.

Somewhere. {Film Review}

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Somewhere is a film that goes, well, nowhere. This is not an insult. It’s a complement. It’s a beautiful film. It’s not a good or a bad film. It is a film that is entirely depending on taste. It’s a lot like Lost In Translation. Lonely people trying to connect with each other. There is no back story to Dorff’s character. What you know is that he is rich, famous, separated and has an 11 year old daughter. Everywhere he goes there are irate women he has loved and left.

Somewhere is a very European film. The scenes are long and left to play out. There is a lot ( too much) female nudity. The opening of the film is Stephen Dorff driving around a circular track. There is one work said in the first 15 minutes. It’s full of metaphors and melancholy. The ennui of over privilege. A movie actor in an empty existence of sex, parties and alcohol. Saved, intermittently, when his daughter comes to stay.

The tangents of Sofia Coppola’s previous films are here; daddy – daughter relationships, young girl’s trying to find their way, expensive hotels, bored rich people. It is a film of human relationships. A slow burner. The performances of Ellie Fanning and Stephen Dorff are pitch perfect. It’s definitely worth seeing,