NFL
By: Brock Vierra
Like a scout watching a ballgame, the American public combs through hours of television and movies, searching for that signature performance that will enhance their cinematic experience. Often the consumer including myself falls victim to the beauties of the big screen which gives a temporary feeling of enjoyment, followed by unfulfillment at the time spent viewing a picture due to its lack of desired impact that comes with the price of admission.
However, there are times in which a performance is so captivating that it sticks with you long after the film’s runtime. These are some of the criteria that I hold actors and actresses to and the ones that exceed it get the honor of being considered a true star of the screen.
In Ludacris’ new movie, Dashing Through the Snow, we might’ve just found the next star and she’s just in the infancy of her career. I did not expect much from this film. A Disney Plus special, I was prepared for a simple plot line driven by family dynamics, a few laughs, and an enjoyable way to spend a December evening inside. What I was not prepared for was the performance of Madison Skye Validum.
The Film’s performances were off the charts
Validum’s performance is the center of this article but I could not begin without recognizing the work of the cast. The film was thoroughly well-acted but Lil Rel Howery from The Carmichael Show, Sebastian Sozzi from Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Zukay Henao from True Memoirs of an International Assassin stood out in what was supposed to be a “basic” storyline.
Ludacris was well, Luda. Loveable and entertaining. Something he’s always been throughout his illustrious career. It was nice to see him step out of his type casted role to take on the next step in every rapper’s career, family movies and you know what? It fits him very well.
However, they all fell victim to the film’s true star.
America’s Next Big Movie Star: Madison Skye Validum
At just 10 years of age, Validum possesses all the traits that a casting director looks for in an actress. She has the fundamental acting discipline that allows her to be a versatile thespian, she can convey a message or an emotion without words and she knows when and how to make a scene her own. These are things that she does effortlessly in the movie and she does them in almost every scene she’s in.
I typically don’t put much stock in child actors because they are both in the infancy of their career and their lives in general. It would be the same as declaring a rookie the next Michael Jordan. However, there are those few that peak early and that is the case for Validum.
The thing that impresses me the most is that it is clear how much of a future she has ahead of her. Perhaps it is the screenwriter side in me but when I’m writing a character, it’s always with a specific vision in mind. There are certain tones and elements that an actor or actress must hit and Validum hits it every time. The preparation and work that an actor must go through to serve a script is intense for even the most polished professional and to see Validum hit her marks at such a young age just proves that she’s much more than just promising.
Dashing Through the Snow defied my expectations. It had all the hallmarks of a Christmas classic. The family dynamic, someone assisting Santa/ Christmas spirit, and memorable moments. Validum’s performance amplified the film in a way others wouldn’t. She is a true talent and I look forward to seeing what she does next.
