“The Florida Project” an eye-opening multi-layered movie that every mom should watch!

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When is the last time you visited the “Magic Castle”? …I mean the “Magic Kingdom”?  The famed, Magic Kingdom quickly brings to mind magical thoughts…children laughing, pixie dust, delicious park food and of course a parade or two.

We, as Palm Beach moms are so lucky to be a hop, skip and a jump away from “The Happiest Place on Earth.”  Grab the kids, pack your bags and go. 

So close to the “magic” and yet so far away.

Lobby inside the Magic Castle Inn & Suites

I recently came across the film, “The Florida Project” directed by Sean Baker starring Willem Dafoe, and the new breakout star, who happens to be a local Florida girl from Orlando.  The adorable actress,  Brooklynn Prince, plays “Moonee,” a little girl who celebrates life, and seeks adventure with her pals all while looking at her life with rose-colored glasses on unbeknownst to her situation going on around her.

This may be the most important, thought provoking film you’ve seen this year. 

Don’t worry..no spoilers.  Promise. 

When I found out this movie was filmed in Orlando, I did what any fan would do..scoped out the motel where it was filmed of course.   It was very easy to find, and you certainly couldn’t miss the lavender motel from the road.  The sightseeing helicopter tour company located practically on the front lawn and entrance to the motel just like the movie was pretty surreal to see.  Getting a baby to sleep with THAT disturbance all day?  Moms, can you even imagine?

I was on a mission…and my husband was completely confused as to why I needed to stop at this “budget” hotel on the way home from Orlando last weekend.  I was intrigued and he went with it.  The notion that the film was based on a true story had me thinking about what life must be like for the residents, especially the children who live in this motel. 

As I went into the lobby and was asked if I needed any help..my response?  “No, I’m just a tourist.”  I knew I wanted my next article to spread awareness about this movie.  There were just so many layers to it, and I think us, as moms, might truly open up a little bit of our blinders to see the not so “Disney” side to Orlando. 

 

I decided to walk around the property a little bit, thinking how their are families that live there – in Disney’s shadow but their outlook can not be as shiny as the pixie dust we so expect from a “Magic Castle.”  This was not the Magic Castle that we know and love.  The themes covered in this movie were the farthest thing from pixie dust. 

I spotted different parts of the hotel that I recognized from the film and brought it that much closer to home for me.  As my husband and son sat patiently in the comfort of our car waiting for mommy to finish her research. 

This was bigger than a story…

As a mom, the film fully resonated with me for many reasons, but I would say the children in the movie were finding their happy place no matter what.  I can tell you, many of you will cringe as I did at many of the scenes, and I wanted to go right through the screen and protect those children from what they didn’t even think or too innocent to realize their reality was unfathomable to many.

Unfortunately, this is many people’s reality.  This little girl saw all the good in even the darkest hours.  She truly made lemonade out of lemons but didn’t even realize it.

How amazing if we could bottle up all her spirit and zest…kids can find that silver lining in the darkest clouds and just like that make it a great day, regardless of the circumstances.

So, if you have not seen this movie, and are ready for some real Orlando – make sure you check out “The Florida Project” soon.

 

 

 

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Aimee Romano
Aimee Romano is currently a stay at home mommy in beautiful west Boynton Beach, FL where she and her loving husband Jake are busy raising their adorable and spunky toddler son, Aiden Penn. She is a proud native of NJ, visiting every so often to spend time with her family and friends. Aimee was a teacher in Palm Beach County, but is currently on a hiatus while being lucky enough to stay at home and raise Aiden. As much as she loved teaching, after Aiden was born she gave up 150 “kids”, for 1. He is worth the trade! Aimee also works on call/freelance as a set tutor/studio teacher for countless talented children in commercials, movies, television shows, and more. She is also very passionate about helping others and giving back to her community. When she has some free time, Aimee enjoys traveling, spa days, exercising, bike rides, and shopping! She is thrilled to be a contributor for Palm Beach Moms Blog and at almost 40 years old, she is hoping to be the voice for the older moms of toddlers out there.