All Together Now

All Together Now is a 2020 American drama film directed by Brett Haley, based on Matthew Quick's novel "Sorta Like a Rockstar." It features an ensemble cast, including Auli'i Cravalho, Rhenzy Feliz, and Justina Machado. This poignant exploration of homelessness, resilience, and the power of community appeals to all who appreciate films embodying optimism, grit, and heart.

Set in Portland, the plot follows Amber Appleton (Auli'i Cravalho), an optimistic, selfless, and musically-gifted high school senior. While school-going teenagers grapple with trigonometry, prom, and college applications, Amber's challenges are distinctively sobering. Every day, she wakes up in the back of a city bus her mother, Becky (Justina Machado), drives - a makeshift home hinting at their precarious financial situation. Yet, Amber's spirit is anything but downtrodden. Always sporting her signature radiant smile, she traverses through struggles with invincible optimism. Much of the film revolves around this young protagonist, examining her journey as she navigates her way through life's obstacles.

Amber's nurturing tendencies extend to her school community. She's a friend to all, from her tight-knit group of lovably quirky friends to her curmudgeonly elderly pal, Joan (Carol Burnett), whom she voluntarily visits at a retirement home. She indulges in acts of kindness - helping classmates with their homework after school, working at a donut shop to make ends meet, teaching English to Korean ladies at a local church.

Meanwhile, Amber also harnesses her love for music, performing as part of the school's orchestra under the firm but empathetic eye of music director Mr. Franks (Fred Armisen). A subplot involving Amber's singing aspirations weaves an important thread through the story, further underlining her determination to overcome adversity, aided by the unwavering support of her good-natured boyfriend, Ricky (Rhenzy Feliz).

Auli'i Cravalho performs the character of Amber to perfection, building on the charisma she portrayed as the voice of Moana in the eponymous Disney film. Her breathtaking on-screen presence makes Amber tangible and relatable, articulating teenage vulnerability with palpable authenticity.

Rhenzy Feliz's portrayal of Ricky is equally charismatic and delightful. Ricky's role as Amber's unwavering supporter and love interest enhances the emotional essence of the film. Their shared moments of vulnerability, laughter, and hope highlight the duo's chemistry and brings a warmth to the story.

Adding to the cast’s seasoned performances, Justina Machado as Amber’s mother provides an in-depth exploration of struggle, love and sacrifice that forms part of their daily existence, and Carol Burnett as the curmudgeonly yet kindhearted Joan adds a nurturing second parental figure into Amber's life.

Director Brett Haley’s vision shapes All Together Now into an engaging, tear-jerking drama. The film deals with several sensitive issues – financial insecurity, homelessness, loss– with an impressive balance of realism, grace, and empathy without getting mired in melodrama. Haley efficiently uses the narrative’s emotional elements, with beautifully crafted scenes that tug at the viewer's heartstrings.

The screenplay, adapted by Matthew Quick, Brett Haley, and Marc Basch, dissects the complex layers of America's homeless youth's reality, thereby grounding the film's optimistic personality in stark reality. It's a tale that lifts rather than depresses, inspiring audiences to find joy in the simple things and the strength to push through adversity.

All Together Now's cinematography, by Rob Givens, shines in its simplicity, capturing the palpable magic between the characters and their surroundings in every frame. The musical score, curated by Keegan DeWitt, beautifully complements the movie's emotional beats, embodying the character's highs and lows, dreams, and love for music.

In summary, All Together Now is a film that is as much about struggle and resilience as it is about friendship, community, and the human spirit's indomitable force. It invites the audience to embark on a soulful journey exploring the power of hope, buoyed by splendid performances, heart-wrenching storytelling, and an inspiring musical backdrop. With its mix of melodrama, romance, and poignant moments, this movie will appeal to fans of emotional narratives, compelling performances, and memorable soundtracks.