In September 2015, author Julie Murphy released her second Young Adult novel, Dumplin'. I have to share her bio with you, because it's just too good:
"Julie Murphy is a potty-mouthed Southern belle who was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, but found her home in Fort Worth, Texas. She’s never seen Star Wars, but has yet to meet a made for TV movie she didn’t love. When she’s not writing, Julie can be found cruising Costco for free samples, watching Sister Act 2, stalking drag queens on instagram, obsessing over the logistics of Mars One, and forever searching for the perfect slice of cheese pizza. She lives with her bearded husband, two vicious cats, and one pomeranian that can pass as a bear cub."
This made me laugh out loud. She's obviously fun in real life.
Dumplin' tells the story of Willowdean Dickson, a high school student who decides to enter the local beauty pageant, run by her mother, a former pageant queen. The problem? Willowdean knows her plus-size body is not what people are used to seeing up on that stage.
The sub plot here is that Willowdean is also mourning the recent loss of her aunt, who she shared everything with - including a similar size and shape, and a deep love for Dolly Parton.
When Jennifer Aniston signed on to executive produce and bring the book to the big screen, the first call her team made was to Dolly Parton (fun fact: Aniston has a dog named Dolly). They wanted to know if Dolly would allow some of her music to be used in the film, and if she might be open to writing some new tunes as well. Dolly said yes, and her famous voice can be heard throughout the film (though she never appears on screen).
Jennifer Aniston not only served as executive producer, but she plays the role of Willowdean's mother, Rosie. Aniston completely transforms in this part, walking with a giant stick up her butt, treating pageant rules like religion, and brushing off any wild ideas her daughter has about breaking the mold.
There is one scene were Willowdean drives Rosie to a pageant event, and Rosie is laying down across the entire back seat of the car so she doesn't wrinkle her dress. When they arrive, she shimmies her entire body forward, parallel to the ground, and waits to stand up until the very last minute, to ensure she looks as perfectly thin and coiffed as possible.
Willowdean, nicknamed Dumplin' by her mother, is played by Danielle Macdonald. I didn't read the book, but many people who have told me that Macdonald doesn't have the spirit or vibe they were picturing while reading.
I liked her in the part, and was particularly invested in her budding romance with Bo, her co-worker at a local burger joint. Bo is played by Luke Benward, who was Melissa McCarthy's collegiate love interest in Life of the Party. Those who read the book told me much of Bo's story was cut from the film, which is a shame, because their scenes together were my favorite.
The relationship that gets a major focus (besides Willowdean and her mother) is the one between Willowdean and her best friend Ellen. Ellen is played by Odeya Rush, who looked strangely familiar. After the movie was over, we looked her up and she played Jenna, the popular girl in Lady Bird. Ellen enters the beauty pageant in solidarity, and helps Willowdean pull off a major feat during the swim suit competition.
For me, the break out star of the film is Maddie Baillio, who plays Millie Michalchuk, another plus-size pageant contestant. Watching her reminded me of watching Rebel Wilson in the first Pitch Perfect movie. You will be seeing more of this gal. Jennifer Aniston's real-life best friend, Kathy Najimy, gets a cameo in the film as Millie's overprotective mother.
Netflix nabbed the distribution deal for Dumplin', which meant it was released in select theaters and on Netflix at the same time. This was great news for us, as we decided to make an evening of it, cooking up a gluttonous meal and watching from the comfort of my couch.
Dolly Parton is nominated for Best Original Song at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards for "Girl in the Movies," written just for Dumplin'. Personally, I cannot wait to see what she wears on the red carpet.
If you are looking for a great movie to watch on the couch over the holiday break or to download for a plane ride, Dumplin' is a delicious escape.
*Photos courtesy of Paper City Mag and Country Living.
Comments
saba 033
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 02:40
I have checked this link this is really important for the people to get benefit from. buy youtube likes
jahanghir khatri
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 03:56
I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. bandarq online
saba 033
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 11:39
I’m happy I found this weblog, I couldnt uncover any data on this topic matter prior to. I also run a site and if you want to ever serious in a little bit of guest writing for me if feasible really feel free to let me know, i’m always look for people to examine out my site. Please stop by and leave a comment sometime! 토토사이트
muhammad ali
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 00:56
Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post. world's best back scratcher
muneeb khatri
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 02:42
I was taking a gander at some of your posts on this site and I consider this site is truly informational! Keep setting up.. onderooglidcorrectie
saba 033
Thu, 12/24/2020 - 11:39
hello i discovered your post and thought it was very informational likewise i suggest this site about repairing lap tops Click Here 강남홀덤
muneeb khatri
Sun, 12/27/2020 - 02:24
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.. Skyline University Nigeria
saba 033
Sun, 12/27/2020 - 05:43
Keep up the fantastic piece of work, I read few blog posts on this web site and I believe that your site is real interesting and has lots of great information. 먹튀검증
muhammad ali
Sun, 12/27/2020 - 11:16
Two full thumbs up for this magneficent article of yours. I've really refreshing examining this article today and I figure this might be a champion among other article that I've scrutinized yet. If its all the same to you keep this work proceeding in a comparative quality. back scratchers for elderly
jahanghir khatri
Wed, 12/30/2020 - 04:16
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. xanax generic
muhammad ali
Sat, 01/02/2021 - 01:00
The web site is lovingly serviced and saved as much as date. So it should be, thanks for sharing this with us. scratcher stick
karlax 123
Sun, 01/03/2021 - 13:00
Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. Slot88
jahanghir khatri
Mon, 01/04/2021 - 07:42
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. 토토사이트
karlax 123
Mon, 01/04/2021 - 13:20
Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. Luckypoker188
kousar seo
Mon, 01/04/2021 - 13:45
Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work! adult online games
ayan shah
Wed, 01/06/2021 - 05:48
Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. see it
kousar seo
Wed, 01/06/2021 - 10:18
Good artcile, but it would be better if in future you can share more about this subject. Keep posting. 안전놀이터
Hasnain kt
Thu, 01/07/2021 - 03:00
Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. Webet188tiga
karlax 123
Thu, 01/07/2021 - 13:11
Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it. ovo88
muneeb khatri
Sat, 01/09/2021 - 04:19
This is a great post. I like this topic.This site has lots of advantage.I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me in many ways.Thanks for posting this again. nursing test banks
muhammad ali
Sun, 01/10/2021 - 02:20
I quite like reading an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment! kitchen sifter
muhammad ali
Mon, 01/11/2021 - 04:48
Very nice article, I enjoyed reading your post, very nice share, I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks!. back scratchers for elderly
saba 033
Tue, 01/12/2021 - 11:54
Well written articles like yours renews my faith in today’s writers. You’ve written information I can finally agree on and use. Thank you for sharing. เครดิตฟรี ยืนยัน ตัว ตน เบอร์
muneeb khatri
Wed, 01/13/2021 - 04:23
Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging, mini beagle for sale near me
jahanghir khatri
Wed, 01/13/2021 - 08:18
Superior post, keep up with this exceptional work. It's nice to know that this topic is being also covered on this web site so cheers for taking the time to discuss this! Thanks again and again! grabcad.com
muhammad ali
Thu, 01/14/2021 - 05:15
I like viewing web sites which comprehend the price of delivering the excellent useful resource free of charge. I truly adored reading your posting. Thank you! retractable back scratcher
Muhammad Alamghir
Thu, 01/14/2021 - 08:06
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. metal-archives
muhammad ali
Thu, 01/14/2021 - 10:15
Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info. Many, thank you! flour sifter near me
muneeb khatri
Sat, 01/16/2021 - 04:19
We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. Great work maltese puppies for sale
muneeb khatri
Sat, 01/16/2021 - 10:17
Thanks a lot for one’s intriguing write-up. It’s actually exceptional. Searching ahead for this sort of revisions. The Landmark Condo
muneeb khatri
Sat, 01/16/2021 - 10:35
This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. Ki Residences
muneeb khatri
Sun, 01/17/2021 - 06:35
Great Article it its really informative and innovative keep us posted with new updates. its was really valuable. thanks a lot. Fókuszpályázat
jahanghir khatri
Thu, 01/21/2021 - 06:46
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. how to use essay typer
muhammad ali
Fri, 01/22/2021 - 00:41
I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post. telescoping back scratcher
karlax 123
Sat, 01/23/2021 - 09:38
The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes. Design is pretty simple and a good user friendly interface. Judi Slot
kelvindj
Sun, 01/24/2021 - 07:13
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly. mcdonalds code
jahanghir khatri
Sun, 01/24/2021 - 07:20
Thanks for sharing this quality information with us. I really enjoyed reading. Will surely going to share this URL with my friends. qq
kelvindj
Tue, 01/26/2021 - 09:24
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly. HEATHER JOY BAKER
muhammad ali
Tue, 01/26/2021 - 12:41
Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and new initiatives in the same niche. Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job! baking sieve
jahanghir khatri
Wed, 01/27/2021 - 06:14
Very good points you wrote here..Great stuff...I think you've made some truly interesting points.Keep up the good work. sewing machine brands
ayan shah
Wed, 01/27/2021 - 08:37
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck. visit this site
ayan shah
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 06:34
Some truly wonderful work on behalf of the owner of this internet site , perfectly great articles . c-starssportspicks
kousar seo
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 09:23
I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to my bookmarks instalacja anten twinsat com
ayan khatri
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 13:12
Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it btc usd investing
karlax 123
Fri, 01/29/2021 - 05:24
Wow, What an Outstanding post. I found this too much informatics. It is what I was seeking for. I would like to recommend you that please keep sharing such type of info.If possible, Thanks. Bet88
Muhammad Alamghir
Fri, 01/29/2021 - 08:24
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. instapaper.com
kousar seo
Fri, 01/29/2021 - 14:49
This content is written very well. Your use of formatting when making your points makes your observations very clear and easy to understand. Thank you. custom velcro patches
karlax 123
Sat, 01/30/2021 - 05:56
I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well! Slot88 LiveChat
kousar seo
Sat, 01/30/2021 - 06:28
Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it สมัคร lsm99
kousar seo
Sat, 01/30/2021 - 06:28
Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it สมัคร lsm99