Zac Efron ...Floating on a Cloud

Charlie St. Cloud was The Sixth Sense meets The Last Song. Even if you ignored the trailers, there was an anticipation of tragic events throughout the first portion of the film, building up to the event that changes the tone of the story. Zac Efron was great in this movie. He fit the role well- the best part- there was no dancing, no singing, and no basketball. Charlie St. Cloud is a good family drama that travels into the spiritual realm the way other films haven't. Charlie Tahan, as little brother Sammy, was a great casting choice. He didn't give the vibe of overbearingly cute that some movies tend to drift towards. Tahan was a natural as Efron's brother.There were some problems, like a laughable Australian accent from one character. I think this film redeems Burr Steers and Efron from 17 Again, and establishes Efron as a good actor, at least in the drama world. The tagline "life is for living" definitely holds true.Charlie St. Cloud is a film great for all ages and walks of life. It brings a message without hammering it into your head. It was a pleasure to see Efron in such a versatile role. Even my movie date left saying, "Zac Efron, wow, those are some dreamy blue eyes."         

The "New" Child Stars

In the wake of the death of former child star Gary Coleman, it's a good time to look at how the term "child star" has changed over the years. Coleman is more being remembered for a lack of a career than a successful one. His "Whatcha talking 'bout Willis," from Different Strokes will forever be used, even by generations that have never even heard of the show. This leads to the question- what is the best way for a child star to transition into more adult roles? Today's young stars have learned from their predecessors, and in some ways have to grow up faster than ever, if only to make important decisions that will affect their careers. 

Young stars like the Nick Jonas, Ashley Tisdale, and Zac Efron have all made moves to take their careers to the next level. Tisdale and Efron, in their twenties, have moved beyond their Disney roots to movies like Seventeen Again and Picture this; While Jonas took on a solo project to showcase his musical talents with a completely different sound than the Jonas Brothers with Who I am. These moves lead to rumors like "they don't appreciate their Disney roots," or "the Jonas Brothers are breaking up." But looking at Coleman's career, can you blame these "kids" for wanting to be taken seriously? The six actors from the television series, Friends have all gone in their own directions, but will forever be known as "the cast of Friends." This is not necessarily a bad thing considering the immense success of the show. One has to consider that young stars are not always trying to "break away" or ungrateful, but passionate about what they do. Along with that passion comes a desire for versatility in roles and being renowned for at least producing serious work. So the next time you read a negative article about a young star's work, or go to criticize them think of their personal reasons for producing a music video or choosing to star in a certain movie. Look beyond the money, fame, and management; look at the person behind the music or the role.

       

Cedric Williams Jr.

Nineteen year old Cedric Williams Junior of Radcliff, KY is an aspiring actor who moved to LA to pursue his dreams. He says that people think he’s younger than he is and typically auditions for roles ranging in age from 14 to 18. If Zac Efron and Melissa Joan Hart are any indication of success, we know age doesn’t matter. Cedric says he has always enjoyed entertaining people and putting smiles on their faces, he then came to realize that he has a natural ability to act. Cedric’s goals are broad, ranging from the big screen to being in network television like Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel. He says his main goal is to inspire people and entertain them.

Cedric is “building his resume” by doing short films and student films. He is currently working on getting an agent. Cedric is managed by Hines& Hunt Entertainment for acting, and a new company called Billboard Talent for music. Cedric has taken  acting classes at the Hollywood Film & Acting Academy, and John Robert Powers. Although he says he comes from a musically inclined family, Cedric is in the process of taking singing lessons to sharpen his skills. The fact that he has a music management group and no formal musical training is a testament to his talent.

The road to success is a windy one at best and the cool thing about all the people featured on Where it All Begins is the different routes people take to get where they’re going. These actors and musicians also don’t all strive to end up in the same place, they crave originality, and passion. Cedric says he has had some great mentors along his road and says, “Everyone should have a mentor in my opinion.”

A Big question to success in the entertainment industry is whether fame will change a person. The young stars featured on Where it All Begins are bound to change in some respects given their stages of life, however when I ask Cedric if he feels he has to change to be in the business he says, “It’s all being yourself and bringing your different and unique personality to the industry.”  Cedric says he thinks about making it big and the fact that everything could change, “But that’s what comes with it,” says Williams Jr., “I’m just going to enjoy the journey and appreciate everything that comes my way.”

Cedric’s parting words are my personal favorite, words given to him by a mentor, “Take the words can’t, not won’t, don’t, maybe, never, or any negative words out of your vocabulary. What you think and speak will come into existence, if you have faith and trust in God and in yourself. You shouldn’t worry about making it in the Industry, because everything that you want to be you already are, you just have to try to find the right path to get there. Also, the true purpose in life is to always give to others and put them before you, that’s how you will truly succeed.”

Cedric’s final thoughts on the acting profession are also great advice for all those aspiring to be in the business. “Acting is an unknown profession. You don’t know where, when, how, why, or if you’re going to make it. It’s all fate. The only thing you know is that its what you want to do.” Cedric Williams Jr. is sure to be successful wherever his talents take him. He’s got a great start, and we look forward to following him along his road to success. Well, judging by his words, there is no point at which one defines success. It seems as if Cedric is already there.