Amulet is a psychological horror film written and directed by Romola Garai. It was released in 2020 and stars Carla Juri, Alec Secareanu, and Imelda Staunton. The movie follows the story of a former soldier named Tomaz who seeks refuge in a decaying house. He is taken in by Magda, a woman with a mysterious past, and her sick mother. As Tomaz settles into his new home, he begins to uncover dark secrets lurking within the house. Strange and unsettling events unfold, and he soon realizes that the house is haunted.
According to Federal Election Commission records, the Never Back Down Super Pac received the donation made by the basketball team on 26 June. Further results showed the team making donations to other political causes in past years, with $500 going to Conservative Results in 2016, $2,000 to Maverick Pac USA in 2014 and another $500 to Linda Chapin for Congress in 2000.
Further results showed the team making donations to other political causes in past years, with 500 going to Conservative Results in 2016, 2,000 to Maverick Pac USA in 2014 and another 500 to Linda Chapin for Congress in 2000. In 2006, the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation made a 540,000 donation to Focus on the Family, a Colorado-based organization that opposes same-sex marriage and abortions, HuffPost reports.
Strange and unsettling events unfold, and he soon realizes that the house is haunted. Magda's mother seems to possess supernatural abilities, and Tomaz becomes entangled in a web of sinister forces. Throughout the film, there are flashbacks to Tomaz's time as a soldier, which reveal traumatic experiences and guilt he carries with him.
Orlando Magic NBA team donated $50,000 to Ron DeSantis Super Pac
The Orlando Magic NBA team has donated $50,000 to a Super Pac supporting the presidential bid of Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.
Kamala Harris rejects Ron DeSantis offer to discuss slavery curriculum Read moreAccording to Federal Election Commission records, the Never Back Down Super Pac received the donation made by the basketball team on 26 June. Further results showed the team making donations to other political causes in past years, with $500 going to Conservative Results in 2016, $2,000 to Maverick Pac USA in 2014 and another $500 to Linda Chapin for Congress in 2000.
In an initial statement to Popular Information, a Magic spokesperson said: “We don’t comment publicly on political contributions.” However, in a later follow-up statement, a spokesperson clarified the donation, saying that the check was “dated/delivered on May 19”, five days before DeSantis declared his presidential bid.
“This gift was given before Governor DeSantis entered the presidential race. [It] was given as a Florida business in support of a Florida governor for the continued prosperity of central Florida,” the spokesperson said.
According to Never Back Down’s website, the Super Pac describes itself as a “grassroots movement to elect Governor Ron DeSantis for president in 2024”.
The donation has drawn criticism online, particularly given the Magic’s claims of supporting “diversity, equity and inclusion all year long” and DeSantis’s culture wars in which he announced plans to block DEI programs in state colleges among other legislation targeting minority and marginalized groups including LGBTQ+ communities.
The Orlando Magic team is under Amway North America, a multi-level marketing firm co-established by Richard DeVos, the late father-in-law of Trump’s education secretary Betsy DeVos.
Over the years, the DeVos family has made multiple donations to conservative organizations. In 2006, the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation made a $540,000 donation to Focus on the Family, a Colorado-based organization that opposes same-sex marriage and abortions, HuffPost reports. In 2008, Richard DeVos donated $100,000 to Florida4Marriage, a group that campaigned to add a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriages.
“That’s just a sacred issue of respecting marriage,” Richard DeVos said in a 2009 interview in reference to his donation.
Following reports of the donation, the National Basketball Players Association, a union representing NBA players, issued a statement on Wednesday, calling the donation “alarming”.
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“A political contribution from the Orlando Magic is alarming given recent comments and policies of its beneficiary. NBA governors, players and personnel have the right to express their personal political views, including through donations and statements.
“However, if contributions are made on behalf of an entire team, using money earned through the labor of its employees, it is incumbent upon the team governors to consider the diverse values and perspectives of staff and players.
“The Magic’s donation does not represent player support for the recipient,” the union said.
The Orlando Magic NBA team has donated $50,000 to a Super Pac supporting the presidential bid of Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.
These flashbacks add an additional layer of depth to the character, highlighting his vulnerability and inner demons. As the story progresses, the line between reality and the supernatural becomes increasingly blurred. Amulet explores themes of guilt, trauma, and redemption. It delves into the horrors of war and the lingering effects it can have on individuals. The film also touches upon issues of power and control, as Magda's mother wields a sinister influence over her surroundings. The movie is marked by its eerie atmosphere and unsettling visuals. The decaying house serves as a metaphor for the characters' emotional and mental state. The cinematography effectively captures the mood, with dark and claustrophobic shots. The performances in Amulet are noteworthy, particularly Carla Juri as Magda and Imelda Staunton as Magda's mother. Juri portrays Magda as an enigmatic and complex character, while Staunton brings a chilling presence to her role. Overall, Amulet is a thought-provoking and atmospheric horror film that deals with themes of guilt, trauma, and the supernatural. Romola Garai's directorial debut showcases her skill in creating tension and unease. It is a film that leaves audiences pondering its meaning long after the credits roll..
Reviews for "The role of architecture in "Amulet": A closer look"
- Sarah - 1 star
I was really excited to watch "Amulet" as I had heard good things about it, but I was left thoroughly disappointed. The storyline was confusing and all over the place, it felt like the filmmakers were trying to cram in too many ideas without fully developing any of them. The pacing was sluggish and made it hard to stay engaged, and the ending was incredibly unsatisfying, leaving many loose ends. Overall, "Amulet" left me feeling frustrated and regretful that I wasted my time on it.
- Chris - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Amulet" since it was billed as a horror film, but I found it to be more of a slow burn psychological thriller, which was not what I was expecting. While the cinematography and visual effects were impressive, the narrative lacked substance and failed to deliver any real scares. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their fates. "Amulet" had potential, but it fell short and left me wanting more.
- Lisa - 1.5 stars
I can't believe I sat through the entirety of "Amulet". The plot was convoluted and made little sense, and the dialogues were often incomprehensible. The film relied heavily on shock value and gore, but failed to create any real tension or suspense. The performances were lackluster, leaving the characters feeling flat and uninteresting. Overall, "Amulet" was a disappointing and forgettable experience that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.