Opponents much larger than him and a fight script that always sees his character losing, are not the only things Saúl Armendáriz (Gael García Bernal) must wrestle with in the film based on a true story, Cassandro. Directed by Oscar-winning short film director, Roger Ross Williams, Cassandro steps through the ropes into the wrestling ring … Continue reading Review: – ‘Cassandro’ – A Heartful Journey Towards Acceptance Starring Gael García Bernal
Review: ‘Maestro’ – Bradley Cooper’s Masterful Ode to Leonard Bernstein
During a series of 1973 Harvard University lectures known as The Unanswered Question, American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein looks to offer an acceptable hypothesis for answering a question mused by fellow composer Charles Ives: "whither music?" Throughout the hours-long lectures, Bernstein takes the faculty students on a trip down music history. Among the subjects … Continue reading Review: ‘Maestro’ – Bradley Cooper’s Masterful Ode to Leonard Bernstein
DOC NYC: ‘The Three of Us’ – Faith and Family Come to Blows
A common refrain from those in non-religious communities often focuses on questioning a God that would allow tragedy. After all, a young child or baby has done nothing to deserve the wrath of others. It's a sympathetic discussion, and one that can be easy to utilize as a straw man argument. The process of separating … Continue reading DOC NYC: ‘The Three of Us’ – Faith and Family Come to Blows
DOC NYC: ‘Merchant Ivory’ – Exploring the Masters of Class Drama
Beautiful costumes and a dressed-up aristocracy have always found a devoted audience in theaters. Yet for a stretch in the 1980s and 1990s, the names Merchant and Ivory took on a special place. Named after partners James Ivory and Ismail Merchant, the studio won its talent Oscars and (eventually) conquered the box office. With Ruth … Continue reading DOC NYC: ‘Merchant Ivory’ – Exploring the Masters of Class Drama
SHORT: ‘The Only Girl In The Orchestra’ – The Push and Pull of Progress
When barriers are broken, it can be difficult for some to acknowledge the important feat. However, when the very person who accomplished the goal is the culprit, the disconnect becomes more interesting. The story of Orin O’Brien may not be a household tale. Yet, for those around the world of orchestral history, O’Brien’s name became … Continue reading SHORT: ‘The Only Girl In The Orchestra’ – The Push and Pull of Progress
Review: ‘The Killer’ – David Fincher’s Most Straightforward & Funny Action Thriller
Jokes and frustrations circulate throughout Hollywood about David Fincher. The famed director became known for his “many tales” approach decades ago. His exacting nature pushed his Zodiac cast to the brink of insanity. For other actors, it proved too intense. Yet Fincher, a master filmmaker in every sense of the phrase, flirts with true greatness … Continue reading Review: ‘The Killer’ – David Fincher’s Most Straightforward & Funny Action Thriller
Review: ‘Quiz Lady’ – What is…a Fitting Tribute to Quiz Shows and Those Who Love Them?
Quiz Lady celebrates the nostalgia of the quiz show. Many folks share fond memories of sitting with their families to watch lucky contestants solve word puzzles or create questions. It was a routine for some, a ritual for others, and a comfort for most. They were never problematic and were always light-hearted but no less … Continue reading Review: ‘Quiz Lady’ – What is…a Fitting Tribute to Quiz Shows and Those Who Love Them?
TV Review: ‘Invincible’ Returns, Dripping with Ambition, Blood, and Style — Season 2 – Part One
The affect of Robert Kirkman on quality comic book television can be hard to quantify. While The Walking Dead came out swinging, it eventually fell off in a big way. However, every once in a while, the series can spin up an excellent mini-series or character arc. Invincible, based on Kirkman’s incredible comic of the … Continue reading TV Review: ‘Invincible’ Returns, Dripping with Ambition, Blood, and Style — Season 2 – Part One
Review: ‘Sly’ – Netflix’s Shockingly Thin Biodoc on an Icon
Few stars capture the magnetism of Sylvester Stallone. The action superstar developed several of the greatest franchises in history. To this day, he remains an icon of masculinity. The ultimate “bet on yourself” story created a fifty-plus-year Hollywood career. Yet, the documentary about his life, Sly, lands with a thud. Despite giving us the inside … Continue reading Review: ‘Sly’ – Netflix’s Shockingly Thin Biodoc on an Icon
Review: ‘Rustin’ – Domingo Brings Bayard Rustin to Life with an Awards-Worthy Performance
Rustin begins with mellow jazz flowing into scenes with a black schoolgirl happily skipping her way to school. She is escorted by law enforcement officers and military personnel. Other black students (along with a few white sympathizers) are seen chastised and hurled insults. The US Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education proved … Continue reading Review: ‘Rustin’ – Domingo Brings Bayard Rustin to Life with an Awards-Worthy Performance