Adam Sandler, Happy Madison Productions, and Netflix have enjoyed a fruitful relationship since the release of the aptly titled The Ridiculous Six back in 2015. Centered around two best friends planning their Bat-Mitzvah, their latest collaboration, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, skims on the ridiculous in favor of earnestness. Based on … Continue reading Review: ‘You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah’ A Refreshing Sandler Coming-of-Age Story
TV: ‘Sex Education’ – A Final Season Farewell for Characters That Belong Together
Few shows began quite like Sex Education. The British pseudo-rom-com followed a group of teenagers over four seasons as they dealt with the pressures of growing up. Of course, sex and relationships occupy their mind, but the power of the series always came in the ways the relationships between each character evolved. With the cast … Continue reading TV: ‘Sex Education’ – A Final Season Farewell for Characters That Belong Together
Streaming: ‘Big George Foreman’ – A Paint By the Numbers Biopic
Boxers like George Foreman become widely recognized as generational talents. However, what they do after competing at the highest levels of sports often shifts how we view their legacy. Yet Big George Foreman, a new film from director George Tillman Jr., tries to intertwine the two aspects of the famed boxer's life. Unfortunately, Big George … Continue reading Streaming: ‘Big George Foreman’ – A Paint By the Numbers Biopic
Streaming: ‘The Flash’ Crashes and Burns on It Horrible Visual Effects
Occasionally, the direction of the discourse becomes too toxic to actively engage with a film. In the case of The Flash, the ship had sailed years ago. The off-set antics of star Ezra Miller became known beyond the industry. Many directors had entered and exited the project, resulting in muddled visions. Perhaps worst of all, … Continue reading Streaming: ‘The Flash’ Crashes and Burns on It Horrible Visual Effects
Review: ‘BS High’ – A Stunning Vision of Greed In Youth Athletics
After a series of scam documentaries took the world by storm, the "Scam Culture" genre was born. With successful shows like The Dropout, Super Pumped, and WeCrashed, many tried to find the next big story. Oscar-winning directors Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe circled the sad tale of Bishop Sycamore. The fake high school, whose … Continue reading Review: ‘BS High’ – A Stunning Vision of Greed In Youth Athletics
Michael Mann’s ‘Manhunter’ Oozes Style and Violence
The Hannibal phenomenon in pop culture will always be odd. Not many fictional serial killers inspire a Best Picture win, a five-film franchise, and a three-season TV show. Even stranger, most remain unaware that his first time on the big screen was not The Silence of the Lambs, but instead a wild vision of death … Continue reading Michael Mann’s ‘Manhunter’ Oozes Style and Violence
TV Review: In Season 3, ‘How to With John Wilson’ Remains as Funny and Weird as Ever
The small absurd oddities of life often go unremarked upon. Yet some find ways to turn the seemingly banal into an artistic endeavor. No one in entertainment seems as great at bringing this to life quite like John Wilson. While some audiences are aware of the incredible How to With John Wilson, the series has … Continue reading TV Review: In Season 3, ‘How to With John Wilson’ Remains as Funny and Weird as Ever
Review: HBO Doc ‘After the Bite’ Depicts a Town Struggling with Its Future
In a film like Jaws, filmmakers must balance genuine tragedy with excitement. However, even a story that fascinates audiences does not compare to the real-world impact of these events. Sharks have long been the subject of filmmakers, both for conservation and cultural impact. After the Bite, a new documentary from director Ivy Meeropol, examines the … Continue reading Review: HBO Doc ‘After the Bite’ Depicts a Town Struggling with Its Future
Unhinged Binge: ‘Doctor Who’ – Season 1 – Episodes 6 – 10
The first batch of episodes laid the groundwork for the reboot of Doctor Who but batch two immediately deepens the lore. As Christopher Eccleston continues to show his incredible range, Russell T. Davies delivers some of the best episodes of Doctor Who's Season 1. This group shows how good Doctor Who can be when it's … Continue reading Unhinged Binge: ‘Doctor Who’ – Season 1 – Episodes 6 – 10
Review: ‘Trader’ – A Quippy and Fast-Paced One-Woman Show
In 1987, Gordon Gecko uttered, "greed -- for lack of a better word -- is good," and American business began to swarm. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the Oliver Stone film helped Wall Street. The best and brightest began flocking to finance. Stories like Jordan Belfort's became commonplace. Even through crashes, recessions, and pandemics, the American … Continue reading Review: ‘Trader’ – A Quippy and Fast-Paced One-Woman Show