Around the world, the push for athletic greatness poses a threat to children. Livelihoods can be created or lost on the success a young athlete may find in competitive arenas. The success of these athletes may represent something more significant for a country, but to the families involved, life can be pushed to the brink. … Continue reading Review: ‘Free Skate’ Paints a Picture of Humanity Behind the Competition
Review: A Christmas Story Christmas – The Rare Sequel that Elevates the Original
I will be the first to admit that A Christmas Story is not my go-to holiday film. I find the narration distractingly wordy, the acting stilted, and the protagonist Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley)insufferable in his misguided quest for a Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle. That said, my wife’s dedication to … Continue reading Review: A Christmas Story Christmas – The Rare Sequel that Elevates the Original
Review: ‘Bardo’ is the Maximalist Film You Love to See
It's hard to feel bad for successful people. Even when life becomes difficult for them, they can rest easy knowing that professional validation and financial wealth keep them afloat. Few would feel sympathy for Alejandro González Iñárritu, the winner of back-to-back Directing Oscars in 2015 and 2016. The very legitimate question, "what do I do … Continue reading Review: ‘Bardo’ is the Maximalist Film You Love to See
Review: ‘Spirited’ Brings Together Two All-Star Comedians for a Mostly Funny Musical
The rise of Ryan Reynolds over the past decade had been long overdue. The star of films like Van Wilder and Buried had more than proven his value as a fringe star. However, few would have guessed that the actor would often shy away from his foul-mouthed persona in non-superhero projects. Still, he's maintained a … Continue reading Review: ‘Spirited’ Brings Together Two All-Star Comedians for a Mostly Funny Musical
Review: ‘Disenchanted’ Brings Back the Disney Princess Meta-Comedy with Style
In 2007, Amy Adams announced herself as a superstar with her lead performance in Enchanted. The actress had already been nominated for an Oscar for Junebug, but the musical comedy showcased her immense talent. Not only could she fully commit to a silly character, but she proved a gravitational force. Despite getting squeezed out of … Continue reading Review: ‘Disenchanted’ Brings Back the Disney Princess Meta-Comedy with Style
Streaming at Home: ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Offers All Flash, Weak Substance
A literal war on women is far from over in America. Despite decades of progress, many of the most important freedoms provided to women were stripped away in the Dobbs Supreme Court decision. For the film industry, women continue to fight for big-budget, high concept movies. Rarely are they given the space to showcase their … Continue reading Streaming at Home: ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Offers All Flash, Weak Substance
Review: ‘Do Revenge’ – High School Comedy Falls Short of Its Ambitions
Revenge is a dish best served cold, or in the case of Netflix’s Do Revenge, best served by others. Set in the world of rich and privileged high school students, Do Revenge looks to take its place in the history of high school movies by adding its own progressive vision to the genre. Drea (Camila … Continue reading Review: ‘Do Revenge’ – High School Comedy Falls Short of Its Ambitions
Streaming at Home: ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ Reminisceson the Courtroom Melodrama
As eras of entertainment change, so do the preferences of audiences. However, the studio system has seemingly made a choice in the past decade: high risk for high gains. Superhero films and franchise IP represent the bulk of our big-budget releases, yet only some reach their financial potential. While a billion-dollar grosser sounds good on … Continue reading Streaming at Home: ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ Reminisceson the Courtroom Melodrama