Documentary is currently my favorite film genre because it lends itself so neatly to the art of storytelling. But one falls into error when believing that simply because it is a documentary, a film will tell absolutely truths. Such seems to be the case with Boys State, an A24 production launching … [Read more...] about Boys State
Movies
The Grizzlies
Now open in select theaters nationwide, The Grizzlies is an intense but enjoyable hero's journey, told in epic fashion through the prism of a real-world community's sports evolution. But don't be mistaken. While the film may read like so many other classic athletic tales, there is far more at play … [Read more...] about The Grizzlies
Confinement
With many of us sheltering in place, "Zoom" has become a universally recognized way of life. So I was naturally intrigued when filmmaker Nicole Absinio approached me about a new project involving technology and terror. Confinement tells the tale of what happens to one dysfunctional family when their … [Read more...] about Confinement
Greyhound
When I found out that Greyhound would be opening this weekend on Apple TV+, I was excited. The film combines two of my favorite things: Tom Hanks and source material from C. S. Forester. Since I'm the mother of two sons who were entranced with any content related to history, our family went through … [Read more...] about Greyhound
Mighty Oak
If you've run across the trailer for Mighty Oak and considered it as a possible summer screen for your kids who loved School of Rock, think twice. Despite the charisma and mad guitar skills of its pint-sized protagonist, this really isn't a film for children. This being said, Mighty Oak musters … [Read more...] about Mighty Oak
Jump Shot
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered theaters and waylayed plans for its theatrical release, Jump Shot--like it's subject matter--isn't giving up. The documentary, opening across streaming platforms today, tells the little known story of basketball icon Kenny Sailors. What, you've never … [Read more...] about Jump Shot
The Banker
As it opens nationwide this week on Apple Plus TV, “The Banker” offers a dynamic look at an era from history that had a great impact on many but is still largely unknown. Inspired by the real relationship between Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), and their hired … [Read more...] about The Banker
The Way Back
Synopsis: Jack Cunningham was a high school basketball phenom who walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Years later, when he reluctantly accepts a coaching job at his alma mater, he may get one last shot at redemption. https://youtu.be/GhtTc7R8yBk While it may appear to be yet … [Read more...] about The Way Back
Ha Phuong: A Conversation on Acting, Directing and Vietnam
Having grown up in Orange County, California in an area that is now known as "Little Saigon", I've long had a fascination with Vietnamese culture and the stories of families impacted by the Vietnamese refugee crisis. So when I had the recent opportunity to screen the film Finding Julia, I jumped at … [Read more...] about Ha Phuong: A Conversation on Acting, Directing and Vietnam
1917
Synopsis: At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (Captain Fantastic’s George MacKay) and Blake (Game of Thrones’ Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that … [Read more...] about 1917
Dark Waters
Be prepared. By the time you finish watching “Dark Waters” in theaters this December, you're going to want to run home, search your cabinets for teflon-containing products, tear up your dated carpets, and scour your children's toy bins for plastic products. Most of us, when witnessing the havoc that … [Read more...] about Dark Waters
WAVES
From a distance, they look perfect, don't they? He is a self-made man, fit, impeccably dressed, and a model father... She is a loving mother, a caring partner, accomplished, stylish and attentive... And their children, a boy, and a girl, the kind of teenagers everyone wants: on the right track … [Read more...] about WAVES
On Being Mr. Rogers’ Friend and Neighbor with Tom Junod
When you enter the theater to watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood--and yes, you absolutely should see it as soon as possible--I encourage you to check your expectations at the door. The film is, in my mind, definitely not a biopic. So any qualms that you may feel about Tom Hanks not looking … [Read more...] about On Being Mr. Rogers’ Friend and Neighbor with Tom Junod
On Parenting and Reconciliation with WAVES Star Renée Elise Goldsberry
Parents come in all shapes and sizes, as do families. The new film WAVES, written and directed by Trey Edward Shults, brings us into the home of one family whose lives appear by outside standards to be privileged. Amidst a few bad choices, this intact family falls prey to societal pressure and a … [Read more...] about On Parenting and Reconciliation with WAVES Star Renée Elise Goldsberry
A Reindeer’s Journey
Synopsis: Meet Ailo, a newborn reindeer who embarks on an incredible odyssey with the help of his mother. Narrated by Donald Sutherland and set against the frozen majesty of northern Finland, their journey is an uplifting story for the whole family. Trailer: https://youtu.be/N7hhHoQYQRA The … [Read more...] about A Reindeer’s Journey
Harriet
In theaters nationwide on November 1, HARRIET stars Cynthia Erivo as one of our nation's most courageous and yet somehow largely unknown historical figures. As the film opens, we meet Harriet Tubman as "Minty" (a nickname from her birthname "Araminta Ross"). She is an enslaved woman, the wife of … [Read more...] about Harriet
