Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with awesome storytellers creating fantastic projects as I’m joined by Nicole Abisinio, the creative force behind the Pureflix project The Advocate. Nicole shares about the show, working in the film industry, and her own mother. I think you'll … [Read more...] about The Advocate: 3 Minutes with Nicole Abisinio
Television
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
I'd like to admit up front that I'm not a Tolkien expert. In fact, my knowledge of the LOTR universe is surface at best. So I walked into my screenings of the first two episodes of Prime Video's new series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power with only marginal awareness of the subject matter. … [Read more...] about The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin
When you're on a quest to redefine what's humanly possible, the line between triumph and tragedy is razor thin... In the pivotal moments, when life hangs in the balance, what drives the greatest to keep pushing, to stare down fear, to risk everything?Jimmy Chin, Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy … [Read more...] about Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin
Prehistoric Planet
In my mind, today's launch of the spectacular new Apple TV+ series Prehistoric Planet is perfectly timed. The natural history streaming event arrives on day two of Laudato Si' week, the annual celebration of Pope Francis' encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home". As we ponder globally … [Read more...] about Prehistoric Planet
LA Love: They Call Me Magic
Since Daddy died, it feels like I've been away from Los Angeles more than I've been home. On one recent trip, I spent a day of travel binge-watching the new Apple TV+ docuseries They Call Me Magic. A no-holds-barred look at the life of one of LA's brightest stars, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, the … [Read more...] about LA Love: They Call Me Magic
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
As an actively practicing Catholic and a member of what's sometimes referred to as the "faith press", I'm always excited by the conversations I'm invited to have in and around the entertainment community. Such an opportunity happened recently when I was offered an advance look at Disney+'s … [Read more...] about The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Operation Hidden Treasure
Just in time for Veteran's Day, I'm happy to share the good news about Operation Hidden Treasures, a television series that highlights the gifts of some very special men and women who have served our country. The show tells stories of "hidden treasures" that have been unearthed by families and … [Read more...] about Operation Hidden Treasure
The Me You Can’t See
If you pay attention to entertainment-related media, you've probably seen headlines today proclaiming Prince Harry's ongoing journey toward healing or Lady Gaga's recovery from past abuse and trauma. The timing of these pieces coincides not only with May's focus on Mental Health Awareness Month but … [Read more...] about The Me You Can’t See
Genius: Aretha
As a big fan of National Geographic's Genius anthology scripted drama series, I was delighted to learn that the third season will focus on the life and legacy of the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin. Having screened all but the final of the eight episodes, I'll just say that if you are a music fan or … [Read more...] about Genius: Aretha
Country Comfort
Think "American Idol" meets "The Sound of Music" and you'll have a little sense of the charming new Netflix original series Country Comfort. It's always terrific to discover programming that a family can enjoy together! Synopsis: When her career and personal life get derailed, an aspiring … [Read more...] about Country Comfort
Voices of Fire
Debuting November 20 on Netflix, Voices of Fire is a feel-good celebration of musical giftedness and the power of combined talent. Think "American Idol goes to Church", but without the snarky British judge and the airbrushed teenage talent. After having screened the first of the six episode … [Read more...] about Voices of Fire
City So Real
When trying to sum up my emotions after having screened the first episode in the new National Geographic documentary film series CITY SO REAL, one word comes to mind: unfiltered. In many ways, the city of Chicago has become a second home for me. I've come to love its many diverse neighborhoods, … [Read more...] about City So Real
Bookmark: I Am God’s Storyteller
A very long, long time ago, back in the days when people used to board airplanes and fly cross country to destinations and go to conventions with thousands of strangers, I went to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While there, I ate pretzels, visited with colleagues, laughed, and learned. I also had the … [Read more...] about Bookmark: I Am God’s Storyteller
Is EVIL Evil? Watch and See
I remember watching LOST for the first time in 2004 and being immediately swept up into the series. I binged fan podcasts and engaged in my own speculation about what was really happening on the island. To be honest, I've never really felt that way about a television drama since "The End" concluded … [Read more...] about Is EVIL Evil? Watch and See
Carol’s Second Act: CBS Comedy Shows Best Is Yet to Come
Carol's Second Act harnesses the power of comedic actor Patricia Heaton's talent to tell the story of a "seasoned" but newbie physician whose best future is yet to come. Watching a screener of the show's pilot, I was immediately struck by the positive message the show offers, even amidst the usual … [Read more...] about Carol’s Second Act: CBS Comedy Shows Best Is Yet to Come
Mr. Mom, for a New Generation
Around our house, we use the term "woobie" a whole lot. This term of endearment for one's favorite blankie came into our life in 1983 when we first heard Jack Butler (Michael Keaton) warn his kids about severe woobie dependancy: https://youtu.be/vSVCQ-NmTac As a major first-gen MR. MOM … [Read more...] about Mr. Mom, for a New Generation