I love films based on true accounts because they offer us the opportunity to dive more deeply into the ongoing stories of actual folks whose lives are portrayed on screen. When it comes to the heroes behind the new film Miracle at Manchester, it's clear to me that this is one story that's still … [Read more...] about Miracle at Manchester
Movie Reviews
Dog Gone
There's much to love about the newly released Netflix original Dog Gone, now streaming across the platform. I'll admit upfront to being biased in my review of this PG-rated, family-friendly dog drama. The main canine character "Gonker" not only steals the show but is also the spitting image of my … [Read more...] about Dog Gone
Emancipation
Now open in theaters and streaming nationwide, Emancipation may prove too painful for many viewers to watch. Littered with graphic racism and abhorrent violence, the film is loosely based upon the story of an enslaved man named Gordon or commonly referred to as "Whipped Peter". Because the film is … [Read more...] about Emancipation
Devotion
Devotion is a rare film that manages to tell a tale in a way that leaves you longing to dig into the original source material simply to spend more time with the characters you've grown to love. It's all the more remarkable because Director JD Dillard's blockbuster is based on a true story. In 2015, … [Read more...] about Devotion
Causeway
Opening to critical acclaim on Apple TV+, Causeway is a nuanced look at one US soldier's journey toward recovery from a traumatic brain injury and her reintegration into life. Jennifer Lawrence gives a layered performance as Lynsey, an Afghanistan war-era veteran who is determined to recuperate and … [Read more...] about Causeway
Thirteen Lives
If you're seeking a movie that combines the pulse-racing excitement of a thriller with the inspirational pull of a heartfelt drama, look no further than the new Ron Howard film Thirteen Lives. This true story of the dramatic cave rescue that saved the lives of twelve young Thai soccer players and … [Read more...] about Thirteen Lives
Man of God
When I attended a recent screening for the film MAN OF GOD, in theaters nationwide today, I walked in not knowing what to expect. The venue for the event was the beautiful Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. While only a few miles from my home, this sacred spot was entirely new to … [Read more...] about Man of God
The Adam Project
"I think it's easier to be angry than it is to be sad. And I guess, when I get older, I forget that there's a difference."Young Adam, "The Adam Project" When it releases on Friday, March 11 on Netflix, "The Adam Project" will be an attractive viewing option for families with older children. Chock … [Read more...] about The Adam Project
Butter
When it opens in theaters today and heads to digital soon, Butter will again cast a spotlight on the themes of suicide, bullying, and mental health awareness. Suicide is such a focal point of this film that the official website contains full resources under the heading R U OK? Based on the original … [Read more...] about Butter
King Richard
In sharing this brief review of King Richard, a biopic focusing on Richard Williams as he devotes his life to raising future tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, I have to admit to having very little knowledge of the original source material. It's hard to know as someone not intimately … [Read more...] about King Richard
The Most Reluctant Convert
Most of us know him best for his perenially bestselling work The Chronicles of Narnia. But long before he was an informal member of The Inklings and created literature that would captivate the world, Clive Staples Lewis was a rambunctious son, an atheist seeker, and an academic who had dabbled in … [Read more...] about The Most Reluctant Convert
Colin in Black & White
Spoiler Alert: I like writing about movies that make me feel uncomfortable. When I committed to screening and writing about the newly launched Netflix Limited Series Colin in Black & White, I did so fully knowing that some people will absolutely hate this show. Those might be the same people … [Read more...] about Colin in Black & White
MASS
"...it is in pardoning that we are pardoned..." Those words, commonly attributed to the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, cut to the core of what it means to be truly reconciled. I've often pondered them, especially in the wake of my travels in Rwanda where I witnessed the ongoing work of … [Read more...] about MASS
Respect
Twice in the space of just a few years, I had the memorable experience of seeing Aretha Franklin perform live. On May 29, 2014, the Queen of Soul gifted my son Eric and his fellow Harvard graduates with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem as she received an honorary Doctorate of Arts in 2014 … [Read more...] about Respect
Vivo
When you combine a musically-gifted kinkajou, a purple-haired tween who marches to the beat of her own drum, and original music by Lin Manuel Miranda, can you really go wrong? If singing, animated creatures make you smile, you'll likely love VIVO, now available for streaming on … [Read more...] about Vivo
Fireboys
As a California resident, I'm acutely aware that "fire season" is no longer a small, hot sliver of the year out here. With the combined impact of climate change and drought, Californians pay attention to fire risk all year long. Our firefighters are deservedly considered heroes. But sadly too few of … [Read more...] about Fireboys