Consider, for just a moment, your own emotions and ideas surrounding the word "friend". Perhaps when you ponder "friend", you think of yourself and your relationship to a trusted companion. Perhaps you remember a lifelong partner, or someone with whom you've lost contact but still miss. Or … [Read more...] about Our Friend
Movie Reviews
Soul
It's an interesting notion to ponder the concept of what makes a person unique, a one-of-a-kind being with absolutely individual characteristics, and a singular impact on the world around us. In a very real sense, this singularity of purpose and passion is very much at the heart of Disney and … [Read more...] about Soul
Hillbilly Elegy
While I don't remember the exact year of my younger sister's graduation from a well-known Southern university, I do remember some of the opening words of the commencement speaker, author John Grisham: "The book is always better than the movie." When it comes to Netflix's soon to be released … [Read more...] about Hillbilly Elegy
Jingle Jangle
There's a simple yet magical line in the early moments of Netflix's incredible new original holiday film that offers a prescient glimpse into the power of what is about to unfold before us. "I think it's time for a new story." These words, offered with spirit by Phylicia Rashad as she … [Read more...] about Jingle Jangle
2 Hearts
If the thought of another sentimental medical drama feels too close to home during this time of the global pandemic, think of the new film 2 HEARTS instead as a tale of generosity, lives well lived, and the power of true love. Now open in theaters nationwide, 2 HEARTS is loosely based on the true … [Read more...] about 2 Hearts
Then Came You
I have to admit that when the opportunity to preview THEN CAME YOU was offered, I accepted the film for one reason: it is set in Scotland and was filmed on location in the Highlands. With my son Adam playing in the Scottish trio The Fire, I've become a fan of not only Scottish music, but of the … [Read more...] about Then Came You
Boys State
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
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
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
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
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
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