A week after my viewing of the Academy Award-winning documentary FREE SOLO from National Geographic, my blood pressure still rises gleefully every time I think of the film. Spoiler Alert: I'll admit that on my first viewing, I did intentionally "spoil" myself by doing some quick googling to make … [Read more...] about Free Solo: Pulse-Racing, Edge of Seat Majesty
Movie Reviews
The Nutcracker and The Four Realms: Full of Light, Courage and Mission
Mine may be one of the few positive reviews you read for Disney's latest release The Nutcracker and The Four Realms. But I urge you to open your heart to the possibilities of this film as it opens nationwide tomorrow. Why listen to what I say? Because this review isn't just mine. After falling in … [Read more...] about The Nutcracker and The Four Realms: Full of Light, Courage and Mission
Change in the Air: Intriguing Film That Keeps You Pondering
Opening in theaters this week, Change in the Air is the quiet (literally) type of film that's unlikely to make major headlines. When I screened it, I wasn't honestly even sure if I'd review it because I'm swamped this week and a bit overwhelmed by some family issues. But even amidst that busyness, I … [Read more...] about Change in the Air: Intriguing Film That Keeps You Pondering
Weekend Beachballs & Jellyfish Entertainment Roundup: God Friended Me, Science Fair, and Smallfoot
So much to watch and so little time! Because me travel calendar has me on the move this week, I wanted to quickly share three entertainment options for this weekend and look at the "beachballs" (positive features) and "jellyfish" (things to watch out for) in each. God Friended Me Airing Sundays on … [Read more...] about Weekend Beachballs & Jellyfish Entertainment Roundup: God Friended Me, Science Fair, and Smallfoot
Emily Hahn “Beautifully Broken” – Lisa Hendey & Friends Episode 24
On this week's show, we welcome Emily Hahn who stars in the new film "Beautifully Broken". A refugee's escape, a prisoner's promise, and a daughter's painful secret converge in this inspiring true story of hope. Emily Hahn Emily Hahn was raised on a ranch in Ojai, CA. She grew up playing … [Read more...] about Emily Hahn “Beautifully Broken” – Lisa Hendey & Friends Episode 24
Operation Finale
Just when you think that Hollywood has done everything it can with films about the horrors of the Holocaust, along comes a film like Operation Finale that reminds us that it's absolutely essential to keep telling these stories so that we can continue to learn from them. Synopsis: Metro Goldwyn … [Read more...] about Operation Finale
Dog Days: Rover’s the Plus One for This Summer RomCom
New out in theaters this week, Dog Days has all of the ingredients for a perfect romantic comedy: an A-list cast playing a variety of mostly likeable characters, a mixup of scenarios offering comedic opportunities, and enough "real world" moments that just about anyone can relate to and learn from. … [Read more...] about Dog Days: Rover’s the Plus One for This Summer RomCom
12 Strong
Some of the toughest scenes to watch in 12 Strong--the ones that most hit me in the gut--don't happen when a band of Green Berets courageously venture, against all odds, into war astride horses. They don't happen in bloody battle scenes of man versus tank. They're not played out as inexperienced … [Read more...] about 12 Strong
Forever My Girl
I find it perfect that Forever My Girl launches in theaters nationwide today, on the weekend when we gather nationwide to champion the dignity of every human life. On its surface, this likable romcom is a story about love lost and refound and about the beauty and complexity of chasing our dreams. … [Read more...] about Forever My Girl
Paddington 2: Lesson In Generosity Overflows with Hilarity and Marmalade
What if you could take the kids to a movie this weekend that promises to teach them valuable lessons about kindness, generosity of spirit, the value of hard work, and the importance of community? And what if said movie featured the latest technological advances in animation, a diverse and … [Read more...] about Paddington 2: Lesson In Generosity Overflows with Hilarity and Marmalade
Coco
Immediately after my screening of Coco on the Disney lot a few weeks ago, I informally "interviewed" two members of its target demographic: children. I had noticed them come into the theater with their mom, a journalist who was also there for the screener. He, approximately seven, sported a Coco … [Read more...] about Coco
The Man Who Invented Christmas
While the title of this film may include "Christmas", in my mind The Man Who Invented Christmas is the perfect movie to watch for Thanksgiving in anticipation of Advent and Christmas. Opening nationwide in theaters this week and inspired by a book by Les Standiford, this charming biopic reminds us … [Read more...] about The Man Who Invented Christmas
The Star
For many of us of a certain age, our family Christmas season officially began with the showing of A Charlie Brown Christmas or Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer. In those pre-on-demand days, my family would use the TV Guide to plan ahead and mark our calendars. This year's release of The Star, opening … [Read more...] about The Star
On Wings of Eagles
On Wings of Eagles is a classic "rest of the story" drama which carries us beyond missionary Eric Liddell's turn on the 1924 Paris Olympics gold medal podium and into the tragedies war-torn China. As a Chariots of Fire groupie and one who included Liddell's legacy in a book, I was anxious to see how … [Read more...] about On Wings of Eagles
I’ll Push You
On my personal bucket list is to take a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. So it's perhaps not surprising that I jump at any opportunity to screen a film which will carry me--even if only virtually--along the ancient Way of St. James. My favorite takes on this spiritual journey have included … [Read more...] about I’ll Push You
The Florida Project
It's been well over a month since I screened The Florida Project and three weeks since I shared my interviews with the cast here. And yet unless you are part of the small world who pays attention to Oscar buzz, it's unlikely that this film is on your radar. Now playing in select theaters nationwide, … [Read more...] about The Florida Project
