When I was a young girl, no one ever told me that I could be an athlete. My mom dutifully enrolled me in dance classes and Camp Fire Girls. I had an elementary school teacher once tell me in PE class that I ran more slowly than a turtle. By the time I played on my first organized sports … [Read more...] about The House That Rob Built
Movies
Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence
Having had exposure to lives impacted by addiction, my radar is always up for resources that can help not only those who personally struggle with addiction but also those who love them. When I recently sat and screened Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence, I knew immediately that this was a project I … [Read more...] about Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence
Finding ‘Ohana
Within the context of Hawaiian culture, "Ohana" means "family". But just as in the rest of the world the concept of "family" is always evolving, the film FINDING 'OHANA, releasing today on Netflix, shows that one's 'Ohana is never really a static concept. If this year has taught us anything, it's … [Read more...] about Finding ‘Ohana
Our Friend
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
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
The Big Hustle: 3 Minutes with Jim Wahlberg
Today, I continue my ongoing series of conversations with published authors as we’re joined by Jim Wahlberg, author of the newly released book The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid's Story of Addiction and Redemption. LMH Jim, congratulations on the release of The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid's … [Read more...] about The Big Hustle: 3 Minutes with Jim Wahlberg
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
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
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
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
