Although the COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered theaters and waylayed plans for its theatrical release, Jump Shot--like it's subject matter--isn't giving up. The documentary, opening across streaming platforms today, tells the little known story of basketball icon Kenny Sailors. What, you've never … [Read more...] about Jump Shot
Movies
The Banker
As it opens nationwide this week on Apple Plus TV, “The Banker” offers a dynamic look at an era from history that had a great impact on many but is still largely unknown. Inspired by the real relationship between Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), and their hired … [Read more...] about The Banker
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
Ha Phuong: A Conversation on Acting, Directing and Vietnam
Having grown up in Orange County, California in an area that is now known as "Little Saigon", I've long had a fascination with Vietnamese culture and the stories of families impacted by the Vietnamese refugee crisis. So when I had the recent opportunity to screen the film Finding Julia, I jumped at … [Read more...] about Ha Phuong: A Conversation on Acting, Directing and Vietnam
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
On Being Mr. Rogers’ Friend and Neighbor with Tom Junod
When you enter the theater to watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood--and yes, you absolutely should see it as soon as possible--I encourage you to check your expectations at the door. The film is, in my mind, definitely not a biopic. So any qualms that you may feel about Tom Hanks not looking … [Read more...] about On Being Mr. Rogers’ Friend and Neighbor with Tom Junod
On Parenting and Reconciliation with WAVES Star Renée Elise Goldsberry
Parents come in all shapes and sizes, as do families. The new film WAVES, written and directed by Trey Edward Shults, brings us into the home of one family whose lives appear by outside standards to be privileged. Amidst a few bad choices, this intact family falls prey to societal pressure and a … [Read more...] about On Parenting and Reconciliation with WAVES Star Renée Elise Goldsberry
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
The Great Alaskan Race
The interesting thing about films inspired by historical events is that they have the potential to crowd out the true history at their core by overly emoting, hyping the flashbang, or massively modifying accounts of what actually happened. Interestingly, THE GREAT ALASKAN RACE avoids these and … [Read more...] about The Great Alaskan Race
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
Ode to Joy: What If Happiness Could Kill You?
What if the sensation of feeling joy, bliss, or happiness was akin to a death sentence? Could you survive if giggles or happy tears or elation brought with them the risk of ending it all? ODE TO JOY, opening in select theaters and streaming on-demand now, begs this question. Such is the case for … [Read more...] about Ode to Joy: What If Happiness Could Kill You?
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN: Dads and Dogs and Deeper Meanings
Taken at it's most basic level, THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN is a family-friendly look at life and love through the eyes of the family pet. Our guide for the emotion-packed journey is Enzo, a sage and sometimes sarcastic golden retriever voiced to perfection by Kevin Costner. Early in the film, … [Read more...] about THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN: Dads and Dogs and Deeper Meanings
ASTRONAUT: Shooting for the Stars
Opening in select theaters and on-demand nationwide, ASTRONAUT stars Richard Dreyfuss in a role that reminds us that we're never too old to grasp for our dreams. Widowed, living temporarily in his daughter's home, and feeling generally adrift, Dreyfuss' Angus seems resigned to living out his … [Read more...] about ASTRONAUT: Shooting for the Stars
Joyce Smith “Breakthrough” – Lisa Hendey & Friends – Episode 58
On this week's show, we welcome Joyce Smith, the author of Breakthrough: The Miraculous Story of a Mother’s Love and Her Son’s Resurrection on which the film BREAKTHROUGH is based. The film is now available on all Digital streaming, Blu-Ray, 4K and DVD platforms. Joyce Smith: JOYCE SMITH was born … [Read more...] about Joyce Smith “Breakthrough” – Lisa Hendey & Friends – Episode 58
