Toronto 2020: The Way I See It

The Way I See It goes behind the scenes through White House photographer Pete Souza’s eyes during the Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama administrations. How many people can say they worked at the White House for both Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama.  Not many, I would assume.  However, Pete Souza could very well be the only one.  Souza comments in the film that if you thought he would work for both the most iconic…

"Toronto 2020: The Way I See It"

Venice 2020: Topside

The SXSW award-winning Topside made its world premiere during the 2020 Venice International Film Critics Week after not premiering in March. Many international film festivals have come to the rescue for the SXSW orphans still wanting an official world premiere with an audience.  In this instance, it is Venice coming to the rescue for Topside.  The feature debut from Celine Held and Logan George won a special jury award for directing at SXSW in March. …

"Venice 2020: Topside"

Holler: Jessica Barden Shines In Nicole Riegel’s Feature Debut

Holler, starring Jessica Barden, marks an impressive feature debut for writer-director Nicole Riegel in the Southern Ohio-set production. It’s no lie that manufacturing towns are among the first towns to take a hit when the economy takes a downturn.  Jackson, Ohio is certainly no exception.  For Ruth Avery (Jessica Barden), she’s willing to do whatever it takes to go to college and have a better future.  Working with her brother Blaze (Gus Halper), Ruth soon…

"Holler: Jessica Barden Shines In Nicole Riegel’s Feature Debut"

Enola Holmes Is A Potential Franchise Starter

With the wit and charm of Millie Bobby Brown at the forefront, Enola Holmes makes for a fresh start of a new detective franchise. We all know Sherlock Holmes for being the world’s greatest detective.  The name was soured almost two years ago with a film that could only be called a cinematic disgrace.  But what I can take you is that Enola Holmes helps put all of that behind us.  There’s no shortage of…

"Enola Holmes Is A Potential Franchise Starter"

Feels Good Man: When Cartoons Get Hijacked

Feels Good Man is another documentary that focuses on what happens when a cartoonist’s creation gets hijacked by racists and anti-Semites. Political elections can bring out the worst among us.  When a candidate does nothing but flaunt conspiracy theories, it can really bring out the worst.  Now what happens when you’re a cartoonist and you suddenly discover your creation hijacked by right-wing bigots?  Welcome to Matt Furie’s life.  You see, Matt is the creator of…

"Feels Good Man: When Cartoons Get Hijacked"

Mulan: Big Screen Film Ends Up On Disney+

In a perfect world, Mulan would be playing on the big screen across the globe but Disney decided to launch the film on Disney+ rather than delay. I get it.  This is a film that deserves to be seen on the big screen.  Hollywood doesn’t put out many films with an Asian-led cast.  When they do, they’re sure to be hits.  Without theaters running at full capacity, Disney had a decision to make from a…

"Mulan: Big Screen Film Ends Up On Disney+"

Love, Guaranteed: The Feel-Good Rom-Com of 2020

Love, Guaranteed, starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Damon Wayans Jr., is the feel-good romantic comedy of 2020 and is now available on Netflix. The Seattle-set comedy (filmed in Vancouver) is sure to bring smiles to your face.  It doesn’t even matter that the film plays to every single genre beat.  Honestly, at this point in 2020, I just want to lay back and watch a movie that gives me hope.  Hope of finding love or…

"Love, Guaranteed: The Feel-Good Rom-Com of 2020"

All In: The Fight for Democracy Is Essential Viewing

All In: The Fight for Democracy is a must-watch documentary–headlined by Stacey Abrams–that explores the history of voter suppression in the United States. “Every American citizen must have an equal right to vote,” President Lyndon Baines Johnson once declared in a Special Message to Congress. The fact that All In is focused on Stacey Abrams is especially telling.  All eyes were on the governor’s race in Georgia back in 2018.  Sure, the election was close…

"All In: The Fight for Democracy Is Essential Viewing"

The Social Dilemma: The Dark Side of Social Media

The Social Dilemma, which premiered during Sundance in January, takes an in-depth look at the issues surrounding the dark side of social media. It’s no secret by now that social media can come with negative consequences.  People choose what they want to share.  For me, I choose to share links to what I write, news articles, and photos.  But even then, I won’t share something that I wouldn’t want to say in public.  The question…

"The Social Dilemma: The Dark Side of Social Media"

Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock ‘n’ Roll explores the life and legacy of the rock and roll pioneer in this feature-length documentary. Berry signed with Chess Records in Chicago and the rest is musical history.  Leonard Chess’s son, Marshall, represents the record company on screen.  The singer would become known for songs such as “Maybelline,” “Rock and Roll Music,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and many more.  “Maybelline” needed 36 takes before the song went…

"Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock ‘n’ Roll"