Written by John Edward Betancourt
When we are young, we are taught that the holiday season is a truly magical time. Where evil is forgotten and fades into the background, replaced instead by good will toward one another and a sense of unity. Where the bright and colorful lights fill up hearts and fill up the world and that lesson sticks with us hard. Because we do see people be kind to one another during the season, and we see meaningful gifts be given and received and we do see joy and unity. Where everyone has a smile on their faces as they sing songs of Christmas cheer and of letting the past year go, and well… what’s incredible about this lesson… is how quickly we come to learn that it is an outright lie when we leave the wonder of our youth behind and begin to step toward adulthood.
For as we grow into that all important age where the world comes into focus, do we see that the holiday season is nothing short… of a foolhardy attempt to right the wrongs of the world. Where we put up the façade of those joyous elements in the hopes that somehow… it will ooze into the world’s ills, and fix them, instead of us all working together collectively to impact real change. Which really does shock us and leaves us beside ourselves. For the holidays were supposed to be so much more, but they are instead… just several weeks of the norm with strings of lights placed atop everything and that does leave us to wonder… why we bother with the season. Because what’s the point of celebrating a lie and pushing it forward when people are indeed suffering or struggling beneath the cover of ignorance? Well, that’s a question that a great deal of us have asked throughout the years, with a mixed bag of answers. But the fact of the matter is… value can be found in the holiday season and there are valid reasons that make it worth celebrating, as evidenced by what the brand-new feature, The Holdovers, explores regarding the season. For this is a story that introduces us to a trio of individuals that are dealing with a difficult holiday season at Barton Academy in 1970. For instance, Mary Lamb is dealing with the sad reality that her son Curtis, won’t be home for Christmas because of his passing in Vietnam, and young Angus Tully has been left at the school for the entire winter break because his parents want little to do with him, and Professor Paul Hunham is tasked with watching over all of them until the break is over. Which he sees as a waste of his time and talents, and well… that only amplifies underlying disdain that all of them harbor regarding the season and its genuinely hollow nature. But their time together will in fact, do wonders for them this holiday. For having a trio of people that are experiencing grief, loneliness, and a need to find direction… will serve as the perfect formula for helping them to see what the season is really all about.
Which is a concept, that quickly allows for the film to answer to the question that hangs heavy over us. In that what makes the holidays worthwhile and genuinely magical, is coming to understand the incredible reality… that we are a part of something greater. That we are part of an incredible species, that experience similar struggles and similar pains, and live and die together on a tiny blue ball that hurtles through space, and we forget that and should use the holiday season to reflect upon the reality… that we’ve been given the gift of being part of something so special. For we are indeed a true rarity in the universe, and if we took a moment to understand that, and learn from another and care for one another accordingly… our lives and our culture would indeed change for the better. But alas, getting to that lesson is no easy task because of the walls we put up, the clichés we believe in, and the isolation we put ourselves through.
Those struggles are of course, put forth via the characters, who come from unique walks of life, and they are what makes this motion picture work so well. Because we are able to connect with each of the core trio here in some capacity, courtesy of their quirks, their experiences and that immediately draws us into a film that offers those lessons and incredible journeys in a unique manner through its setting. For the 1970s are not a place that we often equate with finding learning experiences because of how tumultuous a time it was in modern history. But it parallels the chaos of now and seeing similarities to both eras reminds us, as does Paul in a poignant scene that… our experiences are timeless. That each generation has more in common with one another than we give them credit, and that too, would help us find meaning in this special season, since that would reinforce the lesson at hand give us the perspective, we all desire. All of which brings forth, a stunningly powerful motion picture. One that is also carried by some equally as powerful performances. Since Da’Vine Joy Randolph truly sells the power of Mary Lamb’s grief in this tale, and Dominic Sessa is simply electric as Angus Tully and properly reminds us of the uncertainty of youth and its unexpected struggles. But of course, it is Paul Giamatti that steals the show here as Paul Hunham, since Giamatti brings forth an incredible depth to Professor Hunham, one that is rarely seen in period pieces and one that we truly latch onto because his journey reflects a lot of our own and well… he is what brings together a magnificent story that quite frankly… the world needs right now. For we are indeed divided and jaded, and what better a way to cut through the nonsense and the noise, than a pure holiday film that presents a refreshing take on the greatest gift of all… the life we’ve been given. Watch ‘The Holdovers’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie’. Also, this article contains discussions regarding suicide, which may be triggering to some individuals.
One particular aspect regarding crime stories that we don’t discuss or call out enough, is how the detectives and private investigators that make up these tales… are oft cold in nature. They’re not bad people by any means, but they tend to be closed off to the reader or the viewer. As though living and eating crime is all they know. To the point where they’re not impacted by the horrors they see or they’re numb to them and that is… problematic. For that doesn’t reflect the fact that investigators are indeed people who absolutely have feelings and emotions and take home the things they see, and it is curious why those stories don’t acknowledge that. It could be, to keep the audience from being overwhelmed by darkness of the tale. After all, lots of these tales involve murder, the worst harm possible a human being can impart upon another. So, having a rock-solid person to guide us through the ugly makes it palatable. Or it could just be to keep entertainment value in play, but for whatever reason, there is a detachment there, one that we are reminded of when we do encounter stories that don’t feature that iciness. For there are indeed stories that tap into more and explore the impact of violent death by violent crime in a humane manner that quite frankly moves us, and stays with us, and teaches us something about ourselves and life along the way. If anything, all of this is top of mind today, simply because a story in that more humane vein is available to stream on Peacock right now, and that makes Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie, quite the important watch on so many levels. In part because… well…. Adrian Monk is back on the airwaves to solve a murder one more time. For this character truly is iconic and missed from the television landscape. So, seeing Adrian come out of retirement to solve a very personal mystery involving the death of Molly’s husband-to-be, is compelling and wondrous in its own right. Since the plot does indeed feature all the tenets of this saga that we love and enjoy. Such as the return of Monk’s OCD and outright impish quirkiness, and of course… his outright brilliance. Not to mention, this story basically gets the band back together since Natalie and Randy return, and Trudy in her own special way. Plus Dr. Bell is back, and even Stottlemeyer finds his way into the case. One that revolves around Monk and Molly’s belief that billionaire Rick Eden killed her beloved fiancé. A case that speaks to the current zeitgeist of America and our disdain for the ultra-rude rich and their inability to care about anything but themselves.
But truth be told, while the case is engaging and also brings about familiar and welcome moments from the show and other movie specials, and ends with good winning the day, it's the stuff in between and after the case that makes this movie worth our while. Because this presents to us, a very different Adrian Monk. One that should be enjoying his retirement but is miserable instead. Because Monk has no purpose here, no understanding of what he should be doing when he’s not actively helping others and that puts him in a dark place. Where he feels he never made a difference during his time on the force and of his own accord, and that his efforts truly did nothing to make the world a better place. Which in turn prompts him to think about taking his own life, and that makes for a powerful journey.
For we are now witness to some hard truths about this man. In that, he has indeed lived a tough life and hasn’t reconciled the horrors he’s seen and is eager to escape the pain he hasn’t resolved. Giving rise to the most relatable and vulnerable iteration of Adrian we’ve seen to date, since we’ve been in his shoes and felt that ache and some folks have given similar thought to Monk’s endgame in this tale, and also feel as though… there is no value to their lives. But this story also takes the time to inform us through Monk’s journey, that such thoughts aren’t true, and that we each provide value to the world and we each touch lives in ways we never thought possible. We don’t always hear the thank you we want, nor do we understand fully how we improve the world… but we do. And we need to find a way to understand that and comprehend and reconcile the pain we’ve endured. All so we can do what Adrian Monk does in this tale… and go on. Go on and see the beauty we forget about that surrounds us and embrace the value we do create and have created through our efforts in life. For we are precious and wondrous and that makes this… a beautiful story. One that truly addresses the tough mental space so many of us are in coming out of years of scariness and cruelty, and it really is a marvel that a crime story sends that message our way, but this is the right one to do it. For Adrian Monk’s adventures have always been different and beautiful, and the fact that the cast doesn’t miss a beat here to bring all that home is a marvel as well. In fact, seeing them again, gives us hope that perhaps we’ll get more Monk stories down the line. Wherein we can see Adrian in his new chapter, handling his business differently. Making this the ‘last case’ where darkness hangs over him. But if not, finding peace and drive to do good in the world again, is a wondrous way to send off one of television’s most beloved, and human, private investigators. Watch ‘Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the short film, ‘Soul Mates’. We expect to become quite reflective and curious in nature when reach extreme old age. Wherein we will wonder if we’ve done enough to live a fulfilling and satisfying life, one where we will be remembered fondly by those we leave behind. And where we will also ponder upon… what lies beyond this particular life. For at the right age, we will fully understand our time is short, and that it won’t be long before we take our final breaths and release ourselves into whatever waits in the void and well… we want to make sure our affairs are in order and that we’re ready for the end. So that our final moments are spent filled with love, and harmony, and zero worries about the undiscovered country that awaits us. However, while there is a part of us that believes those final days will be inquisitive and peaceful, there’s a chance they will be the opposite. For that is a lot to pack in when our time is nearly up, and if we haven’t done enough in our eyes, we might scramble, and the end might scare us. Not to mention, we may simply have no clue what to reflect upon or what to cherish or how to reconcile our death. Because that’s a lot for a person to process, and well, that’s why stories are so vital to us. Since they can help us ponder upon endless possibilities, and help us sort out so much, and it just so happens that a new short feature film takes the time to explore what we should cherish in those final days and perhaps what awaits us when we do die. A feat that Soul Mates accomplishes by introducing us to a couple… dealing with the realities of death. For Sean has discovered his days are numbered by his health, and that prompts him to see the world with his beloved Abby to enjoy every last minute before passing away, and it also prompts the two of them… to make an ethereal pact. In that, they both believe what awaits us in death, is a second chance if we didn’t get everything right the first time. So, they vow to find one another when they are reborn into this world. To get it right, to enjoy their love once again and well, when their time comes, they put their faith in the unknown and come to discover that the universe… might not be as cruel as we make it out to be. Which is a beautiful way to explore in detail… how we shouldn’t worry as much about the path we walked and the legacy we left behind. Because what’s behind us, is behind us, and we don’t always have control over legacy. But we can in fact, cherish every single precious moment, and hold onto the collection of feelings that they provided us with and if those were good and wondrous, we did all right. Not to mention, the movie also digs deep into the possibility that we are on this Earth a long, long time. Through reincarnation and the power of lessons. So that we can eventually figure out how to do things right and live as close to the perfect life we all dream of. As to whether or not though, Sean and Abby rekindle their love… well… we won’t spoil that here. Because that’s an ending you need to see to believe, one that brings this unique story together in a proper manner, and unique really is the best word to describe this feature. Because there’s really nothing to compare this story to, and that’s a wonderful thing. Because it is always nice to run into a tale that is this refreshing and this original, and going the short film format, helps it. Because it amplifies the emotions it wishes to get across, and the endearing performances present here. All of which makes for a delightful viewing experience. One that is hopeful and open minded and offers clarity regarding what we should be chasing and worrying about… in the moment. Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the documentary feature, ‘District of Second Chances’. When we are young, we are taught… that the American legal system is a true sight to behold, and there is merit to that line of teaching. After all, we stand by the notion that all are innocent until proven guilty, in a court of law by their peers no less. So that other people give their objective views to the case at hand, so the right verdict and the right punishment is reached. So, we soldier forth in this life, truly believing that the system is infallible, and its structure is sound, only for us to learn… that the American legal system is not all that it is cracked up to be. It could be through a personal experience with the system or through outside observation… but one way or another we come to see its flaws and find ourselves concerned. Because such a truth informs us, that a broken system brings about broken verdicts and that justice isn’t properly being served and well, a deeper dive not only confirms that, but that there are other problems present within this supposedly glorious system. Such as the fact that more often than not, any chance to throw a violent offender into jail for as long as possible, is the norm for sentences. Which makes no sense, because the prison system isn’t supposed to be long-term housing, it is to be a rehabilitation center, to have violent offenders pay their dues and rejoin society. But somehow it became the opposite, and there are now people… who learned from their mistakes and are eager to pay it forward and pay back their debt to society as needed… stuck in prison. Where they can do nothing but languish and lament and wonder and thankfully… these issues are being recognized and slowly addressed. For there are laws out there now, that work to help people in that situation get their proper due and get a chance to return to the everyday world, and there are programs in place to help them cope and find new direction when they do get out. But sadly, there isn’t much discussion out there about Second Chances laws and what they can do, nor is there much discussion about how they could help enact change in the system and help people that are ready to rejoin society do so, but that is starting to change. For a new documentary out there not only explores the benefits of these laws but puts faces on the struggle of those trying desperately to set right their wrongs. A feat that District of Second Chances accomplishes, by introducing us to three men, Anthony ‘Pete’ Petty, Colie Levar Long, and Gene Downing, who are in various stages of working with the Second Chances laws present in Washington D.C. Which are indeed designed to look at certain cases of individuals that committed violent crimes and were given giant sentences, to see if they deserve another shot at life in the regular world, because they are in fact… rehabilitated. Which really is the perfect way to showcase the flaws of our judicial system and the importance of these laws. Because we come to learn through Pete, Colie, and Gene… how the system failed them. Courtesy of ridiculous bias at the time they were sentenced, bias that still exists today and it is important to showcase that. Because justice is supposed to be impartial and we don’t call out enough that it isn’t and it hasn’t been for a very long time, so this documentary deserves a round of applause for speaking that truth, and for deeply exploring the inner workings of how these men found themselves locked away and forgotten, and the dangerous struggles they encountered on their way out of the broken system that exists. Because it truly allows for a grand discussion to take place regarding the need for reforms and laws such as these so that others don’t have to struggle in the manner that these gentlemen did. But while that does make for some fascinating learning about our legal system and it's unfortunate but fixable flaws… what truly makes this documentary so powerful, is in the humanity it showcases. Because getting to spend time with Petey, Collie, and Gene… allows for us to understand, that not all violent offenders and criminals are the monsters they are portrayed to be. They’re people. People that yes, committed a crime and were convicted, but are people none the less. Who really did make a poor choice out of the folly of youth and the environment that surrounded them. But harbor remorse, harbor an understanding of how their crime was wrong and how it impacted lives, and why they need to atone for it. Which is something we don’t see often in film, but it is necessity, because it hammers home the reality that we can learn from our mistakes and pay it forward and do right. Which we see happen often in this story, and that is inspiring and powerful. Because it speaks to the reality that with some genuine care and deep reforms, we can in fact, create a justice system that does what it is supposed to. All of which makes this, a poignant and important documentary. One that really does go bold places that no other documentary about the legal system goes, in an honest and objective manner. Which is also important to showcase since now and again you run into documentaries that want to push an agenda. But Director Wynette Yao and Cinematographer Travis Edwards simply capture the reality of our legal system in 2023. Where people that are embracing the error of their ways and are desperate for a chance to repay their debt, are fighting tooth and nail to do so. Courtesy of a broken system that is in desperate need of reform so that it provides everyone with the second chance and fairness it promises. To learn more about this documentary, check out our interview with Director/Producer Wynette Yao and Cinematographer/Editor Travis Edwards, here. Written by John Edward Betancourt The day that each and every one of us leave home for college, or to set out into the world, is supposed to be quite the special day and understandably so. After all, this day is the culmination of eighteen years of growth and learning and hard work from all parties. And that is why we cherish this day and celebrate it and see it as nothing but purely positive. But if there one constant truth that accompanies days we cherish, it is that they are not exactly what we expect them to be in our mind, and this event is no exception to that rule. After all, there’s no cinematic feel to this day. There’s the usual chaos that accompanies traveling, and this is a moment of great change in everyone’s life and sadly… we don’t talk about this. Or the impact it could have upon people. But thankfully, this new era of storytelling is working to change that. For day in and day out, there are creatives eager to accurately document the human experience in print, or on television or in film and it just so happens… that a film from writer/director Antonio Sequeira, that recently screened at the Austin Film Festival, takes the time to explore what the reality of that moment in our lives actually looks like, and the lasting impact of having the family unit go its own path for all the right reasons. A feat that Autumn accomplishes by introducing us to a Portuguese family that is dealing with that all-important day. For the eldest son is headed to college and while there is indeed pomp and circumstance over him leaving home to learn and grow… what follows his exit, is nothing short of chaos. For everything changes for the family, and those changes are reflected when he comes home to visit during breaks at university. Which gives rise to a powerful story, one that truly chronicles how that moment impacts so much. Such as how leaving home changes our perspective on so much in life. Since we learn about the world as it really is when we get out there, and that changes our worldview and makes us question some of the lessons we learned growing up. Not to mention, this young man’s experiences also remind us of the fact that when we leave home, we are indeed on our own. Where it is up to us to use what we have learned to create stability and income and peace, and that gives us a real taste of how tough adulthood will be down the line, and it also gives us a sense of appreciation and melancholy for what we’ve lost, and that’s all covered here in a magnificent manner that is relatable and impactful. Plus, the movie makes sure to cover what parents go through as well. Such as grief. Because just like that… there is no more caring for their little one, and a familiar routine that’s been part of their days for eighteen years is gone. And that can create real struggles at home, as they work to adjust and of course… that also amplifies for parents, their age, and where they are at in life. Because that’s a huge chapter closed and it definitely prompts one to look at the road ahead and well… those two key elements, create a very visceral feature. One that feels painfully real often. Simply because, we are privy to moments that we have either lived through or will live through and well… in the end, all of those elements make for a brilliant motion picture. Simply because, it is rare, even in this incredible age of film, for a movie to try and just capture the moment as it stands. For the belief is always that dramatic effect takes precedence or that a story or some kind of narrative has to be tied to these events to make them more palatable. But here, we are simply witnessing a year in the life… of people. In fact, setting the movie in Portugal only adds to the wonder of this motion picture. For that serves as a fine reminder that these kinds of moments, are universal and human, and are not exclusive to a particular culture. But what truly makes this motion picture worth our while… are the core messages that all of these important moments/memories are designed to send our way. In that, while this day may not be as magical as we would like for it to be, it is still a critical moment in our lives. For this is when one chapter ends and another begins, and we get the opportunity in every sense of the word… to write a new one as we see fit. Because once the mourning is done, and once the change is adjusted to… we go on. For the kids forge a path in the world and find their place within it and carry with them eighteen wondrous years of memories and connection that can never be lost or severed, and the parents go on… and live. Live with the knowledge they’ve done something special, something wonderful, and they can now rest and catch up on a few goals they hadn’t before, and hopefully in the end, the powerful lessons present here and the poignant moments as well, will make this a foundational film for years to come for families on the brink of the next chapter of their lives. Written by John Edward Betancourt We truly believe when we set out into the world, that love will make our lives complete. Because we’ve seen what it did for our parents and the strength it gave them, and we enjoy tastes of that as well along the way. Through butterflies that flutter strongly in our stomach when we see that person that means the world to us, and we shiver from the stunning electricity their kiss sends down our spine, and the soaring feeling they give us as well, makes it clear that their love will indeed help us to achieve wonders. That is… until we come to learn that love doesn’t really do any of that for us, a fact we come to learn through rough relationships and heartbreak. Which of course, puts us in a tough place. Where we aren’t sure if we can trust or love ever again. Because that’s how much value we put upon the power of love and what it means for us. But while that seems like the end of the world in that moment, devastating heartbreak and the reality that love sometimes can be fleeting in this world… actually is more helpful for us than we know. Because it gives us time to feel raw emotions, we didn’t know we were capable of feeling, and reflecting upon what went wrong can help us to understand what we really need out of love, and it can also motivate us to work on ourselves and try to be better if we discover that love exposed a few flaws within ourselves we need to fix. If anything, that learning experience that love sends our way is top of mind today, simply because it was recently featured in a movie that screened at the Austin Film Festival. A feat that Chestnut accomplishes by introducing us to a woman named Annie who has just graduated college and well, she isn’t sure the path she plans to walk is the one for her. But thankfully, there’s time to think and time to prepare for the next chapter ahead and while Annie is out pondering upon what comes next and if it is right for her, she runs into a couple named Danny and Tyler, who… express romantic interest in her, especially Tyler. Which sends Annie’s heart soaring. For Tyler is a gorgeous and dynamic woman that knows how to make Annie feel alive. Not to mention, Danny is her type for certain and charms her in a manner she’s never been charmed before and what follows… is a sordid… yet hollow love affair. One where Annie opens her heart to both people and receives nothing in return, leaving her to wonder… what it will take to claim their love. Which is the perfect way to explore how heartbreak and romantic struggles can teach us so much about ourselves. Because despite Annie’s best efforts to be near either Danny or Tyler, she cannot crack the code to get into their hearts. She merely feels the wonder of her love for them and their reserved love for her fluttering about her head, and that prompts her to think about staying in Philadelphia and abandoning the life she’s ready to lead. All because… she truly believes that love will guide her in ways she never thought possible. For the storybook romance and chance encounter is what we all dream of. But alas… this movie deserves a round of applause for showcasing how easily we fall into that trap of silliness and what comes after when we wake up from the dream that kind of lover presents us with. Since we are indeed privy to Annie’s long and winding journey to learn what it means to really love another person and how there must be give and take, and this movie also takes the time to explore… how we come to learn the importance of loving oneself, first. For we cannot give anything to anyone without being happy with who we are, and that journey is where this story truly shines. In part because so few films present that with such raw and dynamic honesty. But it is here, and it is powerful, and it helps those in Annie’s situation, and those that went through such a scenario, get a powerful reminder of how wonderful it was to learn about themselves… and the wonder of who they really are. Giving rise to a very human story that is supremely real and truly reflects the romantic dynamics in modern America. Thanks in large part to the fact that it features an LGBTQIA+ main character whose precise preference isn’t defined in this feature. Which serves as a perfect reminder that is love is love, and that there are indeed people out there exploring romantic possibilities with all genders. Because like Annie… they want to truly be happy, and that kind of honesty with oneself brings that about, and this story deserve an even louder round of applause for presenting romance and dating in such a realistic light, and it also doesn’t hurt… that all of these amazing moments are brought to life by amazing acting. For Natalia Dyer is simply stunning here as Annie and commands the screen with incredible vulnerability and honesty and, she is wonderfully contrasted by Rachel Keller (Tyler) and Danny Ramirez’s (Danny) tortured and frustrated performances, and all of these elements combine to bring forth a poignant and important feature. One that truly reflects a critical time in our lives, and some important lessons we all need to learn in order to find the true love we seek. Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Veil’. One hard truth about life that no one ever wants to face and/or learn… is that we are going to make a lot of mistakes. And we want to steer clear of that truth, simply because, we are taught… pretty much from the moment we can comprehend… that perfection is what is expected of us. We must be flawless in everything we do, and every decision should be the right one, and we should approach every choice with foresight and calm and well… it simply doesn’t work that way in life, and mistakes will flow. Some will be small, some will be large, but they will happen none the less, and we will also… ponder deeply upon every single one. To the point where the little ones might keep us up at night, and where the big ones… will haunt us. In fact, some of the biggest mistakes we will ever make will unsettle us and bother us so deeply, that now and again we will hope and pray for a second chance regarding them. Just to have that peace. But alas, the odds of that ever happening are slim to none. For life is a one-shot affair and second chances are as rare as they come, and… there are no guarantees the second chance would go the way we want it to. But of course, there’s no real way to know. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to explore what could happen, through storytelling no less. And it just so happens that a brand-new sci-if/horror flick from writer/director Cameron Beyl, that recently screened at the Austin Film Festival, ponders upon what a second chance for a big mistake in our lives, might actually look like if by chance we were granted one, and that makes The Veil quite the fascinating watch. Simply because this story grants a man a second chance for one incredible mistake. For back in 1977, Douglas, a man of the cloth, let fear into his heart one night when a woman found him on the side of the road during an Aurora Borealis storm and begged for his help… only for him to deny her that help. And while Douglas enjoyed an amazing career as a priest and saved lives and helped so many… he regrets that night deeply, especially during the early days of his retirement. For that woman was clearly in trouble on that night and he should have helped and would give anything to go back and fix that and well… another Aurora Borealis storm will grant him his wish. For on the night of this storm, a woman named Hannah appears at his doorstep and she just so happens to be the very woman he denied help to all those years ago. But this time around, he could genuinely help her, provided of course… he doesn’t terrify Hannah into defending herself, courtesy of his incredible eagerness to save her life. Which is… the perfect way to explore what a second chance looks like. Because Douglas is indeed granted it in the most epic way imaginable. By standing before the very person, he denied help to, at a moment she is desperately in need. And well, this story informs us… that a second chance may not indeed go the way we expect it to. In large part because… when one spends years pondering deeply upon a grand mistake, one might be filled with nerves and worry, and outright desperation to get things right, and that could lead to awkward moments. Making it clear that, what we have to do when it comes to the mistakes, we’ve made… is accept them, embrace them and learn from them. So that we don’t make them ever again, and of course… this movie also informs us… to follow our gut and take chances now and again… since that will also help to mitigate regret and a need to wish for a second chance. Yet while those points make this motion picture worth our while since those are some powerful lessons to send our way, this story also offers so much more for the audience. After all, there was mention that there are elements of horror to be found here and those are simply amazing to say the least. For much of the movie takes place in the faded light of the colorful skies, and until the central theme presents itself to us, we are clueless as to what is going on. Which leads to some uncomfortable worry, and unnerving moments as Douglas works to figure out what is happening on this strange night Not to mention, there’s a delightful gothic feel to this feature, giving it a hardcore 1970s vibe despite being set mostly in present day. All of which engages the viewer and demands their attention as they work to discover the truth about what is happening on this weird and colorful night. But of course, a plot this complex and scares that deeply psychological, don’t work in the slightest without quality acting and thankfully you’ll find that here as well. Since Sean O’Bryan, who plays Douglas, sells the regret of that dark day, and Douglas’ desperation to grab that second chance… with a gravity that feels a little too real at times, and he is wonderfully counterbalanced by Rebekah Kennedy, who plays Hannah. For she does an incredible job of selling the fear and the confusion in this story in a manner that is also believable and moving, thanks to some very real-world elements to her plight, and well, all of these elements combine to bring forth a fascinating sci-fi/horror film. One that toys more with the horrors of the mind really and one that truly reminds us to live in the moment and always make the best choice we can. Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Short Feature Film, ‘Don’t Be Sorry’. One unfortunate truth about each and every one of us, is that we when we are angry or afraid or both… we tend to say and do vicious things. All because that fear and that anger boils over and somehow that primal jelly in the center of our brains prompts us to believe that lashing out will make us feel better, feel catharsis and safety, when in fact… it does nothing but damage. For those physical acts create genuine wounds that need to heal, and our words create different kinds of wounds that require a different kind of healing and what’s worse… is that sometimes we impart this kind of pain upon strangers and don’t think twice about it. Because we don’t have the face the consequences of what we’ve done. At least, not right away, but that’s a discussion for another time. Because what matters more is that in that moment, is that the person we just snapped at or struck at, out of some foolhardy fear, is forever changed. They’re now filled with their own fear and anger, and those aforementioned wounds, all because we desperately wanted peace in that moment and truth be told, we didn’t find it. But now, they are headed down a unique and powerful path. Where they have to decide what to do with their own conflicted and broken emotions over what the just experienced. And it just so happens that the time has come for us, to understand what kind of impact these actions have, courtesy of a stunning short feature film from writer/director David Au, that recently screened at the Austin Film Festival in Don’t Be Sorry. A film that introduces us to June. An Asian-American woman that is going through a shockingly difficult time in her life. For despite being an American citizen and living in suburbia with her beloved husband, George, horrible violence found their way into their lives. Through a hateful and racist attack upon her husband, one so awful it put him in the hospital. A moment that has indeed and rightfully left June beside herself and afraid, as she works to process the reality that racism found her family in such a manner and well… there’s little she can do reconcile it. She can only endure the power of fear, and the pain she carries and the anger that it all creates. For this was not supposed to happen to her, or her husband, not in the land of the free. But she does find some catharsis in slapping videos online, the kind that inform her… perhaps turnabout is fair play to the next person that opts to disrespect her. Which brings about, one powerful story. One that truly does explore in haunting silence, the impact of people’s negative actions upon the innocent in perhaps one of the most timely and relatable ways imaginable. Since it wasn’t that long ago, that Asian-Americans were targeted in a horrific manner out of the stupid belief that somehow people of Asian descent in America, had something to do with the spread of a virus. Because of fear, because of anger and because those elements brought out the worst in people and brought them temporary catharsis by imparting harm on others. And by plunging us into the unfortunate zeitgeist of the past few years, we are deeply drawn into this story and vulnerable and open to June’s plight… one that outright breaks your heart. Because just like that… we feel her fear, we feel her worry and confusion, and that is undoubtedly what the Asian-American community felt in that moment, and what others feel now for other reasons. Which is not to detract from those experiences, but it is important to recognize this is ongoing, and that people in similar situations are home right now, shivering in fear, feeling vulnerable and afraid and unsure of what horrors await them and who will be next to fire off a slur or outright harm them. Which is why it should come as no surprise that June embraces the violence imparted upon her and is happy to unleash it upon the one asshat that pushes her too far, without remorse or sorrow. Because she too, needs that catharsis, that sense of safety that she can defend what’s hers. Giving rise to a tragic ending really, one that speaks to the reality, stupidity is creating cycles of violence. Which makes this… a powerhouse feature. One that makes it clear, we need to do something different. We need to stop giving into fear, and find new ways to deal with it and find new ways to process the horrors of the world, so others don’t have to commit to the cycle of violence, the cycle of dumb that humanity takes part in. But all lessons aside, what also makes this so powerful a feature, is that it really does showcase, the fallout of those news reports we only hear about and puts a human face upon a very real human experience, a negative one for certain, but an experience one the less. Which is why people do need to seek this film out and see it, to understand how the other half lives and to finally learn… that we have to be better, because we’re all the same in the end and we’re all in this together. Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Short Feature Film, ‘Arman & Elisa’. We live at a point in human history, where we are desperate to enact change when it comes to the darkness that surrounds us. Simply because there is an understanding that said darkness is destructive and it inspires the wrong acts in the wrong people, and we know that without doing something soon… darkness might take hold. Since it preys upon fear and hurt and all the worst parts of the human condition. Which is why we have tried to inject kindness into the lives of impoverished children, so they don’t have to experience the cruelty of the world and will never once be inspired to fight against it. And of course, we are trying to better understand mental health in the hopes of preventing that from being a cause of darkness. Since a mind broken by trauma might be inspired to find a sense of justice. Yet, despite saving those children, and helping those in need… it persists. In fact, little of what we’ve done has really put a dent in evil. For it still exists in this world and has no qualms creating more of itself. So how then… do we stop it? How do we combat that which is seemingly unstoppable? Well, in the regular world we don’t seem to have those answers, but slowly and surely, stories are beginning to ponder upon the answers in a frank manner. Since stories observe what we don’t think to look for sometimes, and therein lies surprises and fixes, and it just so happens that a short feature film that recently screened at the Austin Film Festival, works to explore the answers to those questions. Which makes Arman & Elisa quite the poignant and powerful film. One that plunges us into the heart of Luxembourg. Where an Iranian boy named Arman is eager to make friends at a new school but is struggling to do so. Simply because that is how life goes when you’re the new kid in town. But eventually he makes friends with a young girl named Elisa and they quickly learn to trust and stand with one another. To the point where it seems their friendship is about to become one for the ages. But one fine day, when they work to create a little art, they find themselves in trouble with the school. For they have painted something inappropriate and now, it will be up to the adults to help them be accountable for their actions, provided of course… the adults can stop pointing fingers at who is really at fault for the creation of this art. Which is a plot that outright speaks to the reality… that the reason why darkness and division persists, relates more to our actions in the everyday world. Because every single day, we have the chance to help enact change and inspire good, but don’t, as is the case here. After all, a grand mistake by these children, should have been easily corrected by way of a good talking to from their parents. Wherein they could have learned what made their painting so wildly inappropriate and why they should not have invoked the imagery they did. Which would in turn, allow for powerful lessons about hate and the darkness of the world to come to light. The kind that would in fact… help to combat the darkness and help us to understand, we are all one. But instead, there’s that damn infighting between parents and families, the kind where division persists, and a bold choice is made, one where Elisa is ordered to never speak to Arman again, and therein lies the proof as to how we crate that division and inspire darkness. Because a little girl learned that boys from Iran are trouble, and that boy learned that trying to be friends with a white person from the Western World is a waste of time. Creating the divisions, we are supposedly desperate to end, and that could in turn, help hate grow, in a child’s heart. The kind that will keep the fighting going, the darkness going. All because of the ignorance and hypocrisy of adults who believe they know best, when in fact they don’t practice what they preach and that makes… for a stunning short feature. One that truly gives us pause. Because… there’s real gravity and power to what is explored in writer/director’s Kiyan Agadjani’s brilliant script, and real truth as well. Because hate and division are indeed taught. Making it essential that we work as a society, as a species to practice what we preach in our everyday lives, and really teach others what evil in the world looks like so they know to avoid it and never practice it. Which is of course, easier said than done, since we’ve been doing the opposite for far too many generations. But all it takes, is a handful to truly break the cycle… and time. And if we can do the opposite of what we see here, change will eventually come to this world, and it is wonderful to know that stories such as this brilliant feature, are recognizing that and speaking it aloud… so the conversations can begin, and the darkness can eventually fade. Written by John Edward Betancourt It is definitely safe to say, that there is an air of doom surrounding our world, and it makes sense as to why. After all, war continues to rage over issues that seem unsolvable and there is unrest in our nations regarding what tomorrow should look like thanks to a generational divide, and of course… there’s a real fear about what the landscape of the planet is going to look like in the next fifty years. For we may well be the first species to discover that our actions and our push to create a busy world and a grand economy, has put the planet in real climate trouble. Through our carbon footprints and the fossil fuels we use and well… there’s a terrifying fight over that too. Since there are some who want to side with the money and the corporations to maintain stock prices, while there are others who simply don’t believe the science and that leaves us wondering what will be and it doesn’t seem good. Because as we combat one another, we are not combatting the problem at hand. But what we often forget during these trying times, is that not all the news is bad. Because all we focus upon and hear about is the worst of the worst, not the people who are rushing toward the danger to save lives, nor do we hear much about the people that are working hard to be the ones to solve our biggest problems. But perhaps we should, for that might change our outlook and energize us to believe in something more, in a better tomorrow, and it just so happens that a brand-new movie that recently screened at the Austin Film Festival, makes a point of offering that hope. By giving us a story that features the plight of someone trying to do more than sit back and wait for endless debate to solve the problem, and that makes Bolt from the Blue quite the important film. One that introduces us to an overworked engineer named Mia who is desperate to make her mark on the engineering world and eager to perhaps solve some of mankind’s problems. But the structure of her company, and its misogyny, keeps her working overtime to accomplish nothing. Which is why she is more than happy to take an assignment to check out something unique in Alaska. For a man named Lucas Fletcher has posed to her company, the possibility of capturing and harnessing the power of lightning. An idea so refreshing that she is tasked with stealing it if indeed it works. But her arrival in the wilderness of Alaska, and her time with Lucas changes her outlook on her life and her career. For Lucas carries within him a powerful energy, the kind that speaks to a man willing to sacrifice everything in the name of science and the greater good, and she’s ready to listen to his ideas and feed off of his energy to see if by chance… he’s onto something that will indeed change the world. Which is a plot that really does ponder upon the wonder of ingenuity and of the unsung heroes that are out there right now, trying to enact change. For in many ways, Lucas represents the good people who invented the new trash collection systems that are being deployed in our oceans, or the person that is working day and night to find a renewable source of energy and that really does remind us… that not all is lost. Because of the fact that people like Lucas exist and are fighting tooth and nail for their cause and the breakthrough they want to desperately find. Which brings about, an uplifting story to say the least. One that prompts you to root for Lucas and Mia as they fight back against those who tear them down and offer them doubt, and that is a wondrous element to find a story that touches upon climate change, and the wonder of this movie doesn’t end there. Because this is also a movie that works hard to speak to our very soul. In the respect that this is a film that outright tasks us… to be more like Lucas. To reject the dogma of doubt and of doubters and chase a dream, and grab hold of it tightly. Because the film poses the idea, that part of the problem in our world, and why we are so stagnant, is that we are no longer a world of dreamers. We’ve fallen into routine and comfort and stick with status quo because of the strange roadblocks we’ve put up, regarding ingenuity. But if we reject that, and chase the impossible… our spirits will soar, our minds will open up and the possibilities… will be endless. Which only adds to the majesty of this film, one that really does leave you feeling better about your day, about tomorrow and your own desires and wants in this world when it has come to a close. Thanks to a unique and brilliant script from writer/director Jack Martin. Who rejects much of the convention that a story like this would normally feature to really hammer home that our biggest obstacles in this life are doubt and the noise that others create. And well, while some will undoubtedly say that is too saccharine a plot and too fluffy a message, they’re wrong. For it is in fact, the right plot, and the right message, at the right time, one that gives us hope when we desperately need it. Which truly does make this an important watch, for this is that rare film that not only asks us to go for it but reminds us that the world isn’t all bad and we need to look to the good during these trying times. Because that is what will help us process the bad and call us to action, to use ingenuity and hope to change the world for the better and keep the wonder of the human condition alive for ages on end. |
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April 2024
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