It is a well-known fact, that our past is integral to who we are in present day. Every bad moment, and every wonderful one, helped to form our opinions, our fears and our hopes and we often return to said moments, when we make important decisions in our lives since they taught us critical lessons. But what I’ve always found truly fascinating about the past, is the power that it holds over people in present day, since so many see their past as a negatively controlling factor in their lives.
 
These are the folks who see the dark parts of their past as a harbinger for their future, and that every decision and attempt at success will end in failure since that’s the path the past has laid out for them, and they do everything they can to run from days gone by. But the fact of the matter is, one cannot escape their past, and the only way forward in life is to embrace what has come to pass and use it as a building block toward tomorrow and recently, I had the opportunity to watch a motion picture that examines everything we just discussed, in quirky fashion of course, in Saint John of Las Vegas.
 
Now in this particular film, we are introduced to man named John Aligheri, and he used to enjoy the good life. For he was once Las Vegas royalty, and was treated to comped drinks and all the creature comforts that the city of Sin bestows upon those who do well at the tables. But one day, that luck ran out and it drove John away from Vegas and toward Albuquerque, wherein he started his life anew by picking up a job with an insurance company. But while he enjoys his new path in life, he often reflects upon his glory days in Vegas and as fate would have it, a potential promotion at Townsend Insurance is going send him on a road trip back toward Vegas, giving John a grand opportunity to settle the score with a town where the house always wins…

I’m always fascinated by films that go out of their way to tell a story in the most unique way imaginable, and I think that’s precisely why this movie caught my eye. For at times, it is a philosophical drama since it deals with confronting one’s past in order to move forward in life, and oddly enough it pays homage to Dante’s work since it implies that John is moving through the various levels of his own personal hell in order to finally see the light. However, this is also a quirky comedy through and through, one filled with awkward and chuckle worthy moments that involve incredibly colorful characters and while this strange hodge podge of concepts and notions shouldn’t work together on film, they find a way to come together here.
 
But what I truly loved the most about this motion picture, is John’s journey. Because his quest to resolve his past is handled in subtle and beautiful fashion since he learns and grows from everything that happens to him in this film and you watch him transform from a mousey insurance adjuster/gambler, to a bold and strong character that is no longer afraid of being in his own skin, who also understands that the past is indeed in the past and it’s time to use it and its lessons to engender strength and really, we can thank Steve Buscemi for making all of this work flawlessly on screen, since his performance as John is downright magnificent and everything he contributes to this story is simply a delight.
 
As an added bonus, he’s joined by some supremely significant names in this movie as well since Peter Dinklage and Sarah Silverman have important roles in this movie and they help to add gravity to the film’s comedic moments and really, in the end, this movie is just a wonderful treat. It’s original, it’s offbeat and it tries to do new things in just about every single scene and that makes it incredibly refreshing. However, if by chance you want to see this one, all I ask is that you go into this one with an open mind. Because little in this film resembles the norms of Hollywood, and that can definitely rattle a casual viewer. But once you get past its unique style and settle in, you’re definitely in for one entertaining ride. 

It goes without saying that every single one of us harbor some kind of magnificent dream when it comes to where we want our lives to go. Some of us dream of getting married and having a giant family, while others ponder upon a future where they do precisely what they love, or find themselves showered with fame and fortune, and while everyone’s dream is different, they’re all important and powerful because they drive us to new heights and motivate us to take risks as we work toward that one moment where we can say, ‘I did it!’, and bask in the wonder of success and achievement.
 
However, while we love to highlight the wonder of dreams and the hunt to bring them to fruition, there’s a harsh reality to this quest in that, there are going to be a lot of setbacks on the road to personal glory. We will hear no, we will see opportunities flutter away and how we handle those little failures is just as important as how we handle the wins. But those losses hurt, and they slow us down and thankfully, we often have important people in our lives, family mostly, waiting in the wings to support us when the going gets thought and recently, I had the opportunity to watch a delightful comedy that explores the power of family when the chips are down and the importance of chasing one’s dreams in, Little Miss Sunshine.
 
Now in this particular film, we are introduced to the Hoover family, a clan that quite frankly, loves to dream. But at the moment, most of their dreams are at a standstill. For Richard, the father of the family, has yet to see any real money come in from his motivational speaking gig, his son Dwayne has taken a vow of silence until he can enter flight school and uncle Frank, is coming to live with the Hoovers, because he attempted to take his own life after his unsavory actions removed him from his dream job. But there is hope for something positive for this family when young Olive, who dreams of becoming a famous pageant star, finds out she has a shot to enter and win the Little Miss Sunshine Tournament, putting this family on the road to support dear Olive and little do they know that this simple and loving act will change their family dynamic forever…

​So, if that seems like a lot to chew upon for a movie that is a comedy, you’d be one-hundred percent right. In fact, everything we just discussed about this family is revealed to the audience within the first fifteen minutes of the movie and with good reason. Because we have quite the grand journey to go upon when it comes to this story, so it was best to pack all that in, up front, and once the Hoover family hits the road, well that’s when things truly get interesting. Because this is when the story forces this family to face their demons and their setbacks and the universe more or less demands that they handle them differently than they have in the past and that…is just downright brilliant.
 
Because it allows for us to bear witness to some incredible character growth as the journey rolls on and having Frank, Dwayne and Richard deal with their respective setbacks allows for the story to finally dive into the whole matter of supporting those we love since the family eventually bands together to help Olive live her dream of becoming a pageant star. And while that doesn’t exactly pan out the way one would hope, that awkward moment when she takes the stage fits in line with the message of the film in that, sometimes the moments we think will make us great may not pan out exactly as we expected, but how we handle life’s little setbacks is what matters more and of course, that it never hurts to have your family at your side when failure comes knocking.
 
If anything, this ended up being quite the endearing film, and its magnificent cast sells every important moment in this story, and they also keep us laughing to boot. Because we do need to discuss the quality comedy in this movie since there are some genuinely hilarious moments present here, the kind that leave your sides hurting and this perfect blend of comedy and drama makes for one magnificent motion picture, the kind that features something for everyone. For if you’re looking for something to relate to, you’ll find that here, and if you’re looking for something philosophical, that’s here too. But more importantly, if you want to laugh and laugh hard, there’s plenty of that to be found, because you cannot go wrong with Alan Arkin going off about the wonder of heroin and getting laid and really, when all is said is done, this is a film I highly recommend because it features a beautiful slice of life and it puts a smile on your face.

I think we can all agree, that when the chips are down, and our family is in trouble, a vast majority of us will drop whatever we are currently doing to help them out no matter what. Because family is a huge deal, and important, and by taking the time to help them in a time of crisis, we remind those in trouble that they do indeed have someone they can rely upon and that can help just about anyone get through a major problem. For having that knowledge in the back of their minds gives them strength when they’re at their lowest.
 
But while so many of us would step in when needed and know our family would do the same for us, that’s not the case for everyone out there. For some people, have family who simply wouldn’t answer the call for help if it ever came about, due to bad blood, or broken relationships. Or, asking for aid is a bad idea simply because, while someone will help, they are in it for personal gain and have all kinds of terms and conditions and that come with their assistance. However, regardless of which category your family falls into, at some point or another in our lives we will need help with some kind of sticky situation and the question of the hour is whether or not we have someone in our family we can rely upon to get us through it and recently, I had the opportunity to watch a motion picture that explores that question and the notion of helping others with an agenda, in Finding Amanda.
 
Now in this particular film we meet a screenwriter named Taylor Mendon and well, his life seems pretty darn sweet. After all, he’s actively working on a television series starting Ed Begley Jr., he has a wonderful wife and nice home, and he’s beaten his addiction to alcohol and gambling. Or rather…he’s beaten one of the two because the chance to make money on a friendly wager is too great to pass up and unfortunately for Taylor, once his wife finds out he’s gambling again, his idyllic life is shattered when she leaves him. Which means there’s only one way to redeem himself, and he heads off to Las Vegas in order to save his wild niece from the strange life she’s forged for herself in the city of sin, to show his wife that he does care about her and that he can in fact, resist his vices and do something good, and this is going to be an adventure that will change Taylor’s life in ways he never imagined…

​So, at first glance, that plot summary really seems to sum up a dark and sweeping drama about the power of addiction and that’s really the first surprise that this film sends your way when you come to discover that this is in fact, a black humor comedy through and through. Because all the bad that comes about from that kind of plot line is handled in amusing fashion so that the story never becomes too heavy handed and quite frankly, taking the comedic route in this film is a stroke of genius. Because the jokes work and you find yourself chuckling heartily, and often when watching this film and that’s thanks in large part to the incredible cast that this movie features, since Matthew Broderick and Brittany Snow and Steve Coogan are able to sell every single moment in this motion picture.
 
But what I truly love about this film is that it offers more than laughs. Because it really does feature some fascinating commentary on how sometimes the only way to truly get help in life, is to be honest with ourselves and own up to our mistakes. Because Taylor and Amanda are in fact, fooling themselves throughout the entire film and doing everything and anything to avoid the truth about their problems and their habits and they firmly believe that staying their current course is the key to their respective salvation. And seeing them grow over the course of the story and reach their respective epiphanies is beautiful to say the least and it definitely gives you pause after the credits roll, due to the fact that you begin to wonder if there’s a particular truth in your own life that you need to own up to. 
 
If anything, the comedy and the endearing nature of this story make this film a charming delight to say the least. Because you really feel for Amanda and Taylor as the story goes on, and you want to see them succeed in their quest to improve their mental health because they are in fact, good people who have lost their way. But, make no mistake about it, the comedy is the true focus of this film, and it doesn’t deviate from the jokes in the slightest, making all the other stuff a bonus when all is said and done. So, if you’re looking for a fun flick that leaves you with a little something extra, check this out one, because it really is worth your while.   

Safety in numbers might be what many people think but when it comes down to it, you might be better off on your own. If you have a large group rolling down the street, you might feel secure, but everyone watches you and there is no place to hide. I am sure there are situations when it would be nice to have many people having your back, but overall, it is easier to run and hide when it is just you and you know that trouble is lurking around you. It may not seem important to you now, but when the time comes, you may see what I am talking about.

Walter Weed is desk jockey working for the FBI and he has just learned some concerning news. In the middle of some surveillance chatter, the FBI analysts heard his name being mentioned with a three-million-dollar bounty being put on his head. Not knowing exactly why Walter is being targeted, Agent Baker will not leave a brother of the FBI to be killed for any price and takes the old analyst into protective custody. Being able to find an old club in Chicago being run by a fellow agent, Baker has now found a strong hold to keep Walter safe, at least until after the hit expires. Playing the waiting game, Baker starts to find out more and more about Walter’s story, but is not able to put it together until the group is under fire.

A three-million-dollar reward is no laughing matter and the Tremor crew are on the road trying to make up a plan on how to collect. With Lester, Baby Boy, Kaitlyn and their father Fritz, the group is able to gather their supplies to make a splash when they are able to find Walter in his hiding spot. Finbar McTeague is ready to get in on this as well and with his bag of goodies, there seems to be no way in stopping him once he puts his mind to something or drives a stake in his target's brain. Ariella is not backing off one bit as her last hit left a priest dead on the steps of the alter for taking advantage of the children that attend and of course, Lazlo Soot is back and putting on a new face to make sure nobody knows what he really looks like.

There is very little time to play with as the target has to be killed at a specific time on a specific date. The FBI knows both the time and date and are locked up in a bunker under a blues club, but when they find out that there are hitmen sitting all around them, all hell starts to break lose. As all of the professional assassins are on site, their gunfire does not discriminate between the FBI and their fellow head hunters.  As each assassin falls, another one rises in their place and the longer the FBI can hold out, the better chance Walter Weed will be alive in the morning. But nothing is as it seems as the bullets fly, and the body count gets larger. Everyone is trying to find their little ticket to paradise with the payoff, but they do not know what Walter is willing to do to protect himself.

Not a bad follow up to Smokin’ Aces and even though it was a direct to video release, I will not be ashamed to say that I watched it. Each one of the assassins had their own back story and reason for the kill, even though it was mostly the three-million-dollar price tag being dangled in front of their eyes. I did really like Walter Weed in this movie, his story was a little bit more in depth than I expected and when you got to know him, you started finding out more about yourself.  Now I cannot take away from the assassins, and I do love all of their methods of killing, but I think that the Tremor crew took it to the next level with family dynamics and showing us exactly what circus performers should be used for. I am sorry to say that it made me laugh, actually more than it should have. Outside of the the one returning character and mentions of Buddy Israel, I did not see anything really trying to connect the two films, but if they come out with a third, they might be able to make bring the Sparazza family to its knees. Happy Viewing.

Turning over secrets of any kind to someone that is outside of your circle may seem like a good time for some, but it winds up hurting those who entrusted them to you badly. Most people will just make the friendship end when their lives are exposed to others, but some will take it a step further. Some folks want revenge for their secrets being leaked and if you were the one to do it, you may have to keep an eye over your shoulder to make sure they are not gunning to hurt you for misplacing their trust. Nobody wants to have their entire life broadcast to the rest of the world, no matter if they have nothing to hide, they still want a little bit of privacy.

Primo Sparazza is lying in his bed, waiting to die, and he only has one final request from his henchmen, Primo wants the heart of one of his most trusted men, Buddy Israel. Buddy has taken all of the things that he has learned about the Sparazza gang to the Feds and is wanting a deal for turning over state's evidence. When Serna, Sparazza’s right hand man hears this news, he starts hitting up his old crew and is trying to get some hitmen on the same page to bring Israel in so he can collect the one million dollar bounty on his head, but Serna does not know the why behind the contract, so he is in for a grave awakening.

Jack Dupree and his crew of bail bondsmen are already on the tail of Israel and know exactly where he is staying in Tahoe. Armed with all of the information that they need, they are on their way and have no idea what is waiting for them. With a million-dollar bounty on Buddy’s head, more professional killers are coming out of the woodwork to collect. Sharice and Georgia, the hottest woman killing crew on the market, The Tremor Brothers, Gerald Diego and Lazlo Soot are all on the hunt at well and all have an idea on Israel’s whereabouts. But they are not the only ones looking to cash in on the payday as FBI agents Messner and Carruthers are looking to take the snitch in once the deal has been finalized. 

It is a race against time, and everyone is looking to get rich. Bringing everything that they have to the party, all of the groups have their own plan for nabbing Buddy, and they are not looking to make any friends, especially Buddy. Living the star lifestyle in his Tahoe hotel, Buddy will not change from his ways and his crew is starting to see him crack. Knowing what he is doing, they are all concerned about what will happen to them when Buddy is taken into custody, none more than Ivy who has been with Buddy since the start. Seeing his boss break down is just the start and when he starts to see how Israel is dealing with the situation at hand, he knows that he will be thrown to the wolves. Everyone is on the same schedule when the bullets start to fly, but only one group will be able to take Buddy ‘Aces’ Israel out of the hotel alive and collect on what they have been promised.

I almost hate to say it, but I really do like this movie and I think it got the raw end of the ratings spectrum. You get so many great, unique characters all looking for the same thing and going about it completely differently. I cannot help but to laugh at The Tremor Brothers, they are some of the most disgusting characters I have seen in a movie and I really love them for it. My favorite character in the movie has to be Ivy though, he is not only focused on what he needs to do to survive, but looking out for others, no matter the situation, you have to respect that. The interaction between the characters is great, the script was great, the action was great, and yes, even the blood was great. This is hard movie for me to find any flaws with, as it delivers on so many different levels. Happy Viewing!

When it comes to movies, and I suppose stories in generals, it’s usually quite easy to recognize who our hero and our villains are at any given moment. Because most stories don’t need to blur the lines between those types of characters, they simply need them to fill their roles and that’s not an insult by any means, for great stories have come about by giving us incredibly pure heroes and dastardly villains who will stop at nothing who harm others. And if anything, keeping those roles defined, helps the audience to digest whatever larger concepts the story is sending their way.
 
Plus, having every element character wise cemented in black and white, also helps the audience escape reality, for in the everyday world, I think we can all agree upon the fact that few things are ever black or white. Because people do tend to operate in a grey area, and that includes those we could classify as heroes or villains and well, I think that’s why you have to appreciate motion pictures that take the time to remove the guise of people just being good or bad, since those kinds of stories, tend to challenge the audience and their characters in new and exciting ways. And recently, I took the time to revisit a movie that came out in 1999, that does just that, in Payback.
 
Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a man named Porter and well, he’s seen better days. For Porter has been on the mend for some time now, following an unfortunate double cross after a heist. But now that he’s healed and back in town, Porter only has two things on his mind, revenge and the money he’s owed. And now he will do whatever it takes to find the man that turned his back on him, and he will face off against the powerful Syndicate and crooked cops and every weasel and low life in between to get his hands on that sweet, sweet seventy grand. And yes, that’s right, he’s only in this for seventy-thousand dollars, because hey…it’s the principle of the thing. 

​If anything, this motion picture is hands down a guilty pleasure of mine, simply due to the fact that it is just an utter delight to watch. There’s no deeper meaning to be found here, or some grand statement on our world or our lives, just a noir-ish story that focuses heavily on folks who operate in the grey area and it is the characters that sell this dark and angry story because every last one of them are as colorful as they come. Obviously, Porter, played brilliantly by Mel Gibson, steals the show, but everyone he meets has an agenda or a quirk and seeing all of these pieces come together makes this movie a blast to sit through as you plunge yourself into the strange underworld present in this unnamed city. 
 
However, while this is indeed one of those films that more or less offers exactly what it advertises in that, Porter is going to kick some gangster butt in order to get his money, what truly fascinates me about this movie, is that two vastly different iterations of it exist. Because due to some conflict behind the scenes, revolving around the final cut/presentation of this film, we received a much more lighthearted version in theaters. But thanks to the wonder of DVD, a much gritter director’s cut arrived on the home video market and my goodness, what a bleak movie this is without its perkier moments. In fact, I have to admit I prefer this alternate version to the theatrical one since it truly presents us with a raw and angry world filled to the brim with fascinating slime balls, and also due to the fact that it so wildly bucks the norm when it comes to crime related cinema.
 
Yet, while it seems as though I’m trying to steer you clear from the Theatrical Cut or speak poorly of it, that’s simply not the case. I always prefer a gritter story when given the choice, but I honestly love both versions of this motion picture. Simply due to the fact that Payback really is something different, thanks to the fact that this story lives up to the tagline featured on its poster, for you really do root for the bad guy, since you want to see Porter right the wrong that befell him and well, if you haven’t seen this film, please do. Because it really is quite the entertaining ride and a wonderful way to get lost in a story for a couple of hours.  

I believe that children are our future. I know that seems like a pretty tacky line, and yes I know it is from a song, but it is the truth. What happens when we all get older and do not get to be in charge anymore? The children take over and start trying to correct the mistakes that we have made during our reign. Well, hopefully they will let us still live on this planet, unless of course they are able to find a better place amongst the stars for us to live out our latter years.

Paul Stephens is just a normal genius high school kid that does not have a father in the picture anymore.  Taking care of his mother and keeping her in line, Paul is happy with how his life is working out. Being able to find an answer to most questions that take adults a long time to figure out, Paul is just looking for the next big thing to do to make a name for himself. Being known as the smartest class clown his teachers have seen, they hope that Paul can focus his talents on something bigger that could at least keep him out of trouble.

Dr. John Mathewson has just moved into town and is looking for a place to live. Having just written his own ticket from the Department of Energy, Mathewson is thinking very highly of himself and trying to make a name for himself as well, but with Paul’s mother. Trying to con a date out of Elizabeth, Paul’s mother, Mathewson bribes Paul with a tour of his lab and shows off the biggest lasers in the country to the aspiring youth. Paul loves the show that is put on before him but believes that the laboratory is up to something other than doing fancy laser shows and is in fact making weapons in secret.  

As Paul’s mother and Mathewson get to know each other better, Paul decides to break into the lab and take a green substance that is under lockdown and do his own experiments with it. Knowing that it is plutonium, Paul comes up with the great idea that instead of proving what the lab is really up to, he will be the first nonaffiliated person to build and possess an atomic bomb. With help from his new sweetheart Jenny, Paul acquires his substance and builds an atomic bomb. Wanting to win at the upcoming science fair, Paul keeps the bomb hidden, but when the government catches wind of the project, they jump into action, putting the youth on the run.  

The Manhattan Project follows young Paul Stephens as he is striving for the affection of his new high school sweetheart Jenny, and to become the youngest person in history to build an atomic bomb. Under his mother's and Dr. Mathewson’s noses, Paul breaks into the laboratory and steals plutonium and researches bomb making. Coming up with his perfect design, Paul wants to keep it under wraps until the science fair takes place so he can win first prize and give his girlfriend Jenny the inside scoop as she is trying to become a reporter. As the government finds out about Paul’s plan, they have to find the boy and the bomb before any other country finds out about this threat and takes action on the United States. 

This movie is just a look of what could and possibly would happen if a genius child puts together an atomic bomb in our society. Although this movie was made during the Cold War and tensions were always on edge between the U.S. and Russia, it is kind of scary that the government could still make someone disappear. This is a classic eighties movie that brings just enough levity into play since the end of the world is heavily contemplated in the story. And as only an eighties movie could do, there is such a happy song playing as Paul is working on and completing his bomb. Happy Viewing.

The true beauty of science in the modern world, is that mankind has been able to answer a great many questions that have plagued our species for millennia. We now know the cause of what makes us sick and how to prevent and treat most viral and bacterial related ailments, we unlocked the secrets of flight and heck, we even figured out how to travel through space. But there are some scientific mysteries that still continue to mystify us despite the wonders we’ve achieved and one such question that continues to remain on our minds…is what exactly happens to us after we die, and of course, there are plenty of competing theories on the matter.
 
Some people believe there is nothing but darkness waiting for us after we’ve taken our final breaths, while others, firmly believe there is an afterlife and a future for the soul that resides within us and there’s plenty of theories to go along with that notion as well. For some religions tell us that how we live our lives on Earth, determines where our soul goes when our bodies have expired and we either enjoy an eternity of joy in Heaven or endure endless torture in Hell. But there are other religions and beliefs that speak to the notion of reincarnation, wherein our soul is transferred into another being after we die, and we start the process anew as a different individual. But the fact of the matter is, we simply don’t know what awaits us when we pass into the great beyond, but that sure doesn’t stop film from pondering upon the matter and recently, I had the chance to revisit a magnificent motion picture that offers up a unique perspective on the whole notion of the Afterlife in Defending Your Life.
 
In this particular film, we meet a slightly miserable man named Daniel Miller, and as he celebrates his birthday, he is blissfully unaware of the irony that awaits him. For Daniel dies in an accident on his birthday and mere moments after seeing the sheer terror of a bus barreling toward him, he awakens in the strangest of places. For he finds himself in what appears to be any old city, and he is exhausted and disoriented and once he gets his bearings, he comes to discover that this everyday place is in fact where people go when they die and the purpose of this town and the odd people he meets, is to determine as to whether or not Daniel and every other member of mankind that’s recently deceased is worthy of advancing to a higher level of being. And for the next few days, Daniel must quite literally defend his life in front of a pair of judges, who will decide if his consciousness can move on to new wonders in the universe, or if he will need to return to Earth and try mastering the human condition one more time…

​Now, if that seems like an incredibly complex plot for a film designed to explore the nature of death and the afterlife, you’re 100% correct. Because this motion picture, is simply brilliant in every sense of the word and perhaps the most pleasant surprise when it comes to this movie, is the sheer fact that everything this film explores, is handled in lighthearted fashion, which lends to its outright wonder. Because let’s be honest, death isn’t exactly a cheery or celebratory topic, but here, Writer and Director and Star Albert Brooks uses humor to make the great beyond a little less heavy and those fluffier moments and the awkwardness of having to defend one’s life and one’s decisions instantly take down your guard when it comes to the subject matter and it all helps to suck you into a story that actually deals with some powerful concepts.
 
For Defending Your Life is a grand exploration of fear, and how we thrive upon it and all of that is on display thanks to our characters, in just about every way imaginable. Because how they confronted and handled fear during their lives has great bearing on where they go next in the universe and for that matter, how they handle fear in death is equally as important and well, by giving us that to chew upon, the film makes it inherently clear that the only way to truly live life is to indeed do it without fear. And that once we abandon it and embrace the moment, the personal hell we create for ourselves fades away and we can accomplish wonders and reach new heights and that’s just a wonderful message to find in a film that dives into so many elements about life in general. 
 
But, while that’s delightful in its own right, something as fantastical as this concept doesn’t work without great acting to sell the afterlife and we get incredible performances from Albert Brooks, Meryl Streep and Rip Torn in this film that ground this story and help to draw you into every wonderful moment it offers and really, I am so glad that I managed to re-discover this motion picture. It’s just…refreshing to watch and it leaves you feeling complete when the credits have come to an end and it’s just a fine reminder that sometimes, a simple story can accomplish wonders and if by chance you haven’t seen this movie, please do so. It really is a breath of fresh air that helps you to forget about the current spate of big budget, gritty blockbusters on the market and you really can’t go wrong with a story that will make you laugh and cry while it makes you ponder upon life and all the magic that comes with it. 

This is one of those motion pictures that made it difficult for me to leave my expectations at the door simply because Christopher Nolan is one of my favorite directors and his work is just outstanding. But I wanted to go in with an open mind because this project was so vastly different than anything he has ever done career wise and I'm happy to say that he has delivered a beautiful motion picture that is touching and terrifying all at once. For one, the scenes in space are nothing short of breathtaking and filled with real tension. There's a legitimate sense of terror that these explorers are truly on their own and that creates a danger that is rare for science fiction films. ​

Yet at the same time, this film is about the human condition and our rawest of emotions. The need to love. The need for our families to believe in us and be proud of us and most importantly of all, our need to survive. That theme is obviously one that is front and center but it is handled in wonderful fashion, simply because well, the stakes on earth are high. The same amount of danger you feel for Cooper and his team you feel for the people on Earth as you realize time is running out. Not to mention, there is something extremely noble in seeing Cooper leave so much behind for so many. This is a man who understands what is at stake and his potential sacrifice is so incredibly heroic yet, at no point does he seem or feel like a hero, just someone we can relate to and root for as he goes further than anyone we've ever known to keep his family safe.

As for the science in the motion picture, fear not, you don't need a degree in quantum mechanics or physics to understand what is going on, although you may have to reach back in your brain on grade school physics once or twice, the science is not the focus here.  This is a motion picture that is truly about our humanity. Our fears, our hopes, our dreams and quite frankly our place in the universe, and not to mention, what we mean to one another and the wonders we could accomplish if we work together. This really is a beautiful motion picture and truly Christopher Nolan's most ambitious and visually stunning film to date. This really is a must see film, simply because for a film that has humanity staring down its own extinction, it is filled with hope and endless wonder and a reminder of the beauty we are all capable of.  ​