There was a time in the world of cinema, where adaptations of popular children’s stories were subpar in nature. Simply because it was obvious that some of them were straight up cash grabs, since they focused on style over substance and in some cases, they were just hard to adapt. Courtesy of stories that were so unique that replicating them visually was darn near impossible, and required some reimagining to make them happen. Which in turn hurt the story and took the audience out of the overall experience. But thankfully… technology and a shift in expectation from creatives, has changed all of that.
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For now, people who grew up watching those so-so adaptations are now eager to create stories that do the source material justice so that all are treated to an amazing cinematic adaptation of their favorite stories. Not to mention, technology has reached a point where the impossible is now possible. Which has given rise to iconic adaptations that make audiences happy and leave the kids in awe. If anything, the wonder of what’s available to audiences in this day and age is top of mind today, simply because there’s a brand-new film out that truly captures the zeitgeist and majesty of a highly beloved children’s story, in Dog Man.

Which is indeed the big-screen adaptation of the beloved comic series by Dav Pikey, and well, it does offer a plot that should feel familiar to the fans. For this story introduces us to the magnificent, OK City cop duo, Knight and Greg, a human and dog respectively, who are desperate to arrest the nastiest villain to ever terrorize the town, Petey the Cat. Who, one fine day, manages to surprise our heroes with a bomb so powerful that both are badly wounded. To the point where the only way they will ever survive is by being joined together surgically. Which brings forth the birth of Dog Man. A puppy-human hybrid that is smart and cunning (and cute), and it will be his mission to bring down Petey at last, a task… that won’t be as easy as one might think. Since Petey has set in motion, some dastardly plans that will shake the core of OK City for all time.

All of which gives rise, to a flawless adaptation of this classic story. In large part because it is as faithful to the plot as Greg is to Officer Knight. Since those are all the big notes from the base story, and the wonder of this adaptation doesn’t end with a story that makes fans proud. For the use of advanced animation here allows for the style of the comic to stay alive, right down to unique spellings that will be familiar to fans, and it also allows, for amazing visuals to come forth. The kind that enhances, what came before and gives it that big screen flare. Which is truly evident during the third act of the film, wherein the story takes some epic turns that are visually stunning and incredibly engaging, and of course… there is still more for audiences to enjoy this in feature.
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Because it also, offers up an important element that the best children’s entertainment stories harbor. In that, it has some beautiful life lessons for kids to take away. The kind that are of course, embedded in a subtle manner, but they are there, and they are wonderful. Since this story speaks to the importance of just accepting people for who they are and celebrating them for their talents. Plus, you’ll even find some fascinating thoughts on the power of family in this tale, and how we don’t have to let our past traumas and pains define us. All of which enriches the story further and provides parents with an opportunity to further explore those concepts through discussions at home. But while it is nice to find that kind of depth here, there is one more aspect of this film that makes it such an incredible adaptation.

In that, it’s just plain fun, and it’s downright funny. Because above all, that’s really what kids want. To have a good time with a film that respects what came before and that fun is present here in spades. Courtesy of wacky sight gags, and great jokes that genuinely work and amazing performances to boot. For the voice acting and casting, is simply sublime here and further plunges one into this enriching and unique world. All of which makes this, a must-see film for the family. Simply because you cannot go wrong with a film that harbors humor, and adventure that all ages can enjoy, along with a meaningful story that does the original comic proud. For this really is an incredible adaptation of this beloved story, one that should be celebrated often so that this level of quality remains the standard.

There was a time in the world of television and film where any character that suffered from mental health issues were seen in a supremely negative light. Wherein they were declared to be crazy, or lunatics, and they were of course dangerous and deserved to be locked up. Simply because we as a society did not understand the human mind and some of the mental health disorders that plague humanity. But as time has rolled on, we’ve started to do a better job of showcasing what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is, and that bipolar disorder is more than just someone cleaning their house late at night before crying until dawn. We are now understanding they are real afflictions that require real care.
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Yet, while that is indeed genuine and powerful progress on such matters, we still have much farther to go. Because while we do have a better understanding of such matters through popular media, let’s be honest… television shows and movies tend to hold back regarding a raw portrayal of what those issues actually do to an individual, and how that affliction can impact others in their orbit. Possibly because it is hard to express the power of depression outside of making an actor look sad and dejected, but also because… those moments are scary and tough for people to go through. But there are stories now popping up that are working to properly explore such matters, and it just so happens there is a short out there that offers one of the most powerful portrayals of PTSD ever seen in, In the Shadow of the Cypress.

A feat this film accomplishes by whisking us away to an animated world by the sea, where a daughter cares for her father, who was once a captain and suffered through some tough times at sea. In fact, those experiences were so jarring, he has developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and it is unchecked and untreated and that leads to difficult days with his daughter. Wherein his fury and unleashed emotions are showcased in front of his daughter, who is ready to put some space between them to heal and refresh herself. But before she can, the arrival of a beached whale on their shore prompts her father to find his own solitude, wherein he opts to hide from the world and ignore the problem at hand, and his daughter’s wants. In that, she is eager to save two lives, her father’s, and the innocent creature that is now baking in the sun, and it will be up to dear old dad to decide if her ultimate goals can be achieved.

Which is… the perfect way to properly showcase the power of PTSD. For setting this in an animated environment allows for a sense of detachment to the story, as though it is fantasy. But that all changes when reality comes into play. Since we see the father unleash wanton fury and anger. For that is something that PTSD can produce and that’s scary to see, as are the other moments present in this tale that relate to his affliction. Since we come to learn how PTSD and those bouts of emotional swings wash over a person, and how simple triggers can make that happen and how… it can genuinely bring a person to their absolute lowest. Since we see this man suffer greatly because he believes he is alone and believes there is no hope for him. Despite the fact that his daughter is working desperately to give him a life.
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But what matters more for this sequence of the story, is that we finally see PTSD and its impact in the raw and that allows for the story to begin to explore, how we bring folks, back from the brink. Because despite what they might think, they are worth saving and their lives still have meaning and purpose and that really is the key. In that, we have to find a way to reach them on a fundamental level, one that informs them that we love them, that we need them, and we will be at their side. So that they can enjoy a moment of clarity and find focus and begin to heal through various means available to them. Granted they might not make it to that, since it does require effort and a choice on their part to heal… but they deserve the chance to do so. All of which makes for a moving and powerful story, one that is quite frankly, as brilliant as they come.

Simply because it is that rare story that holds nothing back in its presentation, and it should be applauded for that. For the time has come to let everyone know that mental health issues can be scary and are tough to deal with. Not to scare us, but to prepare us to face them, and face them we will. Because one bad day can bring PTSD into our lives, and we don’t know if other issues lurk in our genetic markers and the markers of our family. So, it is best to be honest and let us know that a fight lies ahead and that we should do whatever it takes to win it. Because the people we love would do the same for us, and it is the right thing to do. Because we are all in this life together and we all deserve the chance to enjoy peace and happiness and balance… regardless of what lies our brains might tell us now and again.

​There is unfortunately, a surge of fury and apathy, and a desire for vengeance that has washed over the world, and it has impacted society in stunning ways. For instance, our frustrations with the state of world as a result of what the elder generation has handed the next generation has prompted us to offer that generation silence. Which has placed a bevy of elderly individuals that have not caused harm into the realm of the forgotten. So, that we can make peace with our anger over Boomers and their special brand of entitlement. Plus, our frustrations toward living wages and the profits that corporations feast upon like fat hogs, has allowed for our neighbors and others to slip through the cracks and become unhoused individuals that we want nothing to do with.

Not to mention, we don’t even offer the unhoused or others down on their luck charity or kindness anymore out of our own financial concerns as a result of those emotions toward corporations and their greed. Which leaves all of us wondering… where we are headed as a society, and how, we can perhaps reclaim some of what we’ve lost. So that perhaps we can hold the right people to account and impact change before apathy takes over, and the divides are permanent, and well… it just so happens that a short feature that’s been moving around the festival circuit, ponders upon the answer to that very question. A feat that Room Taken, accomplishes… by plunging us into worlds that we don’t understand because we’ve chosen to ignore them. 

Wherein we meet a man named Isaac, who is down on his luck and out of a job and out of a home. Which prompts him to couch surf where he can, to enjoy a good night’s rest, but that doesn’t always work out. Which leaves Isaac on the streets and forgotten on some nights, and he’s so done with bouncing about that he decides to take full advantage of an incredible opportunity. One that while illegal… will keep him warm and rested. For the decision to help a visually impaired, elderly woman named Victoria, find her way home reveals that she has plenty of space, and well… Isaac decides to take advantage of her impairment and just move in. So, he can catch his breath and try to plan his next steps in life. But soon, he realizes… that taking advantage of Victoria is wrong, and that she needs help. Which in turn prompts him to help out around the house and make her life a little better, until opportunity can move him along. 

Which is… a powerful way to first point out, what our frustrations have done to others in our society. Because Isaac isn’t evil or mentally ill, two stereotypes that everyone seems to believe accompanies an unhoused individual, he is a human being. One in need of help and cannot catch a break because no one wants to make his problems their business, and it’s made him isolated and lonely, and hopeless. Not to mention, our apathy toward the elderly has made Victoria a ghost in her own home. Sure, she can handle some things in life, but her fading sight has put her independence on borrowed time, and there is no one there to support her or help her outside of some casual assistance. All of which informs us that we are literally forgetting about people and hurting them in the process. All in the name of sticking it to someone else. But understanding the problem helps us to understand the solution.
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In that, it would not take much to bring us back from the brink. It would simply take what Isaac does here. Which is, to show others a measure of kindness, show them they matter and show them they have purpose. Because we live to belong and we need to feel as though we matter and helping others can offer that and boost us up and give us a sense of self-worth as well, and watching Isaac do that is inspiring and it leads to a powerful ending to a powerful feature. One that truly showcases the cold nature of the world and how quickly we can make it warm again and inspire real change down the line. For kindness is indeed free, and it only takes a minute to check in on someone and offer them that gesture, and truly… that also makes this an important film. One that really does call us out and take us to task over our anger, our apathy and our desire to ignore what cannot be ignored and it’s nice to see a film that offers such thoughts a time when we are more divided than ever.

There is but one word that every fan of popular culture associates with the Star Trek Universe, and that word is, utopia. Simply because Gene Roddenberry’s vision for the 23rd Century and beyond, through fifty-plus years of storytelling, has showcased just that. A future where humanity and the various species amongst the stars are unified as one, and have eliminated hunger and want, and poverty and suffering. All to usher in an era where a drive to obtain as much as possible is no longer the sole focus of society. It’s about being a better individual and leaving one’s mark in the history books as a contributor. Which is why fans both casual and hard are always shocked when the franchise throws us a curveball that showcases the fact that life isn’t perfect in the future.

Which the franchise has accomplished by giving the United Federation of Planet, enemies that truly despise what it stands for, by pitting the entirety of the Alpha Quadrant against stunning foes eager to conquer all, such as the Borg and the Dominion. And by even having Starfleet Command and the Federation Council make questionable decisions that don’t benefit the betterment of all but exist out of fear. But perhaps the biggest shocker of all in this future, is the sheer fact that Starfleet and the UFP have sanctioned an organization that handles the dirty work of the Federation. Those dark acts that would sow doubt in the UFP and Starfleet but is done off the books to keep the peace and keep a utopia running. Which has left many fans wondering if Section 31 has a place in this story, and if they are outright foes. Since they have done some horrible things in the name of peace.

Well, after many years of featuring them in brief across various shows, the creatives behind the franchise decided now was the time to explore what Section 31 is all about, courtesy of a brand-new film on Paramount+ entitled, Star Trek: Section 31. Wherein we travel to the early 24th Century, far away from the frontier of the Federation to catch up with an old friend from Star Trek: Discovery, former Terran Emperor Philippa Georgiou. Who now lives in secrecy aboard a distant pleasure station, where she is keen to live out her days in that role, free from the trappings of being an emperor, and captain in Section 31. But soon, her old job catches up with her, since agents from Section 31 have arrived to enlist her help in an important mission. For someone is trying to smuggle a bioweapon into the Federation, and with her help, lives can be saved. But soon Philippa will come to learn that a return to Section 31 will entail more than just stopping another threat but facing a grand blast from her past that she thought she left behind. 

Which is, the perfect way to explore what Section 31 is really about and what it stands for. Since we are able to see through Philippa and her teammates eyes, the inner workings of their mission and why Starfleet lets them operate. Because as the mission rolls along and we see this group of stone-cold individuals struggle to battle a greater evil, and an outright mission of vengeance involving some fateful decisions Georgiou made as emperor, while risking everything to save the Alpha Quadrant from certain destruction, it becomes clear that Section 31 is less about evil, and more about the grey. Which the Federation doesn’t really display. It’s a place of absolutes and black and white, but the world has not and never will operate like that, so these heroes, and they are heroes… take the time to do what must be done to maintain a peace and engender hope.
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A storytelling decision that really does present this secret organization in a new light, and while it doesn’t absolve Section 31 of some of the things they’ve done, or will do, courtesy of the timeline ahead… it does offer up a philosophical lesson regarding the dark acts they take part in. In that, we simply are not a perfect species, and likely never will be, and we will lose our way despite noble goals. The only question is how we atone for those weaker moments, because we can come back from them. As evidenced by Philippa’s journey here. Since she is lost when we find her, and not fully healed from her sordid past. But the chance to revisit it, resolve it and find newfound strength from it… speaks to that particular theme and gives fans hope that maybe… there will come a day when this secret organization can find a bit of balance and atone far faster for the difficult and ugly decisions they will have to make.

If anything, all of these elements give rise to a unique adventure in this universe. One that will polarize fans for certain, since there are so many that truly want this franchise to hold to the Roddenberry vision as tightly as possible. But this really is a bold take on the STU, and it really is a bold story for certain. One that pushes the envelope of what the franchise stands for, courtesy of its stark messages about humanity. But that fits in with what this franchise does best. Which is to reflect us in our current state and right now… the world is indeed in the grey and nowhere near pushing forward and toward a utopia. But this reminds us that while things are dark now, there’s a chance that if we can come together, and find a way forward and fight real evil, we can start building toward a better tomorrow, and truly… it does not get more Star Trek than that.

Truly, the documentary is enjoying quite a renaissance right now. In large part because of this era of peak television. Simply because streamers are in need of documentaries to add to their portfolio, so they are commissioning and scooping them up at every opportunity. Which is allowing for amazing stories to come to life about real issues in our world that weren’t getting the attention they deserved, and stories that have sat in silence are now being heard by so many, and one particular company that’s leading the charge in this is, is NBCUniversal.

For they have incredible documentaries present on Peacock that are offering up comprehensive stories about current events and moments from the past, and Comcast/Xfinity is home to some supremely important documentaries that offer representation through their Black Experience series, and, well, they are now host to another powerful documentary. For earlier they let it be known that the Award-Winning Documentary Color is available to watch, and this is a beautiful one for certain. Since it explores our relationship with color in a dynamic and engaging manner and well, since you’re eager to know more about this incredible story… here are all details regarding this film, courtesy of Comcast/Xfinity, to help you understand why Color will be worth your while.

‘Comcast NBCUniversal today announced the exclusive premiere of the award-winning documentary, Color, on Black Experience on Xfinity and the Xumo Play free streaming app. The 90-minute documentary, from Multi-award-winning writer and director John Campbell and featuring acclaimed multidisciplinary artist and founder of Dark Matter Media Alteronce Gumby, takes viewers on a global journey to redefine how color is perceived and understood across different cultures.

The highly acclaimed documentary was nominated for Best Documentary at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, featured in the Montreal Independent Film Festival, and received awards at the Cine Paris Film Festival and International Independent Film Awards. It is now available exclusively on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity channel, a comprehensive content destination featuring the best in Black storytelling from diverse programming partners and film studios and a variety of original documentaries showcasing diverse talent and content creators. Color is also available on the Xumo Play free streaming app for non-Xfinity customers.

Color takes viewers around the world starting with captivating discussions and demonstrations with pigment expert Michael Ambron and celebrity stylist Jerome Lamaar in the Bronx, NY and then to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana, to celebrate the vibrancy of French Creole, Caribbean, African, African American, and global cultures. The documentary then travels internationally, experiencing the vibrant colors of the Holi Festival in India, the red sands of the Sahara Desert, the crimson-hued city of Marrakech, Morocco, and to the Great Barrier Reef featuring conversations with marine ecologist Dr. Catherine Kim. The adventure concludes in Alaska with the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, featuring conversations with documentarian Shondiin Mayo.

“Color is more than what meets the eye; it's a language, a story waiting to be told in every corner of the world.” shared Campbell. “Partnering with Comcast and the Black Experience on Xfinity, we aim to transform how audiences experience and interpret color, diving deep into the cultures that breathe life into it.”

Color is the second collaboration between Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity and director John Campbell, who previously debuted Who’s Behind Black Art on the platform last year. Who’s Behind Black Art is a four-part docuseries that explores the lives of five emerging artists navigating the industry and their journey to create a unique exhibition.

“We’re proud to deepen our ongoing collaboration with director John Campbell as we explore the many dimensions of color and its profound impact on our daily lives and we couldn’t think of a better collaborator to explore the topic than Alteronce Gumby, whose obsession with color is so obviously present in all his work,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms at Comcast. “Through Black Experience on Xfinity, we aim to create a space where creators can share their unique perspectives, fostering meaningful connections with audiences everywhere.”

For more information about the film, please visit https://www.colordocumentary.com

Black Experience on Xfinity is available at home on Xfinity X1 and Flex, and on-the-go with the Xfinity Stream app. Additionally, the Black Experience destination is available to NOW Internet customers. The Black Experience on Xfinity features original and high-quality content from Comcast NBCUniversal and other major studios, in addition to content from many of Xfinity’s existing network partners, at no additional cost to Xfinity customers.

Xfinity customers can access the Black Experience on channel 1622 or simply say “Black Experience” into the Voice Remote to instantly enjoy the ultimate in Black storytelling. Non-Xfinity customers will be able to view Color on Xumo Play, Comcast and Charter’s free ad-supported streaming service app.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About Alteronce Gumby
Alteronce Gumby (@alteroncegumby / and @color_doc) is the film’s creator and producer and notable mixed-media artist living in New York City. His practice includes painting, ceramics, installation and performance. Gumby’s work has been exhibited at galleries around the world including Nicola Vassell, Gagosian and Hauser & Wirth. Global and multi-award winning Gumby graduated from the Yale School of Art with an MFA in Painting and Printmaking in 2016. Gumby is also the founder of Dark Matter Media, a creative media extension of his artistic studio practice.

About John Campbell
Founder of JCINTIME, LLC, a creative management and production company whose projects include ‘5150’, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival 2021; feature documentary ‘COLOR;’ and the FIPRESCI Award-winning 2022 feature ‘The Sleeping Negro’. Campbell is also producer of the Amazon Prime feature ‘A Boy, A Girl, A Dream,’ the Award-winning feature ‘Destined,’ and is writer and executive producer of the HBO Max documentary ‘The Infamous Future.’

One particular staple of the motion picture landscape that is a bit stale in this day and age, is the biographical feature. Simply because so many of them now, especially musically themed ones… follow a supremely similar trajectory. Wherein we meet a famous musician we know, love, and have listened to for hours on end, and watch their meteoric rise to fame take place. Complete with montages and moments we know took place, before watching them struggle and battle to maintain success and sanity before they find peace, more success or reach the end of their lives and well, while that does indeed offer up a comprehensive look at a life, there is a lot left on the table with these particular films.
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Some of them for instance, sugar coat the darkest aspects of our musical heroes, while others just breeze through all of that. Which doesn’t really give the viewer an understanding of what they went through and why, just that they experienced a moment and really, understanding is what we lack from these films. For they just don’t dig into the person that made so many happy and what really makes them tick. Leaving all of us to wonder, if the musical biographical feature can be saved or refreshed so that perhaps it can cover new territory… or finally explore elements about music stars that we all want to know. Such as what success made them feel, what the struggles of fame are truly like for a person and how they beat some of the hardships they faced, without the use of a montage and clever plot devices.

Well as it turns out, yes, there is still hope for this type of film, as evidenced by the latest release from Paramount Pictures, Better Man. Which is a musical biographical feature that explores the life and career of Pop Superstar, Robbie Williams. Wherein we learn about Robbie’s early days of fame as a member of the hit boy band, Take That, before he branched out to become a solo artist. One who struggled with fame, with drugs and with depression and that brought him to several low points in his life and a fight to find peace and happiness, with both him and his career. Which at first glance, is a plot summary that likely raises your eyebrows. Since that seems like the same old formula that we’ve seen time and time again, making this movie another cog in the wheel of biopics. But that’s just it, while there are elements of this type of story that are inescapable, how they are explored and expressed here, is what makes this such a refreshing feature.

For instance, Robbie is seen in the film, as a walking, talking chimpanzee. Partly because he claims himself to be ‘less evolved’ in the film, but from a metaphorical standpoint, it’s clear that this is how Robbie views himself as a person. As an outsider of sorts, someone who stands out for the wrong reasons, and that alone is something new for these films and it sets the tone for a vastly different type of story. One that truly takes its time in telling Robbie’s story. Which means the big moments that happen aren’t quite as rushed, they take time to linger regarding the psychological impact upon Robbie and others, and it allows for us to really explore what he was feeling in that moment. Giving rise to the most thoughtful feature in this vein to date, and what’s incredible is that its wonder extends beyond a more careful understanding of a life with a jarring visual twist.
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Because this is a feature that also… really explores the emotional impact of fame and the stresses that stars really face. And it does so in a shockingly frank manner. Through moments where we see Robbie actually struggle with nerves in a way that is relatable and where we truly see the demons that chase him and haunt him, and how hard they are to silence at times. Which may in turn, relate to why so many artists turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with them. But what matters most, is that this is the most human and raw presentation of such matters in this type of film and it refreshing to find here. Since it opens up conversations about mental health, our relationship with fame and notoriety and how we sometimes forget that those who entertain us are still people, who struggle with imposter syndrome and anxiety and more, like the rest of us.

All of which gives rise to a magnificent biographical feature. One that offers up a complete and fulfilling journey that feels authentic instead of stylized and of course… still manages to entertain. Since many of Robbie’s biggest hits are featured here, in a manner that is as bombastic as Robbie himself and all of these elements bring together a must-watch feature. Because this one has something for everyone. For instance, if you’re a fan of movies in this vein, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. The one that breaks the mold, and if you’re a fan of cinema in general, there’s so much here to feast upon visually. But above all, this is just a supremely relatable and powerful, and downright inspiring story. About a man eager to find peace through his calling.