There was a time in our history, where mistakes were something, we embraced. For we came to understand that mistakes are teaching tools. The kind that helps us to learn valuable life lessons and make incredible changes so that said mistakes never happen again, and people wore them akin to a badge of honor. For those who took the time to say they messed up, or that their company or the entity they represented messed up, were seen in a positive light. For it spoke to a good moral core and good business sense and that people should trust that person and that industry. For all involved would always do the right thing and make situations whole again with their honesty.
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But somewhere along the line, that all changed. Because these days, mistakes are seen in a negative light. For the world now values the impossibility of perfection, not to mention… to admit one made a mistake is now shocking. For so many now refuse to, and often double down on their mishaps to maintain that air of perfection and that’s led to a unique modern world. Where apparently no one can do wrong and penalties and consequences matter over, growth. How and why, that happened… is a discussion for another time. But what matters in this moment… is that this mantra is harming people and changing lives for the worse and for proof… then look no further than the fascinating new documentary, Fist Bump.

For this particular tale introduces us to Marcus Knight, a man with cerebral palsy and autism, that loves musical theater and spent his high school days entertaining the masses and was also beloved by his classmates. To the point where Marcus often made the time to take selfies with his classmates and fist bump them to just share in a moment of joy. But once Marcus went to college, his life took a unique and unsettling turn. For he was suspended from his school for committing assault and according to the Title IX complaint filed against him, he was inappropriately touching other students and harassing them for selfies. A move that no one came forward and corroborated, but none the less, Marcus was without a grand chance to enjoy a college education and how this mistake came to life, is explored here.

Since we learn about how Saddleback College expresses that unhealthy mantra, we mentioned a moment ago. Because make no mistake about it, they are in the wrong. They erroneously halted the life journey for an innocent person that only has good in his heart. All because… to admit they made a mistake would somehow be a hideous thing. Something wrong and distasteful. When instead, sticking to their guns and their goof, has ruined a future. Because when one has a Title IX complaint, there are jobs one cannot obtain, and going to school anywhere else is an impossibility and it just… it makes no sense to hold to that kind of mistake, and it ironically, makes the school look worse for certain. But it speaks to the world we live in and oddly enough, that particular truth allows for this story to explore some real concerns behind this kind of decision.
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Since it also speaks to how in our modern era, institutions and corporations and the populace in general are obsessed with rules and regulations being handled in the most black and white of terms, and clearly, this is not a black and white situation. For we learn over the course of an hour that Marcus is not some predator, but a good man that is polite, charming and always eager to include people through consent and kindness. And had an investigation taken place and the realty of the situation been taken into account, then perhaps all of this could be avoided. But, again, the rules are all that matter to Saddleback and that makes for a fascinating and frustrating feature. Since it speaks to the state of our world right now. Of the us versus them mentality we’ve created for no reason in particular.

But more importantly, it showcases, that the arrogance created by the belief that no one can be wrong, is creating a toxic world. Where we won’t grow, won’t learn and won’t come to understand the majesty of mistakes. And in doing so, we will silence voices and keep wondrous people out of the spotlight, and that’s wrong. Because every single person out there deserves a chance to thrive, to grow, to experience life to the fullest and make mistakes along the way, and had this been handled differently, who knows where Marcus would be right now, and who knows how respected Saddleback would be. But alas… what we are left with, is a powerful story that leaves us wondering… what it will take to bring the world back to that place where mistakes and misunderstandings were championed and resolved with dialogue and not punishment.

To see ‘Fist Bump’ in Los Angeles at Slamdance, visit Slamdance’s website.

We are bombarded from a very early age, with all kinds of incredible lessons about how we will find happiness and peace in this life. For our parents and guardians know that we will grow up quickly, and we need to be ready to handle anything in adulthood. So, they inform us, that when the time comes… we need to go out there and start a family of our own and keep ours as close as we can. Since family sustains us. Not to mention, we need to find a good job and/or a wondrous career. One that sustains us financially and emotionally, and above all… we just need to keep our heads high and understand… that with a little determination we can get through anything. All of which is sound advice that we take to heart, until we learn that this blitz to have us ready, left us unprepared. Not out of malice mind you, for those who raise us do their best to be the best for us. But we are unprepared because of the fact that we as a society, never want to focus on hard truths, of the reality of a situation.
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Which is why we are stunned when we come to learn that said foundation can crumble, and that no one told us that. Or that sometimes… our dream job sucks, and/or we find ourselves laid off and scraping by to survive. Not to mention, we sometimes make the wrong choices romantically and forging a family isn’t what we expected it to be, and it can be impossible to keep our family around. For we lose them along the away, and sometimes we drift apart from the family members we grew up with. But above all, we also come to learn that determination and good vibes mean nothing now and again. For sometimes, you just plain lose, and all of that can leave us listless, and uncertain of how we find our way back to the path that our parents told us to follow. Since those elements do give us what we want. Which means, it is up to us to figure it out, and there is no one way to make it happen. But one that we can easily latch onto, just so happens to be featured in the brand-new motion picture, Las Tres Sisters.

Which is a story that introduces us a trio of sisters whose lives are at a crossroads. For Lucia’s career path has gone astray and Sofia is simply drifting through life, and Maria… well she’s facing some scary challenges ahead. For her health is not where she wants to be, and there is another surprise that complicates the treatment she needs, and she is at her lowest and looking for a miracle, for direction. For a chance to get life back on track, and she finds it… through a pilgrimage her grandmother made in Mexico long ago. One that gave her abuela visions and clarity and eventually the miracles she needed to go forward in life. So, she brings her sisters together to walk their grandmother’s path, alongside some unexpected new friends, to finally find the focus and clarity they need in this critical time.

That just so happens to be a plot that offers us up, incredible advice on how we find our way when we are lost. Since this movie makes it clear… sometimes you just need to lose yourself in order to find yourself. Be it through a pilgrimage like the one we saw here or by just getting away from it all and being with family, as is the case here as well. Because that helps us to look at our lives objectively as we focus upon other tasks. Where we see the flaws, the mistakes, how we stepped away from that all-important formula for happiness and that can open our eyes to so many potential fixes. Where we learn how to mend fences with family, and where we learn how to mend our very soul and find focus in life to finally go after we what we need to find peace, to find happiness and that brings forth a thoughtful story. One that shockingly, offers more than just that powerful lesson.
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For this is a story that really ponders upon all of life’s struggles. Of how hard it is to offer forgiveness, of how hard it is to move on, and how none of us are bad people for losing our way, for holding on too long. For we are but human beings, and mistakes are part of the experience and what matters most, is that we get to come back from those mistakes and create miracles and that’s inspiring to find here, and yet, there are still more wonders to enjoy from this film. Because we would be fools to not point out, that representation is an important part of this feature, and that it harbors some of the best Latinx representation in film in years. Since the cast is predominantly Latinx, there’s Spanish to be found in the dialogue and we get to see Mexico in a way we never have before. One free from the stereotypes we know to see its true beauty, and that’s important because we need more of that right now in popular media. 

Since it also helps to remind us… that we are not so different after all. That these struggles, this path, are all universal in nature because we are one people. Who just so happen to do some things a little differently because of the many rich cultures that we harbor. But we all get there the same, and that makes this an important motion picture. One that really has some powerful things to say about life, and its troubles, at a time where we need that kind of guidance and direction. Not to mention, it also features some stunning performances. Since Marta Méndez Cross (Maria), Valeria Maldonaldo (Lucia), and Virginia Novello (Sofia), sell the struggles of the sisters in a manner that is relatable and engaging. To the point where you are rooting for them, and Cristo Fernández is simply a revelation as Kin and showcases his stunning range in a manner, that adds to what is an utterly beautiful and brilliant story. One that moves you, excites you, and even puts a smile on your face, courtesy of its wondrous exploration about how to combat the struggles that sometimes complicate the miracle that is life.

It is definitely safe to say that single people have quite the sour view of dating in 2025, and with good reason. Because it’s simply a pain in this day and age. After all, the bar scene, everyone is learning, isn’t exactly the best place to find a true partner, and the shift to app-based dating has left so much to be desired. Since those apps are more eager to capitalize on revenue than they are on finding people someone to love. Not to mention, the anonymity and detachment apps provide for some individuals, leads to a rough experience for those who try them out. Which leaves all of those singles wondering, how on earth does one find a partner in this day and age?
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Because there has to be a way to find love, and there has to be a way to connect with people on a fundamental level that allows for us to feel that call to our soulmate, that draw that we outright crave. Well, there are indeed ways that people can still find love in 2025, it will just take some creativity to say the least. Such as say, thinking outside the box when it comes to where one conducts a search for a viable partner, and to outright… be honest and vulnerable. If anything, those concepts are relevant to our discussion today, simply because a new movie on the Hallmark Channel explores what going those routes could do to help singles in the modern world in Return to Office.

Which is a story that introduces us to Liv and Tom, a pair of opposites that are about to embark on a new work adventure. For Liv has helped to acquire Tom’s company, and their new boss wants to bring the new teams together through a return to office venture. Wherein folks will work alternating days and share desks, and little do Tom and Liv realize, that they are desk buddies. Which causes friction at first since they are so different in their working styles. But soon, they find common ground through notes and online chatting, and that leads… to vulnerable conversations and romantic draw to one another. The kind that could give them everything they’ve ever wanted romantically, if they’re willing to be open to one another.

Which is a plot that at first glance, just seems to be a run of the mill romantic comedy, but the devil is in the details in this particular tale. Since it really does showcase how we sometimes forget that work and the places we find creative fulfillment might bring us what we seek if we’re willing to be open to such matters. Which isn’t easy since we treat work as a sanctuary, or punishment, depending upon the gig and we do isolate the special spaces for our mental health. But they could provide us with more if there’s someone in those spaces that we can, open up to, and oddly, their journey also reminds us… that we should never discount someone we think as an opposite as a viable partner. Because you never know if they might be the one, unless you explore the possibilities.
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But while all of that makes for a fine feature and some fine lessons, we’d be foolish to not point out that this film does more than the average Hallmark romance feature. Because it also offers some scathing satire and commentary on the modern workplace. Specifically, how it has become quite toxic in nature and is filled with uncertainty. Mainly because there are so many bosses out there, like Liv’s, who are egomaniacs that think they know best and thrive on their understanding of ‘innovation’ over what really makes the workplace worthwhile and successful. Which is the people that help it thrive, and that was unique to see in this story, since Hallmark doesn’t often branch into such commentary, but it was welcome.

If anything, it shows that Hallmark continues to evolve and wants to offer stories that provide more to its viewers and that, and the realistic nature of Liv and Tom’s courtship, really do add depth and realism to this story. Because a lot of what they do, reflects modern dating, since they chat via text and open up there since it can be a safe space, one that we perhaps don’t utilize enough in that regard and of course… they harbor those fears we all fear in the dating world. All of which gives rise to a satisfying feature. One that entertains as much as it teaches, since it also features quirky and fun moments that do make you laugh, and the characters are indeed charming and relatable. Courtesy of a story that truly reflects modern dating and modern life and offers up some fine advice on finding the partnership we all desperately seek.

We are taught from a very early age, that family should mean the world to us, and there’s good reason that lesson is sent our way. Because family, really is special. For our siblings and our parents have actual ties to us on a fundamental genetic level. Something that no one else will share with us, until we start a family of our own. Not to mention, they know us like no one else does, and teach us lessons that no one else can. So, yes, it should mean something to us, to the point where we should be ready to do anything and everything for our family to help them out in this life and keep them safe if they are in danger. Since they are something unique and important to us.
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In fact, many of us stand by that second lesson. Since we will drop everything to be there when they need us, and they, vice versa. But what’s interesting about these lessons, is that we eventually learn there are boundaries involved with them. Because if a family member is painfully toxic and mean, we learn we don’t need to be around them. Nor should we support them. Not to mention, if they’re asking us to do something illegal or something that will incur pain and suffering on others, in name of helping them out or to offer them safety, we definitely don’t need to go the extra mile to help them, since that can cause more harm than good. As evidenced by the new Hallmark Mystery feature, Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery.

Which is a story that returns us to Hannah’s world at an exciting time. Simply because she receives a phone call from the one biggest cooking shows around, for they are eager to use her shop to film a new episode. A move that Hannah is all about making happen, to meet her cooking hero and to of course, put The Cookie Jar on the map. But alas, the chaos surrounding the shoot, and the fact that one of the crew members dies under suspicious circumstances, ruins the magic of meeting one’s hero. But Hannah is not a person to let one dark day keep her down and keep her from doing what she does best, and the weird circumstances surrounding that death prompt her to dive in and the save the day, and what she will learn about this case, will explore the trouble that comes with helping troubled family members

Since we come to learn that a daughter is eager to save her father from a case that will lock him up forever and she is abiding by the lessons. She’s cherishing family, she’s doing whatever needs to happen to keep daddy safe in her eyes, and it leads to utter chaos. To death, to panic, to utter fear in this story, and that is a perfect way to explore the central theme and point out how we cannot hold to that when parents and siblings and other relatives go down that kind of road. Because they will drag us into the depths with them and that is the last thing we ever need, and that added real depth and thoughtfulness to this story. One that also harbored some lovely moments that will absolutely please fans of this franchise.
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After all, we would be foolish to not point out that the budding romance that Chad and Hannah toyed with in their last adventure only grows here. Since Chad invites Hannah into his life and into his world, courtesy of the very case that brings this unfortunately loyal family member to town, and that’s quite the big deal. Since a stoic man like Chad would not make that kind of decision without some kind of connection to Hannah on a deep level. Not to mention, he plays the hero here and goes the extra mile to ensure her safety. All of which makes it clear that love might be on the horizon, and we are all here for it, courtesy of a movie that features some dark concepts, but never loses sight of the charm of this series.

Since it also added more quirky and hilarious moments with Hannah’s mother, and the whole ‘never meet your heroes’ sequence was legendary to say the least. Since it offered up some flawlessly Hannah Swensen moments, one that included a stunning pie drop, and well, all of these moments brought forth a satisfying feature. Because this one had everything we love and more regarding this franchise. Since it offered a compelling case, one filled with valuable life lessons, featured the lighthearted nature of this series and of course… peppered in a little bit of that trademark romance that Hallmark is known for, and this leaves us eager for the next chapter in Hannah’s adventures. To see what unique cases await and of course, what will become of this connection she and Chad clearly share.