​If there is one statement, I think I can safely say rings true when it comes to motion pictures, it is the fact that sports movies are extremely hard to make. After all, when someone decides they want to make a movie about a particular sport, they have to figure out how to make it feel compelling and unpredictable, to have it match its real-life counterpart. 

That's a tall order since everything in cinema is so perfectly planned, but there are sports films out there that find lightning in a bottle and bring about either a unique look at the game or find a way to inspire us through and through. And recently I finally had the chance to enjoy one of those unique sports flicks, one that takes us behind the scenes of one of the NFL's biggest events of the year, Draft Day. 

Sonny Weaver Jr., the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns, has been presented with a unique opportunity. He has the chance to draft a franchise quarterback for his squad and change the direction of his team now that he has secured the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft by way of a trade. But the pick comes at a great cost and his decision to pull the trigger on this trade proves to be unpopular and divisive amongst his staff. It leaves Sonny in a tough place, since he is also not 100% sold on the man who could and should be the top draft pick. But there is little time for him to decide on who should join his franchise, for today is Draft Day in the NFL and it won’t be long before his beloved Browns are on the clock.

This is one of those films that quite frankly flew under the radar for me since I missed it in theaters, and I am quite disappointed that I didn't see it sooner, because it's actually a decent motion picture. I mean hey, you have Kevin Costner in the lead role, and he's basically a sports hero in cinema and he is directed in this flick by comedy legend Ivan Reitman and the combination of these two and a quality script makes for a compelling story, one that educates football fans and non-football fans alike on some of the parts of football many know nothing about. In fact, this is probably as close as any of us will get when it comes to an inside look at the day-to-day duties of a General Manager in the league, but for those who don't think that would be quite interesting enough, don't worry, the movie has plenty more to offer. 

Because at its core, Draft Day also brings forth plenty of the quality elements we love in a sports movie. There is the human side, especially when it comes to the players who want Sonny to choose them, so they can be a part of the Cleveland Browns, and the storylines that come from the people surrounding Sonny, who want nothing more than to see the team win and win big are equally as fascinating. All of these elements make for a solid movie, one that moves at a wonderfully brisk pace, and it even manages to keep the tension rolling as the big moment arrives for the Browns since you are also dying to know who Sonny will choose with the number one overall pick. 

I don't want to say much more than that, simply because the script is so intricate that spoilers would sour this review. Just know that this is a tight knit film where everything is resolved in proper fashion. Either way, if you get a chance, check this one out. To not only get an inside look at the NFL in ways I've never seen before on film, but more importantly to enjoy a fine little story about men and women who simply want to do great things, and there's nothing wrong with seeing a story that features people driving to achieve something wonderful.

​Zootopia ​is a wonderful addition to the illustrious legacy from Disney. It's got a great set of characters with varying depths, an A list voice cast, and tons of references. Yet, the film also holds some very grown-up themes. The overall movie has a wonderful kid’s feel with a light-hearted plot, but it contains an important message; don't judge others for being different. Taking a closer look, however, this movie has a pretty realistic glimpse into racism within society. Disney has tackled some pretty hard topics before, but this one might literally take the cake.

Within the last few years, we as a society have become very divided on some controversial issues. We've taken sides on so many issues out there that I could do an entire blog on that alone, but regardless of where you stand on a particular issue, not everything is black and white. Zootopia blatantly takes these very topics and themes and turns them into a story for not just kids, but us adults too. With the cast of animals in this movie, the world seems split into two, predators and prey. Well, it's a little more complicated than that. Elephants, buffalo, and giraffes don't fall into either category really, but that isn't exactly the point.

Our protagonist, Judy, is a rabbit who wants to be a cop in the big city, Zootopia. Nick, a fox, isn't a criminal, per se, he just sort of rides the line. The two are forced to work together to solve a case. They do so much more than that, however. Predators have gone missing in Zootopia, and it seems they've all had one thing in common; each has gone wild and attacked other animals or attempted to. Judy eventually makes a link that it could be in their DNA and they could just be going savage. Given her own personal background with a run in with a childhood bully, another fox, she might be having a bit of bias. Judy doesn't think she is, though. After all, bunnies don't go savage.

There isn't a blatant segregation between the species. The Mayor is a lion after all, and the assistant mayor is a sheep. That doesn't really mean anything though, does it? After a press conference where Judy states what she thinks are facts of the case, though, people are quick to be incredibly wary of predators. Plus, early on, the movie features a scene where Nick is being discriminated against for being a fox. Legitimately, the first time Judy meets him, he's in an elephant ice cream parlor trying to buy a giant Popsicle and he's being refused service for being a fox. If that isn't a blatant show of discrimination and racism, I'm not sure what is.

The film as a whole has a lot of wonderful messages. And I won't give the ending away. It's definitely worth a watch and has a fantastic message. The differences in people are what make us special, and that should be celebrated, not shunned. A pretty great message, if you ask me.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Sensation’.
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For the most part, the vast majority of us know where we come from. Because we grow up in a household where our parents are able to introduce us to our family history. Allowing for us to discover all kinds of fascinating facts about the people that brought our parents into existence and  that’s important for us to learn… simply because it helps us to understand what our family stands for and its overall contributions to history and the world. But while so many of us enjoy that learning experience growing up… there was mention of the fact that a minority exists when it comes to this particular discovery.
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Because sadly, not everyone gets to know their parents or their lineage, and for a long time… anyone that did want to know such matters, had to do some incredible digging. But thankfully, technology has made that particular search far more amicable, since now there are DNA tests and genealogy sites that can shine a great deal of light on those in the dark about their family’s history, and they can even help everyone else that has learned about their family's past... dive deeper into it, than ever before. But like anything, this comes with a risk. Since it can reveal facts about our genetic line that perhaps we didn’t expect to or want to uncover and of course, there are always people looking to take advantage of innocent folks that are desperate for answers, and it just so happens, that this reviewer had the opportunity to enjoy a unique motion picture that explores those exact negative elements in Sensation.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a man named Andrew, who is eager to learn more about his family history. Simply because, his mother has told him little about his father and where the family lineage hails from, and that motivates Andrew to visit a DNA research company in the hopes of finally getting some understanding of his heritage. But instead of being surprised by all kinds of fascinating facts about his family's history, Andrew is stunned for a vastly different reason when the test results come back. For he comes to learn that his genetic code makes his body open to the possibility that he could harness his senses in an incredible manner, motivating a secret society of scientists/warriors to bring him to a secure location to train him and hone this skill set, a move that will change Andrew’s life in ways he never thought possible.

So, it’s best we get this out in the open right now and inform you of the fact that this is one of those motion pictures that likes to toy with the audience’s mind. Because nothing is quite what it seems in this movie, something that is largely attributed to the film’s premise. Since Andrew’s quest to master his senses, allows for fantastical situations to come to life. The kind that genuinely leaves you wondering if what is happening to Andrew is an actual event, or a manipulation of his senses and all of these moments are important to point out… simply because this is something that could turn some viewers off. Especially ones that are looking for the story to be straight forward and open with the audience. But there is a rhyme and reason to this fascinating little twist, in that… everything that happens to Andrew in this movie is designed to make it a cautionary tale.
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One that serves to remind us, to really do our homework and exercise caution when we are seeking out agencies that help us to uncover the truth. Because not everyone out there has noble or honest intentions, and they’re eager to make a quick buck… at the expense of a 'client' they can manipulate. And while this movie goes to extremes to hammer home that particular point, it is an effective in doing so. Since it becomes clear, that if Andrew had taken a moment to do a little research in regard to this mysterious company and the individuals offering so much help, he never would have faced the incredible trouble that finds him in this tale. Plus, it is also obvious that this movie wants to remind us that sometimes our reliance on technology can be an unhealthy thing, since it too helps to make Andrew prey in this tale, for his complete and utter trust in this program and its fancy toys, add to his vulnerability.

In the end however, all of these elements make this a different kind of film for certain. One that is eager to toy with the normal structure of cinema in order to tell a unique and fascinating tale. One that keeps the viewer guessing whilst entertaining them with outlandish concepts and titillating visuals and that does make this an engaging watch when all is said and done. Simply because you can never go wrong with a motion picture that is eager to try something new storytelling wise and this one does that for certain. So, if you’re in the mood for a different kind of viewing experience, one that takes you on an unexpected ride and is full of all kinds of intriguing twist and turns, then do give Sensation a look.

Caution: This article contains some spoilers for the short documentary film, ‘The Year Earth Changed’.

If there is one thing that each and every one of us can agree upon, it would have to be that 2020 was a humbling year for humanity. Simply because, we truly came to understand just how little control we have over this world, since we, the supposed masters of this world, were forced indoors by a microscopic and powerful virus. But while that definitely gave us pause and time to mourn those, we’ve lost along the way… there are silver linings to be found in this historic event. For so many realized that this pandemic might serve as a wake-up call and a second chance, the kind that might allow for people to finally go after big goals now that the world hammered home the point, that life is short and fleeting. But while we wait to see the fruits of that particular brand of mental labor, there are other wonders that came out of this disaster for us to celebrate… the kind that we haven’t necessarily seen first-hand.

After all, we’ve been home with our loved ones for a year, making it hard to watch how the planet has changed in our absence. But thankfully, AppleTV+ put a crew out into the world while the rest of us pondered upon tomorrow from the safety of our homes, and in doing so, they were able to put together a documentary entitled The Year Earth Changed, and well… what this documentary captured is both moving and powerful. For it turns out that stepping away from our normal habits impacted the planet in ways we never thought possible, for it allowed the planet and the wildlife we share it with, to take a deep breath and heal and thrive. For example, this documentary informs us… that carbon emissions and pollution dropped in the past year, to the point where mountain ranges that haven’t been seen in ages are visible again and of course… the skies are clearer than they’ve been in ages.

As for how wildlife is thriving, well, the humpback whales that make it to Alaska as part of their migration pattern, are able to spread out without fear of running into noisy boats. And that is motivating them to sing and communicate like never before and that’s helping their young grow up in a healthy manner and the wonder of that… is happening all over the world. For penguins in South Africa that normally have to wait for people to leave the beaches before feeding their young, can now feed them as they please and for that matter… sea turtles that once avoided certain beaches because we were there, are returning home to breed. Giving a boost to their numbers for the first time in decades. If anything, this documentary does a phenomenal job of showing us just how much impact we have upon the natural world. Which is a sobering fact to face… one that should be remorseful but becomes hopeful, thanks to some interesting thoughts posed by this tale.

In that, hitting the pause button for humanity, allowed for scientists to learn that not only are we having an incredible impact upon our world and the beautiful creatures we share it with, but that we can make a greater impact in saving our world from climate change and extinction events than we ever knew. Because if emissions were able to drop this quickly, and if we come out of the pandemic and genuinely apply ourselves to fixing our carbon footprint, we could easily make incredible strides in reversing the warmth we created. Plus, with a little care and a little change to our habits, we could also help wildlife thrive in new ways, since our absence at certain times of day, would allow for animals to do what is embedded in their DNA in peace and solitude, so that more generations of these majestic creatures can find their way in the world and be seen and celebrated by generations to come. But most important of all, this documentary puts an incredible truth about the pandemic on full display.

In that, modern humanity is being granted an incredible gift here. Because the Covid-19 pandemic could have been far more devastating than it currently is/was, but thanks to our interconnected nature and ability to get information out quickly, we likely did a lot right, the reality of which won’t be realized for some time. But we cannot squander that gift, by returning to old habits as though nothing ever changed. Instead, we need to take that same self-inflection about changing our own paths and turn it toward society and the environment. For we really could come out of this and make a difference for a change, and all we have to do… is apply ourselves toward a better tomorrow. And while that is of course, easier said and the done, the more people that believe it and live it and express it, the sooner it becomes a true mantra and the sooner we can enact genuine change… all because a tiny virus reminded us that we are merely tenants here, and it would behoove us to treat our home with a little more care. 

‘The Year Earth Changed’ will be available to stream on AppleTV+ on 4/16/21.