There was a time in television history, where the crime story was a vastly different type of show. For in those days, crime stories were all about plucky investigators that were emotionally strong and hyper intelligent, so they could solve dark crimes with ease and put the audience at ease in doing so. Because murder is a dark business and hard to swallow, and a kind person solving them helped to soften that blow. But the end of shows like Columbo and Murder She Wrote, gave rise to a grand experiment in the genre. For just like that, crime stories went hard and really examined the power of crime and its impact upon us and that has brought forth some dark serials that hold nothing back. The kind that now dominate the landscape.
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Which audiences are enjoying and are learning from, but they do love the escapist nature of crime stories, of justice being served by good people in the world, sometimes ones that don’t carry a badge. Which is why, the cozy mystery was given life. Since this fairly new subgenre features that more lighthearted approach to crime serials and make it accessible to all once again. In fact, they’re so popular now that they are everywhere on streamers and they’re making their way into mainstream as well. Since the Hallmark Channel has embraced the majesty of the cozy mystery and they’re truly mastering the formula, as to what makes them great and so accessible, as evidenced by the charming and engaging cozy mystery that aired on the network the other day, Family Practice Mysteries: Coming Home.

For this is a cozy mystery that introduces us to a former combat doctor named Doctor Rachel Hunt. Who moves back home in this story with her kids to start over in life. For Rachel’s husband didn’t make it out of wartime, and going back to where Rachel’s life began seems like the right place to hit the reset button. And since she is a knowledgeable doctor, she easily finds work at a local family practice and finds joy and peace in helping others and giving them good news or guidance in their health issues. But one day, when a perfectly healthy man dies of seemingly natural causes, Rachel’s world is turned upside down. Because she knows the science, she knows a sudden death isn’t possible and now with the help of Detective Jack Quinn, Rachel will stop at nothing to prove that murder has descended upon her hometown. 

Which is a plot that brings forth, a perfect cozy mystery. One that truly showcases why this subgenre is thriving right now. Because what makes a cozy mystery great, is an engaging lead character that we can connect with, one that has a heart of gold and truly wants to do good in the world and well… Rachel is indeed just that. After all, she’s served her country, she’s overcome loss, and she truly wants to help people and that… immediately allows for the audience to connect with her and believe in what she stands for and has us rooting for her at every step. Granted, there is some level of disbelief one needs to apply to this, since she does get incredible access to an ongoing investigation, but that’s okay. Because that’s part of the fun and part of the charm, and part of the escapism of the story. 

Plus, it can be forgiven simply because, the case at hand is pretty darn juicy. After all, every layer that Rachel peels back harbors dark secrets and ugly motives, the kind that keep the audience guessing from start to finish as to who might have caused harm here and that too… is engaging and delightful and truly helps us to just lose ourselves in a feel-good story. Because justice is served by the end of this tale and Rachel is indeed quite the hero. But what also makes this story of note, is that it works hard… to really spread joy and good messages along the way. Because there’s a lot of positivity to be found in meeting a character that wants to overcome their traumas and there are even wonderful moments with her children that speak to the nature of respect and the power of family.

Which is why we call this the perfect cozy mystery. But of course, we’d be remiss to not point out, that in order to truly pull of a cozy mystery of this caliber, one needs great acting and that’s here too. Because Amanda Schull offers up a very deep and complex performance as Rachel in this story. One that sells the character as an everyday person getting by in the world, and Brendan Penny does a wonderful job of playing off of her as Jack. But truly, what makes this story so worth your while, is that it makes you feel good. It makes you believe that good can triumph over evil and that the bad guys will indeed be brought to bear, and that… is what a cozy mystery does best, and featuring every element that makes them worth our time informs us… that Hallmark is only going to send more of these our way, and they will undoubtedly bring the same joy and safety that we find here.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’.
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It really is quite amazing how the Planet of the Apes motion picture franchise has evolved throughout the years, regarding what it stands for. For the original saga, the one led by Charlton Heston, stood for shock value really. Courtesy of the big reveal in the first film where we learned that Earth was Taylor’s final destination, for something had gone awry and allowed for apes rule the day, and subsequent features continued to lean into that shock value. Courtesy of nuclear surprises and time travel and a world where man and ape fought to see who the dominant species would be, and that did indeed lead to big moments and iconography that has allowed for this franchise to remain popular and of course, spawn a new series of films.

The kind, that went in a vastly different direction. For the new features have dug deep into social commentary and reflect our world through the lens of the ape, and that’s led to some fascinating stories that have explored the nature of our hubris, our hate, and our xenophobia. Along with some fascinating observations regarding our sometimes-irresponsible relationship with technology. Granted, there were hints of this in the original saga, but they never went to the lengths that the new films have gone and it would seem that this franchise won’t be letting up anytime soon in creating smarter Apes films that deeply reflect the world we live in and the problems we face. And for proof… look no further than the latest chapter in the franchise, which is in theaters now, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

For this particular story, one set long after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, showcases a planet where apes now rule the lands and where they are all settling into societies and ideologies that are vastly different than the world that humanity lost, and that Caesar worked to build. For some, like Noa’s clan, work toward peace and harmony with one another and with the planet they’ve been gifted. While there are others… led by the mysterious Proximus Caesar… who are eager to exert the power of ape over man. Who still roams the countryside and still causes trouble as need be, and as fate would have it, soon all three worlds will collide in an epic manner. Wherein Noa will have to choose to help, the apes that are eager to conquer the world, his own people or the mysterious humans that seem to have their own agenda.

Which at first glance, appears to be a plot that is grounded more in a grand and sweeping epic than a story about our world and our problems. But closer inspection reveals that the world of the apes’ centuries from now, is quite close to our own. Since Proximus Caesar is a leader that reflects the old guard in our world, those folks who want a specific type of world that only benefits their own ideals and beliefs, and Noa is those of us in the middle. Who want a better way but feel outnumbered and out voiced by that all-annoying guard and the human faction here… continues to represent our hubris, and our inability to understand that change is a constant and that we must let go to move forward and all of that subtext brings forth a magnificently complex film. One that leaves us with so much to ponder upon about our world and how hard it will be to find peace in this time. 
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That makes this, perhaps the smartest film in the franchise to date, since it has never pondered upon precarious times in this manner, but it handles its observations in a powerful manner… and still finds a way to entertain. Because the epic nature of that plot, does give rise to an epic journey for Noa. One that explores a world that has forgotten humanity, and any conflict or action, which is mostly found in the third act of the feature, is equally as epic and sweeping. Courtesy of a unique setting and a unique twist involving Caesar’s intentions that leads to a finale for the ages. One that is breathtaking and poignant, and seemingly sets the stage for future films and perhaps… a reboot of the core stories that brought us to this particular point. 

But that aside, make no mistake about, this is simply an incredible and cerebral motion picture. One that does the franchise proud and takes it in a fascinating new direction. For this story expands this franchise and this universe like never before and gives us new characters to latch onto. Because everyone here, both ape and human, harbors elements we can relate to and care for, and that comes courtesy of more incredible performances. The kind that takes your breath away and sell every single emotion and the gravity of the moment. All of which brings forth a magnificent motion picture, one that has something for everyone and features a refreshing new story that informs us that this franchise still has a lot of life left in it, and it still has a lot to say. And it will be incredible to see what lessons and big moments lie ahead as we continue our journey through the Planet of the Apes.

If there is one particular film that we’ve sung incredible praise over, often, these past few months, it would have to be Laura Adkin’s, Re: Uniting, and rightfully so. For this powerhouse drama is timely, powerful, and filled to the brim with joy and tears. Courtesy of a story that feels real and that the audience can deeply connect with, and well… the only issue that has accompanied our praise, is the sheer fact that there hasn’t been an easy path for you, dear reader/viewer, to see this amazing feature. Especially if you live in the United States. 
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But that’s not from a lack of trying, for Laura and her team are eager to share this story with the world, and distribution deals take time and those are being locked down. To the point where at last, Untied States audiences can see this motion picture in New York City and Los Angeles, and soon. For earlier today it was announced that Re: Uniting will start screening in those cities on 5/31/24 at LOOK Dine-In Cinemas and well, since you’ve been so patient and so eager to see this film, here are all the details on this wonderful news, complete with a list of locations where you can enjoy this poignant motion picture. 

‘Flat Head Films announced today that writer/director Laura Adkin’s feature film debut Re: Uniting will have its U.S. theatrical premiere starting Friday, May 31st, 2024. Re: Uniting will screen for audiences across the U.S. at LOOK Dine-In Cinemas in New York, Los Angeles, several locations in California, Arizona, Texas and more. Adkin and select cast will be in LA and New York for special event Q&A’s after the screenings in LA (on May 31st) and New York (June 1st).

Filmed on Bowen Island in B.C., Re: Uniting stars Jesse L Martin (Law & Order, The Irrational, RENT), Michelle Harrison (The Flash), Roger Cross (War For the Planet of the Apes), David James Lewis (Child’s Play), Carmen Moore (Nancy Drew) and Bronwen Smith (Firefly Lane) as six best friends from college who reconnect for their 25 year reunion. 

When Rachel, played by Michelle Harrison, receives life-changing news, she secretly grapples with her mortality while playing host to her friends who have grown up and gone their separate ways since college. Carrie, a mother of 3, Natalie, a workaholic neurosurgeon, former football star turned sportscaster Collin, and playboy man-child Danny join Rachel and her husband at their picturesque home on the beautiful and secluded Bowen Island. As soon as they are all together it’s like no time has passed; they laugh, drink and dance the night away. Rachel’s nostalgia is echoed by the group as they realize how much time has gone by, and how much they have all changed. As secrets are revealed, they are forced to change the way they look at their futures.

The film, which had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival, has already been winning Canadian audiences over, with an expanded run and was held over in theatres in major markets including Vancouver and Toronto.

Laura Adkin, born and raised in Vancouver, BC, began her career in the film and television industry almost 20 years ago. She started as an actor then moved behind the camera as a producer, writer and director. As a filmmaker, Laura has produced numerous films that have played in film festivals around the world. Laura was handpicked for a female directors initiative through Disney and was selected for the Women In the Directors Chair Career Advancement Module. 

Re: Uniting is written and directed by Laura Adkin, produced by Krista Rand (Grand Unified Theory) and Stirling Bancroft (Sniper: Assassin’s End) serves as director of photography and Josh Epstein (Adventures in Public School, Eadweard) is Executive Producer. Re: Uniting is the first feature film in the world to be colored with the Barco HDR Lightsteering projector; a state-of-the-art technology sweeping the cinematic world from international tech company Barco. 

Gravitas Ventures, an Anthem Sports & Entertainment Company, has acquired U.S. rights to Re: Uniting and will release the film on digital and cable on demand on June 4, 2024. In Canada, Re: Uniting is being distributed by Vortex Media in Canada and is currently available to rent or buy on most streaming platforms in Canada.

The film was made possible with Telefilm "partner's in production", William F. White International and UBCP/ACTRA.’

SCREENING LOCATIONS:
    
LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, New York Locations starting May 31st, 2024:
Dobbs Ferry, NY / New York, NY

New York, NY - with Q&A on June 1st, 2024 
Q&A with Re: Uniting writer/director Laura Adkin, cast: David James Lewis, Bronwen Smith and producer Krista Rand

LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, California Locations starting May 31st, 2024:
Glendale, CA / Monrovia, CA / Redlands, CA / Downey, CA 

Glendale, CA - with Q&A on May 31st, 2024 
Q&A hosted by Todd Berger with Re: Uniting writer/director Laura Adkin, cast: Bronwen Smith, Michelle Harrison & Roger Cross

LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, Texas locations starting May 31st, 2024:
Arlington, TX / Colleyville, TX / Dallas, TX

LOOK Dine-In Cinemas other US locations starting May 31st, 2024:
Brookhaven, GA / Chandler, AZ / Reston, VA / Tampa, FL

www.lookcinemas.com