It’s easy to slog through daily life with little thought given to the worlds outside our own. After all, modern life is busy and filled with mundane tasks, everyday responsibilities, and a myriad of ways to distract ourselves should we happen to become bored. One could easily avoid pondering on the larger picture without difficulty, and to be fair, our world is filled with such worrying news on a daily basis, the desire to fold safely inside one’s own world is completely understandable.
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Every day, life throws at us a litany of small annoyances and frustrations. There are daily demands placed upon us that can leave us little energy to attend to anything else. One can become so absorbed simply getting through the day to day that life can begin to feel bleak and gray and stuck. But that is never permanent because all it takes is a single spark to set us free, as we see in You Are Here.

This film finds a middle-aged gentleman, Peter Kleebold, amid yet another day behind the desk in his insurance office, half-listening to a phone call, when he comes across a headline on the day’s paper: our Milky Way galaxy is now known to contain more than 250 billion stars. In an instant, his mind is blown, and his world flipped upside down. He is at once having an existential crisis, one that sends him seeking answers far afield.

Sometimes less really is more, as evidenced by this moving film. For it does harbor a brief running time. But what it accomplishes in that time, is supremely impressive. Because it manages to take us on an engaging journey that features so much depth, and so much incredible meaning, and that is likely to inspire anyone who watches to take a new look at world around them and invites them to find the simple beauty in the world, and universe, that surrounds us all.

This lovely film features stunning cinematography and a features a powerful message about the transformative value of getting outside the bubble of one’s own life; how we never know what catalyst will lead to a shift in perspective or a new sense of purpose. For that is one of the grandest and scariest parts of life, that we never know what any given day will bring and what changes lie ahead, but the more open we are to embracing life as it is, the richer it can become.

​If I’ve learned one lesson multiple times, it’s to not bet against the capabilities of a Pixar sequel. No matter how much time has elapsed or what questions about the new film’s direction may arise, the sequels always seem to deliver. Almost a decade after the original, Disney and Pixar return with Inside Out 2, this time examining an additional group of emotions emerging inside Riley/s mind. It captures all the charm of the original, continuing the world-building with a new emotional journey. 
 
When the concept for this sequel dropped, questions emerged about how it might incorporate new emotions into the mix, especially since the first movie had done such a great job of explaining the role of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, and how each of those work together to color memories as more complex emotions. With that foundation, many wondered if there would be a need for new emotions, or at least how any new emotions could be added into the already established formula. Fortunately, the introduction of the team of new characters is seamless (and their arrival scene is among the funniest). The debut of the new emotions plays off of the character growth of the core group of emotions quite well. Just after the original five had learned to work with each other in navigating their place in Riley’s world, they’re pushed by four new outsiders around what they believe is best for Riley. On top of that, Joy is sill holding onto some semblance of control, seeking to send the more negative memories to the back of Riley’s mind to repress them from her sense of self.
 
The tone of the original continues very intact, with great humor to personify the workings of the inner mind (like a literal stream serving as the stream of consciousness or the sar-chasm leading to a mocking tone as the gang tries to communicate with other characters). However, the time between the two installations led to some changes for the franchise, too. Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling were notably recast. While you certainly notice their absences as much as you might expect, their replacements - Tony Hale and Liza Lapira - fill their shoes. Helping to cover those gaps are newcomers Maya Hawke (Anxiety) and Ayo Edebiri (Envy), who do a stellar job. Both truly show their range as voice actresses, bringing two of Riley’s most crucial new emotions to life. Anxiety in particular is the driver of the film for the new team. Envy and the two other new emotions - Embarrassment and Ennui - are a little less fleshed out, but still provide solid supporting moments. 

Inside Out 2 mirrors the original’s impact, while pushing into fresh territory. Where the first focused on how the core emotions reacted to a variety of external factors (like a big move to an unfamiliar city and a lack of friends in a new school), the sequel is more internal. It examines how Riley feels about herself, about who she is at her core, how she fits into the world around her, and how she combats the ups and downs of those new feelings that come with puberty. She wants to join the cool girls she idolizes at hockey camp, but that comes at the expense of her childhood friends, so she navigates the awkwardness of managing relationships and trying to fit in. Both sets of emotions attempt to sway her in either direction by attempting to control her core beliefs with the memories and characteristics they feel are most important. 
 
In the Bing Bong tear-jerker moment of this movie, we get a really honest and meaningful resolution to Riley’s journey to understand her sense of self. For a stretch of the movie, Riley's inner-self repeats either the line “I'm a good person” in her more joyful moments, or ‘I'm not good enough” during her struggles. Rather than a surface-level ending where she only acknowledges the good, it culminates in a more layered understanding of who we are as humans: a series of lines play, starting with both “I'm a good person” and “I'm not good enough”, but continuing with a refrain of other reflections, both positive and negative, like “I'm a good friend”, “I'm selfish”, and “I need help sometimes”. Additionally, the film thoughtfully portrays a panic attack, illustrating how intense the experience feels and shedding light on the impact of anxiety on an individual’s mental health. 
 
The film’s score does its part to tug on the viewer's heartstrings, too. The delicate and emotional notes that paced the first film return and the main Inside Out theme melody is reprised in big moments. One of the emotional climaxes leans heavily on the score: while Riley reconnects with her love of hockey, the ice-skating song from the original (“Free Skating” by Michael Giacchino) is revisited beautifully by Andrea Datzman in “Glide and Joy”. The soundtrack also keeps the action going with some upbeat, rock-heavy tracks to back the hockey scenes. 

​As always, Pixar shows its prowess in the physical design of its characters and the visuals of its created worlds. All of the characters and backgrounds look stunning, with so much detail put into each. The hair, texture, and colors of the emotions really pop, especially on the big screen. Like its predecessor, this one also sprinkles in some creative alternative animation styles as a change of pace. We see Bloofy and Pouchy, a dog and a fanny pack from a children's show that Riley used to love, inserted in a fun 2D style. Lance Slashblade, a video game character that Riley had a crush on, appears in a blocky design straight out of a console. And we pay a visit to Riley’s imagination, with characters storyboarding ideas that transform from a pencil sketch to the traditional Pixar style. Each of these provide a fun visual contrast throughout.
 
This movie might also be the jolt that theaters needed this summer, emerging as one of the first true summer blockbusters of 2024. As Fall Guy, Furiosa, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes brought in lower than expected numbers and prompted some to worry about the future of movie-going, Inside Out 2 scored the biggest box office debut of the year and secured the second-biggest opening weekend for an animated movie of all-time (behind Incredibles 2). 
 
Inside Out was a perfect movie, and the follow-up rivals it in a lot of ways, maybe even jockeying to be my favorite of the two. Like many of the other Pixar sequels - and in particular Toy Story 3 - this one does an exceptional job of growing with the audience, continuing to be relatable to the adults and teens who grew up with the first movie, while still delivering important messages to a new generation. It presents an honest look at mental health, examines our perception of our self-worth, and shows that it’s okay to feel all of our emotions through all of our good and bad days. It truly captures the Pixar magic with a quality story for the next wave of viewers - and for our inner children. 

We are taught when we are growing into adulthood, that one of the big secrets to finding happiness in adult life… involves obtaining a special type of intimacy. Specifically, wherein we surround ourselves with a select few individuals who we can be completely and utterly open with. One of whom should be a partner or significant other since that signals a true love, while the rest should be that inner circle of amazing friends, all of whom we know we can trust with our deepest darkest secrets and who understand us and support us and can be open with us as well, and truly… we take this lesson to heart. For we all yearn for connection, and we search for this when we head out into the world.
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Yet, what is fascinating… is that so many of us… struggle to find this true connection. For sometimes the friends we think are the ones that will be with us forever, come and go faster than expected, and sometimes we find those lovers and partners that end up being quite the joke. Wherein they are emotionally unavailable to us and/or go to great lengths to keep our emotions and their own at bay. And of course, in the 21st Century, we all have questions about intimacy in an age where apps and texting don’t fully represent the human emotional experience just yet. Which leaves one to wonder… how do we find it, and is it possible to obtain? Well, it just so happens that a brand-new motion picture answers those questions in Daddio.

Which this film accomplishes by taking us on quite the unique and intimate journey on a chilly night in New York City. Wherein a woman has returned home from her travels and climbs into a cab to return home to settle in. But whilst in that cab, she strikes up a conversation with its driver, a man named Clark, and oddly… the two connect on a fundamental level. One that prompts them both, to open their souls up to one another bear their biggest secrets and hopes and dreams. For both are starving for intimacy of any kind and who better on this night to supply it, than kind strangers with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Which… brings about a unique story for certain. One that is, in many ways, a technical and storytelling marvel through and through.

In large part because we are treated to a simple story in a simple setting. One that features two strangers chatting away about everything and anything in just a cab, and that is something we simply haven’t seen in a very long time. In fact, this really is reminiscent of the golden age of cinema. Where stars of yore would just sit there and wow us with powerful monologues and conversations and that’s precisely what we get here with some modern twists and well… it works. Because you’re captivated and riveted by every single second, which speaks to the wonder of Christy Hall’s amazing script and direction and the incredible performances that Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn send our way.
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But technical wonder and top tier acting aside, there was mention of lessons to be found here and the film does deeply explore how intimacy falters and how we find it. Since the story looks deeply at how the real problem is that so many of us want intimacy… but close ourselves off to protect a relationship or a friendship out of a silent worry that intimacy is what ruins them when in fact intimacy is what saves them. Not to mention this story reminds us that intimacy is easy to find… we simply have to take a chance and be open to talking with others and be unafraid in showcasing who we are to people that we feel a connection with. Because no harm can come from that and who knows, they may be exactly who we need in life. All of which teaches us that despite understanding the lesson… we are our own worst enemy when it comes to what we crave.

All of which brings forth a brilliant motion picture. One that is intimate and powerful, and truly unlike anything out in cinema right now. Because it is just so rare to see a story be set in a singular place in this manner and spend so much time exploring elements of the human condition that we lament but don’t explore and it truly is captivating from beginning to end. In fact, you’re left wanting more from this story because of how incredibly good it is. But what matters most, is that it really does take the time to teach us how we can obtain what we deeply desire in this life, and how important it is now more than ever, to be open with one another and to be kind with one another. Because you simply never know where that will take us, and what it can do for our lives.     

Childhood can be a magical time of innocence, wonder and imagination. It can also be heartbreakingly cruel at times. It is no wonder that as adults, we strive to protect the innocence of children for as long as possible. We want them to enjoy the wonderful feeling of believing in magical ideas because we know all too soon the world will make that difficult if not impossible. It is admirable to preserve childhood innocence, but we must not discount the fact that while they may be young, children are keenly observant and highly curious beings that can tell when they are being deceived by adults. No matter how kind the intentions, discovering one has been lied to or at least mislead is a jarring and unforgettable experience.
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This moving film explores just such an experience in young Sally’s life as her family prepares for their Christmas party. Like any six-year-old, Sally is far more interested in playing than submitting to Magda’s attempts to make her picture perfect for the upcoming event. Unfortunately, as anyone who grew up as the only child or far younger sibling can attest, often there is no one else to play with. No problem, children are perfectly capable of amusing themselves, although it can get a person into trouble from time to time.

It is glaringly obvious that her family is keeping secrets from Sally when they fall silent when she surprises them by running into the room where they were having a heated discussion. Everyone is so completely preoccupied by their own doings that Sally is rendered practically invisible amongst them, spare Magda, who finally completes her mission to pin bows to Sally’s pigtails while she sits writing her list for Santa. Sally watches her mother, a celebrated chef, preparing items for the party and asks to help. Her mother seems startled by her presence and comes up with an impossible task for Sally: go get the potatoes from the panty.

Quickly realizing how difficult the task will be, Sally cleverly spots the rolling laundry cart which would be perfect for the job. Following the cart into her sister’s bedroom, Sally is instantly distracted by Mariah’s clothes and makeup. She is having a fantastic time until she realizes she’s about to be caught red handed, or in this case red lipped. She makes the impulsive decision to jump into the laundry cart. From inside this laundry cart, Sally learns all the secrets her family have been hiding from her and discovers a shattering childhood truth.
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It is clear by the end that Sally, exquisitely portrayed by the revelation Kynlee Heiman, is a changed person. Her innocence has been shattered and her world forever transformed. It speaks to the devastation one feels after discovering deceptions by those we love most. How sometimes it is far kinder, even though difficult, to be honest with others lest they find out some other way.

This superb film, written and directed by Danicah Waldo, invites us to consider the things we all hide from each other and ourselves. That perhaps we could all benefit from more open communication, even when it is difficult. Because through honest communication we gain better insight and understanding of others and ourselves, better connections which is something we human beings strive for. As Danicah Waldo so poignantly put it in the film’s press kit: “We deserve to talk. We deserve to stop hiding in the laundry basket.”

We live in quite the frustrating time when it comes to dating and love. Simply because the dating landscape is something of a mess right now. After all, it now has a digital component that oddly allows for people to be at their absolute worst because of how easily one can step away from a potential partner through deletion or a swipe. Plus, no one really seems to have an understanding of what they hell they want from a relationship. They just want to be in one and/or they want to rush right into marriage and everything it has to offer and all of that is just supremely overwhelming, as are other components of the dating world.
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For intimacy is also something that appears to be a lost art form and a lost desire. Since everyone wants to keep it casual when they can, and/or just get right to the sex. Because romance and chivalry are apparently dead. But if that was the case then people wouldn’t be frustrated and crying out for something different in the dating world. For so many are asking, what will it take in 2024 to find a partner? Well as it turns out, there are answers to that question… but they’re not the kind that everyone will be pleased to hear. Because it’s not just the people we find in the dating world that are the problem, we can harbor our own issues that need to be addressed and fixed so we can date and love the people we deserve to and it just so happens that a new motion picture screening at Dances with Films, explores all of that in Spark.

Which is a feat that this film accomplishes by introducing us to an individual named Aaron who, is struggling to find the one. For it is one failed relationship after another for Aaron, and all he wants is to find his other half and well… one fine day before a birthday party, he may have done just that. For Aaron is tasked with driving around Trevor as part of the celebration. And it just so happens that Trevor is a dashingly handsome, James Dean type, that is enigmatic and shares in an attraction with Aaron, and it doesn’t take long for the two to fall for one another and enjoy intimacy. But there remains one problem with their partnering, in that… it somehow resets Aaron’s day. Forcing him to relive and reconnect with Trevor every time their draw to one another takes hold, for reasons that aren’t clear. But the longer Aaron spends in this strange time loop, the more he comes to realize that he is not the only one repeating the same day over and over and that there are some deep-rooted reasons within both their souls… that are preventing them from escaping this time loop, and from finding the love they crave.

At first glance of course, that plot appears to be nothing more than a rehash of Groundhog Day with some modern twists, with some hints of Memento thrown in for good measure as well. But as this film plays out it becomes apparent that it truly is a grand exploration into modern dating and the strange barrier that so many seem to find in achieving a lasting love that brings joy. Which this film correctly points out, relates to two key elements. In that, so many of us… don’t love ourselves or respect ourselves enough. Something that is critical to finding real love. Because if we cannot find peace with who we see in the mirror, we cannot find peace with the person we want to wake up next to, and we will only attract people that value us in the same way we value ourselves. So, we must learn to love ourselves. Because without that, we cannot do what really must be done to achieve a sustainable and lasting love.
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Which is… to be able to open up our very souls to the person we want to be with and show them who we are and what we are made of and stand for. For we must be intimate with others and show them every bit about ourselves to really love someone and vice versa, and yes, there’s risk involved in that. For they could hurt us, or others have, and that possibility and reality is likely why… so few are willing to take that step right now. Because that is what is truly missing from the dating world, the desire to be intimate. And until people are willing to do that, and until we find happiness within ourselves, we will be no better than Aaron and Trevor in this tale. Locked in an endless loop of what could be, from which there is no escape, despite knowing full well what we need to break the cycle since we do see some cognizance of that present in this incredibly brilliant and magnificent feature.

Since it truly does analyze so much about love and the human condition and the flaws we harbor, and the fear we carry and how all of that, traumas included, impact love and give rise to frustrations that don’t have to be there. Plus, this is a motion picture that is also quite timely and progressive courtesy of its non-binary cast members and LGBTQIA+ perspective. One that informs us in a very subtle manner, that so many of us experience the exact same things because… we are all one… and that, labels and stigma when it comes to love, are stupid. For love is love, and we all deserve to love ourselves and love someone special in this life and well, all of these elements, and some fine performances as well… make this an important film. One that truly explores a major problem in our world in a frank and powerful manner, and offers tough answers, so that anyone stuck in the quagmire of dating, can light the spark that shows them the path to the person that will love them completely.

To purchase tickets for ‘Spark’ at Dances With Films, click here.

It is definitely safe to say that modern society, harbors deep worry about the health and future of our youth, for a bevy of reasons. Some of which are grand in nature. For the unrest present in our world and the current state of the climate, have us wondering what kind of world our children will inherit. Since the outlook there at times seems quite grim. Not to mention, the fact that school shootings are now commonplace leave so many wondering if their kids will even live to see tomorrow, and there is… a growing unrest amongst some of our youth. As though they are fighting something deep within, and that seems to be driving them down dark paths that there is no recovery from.
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All of which has parents wondering… how best to take care of their kids and discover what exactly is bothering them, and how best to quell that, so kids can be kids and make those joyous memories we make in our youth, before the burdens of the world wash over us. But alas, there seems to be no easy answers. For one could cite the unrest that surrounds us as the cause, or perhaps… those concerns about tomorrow have been imparted upon a generation and they cannot rest easy with darkness on the horizon. Or perhaps… there are simpler answers that we are missing. The kind that we everyone could see if we collectively just took the time to really analyze family life in Modern America. For then we could really understand why our kids are frustrated and angry and well, what that could be is top of mind today, because an upcoming film on BET+ will explore such matters in great detail.

Which makes Young. Wild. Free. an important and poignant film that uses quite the unique plot to get its point across. For this is a story that introduces us to a teenager named Brandon who, is struggling to get by in life. For his mother isn’t always present and worries more about herself than Brandon and his siblings, and he of course, is trying to put food on the table and lay down a future for himself with minimal results. Which has Brandon feeling lost, hopeless and full of anger and frustration over tomorrow. But a chance and terrifying encounter with a thief and free spirit named Cassidy, unlocks something special and scary within Brandon. A calling that prompts him to fight back against his current path, and forge one to his liking, no matter the cost.

Which is a story that makes it clear that one solid reason why our youth is in a tough place, is because our kids don’t get to be kids. They’re expected to grow up too fast and/or they live in a home where parents don’t want to be parents and for teenagers, that’s a catastrophe. Because they’re grappling with enough as is. Change at every turn, an understanding that so much is on the horizon, and to add parenting into the mix, and incredible responsibility, can prompt a young person to snap. Because they cannot process their emotions, much less their day and all of that is internalized and gives rise to explosions similar to what we saw here. Which makes this a poignant story that speaks to how parents must be present, must guide and must understand the need to be part of their kid’s lives, and that is an important reminder in an era where the self, matters more than the whole.
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But while that brings about a fascinating perspective and a fascinating story regarding some of the world’s troubles… there are more wonders to be found in this tale. Because it also explores another aspect of teenage years that we don’t really talk about at all. Which is the importance of maintaining one’s mental health and the importance of being in touch with one’s emotions. Because those go hand in hand with great parenting and help young people to grow and properly prepares them for adulthood. And that is handled in a manner here that is inventive, creative, and shocking. Plus, one cannot go wrong with the fact that this story explores so much about the human condition and the struggles we all face in 2024 since this film ponders upon the modern family unit and its woes and how that too is something children and adults must learn to reconcile.

All of which brings forth, a stunning motion picture. One that is an absolute must-see, and is in many ways, a coming-of-age story that is grounded in the harsh darkness of reality. Of a world that doesn’t always offer happy endings and perfect paths to peace. Which truly does make this a timely and important feature that you can see in a matter of days. For Young. Wild. Free. makes its debut on BET+ on June 27th, 2024, and it is definitely a film that will stay with you long after it has come to an end. Courtesy of its powerful portrayal of the lost nature of our world and its hard lessons on how we can still fix it, if we turn our attention to what matters most in our households… and our lives.

We are living in quite the fascinating time when it comes to how our fellow human beings are perceived. Simply because there is a grandiose, generational battle, taking place when it comes to this. Wherein the old guard is determined to keep prejudice and negative connotation alive while the new guard… wants all to be accepted and viewed as people over anything and given every chance to grow with that perception. And of course, this battle is locked in a stalemate at the moment, since for every gain every side makes, there are setbacks and more battles to be fought. Leaving all of us to wonder… how the new guard will win. 
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Because sadly, keeping the old garbage thriving also helps others pick up that mantle and fight the fight and let’s be honest… this is a battle that seems endless. Since there have been different versions of this fight for as long as humans can remember. But believe it or not, there are ways to settle this, and ways to finally help people understand the problem with prejudice and negative connotations and one way to do that… is through storytelling. The kind that showcases how stigmas are stupid and how we all share in journeys that are profoundly moving and inspirational and that is why, a brand-new documentary on PBS is of note, because Love, Jamie manages to accomplish such feats.

Courtesy of a powerful story that revolves around the power of friendship/chosen family, and how creativity binds us and should be celebrated and how we should never be ashamed of who we are, and all of those elements come to life in this story, courtesy of an introduction to Gabriel. A transgender individual who is close friends with Jamie. A Mexican American transgender individual that is incarnated and well… was struggling when the two met in 2013. But through letters and phone calls, they built a bond, figured out how to support one another and Gabriel figured out how to make Jamie’s dreams come true. For Jamie is also a talented artist and sent many a sample of her fine work to Gabriel over the years, the kind they compiled and helped to bring to show at a gallery. Giving rise to Jamie being seen… and heard… through her work. 

​Which really is… quite the powerful story. One that speaks to how chosen family does indeed matter since they will support us through thick and thin, and how creativity is food for all and tells amazing stories we can relate to, a story that Jamie was finally able to tell through Gabriel’s efforts. One that showcases the wonderful person she is and the journey she’s been upon. But truly, this incredible moving story is powerful for reasons that go beyond those elements. For starters, it is in fact, a technical marvel. For this is that rare documentary that doesn’t walk us through what we are seeing. It immerses us in moving moments that express raw emotion, so that this documentary can indeed accomplish what it sets out to do.

In that… it tears down stigma, it tears down walls, courtesy of a story that at its core… is just about the human condition and the wonder we all share in and the ties that bind all of us. One that is free of labels, stigma and stereotypes. Certainly, there is acknowledgement that Gabriel and Jamie are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but that is necessary to place here, to really point out how we are in fact, all the same, we all harbor in similar experiences. Such as supporting each other in our dreams and in life, and we simply put labels around people for reasons that do not make sense… when we should not. For what matters more here is the powerful journey that this duo goes upon and what they learn on that journey and how we should attentively hold to that over anything else.

Because when we listen, we learn, we understand, and we bond. And that… is how we combat the noise, and that… is how we silence the voices that cry difference where there is none. Which makes this a poignant and stunningly important LGBTQIA+ story, one that rightfully belongs in the Pride Month pantheon, and that people should see immediately and share with others. So that learning can take place, so we can celebrate the majesty of experiences that do differ from our path, and so that others can be privy to this inspirational story about two individuals that came together across the silly roadblocks we put up, to accomplish wonders. For that is the true wonder of the human condition and that is what we should be striving for. 

An Update on Jamie’s Story: In January 2024, Jamie experienced a major stroke and was transferred to a prison medical facility. As of May 2024 she served 29 years in prison. Jamie's stroke has impacted her mobility, dexterity, and communication. She is improving everyday and hopes to return to painting soon.

She was recently granted parole early and was released this past Friday, May 31st, just days before the June 3rd premiere of the film on American Masters. The film’s co-subject Gabriel Joffe met Jamie at the gate as she was released. On Sunday, June 2, Jamie and Gabriel went to the Pride festival in Dallas. This was Jamie’s first time ever at a Pride gathering.

Watch ‘Love, Jamie’, part of the PBS American Masters series, here.

It really is quite amazing how much storytelling freedom there is in the streaming era. Because stories that we simply have never seen before and might not ever reach the airwaves are commonplace now, and they’re allowing for us to enjoy stories from fresh voices and sit through fresh ideas that captivate our imagination and wow us with their originality. If anything, the majesty of streaming is top of mind today, simply because once again… we are about to be graced with another fresh and compelling story. For earlier today, BET+ let it be known that it will soon be home to a fascinating feature entitled, Young. Wild. Free.
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A coming-of-age story that features a high school senior named Brandon who finds himself embroiled in a love affair and a new chapter in life that is dangerous and alluring in nature. All of which will bring forth a captivating tale that we can relate to through the frustrations of being a teenager, all while enduring a story that takes us into a dangerous world, we know nothing of, and to properly celebrate the announcement that this feature will arrive on BET+ on June 27, BET+ made sure to release a trailer as well and details regarding this dynamic feature. Which we will share with you now, so you too can prepare to be whisked away by a movie that is as original and engaging as they come.

SYNOPSIS:
Being a teenager is rough, and Brandon (Algee Smith) is no different. Between struggling in school,
caring for his two younger siblings, and having just been let go from his job, Brandon often uses his art as an escape from the confines of his subdued day-to-day life. Enter Cassidy (Sierra Capri), a bedazzled bad girl dripping in confidence, freedom, and danger. Lured in by her whimsy, Brandon teams up with Cassidy, seamlessly slipping into the role of Clyde to her Bonnie as they make their way down an
increasingly perilous path.
 
CREDITS:

• Network: BET+
• Director: Thembi L. Banks
• Screenplay: Juel Taylor and Thembi L. Banks
• Story: Tony Rettenmaier & Juel Taylor
• Cast: Algee Smith, Sierra Capri, Sanaa Lathan, Mike Epps
• Production: MACRO Film Studios, Confluential Films, and No Label Productions
• Executive Producers: Codie Elaine Oliver, Charlotte Koh, Prince Baggett, Jo Henriquez, Mark R. Wright,  Jenna Cavelle, Tony Rettenmeier, Juel Taylor, Thembi L. Banks, Sanaa Lathan
• Producers: Charles D. King, James Lopez, Poppy Hanks, Tommy Oliver, Baron Davis, Tracy "Twinkie" Byrd’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Savoring Paris’.
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One particular type of motion picture that takes a great deal of critical flak in this day and age, is the ‘starting over’ film. The one where someone who is unhappy with their life, packs up their bags and moves someplace else to find themselves and uncover what they really want out of life. And what allows for these films to take heat is the sheer fact that they are so fluffy in nature and feature no consequences for the actions that the characters perform. Because in reality, just hitting the rest button on our lives and moving say… cross country… isn’t some simple task, as these stories portray. In fact, a lot goes into this.

Since we need money to sustain ourselves, we need a place to live, and we need to find out what we really need and want in life to find peace, or we do this all again. And audiences want those types of deeper explorations to take place and want to learn more about the process… because sometimes we feel a need to just blow up our lives and start over and a guide would help. But alas, audiences just aren’t getting that guide from these types of films, and they really are done with the puff and fluff they often offer. But thankfully, the networks and studios are starting to hear that feedback and they are slowly making changes to this type of feature so that it does have more meaning for audiences and for proof… then look no further than the fascinating ‘reset button’ film that hit the airwaves on Hallmark Channel last night.

For Savoring Paris just so happens to serve as the anthesis to what a lot of these films offer, by offering a more detailed and realistic look at this decision. But of course, at first glance, that doesn’t seem to be the case. For we are introduced to a woman named Ella Weber in this film, who finds herself at a crossroads. Because her career isn’t giving her what she needs, creatively or from a fulfillment standpoint and outside of work, she doesn’t feel the call to settle down in a traditional manner. All of which, overwhelms her to no end and prompts her to fly back to the one place that offered her joy ages ago, Paris, to clear her head. But after a short while, she decides that she should stay for as long as possible and enjoy all that Paris has to offer, including cheese, while she finds herself and her direction, and potentially… love along the way.

All of which really does seem like a by the numbers reset story. Since Ella does all the things that one comes to expect in this type of story. After all, she dips into her savings to stay in Paris and enjoy its comforts and its freedom, and of course, there is a love affair present here where two men vie for her attention and her heart. But all of that exists to make the viewer comfortable, as though they are indeed just settling in for more of the same and once that comfort is present, does this story shift gears and offer up different concepts. For instance, the decision to just quit her job is revealed to be more than impulse and foolish and reckless abandon to be a ‘free spirit’. It’s about finding freedom for Ella, about having control and a say in her life’s events and that is a concept that is rarely explored in these films.
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The same goes… for the fact that this story focuses heavily on Ella taking time for herself, to really reflect upon her life and how she got to this point, so she doesn’t make similar mistakes going forward. Which brings about gentle moments of inflection and even moments of powerful self-discovery. Wherein Ella begins to uncover the truth she seeks about herself, and she is even honest about what she wants in her love life, to the point where she sets boundaries and offers respect and isn’t some foolish, love-lorn woman that will only find peace through matters of the heart. That part of the journey is about finding someone to compliment her over making her complete, because… she wants to feel as though she can be more and is on a path that is fulfilling and nurturing for her soul and that is just wonderful to see present in this type of story.

Not to mention, the movie acknowledges the risks of going this route financially and how it might be best to have something to fall upon before we go this route and that makes, for one refreshing story. One that engages and teaches, courtesy of those magnificent plot points and some fine acting as well. With Bethany Joy Lenz leading the charge as Ella, since she portrays Ella with an honesty and a vulnerability that we can relate to through and through and well, all of these elements make this story, essential viewing. Simply because this really is that rare ‘reset your life’ story that is grounded in realism over fantasy, since it correctly and wonderfully points out… that starting over in life is more than just packing our bags and taking a chance on life and love. It requires dedication, self-care and self-work and an understanding that we need to make peace with ourselves, in order find peace in our lives.

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Fall Guy’.
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As the summer movie blockbuster season kicks into high gear. I wanted to take a moment to discuss The Fall Guy (Universal Pictures; 2024). A film that, for me, has all the elements a true summer blockbuster needs to make it worth your while. So, grab your popcorn and settle in while we look at three reasons why The Fall Guy is the perfect summer blockbuster.

Nostalgia Meets Meta
Billed as an action comedy, The Fall Guy is loosely based on the TV series of the same name (20th Century Fox Television; 1981-1986). Of course, we see Easter eggs paying homage to this series. Including our lead – Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) – who shares his name with the Lee Majors lead of the 80s. Colt also drives one of the same brown and gold GMC K-2500 Sierra pickups as his 80s counterpart. There’s even a newer version noted to be “product placement.” *NICE!* Even if you’re just hearing about this television series for the first time, one must admit that as far as nostalgia goes, this is excellent!! Plus, there’s a mid-credit cameo by Majors himself. Along with Heather Thomas, who also starred in the series. *AWESOME!*

Tying even more to the 80s series, Gosling’s character ends up smack dab in the middle of a murder mystery. Not quite the same as Lee Major’s character, who plays a stunt man by day and a bounty hunter by night. Still, the film does a fantastic job of marrying the two by setting Gosling’s Colt Seavers on the hunt for answers.

Beyond the OG series, we are taken into an extremely meta environment as we’re watching a movie of people making a movie wrapped inside a whodunit crime caper. There are constant film references. Jokes on and about the industry. Name drops and more. With plenty of self-deprecation, it never feels over the top. It’s cheesy in all the right places. As well as generally fast paced and downright hilarious throughout. And let’s not forget some banging music with the likes of Kiss, AC/DC, Taylor Swift, Phil Collins and more! *HECK YEAH*

With all that going for it, you’d think it would be enough. Yet… one of the biggest things to sell this film is character dynamics. Of which, we see in spades!!

Character Chemistry
Gosling’s love interest – Jody Moreno – played by the beautifully talented Emily Blunt, is the flawless yin to Colt’s yang. Their chemistry is electric and is an absolute joy to watch. A love affair gone wrong after Seavers’ suffers an injury during a massive stunt. The audience watches as the pair are suddenly thrust together once again on the set of Jody’s new movie Metalstorm… HAHAHA, that name!! Adding the romance element to an action comedy isn’t usually done in such bold fashion. But writer Drew Pearce (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation; Paramount Pictures – 2015), weaves all three elements splendidly and I LOVE IT!! Both Gosling and Blunt are at the top of their comedic game here and their romantic harmony shines bright! Simply put, The Fall Guy is surprisingly a PURE romcom (*YEP!!) wrapped inside an action movie which was something I didn’t even know I needed… LOL!!
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Though I could go on and on about our leads, they aren’t the only ones with enigmatic chemistry. Many of the other characters blend very well across the film. Including Colt’s best friend and Metalstorm’s stunt coordinator Dan Tucker (Winston Duke). They are hysterical together and truly come across as though they’ve been friends for years. We also see very strong performances from Aaron Taylor-Johnson who plays Tom Ryder. A huge action star and a ridiculously silly – albeit somewhat true –parody of what we see in the industry today. Hannah Waddingham as Ryder’s manager and the producer of Metalstorm, is the textbook eyeroll as an industry giant whose main concerns are money and image… OF COURSE!! Another fun character is Ryder’s personal assistant Alma Milan (Stephanie Hsu) who’s brilliant against Gosling’s seemingly aloof yet ultimately witty portrayal. Finally, many of the movie within the movie characters as well as those in pursuit of Seavers round out a powerhouse team of talent and all of them bring the laughs throughout. Though, there’s one more thing that makes this film blockbuster material… oh, the wonderful stunts!!

A Love Letter to the Stunt Community
Directed by David Leitch, an actual stunt performer himself, The Fall Guy is literally a love letter to the stunt community. And boy does it live up to this homage. Having directed such huge hits as John Wick – uncredited (Summit Entertainment; 2014), Atomic Blonde (Focus Features; 2017) and Deadpool 2 (20th Century Fox; 2018), Leitch knows EXACTLY what goes into the bones of an action movie. Couple this with his stunt background, he knows even more what it takes to pull off mesmerizing over the top action sequences. Of which, The Fall Guy, is jam-packed. *DAMN STRAIGHT* Including, at 8.5 rolls, breaking the Guinness World Record for the most cannon rolls in a car. Completed by Logan Holiday, this feat is spectacular to watch. *AWESOME!!* As are the fight scenes, car chases, “on-set” action, and more.
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It’s also worth noting that those in the stunt industry are often overlooked when it comes to praise for any given film. The Fall Guy aims to change that by showing us just how much stunts and those who perform them matter. As it stands now, awards such as The Oscars, do not recognize stunts as a category and it’s high time that changes!! #OscarsForStunts *HECK YEAH!!*

Finally, this amazing love letter is introduced by Leitch and Gosling in a small, yet comical, prologue which kicks off the fun and let’s the viewer know that we’re in for a treat. From there, the laughs, action, stunts and chemistry build into a silly and glorious climax that give us – the viewer – exactly what we want… EVERYTHING!!

Ticking all the megahit boxes can be difficult, but with a mix of action, comedy, romance and meta overload, The Fall Guy is a hoot and a half. It brings all the feels and then some!! *BIG GRIN* And though it’s currently available to stream, I encourage any movie fan to hit the theatres on this one. For The Fall Guy is, as they say… a good time at the movies… and TRULY IS the perfect summer blockbuster… and you should see it if it is still available in your area!!

Until next time.