Sometimes film can do something extremely eerie... it can more or less predict the future or perfectly reflect the times. George Romero managed to peer into the soul of America when it came to consumerism in Dawn of the Dead and in 1998 Director Peter Weir managed to foresee our television viewing habits down the road with the visionary film, The Truman Show. 

Truman Burbank is the most popular man on the planet. He is loved by billions, they will do anything to find out what happens next in his life and many of his fans have been there since the day he was born. The only problem is, Truman has no idea the world loves him. For Truman lives in a literal bubble, a world created just for him where cameras follow his every move and broadcast it on television. But as he grows older, Truman is beginning to suspect that life is not what it seems and has started to search out the answers as to why his life seems so perfect.  

This is, an absolutely beautiful and brilliant film. For one the concept is exactly what I said it was... visionary.  For we as a society have made it a habit to tune in as often as possible to watch the lives of others. Granted they know we are watching but we are still intrigued by who these people are, and what goes on in their everyday lives and the ratings of reality television reflect just how much we enjoy this safe style of voyeurism. But all fortune telling aside, The Truman Show is also a slick motion picture.  

The acting in the film is top notch, since it features the iconic Ed Harris, and this is also the motion picture where we learned that Jim Carrey was more than a rubber faced comedian, since his performance of Truman is absolutely sublime. He blends in as an everyman that is unaware the world has their eyes upon him and the innocence, he portrays along with the desire to be more in his life is wonderful to watch.  

Yet what truly makes the film so unique, is the unexpected positive message that it carries with it. Despite the fact that in essence, everything about what is happening to Truman is wrong in just about every sense of the word, he inadvertently became a symbol for a better world and a better life. Because Seaheaven is free of all the things we fear, and Truman is as pure as they come and well...all of it was manufactured. Man was able to finally build the utopia we have dreamt of for so long, meaning that if by chance we put our minds to it, perhaps we could someday find a way to build a world as wonderful as Truman's.

​Ironically enough however, Reality Television has become in its own right a safety net. Because by tuning into these somewhat scripted shows, we are taken for quite a ride before returning to the comfort of our everyday lives so perhaps in our own special way... we've created a unique form of escapism, where the mundane and ugly parts of our lives are lampooned just enough to remind us to be better to one another and be more in this life. Regardless, this film is an absolute must see. It's funny, smart and relevant, and in a way terrifying that it managed to figure out the next hot thing in television.  ​

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Green Knight’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we live in supremely uncertain times. For our future is up in the air thanks to the nightmare that is climate change, and it seems that evil is everywhere and eager to take hold and the people that we would expect to fight for us and keep said evil at bay, are as flawed as they come and seemingly unwilling at times to stand up and stand tall in a manner that is both heroic and brave and well, that lack of courage that gives us pause and concern. For that level of inaction makes it appear as though we live in an age where heroes no longer exist and that worry is further compounded by the fact that so many of our appointed ‘heroes’, have sullied the word with their desire to use their standing as such to indulge their own corrupt desires.

Which leaves us wondering, exactly what it will take for someone to rise up and be the hero of yore that we yearn for and well, perhaps the answer to that question… lies in an updated definition of the word. For if what we expect a hero to be is no longer in existence because of ego and corruption of the soul… then the world needs to redefine the hero and understand what it truly takes to become one in a world where everything is so incredibly gray and well, one fine way that we can redefine that meaning, is through fiction. For there we can deconstruct the hero and figure out what traits apply to our modern world and it just so happens… that a new movie arriving in theaters tomorrow, takes the time to examine what a modern hero should look like… by setting its story far in the past in The Green Knight.

Now in this particular film, we are transported back to Arthurian England, long after the king pulled Excalibur from its stone and assembled his knights. In fact, when we catch up with Arthur here, he’s an older King, one that is wise beyond his years and one that is curious as to what the next generation will bring to the table. To the point where he begins to spend more time with his nephew, Gawain, to understand what the young man wants for his future and the future of the kingdom and thankfully… it turns out that he wants to be a hero and an icon like his uncle, and oddly enough, he gets his chance to indulge in the latter when a strange visitor swings by the castle on Christmas Day. For the mysterious Green Knight is eager to put forth a contest on this day, one that will challenge a brave soul to a battle of strength to be concluded in a year after it begins. In order to properly test the moral mettle of its challenger, and now Gawain’s commitment to this challenge will put him on an incredible journey… one that will indeed define what gives life to a true hero.

Which as it turns out… is a far simpler definition than expected. For this movie makes it inherently clear that what truly defines a hero through and through; is humility and honesty and a desire to change and embrace what’s right and what’s true and what gives this message such gravity and weight… is Gawain’s journey to find those traits. For his quest to complete the Green Knight’s challenge is modern and human and wrought with temptation and mistakes and everything in between and that in turn helps the viewer to understand that heroism isn’t granted or easily labeled, it’s earned by learning those virtues and that oddly offers up great hope for the future. Since that commentary also makes it clear that there are likely more heroes out there than we think, since there are plenty of people out there on that journey as we speak and if we took the time to celebrate those traits and honored them above all else, then perhaps the hero can return to the forefront of the world.

But while it is indeed wonderful to get a more realistic and honest definition of what a hero looks like in our modern world and all the commentary that comes with that, there is so much more that this story has to offer. For this movie really is a return to classic epic filmmaking, since Gawain’s quest takes us to incredible places, the kind that tickle the imagination and the soul by harkening back to the wonder of this era. For we are treated to visuals of the round table and noble knights that stand tall, and we even get to see Excalibur in all of its glory. But what matters more here, is that the fantastical is everywhere to be found in this tale, which allows for the viewer to lose themselves in some incredibly stunning visuals… the kind that remind us why we fell in love with these types of stories in the first place and why we hold them close to our chest centuries after they were first put to paper.

Which means that in the end, this is simply a magnificent motion picture through and through. One that is fantasy fable come to life and its majesty extends beyond its solid moral core and jaw-dropping imagery. For it also features wonderfully crafted characters, the kind that have depth and hopes and dreams and that particular surprise adds so much to this tale and oddly grounds its fantastical nature in reality. Plus it also features phenomenal performances, with Dev Patel leading the way in that aspect, since his portrayal of Gawain is earnest and raw and vulnerable, and well… if you’re looking for something original in an era of cinema where reboots and remakes are king, then swing by your local multiplex this weekend and give this refreshing and dynamic film a look, you’ll be glad you did.

There are so many things in life that can hold you back from your potential and some of us just decide that it might be too hard to move on. Taking the easy path of not trying something new because of what our past has shown us may not be the right way to deal with this. Not every outcome will be the same, even if the situation seems to be. You never know what the future will hold for you, especially if you do not fear the outcome good or bad. It is always good to keep looking forward for the next opportunity since they do not always present themselves in the most opportune times. 

Melvin acts like he is down on his luck, but he is living the life that he has made for himself. With drugs and alcohol being his primary reason for living, he is also looking to become a father to his son who lives with his ex. With his best friend Luce trying to keep him pointed in the right direction, Melvin veers off the path and always falls back into his old habits. Having the power to control objects with his mind, Melvin has never attempted to even remotely become a role model, much less a person that wants to be in front of the cameras, he just wants to get by with his friends.

Never being the bad guy, Melvin has used his powers here and there to take out the evil element around town that the police are too busy to deal with. But this cannot be told to the courts to help him get his son back and even though his ex, Doreen knows what he is capable of, she will not allow her son to be around him when he is still battling his inner demons. Melvin tries to clean up, but it will take a life changing event to make it happen once and for all. Partying every day and night has taken its toll on Melvin and even his superpower cannot stop the inevitable from happening to him, since he still is a mortal man. Getting a second chance, Melvin tries to prove to Doreen, Luce and himself that he can be the man he was destined to be, and at least to be a part of his son’s life for another day.

Shot in documentary style, I would say that this is really more of a character study than a superhero movie. But you do have a superhero in it who has put himself in a situation that he does not want to get out of, at least until he finds out that he will not be able to be a part of his son’s life if he doesn't change. His best friend Luce serves as Melvin's conscience and even when he is down, he knows that his friend needs a kick in the butt to make stuff happen for him. It was not what I expected from a superhero movie, but when you get an in depth look into what it is like to be a hero and you're not able to live up to the expectations that are thrust onto you, you get to see how different people with special abilities cope with their problems. A good movie and I must admit that it did shock me since I am not a huge fan on the documentary style movies.  

There is nothing wrong with trying to be a part of something special, shoot, most of us strive to find that one special thing. For some folks that is appearing on television and despite their best efforts they sometimes find themselves overlooked for such a thing because someone else has the perfect look or attitude that the producers are looking for. Although they may have more of a drive than the other person, it does not mean that they would be better suited for it, even though it is all that they want in their heart. Just keep reaching for the stars and when the perfect opportunity comes along, you will always be ready for it, no matter what.

Watching his favorite television show Ghost Getter, Louis has gotten the best news in his life, they are looking for a new member. Trying his hand at a paranormal investigation in his house however he finds that his friend Stan is cold and tired and trying to sneak into the house. With his audition tape contaminated, Louis is looking for a new location to shoot a ghost hunt to get on the show, but haunted locations are difficult to come across, so he is forced to keep his eyes and ears open for anything that comes along.

Working at the copy shop, Louis gets a customer that wants to have people stay off of his property, but not listening to the concerns of the old man, Louis only hears that the place is haunted. Needing to get a team together like Ghost Getter has, he first gets Stan’s buy in but quickly finds out that they are not properly equipped to manage a hunt of this magnitude. Hitting up his nephew Zak for all of the equipment he can get from the electronics shop, Louis is forced to give another spot on his team to the shop's security guard Ross who catches the group taking what they need. Now up to three members, Louis needs a psychic who can talk to the ghosts and seeing Madame Victoria on television, he knows that she will be the perfect fit. With the team in place, Louis gets a visit from Ellie who works next door and offers her a chance to do something special as well, besides the fact that he has the hots for her.

Louis and his shiny new crew make their way to an undiscovered haunted barn and set up for a night that they will never forget. With plenty of gear, the group moves throughout the barn and is able to find a mysterious mist, along with capturing an EVP that does not want them there. But that is not the only thing happening in the location as Victoria goes missing and the group needs to find her before the ghosts have their way with the psychic. But when Stan and Zak go missing as well, Louis turns into high gear and searches the place more closely and finds out that they are not alone in the haunted barn, but it is not ghosts that are doing the damage.
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Just a load of silly fun when all is said and done. I love haunted house programs and while I don’t see any evidence of a place really being haunted, I like to see what the groups think is happening. Louis is the same in this and wants nothing more than to be a part of something special and showing that he has the chops to be on the most popular ghost hunting show would fulfill that dream. With plenty of strange things happening around the barn, it is difficult for anyone to think that there could be a living person involved, because it is a ghost hunt and there should not be anyone else there. I love the interactions between the group members and while Stan and Ross steal the show, there is a bond being formed between the members that cannot be replaced by anyone seeing a ghost, much less getting hooked on meth.

Five Takeaways

1. Ghosts can be anywhere or anyone that chooses to be one.
2. Listen to the complaints about a home, most of the time it is just the plumbing making the noises.
3. Make sure that none of your ghost hunting team is paranoid, it could make for problems.
4. When investigating a location, make sure you are the only living people there to avoid contamination of the evidence and no ill feelings will come against you.
5. Always take a paintball gun with you, enough said there.

There are some motion pictures that simply captivate our attention the moment we discover them. You know the kind the film. It's the one where you basically stop everything that you are doing at that moment and settle in, transfixed, because at this point in time, you simply cannot get enough of what is playing out before your eyes.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), often times those kinds of films are of a dubious nature. It's usually a B Movie, a rough one at that, and the film simply turns out to be nothing more than a guilty pleasure for us. We know our tastes deserve better, but hey, why not treat ourselves to a little mindless entertainment now and again. The fact of the matter is, we all have that one silly movie that sucks us in and mine...is the over the top, super cheesy... Road House. 

Now we aren't going to talk much about the plot of this film today. Because, if you're reading this you already know the movie and what it's about. Second to that, for the five of you that haven't seen this flick, go watch it and come back here when you're done, because despite the fact that this movie is rough for a lot of reasons...it's also universally beloved. In fact, for a film that makes you cringe watching it years later, people still watch and love this motion picture and I think it would serve us best to spend more time today looking at exactly why this film holds such a special place in our hearts, despite the fact it is a giant bucket of cheese.

The first thing I think that catches you off guard and absolutely sucks you in is the fact that it happens to take place in a world without rules. Cause and effect is a big deal in cinema, where everything the characters do have major consequences for the most part, and while there are indeed some consequences here... for the most part the folks in this film do whatever the hell they want and get away with it. I mean, you only see local law enforcement in the film one time at the absolute end of the story, and every awful thing that happens in this film is treated like it’s no big deal when they arrive. But holy crap it should be. I mean a lot of people died in this flick, mostly at Dalton's hands and no one seems to worry or care about that. Not to mention the raving lunatic that Brad Wesley is. He demolishes a freaking car dealership with a monster truck and there's not a police officer in sight. 

It's something you simply don't see in cinema that often and that suspension of the real-world rules somehow makes Dalton more of a badass and Wesley something akin to a super villain and well... you instantly have to know how it ends. Which brings me to my next point. I think the film's greatest strength, believe it or not, is the sheer fact that it plays this entire, over the top story, as straight as an arrow. Nothing here ever feels like a wink or a nod to the audience. Dalton is portrayed as a super serious character and apparently a legend in the bouncing industry, which I was unaware was a thing, and well it works. You believe it and you buy it and all the crazy things that come with it. 

Because of the fact we are given this fantasy world where it's every man for himself, and because the film doesn't treat the over-the-top source material as a joke... the end result is extremely watchable. In your heart you know it's silly. You know few of the things that happen are remotely possible, but you absolutely eat it up. You want to see Dalton kick some serious ass. You want Brad Wesley to get everything that's coming to him you and don't want the story to end. It may be a B movie posing as something else, but I'll be damned if it isn't a good time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Unchained’.

While television and film have made some serious progress in regard to portraying women on screen in a more positive and earnest and equal manner, we can never forget the fact that for a long time… women were seen in a vastly different light in tinsel town. For there are so many movies and shows from yesterday, where women are portrayed in a supremely negative fashion. In fact, it used to be so incredibly rampant, that a strange exploitative sub-genre of films that were focused upon women popped up in theaters in the 70s and 80s and these movies were perhaps the lowest point of how women were portrayed on the silver screen.
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For the ‘Women in Prison’ sub-genre simply subjected women to horrible scenarios, the kind that really did feel gratuitously twisted since they placed their characters in extended and wild scenarios that put them through utter hell both mentally and physically. Why exactly this was deemed a good idea, we may never know, but these movies were so out there and so uncomfortable that in more recent years, there are directors and actors that have tried to wipe away their unfortunate memory by putting forth movies where badass trapped women… fight their way out of their respective situations in an empowering and kickass manner. And it just so happens that a brand-new movie in that vein, that also works to offer up a little social commentary, hit the digital market this week in Unchained.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a woman named Aella who is going through quite the rough patch in her life. For the bills are piling up and the right jobs are nowhere to be found and well, just when it seems her life cannot get any worse, fate finds a way to prove to her that it can. For she is so desperate to believe in something and find a way forward that she accepts a strange invitation to star in a major motion picture. A move that turns out to be quite costly since the invitation was designed to help her to lower her guard so she can be easily knocked out and kidnapped, and when she awakens from her forced slumber… Aella quickly comes to discover that she has unwillingly been selected to participate in an underground fighting organization. One complete with individuals that will kill her if she doesn’t comply and now, she must dig deep and fight hard in every sense of the phrase, to escape this maddening world.

Which is at first glance, a plot that quite frankly… doesn’t seem all that progressive and in all honestly, a fair chunk of the film, really is something of an homage to those old ‘Women in Prison’ films. Since the colorful and weird characters that are keeping Aella and her new companions hostage, are straight out of those old films and they are eager to punish her physically and find great joy in doing so. But thankfully, rather than stick in the past, eventually this movie starts to move the plot forward in a more positive manner by having Aella actually fight back in all the right ways and that leads to some satisfying moments for certain, the kind that have you cheering and rooting for Aella and her friends when they finally take the fight to these unsettling jerks. 
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Plus, there was mention of the fact that this movie has a little commentary on our modern world present within its framework and we would be foolish to not talk about that as well. Because it does do a fine job of pointing out some of the toxic and exploitative behavior that men in power tend to exert upon women, in the hopes of giving all of us something to recognize in public so we can perhaps… say something on the matter. Also, the movie does have a lot to say about how the rich are viewed in America, by way of the behavior that the rich jerks in control of this fight club exhibit. Since they more or less view Aella and her fellow inmates as nothing more than products and pawns. Which is a particular plot twist that hammers home the fact that so many Americans view the rich as out of touch with the rest of the world and truly see it in a different light.

But while those are some fascinating points for certain and while Aella’s plight pays off in the end, this reviewer has yet to answer the million-dollar question… is this a solid/watchable movie?  Well, the answer to that question is yes. Because there are some great fight scenes present in this, and it does offer up a mostly positive portrayal of women and it is that latter point that does hold this movie back a bit, unfortunately. Simply because, it could have left the WIP homage out of the mix and it wouldn’t have hurt to have a woman take a pass at the script and the story and that’s important to speak to, because those elements will be off putting for some. But if you can overlook those mistakes and if you’re looking for an intense movie, one that features some satisfying beatdowns of scuzzy guys, then take a moment and give Unchained a look.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Archenemy’.
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It is definitely safe to say that the superhero movie, rules the roost in Hollywood. For Marvel and DC have taken the cinematic world by storm with their big budget and quality realizations of stories that ignited our imaginations as children and well… it simply isn’t a summer movie season without a superhero saving the world on the silver screen. But while people flock to these movies en masse and understandably so, since they are about as entertaining as it gets and offer stunning visuals and A-list performances… there is a backlash starting to form around these films. For some filmmakers would like to see some of that studio cash be invested in more intimate stories and the legendary Martin Scorsese, has outright stated that he doesn’t think that superhero films are cinema.
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Oddly enough, his bold and brave words, ignited quite the debate about the superhero film, prompting others to question their merit and their depth and their sustainability since the norm for film is that big movies and big franchises can only captivate people for so long. But while we can debate the finer points of whether or not superhero movies are good for cinema or not, they are at the moment… here to stay and as popular as ever and really, the questions that filmmakers should be asking with this kind of debate raging, are how do we improve upon them, and how do we take them to the next level and make them cinematic in nature? Because every genre out there is ripe for improvement and tweaking and superhero stories are no exception to that rule, and it just so happens that AMC+ is now host to a movie that is hoping to serve as the blueprint for the future of the genre from a cinematic standpoint, in Archenemy.

Now in this particular film, we are transported to a part of Los Angeles where a unique urban legend resides. For word on the street, is that this part of town is host to a fallen superhero. One that came from another dimension and is now trying to find a way forward here and well, most folks in this neck of the woods are growing tired of this urban legend. Because the only person telling it over and over is a homeless man named Max Fist who seems pretty unremarkable, outside of his drinking skills and well… just when it seems Max is going to be written off as a mentally ill vagrant, the curiosity of a young writer named Hamster… brings his story into the limelight. In fact, it goes viral, and Max is so grateful for this opportunity to be heard, that he takes it upon himself to watch over Hamster and that’s a good thing. Because dark forces in this city have descended upon Hamster’s home after his sister Indigo makes a grave mistake, and that motivates Max to keep them safe by way his surprisingly incredible strength and it is also a decision that is going to change the lives of those surrounding Max, in ways they never thought possible. 

Which at first glance is a plot that seems more grounded in drama than anything else. Since it is hard to comprehend that a homeless man with a wicked cool jacket is anything more than a mentally ill creative man who likely fell upon hard times thanks to substance abuse. But thanks to some surprises along the way that we won’t spoil here, it quickly becomes apparent that this is in fact, a fresh take on superhero stories and well… it is what this movie has to say about the genre and what superheroes and heroes in general mean to us, that make this a refreshing motion picture. Since it works hard to hammer home that we crave these stories because they offer us not only a sense of inspiration, but great hope. For these stories feature genuinely good beings that believe in all the right things we are taught growing up, and seeing someone enforce a moral code and fight for the unjust really does send our spirts soaring and that’s reflected here by way of Max’s decision to defend the innocent and stand tall in the face of adversity.
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But where this movie truly shines, is in its commentary on how anyone can be a hero and what it takes to become one. Because what we often forget when it comes to this type of story, is that most of the heroes we follow in comics and film and television, don’t have to worry about physical harm since they are host to great powers and just have to show up and kick some butt. But in the real world, heroism is a choice. For brave people choose to put themselves in harm’s way and since Max doesn’t have powers here, he represents the everyman that wants to be more, that wants to do good. And if by chance we all dig deep and really fight for a great cause and push ourselves to be more and to do more to save innocent lives… we too can be heroes and that is a lovely message to take away from a gritty superhero film, one that genuinely satisfies.

Because this really is a superhero flick unlike any other and that’s thanks in large part to the unique story and setting it presents us with. Something that is further enhanced by the stunning visuals present in this film and the quality performances present here as well. Since Joe Manganiello is simply wonderful as Max Fist and he is complimented nicely on screen by Skylan Brooks’ performance as Hamster. Plus, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for a pair of appearances from two normally comedic actors by way of Paul Scheer and Glenn Howerton,  the latter of which outright steals every scene he’s in as 'The Manager'. In the end however, this really is quite the compelling superhero story, one that does a fine job of demonstrating that these types of films can indeed be cinematic and beautiful and deep in ways we never thought possible. So, if you’re looking for a different kind of superhero story to enjoy, log into your AMC+ account and give this one a look.

Where would we be if we did not know where we were going?  Having direction in our lives applies to more than getting to a location, but why we need to get there. If we do not know where we are going, we will just be walking around in circles and not trying to move forward in any way. There are many people that have an idea where they need to go and have the drive to get them there, while others wait mindlessly for someone to show them the way. There is a vast difference between the leaders and the followers in this world and you must make up your mind as to which one you want to be.

Josh Keys is in the middle of teaching a class when the men in black suits come calling. Not telling him why they are in need of his assistance, Josh is thrown into a room full of dead bodies with his good friend Serge and the two must figure out what killed them all. Figuring out that it was a disruption in the earth’s magnetic field, Josh takes what little information that he has back to the lab and starts digging even more. Not believing what he has found, Josh implores the help of the highest-ranking scientist in the nation to double check his work and verify that the earth is in trouble.

Doctor Zimsky cannot believe the findings from the college professor and tries to disprove it but cannot. Needing to brief the government on what is happening to the world and what is causing the strange events is left to Josh who keeps it as rudimentary as possible and tries to come up with a plan to save the planet. The earth’s core has stopped rotating for some reason and there are ideas on how to get it spinning again and the only way to do so is to dig. Needing someone that has the knowledge and know how, Zimsky and Josh head out to Utah to find Brazzelton and see what techniques he has developed over the years. 

Although Brazzelton does not like Zimsky for professional reasons, he joins the team and with the help of the government, he is able to build his drill on a massive scale to try and save the planet. Having a small window of time to work in before the planet starts to tear itself apart, the team all get on the same page and make their descent into the earth’s core and try to save humanity. Since there is little known about the inner workings of the planet, the mission is more of a crap shoot and the team will have to improvise until reaching their final destination. Needing everyone at the top of their game, the team gets past their differences and does what they have to do to save the planet from extinction in the Sci-Fi movie, The Core.

I remember watching this movie years ago when the end of the world was on the minds of almost everyone when all of the asteroid movies came out. For some reason, The Core got lost in the mix, but it should not have. With the focus being on something that might actually be possible, it puts our current technology to the test, along with showing how different people would deal with the situation. Having to find a computer hacker to tie up the internet to keep the story from moving too quickly would have to be my favorite method that they use to keep the world from getting out of hand when there are only two options of saving the planet. With massive electrical events blasting the planet as the end of days moves closer, no one seems to be aware of what is actually happening, with the exception of the government and the scientists that are putting their lives on the line to stop it. A good movie to check out again if it has been a while, you never know what you will find when watching it again, you may actually like it even more. Happy Viewing.