We live in a fascinating time when it comes to love and romance. For gone are the days of going to the club or somewhere fun to find someone to date in our youth, and the same goes for having targeting spots to attempt to grab the attention of that potential partner when the party scene gets old. Instead, all of that has been replaced by the simplicity of technology. Wherein we can log into a particular app and meet someone that we find attractive in all arenas and see where it goes, and well… that fascinating feat has brought about a great deal of discussion and debate in our modern world. The kind that really has started to ponder upon the power of technology and whether or not it can accomplish the wonders we hope it will.
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Because there are so many people out there, who have serious concerns over using a device to create a connection. Since people can hide behind devices and create their own magical world and persona in doing so. Plus, those same folks have concerns as to whether or not the spark we all desire can actually be generated through a device and well, the horror stories we sometimes hear about online dating… more or less confirms some of those fears. But like it or not, technology and online dating are here to stay and there are enough happy stories about those experiences to balance out the concerns and well, as online dating and technology continue to grow in popularity, popular fiction is now starting to explore what love through a phone looks like, to help all of us understand this brave new world. And it just so happens that come Friday, Amazon Freevee will be host to one such story.

For the network’s first original film, Love Accidentally, will make its debut then and well, it is indeed a fascinating exploration of how love through a device can come to life, which this story brings forth by plunging us into some tough romantic times for a pair of work rivals. For in a single day, both Alexa and Jason are dumped by their partners, people they truly thought would be the one. And as they continue on without love in their life, an unexpected switcheroo of numbers when Alexa gets her work phone replaced… leads to a powerful and honest, and anonymous, conversation between the two of them. One that elicits feelings they’ve never had before for another person. The kind that could lead to happiness everlasting, provided of course they are actually willing to remove the specter of anonymity.

Which is a plot that not only explores the digital world of dating and love through technology to a tee, but it also addresses our concerns about it and why those concerns are unfounded in an intelligent manner. Because while it may seem awkward to watch Alexa and Jason, do their best to build a connection without ever knowing who is on the other end, seemingly proving the age-old point that digital dating is fantasy and they're indulging too deeply into it, their digital decisions are no different than what we do after a breakup or when we decide to try and get into the dating scene again. Because both digital daters and real-life ones test the waters and work to make new connections when they start over and they also keep people at bay to heal, and they hope with all their hearts that they've found true love when the butterflies arrive, like our forlorn lovers do here, and it is important to showcase that parallel for one reason and one reason alone.

Because as this romance progresses, it becomes clear that online dating or a romance through a conversation… is indeed as healthy and as impactful as dating in person. For it offers us a chance to really speak with someone on a fundamental level, free from expectations or outdated dating strategies and etiquette and just… feel a connection. Which is what we all want, and this type of dating allows for us to get right down to building that connection and really see where it goes and endure all of the pratfalls that we find in regular dating. Since both characters here risk hurt if they can’t move past their rivalry or their fears and concerns about love. As to whether or not they overcome that and find love through their accidental connection, we simply will not spoil here.

In fact, you’ve likely noticed that this review focuses heavily on themes and concepts over heavy details and there is good reason for that. Because we simply don’t want to spoil a contemplative film. One that really does explore so much more than we’ve covered in this review, for this movie really is a fascinating look at modern dating and everything good and bad that accompanies it and that does make it a worthwhile watch and the best news of all, is that you can see Love Accidentally in just a few days. For this motion picture makes its debut on Amazon Freevee on July 15, 2022 and we certainly hope you give this inventive and refreshing romantic comedy a look, because it really is a fun and thoughtful ride.

The 4th Thor movie drops today, and it is a pure joy. Marvel has been delivering amazing movies and shows for many years now, but Thor: Love and Thunder takes the prize for the funniest and most enjoyable movie, out of all of them. This movie had its comedic timing down to a perfect science. While it is a great laugh, it has its more tender and serious moments too. No need to worry for a Thor recap, as it does all of that for us. From the first Thor movie to Endgame and beyond, Thor: Love and Thunder gives a great oversight as to how we got to where we’re at.

They even explain Jane and Thor’s relationship, giving us insight into what really happened between the two. There are some amazing throwbacks to the other movies and even a great moment with the Guardians. Let’s not forget the best part about the entire movie, Korg. I’m not saying he’s the best sidekick, but I’m also not saying he’s not. The entire movie really handles the post-Thanos world in a different light. Giving great cameos, and hilarious scenes that really take the edge off of some of the more serious topics. This is easily the best Thor movie in the entire franchise.

The movie explores the God Butcher on his quest to kill all the Gods, feeling as though they had wronged him. Thor parts with the Guardians to take up the charge in facing this new enemy, along the way, he discovers his former love, Jane, has taken up the mantle of the Mighty Thor. Thor has to come to terms with his former hammer choosing Jane over him. With the help of King Valkyrie, the three set out to fight the evil God Butcher with Korg by their side. Not all is as it seems however, and while there is a villain, there is also so much more to the story. Let’s not forget, it is a Marvel movie, there are two post credit scenes that are well worth the wait. In the end the title of the film ends up being much deeper than originally thought. Above all, the movie is truly chalk full of love, in all its forms.

Let’s also add that Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor is well worth the wait as we finally get to see Lady Thor in action. King Valkyrie takes the cake as my all-time favorite Thor character, and I stand by that choice 100%. Not only does she slay it like the King she is, but Valkyrie holds nothing back in this movie. It’s the perfect summer film to go see and enjoy, with a very intense plot throughout the humor. Truthfully, this movie opens Marvel up to a whole new realm of possibilities and then some. Not that I’m going to spoil anything here, but let’s just say we might get that God-on-God fight we’ve been waiting for.

With all the action, there’s plenty to look forward to. Marvel knows exactly how so work a good fight scene and follow it with something more tender. This film does a lot to really explore Thor’s character. We’ve watched as Thor went from a young arrogant prince to a lovable goofball, but let’s not forget how capable he truly is. We finally get more into Jane’s character and even a little insight into Valkyrie. Korg’s journey is the best part of the movie. There are, of course, some very surprising characters we get to meet and its a touching moment. All in all, this movie delivers more than just a good time. It adds to the Marvel Cinematic Universe without stabbing the feelings out of us like Endgame. It’s much lighter than Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, with some genuine heart behind it.

And yet, the age-old question always remains, however, who would win, Zeus or Thor? Guess we have to wait to find out.

The disaster film is an American staple of cinema. These are motion pictures that manage to take us on one incredible ride by creating a feast for our eyes, by showing us the impossible and they often times find a way to draw tears from our eyes with their grand and sweeping stories. Yet despite the fact this genre of film is often a giant success at the box office, it features stories that are often forgotten after their run-in theaters, and in reality, only a handful have managed to stay in our hearts and withstand the test of time. 

One such film from this genre that has stayed with us over the years is 1996's Independence Day. This is a disaster film that remains a beloved favorite to this day for so many reasons. It transcended the genre by adding sci fi into the mix and it's memorable and lovable characters helped add a magical charm along with a sense of fun to the story as well. The movie did so well in theaters that a sequel was inevitable, but rather than simply churn one out, Director Roland Emmerich let the idea for a second entry in the series simmer on the back burner and now...twenty years later that story has finally arrived with Independence Day: Resurgence. 

The plot we won't spend much time breaking down today for several reasons. For starters, this is a film that is best experienced in theaters with a group of people because there are some pretty incredible moments that play with your emotions, so we will be avoiding spoilers for certain and second, we already have a pretty solid understanding what the core of the story is about; the vicious aliens that nearly destroyed earth in the first film have returned to finish what they started. So, what truly needs to be discussed today are two key elements when it comes to this story. Is the movie any good and does it manage to hold a flame in the slightest to the beloved original? 

So, with that in mind, let's get right down to the big first question...is the film any good? Absolutely, in fact it's a blast. Resurgence does one great thing when it comes to the story, it keeps the fun going. There is plenty of action and adventure to satisfy the audience through and through and truly, it's a blast to see a good chunk of the original cast return to reprise their roles and see what kind of people they have become after (as the film refers to it) The War of 1996, and the utopia that mankind has built after the War of '96 is a beautiful one to say the least. To imagine an alternate timeline where 2016 features a planet free of war and petty differences is simply wonderful and, in a way, I wish the film had spent a little more time on that.  ​

That's important to mention and discuss because that leads us right into the second important element regarding this film... whether or not it holds a flame to the original and well, the answer to that question is yes and no. From a standpoint of the scope and power of the action sequences, it buries the original. The ships are bigger, the aliens meaner and that does raise the stakes for humanity in this film, yet at the same time, Resurgence is missing a key critical element that we found in the first film...charm. One of the reasons we hold the original so near and dear to our hearts is because of the fact that we were instantly drawn to the colorful characters and their respective journeys.

That's simply not here in this entry of the story and that's a shame because it's clear that Roland Emmerich made this second chapter in the saga with the expectation to become The Empire Strikes Back of the story; that dark and disturbing chapter where the characters go through hell to see the light of day and there are moments in this film that accomplish that with some heartbreaking and tear inducing moments from the characters that you frankly don't see coming. Yet, despite all that effort to take us on a darker journey, the focus on action and adventure over character development is what hurts this story more than it should.  

However, despite the film's flaws, Emmerich and company deserve kudos for trying to do something new with the sequel to such a beloved film and that's really the biggest takeaway for anyone planning on seeing it, go in without expectations. Just clear your mind and enjoy the ride because this really is a different kind of story, one that is clearly setting the stage for a grand finale and one that more importantly, is entertaining and fun. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll hoot and holler at the breathtaking actions sequences and that's all you can really ask for; because that's exactly what all of us were doing when it came to the first film, which makes Independence Day: Resurgence a fun popcorn film that's absolutely worth seeing.

There was a time in cinema when the disaster flick was king. You would take an all-star cast, put them into harrowing situations where either a natural disaster or man made one surrounded them and turn the drama loose. It made for some compelling moments on the big screen but alas the disaster flick disappeared. 

That is until the late 1990's when Director Roland Emmerich, fresh off of the success of Stargate brought forth a wonderful concept. Take the awesomeness of the disaster flick and combine it with science fiction and the end result was a cult classic that I know I pop into my Blu Ray player on a regular basis... Independence Day. 

The world stands shocked. Mankind has always pondered as to whether or not we were the only intelligent life in the universe, but when giant, city sized spacecraft from the stars hover above metropolitan areas around the globe, we discover that we are not alone. But this grand discovery leads to a more important question, are these alien beings friend or foe? And the answer is one that will lead mankind into a fight for its survival on the only world it calls home.  

First and foremost, Independence Day is a special effects marvel. With an incredible combination of practical and CGI effects the invasion is pulled off to a tee and it certainly leaves the audience in awe. At the same time, we are treated to some fine performances from Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman but alas, this is a film not without its flaws.
 
For one, there are some absolutely unbelievable and cheesy moments in this action/disaster/alien spectacular, and sadly there are elements of pure American bravado that can actually be off putting. If you're not sure what I mean, go listen to the epic and hammy speech made by the President near the end of the film. His declaration that July 4th would no longer be an American holiday was one that caught foreign audiences off guard. And rightfully so, sure it’s fitting in the film but unnecessary to point out since the movie clearly establishes the aliens are willing to murder everyone on the planet.  

Yet, despite the cheese and machismo vitriol, the film works in many other ways because once you get past the goofy stuff, the movie is a damn lot of fun. Yes, there is nothing intellectual to be found here and well, there shouldn't be. This is a motion picture about aliens and humans duking it out in epic fashion and we get just that. Will Smith delivers some of the best one liners in years and we get a few hours of pure fun that can never be replicated. Independence Day was truly lightening in a bottle, the perfect storm of comedy, action, fun all while re-energizing the sci fi genre and bringing the disaster flick back to life.  It's one worth watching for the fun factor and honestly, one you should probably own.