It is definitely safe to say, that we live in quite the divisive and frustrating time. Because for some reason, old haunts hang heavy over our world, the kind that we as a society thought we overcame and buried… and we are also at a point in human history where riches untold are out in the world… but not everyone is able to enjoy their spoils and benefits. For so many are mired in struggle and are sometimes unable to afford basic living services and needs, while there are others out there… who enjoy a ridiculously lavish lifestyle. Which has divided the world into the haves and the have nots, and the haves care little about what happens to anyone else, and that has brought forth some understandable frustration over the past couple of decades. The kind that just so happens to be boiling over as the days continue along.
​
Because people are eager for change and in need of help at a time when Chief Executive Officers and Billionaires enjoy riches untold while some people cannot afford a loaf of bread or a house payment and that has brought forth calls for that change, in a loud and vocal manner. And such discussions have also left us wondering… why change hasn’t come to the world… and why these individuals continue to grasp and clutch at every dollar and dime when they could in fact, do good in this world and make it a better place since hey… you can’t take the cash with you. But instead, frustrations still grow, simply because these folks just worry about their balance sheet, and that also leaves us wondering… why? Why go this route and be this way and well, it just so happens that a new motion picture that premiered at FrightFest on August 28, explores the very answers to those questions.

Which makes Failure! quite the unique and fascinating story. For it simply takes us, into the world of a CEO named James, who is dealing with quite the crisis when we are introduced to him. For he is struggling financially after spending years enjoying the fruits of inherited wealth and he must now decide what to do with his family’s company and factory. Because holding onto a legacy will lead to financial ruin, but selling off the factory will keep his lifestyle alive and well… he truly does battle what path to take. Simply because… he cannot fathom a life where it is one or the other, and his path toward the hard call is further complicated by the reality, that others now see this as an opportunity to enjoy their slice of what’s left of a rotten pie. Now, at first glance… that is a plot that seems grounded more in a reckoning of sorts, instead of a character study and analysis on what drives men like this.

Because such a reality would indeed force an everyman to really ponder upon their life choices and who they are and what they stand for. And that’s precisely where this film… begins to dive into those all-important questions. Simply because… we come to learn as this film goes along that James only cares about image and money and that brings forth a fascinating character study. One that explores how men like James and the other rich buffoons of the world, are forged and taught horrible lessons about how to live and how to function. The kind that allows for them to be deeply out of touch with the everyday world, to the point where what they value is vastly different than the rest of us, and they go through the motions often to appear as though they care about what everyday folks do. When in fact, it’s just about the money and legacy, and standing for them.
​
Which more or less puts forth a story that informs us, it will require change on a more fundamental level to even things out and really put guys like this in their place. Because they are devoid of empathy and devoid of the emotional wealth others carry. Which in many ways makes this movie an angry tragedy, one that engenders only disdain and pity, since none of the characters here are redeemable or worth rooting for, but that is the point. This is supposed to be a raw look at the men of the world that hide behind their money and power, and it truly is mission accomplished there, and one big reason this motion picture works so well and sells its bleak examination of what makes a Billionaire or CEO tick… are the performances. For they are raw and visceral, and truly… it’s one man that leads the charge regarding this: Ted Raimi. For he plays James in this tale and is simply sublime in the role, courtesy of the realism and gravitas he brings to the character, and the wonder of this movie doesn’t end there.

Because it is also a technical marvel. One that accomplishes something that two classics attempted to bring to life. For Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope and Josh Becker’s Running Time, were designed to make it seem as though they were filmed in a single take. But this particular movie, WAS shot in a single take. Which is incredible to say the least but speaks to the talent on display and behind the camera, and that also allows for a genuine intensity to play out here and… that makes for a supremely engaging experience, one that grabs hold and does not let go and well, in the end… this is quite the impressive motion picture. For it is poignant and powerful, and it truly offers up a fascinating examination of people in our world that are in many ways mysterious, and it really does inform us of the strange world they live in, and how it will take some hard action to get them to come crashing back down to reality.

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
One particular aspect of modern stories about dreams, and our pursuit of them, that is quite fascinating, is how they have become so incredibly realistic in nature. For tales revolving around dreams used to be quite fluffy and majestic. Where the only real hardships a character would ever deal with in chasing their ultimate dream, was themselves. For they were filled with doubt, filled with fear and once they stood up to those internal problems, wonders would take place on the screen or on the page. For these noble folks would rise, seize the day, and seize their dream, and of course… they would enjoy peace untold. Because according to those stories, grabbing hold of the dream is supposed to solve all of our problems, and well, those fluffier concepts simply no longer appear in stories of this caliber.

For now, they point out that grabbing hold of our dreams doesn’t solve all of our problems. They do solve plenty mind you, but hard work has to go into finding real happiness, the kind that involves self-work and discipline and healing. Plus, these stories also inform us now that life doesn’t stop, when we’ve reached the top, and we should be prepared for that. And this evolution doesn’t end with stories in that vein. For even tales that revolve around those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, where someone that believes their dream is a long shot, gets the opportunity to grab hold of it… are no longer stories that feature meteoric rises to the top. No those too are grounded in more realistic moments now, and even reflect moments in our world, as evidenced by the new Sony Pictures/Playstation Entertainment feature, Gran Turismo.

A feat that this story accomplishes, by retelling the incredible tale of Jann Mardenborough. Who back in 2011, used his vast knowledge of the popular game of the same name of the film, to win the GT Academy. Which afforded him a chance to drive for Team Nissan and allowed for him to live out his life-long dream of becoming a professional racer. But of course, we only know the end of that tale and that’s why this film is so engaging and refreshing. For it truly dives deep into the concepts we’ve just discussed. How one person’s shot at obtaining their dream doesn’t mean that they will suddenly be a dynamo at it and wow the world with a skillset that will prompt everyone that ever doubted that person to feel nothing but regret and foolishness, and shame.

No instead, this is a story that informs us… that an underdog shot will instead bring forth, incredible challenge. For while a person may indeed be gifted and motivated and ready to enter a new career field, there is a learning curve, and it is a tough one. Because now, that person is learning on the fly and doing their best to become a master in record time, and we watch that happen with Jann here. For while he understands the core concepts of racing, the nuances, the realities, and the hardships of being a winner behind the wheel, are presented to him in a fast and furious manner. One that challenges him like never before, all while offering us a realistic look at what he went through to reach the top, while also showcasing the dedication and drive it takes to do so. Which brings forth an inspiring and powerful film that pulls no punches on chasing our dreams and offers so much more.
​
Because this is also at its core, a hardcore racing film, one that offers up plenty of scenes on the racetrack and that leads… to some intense and breathtaking moments. The kind that plunges us into the various races themselves in a manner that is visceral and intense. In fact, on several occasions, this writer could hear people in the theater gasping for air and reacting in shock over how intense things would get during the racing sequences. Which is a testament to Neill Blomkamp’s stellar direction. Since making the audience apart of the race is no easy task, but Neill accomplishes it here courtesy of stunning visuals, quick cuts, and let’s be honest… characters that we care about. Since Jann and his team are people that are genuinely good and genuinely relatable, and we want to see everyone here defy the odds and grab hold of their dreams.

But of course, it takes great acting to have an audience properly care about the characters, and that is present here as well. Since David Harbour and Orlando Bloom are electric as Chief Engineer Jack Salter and Nissan Executive Danny Moore, respectively. For they help to ground the story and offer fascinating perspective on the pursuit of one’s dream. But it is Archie Madekwe that steals the show here, for his portrayal of Jann Mardenborough is nothing short of spectacular, since he brings real honesty to the role and sells the hunger Jann harbored within. And all of the elements bring forth, a phenomenal motion picture, one that you should absolutely see. Because it is high-octane, feel-good entertainment. The kind that inspires us with truthful lessons, about how we need to be prepared to give our dream our all when the time comes to obtain it, and to always say yes to any opportunity that comes our way regarding it. Because you never know if a singular moment will be the one to give you the chance you’ve been waiting for.

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the television special being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
One unfortunate truth about our world, is that we as a society, struggle with celebrating diversity, in every way imaginable. For we still struggle with equality for all, and we still have a tendency to judge people based upon the color of their skin or the behaviors they exhibit in life that differ from the ‘norm,’ and that is unfortunate. Because we are all human beings, and it shouldn’t matter if we happen to be a different race or are neurodivergent, and it is quite silly and unfortunate that we are still pointing out this flaw in our world in the year two-thousand-twenty-three. However, while it is a shame that this is still a thing, progress is being made in our world.

For there are organizations and people fighting for equality for all, and they are fighting hard in the face of adversity, and our understanding of mental health and the various variations in thinking and behavioral patterns that exist in humanity is growing by the day. Allowing for people to be educated on such matters and think differently at last, and oddly enough, pop culture is leading the charge in this education. For representation and cultural celebration is happening often now in pop culture and there are even stories that champion neurodiversity and those behavioral shifts that far too often, people judge and avoid. And it just so happens, that Apple TV+ is now home to one of the boldest iterations of this type of forward-thinking storytelling. 

For Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie is streaming on the network now and this Peanuts Gang special examines what introversion looks like in individuals and how it works and how it should not be all that defines a person, and it pulls off that grand examination by giving us a story that is Marcie centric. Because as it turns out, she is someone that embraces the behaviors of an introvert and well… her ability to find balance in life, so she can have what her mind needs to keep her happy, is put to the challenge when her decision to step in and solve some of the school’s problems, make her a hero in demand. Which is the perfect way to explore that subject matter.

Because that allows for education to take place. Courtesy of scenes that showcase what introversion actually is, and how it isn’t a label or something quirky or weird about a person. It is in fact, how some individuals process their energies and life in general, and that doesn’t make them less or strange, it makes them individuals that simply harbor different needs, and mindfulness regarding those needs, so they feel comfortable and eager to contribute. For folks that deal with introvertive tendencies do indeed have plenty to contribute. For they see life from different angles, and that can be supremely helpful and well, all of those elements make for a powerful story, one that really does leave the viewer with plenty to think about, and it of course, will mean the world to anyone that relates to Marcie. 

Since it will remind those individuals that they aren’t an outsider or problematic. They belong, they are seen, and they deserve respect and celebration. Because they’re not different, they just see things from a unique perspective and well, that really is some lovely messaging to find in a Peanuts special, and that should come as no surprise. For this franchise has always looked at life through the lens of Charlie Brown and his many friends, and his awesome beagle, Snoopy, but this is by far one of the most important specials this franchise has ever brought to bear, and one of its boldest. And hopefully, this is a harbinger of things to come from the world of Peanuts and hopefully, you take the time to watch this special with your family soon. For this one, really is eye opening and powerful, and everything we need on television right now.

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Match Me If You Can’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the film being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
It is definitely safe to say that we live in quite the quirky era when it comes to dating. For gone are the days of casual meetups to find potential partners, that has been replaced by the advent of online dating and well… the digital world of romance has proven to be quite confusing to say the least. After all, each app out there demands different things of singles and that can generate matches that really aren’t matches. Not to mention, the detachment of a being behind a screen can embolden men to be supremely crude and gross in their ‘wooing’ of a potential partner. Not to mention, online dating introduced all of us to the nightmare that is ghosting and to complicate matters further, if you’re a hardcore geek or a nerd, this whole process only gets weirder and more difficult.
​
Because online dating allows for some bias to come into play, and well… all those elements, alongside what it takes to set up a profile on the jillion dating sounds there… makes this whole process weird and exhausting. As do the horror stories about online dating and the fact that at its core, it just doesn’t seem to work. But alas, in this digital age, this is the new norm and singles must adjust to it like it or not. Which then begs the question… how then… do we make this process work? Because there has to be something singles are missing when it comes to online dating and there has to be flaws in the system. But perhaps the real issue with online dating, goes deeper than shoddy algorithms and lengthy questionnaires. And it just so happens that a brand-new romantic comedy offers up some bold answers about what is really making online dating so difficult in our modern world in Match Me If You Can.

A feat that this film accomplishes by introducing us to a woman named Kip Parsons. Who is a giant nerd and is also looking for love in all the wrong space ports. Because despite her best efforts, she simply cannot find the right partner to join her on her nerdy voyages in life and that prompts her one fateful night, whilst under the influence of margaritas, to try the hot new dating website, I Promise. Because why not? But it doesn’t take long for Kip to realize what a mistake that decision was, since the software fires back that she has no matches in the most malicious manner possible. Prompting her to speak out on the web about I Promise’s uncouth nature, and how online dating can be a massive pain in the rear, and that in turn… brings forth unexpected conflict and fame for Kip. Because her words resonate with the masses and strike fear into the family executives that keep, I Promise running, and now it will be up to Kip to figure out how to navigate this new normal and the ire of a corporation, as she still works to find love in a world where digital dating rules the day.

Which at first glance appears to be a story that is a grand satire of the modern dating world and there is merit to that assumption. Since the story does in fact lampoon the process and showcases its troubles. But once we really get to know Kip and understand her plight do we begin to learn what this film really wants to express. In that, it isn’t the apps and the sites that are the problem, it is the users. Because people have unrealistic expectations about online dating, as though every swipe right will suddenly bring forth happiness and joy and when folks don’t get a fast response or the ones, they want… they immediately think the worst about themselves and fear that they are fated to being alone, and that’s problematic for certain since it creates undue pressure. The kind we see exhibited here by Kip’s nervousness and outright fury over that response. Giving rise to commentary about how people must approach online dating differently and really understand that it is a process that requires care instead of constant swiping. Because no one is buying an air fryer, it’s about trying to find a life partner.

But while that commentary alone could have carried this entire motion picture, there’s more to be found here when it comes how people are the real roadblock when it comes to online dating. For Kip’s eventual flirtation with the true owner of I Promise gives rise to some powerful moments that inform us… prospective daters also need to be ready to date with intention and have a real understanding of what they want and above all… need to be happy with who they are. Because all too often, people believe that dating and relationships is what fixes a person and inspires them to be better or can make them whole and make them feel as though they are enough. When, true love should genuinely complement a person. And in order for that to happen… the self-work has to happen first, and people need to be inspired to be more and realize that they are enough, and that no one needs a lover or a partner to feel complete. Which is a powerful message to find within this romantic comedy, but it is indeed there and all of this powerful commentary, brings forth one magnificent motion picture.

One that is deep and reflective, and never becomes overwhelming thanks to the comedic elements present here. Since that helps to break up the heavier stuff and keep us engaged on a journey that we deeply care about. For Kip is someone we relate to since we’re either in her shoes now or have been there and we want her to find what we seek or fought hard to obtain all of which adds depth to this brilliant modern spin on the romantic comedy. Since it truly reflects the times and our current frustrations, all while offering up some hard truths about dating. Not to mention, all of these elements are sold in a believable manner courtesy of some wonderful performances, with Georgina Reilly stealing the show as Kip Parsons. But the best news of all is that you can see Match Me If You Can right now, since it is in theaters and available on demand and hopefully you do indeed give it a look. Since it truly offers up some refreshing perspective on matters of love.