The 1970s were a fascinating time for motion pictures. Simply because, film became the source of catharsis for so many in an era that was so incredibly turbulent. For the United States had just exited the Vietnam War, and civil unrest was still on everyone’s mind and the divides were great across the nation, much like they are now, and that brought about… angry motion pictures that expressed frustrations and worked them out in stories that were just so incredibly violent and gory in nature. Because that was what the public demanded and craved... and needed. But once the anger faded, the cinematic landscape change, and some of what the 70s gave to life stuck around.
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After all, horror titans George Romero, Wes Craven, John Carpenter, and Tobe Hooper went on to have amazing careers from the angry work they presented in the 70s, but not all of those films were so fortunate. After all, the grindhouse features of that era faded away into memory, as did the exploitation features that shocked audiences everywhere. Simply because people really didn’t need them anymore, and those types of stories were no longer in demand. But they were not forgotten. Because now and again, you run into filmmakers that work to pay tribute to that era to keep history alive. But that’s really as far as it goes when it comes to any type of genuine continuation of grindhouse and exploitation features.

But believe it or not, there are still a handful of filmmakers eager to see if by chance… such films can thrive in this era of renewed anger and division, since movies in that style are returning to the marketplace, as evidenced by the new feature film from writer/director Ken Brewer, Death Bitch. Which is a film that plunges us into an everyday metropolitan city that is suffering from all the problems that we worry over now, and that divide us. A violent crime rate, gang violence, hell… there’s even a serial killer stalking the streets and of course, the police force in this town (which harbors detectives that are slightly more intelligent than a bag of rocks) accomplishes nothing in the fight against crime. If anything, the only person that seems interested in doing anything is the entity known as the Vigilante. A brutal crime fighter that’s had enough and is eager to clean up the streets and avenge an old pain before the situation in the city spirals out of hand.

Which is the perfect way to resurrect exploitation and grindhouse concepts. Since the Vigilante is indeed the violent dark knight the city needs and deserves and she, yes… she, prowls the city with an efficiency that strikes fear into the city’s worst criminals, and she handles them with an extreme prejudice that brings forth what we know and love from these genres. Since she will beat the living hell out of the bad guys and gals in this town and tear them shreds if it means the streets can be safer and her pain can be lessened. Which gives rise to some gory and amazing sequences of violence that harken back to that era no problem and satisfy hardcore fans of those films while introducing a whole new audience to those movies in the process.
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But what makes this film fascinating, is that while it does its best to resurrect the era, even going so far as to pay homage to one of the OG vigilante/exploitation/grindhouse films via its title (see 1974’s Death Wish), it does not in fact, bring them back to life. Simply because that can no longer be done. For we no longer want to work out fury on screen, we want action on these matters, and we want understanding on how to prevent such problems from ever returning to our world ever again. Which is reflected by the depth present regarding the Vigilante’s backstory and via some of the more intimate moments with the bumbling cops of this town. Making this more of a unique parody of our worries so that we can dive into the root causes and their fixes.

Which makes for a very unique viewing experience, one that might be off-putting to some since the story starts out as a revitalization, only to become a grandiose study regarding the impact of violence on modern man. But it’s worth sticking with to be treated to what is… experimental cinema. Since it does swing for the fences in both of its explorations, and it does recapture the horrifying magic of these types of stories. In fact, the finale is nothing short of an assault on one’s senses because of the violence and fury that takes place. All of which makes this a worthwhile and sound watch. One that truly does wax nostalgic for genres gone by, while also pointing out why they cannot thrive ever again, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a feature that tips its cap to the past while looking forward.

The vast majority of us, have some unique perspectives regarding celebrities and the lives they lead. For we truly believe that they enjoy storied and magnificent lives, where their every whim is catered to and where they have freedom and comfort to be creative and to be at peace. Not to mention, we often believe that gives to a semi-aloof life. One with idle time and that is what brings about trouble for them. As though they lose touch with reality and that motivates them to take part in actions we soon read about in tabloids or on celebrity gossip websites. But what makes those perspectives so unique, is how incredibly wrong they are when all is said and done.

Because they help us to forget that celebrities are people, talented ones yes, but they are still people who struggle with ups and downs and face some very real problems. And their days aren’t always sunshine and rainbows for various reasons and their ‘fall from grace’ moments relate to something far deeper than just being ‘out of touch’. Which are truths that we tend to learn later in life when the celebrity or those they left behind reflect, and they are truths we should learn sooner. To offer those folks grace and understanding, and one fine way to do that… is to watch and recommend stories that do just that, such as the new documentary that dropped on Peacock today, Gary.

For this is a story that explores the life and times of the one, the only, Gary Coleman. Whom we all know and all love from the acclaimed series, Diff’rent Strokes, and who of course, passed on after facing some tough days. All of which made it seem as though he was the definition of that out of touch mantra since he grew up a star and fell upon hard times. But this documentary… truly presents Gary Coleman as a person. By having family, friends, confidants, and former business partners, speak to his life, his growth, and what success was like for Gary and how incredibly talented and gifted he was as a performer.

But where this documentary truly shines… is in its raw examination of what came after the spotlight. Of how, the trappings of celebrity put him through hard times. Not because he was out of touch or delusional, but because… others took advantage of him and his standing, and ostracized him and left him feeling as though he did not matter. Which led to many a conflict, and a marriage that leaves fans with questions to this day. But hearing about how family crossed lines, about the void that left in his heart, makes for some powerful moments. The kind that shows us how the unfortunate views we harbor regarding celebrity can sully relationships and create unrealistic expectations for those in the limelight. 
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Which does make this film a bit of a tragedy. Since clearly, Gary never escaped those expectations or those trappings. Nor did he ever find peace with the business that gave him so much and took so much. But that… is the kind of honesty his story deserves and that is the kind of honesty we the audience need. To really understand what life is like for those in the limelight and how hard it is for celebrities to balance the public eye and the troubles that everyone deals with. But at the same time, this is also a beautiful story, about a beautiful soul that figured out how to bring joy into people’s lives and despite his concerns, will be remembered as more than a catch phrase.

Thanks in large part to this documentary, which truly does cover so much and truly does explore the life and times of a man that was a kind soul and had so much love to offer and well… all of these elements bring forth a compelling and moving story. One that demystifies celebrity and its clichés and its stereotypes and truly presents us with a story of a life, one that saw ups and downs and success and failure and one that was able to teach us so much. About what it means to be present in the moment and how we often make more of an impact upon other people’s lives and the world… than we give ourselves credit.

Now and again, life just plain gets us down. It could be because work is driving us mad, or because there’s just tons of stress surrounding us. But one way or another, we will experience a patch of life that is unpleasant and uninspiring. Wherein we want nothing more than to be free of that weight if only for a moment and one way we accomplish that, is through a trip to the theater. Because there’s usually something playing at the multiplex that helps us to clear our head or find focus, because movies are magical like that, and that’s why so many have made a habit of finding positivity on the silver screen.
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But every now and then, a very special feature comes along. One that not only lifts our spirits when they are in need of a pick me up, but also inspires us in ways we never thought possible and those… are the most amazing features of all. Because they tap into something powerful and leave our spirits soaring and it just so happens… that a motion picture that accomplishes those goals, one that is executive produced by Rashida Jones no less, will be arriving in New York, soon. For Maya and the Wave is the incredible story of Maya Gabeira, a surfer that wanted nothing more than to leave her mark on the surfing world… by surfing the largest wave in the world.

A decision that initially ended in tragedy, but that did not stop Maya from working back from that failure to do the impossible and garner a world record in the process and well, this story, one that will truly inspire so many and remind us of what we are capable of when we put our minds to it, will be playing at Village East by Angelika in New York City on 9/13. And well, to properly celebrate the arrival of a story that will not only lift people out of their funk, but truly inspire them to go after their dreams, the trailer was released for this powerhouse documentary earlier today.

Which we will share with you now, so you too can see just how incredible this feature is going to be before you venture out to see it at the Village East. To find that pick up me up, and inspiration and awe we all crave from seeing people at their best, on the silver screen.  

More often than not, stories that revolve around the impact of grief as the result of the death of a loved one, are supremely somber in nature, and specific on what grief does to us from a behavioral standpoint and it makes sense as to why they go such routes. After all, loss is devastating, and grief is truly transformative. To the point where it prompts us to act out emotionally, in ways we never have before. All because the pain and the void that accompanies losing someone is hard to contain, and well, showcasing this in such a frank and direct manner in stories, allows for us understand the seriousness of the matter and how best to cope and move forward so we don’t fall into dark traps emotionally.
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But while that is something to applaud, it isn’t a formula that is helpful for everyone. In part because, people process grief in a supremely unique and individual manner, so the one-size-fits-all approach of storytelling might not be helpful for them. Plus, how grief impacts us isn’t always in the direct manner that such stories show us. Not to mention, not everyone handles grief in such a heavy manner. For some use humor to cope and well, that is likely why we are starting to see stories out there that examine such matters in a different manner. So that others can recognize their pain and heal and perhaps understand that a few quips now and again aren’t harmful if that is how they cope and recently, a short feature from writer Neal Reddy and director Derek Evans, has been making the festival rounds that features that different look at how we grieve and heal.

A feat that Barely Breathing accomplishes, courtesy of one refreshing and unique, and funny plot. Wherein we meet Sai. An everyday guy that is doing his best to get by, like the rest of us. But one day, Sai’s world is turned upside down, when an attempt to spice up his self-pleasure session through autoerotic asphyxiation, goes terribly wrong. But thankfully, a delivery man saves him from dying and the resulting fallout from this accident, prompts his parents to demand he move back in and take part in an AEA (Autoerotic Asphyxiation Accident) support group. A move that Sai initially finds to be comical at best. But time spent with the group, and being home after all these years, opens Sai’s eyes to the reality that there is some deep, unresolved trauma resulting from the death of his mother that he harbors, and that perhaps the time has come to face it.

Which really is… the most unique way to explore such subject matter. Because that is a plot that one would not associate with grief and loss, but it is… an effective way to explore how people grieve and heal in a manner that isn’t traditional, and obviously… it uses impactful humor to do so. In fact, the comedy here is simply top notch. Because every single gag and moment pulls from the awkwardness of life and moments that we can relate to, and of course, the gags and the jokes are perfectly timed and refreshing and impactful. Allowing for maximum laughs to take place, and for real genius to come forth. Because in many ways, the comedy is designed to bring our guard down and make us comfortable, so that the story can hammer home its most important messages.
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Such as how, there are people out there, who struggle to grieve, like Sai. Because it’s obvious as this story rolls along that when the dark day came, he knew not how process it all. He just went along, forged ahead like so many incorrectly suggest. Plus, he learned how to confront and embrace that pain in a supremely unhealthy manner, manifested through his sexual act. Which so many do, maybe not through AEA necessarily, but we all have our vices. Be it booze, or drugs or toxic emotions. All to keep us from dealing with what must be dealt with, and that is of course, problematic. For without confrontation of grief, we don’t live, we don’t move forward and those are powerful examinations and messages to find here, the kind that are further enhanced by the greatest one of all.

In that, it’s okay if you don’t grieve right away and lose sight. Because we all make mistakes and grief is hard and painful to deal with. What matters more, is that we eventually confront it, and find the peace and balance we need in life, and that makes this… a supremely brilliant and beautiful short feature. One that truly does offer an amazing perspective on grief and trauma and how we come back from it. Courtesy of beautiful writing and acting from Neal Reddy, who also plays Sai in the film, and masterful direction from Derek Evans and hopefully, you get the chance to see this short feature soon. Because it is important, hilarious and above all, meaningful, and it should indeed offer a different path to healing to those who are struggling with loss and are in need of an assist.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of Love Kills, which you can stream on demand right now!
 
'Love Kills takes audiences on a thrilling journey through the tangled web of love and betrayal. Infidelity comes crashing down when Lia, played by the talented Gaia Brooks, finds herself torn between her long-time boyfriend, Milo, portrayed by Maximilian Seed, and their captivating new roommate, Brianna, brought to life by Lucy Diamante. As Lia grapples with her feelings for Brianna, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. But when Milo catches them cheating and Brianna mysteriously disappears, Lia is thrust into a dark and dangerous world where nothing is as it seems.'

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Kneecap’.
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There are a great many things that people wish to achieve in this life. Some, want to be nothing more than amazing parents that will raise equally as amazing children that will make the world a better place. Some, hope to see their names in lights and take over the entertainment world with their immense talent. While others, wish to be the best chef they can be, or the absolute best salesman possible. Or… they outright want to be loved by someone special in their lives. Because our dreams and our hopes are diverse, but they all share in one particularly fascinating need. In that, we hope to matter in this life, and achieving goals in that vein help with that and well… what’s fascinating about our modern world is that such a feast is surprisingly no easy task.

Because it takes years to really build the right relationship or establish the impact we made upon our children. Not to mention, we have to go through hell to get our dreams going, and sometimes… we are stuck doing menial jobs until the time is right or we struggle to find our calling. All of which leaves us feeling listless and without purpose or meaning and we wonder deeply… how and when will we find it? Well, it just so happens that there is a brand-new film in theaters that answers that question for the dreamers of the world who feel they’re without purpose or don’t know where to begin to find it because life can be so confusing and so empty at times, and that makes Kneecap quite the important and inspiring film. 

For this movie, one based on a true story, introduces us to three dreamers in the heart of Ireland. There’s Liam and Naoise, childhood friends that have shared in some hard trauma through the years, thanks to sordid past of Arlo, Naoise’s father, and in adulthood they’re adrift and wonder what their purpose is in life other than getting by, and there’s JJ. A music teacher and champion for Ireland’s true dialect that has found stability in life but not the thrill of it yet. But one fateful night, where JJ is called in translate the Irish language for the police, who wish to speak with Liam about some possible crimes… unites this trio in a manner they never expected. For Liam’s diary has some incredible lyrics that JJ wants to produce into music and just like that, their band, Kneecap, is born and soon… this trio of lost souls find themselves surrounded by love and adoration, for their work resonates and matters.

Which is… a subtle way to explore how we find our way when we think we are lost or haven’t found our calling. In that, we simply need to live and try new things without giving those endeavors a second thought. For overthinking kills but immersing ourselves in those endeavors that offer a thrill and/or begin to offer fulfillment… might take us down a path we never dreamed, and the story of how Kneecap came to be really drives that home. Since we watch this trio, go from listless and lifeless to finding energy and purpose in life, and music helps them to grow, and find agency and that really is an inspiring plotline to say the least. One that leaves your spirits soaring when the film has come to an end, and yet, it also has more to offer. 
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Because believe it or not, bubbling beneath the surface of the sick tracks that Kneecap lays down, is a powerful story about heritage and honoring our past and the past of others. Because there is a fascinating subplot in this story about how English influences wiped out a lot of the rich culture of the Irish people, and how those who try and hold to it, are looked down upon. Which brings about stunning commentary on the rights of indigenous people, and how we as a society cannot let traditions from other cultures completely die. So that future generations understand their heritage to a tee and honor it as they see fit, and that is a big reason why this band found success and why their message and music resonate with so many. Since their lyrics honor those that came before.

All of which brings forth, a supremely thoughtful and inspiring motion picture, that is also quite relatable. Since we’ve been in the shoes of this trio and found ourselves wondering what comes next, and it is a feature that also features something for everyone. Since it also harbors funny moments that never let the message overwhelm and it really does speak to some powerful concepts that we can all take something away from, and this all comes together courtesy of some powerful and shockingly honest performances, since Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvai reprise themselves to retell their own story, and they’re joined by Michael Fassbender (Arlo), who adds incredible gravitas to a story that everyone should see. To be educated on the importance of honoring the past and to be reminded to take risks and roll with the punches, since you never know where they will take you.