Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Real West’.
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For the most part, stories that explore the power of grief and its potentially negative impact upon us, tend to showcase some supremely ugly moments to get that particular point across. For instance, they tend to showcase how grief can bring us to our knees and force us to potentially isolate and hurt our friends through emotional explosions. Or they can showcase how the anger and pain we carry within because of grief… can explode and prompt us to do stupid things. Such as act out at work or work to bury our pain within the comfort of the confines of a bottle, and well, it makes sense as to why we see such things in such stories.

After all, people do toxic things when grief surges through their soul, so why not take a moment and explore those very real things so we think upon grief’s strength and of course, how we heal. But while that makes for powerful storytelling that is relatable and poignant, it doesn’t paint the entire picture of what happens to us when we grieve, and that’s unfortunate. Because everyone grieves differently and acts differently and we should so showcase as much of that as possible in modern media, so everyone can feel seen and understand what they do, and that’s why a new movie on the Hallmark Channel is of note. For The Real West takes the time showcase how sometimes… what we do in the throes of grief isn’t always so bombastic and epic, it can be something far simpler that causes harm.

A feat that this film accomplishes by introducing us to a professor named Rebecca who, has spent the last few years healing from some serious grief. For her husband and the father of their children, passed away a few years ago unexpectedly, and she’s done her best to put the pieces back together, and when we catch up with her, here, she is indeed doing better. For she’s on the cusp of attaining tenure at last and her family is ready for a big trip to an authentic old west ranch. But upon arriving there, Rebecca quickly finds herself dealing with some hard emotional conflict. Because she’s met a handsome and charming farmhand named Jake, who her sister adores… but she adores more. In fact, she’s quickly head over heels in love with him but terrified of letting him in. A reality that informs Rebecca… that perhaps she’s not as healed as she would like to be, and that perhaps now is the time to complete the process to not miss out on something special.

Which is a story that very clearly explores, how one of the things that people can do long term as a result of suffering through grief, is close themselves off emotionally. Because that is precisely what Rebecca does here. Sure, she’s moved forward, helped her family and put herself together, but anything beyond that emotionally doesn’t exist. It’s just about the next steps for her and the next day’s events. No time for feelings or intimacy beyond anything involving her sons and that is… just as unhealthy as telling off one’s boss or drinking sorrows away. Because it stunts a person emotionally and prompts them to miss out on so much since they are now just locked into a world of singular thinking and isolation, and we are creatures that deserve to love and deserve to be around others.
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But thankfully, the story does take the time to ponder upon how we heal from this. Courtesy of a journey where Rebecca takes a moment to objectively look at her life, and its direction and what she is feeling in her heart. Which allows for her to ascertain that she is indeed closed off and unwilling to love because of the pain in her heart, and that it will never go away unless she opens up and lets the pain go. Which some might say is grounded in the old trope that only love can set us free, but that’s a journey applicable to all forms of healing from grief. Because those that use their pain to give them strength or hold to it and anger to keep them feeling something other than grief, have to do something similar and all must understand that they have to let go or the isolation, fake strength or fury will consume them. Giving rise to a complete journey for Rebecca.

However, while that makes this film seem to be grounded in dark and tough moments, the kind akin to most stories in this vein, make no mistake about it, there are those classic Hallmark elements here and there are a lot of lighthearted moments present too. Since we get the romantic chase we crave in these types of stories, courtesy of on-screen chemistry from Kimberley Sustad (Rebecca) and Luke Bryant (Jake), along with a supporting cast that add to the wonder of a story that really, has something for everyone. Because if you want a Hallmark romance, you’ve got it. But if you want something a little more, something to chew upon, you’ll find that here too and that makes this a delightful and fulfilling watch. One filled to the brim with charm and depth and fine life lessons that we can all take to heart.

It is definitely safe to say that ALLBLK is doing some wonderful things from a programming perspective. For not only are they celebrating black television and film, all day, every day, but their original work is simply stunning. After all, this is the home of Kold x Windy, a dynamic series that offers so much to audiences and they also announced this week that another amazing original is on the way.
 
For earlier this week, ALLBLK let it be known that they have greenlit the original feature, Operation: Aunties, which boats an incredible cast, consisting of Tisha Campbell, Melissa De Sousa, and Amiyah Scott, and quite the dynamic plot. One that will engage and wow and continue to reinforce that ALLBLK is working hard to bring us amazing original content, and since you’re curious as to what to expect from this ALLBLK original feature, here are all the details on this movie, courtesy of the network.
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‘ALLBLK, the popular streaming service for Black television and film from AMC Networks, today announced the greenlight of original feature film, Operation: Aunties. Directed by Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Game), this action-packed dramedy tells the story of a longtime friendship that is tested when a risk-averse cryptocurrency expert and her retired detective best friend become vigilantes after discovering a cyber-crime syndicate in their city. Currently shooting in Atlanta, GA, the film is set to premiere in 2025, exclusively on ALLBLK.
 
After an attempted trafficking incident impacts her family, professor and blockchain expert Dr. Carol Cleavers (Melissa De Sousa, The Best Man) stumbles upon a dark web operation using new-age technology to assault and traffic women through a rideshare app. Knowing the feds won’t act fast enough, Carol teams up with her best friend, retired detective Sharon O’Hara (Tisha Campbell, Act Your Age), and her niece Aminah James (Amiyah Scott, Star), computer hacker extraordinaire. The trio embark on a vigilante mission bringing them face-to-face with danger and ultimately, one another.
 
“Operation: Aunties combines edgy action and laugh-out-loud comedy while tackling real issues affecting our society today,” said Brett Dismuke, Head of Content ALLBLK & We TV. “Melissa, Tisha and Amiyah expertly bring these strong, Black female characters to life, showcasing resilience, empowerment and tremendous heroism – keeping the laughs coming along the way, all of which resonate deeply with ALLBLK subscribers.”
 
“Black women are always saving the day. When I wrote the John Singleton embRACE L.A. competition-winning short film The Lifted, I drew inspiration from real issues plaguing our community, but more importantly, Black women,” said TJ Ali, Writer & Executive Producer, Galleryville Entertainment. “Our culture thrives because of the everyday change agent—those who consistently rise up and uplift our society. For me, those agents of change have always been women from across the diaspora. Now, with my debut feature film, I’m incredibly proud to partner with ALLBLK, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Big Little Sis Media, and our incredible cast to bring this vision to life—a story for us, by us. The culture deserves to see our aunties as the vigilantes they already are—our heroes. “ 
 
"We are excited to collaborate with TJ Ali on his debut film, Operation: Aunties, which boldly addresses the urgent issue of cybercrime and human trafficking through a unique blend of action and humor,” said Latisha Fortune, Co-Owner & Executive Producer and Sheena D. Carter, Co-Owner & Executive Producer, Big Little Sis Media. “Working alongside Wendy Raquel Robinson for her sophomore directorial project is truly inspiring; her vision has brought a vibrant energy to this powerful narrative. The dynamic ensemble cast brings to life the spirit of resilience and empowerment that defines this story, particularly in highlighting the strength and brilliance of Black women in tech. Together, we are proud once more to partner with ALLBLK, a platform dedicated to authentic and inclusive storytelling that fosters narratives that empower and uplift the voices in our community.”
 
Operation: Aunties is Executive Produced by TJ Ali for Galleryville Entertainment and Latisha Fortune and Sheena D. Carter for Big Little Sis Media. Wendy Raquel Robinson serves as Director. Brett Dismuke, Head of Content, Nikki Love SVP Development & Original Production, Scripted and Kate Farrell VP Development & Original Production, Scripted Executive Produce for ALLBLK.
 
Tisha Campbell is represented by Paradigm and Mainstay Entertainment. Melissa De Sousa is represented by Paradigm. Amiyah Scott is represented by TCA Mgmt and Wendy Raquel Robinson is represented by TALENTWORKS and ARTIST COLLECTIVE ENTERTAINMENT.
 
About ALLBLK
ALLBLK is an invitation to a world of streaming entertainment that is inclusively, but unapologetically – Black. Featuring a diverse lineup of content that spans across genres and generations, the ALLBLK library includes exclusive original series such as A House Divided and Double Cross; must-see independent films, nostalgic Black cinema, popular WE tv originals, lively stage plays, and so much more. ALLBLK is available everywhere streaming services are found – iOS, Android, Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV and Apple TV Channels, Roku and Roku Channels, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube TV, Cox, DISH, Sling TV, Charter and more. At www.ALLBLK.tv, ALLBLK offers a free 7-day trial and thereafter is just $5.99/month or $59.99/year. Keep up with ALLBLK on Facebook at Facebook.com/WatchALLBLK and Twitter/Instagram @WatchALLBLK
 
About Galleryville Entertainment
Galleryville Entertainment is an independent production company dedicated to creating impactful feature films, documentaries, TV series, and branded content. As a cinematic collective of artists of color, our mission is to produce content that resonates, tells authentic stories, and reflects the diverse experiences of our communities. We are committed to making films that matter, amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, and shaping the future of storytelling through a lens that celebrates culture and identity. 
 
About Big Little Sis Media
Big Little Sis Media is a woman-owned, full-service production company dedicated to fostering inclusive storytelling across film, television, and digital platforms. Serving as a creative hub, we work alongside industry professionals to create content that inspires and connects viewers. Our committed production teams excel at navigating challenges while crafting meaningful narratives that uplift, entertain, and empower marginalized communities. With a comprehensive range of original content and production services, we are pioneers in storytelling that honors diverse perspectives.’

For the most part, stories that feature robots that are crafted by human beings and loaded with a powerful artificial intelligence program, tend to be quite dark and scary in nature and it makes sense as to why. After all, deep down, modern humanity harbors a fear of technology becoming too intelligent and becoming too autonomous. To the point where it is logical to believe that our creation would discover us to be inferior beings, something to be removed, so that the children of the new gods could take over. So, our stories reflect that and ponder deeply upon our role in the nature of creation. 
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In fact, this is so deeply engrained in storytelling, that each of us are hard pressed to even think of a movie where a ‘sentient’ robot does anything but either fear or hate humanity in some capacity or commit any kind of task outside of murder and mayhem or fighting humanity. Leaving all of us to wonder if we can ever see technology as something healthy or wonderful, and if by chance we can see AI be used for good in any capacity. Well, it just so happens that a new movie out ponders upon the reality that perhaps robots in that vein do not have to be so dark, so fearful. That perhaps they can offer up positive thinking and challenge our relationship with technology and the world, and The Wild Robot accomplishes such feats with quite the refreshing plot.

Wherein we meet a robot named ROZZUM-7134, or Roz, for short, who awakens on the shores of a faraway island and is quickly confused by their situation. For Roz’s programming is to serve humanity and this wilderness does not harbor a single human soul. Prompting Roz to adapt and learn the languages of the animals in the hopes of either understanding the environment and how potentially to get to their final destination or to activate their distress beacon to head where they belong. But an accident one unfortunate night in the wilderness, prompts Roz to change priorities and worry more about the wildlife that they are surrounded by. An alteration in programming that will impact the tiny little island Roz will now call home, in ways never thought possible.

Which is… a powerful way to look at AI and technology, since this film presents it, as a potential tool instead of something to be feared, and that is quite refreshing to find here. Since it brings forth a fascinating journey that informs us that our uncomfortable relationship with technology and our fears of it might be unfounded, since… we are the ones who create it. So, if by chance… we programmed it to have the best parts of us and only that… who knows what wonders we could create. Since we could potentially create a being filled with care, and gentleness, a la Roz. But the unique aspect of this film goes beyond presenting a different type of robot, since it also speaks deeply to our relationship with nature and how perhaps we don’t utilize our technology enough to help in our endeavors to keep it safe and secure from the impact we as a society are having upon it.
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All of which gives rise to a thoughtful and cerebral motion picture, one that doesn’t seem to offer anything to kids with commentary in that vein. But that’s the beauty of this feature. For it harbors thoughtful concepts for the adults to enjoy while watching, alongside some wonderful moments that will entertain children as well. Courtesy of grand and sweeping adventures on the island, and a lovely story about the family we choose, and lessons on how important it is we see each other as equal and work together as one, and of course… there are plenty of cute and quirky moments that allow for lighthearted laughs to take place. Plus, there’s a real sense of fun that hangs over the film, and it also doesn’t hurt… that some wonderfully talented voices bring this world to life.

For quality acting is key to selling such a magnificent story and the cast here is stellar. With Lupita Nyong'o and Pedro Pascal leading the way as Roz and Fink, and they are joined by a lovely cast that features Mark Hamill, and Matt Berry, and Bill Nighy, and truly… all of these elements bring together a genuinely beautiful film. That rare instant classic that is intelligent, charming, fun, and epic in nature and harbors such beauty and such wonderful messaging about our world and the wonderful furry neighbors we share it with, and you should absolutely see this feature as soon as possible. To just flat out enjoy a little positivity and wonderful moments with your family, courtesy of a robot unlike any other in cinema.

For the most part, action stories that revolve around an everyday person being plunged into the world of crime, against their consent, follow a pretty standard formula. Wherein we meet our everyday hero to be and learn about how good of a person they are before going on a horrific ride with them. One that showcases an ugly underworld we never knew existed. One that is cruel and terrifying, and where our hero must make the difficult call to abandon their moral core and do what must be done to survive the situation they are in. Which brings about an engaging and harrowing tale that genuinely entertains.
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But alas, that’s really all they offer. Just some violence, an understanding that survival instincts can come into play, and little else, and that’s a shame. Because a story in that vein, could do so much more and explore some amazing concepts and potentially take us upon an emotional ride filled with commentary and a potential lesson. But alas, this type of story has remained nothing more than guns and guts and has indeed slipped into cliché territory. Which is why a motion picture that just hit streaming today is of note. Because Paradox Effect is a film that adds much needed depth to this type of story, and truly explores what this type of film is capable of, and it accomplishes such feats by way of a fascinating introduction to a woman named Karina.

Who we learn is at a crossroads in her life. For she has struggled with substance abuse and that battle has cost her dearly. To the point where she’s lost custody of her daughter Lucy, and her troubles inspired her to leave home to garner a fresh start. One where she has put in the work to clean up and find stability, and she hopes to impress Lucy during an upcoming visit. To prove to her that she can be more than an addict. But alas, an unfortunate encounter one night, puts Karina’s chance to impress her daughter in jeopardy. For she is witness to a terrible crime committed by a corrupt agent of the law, and if she ever wants to see her daughter again, she will now have to go along with his wishes and help him be free of a powerful gangster. 

Which at first glance, is a plot that feels like the norm. After all, we learn that Karina is a good person, who yes, has made some mistakes… but wants to improve, wants to be better. But before she gets the chance, she’s part of this mess and that does lead to some familiar moments here. Such as epic gunfights, villains that are terrifying and evil through and through, and all the engaging action and adventure one could want when watching a movie in this vein. Truly making it appear at first that this story doesn’t offer anything more than the norms. But that, simply isn’t the case. For Director Scott Weintrob merely uses familiar elements to ease us into the more revolutionary stuff that this film is host to.
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Because in between the gunfire and beneath the terror of being plunged into a fight in the criminal underworld, are some fascinating explorations. The kind that revolves around the nature of redemption and how we find it when we’ve made more mistakes than we can count. Along with a beautiful and moving examination of the power of family, and what it means to us, and how far we would go to have it around us if there were no consequences in such matters. Which gives rise to a story filled with depth and humanity, something we really don’t see from this type of story, and it is welcome here, and it brings forth a genuinely engaging story that you quickly find yourself invested in.

For we care about Karina, and we want to see her redeem herself and reunite with her little one and well, all of these elements blend together to provide us with an utterly refreshing feature. One that finally adds depth to a tired subgenre of action films. Which is a testament to Mister Weintrob’s work here, since he’s carefully assembled a magnificently complex story that does leave you with something to feel good about and plenty to ponder upon. Thanks to the lovely concepts present here, and thanks to some fine acting. Since Olga Kurylenko is electric as Karina and she truly adds an incredible sense of realism here, and it doesn’t hurt that Harvey Keitel is in this film as well, via a role we won’t spoil here. Because you need to experience the wonder of this film firsthand, and we hope you do give it a look. For this one is special for certain, since it is that rare film that reinvents its own subgenre, and that makes this an absolute must-see.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Falling Together’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we are living in some very frustrating times right now. After all, nothing seems to be going right around the globe, mainly because the planet is deeply divided. For war rages over ideology and vendetta and political battles are playing out everywhere and that fury has spilled over into everyday life as well. Since these days so many people have negative things to say, and they are digging in politically as well, and to top it all off, it just feels as though flashing a smile at someone on the street or saying hello, will be met with utter disdain and potentially fury.

Which does beg some serious questions. Such as, what is the real cause of this jaded nature of the world right now? And how on earth do we get away from it? Because it would be nice to lower the temperature and return to a daily life where we don’t have to walk on eggshells and worry through and through. Well, it’s enough of a concern that creatives are starting to ponder upon the answers, because more often than not… storytelling is always a great place to explore such matters and find some actual answers. And it just so happens… that Hallmark opted to offer up a story last night, that does indeed ponder upon how best to answer those questions. 

A feat that Falling Together accomplishes by introducing us to Natalie Calder. A happy, go lucky individual that is about to make a big change to her life. In that, she’s accepted a new job at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and is heading there to start a new chapter. Because she’s never lived anywhere else, nor has she taken a chance in this manner and well… at first… her decision to take this gig seems to be a poor one. Simply because her new apartment building is filled to the brim with sour neighbors who don’t speak, and harbors a super named Mark Wallace, that could care less about anything but his job. Which is the opposite of what she is used to, since her prior home was unified. Which prompts Natalie to step in, and try and make life better in her building, to bring a little joy and a little unity to a sour world.

Which is the perfect way to explore how best to answer those two questions. For Natalie’s push to make life better in her building and bring people together uncovers some fascinating things about where we are as a world right now. For starters, her journey informs us and her, that the world is a bit of a traumatized place at the moment and there’s merit to that. Because we just went through some stunningly tough times via the pandemic and through other world events, and trauma can push people to be reserved, to be untrusting of others and that makes for a poignant answer to an important question. One that sets up how we change course on such matters and bring back a measure of kindness.
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Which the show theorizes, starts with us, and stars with the little things. Such as showing kindness to strangers or taking the time to listen one another and our troubles so that we all feel as though we matter, that our struggles matter. Not to mention, this story informs us that we also need to just preach unity, and an end to the anger that we see. So, that everyone understands that this isn’t who we are and not what we are about. Which is perhaps a bit of a saccharine message that some will roll their eyes at, but… the movie’s not wrong. After all, a little bit of kindness and an open ear, do wonders, and this story does task us with quite the question… are we doing either of those things enough?

All of which gives rise to a fascinating Hallmark film, one that offers an uplifting journey and a grad examination of a topic that quite frankly, we do need to face right now. Because the temperature is high in the USA and around the world and we can be the ones to bring it down, and that makes for a delightfully heartwarming and satisfying feature. One that truly is thoughtful and lovely and does show us the way when it comes to our biggest concerns about the world right now. And truly… one cannot go wrong with a film that makes a positive message its priority and takes the time to remind us that a simple kind act a day, could make quite the difference in a chaotic world.

One particular aspect of storytelling that the Transformers franchise outright excels at, is worldbuilding. Simply because over the course of its illustrious run on film and television, we’ve been treated to incredible stories that flesh out this universe. Wherein we’ve been able to travel to stunning locales and meet amazing new Transformers and learn their stories. Which has made for an enriching experience that truly captivates the imagination and leaves us eager for more. But while that has made for quite the enjoyable ride through the galaxy, it has also… done the franchise a great disservice.

Mainly because, it hasn’t allowed for the franchise to dive deep into its own mythos. For we know little of Cybertron before the Cybertronian Wars, and of course… we know little of how our heroes and our villains chose their respective side. We just know that Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots and will do what he must to stop Megatron and the Decepticons. But somewhere along the line, someone noticed this gap in the story and opted to speak up, allowing for at long last… a Transformers story to come to life that looks at how good and evil came to be in this universe in Transformers One.

A feat that this film accomplishes by transporting us to Cyberton, long before sides were formed to introduce us to a pair of hard-working Transformers that are eager for more in life. For Orion Pax and D-16 are best friends, that aren’t happy with just being everyday Energon miners, they want to do something worthwhile and be seen and contribute to a world of that is outright struggling. For Energon, the power source for their species, is in short supply and life is hard for all after a brutal battle, with a brutal enemy. But an impromptu decision to be seen, puts them on an incredible path that will indeed change their lives forever. One that will force them to choose opposing sides courtesy of a shattering truth that has been hidden for far too long. 

All of which brings forth, an amazing exploration of the mythos and the world that gave life to this franchise in the first place. Wherein we are privy to incredible lessons about the planet’s history, its troubles and more importantly, we learn how the past shaped the future and gave life to Optimus Prime and Megatron, and their two factions, and that leads… to a powerfully tragic tale. One that is steeped in lessons about interpersonal relationships and how hard it is to understand, at any age, that not all of our friends will be our friends forever. Some will come, some will go, and some will indeed become enemies because of differences in ideological beliefs, because we grow apart or because we simply were in each other’s lives for a specific reason in a specific moment. Which is a lovely lesson to find here, one that adds newfound depth to the franchise for certain.
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But while the origin story of the two biggest names and factions in the franchise makes it seem as though this is a vastly different kind of Transformers movie, make no mistake about it… the stuff we love is present here as well. For there is a grand sense of adventure present in this feature, courtesy of the fact that we get to explore Cybertron like never before, and there is plenty of high-stakes action for the hardcore fan as well. In fact, the action sequences are so well thought out and so well executed that you simply cannot take your eyes off the screen, and the wonder of this film doesn’t end with the fact that it is filled to the brim with action and adventure and plenty for us to chew upon when it comes to interpersonal relationships.

For it is also, lighthearted when it needs to be. For there are jokes that break the tension perfectly, and it also features… some stellar voice acting. Thanks in large part to the fact that this film netted some huge names to play some iconic characters, and they really do incredible work here. With Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry leading the charge as Orion Pax and D-16, and they supported by such talents as Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1), Keegan-Michael Key (B-127), and you’ll even hear the talents of Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne and John Hamm in roles we won’t reveal here. Because you need to experience the brilliance of this amazing film, firsthand, and the good news is you don’t have to wait much longer to do so. For Transformers One hits theaters this Friday, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look, for this really is a magnificent entry in this storied franchise.

Something that is genuinely interesting about our modern world, is how much we have come to cherish vacations and adventures. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means, simply because such a shift speaks to the needs of the worker, who for a long time now, has suffered under the weight of corporate interests by being overworked and underpaid. So, a booming vacation business is indeed a beautiful thing. In fact, it’s grown so much in the past decade or so, that in many ways, you’re almost an outlier in life now if you haven’t bought a vacation package to Mexico or jumped on a cruise, especially since cruises have become so incredibly affordable, and attractive, and popular.
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After all, they not only offer incredible rates, but they harbor on board parties and other entertainment, and they also happen to be host to mountains of food that you can enjoy around the clock, with a good old-fashioned tropical drink. Not to mention, they will drop you off in exotic locales and allow for you to experience the wonder of your destination, before you return to your cabin and sail away to the next city. Which is something that should be extremely joyous for the city in which a cruise ship docks, since a three-hour stay should kick up some dough for the local economy. Or does it? Because let’s be honest, we’ve been so obsessed with vacations and self-care that as a culture we haven’t really pondered upon whether or not our escape benefits the places we go.

Well, with the popularity of cruises at an all-time high, it should come as no surprise that someone decided to explore that very question, and it just so happens that PBS is now home to a new documentary that explores such matters in Cruise Boom. Which was filmed in the small Alaskan town of Sitka, shortly after it was decided by a private citizen/private financier that their dock would become the port for a new Royal Caribbean cruise stop. To help the town with its financial windfalls via tourism money, despite no one else in Sitka being good with this. But that setup, gives rise to a powerful and fascinating documentary. One that explores from beginning to end, what goes into becoming a cruise tourist town and if it is helpful for these cash strapped cities, in quite the incredible manner.

For this is… that rare documentary that is 100% unbiased. Despite being put together by a citizen of Sitka. For director Ellen Frankenstein calls this place home, but truly wanted to offer up an objective view of such matters and present all sides to us. Which allows for us to hear about how and what Royal Caribbean offers to the citizens of towns where it sets up a port, and yes… there are benefits. Since there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to receive prime placement stores near the docks and of course… having people in a new town does prompt them explore, spend some money and showcase what a lovely place it is on social media. The latter of which, is never a bad thing. But there was mention that we see both sides of the story here, and the negatives of such a move are indeed on display here.
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Since this film also points out… how companies like Royal Caribbean only contribute so much before just letting things be, and there is little that can be done to control the corporate takeover of a town. Since there is nothing to stop Starbucks from opening up twelve franchises in the area and muscle out some local businesses in the process. Not to mention, hundreds of thousands of people come through Sitka and other towns like it, giving rise to incredible foot and vehicle traffic that infrastructure might not be able to handle, not to mention… there’s a carbon footprint factor too. Because every busload of tourists that head to a local sanctuary, make use of vehicles to get there, and there are… some other facts and surprises about cruise companies that we don’t know about that will shock you when you watch this documentary, and you absolutely should see it.

Because Cruise Boom asks a lot of the tough questions we need to, when it comes to our desire to get away from it all as a rebellious response to corporate culture in the 21st Century. Such as, do we understand that we are supporting major corporations in our attempt to rebel against them? Since they do control our entire escape. Not to mention, are these throngs of tourists good for a local economy or nothing more than the burden some worry they will be? But above all, is this the right way to showcase beautiful corners of the world? Because of the demand put upon them, and there are no easy answers here. For this feature offers education and presentation of some very real issues and that does make this, a must-see documentary. Because it is really does start some powerful and necessary discussions about a growing issue that impacts lives, and precious places in our world.  

Watch ‘Cruise Boom’ on PBS and Kanopy.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Maya and the Wave’.
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For the most part, sports stories/documentaries that focus upon an athlete that has to overcome great odds to succeed or come back from an incredible setback, follow a fairly specific formula. In that, they introduce us to the athlete in question, so we can learn who they are and what drives them to succeed… before showing us their struggle and their strife, briefly, so that the story can focus on their journey to the top. And they follow this formula, because it is super inspiring. Because it is powerful to see someone dig deep and push forward to achieve their goals, or overcome stunning odds to be the best, and we truly associate athletes as people that can achieve such feats, and their story does indeed make us feel as though we can take on the world.

But while that formula works well and truly does send our spirits soaring, there is a problem that accompanies constantly presenting that to the world. In that, it doesn’t show the complete picture. Because coming back from a setback isn’t the smooth process we see in these stories, and sometimes, fighting for our goals requires far more work than we ever knew. Which is why it is so supremely refreshing when we encounter a sports documentary that offers that kind of honesty. That is willing to showcase how hard the battle to be the best can be, and it just so happens that a new documentary, one that features an incredible story that needs to be told, breaks from the normal sports documentary mold, to give us that honest look at what it takes to succeed, and that is why Maya and the Wave, outright needs to be celebrated.  

Which this film accomplishes by introducing us to quite frankly, the best surfer in the world, Maya Gabeira. Who holds the Guinness World Record twice over for surfing the biggest waves on the planet. But… getting those records did not come easy, and that is where this story separates itself from others in this genre. Because Director Stephanie Johnes chronicles every waking moment of Maya’s rise to the top, and that allows for us to see that she had some early career struggles, despite being something of a prodigy on a surfboard, and we are also privy to the horrible sexism that often stood between her and the wave, accolades, and competitions that could have done so much more for her career. But truly, what makes this journey so powerful and so different… is Maya’s darkest hour.

For a stunning encounter with a brutal wave, badly injured her. To the point where she required incredible medical care for quite some time and well… this is when we really see what she is made of, and where the story truly shocks and surprises you. Because Maya’s fight back from injury is put on full display here. To the point where we are privy to the tears, privy to the pain and that is all hard to watch. In part because we are conditioned to expect otherwise in these stories, but also because… it is as real as it gets. Because this… this is what the road back looks like for an athlete that has suffered through great injury and this, makes for a far more inspiring tale than one might expect. Because you’re not being fed nonsense… you’re bearing witness to the power of the human spirit.
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Which brings forth an incredible second half of the film, where you see Maya fight hard to come back and do her best to cope with pain and do what must be done, medically, to be free of it, and yet… there’s still so many powerful elements to explore in this tale when it comes to her journey back from injury. For there are moments where Maya clearly battles a touch of PTSD, something we NEVER see in these films, and she has to face that, and overcome it if she remotely wants to surf again. Which means we are privy to a story that does more than inspire, it takes the time to explore in shocking detail, how we heal, physically and emotionally from hardships in life, and how we face that which sets us back so we can conquer it and find peace.

Giving rise to a story that inspires the very core of our soul. Because if Maya can overcome fear, and physical pain to be the absolute best in her field, what then… is holding us back from rising to the top? All of which makes, for a stunning and moving documentary. One that truly brings you to tears of worry and tears of joy, courtesy of the most intimate exploration of an athlete’s life to ever be put on film, and that makes this an absolute must-see feature. Simply because, this is that rare story, that not only paves the way for a new type of documentary to come to life, but truly captures the wonder and the glory of the human condition and informs us… that there is nothing we cannot achieve when we apply our minds, our hearts, and our very soul… to the goal we so desire.

To watch ‘Maya and the Wave’ purchase your tickets at the Village East by Angelika website.

It is definitely safe to say that M. Night Shyamalan is enjoying quite the resurgence right now. For he’s back behind the camera, sending unique new stories our way that feature his patented twists and some wonderfully twisted black humor and well, he’s doing everything he can to make sure he sends amazing new movies our way For M. Night is also big on producing right now to make sure the multiplex is filled with fresh new stories for everyone to enjoy and one that caught his eye is going to debut soon on MAX.
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For recently, the streamer let it be known that Caddo Lake, a mystery/thriller, written and directed by Celine Held and Logan George, and produced by Mr. Shyamalan, will debut on the network on October 10, just in time for spooky season, and it certainly fits the vibe. Courtesy of a unique and engaging plot that clearly caught the eye of a living horror legend, and it is a plot we will share with you now, along with some first-look photos a teaser trailer for the film. As we begin the countdown to what should be quite the chilling MAX Original.

‘The inspiration for CADDO LAKE was sparked after filmmakers, Celine Held and Logan George, came across a photograph of the real Caddo Lake online, leading to many visits to the cypress forest that rests on the border of Texas and Louisiana. The film was shot in late 2021 and 2022 in and around Karnak, Texas.
 
The Plot: When an eight-year-old girl mysteriously vanishes, a series of past deaths and disappearances start to link together, forever altering a broken family’s history.
        
Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Diana Hopper, Caroline Falk, Sam Hennings, with Eric Lange, and Lauren Ambrose.  
 
Credits: CADDO LAKE is written and directed by Celine Held & Logan George; produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Ashwin Rajan, Kara Durrett and Josh Godfrey; executive producers Kimberly Steward, Harrison Huffman, and Will Greenfield.’