When we think of Santa Claus, or Ol’ Saint Nick, if you prefer… specific imagery comes into our minds. Wherein we see… one jolly man. One who is heavyset and wearing that big red suit, trimmed with white fluff and white gloves, and of course he is wearing his red hat with a white ball, and his cheeks and nose are rosy from the cold air of the night, and his beard is white as snow and his laugh is nothing short of a bellow. Because that is… the quintessential image of Santa Claus. One that has been passed down from generation to generation, to the point where that’s even how every Mall Santa looks in the everyday world during the holiday season.
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If anything, this visage is so engrained in our minds that no one ever thinks twice about it or is eager to see it change… but perhaps we should. Simply because in 2024, it is quickly becoming apparent that a great deal of the things we celebrate and put on display, don’t represent everyone, and that is important. Because everyone in this life deserves to be seen and deserves to feel as though they belong and having a predominantly white character to shepherd the holiday season… isn’t conducive to that. Especially since the holiday season is for everyone. But there are individuals out there, trying to change that, and make the season more inclusive, as evidenced by the incredible documentary that recently debuted at the Austin Film Festival, Deaf Santa Claus.

Which is a story that introduces us to a man named Charles William Graves, who if you saw him on the street, you would instantly think he is Santa Claus. For he has the beard, he has the joy, and he himself speaks to the fact in this story that he would love to be Santa Claus 365 days a year. But alas, in this story, Charles is not. Simply because, Charles is deaf and because of that, there are few opportunities for him to work as a Santa Claus. But when others discover his infectious joy and his ability to inspire others, they rally to his cause and do their best to help him not only live his dream of being Santa Claus, but one that represents a group of individuals we don’t recognize enough.

Which brings forth, a stunning and moving documentary that flat out points out… Santa isn’t for everyone. Yes, he brings presents to all, but he doesn’t represent everyone in the world and that’s problematic. Because it isn’t fair that every child out there has to lock into norms when there are people who are fully capable of letting those kids be themselves and feel seen, and as though they belong, and that is Charles’ mission here and his quest to make the season for all, leads to some real surprises. Such as moments where people outright say, he might not fit in, he might not be able to do this or do that, and that’s shocking. Because Santa isn’t about specific behaviors, he is about bringing joy to children. 

Thankfully though, his desire to be a Santa for others and be an icon and inspiration to make the holidays the warm and welcome environment for everyone it is supposed to be, ends in a manner that does please. How, we won’t spoil. But what we will say, is that it is never easy to be the pioneer, but someone has to stand up and do the right thing and Charles most certainly does here. Which gives rise to a magnificent documentary that truly inspires. For it reminds us of the power of the human spirit, of what it means to feel as though we belong, and those elements, are worth the price of admission to this film, but it offers so much more.

Since it also explores what made Charles this happy, this loving, and his own personal journey is inspirational as well since he overcame so much… to just love people. To just give them hope and smiles and that is really something we don’t see enough of in this world, and we can all take a note from this special man and his massive heart. All of which gives rise to just an incredible story. One that truly does inform us that the old way of doing things is coming to its end. Because men like Charles and others, understand now that there is a place for everyone in this world. Regardless of the season, and the time has come for everyone to be seen and feel as though they belong, because truly… they do.

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the holiday season is more than just presents and joy and caroling and cocoa. It is also… a wonderful time of reflection. For once we hit December, the new year is lurking around the corner and that is the perfect time to think about the year we lived through, and whether or not we achieved our goals. So, we know what to celebrate at the end of the year and what we need to strive for in the forthcoming year. Which is yet another reason that the holiday season is supremely important and relevant to our lives, and one would think with that kind of thinking… that all of us make great progress because of it.
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But what’s funny… is that it’s about a 50/50 split on that line of thinking. Because while there are indeed people who take the lesson to heart and buckle down for what lie ahead… there are others who don’t. These are the folks that find themselves wondering why they can’t find success sooner or why it eludes them. Or why they cannot have what they really want in their life. Because this season of reflection informs them of what they are afraid of and what they know will take sacrifice to obtain that they are not ready to commit to. But they get there eventually, it just takes the epiphany and understanding, as evidenced by the new Hallmark movie, The 5-Year Christmas Party.

Which is a film that is told over the course of five years, wherein we spend time with two eager and ambitious individuals; Alice and Max. Who are young and ready to take on the world, and over the course of that five-year run, we see them go after hard goals and begin to achieve them. For Max wants to be one of the biggest actors on the planet and begins to reach that goal faster than expected, and Alice, wants nothing more than to be part of the theater scene in New York, and works hard to achieve it. But what eludes them the most and what they cannot seem to obtain, despite reflecting upon it year after year, is their love for another. For they know they connect but their goals consistently get in the way, and it will indeed take time, and a touch of maturity… and a desire to have what they really want… to enjoy the love they feel for each other.

That is of course… the perfect way to explore the central theme in question, in a very realistic light. Because that is so many of us at the end of the year. Where we are happy with one thing but not the other, and we desperately want that elusive thing, but something always somehow gets in the way. And this film does an amazing job of exploring how people put that off, and how people lament not having it often, to paint that perfect picture of how hard it is for our minds sometimes to push us to get what we really want in this life. Not because we are failures or dumb, or anything in that line of thinking. But because… we sometimes don’t know… how to let go and embrace the big stuff. Embrace that which really makes us happy… for several reasons.
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Because what we really want is scary, and there is always a worry that letting go and having what we want… will somehow transform us and not make us hungry or driven anymore. So, we hang onto it, and we let the fear control us. But thankfully this story does take the time to inform us how happy we will become when we let go of the fear, when we embrace change and let our strength push us toward new challenges, and those are magical lessons to find in a Hallmark feature. Which also reminds us, that this brand is taking its own advice and embracing change and embracing wonder by giving us stories that now look at real things people deal with and can overcome with the kind of quality advice we find in this particular feature.

All of which gives rise to an inspiring and lovely Hallmark film. One that really does inform us, to just go for it, and really embrace that which will make us happy. Not to mention, it does so in a very epic manner. Because encompassing five years in a life is no easy task in an eighty-four-minute runtime, much less two. But by focusing upon the holiday season here and using its thoughtfulness to bring about summary and eventual changes, allows for this story to work well. But most important of all, this is a film that also challenges the viewer, and tasks them with looking at their own lives and pondering upon whether or not they have embraced change and have properly chased what they want. So, they too can enjoy the peace and happiness that comes with going for broke and chasing our dreams.

We truly like to believe that the holiday season is miraculous in nature, and it makes sense as to why. After all, this is a season of love and unity, and so many hold to its wonder by letting go of old haunts and embracing the wonder of the season and what it stands for. Which gives rise to calm family dinners and joyous gift giving and sometimes outright forgiveness, and we of course… do our best to make the season proud by paying that goodwill forward in the hopes that others find such joy. Which we should continue to do, simply because… the hard reality of the season is that not everyone sees at as the most wonderful time of the year.
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Because life doesn’t end during the holiday season and some people are reminded of that when harsh things happen during the season. To the point where some no longer celebrate, and some… don’t have a family to celebrate with. Which is why it is important to be kind during the season, and be good to others, to help them through those tough times. Granted, we should do it all year round, but alas, we’ll take kindness where we can get it. Because it can go a long way, as does grace, and who knows… perhaps a holiday miracle can happen by just asking how a stranger is doing during that time. If anything, the power of kindness and grace during the season is top of mind today, simply because its power serves as the focus of a new Hallmark Mystery film, This Time Each Year.

For this holiday feature, introduces us to a couple in crisis during the holiday season. For Lauren and Kevin were once inseparable as a couple and had all of their dreams in front of them, and they even started a family. But this holiday season is sour for them. For they are financially destitute thanks to a poor purchase that Lauren initiated and Kevin… well he let dark times grab hold of him hard enough to turn to alcohol. Which puts their marriage on the rocks and leaves them unsure of tomorrow. But a surprise visit from Lauren’s mother, who doesn’t know of their standing, gives Lauren quite the idea. Wherein perhaps she and Kevin should fake being a couple for just a little longer to appease her mother until she heads home, to which Kevin agrees because he wants nothing more than to be near his wife and well… that moment inspires both of them… to think upon what they had and if by chance… a little grace can heal what’s broken.

Which is a plot that perfectly explores two key elements. First and foremost, it does indeed remind us of the fact that the holiday season is not the home of pure joy. For there are folks dealing with what Lauren and Kevin are dealing with. Tough times, heartbreak, and a stunning reset of their lives and that is important to acknowledge. So that folks such as them don’t feel as though they have to put on a façade during the season and bury down their pain, and well, this movie deserves a round of applause for this. Especially a Hallmark film no less. Because this is not a common theme for them, but it is refreshing, and it is very realistic, and it helps to set the stage for what kindness and grace can do during the season.
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Which is the second element in question. Since the decision to be a couple, albeit temporarily, offers kindness and grace. Wherein Kevin and Lauren are forced to be kind to one another and tolerant, and in doing so, they are reminded of what they enjoyed the most about being together and what worked well in their relationship. But more importantly, this film informs us that kindness and grace also do something wondrous for people. In that, it gives them relief from their stress and a chance to look at the moment objectively since they have room to breathe. Which can lead to humility and an understanding of how to fix one’s problems and heal. Something that does take place in this story, and that too is refreshing.

Because that does happen now and again, and it does remind us that not all is lost or broken in this life when we take that objective view. All of which helps to bring forth, a fascinating holiday feature. One that is unconventional for the Hallmark brand, and that’s a great thing. Because it’s showcasing how the brand is growing and evolving, courtesy of this magnificent feature. One that is grounded in concepts that feel real and are supremely relatable, yet it never loses sight of the trademark hopefulness we find in these films and that makes… for a delightful watch. One that has you hoping for better days for this broken couple, while also thinking upon whether or not you’re giving yourself and your life the grace you deserve and need. So, that you too… can enjoy a little comfort and joy in the upcoming holiday season.

There comes a point in all of our lives, where we reflect upon our journey and when we do… we tend to ponder deeply upon the most important moments in our memories, and understandably so. After all, our first love taught us a great deal about what our hearts really wanted. Not to mention, the first death we experienced taught us so much about mortality and the need to live in the moment and our first job helped us to understand the career would we choose. So why not reflect upon such formative moments? But while big moments have meaning, and big moments matter, and they are indeed worth revisiting, we should in fact, ponder beyond those big moments. Because there are so many more that taught us valuable lessons. Ones that we dismissed long ago but had such an impact.
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For instance, the first time we said ‘no’ to someone that wanted something from us, was the moment we set up boundaries. Not to mention, the first time we got fired from a job of our own accord taught us a great deal about responsibility and how to handle ourselves in situations that could put our financial standing in that kind of jeopardy. Which are also important moments. But of the many we experience in life, there is one we should cherish above all else. For there are days in our youth, shortly after we leave high school and work to conquer the world, where we really found focus and learned so much about the world… through conversations that seemingly were never going to end. With people that excited our very being, and those talks really did make us into something special, and that particular moment in time is top of mind today, because a magnificent film that reminds us of the power of that moment recently debuted at the Austin Film Festival.

A feat that American Spirit accomplishes by introducing us to a woman named Melody, who is a college student and is eager to just enjoy a cigarette and unwind after a frustrating evening at a party, and while she does enjoy that cigarette, she runs into someone quite important named Jonathan. Whom she dated back in their high school days, and well… since they have no place of importance to be on this night, they decide to reconnect. What follows, is a fascinating evening, wherein this duo discusses college, what’s happened since they left high school behind and what lie ahead. For soon is full on adulthood and its responsibilities and their discussions will bring about all kinds of powerful moments on this night. Ones that help them to understand life and teach them about the power of connection.  

Which initially, makes you think you’re settling in to watch a coming-of-age story, and there is merit to that. Because so many stories in that vein do feature important conversations and moments of learning and realization. But it is what we are privy to in the grand conversation that Melody and Jonathan are taking part in… that makes it clear… this is about so much more. Because it really is about… an evening of discovery. Of those moments where we just live and connect with people and share in special memories that involve so much more than just partying. But philosophical thinking, discussions about who we are, where we are going, what we want. All of which are critical to our future. Because without those nights, we fail to understand so much about people, ourselves and that leads to an amazing feature. 

One that truly does capture… an experience we all take part in. Because every last one of us have done what Melody and Jonathan have done, and we truly found such power and such gravity in that moment. Because nothing else mattered on that night but real human connection and words that spoke to dreams, hopes, and optimism untold for a future ahead, and what makes this film so impactful, is that Writer/Director Christopher Yates captures this moment realistically. Via fantastic dialogue that isn’t kitschy or stylized. It’s simply authentic, and the way the film is shot and set up, allows for the whole movie to feel as though we’re on the journey with Melody and Jonathan, and living through that amazing moment once again.

All of which gives rise to a refreshing film. One that filled with fascinating moments and amazing performances. Since Yasmeen Fletcher (Melody), Cooper Roth (Jonathan), and Mackinlee Waddell (Riley) add to the depth of a tale that harkens back to the indie classics of the late 90s and early 00s where just capturing a moment was the norm, and truly… this is a story that ignites something special within the viewer. Simply because this story… transports us back in time to the moment where everything was simple and everything was ahead of us, and we wanted nothing more than to get out there and conquer the world because of those conversations. It reminds us… of the value of those little moments, of the power of conversation and how we cherish it forever. For we hadn’t a clue… that such a moment would do so much for us in the years ahead.

To watch ‘American Spirit’ visit the Austin Film Festival website. Stay tuned for more coverage from this film, courtesy of our interview with Writer/Director Christopher Yates, and Cast Members Yasmeen Fletcher, Cooper Roth, and Mackinlee Waddell.

One particular truth that we don’t acknowledge enough in the United States of America, is that as a whole, Americans love to romanticize war, and it makes sense as to why. After all, it was war that liberated the colonies from King George and helped give rise to this powerful nation, and it was war that allowed for it to finally unify as one. Not to mention, it was war that made us a superpower when we joined in to help the world destroy the Nazi war machine. So, those wars, and our desire to maintain dominance has indeed allowed for us to romanticize war as a ‘classy' end to a means and that same love of it translates into popular media as well. After all, we’ve all seen noble and heroic stories about those very wars, and even the ones we’ve come to lament have a beautiful label to them.
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That they were fought to stop the rise of communism, to liberate oppressed nations and end the scourge of terrorism for all time, and even our heroes that return home from war are seen in a cinematic light and well… let’s just cut to it. This is all problematic. Because war is hell, and it costs lives and it is ugly and devastating, and while it may be necessary now and again… it is not something to be celebrated or fawned over. Especially when it comes to the soldiers that come home from combat. Who were tasked with some tough and devastating acts that had an incredible impact up on them. One that we are just now starting to understand. Thankfully though, we are finally starting to see films that don’t show us a soldier standing tall and proud as the flag waves behind them before fading to black. They’re showing us what happens to these brave soldiers when they return home from that proud moment.  

If anything, what really happens after the ‘wondrous’ war is won is top of mind today, simply because a stunning film that recently debuted at the Austin Film Festival, showcases the real price of freedom, and Young King accomplishes that… by taking us into the life of a veteran. For we meet Diondre Howell shortly after he’s come home from the Iraq War, and while he is happy to be home and ready to start a new life, potentially with a lovely woman he’s met, named Fatimah, he is not himself. For in the back of his mind, are the horrors and intensity of that brutal war and the echoes of the past, and the trauma and PTSD he clearly harbors, begin to bring forth real struggles in his life. The kind that only get worse when he realizes that the Veterans Affairs office won’t help him in the slightest, and of course… he cannot afford the incredible prices of health care in America, so he drifts into the darkness. Putting his new relationship in serious jeopardy and scaring his family to no end. Prompting his family to race against time and find Diondre help before that darkness consumes him.

Which is the perfect way in which to explore how we romanticize war and forget about our veterans in the process. Courtesy of a film that is based on a true story, that also holds nothing back in showcasing the truth. Since it showcases how we just give our soldiers a pat on the back, a reminder of the hero they are, and their discharge papers and let their story fade to black. But that’s just it, life goes on for these soldiers, and they are now tasked with relaxing and enjoying life… when they spent years surrounded by a fear of death and images and acts that aren’t commonplace to human beings. For they saw death everywhere, and they took part in taking lives and that is a lot to process, a lot to remove from a person’s psyche, and this is what comes out of war. Broken men. Broken women. Who are lost and hurting, and that is what make this film so brutal and so devastating.
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Because truly, these soldiers have no programs to turn to, and the average person won’t hear what they have to say because they cannot comprehend what it means to gun down a person in the name of a cause, and it just heartbreaking to watch Diondre cry out in this film and beg for help, beg for someone, anyone to listen. Because it should not be like this. Not in America. And if we are that ready to send baby faced adults to war, we need to be ready to care for them when they come home, and well, the reality of how life goes for our veterans leads to some shocking moments in this story. Wherein we see the impact of unfettered PTSD and trauma, and how it truly transforms a person when they lose hope and cannot cope and that makes this… a commanding feature. One that will rattle you to your core with the truth it puts on display, and it will in fact stay with you for a very, very long time.

Because as mentioned before, nothing is held back in this story, and it is filmed and presented in a manner that feels authentic and feels real, paying tribute to the true story its based upon while making it emotionally accessible to the audience, and it needs to be. Because Diondre is someone we know. He’s a cousin, a brother, a father… an American. Drowning in a sea of sorrow as we light fireworks and toast beers to another war won, but at what cost? And this film deserves a round of applause for being so brave and for being so moving so we can finally well, care about veterans. Which is a testament to the work of Writer/Director Bryant T. Griffin, and the work of his talented cast, with Vince Washington leading the charge and taking us on a journey that is heartbreaking but necessary to sit through. Because it is high time, we stop celebrating wars and start celebrating the people who chose to fight them, by caring for them the right way.

To watch ‘Young King’ visit the Austin Film Festival website. Stay tuned for more coverage from this film, courtesy of our interview with Writer/Director Bryant T. Griffin, Producer Selena Leoni, and Composer Karam Salem.

For the most part, science fiction stories that like to examine corners of the human condition, tend to focus upon one aspect of it, and nothing more, and it makes sense as to why. After all, by locking in on one thing that makes us, us, the story can dig deep into it and look at it from every angle be it good or bad. Which gives rise to an enriching story for certain, that does ponder upon so much, through a unique lens no less. And another reason this can happen, is because sometimes… there is a worry that digging too deep and going into too many topics could make the story confusing, and it could potentially detract from the core theme the writer wants to explore.
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Hence why so many hold to one topic per story. But the fact of the matter is, they don’t have to. Because science fiction readers, and viewers, want to absorb as many concepts as they can, and they truly love complex stories that inject surprises and more into the story. Because then it reflects life, with a hint of science fiction surrounding whatever is going on with the characters, and truly, the best science fiction stories out there… employ this and are poured over for generations when they get it right. If anything, the wonder of a complex Sci-Fi story is top of mind today, simply because one in that vein, recently made its debut at the Austin Film Festival, and needs to be celebrated.

Simply because, Bright Forests is a stunning examination of what makes humanity so beautiful and so worth cherishing and it accomplishes that feat by taking us on a unique journey. Wherein we meet an astronomer who encounters something so many have dreamed of, alien life. Via a message from across the stars, and well… that prompts him to make it his life work to send a reply and get one back, but alas… he knows it will take decades upon decades to get a reply, and our wickedly short life spans simply won’t allow for him to see that reply come through. Prompting his daughter to take up the mantle to try to finish his work. Which runs into its own complex challenges, but despite the fact that we leave this plane too soon, and the trials and tribulations she faces… she holds onto the hope that the message will indeed come back to her one day, completing her father’s life work

Which at first glance, appears to be nothing more than a hauntingly charming story about the realities of our first encounter with another species. Which has merit since we don’t know how we will have that first encounter, and time dilatation is a genuine thing. But it is what happens between those moments of waiting that matter. Because that allows for this film to really examine the human condition and ponder upon aspects of it, that we don’t celebrate as often as we should. Such as how, it’s a wonderful thing that we follow in our parents’ footsteps and honor them through continuing their work. Because that’s special and powerful, and we simply see it as a norm, but it is a choice. One that takes sacrifice and dedication to ensure that everyone knows the wonder of who came before us. 
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Not to mention, this is a story that celebrates the fact that we are dreamers, filled with hope and always looking toward tomorrow, even at our worst. And we should celebrate that more, because that… speaks to what will truly make us a better species, a harmonized one that that. Because to dream together would solve so many problems. But above all, this is a movie that just celebrates, the gift of life we’ve been given, and how precious it truly is. Because regardless of what might be out there, there are only so many humans in the galaxy, and we should cherish one another and love one another and yes, you’ll find all of that in the brief fifteen-minute run time… of this completely and utterly brilliant SciFi short feature. 

One that truly speaks to the human condition on a refreshing and wondrous level that we need more of in cinema and television right now, and it also doesn’t hurt… that the acting is aces, the visuals are breathtaking and above all, the script is smooth and engaging. Which is a testament to writer/director Chadwick Harman’s work here and this one… deserves a round of applause. For it is beautiful, haunting and moving. Courtesy of the fact that it reminds us of our fragility, of our beauty and how important it is to remember those things, and the moments that will never come again as we move into a future unknown. One that we will shape as we see fit, once we realize that we are not alone in the universe… because we have one another.

To watch ‘Bright Forests’ please visit the Austin Film Festival Website. Also, stay tuned for more coverage of this short feature, courtesy of our interview with writer/director Chadwick Harman.  

One particular truth about human beings that everyone is aware of, is that we are supremely social beings. We love to be around others in some capacity, we love making a connection with others, and we love indulging in the creation of memory and moments with those we choose to surround ourselves. Because we love what it does for us, we love what it brings us from a joy perspective, and that is also why… we have no qualms with finding a partner. To have those elements day in and day out, and a family if we so choose. Because being around others really does fulfill us in ways we never thought possible.
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Sadly though, we learn how much it means to us… by outright not having it now and again. Because for every great story about two best friends that have known each other for decades, or a love affair for the ages, there are moments of loneliness we don’t talk about. Where those individuals yearned for connection. In fact, it is so important to us, our worst fear is having it robbed from us. Because we know that would devastate us and put us in a desperate space where we might do anything to have what we crave. Which does beg the question. What would we do to have connection if by chance the fundamentals of it were taken from us? Well, it just so happens that a film that recently debuted at the Austin Film Festival ponders upon that question in a powerful manner.

A feat that Silent Notes accomplishes by introducing us to a man named Bruce who is in the midst of a trying time in his life. For Bruce is losing his hearing at an alarming rate and that helps him to realize that this will ostracize him and isolate him because of how the world views differently abled individuals. Which puts him into a panic to find money for a surgery to maintain his hearing, to the point where he decides to sign up with the mafia as an errand man, to raise the money needed to get the implants that will restore his hearing, quickly. But making a romantic connection with a Mafioso in the organization, changes everything for Bruce. For he knows this man is the one and he is suddenly tempted to do whatever it takes to keep him safe and keep him around to maintain the true connection he’s been searching for.  

Which really is a powerful and inventive way to explore the central theme. Because we don’t give that much thought to how communication is part of connection, nor do we think too much about how we ostracize and forget about differently abled individuals and isolate those same individuals, because we think we cannot properly communicate with differently abled individuals. Which allows for both of those elements to really showcase how much it matters to everyone to be connected and communicated with and the premise alone ponders upon how far we will go to get that. Because doing illegal acts and pondering upon how best to be near someone that lives a dangerous life, speaks volumes to our need.   
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All of which gives rise to a powerful feature. One that is also uniquely constructed in nature. For a fair chunk of the film is presented to us in silence, in part to help us understand the world that Bruce lives within because we should understand the life of someone that is about to lose what little connection they have to the world and know more about what differently abled individuals go through. But it also just features an unconventional love story. One that showcases how love knows no bounds, and how it really does fulfill us in ways we never thought possible. Which gives rise to real beauty in this story the kind that deeply move you and may in fact, bring one to tears, and the wonder of this feature doesn’t end there.

Because it also harbors some amazing representation. Since Daniel Durant, who plays Bruce, happens to be deaf, and it is important to see a differently abled individual on screen, and Daniel is simply riveting here. For he sells the power and the gravity of Bruce’s situation in a powerfully compelling manner. To the point where you truly do want to see him find the love he seeks. Not to mention, you really do want to see love conquer all, and all of these elements make for a powerful feature. One that is both beautiful and melancholy, and truly reminds us… that we all deserve love, and we all deserve connection and that perhaps we should worry less about what it would take to find that connection and worry more about why we aren’t offering it more.

To see ‘Silent Notes’ please visit the Austin Film Festival website. Also, stay tuned for more coverage from this film, courtesy of our interview with Star Daniel Durant, Director Toni Comas and Interpreter Matt Rymer.

There was a time in cinema, not that long ago, where zany comedies ruled the box office. In fact, it was almost impossible to go a weekend without enjoying some kind of top-tier comedy, one where the audience would wipe tears from their eyes because the jokes were great and hit hard and that was all they worked to accomplish. They simply wanted to entertain you and make you laugh for a good ninety minutes, and some genuinely iconic franchises and films came out of this push for hilarity. The kind that we tend to quote to this day and watch over and over again when we stumble upon them on a streaming service or on television, to just enjoy those hilarious moments again and to put a smile on our faces. 
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But somewhere along the time, something happened. One day, the zany comedy just disappeared from the marketplace. For reasons we don’t understand. Some claim that it might be related to the sudden surge of concern that comedy can be offensive, and that zany comedies cross too many lines. While others have pointed out that they cost a bevy of money to make and that makes them a hard sell to a studio. But it does leave one to wonder, if we will ever see the return of such comedies, and well… the answer to that question is a resounding yes. For there are filmmakers out there looking to resurrect this type to story, and it just so happens that a zany comedy that truly harkens back to that golden age of the genre, made its debut at the Austin Film Festival the other night, and Operation Taco Gary’s is truly worth spotlighting, for it is the most hilarious comedy of the year.

A feat that this film accomplishes by plunging us into a very unique moment for a man named Luke. For he has landed an amazing job in Canada and when we are introduced to him here, he’s selling off everything to prepare for the move and is as happy as can be. Especially when his estranged brother Danny arrives to help him with the move. For he hasn’t seen Danny in ages, mainly because Danny has a tendency to believe in conspiracy theories and lives off-grid more often than not. But for this reunion, Danny wants nothing more than to spend time with his brother and see him off into this new chapter of his life. Okay, maybe not. Because soon, Luke learns that Danny isn’t exactly telling him the entire truth and the real reason he’s come along… relates to the most incredible conspiracy theory anyone has ever heard and in order to be free of Danny’s wild beliefs, Luke has no choice but to listen to his brother and see this journey to its completion.

Which is… the perfect plot in which to bring forth a zany comedy that knows no bounds to its humor. Because the conspiracy theory in question allows for the story to just let loose and have fun and go to silly places that you don’t think it will go, and that… really does give rise to some wonderfully hilarious moments and sequences here. Ones that feature some truly iconic comedy sequences. Some of which involve amazing physical comedy, running gags and something that we all adored back in the day, those super slapstick sequences that go on forever and just keep upping the ante with the gags. Which really does harken back to those classic comedies that just keep the funny coming, and what’s amazing, is that this motion picture has even more wonder and majesty to offer its audience.
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Because it is also, a brilliantly written film, one that makes some of what happens here, feel believable. Which draws you into the story deeper, as do the stakes present for both Luke and Danny, and like any great comedy… it has heart and some genuinely endearing moments as well, and it also boasts… just an amazing cast. Which is important in putting together a quality comedy. Because they have to sell the funny, and they most certainly do, with one actor leading the charge here, and he really takes this movie to the next level. For comedy legend Simon Rex plays Danny in this tale, and he brings incredible depth to the role and lets loose here as a comedian, and that really does lead to some incredible moments. In fact, this is some of Simon’s finest work here.

All of which brings forth, an utterly brilliant comedy. One that truly understood the assignment and showcases, how this type of film doesn’t need a massive budget, that there are ways to still be funny without anyone being concerned about being offended, and… that it is okay to sneak in a little story and humanity into these tales to help tie the audience to them. Because when you do so, this is what you get, a refreshing and revolutionary comedy. One that truly just brings joy into your day, and writer/director Michael Kvamme deserves a round of applause for bringing this kind of feature back from the brink, and hopefully this movie will serve as the blueprint for a new generation of zany comedies. Because it’s been far too long since we’ve seen them, and as Simon Rex so succinctly said to this reporter in a discussion about this film, ‘we need these movies more than ever.’

To watch ‘Operation Taco Gary’s’ visit the Austin Film Festival Website, and stay tuned for more coverage of the film, courtesy of our interview with Writer/Director Michael Kvamme, Star/Executive Producer Simon Rex, and Producer Matthew Vaughn.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Scouting for Christmas’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the Hallmark Channel has taken a fair bit of heat for its holiday-themed stories, courtesy of some consistent, echoed complaints. Where folks have called these stories, one-dimensional in nature, courtesy of plots that revolve around similar characters, all women, who only find value in life through finding the love of their life. After of course, they return to their small-town home from their ultra-stressful job in the city. Which are complaints that have some merit, because all of us have seen some of these elements in these stories before. But what’s fascinating… is that Hallmark has read those complaints and has been working to address them in just about every way imaginable.

Which is why are seeing the network and their stories evolve before our eyes. Since they are now putting out content that features romantic struggles for men, and they are home to stories that explore more than just love, but grief, and trauma and reconciliation. And it just so happens that over the past couple of years, they’ve been working to shake up the structure of their movies to take them to new places, storytelling wise, and it would seem… they are finally eager to change up their holiday-themed romance stories as well. For they are starting to have real depth and offer up some beautiful messages, and for proof… look no further than the story that debuted last night on the network, Scouting for Christmas.

For this particular tale introduces us to a busy single mother named Angela, who is definitely going through it. For she’s two years removed from a nasty divorce and trying her best to keep her daughter’s life going and of course, put food on the table, and little Brooklyn sees what her mother is doing for her, and sees much more. For it is obvious that Angela is indeed missing something from her life, that support and that fulfillment that real love provides. So, she works hard to try and fix her mom up with the nicest man she knows, William. Who owns the local bakery and is kind and someone Brooklyn would love to have around as a father figure, and so she asks the two of them to work together on a special holiday baking project for the Girl Scouts, to hopefully bring them together. But her holiday dream for a family won’t be easy to fulfill… for what she doesn’t know is that William and her mom harbor some deep-rooted issues that will make this gift difficult to get.

Which is at first glance, seemingly more of the same. After all, Angela isn’t happy, she’s missing something in her life, which is love. And yes, there’s a smart man who is good and kind that could in fact, offer her that. But thankfully, that is where the tropes end in this tale. Because once we dig into this story and really look at the characters and their motivations, do we come to learn that Angela and William are suffering from severely broken hearts. In fact, they’re hurting so bad that they’ve essentially closed off their emotions to others and are unwilling to love because they no longer feel worthy of it. Because of how their last relationships ended, and that… is quite the twist to inject into this story. Because that’s a very real thing that people do when hurt and they miss out on opportunities to love when they do so, and it is refreshing to find in a Hallmark story, as is what follows this root cause discovery of conflict for William and Angela.
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Because this story, explores how we overcome such matters, how we learn to love again and that’s valuable and wonderful to find in this story as well. Because we don’t think we are worthy of love when something we thought would last forever, falls apart in front of us. So, we have to make peace with the past, know our worth and embrace ourselves, which the characters do here in a subtle manner and in doing so, they are able to move onto the next step. Which is love someone again and be open to the possibilities that can bring us. Giving rise to a very modern Hallmark movie that goes beyond the basics that people sometimes lament… to give us… a moving and uplifting journey that informs us, we can come back from heartbreak, and we can love again when we realize… we deserve to be loved.

All of which brings forth, a wonderful kickoff film to this year’s Countdown to Christmas. Because it lets the audience know that this year’s stories will be vastly different, and they will harbor new ideas, and new struggles for their characters. Without ever losing the charm and wonder of these stories. Because deep thought aside, there’s a lot of what we love here. That holiday vibe, the cheer we come to expect from it, and the sense of fun these films provide. Because they are about the season, and the joy it brings and the wonder it injects into our hearts. It just so happens that going forward, these stories will be free of their old haunts, courtesy of the delightful decision to inject some real humanity in them, and real goals for the characters to strive for. Which will only add to the majesty of films we so love, and it will be interesting to see what other depth is present in these types of stories, as Hallmark enters a bold new chapter for its flagship stories.

We are taught from a very early age that loss is part of life, and because of that, we are also taught… that we should let it go as quickly as possible. Because a constant doesn’t require our attention for all that long, so it is best to grieve, and move on and so many of us work to follow that advice. For it does have merit. After all, the world does continue to run while we deal with loss and there are still bills to pay, so why not forge ahead and let time heal those wounds? But unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for us to come to understand that such lessons are flawed in nature, and that grief as a result of loss, isn’t something we can easily wave away. Simply because, we all grieve in such different ways.

For instance, there are some who can handle this in a quick and breezy nature, but so many cannot. For some folks, need real time to process the pain and the shock of losing someone and there are some out there, who it sticks with for years. For reasons that vary from person to person, but these are the folks that require support and grace, and understanding, and in some cases, a blueprint on how to heal because of how much the pain devastates them. And believe it or not, storytelling is one way to make that happen, since folks can find what they need within the framework of a story, and even learn how their grief works and how it impacts others in the process, and it just so happens that a powerful film now on Max, offers up a fascinating look at grief and its power, while providing folks with a unique blueprint on how to overcome it when the pain doesn’t go away.

A feat that Caddo Lake accomplishes by plunging us into the lives to two individuals living with a form of grief. There’s Paris, a man who recently lost his mother and is simply beside himself. In fact, he is so broken by her loss that his life has come to a standstill. To the point where all his future plans are on hold, and he can barely function. Plus, there’s Ellie, a young woman that is eager to forge her own path, but loss in her family has made her mother supremely protective and supremely controlling, and that has stunted her progress in life, and the situation only grows more dire from there when Ellie’s stepsister goes missing. For it puts her mother into a tailspin that prompts Ellie to join the search and that sets in motion quite the surprise for both Ellie and Paris. For all those people in the lake, searching for that little girl, helps to reveal that perhaps, this place has properties that could heal everyone that’s wounded or at least… offer clarity regarding their pain.

Which is the perfect way to explore those key elements we made mention of a moment ago. Because that is a plot that does indeed showcase what grief looks like in an extreme manner, and how a lack of resolution of it can bring about some tough days, with Paris showcasing the worst-case scenario for the individual. Since he is indeed a lost soul in this story, one that goes through his day with the weight of loss upon his shoulders and no idea how to reconcile it. Whereas Ellie’s journey showcases how grief can freeze everyone in our lives. Since her mother has locked everyone into a moment in time that they cannot escape from, and don’t want to, because they want to support her and lift her up. Which makes for some powerful moments we don’t often see in film, and they are also important to the story and the healing process, because we must know of a negative impact before we find a way forward.
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Which the film explores in stunning detail here. For as Paris and Ellie spend time on the lake, they come to discover so much about themselves and their lives, the kind of stuff that speaks deeply to how we heal from grief. Such as how we have to come understand how we are not at fault for those we lose, and that we truly have no control over their loss, and that we should honor them by living in the moment, rather than holding onto that pain. For that is everything they would want from us. As to how they come to that understanding through the lake and its strange nature, we won’t reveal here. Because you need to experience that journey firsthand because it is cleverly crafted and wonderfully stunning. Courtesy of a brilliant script and brilliant direction from Celine Held and Logan George.

Who have also brought together a film that has more to offer. For this is that rare film that has something for everyone, because it does incorporate mystery, and science fiction concepts into the story to give those looking for entertainment value something to enjoy. All of which brings forth, a powerful feature, one that truly does explore grief in a refreshing and unique light, while also entertaining and wowing us with amazing ideas and engaging twists and turns. Plus, the acting here is excellent and sells the moment and the emotion needed to help us understand grief and that makes this riveting and intelligent film an absolute much-watch. Because you cannot go wrong with a film that entertains and teaches in a dynamic and original manner.