Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Sweet Parents’.
​
Each and every one of us, harbor some kind of magnificent dream for our future. One that is so powerful and defining that it outright gets us up in the morning and motivates us to get through our day, so that we can come home and work on pursuing it. Simply because we know deep down that our dream, will eventually lead us toward unprecedented happiness. The kind where we will spend our days filled with peace and contentment because we are finally doing something that we absolutely and utterly love, and the incredible power that our dreams hold over us, is why they are the subject of a great many stories.
​
Because there is something quite fulfilling about seeing people chase what we wish to chase and somehow, watching a fictional character obtain their goals and live happily ever after because they finally have everything they want out of life, inspires us in ways we never thought possible. But while these stories are indeed uplifting and wonderful, the only downside of dream-chasing in storytelling… is the sheer fact that these tales rarely show the difficult times that come with this pursuit. Because obtaining what we desire is never an easy task and it takes years of hard work and dedication to make a dent in our pursuit of them and the slow nature of this chase, can drive people mad or motivate them to walk away from what brings them joy. Or it can motivate some to do something quite drastic, and work toward shortcuts to get what they want, an act that can cause all kinds of harm, the kind that are explored in the fascinating and brilliant motion picture, Sweet Parents.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a loving couple named Will and Gabby and they have come to New York City to chase some bold dreams. For Gabby is all about the wonder of sculpting and would love nothing more than to have her art on display and Will, well he wants to own his own restaurant and provide the good people of the Big Apple with incredible food that they simply cannot get enough of. But it doesn’t take long for this couple to realize that dreams don’t happen overnight and as the years roll on and their lives remain stagnant, they begin to wonder when their time is going to arrive. But an off the cuff suggestion from a mutual friend about using charm and vulnerability with older and lonely and single folks to help move them forward, changes their outlook on the future. Because now they could in fact have what they want in record time. But such an act… might cost them more than they ever imagined. 

So, the world brilliant was used to describe this movie a moment ago and that is a word that this reviewer stands by. Because this motion picture does a phenomenal job of encapsulating our fears and our worries when it comes to our dreams, since the prospect of failure terrifies us in private and leaves us wondering if we’re making the right choices and that’s exactly what we see on display here from Gabby and Will and that makes this story painfully relatable at times. Because we either have or will experience some of what this couple is going through in this tale and that makes for a powerful and heartbreaking experience. Because the quality character development in this story, also allows for the viewer to learn that these are two good people that we want to see succeed for all the right reasons. But alas, their fears and their eagerness, drive them to shortcuts and some unhealthy behaviors and that’s where the messages present in this film, come into play.
​
Because their missteps, teach the audience that cutting corners to achieve one’s dreams is a terrible idea. Because in doing so, the cheater doesn’t earn their endgame. Instead, they simply get there and skip the journey and in doing so… forget all the important lessons that failure and hard work teach us and that makes for a hollow pursuit when all is said and done. But what’s truly surprising about this film, is that it has far more to say about the journey toward our dreams. Such as how we need to utterly cherish those that support us along the way, especially if they’re someone we love. Because that means our partner believes in us and believes in our value and that’s rare to find, and that also means they should never be the victim of our ire. Because they’re not responsible for our missteps or failures, they’re just there to love us and cheer us on and having them at our side when we take the time to put in the work makes the celebration at the end the journey all the more worthwhile. 

In the end, this really is quite the cerebral and powerful film. Because capturing our struggles in a compelling and realistic manner is no easy task for a filmmaker, but Writer/Director David Bly pulls that particular feat off here, in a masterful fashion. Because this is a movie that sucks you in with compelling characters and dynamic and believable performances and most important of all, this is a movie that challenges the viewer as well. Because in many ways, it asks us to look in the mirror and ponder upon whether or not we are doing enough to chase our dreams. Or if we’re growing stagnant and disillusioned like our main characters, allowing for this movie to serve as a cautionary tale of sorts, one that will stay with you for quite some time after the credits have come to an end. Which makes this movie a must see for certain, since it truly captures the rawness of the human experience by taking an objective look at something, we all share in.

‘Sweet Parents’ is available now via Video On Demand.

The evolution of the detective/crime film never ceases to amaze me. These days the stories told about crime fighters are in the same vein as Michael Mann's Heat, in that they are cerebral and detailed when it comes to both the characters and the plot as well, but there was a time when this simply wasn't the case.

Much of the older detective fare helped establish the notion of a 'tough as nails' gumshoe, the kind of guy who doesn't take any crap from anybody and always gets his man. But the times change, audiences wanted something different out of our characters and here we are. But once in a while, a film comes out that harkens back to those olden days and one such film that tries its best to pay homage to the hardboiled detectives of old was Striking Distance.

Now the plot for this film was pretty standard fare, Bruce Willis plays Detective Tom Hardy, a Pittsburgh Police gumshoe that suffers heavily early on in the film. Not only is he considered a snitch by his fellow officers for making it known that his cousin Jimmy uses excessive force on the job, but he loses his father in a high-speed chase with a notorious serial killer known as the 'Polish Hill Strangler' and Jimmy eventually commits suicide because of his fall from grace. Years later Tom has stepped away from the Detective life to handle river rescue and while it seems as though the rest of career will be filled with silence and solitude, the Polish Hill Strangler has returned, and is working hard to make Tom's life hell...

While that seems like a plot that should be engaging and fascinating, it doesn't quite work in this film, because this movie struggles with finding an identity. At times it is a creepy thriller, and how Polish Hill taunts the police is fascinating and the fact he wants revenge on Tom is equally as cool, but all of that is quickly washed away by two glaring problems...the fact that it bathes itself in an homage cologne and the bravado in this film is just a little too over the top. Every police officer in this film is raging cop stereotype, borrowing from the best but transforming them into angry, angry men who basically shout at one another and trade barbs about doing someone's wife rather than I don't know...trying to solve a murder case? Granted there is a conspiracy as to why this anger and investigative foot dragging occurs, but by the time the predictable conclusion to that conspiracy is revealed, you simply don't care anymore.

Yet, despite the rough storytelling presented to you, and the over the top everything that comes with it, you find yourself hooked upon every single moment that this movie has to offer. This really is a classic case of a film that is so bad that it turns out to be good, because morbid curiosity takes over immediately and well, you're compelled to know what's going to happen next, how silly is it going to be and you wonder how hard you are going to laugh. That alone makes it worth the price of admission, but for the more hardcore detective film fan, you'll find a few gems here and there when it comes to actors portraying gumshoes since the always sublime Tom Atkins pops up in this one, along with the late Brion James. Either way, see this one when you're looking for a slice of brainless and fun entertainment and go into it with zero expectations regardless of what genre you love, and you'll come out of this one with a smile on your face.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Contracts’.
​
For the most part, movie characters and their overall design, follow a fairly strict set of rules. Superheroes for instance, always win and rarely die and if by chance they do… they find a way to return to life in the sequel. And the monsters that populate the horror genre, always have a grandiose weakness, the kind that allows for the hero or heroes to finally vanquish them and save the day. Plus, there’s the assassin, a person that is so cold and so good at what they do, that they are a forced to be reckoned with. The kind that cannot be stopped with reasoning or care, since they no longer value human life in the slightest.
​
If anything, these particular tropes are designed to make an audience comfortable when they come to the multiplex, so that they can properly lose themselves within the plot. But while it is nice to be cozy within the framework of a movie and enjoy the familiar, films that challenge those tropes are always a welcome addition to the market as well. Because it is nice to know that there are still filmmakers out there that want to push these characters to be more than their baseline counterparts and thankfully that’s allowed for some superheroes to deal with loss in every sense of the word, or for the living dead to take over the world or in the case of the film Contracts, see assassins deal with genuine fear for their lives.

For in this particular film, we are introduced to a former assassin named Anthony Lo who is contacted by a talented hitman named Mark Sullivan because dear Mark is dealing with quite the problem right now. Because Mark is the top dog in his assassin outfit and one by one his skilled employees are suddenly disappearing from the face of the earth. Which has Mark and most of his cohorts terrified, for they are the best of the best and it is horrifying to know that someone out there is hunting them. And it is Mark’s hope that Anthony will be able to help in bringing down this mysterious assassin of assassins, a notion that Mister Lo brushes off… until he comes to learn that his ex-wife, also an assassin, has fallen victim to this maniac and simply must be avenged. But unfortunately for Anthony and Mark, they’ll need more than mere revenge to bring this monster down. For this particular assassin, is as talented as they come, and they will not rest until they are the last assassin standing.

Now, before we dig any deeper into this particular motion picture, it’s best we offer up a warning. In that, if you’re expecting this story to be cerebral and brooding in nature, you’re in for quite the surprise. Because this is a movie that quite frankly makes the action a focus over anything else. So, a lot of the character development that one might expect in regard to a plot such as that, simply isn’t there. Which just means that this movie won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s okay. But if you’re looking to enjoy an explosive ride, then this one is for you. Because the action sequences in this movie are downright breathtaking at times and supremely brutal and they really do make for an engaging experience since you’re curious to see how a particular battle is going to end and how the next one is going to top the last one.

But while that makes it seem as though this movie is completely brainless; the plot does have its merits. Because this story really does do a phenomenal job of shaking up the assassin sub-genre. Because the person that is bringing down these skilled killers, is relentless and cunning and intelligent and it is downright refreshing to see assassins on the run and living in outright fear. For that really isn’t something you find in this sub-genre, and it definitely adds a layer of intrigue to the story as you try and piece together exactly who could be skilled enough to bring down such talented hitmen and the web of intrigue that this movie spins in regard to that, does indeed lead to some seriously delightful surprises as the story continues along.

In the end, this is just a good old fashioned, high-octane action flick and that’s just fine. Because not every movie out there needs to have social commentary, or some kind of morality lesson buried within its framework. In fact, sometimes we just want to be entertained and that’s exactly what this movie offers you from beginning to end. Because at no point does the action let up in the slightest, making this flick an exhausting but fulfilling ride. So, if you’re looking for a wonderful way to escape the ills for the world for an hour and a half, then this is the movie to see. Because this one really is quite the delightful experience, one that will keep you guessing while it wows you with one epic action sequence after another.  

Our 'dream job' comes with a certain level of expectations when it finally arrives in our lap. We firmly believe that from the moment we enter that perfect career, that our lives will be on easy street and every day will be a cake walk as we perform our desired duties with glee, and we will no doubt go home every single day with a giant smile on our face because hey... we've finally arrived.

But there is of course a harsh reality to the dream job that we rarely think of and only discover once we take the gig. For starters, not every day will be perfect. There will be problems and complications that irritate and confound us and to top it off, we forget that more than likely we will be working with people, and as we all know... sometimes people don't see eye to eye. Because while you firmly believe this is the greatest job you've ever taken, they may feel completely the opposite and the notion of everything not quite being what it seems when it comes to such matters was explored in detail in the 2001 film, Training Day.

Los Angeles Police Officer Jake Hoyt joined the force with one purpose in mind, making a difference in the world. He firmly believes in the motto of 'Protect and Serve' and has worked extremely hard to get noticed by his superiors in the LAPD. After all, his dream job would be advancing as far as he can, inspiring junior officers along the way to be better public servants and his chance to move up the chain has finally arrived. He has received an invitation from Detective Alonzo Harris to join his elite Narcotics unit for a trial run to see if the young officer can handle working the streets. It's an opportunity that Jake jumps upon, but it doesn't take long for Jake to realize that he and Alonzo are like oil and water. While Jake believes in policy and procedure, Alonzo will do whatever it takes to make an arrest and while Jake can let go of some of the rules Alonzo breaks, when he discovers just how far the ruthless detective is willing to go to fulfill personal and professional agendas, Officer Hoyt will finally say enough, and doing so may put him in greater danger than he will ever know. 

This movie is something that can truly be classified as a rare treat simply because of the fact that it is a bold and risky story to tell. Let's be honest, films that feature police officers or crime stories are often times filled with the sense of nobility that Jake portrays throughout the story, or a pair of cops simply quip it up as they work together to solve a crime, but this one breaks the mold by making the villain, and the criminal a police officer as well and the whole thing works on so many levels. For one, it acknowledges the fact that indeed there are cops out there who are crooked individuals, lost behind the badge for whatever reason and because of Denzel Washington's incredible portrayal of Detective Harris. He brings to life a man who clearly gave up on making the world a better place a long time ago and it's about getting his before something bad happens to him on the streets and his ability to make Alonzo charming and evil in sublime fashion earned the actor a well-deserved Best Actor Academy Award.

He is nicely contrasted by the straight as nails Jake Hoyt and Ethan Hawke holds his own against the acting machine he shares the screen with by bringing simplicity to Jake, specifically that there is no grey areas for him, rules are rules and while at first it seems as though he is naive, when it comes to Alonzo's crimes... the man is right about everything. But the most intriguing aspect of this story, is that despite the fact that Jake is given every opportunity to 'turn to the darkside' if you will, he is infallible. His virtues and beliefs never waver, and he will do anything to continue to protect and serve the public and well... that's admirable, especially considering that when all is said and done, his first day on the dream job is nothing short of a nightmare. Either way, this is at its core quite a poignant film, one that remains relevant to the times today and what matters most, it's just a damn good movie that if you haven't seen yet, you need to as soon as possible.

At this point, it is outright safe to say, that 2020 is/was… an absolute dumpster fire. Because everything that could go wrong this year, went wrong this year and many of us had no choice but to sit back and watch in wild wonder as the virus raged around the globe and forced most of us into quarantine. And while the world opened up for a little while once again, the fact that the virus was still creeping around the corner, prompted most of us to abandon any hope of accomplishing our goals in 2020. Which has left us listless as we wait for the crisis to pass. But just when it seemed that all was lost in this stunning year, there were some bright spots to be found.
​
After all, calls and cries for racial equality led to unprecedented unity in the streets of our nation and a wildly unpopular president was soundly rejected by voters who wanted America to take a different course than the divided path it was currently on. And recently, news of viable and promising vaccines has everyone starting to think about 2021 and resuming our lives and our hopes and our dreams, and what we learned during a once in a lifetime crisis. Which means that stories about the pandemic, will likely flood the silver screen and the airwaves next year when life starts to resume its routine. But some creative minds aren’t wasting time in exploring this unique event and recently, this reviewer had the opportunity to watch a film that offered up some surprisingly positive commentary about the pandemic in Love in Dangerous Times.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a man named Jason who is at quite the crossroads in his life. For he moved away from his family to pursue his dreams as a writer and well, thus far, his dreams aren’t exactly coming to fruition. Because he’s struggling to find the right words and the inspiration to write in the first place, mainly due to the fact that a pandemic is raging around the globe. And as the days in isolation grow longer and his mind continues to wander, Jason decides that perhaps a little game of online dating might help him to pass the time and potentially find the inspiration he’s desperately been searching for. Goals that he seemingly accomplishes by matching with a wonderful woman named Sorrell. But the connection they share, and Sorrell’s ability to get Jason to open up like never before, combined with the sheer madness of the world, are going to fundamentally change his life in ways he never thought possible.

So, before we dive too deeply into the themes present in this film, you deserve a bit of a warning dear reader. Simply because… this movie might make you extremely uncomfortable. For it feels painfully real and familiar at times and that can rattle a viewer that is rattled from the circumstances of the world right now, and it will also put people off that feel a movie in this vein, has come out; ‘too soon’. But if that doesn’t bug you in the slightest then this is a movie that is absolutely worth your while. Because the familiar elements present here, really do allow for the viewer to reflect upon the year that was and their own experiences when they were witness to what Jason is witness to and well, that’s something that pays off at the very end of the movie, which we will discuss in just a moment. 
​
Because it is also supremely important that we take a moment to examine Jason and Sorrell’s relationship. For these two lovebirds and their fascinating journey, offers up a supremely different kind of love story for the viewer. Because rather than go the traditional route in this story and make these people extremely vulnerable, to the point where they view love as the only way to save their lives, they are in fact, quite closed off when they first meet one another. And it takes monumental effort on their part to open up to one another and begin to acknowledge that they share a deep and wonderful connection and seeing on that on screen, adds a powerful realism to this motion picture. One that is designed to truly draw the viewer in so that everything we’ve discussed here, comes together in the third act to provide the audience with some powerful lessons.

For in essence, this motion picture is about looking at the bright side when it comes to strife, by taking a moment to step back and examine our lives and everyone and everything within it, in an objective manner. And by doing that, we will quickly come to realize that we are in fact, quite blessed with the gift that is life and that we should celebrate it being honest and open with ourselves and those that surround us, and that we should also be quick to embrace every opportunity that comes out way. In part, because we never know where they will take us, but also because… everything in our lives can in fact, disappear just like that. So, live in the now. If anything, these are some wonderful messages to find within the framework of a wonderful movie. One that you should see as soon as possible, since it offers up quality acting, a unique concept plot wise and some uplifting moments that will leave you hopeful and eager to seize the day, when the world gets back to normal.

‘Love in Dangerous Times’ is available now on all On Demand platforms.

What is truly fascinating about documentary films, is that they more or less qualify as outright cinema. Because while you are indeed learning something unique about our world when you settle in to watch a documentary, at the same time, you’re also enjoying a carefully crafted story. One that is designed to guide you toward the lessons in question and entertain you and wow you along the way and truth be told, there’s nothing wrong with that. Simply because it makes learning fun and, in this instance, memorable. And this formula is so effective in opening up our minds to the wonders of the world that it is likely here to stay. 
​
However, while a vast majority of documentary filmmakers hold true to that particular structure, there are still a few out there that are eager to remove notions of storytelling from this type of motion picture, so that they can present the world in the raw and explore elements that few documentaries will ever go near. And it just so happens that AppleTV+ is releasing a documentary tomorrow that accomplishes this goal. Which makes Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds a supremely unique documentary for certain. One that actually manages to lull the audience into the belief that they are about to enjoy the status quo when they first tune in. For Werner Herzog and Clive Oppenheimer truly make it seem as though this movie is going to explore in great detail, the wonder of meteorites, and the science surrounding them. 

But it doesn’t take long for the viewer to realize that Herzog and Oppenheimer have a different idea in mind. For their voyage around the world looks at something supremely different when it comes these visitors from the void, in that… these gentlemen, in part, want to explore our love affair with space, and they accomplish that particular goal by offering up some unique interviews with some supremely unique individuals. In fact, we spend a lot of time with everyday people in this tale, who are eager to discuss what their encounters with meteorites mean to them and how they excite them and that really is something quite different for a documentary. Because these segments are light on learning and heavy on the human experience and the majesty of this only grows as this documentary continues along.

Because eventually, Werner and Clive make it abundantly clear that they also want this documentary to be an outright celebration… of wonder. For everyone that we meet, and everywhere that we go, relates to that word and everything that it stands for, and it is quite fascinating to witness and outright feel the joy that their interview subjects experience, when they think about outer space. Because these fine gentlemen capture it on camera every single time, they sit down with someone, and celebrating the wonder of others only helps to add to the visceral experience of this documentary. Since wonder and joy are infectious to say the least and the viewer definitely feels it growing as this story continues along and Werner and Clive deserve some serious credit for making it a focal point here, since it is a bold decision to prioritize that over detailed lessons.
​
But while it is delightful to know that you’re going to be privy to emotional stories from individuals who view the heavens in a vastly different light than the rest of us, there is indeed some learning to be found in this particular documentary. For Werner and Clive do visit some important institutions during the course of their journey, the kind that not only store a seemingly endless supply of visitors from the void, but also work to protect us from the bigger threats out in space. The ones that could alter the course of our planet’s history and life, as they have before, and they also spend time with some of the individuals that study meteorites in the field and while these segments of the story feel far more traditional, Werner and Clive still manage to find a way to put their interview subjects’ passion for this subject matter on display, in order to give this entire documentary an organic feel.

In the end however, this really is quite the engaging documentary. In large part because it breaks from the norm to offer up a vastly different perspective upon space and our relationship with it, but also because… it’s a hauntingly beautiful story when all is said and done. For asteroids and meteorites are forces of outright nature, the kind that tend to cause great harm, and their ominous and devastating power are celebrated here in the most unique way imaginable. Since Werner and Clive work to make it abundantly clear, that their presence and their strength serve to remind the audience to cherish our world and every moment that we are given, since the heavens could rob us of them at any moment. Either way, this really is quite the distinctive viewing experience for certain, since documentaries this philosophical and energetic are rare, but this one pulls all of that off in an engaging manner. So, if you’re looking to get lost in a dynamic documentary unlike any other, then do check this one out when it arrives on November 13, 2020 on AppleTV.  

Caution: This article contains some spoilers for the motion picture, ‘My Summer as a Goth’.
​
The ‘coming of age’ story is truly a staple of American cinema and with good reason. Because there is something quite powerful about seeing the moment when youth comes to realize what the world is about and what their role in it truly is, and there is also something quite powerful, about being reminded of our own awakening. For everyone can speak to the all-important day, where our perspective upon the world changed forever and that really is a significant and powerful moment in our lives and celebrating it on the silver screen in either fictional or non-fictional form has become a proud movie-going tradition.
​
But while it is wonderful to know that filmmakers out there are eager to explore this particular moment, these are films that have unfortunately become a tad predictable. Because formula is king and as time goes on, it seems that folks that want to explore this important aspect of growing up are keen to just put the characters on some kind of grandiose road trip a la Stand By Me in order to tell their tale, or the characters in question are going to have to go through hell in order to reach their respective epiphanies. But the fact of the matter is, our coming of age doesn’t always involve some kind of epic moment or stunning epiphany, sometimes time and the right circumstances, help us to understand the world and our future and recently, this reviewer had the pleasure of enjoying a comedy that accomplishes this in a low-key and satisfying manner in My Summer as a Goth. 

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a teenager named Joey who is at quite the crossroads in her life. For her father recently passed away and the resulting fall out of his death has fractured her relationship with her mother, and to complicate matters further, she simply doesn’t fit in at school and feels lost and angry about life and her future and now… at a time when she believes she needs her mother the most, she’s being sent to live with her grandparents for the summer while her mother heads off on a book tour. An act that she sees as the ultimate slap in the face, but it will turn out be a life changing decision. For once Joey gets to her grandparent’s house, she meets a goth teen named Victor who takes a shine to her, and the invitation he offers her to enter his world, will alter the course of her life in ways she never thought possible.

So, what truly makes this particular story so incredibly fascinating and worth the audience’s while, is that it finds a way to outright surprise you. Because early on, it seems as though this movie is going to go heavy on the comedy and use the whole goth lifestyle as part of a comedic grand plan to have Joey realize that she wants more out of life, which would have worked fine. But as she begins to dive deeper into Victor’s world, we quickly come to realize just how lost Joey is in regard to the death of her father and how sheltered and innocent she is as well, and that reveal allows for the story to move into a bold new direction, one that truly offers up an intimate coming of age story since Joey begins to see the world in a new light. 
​
Because becoming a goth allows for her to realize that we simply cannot judge people by their appearances. Since she is viewed in a dynamic new light by her family and the people of the town her grandparents live within, once she adopts the goth lifestyle, and that teaches her to be a little more opened minded about the people she meets, a decision that pays off in spades. But more importantly, becoming a goth allows for Joey to learn that sometimes, when we feel adrift in life and are unsure of how to right our course, losing ourselves completely is the healthiest way to solve that problem. For it really does allow for us to see our lives in an objective light since we are now an outsider to it and oddly enough, this is a lesson that can be applied to adults who have already been through their life changing teenage epiphanies. 

But what matters more, is that this is a wonderfully beautiful and subtle way for Joey to find a path forward and have the healthy and appropriate confrontations she needs in order to grow and really in the end, all of these elements make for one brilliant motion picture. Because everything that happens here feels natural and organic, which shouldn’t be the case for a movie that features some heavier concepts. But the perfect blend of drama and comedy and endearing moments allows for this story to work in every way imaginable, and it keeps your attention throughout and most important of all, it leaves you feeling pretty darn good once it has come to an end and truly, this is one you should see when you get the opportunity. Because you simply cannot go wrong with an honest and endearing coming of age story, one that shuns formula to offer up an intimate tale that takes the time to remind to us; that life is what you make it.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Call Me Brother’.
​
Something that is truly fascinating about film in this day and age, is the sheer fact audiences know exactly what they are getting from the various genres that are out there. For if they head to the theater to see a drama, they know they are going to be treated to a powerful story, one that will move them emotionally. And if they’re up for a horror flick, well then, they are fully aware they are going to be terrified and likely learn something along the way. Since horror has established itself as a genre that knows how to examine modern society and the human condition. As for comedies, well, that’s pretty self-explanatory right there. Because settling to watch a goofy film, means the audience is going to laugh hard for an hour and a half. 

But while it is cool to have an idea of what you’re going to get yourself into when you choose a particular movie genre, this new reality for films has its drawbacks. Because it means that stories can sometimes be constrained by their genre and not push the envelope as film is sometimes wont to do. But while it is unfortunate to know that the market has found a sense of comfort, one that does enjoy its measure of formula, the good news is, that there are still writers and directors out there that want to experiment with a particular genre and see what it can truly accomplish storytelling wise. And it just so happens that a newly released comedy actually manages to push the envelope of this 'by the numbers' genre, by making us incredibly uncomfortable in, Call Me Brother.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a brother and sister named Tony and Lisa and they unfortunately, have quite the sorted family past. For when they were little, their mother and father came to realize that they didn’t love one another in the slightest and during the divorce, they were split up and separated since Lisa went to live with their mother. But thanks to an impromptu vacation on mom’s part, the siblings are going to be reunited after ten years, for a weekend. Which seems like a wonderful opportunity for them to catch up with one another and see how their lives have been whilst they were apart. But alas, a strange attraction between the two of them is going to make this one awkward weekend. One where they need to decide, as to whether or not to indulge in the strange feelings now brewing within their hearts. 

So, just in case that plot summary has you slightly confused, let’s just go ahead and get it out in the open right now and point out… that this movie features incest as one of its central themes. Which is something that will undoubtedly make audiences uncomfortable because that’s about as taboo a subject as it gets, one that is understandably looked down upon in our modern world for reasons we don’t need to rehash here. Instead, we need to take a moment and examine exactly why writer and star Christina Parrish (Lisa) would choose to make this the focal point of a comedy movie and well, once you get past the unsettling nature of the subject matter, it becomes clear that Christina’s script is designed to shake up the comedy genre and offer up an interesting perspective/commentary on sex and how people perceive it in modern America. 

For this movie does a phenomenal job of pointing out that regardless of how progressive we’ve become in our modern world, sex is still an uncomfortable and taboo topic. Because the sly jokes we sometimes tell involving it, or the innuendo that people are sometimes keen to imply, is often awkward and weird and since we are taught to steer clear of sex and not acknowledge its existence when we are young, jokes and innuendo can be supremely confusing to the youth of the world and can lead to all kinds of misunderstandings on their part. Which sets up the most important analysis present in this film. In that, it also points out the need to educate people on sex further, so they understand that sex is natural and normal and something we shouldn’t make weird or uncomfortable. Which is quite the surprising analysis to find in a comedy about a brother and sister that want to hook up, but that is the point of putting something so wild and out there into this script.

Because it forces you to focus on the commentary, so you don't have to deal with the uncomfortable part and in many ways, the educational aspect of the plot is designed to inform the audience that learning might prevent the weird thing you’re seeing and that makes this movie quite the fascinating comedy when all is said and done. Simply because it uses a mix of unique and popular shock devices, a staple of the genre, to get your attention and it definitely succeeds at that and… it’s also a supremely funny movie as well. For it does feature plenty of goofy characters and hilarious moments for them to take part in and really, in the end, all of these elements make this a worthwhile watch. Provided of course you can handle the subject matter. Because if you cannot, then this movie is not for you. But if you can look past that, then you'll be treated to a genuinely funny comedy, one that ​that pushes the envelope and offers up some interesting commentary on our modern society.

Bonus: Here is an exclusive clip from 'Call Me Brother' for all of you to enjoy. 

Lately I have been on a kick of kids/animated movies. And I don’t know why. To this day, I could not tell you. I’ve watched a particular film three times this week, alone. And before you assume it’s Kingsman, you’re also right, but that’s not the point.
 
My first film of choice is Cat’s Don’t Dance. I have literally watched this almost every night. I couldn’t begin to tell you why, or what it is that drew me to watch this film, but it is fantastic. Okay, it’s corny in a lot of spots, but for the most part, the film has a great story arc that I enjoy even as an adult. We start with a world filled with anthropomorphic animals and humans both trying to make their way in Hollywood, the city of dreams. Danny is a cat from Nebraska who is new to town and he’s there to hit it big with his talent of singing and dancing, not to mention acting. Danny is met with troubles when he crosses the town’s most leading lady, Darla Dimple; a child actor with a bad attitude. Along the way to stardom Danny meets a slew of friends, including Sawyer, whom becomes his love interest in the very end. Of course, Danny and the gang win out, and everyone’s dreams come true!
 
The last two films of today’s choice are both related. Hotel Transylvania follows the story of Dracula in a whole different light. Seems the legendary Vampire really owns a Hotel for Monsters in Transylvania. He’s best friends with Frankenstein, the Werewolf, and so many more. But, different than most retellings is the fact that Drac has a daughter. Mavis. Mavis is just turning 118 years old and wanting to explore the world outside the Hotel she grew up in. It takes a human, Jonathan, stumbling onto the scene to change Mavis’ life forever. The two fall in love, much to Dracula’s disliking. The movie is filled with Drac trying to hide the fact that Jonny is a human. In the end, Mavis says that Jonny is her Zing… and that changes everything for Drac.
 
Similarly, Hotel Transylvania 2 sheds a new twist on the whole classic. This time, Jonny and Mavis are married, and they end up having some great news. Mavis is pregnant. The film shows her son, Dennis growing up in the Hotel, when Dennis is just about to turn 5, however, there’s a bit of an issue. Vampires have until they’re 5 to get their fangs. Mavis is convinced that Dennis isn’t going to become a vampire, instead he’s going to be human like his father. Drac on the other hand isn’t so sure. Jonny ends up taking Mavis to California to visit his family, and show her normal life, while Drac and the gang take Dennis out to teach him to be a vampire. It isn’t until the very end when Dennis and Winny (his werewolf best friend, and Zing) that Dennis gets his fangs... this is probably my favorite movie of the moment, due to… reasons.

Love truly is a wonderful thing. When it finds us, it changes many aspects of our lives. The days are indeed brighter, there is a pep in our step and the hours seem to drag on since all we can think about is getting home to see the one that makes our hearts soar.  

Often times we associate good luck with love as well. We feel as though the arrival of that special person in our life changes everything. But that notion does bring about a few questions, do they really change our fortunes by stepping into our lives or is it our positive outlook on life that changes everything? These are important questions that are explored by way of a surprising love story set in Las Vegas, The Cooler. 

Bernie Lootz is simply getting by. He works off the books at the Golden Shangri-La Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas as a cooler to pay off his gambling debts and because Bernie is the unluckiest man in the world. He simply can't win, and his mere presence turns winners into losers in an instant, which makes Bernie a phenomenal asset for the man who runs the casino, Shelly Kaplow. But, despite the fact he is nearly free from his debts it seems as though Bernie’s life is going to continue to be filled with bad luck and loneliness, that is until the girl that has caught his eye in the casino has finally taken notice of Bernie and that alone is about to turn his world upside down.  

So, what exactly makes this film a surprising love story? The answer is simple, the fact that it is a legit love story about two people finding one another in a city where often times love stories end up being a tragedy. Las Vegas is usually a dark and brooding place where bad things happen to everyone when it comes to film, and while Vegas upholds its traditions as a city where anything goes in this story, you truly find yourself rooting for this couple to make it in a world that seems to keep them down. This is accomplished by the stellar cast the film features with William H. Macy and Maria Bello playing Bernie and his love interest Natalie. Macy's Lootz is a loveable loser, one you feel for because he truly appears to be a man unable to get his life together, and that is compounded by the fact he is kept under control by Alec Baldwin's character, Shelly. Baldwin is at his best here, in fact this role landed him an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor by playing a tormented character who lives exclusively in the past.  

In fact, this is a film that spends a lot of time focusing on the past and how it holds us back in many ways and that aspect of the story gives life to the questions posed earlier, is love what improves our life or do we do it ourselves? The film answers that question in hybrid fashion. It poses the theory that those who capture our heart inspire us, and that in turn allows the course of our lives to change by way of positive thinking and a positive outlook. Which leads the normally reserved Bernie to be confident and successful in his daily life, implying that perhaps his sour outlook on life managed to project itself onto others, which gives Bernie a sense of power and purpose he’s never known in life.

Either way, this is quite a lovely little film. I have always had a soft spot for Vegas movies and this is one of my favorites simply because of its fresh look at the city and the lives of the people within it and it’s an honest and gritty love story where our couple is faced with tough problems they have to figure out together, something that is usually avoided in romance flicks. If you haven't had the chance to check this one out, do so, it really is a gem, one that harkens back to a golden era of film where a slice of everyday life was paramount to storytelling.