Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Honeymoon’.
​
One particular lesson that few of us enjoy learning in life, is the sheer fact that friendships come and go, and it bothers us for one simple reason. In that, something deep within us understands the power and the gravity of making special connections in life, and how those need to be cherished, and when we lose those unique connections… we hurt… plain and simple. Which is why when we find those friends that become family, we truly do anything we can to hold onto them and include them in so much of our everyday lives. To properly cherish them and what we’ve found, and to bask in the wonder of making a connection on a planet filled with billions of souls. 
​
Which makes the concept of the best friend a wonderful one for certain, one that we find little fault with because of the positive nature of that bond. But while it is a wonderful thing to find your Best Friend for Life, or ‘Biffle’ if you will, the importance we put upon ourselves to have that connection can in fact, lead to some unhealthy surprises. Since it can motivate besties to cherish the concept over one another and it can lead to complacency in the Biffleship, which can bring about a touch of toxicity. Which in turn begs the question, how does one avoid those kinds of traps so that one’s relationship with a bestie remains magical and wondrous? Well, it just so happens that a brand-new comedy explores the answer to that question in a wonderful manner in The Honeymoon.

A feat that this story accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of besties named Adam and Bav on Adam’s special day. For he is marrying the love of his life, Sarah, and is elated to have his best friend at his side on this incredible day (despite the mistakes Bav makes during the ceremony) so they can enjoy a great time before the honeymoon gets underway. But a dark day for Bav changes quite a few plans for Sarah and Adam, since the latter is concerned that his brother from another mother might try to harm himself from the gravity of the situation. So, he invites Bav along on their honeymoon, in the hopes he will relax and find joy while Sarah and Adam strengthen their bond. But alas, Bav’s boisterous nature brings forth nothing but awkward moments and trouble, especially when this trio cross the wrong man, named Giorgio. Who just so happens to have eyes for Sarah and is the boss of a drug operation. One that Adam and Bav must help him with, just to survive to see another day.

Which is a plot that quite frankly, seems more grounded in a road-trip buddy comedy and crazy shenanigans over a discussion on healthy friendships and in many ways, that would be correct. Because Adam and Bav really do go on quite the wild adventure to keep their impromptu boss happy and that, combined with the wacky nature of their relationship, leads to a lot of laughs in this film. Simply because these two gentlemen are plunged into a perfect fish out of water situation and are forced to act accordingly in situations, they obviously never expected to be a part of. All of which benefits the audience through and through since those sequences really do put a smile on your face and genuinely leave your sides aching with laughter at their responses to the madness they encounter.  
​
But make no mistake about it, that deeper theme about healthy relationships is indeed present here and it takes having these characters go to extremes to secure their freedom to bring that forth. Since it forces them to be honest with one another about a great deal of things and to confront their concerns. Because Adam and Bav have put the concept of being besties on a pedestal and allowed for that title and that bond to incorrectly serve as the healing agent for toxic behaviors and poor communication and therein lie the lesson. In that, if we want to have a healthy Biffleship, one that truly endures life changes and grows as we do… we have to be open and honest with our bestie and hear them and address their concerns and make sure that goes both ways. For those are core elements of any healthy relationship and it is wonderful to find that message present within what truly is… a hardcore comedy.
 
But that just speaks to the fact that writer/director Dean Craig wanted this particular story to have more to it than just chuckles and having that depth here really does lead to a satisfying viewing experience. Because the jokes work here, the endearing moments feel genuine and that is aided along by some wonderful acting in this film. For Maria Bakalova (Sarah) offers up a wonderful performance that offers honesty regarding the faults in Adam and Bav’s biffleship and speaking of those characters, Pico Alexander (Adam) and Asim Chaudhry (Bav) are simply wonderful on screen together and offer the perfect balance needed for the comedy in this tale, and they know how to hit all the right emotional notes as well. If anything, all of these elements make this comedy essential viewing. Simply because you cannot go wrong with settling in to enjoy an endearing story that teaches you a valuable lesson while putting a giant smile upon your face.

'The Honeymoon' is in theaters and is on-demand today, December 16th, 2022. ​

In 2009, the world of cinema was taken by storm by a true marvel of entertainment. For this is the year that Avatar was released in theaters and well… that ambitious project, one that worked to ponder upon what other worlds and alien life might look like, and how a young and emotionally immature human race might interact with a new planet, enjoyed runaway success. To the point where it dominated the box office for weeks and months on end because fans could not believe the incredible sights that Writer/Director James Cameron had sent their way, and the film was so beloved and so successful that it remains at the top of the charts when it comes to the top grossing motion pictures of all time, and well… that kind of success absolutely warrants a sequel. 

Which of course, 20th Century Studios greenlit ages ago, but it took a good thirteen years to finally bring it to fruition. A move that of course, begs all of kinds question. Such as whether or not, a delayed sequel can keep the audience entranced by a world that is now a fond memory, and whether or not it can hold a flame to the original story and its revolutionary special effects. Well, with Avatar: The Way of Water now in theaters, the time has come for us to obtain the answers to all of those questions and it turns out… that James Cameron has done the impossible and created a motion picture that not only resurrects the awe and wonder of the original, but manages to surpass the majesty of its predecessor and wow us further with special effects that will once again revolutionize the industry.

Those are feats that this film accomplishes by offering up an ambitious plot. For when we return to Pandora in this film, enough time has passed that Jake Sully fully understands what his new life as a Na’vi entails, alongside what fatherhood does as well. For he and Neytiri have settled down and built a family, one that is extended greatly and for a time, it seems as though Jake’s life is going to be nothing but bliss to the end of his days. But the return of humanity to this paradise leads to trouble for Jake. Since man has come to claim this world as their own and the military wants Jake out of the equation. In large part, because he is leading a powerful rebellion to save Pandora from invasion but also because of the bad blood he established with the military in the first film. To the point where an elite group of soldiers are sent out to find him. Which prompts Jake and his family to retreat to the beaches and live with the water clans to try and start over. A move that will prove challenging for Jake and his family, especially when his enemies come calling once again to settle old scores. 

Which is a plot that perfectly plunges us back into this magnificent universe. Because just like that, we are once again immersed within the majesty of Pandora and well, waiting thirteen years for a sequel, allowed for technology to improve and that in turn, allows for a more immersive experience in this world to take place. To the point where the CGI used to create the Na’vi and their world is so advanced, that at times… one cannot tell where the special effects begin or end. A surprise that is further enhanced by the stunning work that Cameron and his special effects teams put into creating the oceans of Pandora. Since the artificial water here, again, is far too real at times and that, combined with a brisk plot that wastes little time in informing us what Jake is up against, simply allows for the viewer to kick back and enjoy a beautiful ride. One that also features a great deal of meaning as well.
​ 
For this is a story that digs deep into our relationship with our world. Something that was a focus in the first film but is further expanded upon here in a magnificent and powerful manner. To the point where the story gives one pause long after this movie has come to an end, as you ponder upon the deep concepts and ideas it presents over the course of its three-hour run time. Not to mention, there is also commentary to be found on the state of humanity, and how we must get beyond our difficulties and our differences if we ever expect to do something special as a species. Which one wouldn’t think would be featured in a story about alien life on a planet far away, but it is there, and it is poignant and powerful for certain and that makes The Way of Water a far deeper film than its predecessor. Largely because the saga is no longer trapped beneath the weight of world-building, allowing for it to be free to explore whatever it pleases.

If anything, all of the elements combine to provide viewers with a must-see experience. Because much like its predecessor, it sets the standard for special effects, and will likely influence countless films from an effects standpoint, as the original movie did, but it genuinely offers so much more. Since there is a wonderful story about family and unity to be found here, one that will in fact… move you and make you laugh and cry and leave you deep in thought when you’re not scraping your jaw off the floor over watching water that isn’t there, splash up perfectly against an alien… that really isn’t there. Making this a truly magnificent motion picture, one that will undoubtedly require multiple viewings to properly soak in the majesty and wonder, and outright awe, of a fresh look at a planet and its wonderful people, that we get to lose ourselves within once again, courtesy of a story that embodies the power of imagination.   

The cultural touchstones for Generation X's childhood development were shows like Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.  Through thoughtful and heartfelt work, shows like these taught us to be better people, to be kind to each other, and to use our imaginations to grow beyond what we thought was possible. For Millennials, Reading Rainbow was the seed that sprouted a generation to be even kinder, and run with their imaginations through the magical world of books. Directors Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb delve in the history of this truly unique and beautiful show with Butterfly in the Sky.
​
The film gives plenty of room to exploring the show's inception just before the dawn of children's programming becoming glorified toy commercials. We're shown how the show's creators had a yearn to actually reach out to kids and encourage them in a way that was more fitting to the time. That's always an uphill battle no matter the time and the fact that Levar Burton, fresh off the success of the legendary Roots, jumped at the opportunity to do the show to their shock and amazement was a testament to just how special this idea was.

Special mention has to be made about how the film takes the time to show just how important the idea of educating and encouraging kids has been to Burton throughout his life. The work he put into doing what he could to keep the show relevant and up to date can't be overstated. Taking the show to the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation made for a point of common interest between kids and their parents.  Nobody would have begrudged him leaving the show to concentrate on projects that would solidify his future. The fact that he made Reading Rainbow a priority throughout his career is a testament to the character of the man.

One of the true treats of Butterfly is bringing back kids who did book reviews on the show to reminisce about their time on the show and its impact on them personally. Simply put, it's impossible to watch these segments and not have a giant smile on your face. It highlights that the show meant a ton to the kids involved as well as the viewers. By showing the passion of the former educators who put their heart and soul into the show makes it all the more crushing as they discuss the show’s eventual demise.

While addressing how the show ended, Butterfly in the Sky and its participants are firmly proud of the work put in and the change it was able to effect on the world around it. While it's still on the film festival circuit, it's a must-see documentary the minute it becomes available anywhere.

Clip - https://vimeo.com/724991207

We all want to be the hero of our own story. If we can be an outsider like Robin Hood bringing justice to all, so much the better. The more dull our lives, the bigger that need can be. That was certainly the case of Steve Glew, who went from factory worker to the man who upended the entire Pez collecting community in Amy Bandlien Storkel and Bryan Storkel's The Pez Outlaw.
​
This movie most definitely tells a story that is well beyond the idea that truth is stranger than fiction and wouldn't be believable in the slightest were it not to take place in a time before the internet being a societally ubiquitous tool that linked the planet together. As someone who dabbled in the Pez collecting community, Glew discovers that there's literally a world of Pez dispensers outside of the US. Seeing an opportunity to potentially capitalize on toys that the US distributor wouldn't authorize for the country, he sets on a journey that ends up with him smuggling toys out of industrialized areas of European countries that could just as easily end up with he and his son, dead on the side of the road as coming home with illicit cargo.

The fact that these trips turn into cash cows that make Glew a legend in the Pez community and a ridiculous amount of money comes as much as a surprise to him as anyone else. Obviously, the US distributors aren't exactly thrilled with Glew's antics, and a war of toys breaks out with splashes of espionage and skullduggery that you wouldn't think could happen in a world of children's candy dispensers.

It would be one thing if Outlaw just told the story. That would be mildly interesting. However, we've got masters of documentary insanity in these directors. Having cut their teeth creating insane dramatization scenes in previous documentaries like HBO's Alabama Snake and Netflix's The Legend of Cocaine Island Amy and Brian Storkel have mastered recreating the craziest scenarios and The Pez Outlaw most definitely shows their growth. The story simply wouldn't have been anywhere near as compelling without illustrating just how nuts the situations Glew found himself in were. The Pez Outlaw is available for rent and purchase on your preferred VOD platform and shouldn't be missed.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZInOvqvygrk

Everyone loves a slice of life documentary.  Normal people living their lives and we get to go along for the ride. When there's work put into a passion for its own sake regardless of if it makes them rich or not, that's compelling. When they also have a side hustle that's absolutely insane, though... well, that becomes something you MUST watch. Enter the world of Chop & Steele, the strongmen you probably don't remember but have almost definitely seen at some point.
​
Directors Berndt Mader and Ben Steinbauer bring us the story of Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett, creators of the Found Footage Festival. This is an event where both men tour the country showing clips of videos previously thought to be lost to time or that were never meant to be seen by the public. Sparked by the discovery of a uniquely awful McDonald’s training video, both men have spent decades curating a collection of bizarre movies, training videos, and infomercials on VHS. Treating people to their own brand of insanity and discovery is the duo's day job.

However, this team also has a dark secret that undoubtedly has Andy Kaufman bouncing with glee in his grave. Stumbling upon a network of TV stations desperate for human interest content, these two maniacs would send out communications marketing themselves as various kinds of talented individuals.  What got them the most traction was as the strongman team of Chop and Steele. These were just two working class guys “featured on America's Got Talent” and other credentials that they made up. There's a perverse joy to be taken in watching a strongman group demonstrate their power by stomping on wicker baskets, curling an empty tire or a single cinderblock together, breaking twigs and sticks, and using their bodies for tandem pushups and pull-ups, then look at the news personality who is having the realization that they've been duped in a big way.

Eventually this results in a news corporation lodging a significant lawsuit against Prueher and Pickett for hurting their brand, potentially destroying both men and their families. On one hand, the suit is taken very seriously as the repercussions are very real and very threatening. On the other hand, we're talking about two men who would be dismissed as real strongmen with about 1.5 seconds of looking at them.  That makes it hard to take the suit seriously, and ends up culminating in one of the most bizarre and hilarious spotlights ever cast on the team.

Chop & Steele is an oddly comforting film about two guys whose brains work on a slightly different wavelength than the rest of us, and invites along for the ride on the rollercoaster that is their lives. It's almost impossible to take their antics seriously, and it's absolutely hilarious to witness them egging on the people who do. Every documentary doesn't need to change the world, but this one is a genuine and engaging laugh the whole way through.
 
Clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73_TpfedpjQ

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Violent Night’.
​
The vast majority of us out there, welcome the holiday season with opens arms and why wouldn’t we? After all, the sight of Christmas trees and the Minora and all the twinkles they both provide are simply magical in their own right and immediately evoke a sense of hope and a sense of wonder. And they arrive at a time where unity is preached and practiced and of course, it is always a delight to spend precious hours with people we love and reminisce about our journey throughout the year and also partake in the joy of gift giving. All because this is the season of giving, and a season of love, really, and it is supremely difficult for most of us to find fault or concern with it. But believe it or not, the phrase ‘Happy Holidays’ isn’t one that puts a smile on everyone’s faces.
​
Because for some, the Holiday season is an infuriating time for them. In part for personal reasons, since they might be going through some difficult times in their lives where Christmas cheer really isn’t an appropriate thing to embrace. Or they have to spend time with a family that brings them great strife or little joy. Or in some instances… they are simply disillusioned with the season. For it can at times, entail a touch of greed and a push for materialism over the right things and any or all of those elements, can make for a sour season for an individual. The kind that leaves us wondering, how we help them during this time and bring them Christmas cheer and oddly enough, that conundrum is explored in a fascinating and supremely unique manner in the brand-new holiday action thriller, Violent Night.

A feat that this movie accomplishes by introducing us to a few key people struggling during the holiday season. For the Lightstone family has truly forgotten the meaning of the season, and are spending Christmas Eve this fine year, at each other’s throats while they patiently wait for Christmas to end. Not to mention, there’s Santa Claus himself. Who is quickly coming to discover that his mission to spread Christmas Cheer and joy isn't inspiring or energizing his soul, for the season is not what it used to be. In fact, he is starting to wonder if it is time to hang up his hat. But the arrival of some nefarious individuals at the ultra-posh Lightstone compound on this fine Christmas Eve, is going to change everything for the Lightstones and Santa, simply because their cruel plan is going to remind everyone... of the meaning of Christmas, once ol’ Kris Kringle kicks the ever-living crap out of them, that is.

Which is a plot that at first glance, shouldn’t denote any sense of Christmas cheer and hope and joy in the slightest, and the action that comes forth in this film, certainly reinforces that line of thinking. Because make no mistake about it, once the violence gets underway in this film, it rarely lets up and leaves one to briefly wonder if any real Christmas themes will pop up here. Especially since we really don’t view Old Saint Nick as the kind of guy who would drop down the chimney to roundhouse kick a dude, but here we are and let’s get it out in the open now, the action is fun and glorious. And filled to the brim with comedic moments and timing that make the wild nature of this movie quite the joy to watch. Because you cannot go wrong with the awesome one liners that Santa and his nemesis Scrooge fire off here, nor will you find yourself looking away when it comes time for Santa to throw down since the ways in which he finishes off his foes, are pretty darn inventive.
​
But as this movie continues along, and it indulges in breaks in the action that allow for Santa to reveal more about himself and his struggles, and we learn about the struggles of this family… the Christmas elements come into play, and this quickly does become a holiday movie. One that takes the time to remind us that we can indeed be better during the season, and we should be. Since there are folks out there struggling with the season and looking for relief or direction, and if we are there for them and remind them of what matters… they might find hope. Not to mention, what’s wild is that our villains in this tale, also manage to reinforce the importance of unity and kindness. Since clearly they are jaded individuals that could have gone a vastly different route in life if someone had taken the time to show them a little kindness and care, especially during the holidays. All of which does make this a surprisingly warm and cheerful, and heartfelt holiday film. 

One that does a wonderful job of never becoming sappy or overwhelming, courtesy of… the action that this movie provides. Because it is present here in spades and it is over the top and gory and quite frankly… silly and fun, and that's the best part. In that, this movie never takes itself too seriously and knows exactly what it is about and that benefits the audience greatly. Since they are treated to an entertaining sleigh ride of action and gore from beginning to end. Not to mention it’s the performances here that sell this incredible story since David Harbour (Santa) and John Leguizamo (Scrooge) bring a real honesty to their roles and the moment, and all of that, allows for the viewer to lose themselves in what is truly a must-see movie. One that is filled to the brim with joy and yuletide wonder, and ho-ho-horrible people getting their faces caved in by one badass Santa Claus, who manages to remind us of the true reason for the season.