​​Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is hands down one of the best sequels to ever happen. Not only does it continue the unique art style from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, it expands upon it. This fantastical art style is used to showcase the ever-changing emotions of the characters within a scene, making the art itself a living character within the film. Allowing for a more in-depth view into the characters themselves. The unique art style does more than just add to the story, it tells the story through a different lens. The art is constantly moving and changing, colors not just setting the mood, but evolving it into the next scene. Aided with the beautiful soundtrack that doesn’t just add to the background but leads the way. Visually, this is a stunning movie. Viewing the art of the film as its own character just continues to make the film even better.
 
Plot wise, this time, it’s not just about Miles Morales, rather we start with Gwen Stacey recounting the events of the last film. We also see more of Gwen’s world and life. Things haven’t been easy for Gwen, not since she came back. Her anger at the situation only grows and leaves her resentful. Being a Spider-Woman isn’t easy, and Ghost-Spider is doing her best. Much like in any Spider-Verse, she’s blamed for the tragic death of a loved one too. Still, Gwen fights on.
 
Miles is also fighting on. He’s dealing with his feelings for Gwen by thinking of her and drawing her, constantly, and he’s fighting crime while trying to keep up with school and family life. It’s not going well. He’s doing his best though! A fight with a particularly difficult villain has made Miles late enough for important meetings and even family events. Balancing the life of a hero and a teen is difficult. Couple that with parents who don’t know about his secret identity and, well, it gets messy.

Things are even messier when the Spider-Verse is fully revealed. An all-star voice cast makes every moment of this film perfect. From Oscar Isaac to Issa Rae and everyone, it’s a wonderful ride to spot the voices of these amazing actors. Of course, the cameos are even better when you hear them! This film was well worth the wait. As the voice cast itself not only made the film as amazing, but the actors fully invested themselves into this Universe.
 
This sequel was more than just an addition to the first film. It was for new and old Spider-Man fans. A fresh take on the comics many grew up with. The style of the animation lends itself to the comic feel while the story itself has a grittier edge with humor sprinkled in to soften the harsher moments. It’s a different type of Marvel Movie that allows for a broader perspective and view into this world. The Spider-Verse is vast, and we see that visually, but to have a story told on this grand of a level, constantly upping the stakes, is a whole other experience. This movie deserves all the praise, as it has more than earned it.
 
But how does it end? Well, you can find out today since Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is now in theaters, nationwide. It’s not just the must-see film for any Spider-Man fan, but the must-see film of the summer, courtesy of Miles’ journey. Because it is just amazing to watch young Miles progress as a character as he deals with the trials and tribulations of being Spider-Man.

​Every generation has its stories from wars long gone. We know what happened at the beaches of Normandy. We understand the nightmare that was Vietnam simply because of the fact that film helps to make sure these stories are told.

Yet, all of us have been witness to one of the bloodiest and longest conflicts this country has ever known, and well, it's one that at this moment is still close to home, making it quite the touchy subject. And because of that, only a handful of stories from this conflict are being told on the silver screen and one of those rare tales, American Sniper, quite frankly, took me by surprise when it first arrived in theaters because of what it chose to focus upon when it comes to the spoils of war.

Now this film takes us through the life and times of Chris Kyle, a man credited as being the most lethal sniper in American Military History and he just so happened to earn that title by way of his four tours of duty in Iraq during some of the bloodiest conflicts that took place there. That's quite frankly all that I am going to say about the plot because what it portrays when it comes to Chris and his life and his experiences in the war are what matter more. But, before we get into that, one cannot talk about this film without mentioning the fact that it generated quite the controversy upon its release since so many believed this movie had a political agenda behind it.

However, I simply don't subscribe to that idea, and I honestly feel any ‘controversy’ generated came about from the fact that this conflict is and will forever be divisive amongst Americans and that all draws attention away from what matters most in this story; the fact that this motion picture flat out shows us the horrors of war, in a no holds barred fashion. The action is intense, and there is a clear air of danger that hangs over every single moment we join Chris in the middle of the War Zone. In fact, the tension is so strong at times, I found myself holding my breath, waiting for the moment to pass, and I most certainly heard others doing this in the theater as well when I first saw it. You're truly on the front lines here, buried in this nightmare with Chris and his fellow soldiers. 

But in between those gut-wrenching scenes, you're also witness to Chris' decline in mental health as the war begins to take its toll on him and that that's perhaps the part of the film that speaks the most about the impact of the war. The fact that good men and women signed up to fight for a cause that completely and utterly broke them. It's fascinating and heartbreaking all at once, but all of these pieces make for an incredible and visceral motion picture that in all honesty, does not leave you feeling great after it has come to an end, but it does remind you harshly of the fact that well... war is a terrible thing. 

This is definitely one to see, simply because there are not enough stories out there about this conflict, and because of the fact it's an incredible story revolving around what war does to a man inside and out. And really, it is that frank portrayal of war and its impact on the human mind and psyche that took me by surprise because you just so rarely see that in films such as this. We tend to glorify this stuff on the silver screen and that honesty removes any political agenda or propaganda, it instead just presents us with a slice of an American life, and an earnest look at the bloody battle that our nation has taken part in, one that has managed to touch all of us and our families in some form or fashion.

One big reason that we pick up comic books and collect them en masse… is to learn more about the human experience. For the comic book is a world where everyone is represented equally and without judgment and those powerful stories, help us to learn so much about the lives of others and also who we are and how we live and that is why this medium has endured and it is another big reason as to why the comic book movie is enjoying unprecedented success and sustainability at the box office. Because at long last, everyone is being represented on the silver screen and the majesty being portrayed in that light, alongside that incredible success, has slowly allowed for the comic book movie to evolve, and provide its viewer with storytelling that goes above and beyond.
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Which is why we are starting to see stories about superheroes, deal with very real and powerful topics that the medium doesn’t often touch upon. Such as the power of grief via trauma and loss and the difficult journeys we all go through in life as we try to heal and make a path that sustains us emotionally and one particular set of comic book films that have led the charge in these types of explorations are the Guardians of the Galaxy stories. Because James Gunn’s brilliant scripts and brilliant work behind the camera has allowed for us to examine stories about what it means to belong in the modern world, and the struggles that real family can bring and the benefits of extended family and now, to close out the trilogy, Gunn and the Guardians are tackling some of the heaviest topics they’ve handled to date. 

A feat that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 accomplishes, by offering up one of the most unique Marvel Cinematic Universe stories to date. For this is that rare MCU flick that doesn’t feature a grandiose super villain that is eager to conquer the galaxy and dominate all that they see. No instead, the Guardians square off against an egotistical maniac that reminds us of some of the ‘innovators’ present in our current world and while the evil and twisted machinations of The High Evolutionary are indeed worthy of the MCU, his desires to have things his way and only his way, instead forces our heroes to confront something that they and few of us ever enjoy confronting… our past. Which is an unexpected exploration to find in the MCU, for this is the kind of stuff we tend to find only in dramas, not a big budget comic book extravaganza.

But that is what this film focuses upon and that leads to some powerful moments for the Guardians and for the audience. The kind that moves you and of course teaches the audience grand lessons along the way. Wherein we are taught to always face that which hurts us and that which defines us, because to ignore that which fundamentally changes us leaves us stagnant and static in life, and we will never have inner peace or agency, or personal growth without that grand moment when we stand before yesterday. And it is simply incredible to see an MCU film tackle a topic that most people don’t start to understand or properly face until they are well into adulthood, but it is welcome to see here. Since it inspires the viewer and speaks to the evolution of the genre and perhaps hints at deeper things to come for the MCU.
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However, while it is indeed wonderful that James Gunn goes all out in this particular story to offer us something new and beautiful for the genre, we’d be remiss to not discuss the two-ton Abilisk in the room. For this is in fact, the end of the trilogy, and the swan song for the Guardians as well, and endings are important. Because what can make or break a trilogy is whether or not it ends in a manner that satisfies the fans and the good news here, is that Gunn has brought forth a beautiful ending to his beautiful and meaningful saga. One that brings forth happiness and joy and the sense of satisfaction that we crave when it comes to the end of a story. But make no mistake about it, while we have indeed discussed how this motion picture is home to some heavy themes and some moving farewells… this is also a story that stays true to its roots.

For the action and adventure present here remains top-notch and there are indeed heroic acts for the Guardians to perform. Not to mention, the soundtrack, a vital component to this saga, fits perfectly once again and above all… the fun factor is still here. Courtesy of well-timed humor, some epic cameos and the outright heart that is exclusive to James Gunn’s work. And of course, the cast turns in amazing performances here to sell the deeper moments and the majesty of growth and well, all of these elements make this a must-see movie. In part, because it is a revolutionary comic book film in what it presents to the audience. But more so because… there’s no better way to bid farewell to these beloved characters and this moving saga, than the same way our relationship with them started; in a theater, amongst strangers, sharing in the joy of an honest and moving story about life and the wild places it takes us.   

​When we think about the concept of childhood as a whole, we always ponder upon it with rose colored glasses, and with good reason. Because we all firmly believe that this time in all of our lives is one filled with innocence, where we see the world in beautiful fashion, where the possibilities for our future are endless and well, while that’s a wonderful way to look at this formative time in a person’s life, it is in fact, an incorrect perspective of youth.
 
Because, children go through hardships and traumatic moments as they grow into young adults and teenagers, and somewhere along the line, that innocence we so cherish is lost forever when we start to understand how tough a place the world is, and while that may seem cynical, it’s just harsh truth really but it doesn’t detract from the fact that childhood does feature a sense of wonder, and the power of that wonder is what drives many a story involving children and young adults and teenagers to stay in cheery territory. But there are plenty of other tales out there that focus upon the tougher parts of growing up and being a kid, and what it is like to feel that innocence fade away and one such story that has always stayed with me when it comes to those elements, is Stand By Me.
 
Now the plot of this particular film, is a simple one to say the least, since it revolves around four young men in 1959 who make the decision to hike out into the woods to find the body of a missing kid in order to become heroes and really, there’s no need to discuss the plot any further than that, because this motion picture offers so much more storytelling wise because their journey into the wild is in fact, a coming of age story, one that shows us the end of innocence for these characters as they come to discover that the world is a tough place, and that life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows.  

​Of course, we could spend hours and days breaking down every single powerful moment that demonstrates this fact, but that’s not really what makes this film so incredibly powerful. No, the true magic of this film, comes from how it more or less encapsulates those important moments of discovery that we all went through. The wonder we felt when we enjoyed a taste of independence from our parents, or the surprise and empathy that surged through our veins when we realized our friends were struggling in life, all of that is on display here and it makes this film supremely relatable and hopeful in its own right because, if we made it through this weird time of discovery in our lives and came out the other side okay so will these kids.
 
Granted, I’m sure some of you are raising an eyebrow over that assessment since this film revolves around death since it is someone’s passing that starts our story, and someone’s passing that unites the group, so how on earth can that be uplifting, but bear with me for a moment. Because when you think about it, this story takes the time to look less at how death and grief can harm us and spends more time looking at how we celebrate life and how loss can drive us to do good things. After all, the boys do eventually report the deceased body they came to find, giving closure to a grieving family and our narrator looks fondly upon the memories he shared with the fallen, reminding us to cherish every moment in life since at some point, we will all fade away and at no one point does this reflection upon death become downtrodden or dark and that’s just wonderful to say the least.
 
If anything, this is a film that serves up a slice of life, and to further enhance your viewing experience, it’s funny, it’s charming and it’s heartfelt and in many ways a modern classic since it’s timeless really. Sure, it’s set in the 1950’s, but the messages and the experiences transcend the era and this is a film that I revisit often for all of those reasons and really, if by chance you haven’t seen this one, you need to as soon as possible since it really has a message for everyone thanks to the many layers it provides the audience with and also because, it’s just a damn good movie, with a quality story that flat out sucks you in. 

There are few brands in this world that are as universally recognized as Dungeons & Dragons, and understandably so. Simply because D&D has become something of a rite of passage since its inception in the mid 1970s, where middle schoolers and teenagers in general must play, and in doing so… they’ve taken part in an experience that has touched so many lives and inspired so many people. Since this journey has given some people a place to belong and an understanding of what their imagination is capable of and for that reason, people know this board game inside and out and can speak to their experience with it, be it brief or extensive, without giving it much thought, and it is so popular and so recognized, it is also deeply rooted in the fabric of pop-culture. Since so many creators have paid tribute to it in their own work over the years.   
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But what is fascinating about D&D, is that despite it being a brand that everyone knows, and despite it being so incredibly beloved and embraced by its fans, and despite it becoming a fixture of pop-culture, this is that rare franchise that doesn’t have much in the way of a true visual companion to complement it. Sure, there was an animated series in the 1980s based on the game, but it took a lot of heat for its depictions of violence and only made it three seasons. And of course, there was a film that shared in the namesake that was released in 2000, but it was something of a dud with fans and critics alike. Leaving fans everywhere to wonder when they will have their visual companion piece for this franchise. One that pays it proper respect and introduces more to the wonder of this endless and intimate saga and well, it just so happens… the time has finally come.

For Friday will bring forth the release of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, a brand-new feature from Paramount Pictures and eOne, that does the seemingly impossible, and properly pays tribute to this franchise in a fun and dynamic manner. One that makes it a true and welcome addition to the legacy of D&D. All by introducing us to a man named Edgin Darvis. A noble thief that was once a noble man, who has fallen upon hard times. For he has spent the last two years in prison over a botched heist and he wants nothing more than to leave prison with his best friend Holga, so that he can finally live the life he desperately desires. But an early and illegal exit from prison, and some stunning revelations regarding the status of his daughter, leave Edgin in a unique and devastated place. Wherein he decides he must do whatever it takes to have the life he’s dreamt of for years now, and that will provide him, Holga, and some new friends with quite the adventure. One that will test Edgin and his friends like never before and potentially show them the path to becoming the people they’ve always wanted to be. 

Which is a plot that at first glance, just seems like a run of the mill adventure story. One that couldn’t possibly speak to the wonder of D&D, much less fit into it. But that’s the magic of this plot. Because it just… plops us into this majestic world. Where the creatures that populate it are nothing more than an everyday occurrence and where the spirit of adventure that the game embodies matters above anything else. Granted, the callouts to the lore are there as well, since the Underdark plays an important role, and there are other shout outs. But this is a story that really wants to focus on what makes Dungeons & Dragons such an addicting board game. Specifically, that sense of adventure, of camaraderie and being able to do incredible things with characters born in a world where the incredible is commonplace and that plot truly does pay proper homage to the franchise and truly allows for it to fit within the lexicon, making it the first ever perfect D&D screen story. 
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But what truly makes this film so incredibly special, is that it offers so much more. Because there is depth to this story, courtesy of its characters and what they desire in this magical life, and there is growth for them to be found as well. Not to mention, the film features commentary on what it means to be a good person, how failure is part of the journey and of course… what it means to have the right people on our side. Which allows for this movie to draw the audience deeply into it and root for the characters and their potential growth, and by giving us a story that is at times, incredibly relatable while setting it in the world of D&D, Directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley have created a story that makes this universe accessible to all. Where no one has to know the details of this iconic game to understand its outright wonder and sense of fun, and in going this route… they also remind the players… what it means to them.

How it gave them a place to belong, a place to be creative and a place to feel the thrill of a story that was made for them and only them in that moment. All of which makes this a magical motion picture, one that also features some wondrous comedic moments to keep things fun and some majestic performances from an incredible cast composed of up-and-coming stars such as Sophia Lillis and Justice Smith, and superstars such as Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Hugh Grant. Not to mention, there’s some epic cameos here as well. But what matters most, is that at long last, a movie has finally and properly encapsulated the spirit and the wonder of a game that has touched the lives of so many in some form or fashion. Courtesy of sprawling adventures and beautiful landscapes, and meaningful moments that move us, and it also doesn’t hurt that this movie features an incredibly hilarious sequence involving the chonkiest mythical creature ever seen, and the best news of all… is that fans only have to wait a few more days to explore the wonder of Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, since it hits theaters on Friday, March 31, 2023.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’.
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One particular belief that we all share in, is that what the majority of what other people think of us is meaningless, and that we care not what they have to say, and it makes sense as to why we all hold to this. After all, there are a great deal of everyday people that we interact with, that we have no real emotional attachment to, and if they have commentary on our lives and who we are and who we should be… who cares what they think? Because only the closest people to us should be the ones to influence us with their thoughts and observations, and we also hold to this edict… so we can function and go about our day without dealing with the horrors of doubt.
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But what is genuinely fascinating about this belief, is that it is something of a grand façade. Because despite what we say about that mantra, sometimes what those ‘lesser’ people say strikes a strong chord in our hearts and sticks with us, and sometimes we genuinely fear what people will think of us when we overstep our bounds or make a grand mistake. Which leaves us in a unique place, where we work to find balance between the worry and the blissful ignorance we seek, and that battle… seems to help and keeps the world turning. But it does leave one to wonder, what would happen to us if someone decided to exploit our worries about perception in a manner that was genuinely impactful and troublesome, and oddly enough, this is a concept that grabbed hold of writer Neil Cross. To the point where it inspired him to ponder upon that very question in the Netflix feature, Luther: The Fallen Sun.

A feat that this film accomplishes by putting Detective Chief Inspector John Luther in quite the compromised place. For somehow, his grey area activities are exposed to the world, and that leads to him losing his badge in disgrace and finding his way to prison. Wherein he comes to learn… that this was all part of a horrible plan by a man named David Robey. A tech whiz and rich man, that has an ugly secret that he wants to find acceptance within, and what better way to do that… than by exposing the ugly secrets of others. To level the playing field and expose the ugliness of humanity and of course, help him indulge in his sick desires to kill along the way. Which of course, Luther cannot stand for, and that prompts him to break out of jail… to square off against his most cunning and lethal opponent to date. 

Which is… the perfect way to explore that question. Since dear David has made a point of learning everything he can about people, especially their tiny and uncomfortable secrets they don’t want exposed. All so he can enjoy power over them and well, this story lets us know that given the right circumstances… there’s a good chance some people would be putty in a man like David’s hands if it meant keeping an image pristine and keeping indiscretions out of the light. Which offers up some fascinating commentary on perception and what it means to us and how we find our own self-worth so that such matters don’t lead to emotional devastation, if by chance we find ourselves in a precarious place of worry about our standing.
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But while that alone could carry this film, since that is quite the unique leverage for a monster to keep over people… this is still a Luther story and in true Luther fashion, all the hallmarks of this great franchise are there. Such as John Luther’s tenacious temper when it comes to people not cooperating with him, and his ability to throw down and teach people a lesson in a street fight, and of course… his keen mind regarding how criminals and people operate. Not to mention, it really does feature his nastiest villain to date. For David is a true sociopath, one that is desperate to be liked and loved and uses that pain to inflict great pain upon others, all of which… brings forth one epic tale, one that also provides the viewer with a unique twist regarding John Luther’s long and winding and sometimes nefarious journey as well. 

Simply because, this is the story that asks John what kind of a man he wants to be and what he really wants to do in this life and that leads to a powerful arc for John. One that sets the stage for fascinating future adventures with him. As to whether or not those are sanctioned by forces of good or his own accord, we won’t spoil here, so you can enjoy his unique journey on your own, today. Because the best news of all is that Luther: The Fallen Sun is available on Netflix, now, and it is definitely a worthwhile watch. For this really is Luther’s most ambitious adventure to date, and it really does feature some fine commentary and some epic performances and of course… more of John Luther. A powerful character that we’ve all managed to find a way to connect to, courtesy of the fact that he is as flawed as the rest of us.

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Honeymoon’.
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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. 
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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.  
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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