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.
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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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.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘My Southern Family Christmas’.
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The holiday season truly is a time for family. Where we gather round the dinner table or at various activities to just… be together and reminisce about days gone by or look forward to days ahead, as a family. So that we receive all the love and warmth, and support we need during this critical time of year, where reflection and celebration also rule the day. But while so many of us head home and don’t think twice about it because that is just how the holiday season goes, we need to be mindful of the fact that our sometimes frustrating and exhausting experiences in going home, or joyous in nature, because we get to see those, we love, isn’t a consistent experience during the season.
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For there are some who are heading into the holiday season, mourning the loss of a family member which is hard and there are others… who simply don’t spend time with their family for various reasons. It could be because their family is toxic, or because they have yet to spend time with them. For perhaps they were given up as a child and only know of the existence of their parents from afar, which is no easy place to thrive, and that is why it is important during the season… to not only be grateful for what we have, but to put ourselves in the shoes of those that long for what we have. To have a proper understanding of worlds we don’t fully understand, and to see how we can help those in search of family cope during the season, and it just so happens that a recent Hallmark Channel release works to do just that in My Southern Family Christmas.

A feat that this story accomplishes by introducing us to a reporter named Campbell. Who despite having a great and successful career and a family that loves her, is longing. For she has never known her biological father, Everett Bergeron, who left years ago and is constantly on her mind, and oddly enough… she just so happens to be in his thoughts as well, despite him not knowing much about Campbell and her path. To the point where his wife searches for Campbell and locates her and contacts her, to try and bring this duo together, which Campbell is of course hesitant about. But a chance to write a story about her father becoming the new Pere Noel of his quaint Louisiana town, might give her the chance at last to finally spend time with her father and find the bond they never had in her youth. Provided of course, she can muster the courage to tell him who she really is and how badly she wants him in her life.

Which is… the perfect way to put us in someone else’s shoes. Because by traveling through Campbell’s eyes… we are indeed privy to the different kind of holiday season that exists for others. Since she does spend a lot of time during the season, pondering on what it would feel like to have a complete relationship with someone that she knows she is connected to, and that leads to some wonderfully powerful moments for certain. The kind that provides us with an understanding of longing and the need to belong and of course, it also speaks to the need to support one another during the season if we know someone in this situation, so the hurt doesn’t overwhelm. Or in this case, to see how we can help them obtain the fulfillment that everyone involved is searching for.
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Because this is a Hallmark Channel movie and happy endings are a staple, but make no mistake about it, the overall plot and subject matter, make this a vastly different kind of Hallmark story. Since it genuinely covers a bevy of deep and important topics that go beyond Cameron’s plight. For this is also a story that dives deep into the power and importance of communication and honesty. And how not communicating with the people that matter to us and not being honest with them, or ourselves for that matter, stunts us and creates more strife. Since Campbell and Everett could have solved a great deal of their suffering with honesty in this particular tale and being honest with themselves would have gone a long way as well, which are lessons that already add to a supremely engaging and meaningful story. One that also works because of the performances present here.

Because Jaicy Elliot, who plays Campbell, sells the realism of the character and her internal pain. Allowing for us to easily connect with her and the story, and she isn’t the only one that shines here. For Bruce Campbell, who plays Everett, brings his A-game to this particular role. Adding a magnificent depth and complexity to the character and at times… he plays the character with such a raw honesty that you forget you’re watching Campbell act and believe you’re experiencing Everett’s emotions in person. If anything, all of these elements make this a delightful holiday watch, simply because… this really is a refreshing and unique Hallmark Holiday Movie. One that tackles fresh subject matter and features depth and humanity and a perspective that truly reminds us of the power of the season and the wonder of family.  

Thanksgiving truly is a wonderful time when it comes to family and friends. The chance to sit down and see those we love, enjoy an incredible meal and be thankful for the people in our lives makes for a wonderful weekend. It's a holiday that is truly about unity and family and well, let's be honest, mountains of turkey, and for the most part we leave the weekend feeling full and content.  

But there is a dark side to the holiday. No, not an awkward family member that perhaps has had too much to drink, that usually results in great stories we later tell our friends. No, the part that we don't discuss about Turkey Day is the travel portion of it. The rush to get to our destination and the hassle that can come with it and it is that darker side to Thanksgiving that is explored in hilarious detail in what is one of John Hughes' finest films... Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Neal Page has one simple goal on his mind for Thanksgiving, to get home and enjoy a quiet and lovely weekend with his family. But unfortunately for Neal, fate has other plans in mind for him. A terrible snow storm is keeping every single plane from landing in his hometown, forcing Neal to find a new way to get home, and whether he likes it or not, he will have an obnoxious companion named Del Griffith to help him along on his journey.  

​So, how does such a simple plot earn its prestigious status as one of John Hughes' finest films? That's easy, by way of its characters. This is one of those rare films where the perfect cast is put into play, courtesy of Steve Martin and the late John Candy. Steve Martin is spot on as Neal, an anal retentive, no nonsense fellow who is always on his way from A to B and he is perfectly juxtaposed by John Candy's portrayal of Del Griffith. Del is a slob through and through, and one who lives in the moment without a plan, something that is evident when he decides it is upon him to get Neal home to his family.  

These two actors electrify the screen with perfect comedic timing and, some stunning performances. In fact, this goes down in my mind as John Candy's finest work. Simply because of how many layers Del Griffith manages to have in the film, especially when we learn the big secret about Del's life and the true motivation as to why he was so intent on Neal spending time with his family. That beautiful and tragic reveal changes the feel of the film entirely, suddenly taking it from hilarious comedy to touching family film that speaks to how important it is to spend every moment with those we love.  

It's a magnificent film really, and one that requires multiple viewings to say the least. In part to catch the jokes you've already missed from laughing so hard, and because this is just a wonderful film through and through that gets better with every single viewing because we can relate to so much on screen. We've all had our flights cancelled, dealt with screw ups or been on the road in places we have never wanted to be in order to get home to our family. See this one if you haven't and if you have watch it again, preferably with those you love as a reminder of just how lucky we are to have them in our lives.  

​When one thinks of Thanksgiving, certain images come to mind. There’s always a family in those images, sitting around the table with all of the fixings ready to roll, and everyone is smiling and laughing as they wait for the bird to arrive and once the turkey is placed upon the table and the father of this family slices it up, everyone can feast and chat and enjoy one another’s company for this is indeed a day designed to celebrate unity and give thanks for the family we’ve been blessed with and well, that really is a beautiful image to have when it comes to this sacred holiday.
 
However, that Norman Rockwell-esque vision of an Americana Thanksgiving isn’t always the reality when it comes to this holiday. Some folks celebrate the holiday alone, or away from their family with friends by way of a good old-fashioned Friendsgiving. Or, some families celebrate the holiday multiple times in the day because their core unit is no longer unified because of divorce. But whether you celebrate the holiday or not, what matters more on this day is that we do we indeed give thanks for what we have because in some form or fashion, we’ve been gifted with something wonderful in life and in 1991, a unique take on Thanksgiving and its overall meaning was explored by way of a movie named Dutch.
 
Now in this particular film we are introduced to an everyday guy named Dutch Dooley, who is doing pretty well for himself. He owns his own construction company, he’s dating a lovely woman named Natalie, and in order to show Natalie how much he cares for her, he offers to step in and help with a minor family problem involving her son from another marriage. Because if someone doesn’t head down to young Doyle’s school to pick him up for Thanksgiving, he’ll spend the holiday alone since his father will be away on business and while this seems like a simple task for Dutch, the spoiled brat that he meets in Doyle when he arrives at the little snob’s school means that he is going to be in for quite the ride back home, one that will likely change both Doyle and Dutch’s lives forever…

​So, when this film was originally released in ’91, it was a critical dud and a box office bomb and well, I’m honestly not sure why because it actually has a lot to offer. First and foremost, the performances from Ethan Embry and Ed O’Neill, who play Doyle and Dutch respectively, are downright solid to say the least and their acting lays down the foundation for a surprisingly deep and powerful story about family, the holiday in question and what it means to be decent to one another, and those elements in my eyes, make this quite the beautiful film when all is said and done because it reminds us that the notion of family is fluid and that sometimes we choose who becomes part of our family and when they’re the right kind of person who can influence us, they can teach us wonders about the world.
 
Because despite Doyle’s garbage attitude toward Dutch for most of the movie, Dutch inadvertently reaches the young man without him knowing it, assuming the role of the father in this story and he’s able to help a hurt young man to open up in the process and well, Doyle learns a lot about the world because of this, and in turn, comes to understand what the holiday means as the story progresses in that, it’s about being grateful sometimes for just being able to walk upon this earth and it’s also about being thankful for having people to share our lives with in any capacity and it’s wonderful to watch Doyle slowly grow via Dutch’s life lessons and see him finally shed the brat persona that engulfs his soul when we first meet him in the film.
 
However, as is tradition with films written by John Hughes, there’s plenty of comedy to be found here as well, and that’s really what makes the film so endearing, for a lot of the comedic moments here are supremely down to earth and relatable and downright hilarious and well, when all is said and done, this really is quite the lovely little film. It’s got heart, it’s got laughs and it has beautiful meaning for the audience, if they so choose to embrace it and it’s one that I definitely recommend you see if you haven’t had the opportunity to do so since it offers a unique perspective on Thanksgiving and the wonder that comes with this special day. 

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’.
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​In an emotional, enthralling, and action-packed new chapter, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever closes out Phase Four of the MCU on a high note. While much of Phase Four felt like it was treading water without solid threads of continuity in its movies and shows, this entry felt like a return to the reigned in, purposeful sagas from before. 
 
A lot was expected of Wakanda Forever. The first Black Panther had the sixth highest grossing opening weekend of all Marvel films and remains the third highest grossing Marvel film across its lifetime, pointing to not only the initial appeal of the character, but the fanfare and staying power that followed. It excelled in its worldwide reach and was praised for its acting, soundtrack, role in the broader Marvel universe, storyline, and representation.
 
This film was tasked with building on the cultural impact of the first movie, upping the ante and moving the MCU forward to set up Phase Five, tying together several loose ends from the movies and shows that hadn’t yet paid off, and providing closure on T’Challa. While there are moments that feel rushed along or dropped in solely to accomplish some of these goals, it does each of those things extremely well. 
 
First and foremost, the film masterfully serves as a farewell to a deep character, a great actor, and an even greater human. Chadwick Boseman was the heart and soul of the franchise, and Wakanda Forever takes its time to pay its respects. The crux of the film is bookended by the cold open and Marvel Studios intro reel and the mid credits scene, all of which provide what feels like both a sendoff to the character of T’Challa and a genuine tribute to Boseman. It’s evident how much Boseman meant to this franchise, and Ryan Coogler and the cast honored his memory in a fantastic, authentic way. 
 
With Boseman’s death, the story was taken in a different direction as the mantle of the Black Panther was freed up. This sequel shows how T’Challa’s family and all of Wakanda deal with the loss. It uses this as a vessel to explore how the characters we’re familiar with each deal with grief and mortality. Queen Ramonda and Princess Shuri take the loss the most directly, each battling between compassion and vengeance in how they view the world. A trip to the Ancestral Plane reveals a tilt in this battle that proves pivotal for the finale of the movie - and potentially for the MCU as a whole. 

​We revisit several other characters from Black Panther and the MCU. To name a few (barring surprises or spoilers): Nakia deals with the grief through distance. We find that she has spent her time away from Wakanda following the Blip and following T’Challa’s death, seeking space from the community. Okoye remains in Wakanda as part of the Dora Milaje, dealing with her own role in the society. M’Baku is back, serving as both solid comic relief and as an important advisor from the Jabari Tribe on key matters for Wakanda’s approach to world affairs. Wakanda Forever introduces several new characters that could serve in vital roles in the MCU, including a certain key puzzle piece for the Young Avengers. 
 
Additionally, the film’s main antagonist, Namor or K’uk’ulkan, provides an interesting and important take on the character. Traditionally, Namor is a superhuman hailing from Atlantis. This movie’s Namor shares some of the qualities of the source material, but is integrated into the storytelling of the Black Panther universe. He brings his own mythos, built upon Mayan civilization and folklore. Even his name is adapted, swapping emphasis on the pronunciation (“sin amor”, without love) to add a rich cultural component. Further mapping out Black, Latin American, and Indigenous characters in the storytelling adds to the worldbuilding that made the first movie so special. 
 
Namor is also well rounded in his motivation and conflict. With superhero movies, we’re constantly treated to clashes of the titans. Equally matched heroes and villains go toe-to-toe or superteams erupt in civil wars. But something about the battle between Wakanda and Talokan here feels even more colossal. The world below feels like an immediate threat, not just because of brute force, but because of its intellect and technology. The antagonists don’t necessarily come from a place of pure villainy, either. Instead, Namor leads his people through the same challenge that confronts Wakandans; what is their place and how do they handle the outside world? The similarities of these two civilizations, rather than their differences, make the story much more intriguing. 
 
Considering the sights and sounds, Wakanda Forever stacks up nicely to its predecessor. The soundtrack may be a little more understated that Kendrick Lamar’s up-tempo masterpiece that featured in the first movie, but it fits the tone of the story extremely well, building around a staple track by Rihanna (“Lift Me Up”) and a phenomenal score. The score amps up the intensity of a number of action scenes, particularly the suspenseful underwater scenes early on. Visually, the underwater scenes shine, too. The interplay between land and sea is stunning. One breathtaking moment sees the Jabari Tribe and the Dora Milaje working together off the side of a ship, plunging down into the sea. The cityscapes of Wakanda and the underwater world of Talokan provide vast backdrops for much of the action.
 
While Wakanda Forever shows how expansive the MCU has become, carrying a few subplots that feel forced in because they were introduced four movies and three TV shows ago and must finally be put somewhere, it also does a lot of good. It starts to connect some of those dots that haven’t had a payoff, making us eagerly countdown to the next release date. It shows us how powerful a fictional world can be. And it reminds us why we love these movies and the actors that bring these characters to life. While it’s impossible to replace a character, Wakanda Forever carries on a legacy.
 
We’ll miss you, King T’Challa. Thank you for everything, Chadwick Boseman. 

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture ‘The School for Good and Evil’.
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One would think that more exuberant stories, such as fairy tales… would have no place in our modern landscape and rightfully so. After all, the vast majorities of stories out there, reflect modern times and currently storytelling is no exception to that rule. After all, what’s on the silver and small screen and in print right now, fits with the times by pondering upon the human condition in the 21st Century, leaving no room for stories about and magic and mysticism, and royalty when our minds are focused on far different matters. Yet what’s amazing… is that the fairy tale persists. For we still find room for them in our daily lives and our children are often the benefactors of our desire to keep them alive, and it makes sense as to why we work to keep them going.

For these are stories that go beyond the concepts of fairies and princes and princesses and faraway lands that are likely a mini mall now. Because much like our other modern stories, they too focus on the human condition. Specifically, our fundamentals, such as what it means to be good to another and what right and wrong looks like in this life, and those lessons on morality are essential in our world to this day, despite how complex our world has become. But even then, the complexities of the world can be explored within the framework of such stories, as evidenced by a brand-new motion picture that was released by Netflix today, The School for Good and Evil.

A feat that this story accomplishes, first, by perfectly plunging us into the world of fairy tales. Since we are transported to the idyllic village of Galvadon, where best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves in quite the unique situation. Wherein a wish on Sophie’s part to escape their humble lives, transports them to the School for Good and Evil, a place where those very elements have been pitted against one another in education and competition to keep the world in balance for ages upon ages and ironically… these two young ladies find themselves placed in a school that does not seem to suit their needs. Which as it turns out, is all part of a greater plan, one that will test good and evil, and Sophie and Agatha like never before… and teach them so much about the world and life in the process.

Which is a grand and sweeping plot that truly encapsulates the wonder of the fairy tale, since we are treated to mystical creatures here and beautiful landscapes and visuals that quite frankly, take the viewer’s breath away. Plus, having the ‘good’ character and the ‘bad’ character switch roles is equally as unique and refreshing here, since it adds a little fish out of water element to the story as well. But while it is wonderful to be plunged into a beautiful and fantastical world, one that is filled to the brim with A-list stars and action and adventure sequences that rival the epics of our day, none of that seems to really be tied into morality lessons and examinations upon our world, but have no fear, it is there… tucked away between the story’s biggest twist. 
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Specifically, that flip-flop of roles. Since that allows for traditional characters in a story such as this to see how the other half lives and come to learn that the world is not as black and white as they might like to think. Since people that we think are good can be quite bad and vice versa and having that present here and seeing the conflict and grey areas that some folks operate in within this story, and how Sophie and Agatha navigate that, allows for the viewer to come to understand that this is a grand lesson on how people incorrectly view the world and how it is imperative to see it in a more objective and realistic light. So that we come to understand how it truly works and how people actually operate so we can better relate to them and their circumstances and find common ground at last to make this world what we’ve always dreamed it to be.

Which is an impactful and timely message for our current world and that makes this movie quite intelligent when all is said and done, and it is subtle in how it projects its message. Since it never feels overwhelming in the slightest, but it stays with you for certain and teaches you plenty. Which also makes this, a perfect family night film, one that can encourage discussion and lessons or just entertain and wow since this is a beautiful film visually, one that you and your family can indulge in right now. For The School for Good and Evil is available to stream on Netflix and we hope you give it a look. Since it is quite the positive and epic story, one that does the fairy tale proud by adapting it to a world that is in dire need of a little hope and direction right now.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Movers Ultimate’.
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There was a time, where cinema was eager to explore the inner workings of genuinely blue-collar jobs… in a comical light of course. Because something about combining humor with jobs that can be taxing, made for engaging entertainment. To the point where the market was awash with films in this vein. Since Waiting… won everyone over with its inside look at the restaurant business and Employee of the Month gave us some fascinating insight on retail. Not to mention, even the software industry, which some could consider to be white collar… had its day in the sun via Office Space. But while those inside looks were indeed a draw, there was more to these movies than their exposé of jobs we aren’t familiar with.
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Because what really made these movies work and entertain and endear themselves to audiences everywhere… was the heart and humanity they exhibited. For these stories really dug deep into the plight of the American worker, and their hopes and dreams and desires in life. But just like that, those movies disappeared from the marketplace, replaced by something else… but they might just be making a comeback. For a brand-new movie from writer/director Ben Rood, entitled Movers Ultimate, explores the world that movers of furniture thrive within and well, that concept brings forth one fascinating and funny motion picture. One that flawlessly provides us with perspective on this kind of work, by plunging us into the middle of it.

A feat that this motion picture accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of guys named Chad and Ryan who work for the company that shares the namesake of the film, and when we catch up with them, here, they’re dealing with perhaps the worst job they’ve ever been assigned. Because not only was the estimate incorrect, and there’s more stuff than two men and a trainee can move, but they’re dealing with some life struggles as well. For Chad is a disgraced former firefighter trying to figure out a way forward at this point in his life, and Ryan… just doesn’t understand where his life is headed. Which makes for a tense day of work as this duo do their best to complete what appears to be an impossible job, while trying to get their lives together. 

Which is a plot that truly manages to bring that classic style of film back to life. Because we are genuinely immersed into this job and this world as we were back then and well, going that route allows for some fascinating moments to take place. The kind that informs us just how much tough stuff movers have to put up with in the name of customer service. Since their client, a divorcee named Meredith, keeps changing the terms of the move and demanding the world of them and that’s really where this movie shines from a comedic standpoint. Because that leads to all kinds of shenanigans and gags, so that these guys and their co-workers can cope with the horrible day in front of them and well, those moments absolutely put a smile upon your face and now and again, leave you gasping for air with the sheer hilarity that plays out.
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But truly the best aspect of this motion picture, is the heart present in this story. Because beyond the gags are a pair of characters that are going through some supremely relatable moments. Since so many of us have found ourselves removed from a job that we thought was our calling and struggle being away from it as Chad does here. Not to mention, Ryan’s struggle is familiar as well. Since we too have been in his shoes and felt lost in life and well, that’s the stuff that really draws you into this movie. Because you feel for these guys, and you know they want more. But in this moment, all they can do is outright survive, and that kind of raw honesty, just adds depth to this story. As does the realistic nature in which their problems are resolved. Since those solutions also reflect real life and the struggles we face.

If anything, all of these elements make for one heartwarming comedy. One that really does recapture the wonder of those classics, while adding a fresh spin on this sub-genre, courtesy of jokes that fit with the times and characters that reflect the current zeitgeist of the workforce. For Chad and Ryan have had it with awful bosses and stupid corporate nonsense and Karen-like behavior, just like the rest of us have. Not to mention, the performances here only enhance the experience, since the entire cast plays their roles with a wonderful honesty. But what matters most, is that you don’t have to wait a single moment to watch this entertaining ride, since Movers Ultimate is available to stream on demand, right now, and we certainly hope you give it a look. Because this one is just plain fun from beginning to end.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Camping Trip’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the past couple of years, taught us a great deal about ourselves. Because being locked away for a better part of a year, and then isolating heavily until a vaccine came forth… forced us to spend a lot of alone time. The kind that allowed for us to reflect and improve upon who we are. While helping us to perhaps understand what we want and what we need out of life. Because staring down a potentially crippling illness or even death, really does put life and our machinations within it, in perspective, and it is a fair to say a great deal of us came out of this mess, thankful for a second chance at life and ready to seize the day.
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But that is of course, a personal journey. One that doesn’t reflect the greater whole and well, we often hope that our lessons extend to others or are part of a collective journey, and that hope has left all of us wondering… has that been the case? Did the world learn from Covid and find new direction in doing so? Or was this just another inconvenience that people will quickly move on from? And it just so happens, that there is a brand-new thriller on the market that takes the time to examine that question, and that makes Camping Trip quite the fascinating motion picture. One that offers up some sobering commentary on our world and what did indeed come out of Covid, and it accomplishes that feat… by taking us back in time just a little bit. 

For in this motion picture, we are introduced to four friends at the end of the first lockdown, and they are beyond eager to see each other and enjoy life once again by going on a grand weekend camping trip. Where they can catch up, resume their unique polyamorous connections, and rejoice in the fact that the worst is behind them. But it doesn’t take long for this trip to take quite the turn. For a botched, backwoods deal near their camp, leads to the brutal murder of the money man, and now those responsible for that death, expect to be paid with the money that was hidden in the tent belonging to the group. Making this a weekend grounded in desperate survival when greed comes calling to their camp, one that will leave this group transformed in ways they never thought possible.

So, before we dig deep into the grit and grime of this movie, we need to make it clear… that this is a supremely bleak motion picture. One that is slow burning in nature so that it can properly explore the horrors that these close-knit friends experience in this story. Which means that this movie is going to make you uncomfortable often, but that is of course the point. However, not everyone is good with sitting through extreme dread and slow cooking terror, so, if you can live with that… you’re in for a treat. A brutal film that holds nothing back in its exploration of the darkest parts of humanity and how easily people slide into that and embrace it when the moment is right or when the opportunity presents itself.

But why do that? Why show us the worst of us in a story that is designed to answer the questions in question? Well at it turns out, the brutality of this story is the answer that we seek. For this movie postulates the theory, that we learned nothing from the pandemic. That it only taught a handful of people valuable lessons about life and its meaning and what’s important, while it instead struck fear into everyone else, leading to more strife and leading to more anger and fury and well… that’s some bleak commentary to find, the kind that is sadly backed up by the state of the world. Since we’ve seen some genuinely concerning moments play out after the timeline of this movie. But of course, not everyone will agree with that message or like the film’s ending.

For they genuinely believe we are better than this and can be better than this, but that’s what good a story does. It stirs a debate, and it asks us to really think upon the topic and that’s exactly what this motion picture does, in the most brutal fashion of course. For this is a story that really does put the horrors of mankind on display and is sharp in its analysis and opinion, and the best news of all… is that if you’re in the mood for a bleak and powerful story, one that definitely leaves you thinking long after its come to an end… then you can check out Camping Trip via Video on Demand right now and we here at NTG hope you do. Simply because this really is a bold and angry film, one that genuinely challenges each and every one of us.

We live in a fascinating time when it comes to love and romance. For gone are the days of going to the club or somewhere fun to find someone to date in our youth, and the same goes for having targeting spots to attempt to grab the attention of that potential partner when the party scene gets old. Instead, all of that has been replaced by the simplicity of technology. Wherein we can log into a particular app and meet someone that we find attractive in all arenas and see where it goes, and well… that fascinating feat has brought about a great deal of discussion and debate in our modern world. The kind that really has started to ponder upon the power of technology and whether or not it can accomplish the wonders we hope it will.
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Because there are so many people out there, who have serious concerns over using a device to create a connection. Since people can hide behind devices and create their own magical world and persona in doing so. Plus, those same folks have concerns as to whether or not the spark we all desire can actually be generated through a device and well, the horror stories we sometimes hear about online dating… more or less confirms some of those fears. But like it or not, technology and online dating are here to stay and there are enough happy stories about those experiences to balance out the concerns and well, as online dating and technology continue to grow in popularity, popular fiction is now starting to explore what love through a phone looks like, to help all of us understand this brave new world. And it just so happens that come Friday, Amazon Freevee will be host to one such story.

For the network’s first original film, Love Accidentally, will make its debut then and well, it is indeed a fascinating exploration of how love through a device can come to life, which this story brings forth by plunging us into some tough romantic times for a pair of work rivals. For in a single day, both Alexa and Jason are dumped by their partners, people they truly thought would be the one. And as they continue on without love in their life, an unexpected switcheroo of numbers when Alexa gets her work phone replaced… leads to a powerful and honest, and anonymous, conversation between the two of them. One that elicits feelings they’ve never had before for another person. The kind that could lead to happiness everlasting, provided of course they are actually willing to remove the specter of anonymity.

Which is a plot that not only explores the digital world of dating and love through technology to a tee, but it also addresses our concerns about it and why those concerns are unfounded in an intelligent manner. Because while it may seem awkward to watch Alexa and Jason, do their best to build a connection without ever knowing who is on the other end, seemingly proving the age-old point that digital dating is fantasy and they're indulging too deeply into it, their digital decisions are no different than what we do after a breakup or when we decide to try and get into the dating scene again. Because both digital daters and real-life ones test the waters and work to make new connections when they start over and they also keep people at bay to heal, and they hope with all their hearts that they've found true love when the butterflies arrive, like our forlorn lovers do here, and it is important to showcase that parallel for one reason and one reason alone.

Because as this romance progresses, it becomes clear that online dating or a romance through a conversation… is indeed as healthy and as impactful as dating in person. For it offers us a chance to really speak with someone on a fundamental level, free from expectations or outdated dating strategies and etiquette and just… feel a connection. Which is what we all want, and this type of dating allows for us to get right down to building that connection and really see where it goes and endure all of the pratfalls that we find in regular dating. Since both characters here risk hurt if they can’t move past their rivalry or their fears and concerns about love. As to whether or not they overcome that and find love through their accidental connection, we simply will not spoil here.

In fact, you’ve likely noticed that this review focuses heavily on themes and concepts over heavy details and there is good reason for that. Because we simply don’t want to spoil a contemplative film. One that really does explore so much more than we’ve covered in this review, for this movie really is a fascinating look at modern dating and everything good and bad that accompanies it and that does make it a worthwhile watch and the best news of all, is that you can see Love Accidentally in just a few days. For this motion picture makes its debut on Amazon Freevee on July 15, 2022 and we certainly hope you give this inventive and refreshing romantic comedy a look, because it really is a fun and thoughtful ride.