One particular hope that we all harbor in this life when we head out into the world to live our dreams and conquer the planet, is that we will keep moving forward. Because that is of course, how we make progress in life and how we accomplish wonders. Which is why we hit the ground running when our time arrives and do our best to become the best in our career field, because we know the rewards will be endless in nature. Yet… despite our best efforts to keep pushing forward to have everything we need in life physically and emotionally… there comes a point when we realize that something drastic has changed in our lives.

In that, we will hit a wall at some point and become stagnant. Wherein we’ve settled for a plateau and revel in comfort and routine and well… what’s wild is that we rarely realize that. Because we think we are in motion and still kicking tail and taking names and in the end, it takes external forces to point out that we have halted our progress and that we aren’t quite as driven as we used to be. Which is a stunning moment to experience for certain, one that gives us pause and leaves us wondering, how then do we break out of the grind and get back to living life to the fullest and moving forward like we used to? Well, as it turns out, a new movie that recently debuted on the Hallmark Channel explores just that in Jingle Bell Run.
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A feat that this story accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of individuals that are in fact… stagnant in life. For there’s Wes, a former hockey star that thinks he’s doing just fine with his career long gone. Only for him to discover that he’s a shell of himself and no longer moving forward in a competitive state, and he’s not alone here. Since we also meet Avery. A woman that has truly settled into routine and has become genuinely stagnant in life, and well, thanks to a support network and an understanding that perhaps they need a little pep in their step, they both make their way onto a holiday reality television show that tests like them never before. But that’s not a bad thing. Because just like that, they’re able to discover how much they’ve lost by being stagnant in life and how much they have to gain by throwing caution to the wind and going for broke.

Which is… the perfect way to explore how we get our swagger back when we settle in life, and the cure is indeed… just living in the moment. Without giving much thought to our actions. Which might seem irresponsible, but we always act accordingly when we’re chasing our goals, and that makes a second go round no different and in going that route, do we start to realize the power and the value of living in the moment. Of the thrill it gives us and the freedom it provides our very soul with. Which is expressed through Avery and Wes’s emotional growth in this film. Since we watch them transform before our eyes and that really does hammer home the value of living life in this manner and how it can re-energize us in a prompt and inspiring manner.  
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But while that would be enough to carry this feature, it does have more to say about the negatives of being stagnant in life. in that, it also prompts us to close ourselves off to people and just worry about our little world, and while that isn’t the end of the world, since there are folks who thrive within their own journey… it can be problematic for others and starve them of interactions they need and keep them away from relationships/friendships that are life changing and powerful in nature. So, it stands to reason that we should always be willing to meet new people and take a little time to get to know them, because we never know what that will provide us with emotionally.

All of which gives rise, to a supremely unique Hallmark holiday movie. One that not only features what we love about these films, since it has romance, holiday cheer and moments and fun, but dives far deeper than expected. Because few holiday features ask us if we are happy with where we are at the moment or if we are doing enough to chase our dreams and if we are living our lives to the fullest. But this one does, and it handles such thoughts in a supremely subtle manner through those elements that we love and that makes this, a delightful watch for certain. Simply because you can never go wrong with a movie that gently nudges you to be the best version of yourself, so you find real peace in your soul and in your life.

There was a time in Hollywood, where epic motion pictures about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, were everywhere to be found. In fact, some of the biggest films in motion picture history, revolved around this era, since films like Ben Hur featured the empire in its twisted glory in a grand and sweeping manner, and well, it makes sense as to why audiences flocked to these stories. For they were nothing short of the epitome of Hollywood magic, since these movies perfectly recreated the empire and explored life in these stories in a dynamic manner and wowed us every step of the way with stunning action and adventure and performances that truly sold an era long gone. But what’s interesting, is that these stories all but faded from the silver screen following the release of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator in 2000.
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For reasons that have become clear as time as rolled along. After all, a mere eight years after the release of that epic, came the dawn of the superhero epic and audiences truly demanded more of that. But also, there was an understanding that the genre had grown stagnant and was no longer offering what audiences wanted. Such as rich stories that tie into universes and ponder upon more than baseline concepts and provide us with commentary on our world and feature characters that are more than caricatures. Granted, Gladiator accomplished some of that, but it was indeed too little, too late and it left all of us wondering, if such stories would ever return to the silver screen and impress us again. Well as it turns out, there is still a home for these films on the big screen, and they can resonate with audiences and adapt with the times and continue to wow us, as evidenced by the latest release from Paramount Pictures, Gladiator II.

Which are feats this film accomplishes, courtesy of a magnificent and grandiose plot. One that takes us sixteen years after Marcus Aurelius’ death at the hands of his son Commodus, wherein we learn that Rome has plunged further into darkness. For now, it is ruled by a pair of pedantic twin Emperors named Geta and Caracalla, who have inadvertently set in motion more chaos in Rome. For their highly respected general, Acacius has returned from the empire’s latest conquest, and he has brought with him an incredible warrior named Hanno. Who is so talented and so fierce that he sets in motion a grand plan to change the balance of power of Rome. For the city always believes in its war heroes and his gladiators and if Hanno can do in the games what his keeper, Macrinus, believes he can accomplish… there is a chance that a new Rome can come forth, a hope that only grows when several people in the city discover the secret that Hanno harbors.

Which is… the perfect way to resurrect this type of film. In large part because it really does update the genre for a new generation of moviegoer that wants that depth and wants that connective tissue. For this is indeed a true sequel to the original, complete with elements we won’t spoil here, that expand the franchise and extend the story we fell in love with, and it does indeed offer more. Since this particular script harbors some hard commentary on our modern world, regarding politicians in our world that are as bombastic as they are incompetent and the era of excess and ignorance that we currently live within. Not to insult but to warn, as good commentary does and that does indeed offer depth and wonder to a story that makes sure to not forget what makes this genre so great and so powerful. Specifically, grandiose action.
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Of which you will find in spades here. Simply because this is indeed a true epic through and through, and the battles in the coliseum are about as incredible as they get. Courtesy of wonderful direction from Mister Scott and sequences that hold nothing back when it comes to the savagery the games once harbored in the coliseum and that oddly ties into the excessive nature of the era as well. Since the Romans here spare no expense in giving the masses matches, they want and desire, complete with spectacle that would rival even the biggest entertainment we enjoy today. All of which brings forth just some stunning action sequences. The kind that truly put people on the edge of their seat in the screening that this particular writer attended, and all of these elements give rise to a triumphant return of the Roman epic, courtesy of an outright magnificent motion picture.

For this one truly has it all. Stunning action, powerhouse moments and visuals that take our breath away, and wondrous depth and intelligence. Not to mention, it harbors magnificent performances, courtesy of a cast that consists of heavy hitters such as Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen, who turn loose here with their talents, and revel in the majesty of being part of a story that some of them have never done before. But Paul Mescal also deserves a round of applause, since he anchors this film with his beautifully nuanced performance of Hanno, and one has to mention Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, who bring a stunning madness to the creepy twin emperors in this tale, and all of this results in a must-see spectacle. For this one really is a powerhouse feature that signals a brand-new era for the Roman epic and all the wonder it can still send our way.

There comes a point for all of us in adulthood, where we begin to question a great deal about the universe. In that, we start to ponder upon life, and its meaning and why we are here, and why we suffer and endure. Because for the majority of our youth, we are invincible and everything seems to last forever and it is shocking to learn otherwise and gives us great pause, and this is usually brought forth… via death. For there also comes a point where we begin to lose the people we love in this life and seeing them just… disappear from our orbit is jarring and shocking and it really does put us on quite an unpredictable path emotionally, as grief takes hold.
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But in the midst of those tears and those emotions, are those thoughts, and they are important to embrace and focus upon regardless of how they make us feel, of how much they confuse us and how much they outright scare us. Because that exploration, is what teaches us the meaning of life, and well… we don’t talk about the gravity of that process and what it looks like all that often or in popular media for that matter. We find grief should be the focus, but we should look at it all, because there is so much to learn from one another and our unique experiences when we work to discover the meaning of our existence, and it just so happens… that a new film from writer/director/actor Jesse Eisenberg ponders upon such matters.

A feat that A Real Pain accomplishes, by introducing us to a pair of cousins named, David and Benji, who are vastly different individuals that are embarking on quite the emotional quest when we meet them here. In that, their grandmother, who they adored, has recently passed and in order to honor her and her memory they are headed to Poland. To learn about her life, and the trials and tribulations she endured in escaping Poland at the start of the Holocaust. To give them both perspective in this powerfully emotional time, and well, this is THAT journey. That journey of discovery where David and Benji will not only examine a life that influenced them greatly but ponder upon their own journeys and what will bring them great meaning as they forge ahead. 

Which really is, the perfect way to explore that grandiose quest of how we find the meaning of life through death. Since this story plunges us square into the middle of that process, wherein we can see it play out in real time, and it does so, in a supremely raw manner. Which immerses us into the film immediately, since we are, have been or will be this duo. Stuck in that state of pain and worry and confusion that accompanies the end of a loved one and eager to find meaning in it all, and that in turn… allows for the film to break down that discovery process in stunning detail. In part by watching this duo think upon the life their grandmother lived and ponder deeply upon how much they never got to see. Which is a big part of the process. Since it truly opens up our eyes to what we are desperate to learn.
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Which is… what is the point of it all? Why do we suffer? Why do we hurt and lose so much? And thankfully this story explores in detail, that we do so because we can. Because we are a privileged species that can ponder upon so much and feel so much, but when we do focus upon this, and choose to… we can find so much beauty in the bittersweet nature of our existence and come to understand that meaning of life, is the moment. For they are precious, magical and teach us so much and that is why we cherish them and the memories of them. Because they are what makes life worth living and they are what give us strength and everything we need, and that is why we grieve. Because we know we cannot make more moments with a particular person, and that is why, we must live life to the fullest and create moments and do new things… as our path allows us.

But we all live in those moments, and we create such wonder within them and all of that is explored in a subtle and magnificent way, courtesy of an amazing script and amazing direction and amazing acting. Since Kieran Culkin (Benji) and Jesse Eisenberg (David) are simply electric on screen and sell the reality of this experience and its impact upon us, and all of these elements come forth to give us a powerful motion picture. One that is thoughtful, moving, and genuinely deep, and explores the human condition in a refreshing manner that few films do. Because it dares to ask some tough questions about how we find meaning and strength and that makes this a must-see feature. For this is that rare film that truly offers direction and catharsis for questions that have plagued mankind for ages.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, “’Tis the Season to Be Irish”.
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The vast majority of us out there in the world, uncover how to attain fulfillment pretty early on in life. Something we can attribute primarily to our upbringing. For so many of us can think upon direction we received from our parents regarding what lie ahead and how to get there, and perhaps a good sit-down chat with one of them… where they really wanted to know our plans for the future and what made us happy so we could properly pursue it. Which in turn really helped us to find our true north and get it and belong and settle into a place where we find joy and contentment, and that sense of fulfillment, and where we find time to reflect upon the wonder… of those chats and what they did for us.  

But not everyone gets that wondrous discussion, and sometimes their family life teaches them something different. Wherein they step into adulthood in a more aloof manner. Where the moment matters more and where peace is a little harder to come by, as is purpose and a sense of direction or belonging. Which for some is fine. They’ll find value in just moving about and enjoying the day as it comes. But others… others will struggle badly with this. To the point where they begin to wonder what they are missing in life, and how to find it, and that does beg a hug question. How do people find that sense of fulfillment when they spend a lifetime rarely thinking of that concept? Well, it just so happens, that a new film from Hallmark ponders upon that very question.  

A feat that ‘Tis the Season to Be Irish accomplishes by introducing us to Rose Walsh. A real estate investor that truly lives in the moment. Courtesy of her upbringing and circumstances and she truly does seem to enjoy this life. Since she often gets to live in new places as she invests in property before flipping it, and well… she’s done so well with her work that she’s ready for a new challenge. Specifically, a lovely cottage she’s discovered in her mother’s hometown in Ireland, which she is quick to purchase. But soon, buyer’s remorse settles in. Simply because the cottage is a mess and will require a stunning investment, and to complicate matters further… being in the very place where her mother grew up informs Rose, that maybe there is more to life than being a modern-day nomad, adding a new complication to the life she so loves.

Which is… the perfect way to explore the core concept of this story. Because Rose is indeed, that person who isn’t necessarily lost in the world, but moves to the beat of a different drum. Since she is all about living in the moment and not worrying about where tomorrow takes her. But she definitely isn’t aware that there can be more and well… that realization allows for a stunning exploration of that answer to come into play. One that informs us that what gives us that sense of purpose and direction, and fulfillment, is connection. Connection to a dream, connection to a community and family ties, because that helps us to realize that we are more than the sum of ourselves, but something greater. A place where we can create memories with others and enrich more lives by showcasing who we are. Which of course, the story explores through her actions.  
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Since she makes friends in that hometown, she learns about her mother and her family’s history and yes. She finds love. Because that is a Hallmark staple, but it also provides its own special value. Since that too speaks to the power of connection, the power of love and how that too changes us and transforms us to want to shoot for something different. Which leads to a cerebral story for certain, one that does provide some measure of guidance to those who are in Rose’s shoes. Because there are folks who think they have what they want… but feel the call for something more. Feel as though they’re missing something, and it should be noted, that this story makes a point to not insult those who find happiness in not going this route.

For the story also explores how people who believe in the moment and a life that takes them where the wind goes, find a different kind of connection. One that relates to fate, one that relates to the thrill of just seeing where life takes us, and that both paths, are fine paths. All of which makes, for another Hallmark feature that is decidedly different from the norms. Since it ponders upon the crises we reach in life when we feel the call for more and how finding what we want, and need requires some work and some time and that it is okay if we don’t find it in the traditional manner. For life does indeed take us on some wild twists and turns on our way to finding exactly what we want in life. Be it the moment or the connections we seek. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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