Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Kneecap’.
​
There are a great many things that people wish to achieve in this life. Some, want to be nothing more than amazing parents that will raise equally as amazing children that will make the world a better place. Some, hope to see their names in lights and take over the entertainment world with their immense talent. While others, wish to be the best chef they can be, or the absolute best salesman possible. Or… they outright want to be loved by someone special in their lives. Because our dreams and our hopes are diverse, but they all share in one particularly fascinating need. In that, we hope to matter in this life, and achieving goals in that vein help with that and well… what’s fascinating about our modern world is that such a feast is surprisingly no easy task.

Because it takes years to really build the right relationship or establish the impact we made upon our children. Not to mention, we have to go through hell to get our dreams going, and sometimes… we are stuck doing menial jobs until the time is right or we struggle to find our calling. All of which leaves us feeling listless and without purpose or meaning and we wonder deeply… how and when will we find it? Well, it just so happens that there is a brand-new film in theaters that answers that question for the dreamers of the world who feel they’re without purpose or don’t know where to begin to find it because life can be so confusing and so empty at times, and that makes Kneecap quite the important and inspiring film. 

For this movie, one based on a true story, introduces us to three dreamers in the heart of Ireland. There’s Liam and Naoise, childhood friends that have shared in some hard trauma through the years, thanks to sordid past of Arlo, Naoise’s father, and in adulthood they’re adrift and wonder what their purpose is in life other than getting by, and there’s JJ. A music teacher and champion for Ireland’s true dialect that has found stability in life but not the thrill of it yet. But one fateful night, where JJ is called in translate the Irish language for the police, who wish to speak with Liam about some possible crimes… unites this trio in a manner they never expected. For Liam’s diary has some incredible lyrics that JJ wants to produce into music and just like that, their band, Kneecap, is born and soon… this trio of lost souls find themselves surrounded by love and adoration, for their work resonates and matters.

Which is… a subtle way to explore how we find our way when we think we are lost or haven’t found our calling. In that, we simply need to live and try new things without giving those endeavors a second thought. For overthinking kills but immersing ourselves in those endeavors that offer a thrill and/or begin to offer fulfillment… might take us down a path we never dreamed, and the story of how Kneecap came to be really drives that home. Since we watch this trio, go from listless and lifeless to finding energy and purpose in life, and music helps them to grow, and find agency and that really is an inspiring plotline to say the least. One that leaves your spirits soaring when the film has come to an end, and yet, it also has more to offer. 
​
Because believe it or not, bubbling beneath the surface of the sick tracks that Kneecap lays down, is a powerful story about heritage and honoring our past and the past of others. Because there is a fascinating subplot in this story about how English influences wiped out a lot of the rich culture of the Irish people, and how those who try and hold to it, are looked down upon. Which brings about stunning commentary on the rights of indigenous people, and how we as a society cannot let traditions from other cultures completely die. So that future generations understand their heritage to a tee and honor it as they see fit, and that is a big reason why this band found success and why their message and music resonate with so many. Since their lyrics honor those that came before.

All of which brings forth, a supremely thoughtful and inspiring motion picture, that is also quite relatable. Since we’ve been in the shoes of this trio and found ourselves wondering what comes next, and it is a feature that also features something for everyone. Since it also harbors funny moments that never let the message overwhelm and it really does speak to some powerful concepts that we can all take something away from, and this all comes together courtesy of some powerful and shockingly honest performances, since Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvai reprise themselves to retell their own story, and they’re joined by Michael Fassbender (Arlo), who adds incredible gravitas to a story that everyone should see. To be educated on the importance of honoring the past and to be reminded to take risks and roll with the punches, since you never know where they will take you.

If there is one particular type of film that has captivated us for decades on end, it is the ‘end of the world’ movie. Wherein a lethal virus wipes out mankind or transforms them into hideous creatures that roam the world. Or they feature some kind of cataclysmic event, wherein civilization collapses and/or is wiped out on a moment’s notice and well… we enjoy these films because they are escapist in nature and give us all a chance to ponder upon a dark topic. Specifically, what would we do and who would we become if the end times were nigh? Because there’s an odd comfort in thinking about how we would endure and overcome the worst possible moment for our species. 
​
But over the past four years, the structure and the tone of these films have changed greatly, and rightfully so. Because in many ways, we were facing a great unknown with Covid, since it could have wiped out all of humanity if it turned out to be something more, and some of the imagery we’ve seen in these films, such as empty cityscapes… became an outright reality. Which means these films are oddly reflective now and they are working to help us process the fact that we did indeed stare down the end, since the virus could have claimed so many of us, and they are helping us learn from such an experience. As evidenced by a brand-new film that is available on demand in Last Night on Earth.

Which are feats that this film accomplishes by introducing us to a couple in the midst of a unique crisis. For Holly and Ryan are on the road and are nervous and eager to be alone. Simply because… the end of the world has arrived. For a massive, asteroid, one larger than the one that killed the dinosaurs 66 million years ago, has been jarred loose and is on its way to Earth. Which prompts this couple to try and find some level of meaning at the end of everything. But alas, their attempts to find that are constantly interrupted by visitors at their campsite and a creepy couple named Gene and Gabby, who continue to bother them with odd requests and showcase unsettling behavior. All of which leaves this couple wondering if they will find what they seek as the last night on earth draws near.

Which at first glance, doesn’t appear to be a plot that teaches us anything about the nightmare we recently remerged from, and some of the moments in this story, further reinforce that. Since there are echoes here of the early days of the pandemic, complete with news reports that speak to a growing horror and emergency alerts that resemble the lockdown notices we received on our phones. Not to mention, the helplessness we felt in that moment is recreated here, as is the ugly that humanity put on display, since fighting and agenda were the order of the day over unity and kindness. Which makes this movie seem early on, to be akin to its own ‘What if?’ story, one that would explore what would have happened if the worst-case scenario played out instead, regarding Covid.   
​
But that’s the point. In that, writer/director Marcos Efron wants us to be uncomfortable and wants us to be plunged back into that moment, to better understand what Holly and Ryan are searching for, which were the same things we searched for during the pandemic. In that, they want to find the beauty in the world that exists alongside the chaos, the peace and the wonder of what we have in the moment and the power of the moment. Because that is what so many of us found to try and push away the worry and the horror and so many of us came out of the pandemic for the better. For we found purpose, we knew we were granted a second chance and that makes this a shockingly uplifting apocalypse film… one that goes that route for one important reason. Because we are scared right now, and we are searching for meaning and joy again and well… it’s still there.

We are just ignoring it and need to refocus on that hope, that second chance that we were given and that makes this a beautiful and powerful film. One that truly does ask us to cherish the moment and find beauty and lift it up to drown out the dark, and that makes for a fascinating watch, one that really does take you on an emotional ride thanks to its powerhouse message and fine acting to sell the gravity of well, everything in this film. With Leven Rambin (Holly) leading the charge in such matters since her vulnerable performance helps to draw us into the story and has us rooting for her when Dee Wallace (Carla) and Shane West (Gene) shake up her world with ideas that might hamper her search for beauty at the end of everything, and truly… this is a film you should watch as soon as possible. Since it does accomplish its mission and reminds us of what matters during these trying times, and the trying times ahead.

It is always wonderful when we see a popular media company branch out into new corners. Because it not only means that said company is doing well and has the resources to grow and become more before our eyes, but it also means… they’re dedicated to telling amazing stories and want to offer what made them famous to every possible format out there and that’s why this week’s news should bring forth some serious joy. For recently, Heroic Signatures, the home of many incredible stories… let its fans know that it is branching out.
​
In fact, the company is working on its first animated feature. One that will bring its wildly popular Mutant: Year Zero franchise to life on the silver screen and that’s just amazing news. For it speaks to all the elements we made mention of a moment ago, and it also means… that we are going to get a quality adaptation of this popular game. For the right people are behind it and the cast they’ve assembled for this is stellar and well, to do this news some proper justice, here is all the information on this upcoming release, and some first look photos for you to enjoy as well, as we count down to the arrival of this amazing feature.

‘Heroic Signatures, the entertainment studio responsible for crafting gripping, science-fiction and fantasy stories, today announced the company is in production on its first animated feature film for its popular franchise, Mutant: Year Zero. Based on Mutant: Year Zero Road to Eden, a tactical adventure video game first released in 2018, the film follows an unlikely team of animal-mutants as they navigate a post-apocalyptic wasteland in search of answers. Dolph Lundgren (Expend4bles, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom) and Ian McElhinney (The Outlaws, Game Of Thrones) will lend their voices to the feature, with more talent to be announced soon.

The Mutant: Year Zero film is being produced using Unreal Engine 5 in an innovative approach to video game IP adaptation. The team will introduce all-new animation assets that expand the storyline of Mutant: Year Zero Road to Eden, which was developed using Unreal technology, while additionally revitalizing original assets for a cinematic experience. The film is being produced and directed by Hasraf ‘HaZ’  Dulull, a pioneer in real-time technology filmmaking, who started his career in video games and visual effects (The Dark Knight, Hellboy2) before moving into filmmaking (The Beyond, Fast Layne). The film is additionally produced by President of Heroic Signatures, Fred Malmberg and Pathfinder founding partner Mark Wheeler. Developed in collaboration with HaZimation and Northern Ireland Screen, the national screen agency for Northern Ireland, additional film creatives include Paula Crickard, Producer (Expend4bles, Memory, My House), and Music Composer Edward White (Gears of War, Transformers: Reactivate).

“We cannot wait for fans to get a glimpse at what we have been working on to bring Mutant: Year Zero to life as an animated feature film,” said Fred Malmberg, President, Heroic Signatures and Mutant: Year Zero producer. “Our goal at Heroic is to constantly challenge ourselves to create fresh, expanded experiences across different media based on our adventurous characters and stories for both existing fans and new ones.”

The Mutant: Year Zero story is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where an unlikely team of animal-mutants, led by a witty duck and a gruff boar, set out on a dangerous mission to reclaim an essential generator stolen from their sanctuary, the Ark. Together, the group of scavengers uncover a deeper truth behind the Ark’s divisions, confront the oppressive regime of the Elder, and discover the secrets that could reshape their dystopian existence.

Mutant: Year Zero Road to Eden was originally released in 2018 on PC, PS4 and Xbox One, followed by Nintendo Switch in 2019 and has had over 4 million copies downloaded worldwide. The video game exists within the Mutant franchise, which originated as the “Mutant” tabletop role-playing game in the late 1980s and has since grown to include, in addition to the video game, several supplements to the core tabletop game as well as a miniatures game, and a series of novels. Heroic Signatures, known for its iconic IP, including Conan the Barbarian, will be at San Diego Comic Con on Sunday, July 28, 2024 for a panel to discuss the incredible success of comics over the last year, including a closer look at the making of Savage Sword of Conan and a sneak peek at upcoming releases for Conan. 

For more about Heroic Signatures and Mutant: Year Zero, visit https://heroicsignatures.com/ 

About Heroic Signatures
Heroic Signatures is a multifaceted entertainment studio responsible for crafting gripping, science-fiction and fantasy stories that engage multi-generational audiences across the world. A subsidiary of Funcom (a Tencent company), Heroic Signatures leverages its large intellectual property portfolio and extensive catalog of compelling characters and passionately-constructed worlds, to manage and develop global entertainment franchises in all forms of media, including motion picture, television, gaming, publishing and toy/collectibles. The company’s portfolio consists of iconic and fan favorite brands such as Conan the Barbarian, Kull of Atlantis, Solomon Kane, Mutant Chronicles, Mutant: Year Zero, and Kult.

About Hazimation
UK based Transmedia production company setup by producers HaZ Dulull & Paula Crickard, developing and producing live action & animated feature films, series and video games. Blurring the lines between mediums to create the next generation of content and storytelling.’

It is definitely safe to say, that a real sense of disillusionment exists when it comes the concept of family in this day and age, and rightfully so. Because for generations now, family and family life has been presented to us as this… slice of perfection. Wherein there is mutual respect amongst every family member, and where support is endless for one another regardless of good choices and bad choices, and where… family is always there for one another. To the point where we each think our family resembles the infamous Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post cover. Where that family happily sat around the table with real joy upon their faces as they prepared to eat a meal as warm as their love for one another, and well… we become disillusioned about family and family life because we come to learn… that’s not how family life plays out at all.
​
Because respect isn’t always present in family life, and sometimes the support just isn’t there and sometimes… family can outright abandon us in our moment of need, or some family members take abandonment one step further, and leave and never look back. Which makes us angry and prompts us to offer a one finger salute at ol’ Norman’s cover. Because it is in fact, a lie. Yet, while family is something that leaves us wanting more, to the point where we wonder if we are better off without family in the slightest… we will chase after it. Because regardless of the problems it affords and despite the false concepts we’ve been fed about it, it calls to us, and there is some primal part of us that understands it offers us something. But of course, we struggle for a long time to understand what that is. But there are moments of clarity that teach us what family is really all about and why we need it in our lives, as evidenced by a brand-new film that was released on digital on demand today.

A feat that Bleeding Love accomplishes by plunging us into the midst of a family in crisis. For a father and a daughter are on the road in this story, in the middle of the New Mexico desert and dear old dad… is trying his best to save his daughter’s life. For she overdosed recently courtesy of a major substance abuse problem and if he doesn’t act now, he may never see her again. A true act of love that should be welcomed with open arms, but alas. It is not. For his daughter hasn’t seen her dad in years, and he’s rarely been there for her, and she doesn’t understand why on earth he would try and help her in this manner when she believes he simply does not care. After all, he did leave her and her mother behind to start a new family. But despite their fractured past, they are now on a long and winding desert road to recovery… one that will indeed teach them both about the power and importance of family.

Which is a plot that really is… quite loaded in nature and truly explores the beauty and the folly of family life. All by giving us a situation… that is painfully relatable. Because the divide between father and daughter feels shockingly real here, since we’ve either been in their shoes in some form or fashion, or we’ve known individuals that have struggled with a scenario similar to theirs. Not to mention, their frosty relationship reinforces our disillusionment, courtesy of the ugly fights and resentment that they both take part in and project at one another. Because that’s the stuff we dealt with growing up or are dealing with growing up, and what made us lament family life. Which allows for this film to really paint a powerful picture of modern family life and how it seems so damn hopeless in this day and age and that… is the wonderous trick present in this particular film.
​
Because now we are vested in their journey, and that is where the story begins to explore the value of family, and why we chase it so and this film wonderfully reveals to us that why we search for it and crave it… is because deep down we understand that it provides us with so much. Because there is a bond, we share with our family members that is powerful, and unending, and we want that around because it gives us a sense of belonging in a world that is so vast and lonesome at times. Not to mention, there’s part of us that knows as well, that family sees us for who we are and knows exactly what we are capable of in every sense imaginable, and that can give us strength and lift us up when we get past the stupid stuff. The ego, the selfishness and the outright foolishness that is part of the human condition. So, we seek that, and we stop at nothing to find it so we can know the peace that accompanies those elements. 

All of which are concepts that bring forth a powerful and beautiful film. One that subverts the tropes regarding family and family life that popular culture tends to reside within to give us a raw and visceral feature. One that truly showcases family as it is, messy, and angry and majestic all at once. And it doesn’t hurt that this film features some stunning performances to sell its messages. For Ewan McGregor (the Father) and his daughter Clara McGregor (the Daughter) are simply electric in this film and sell every moment with a sense of honesty that speaks to them perhaps drawing on their own experiences regarding family and family life, and well, that only adds to the majesty of this must-see feature. For it is that rare, raw and visceral film that puts so much in perspective and reminds us to whether the storm when it comes to the tough days with our family. Because we only get one, and it is special and worth protecting because truly… when the moment is right, our family members will rise to the occasion and make the fantasy of what should be, a reality. Because of that bond that cannot be broken.

It really is quite amazing how sometimes… a singular and simple idea can grow into something so much more. Because more often than not, especially in storytelling, an idea in that vein is often nothing more than a one-off. That contrite and contained story that audiences love through and through, but there won’t be any complaints if talk of a sequel never arise. But every now and again, we genuinely run into a story in that vein that grows and becomes something that audiences crave and want more of and for proof… then look no further than the Signed, Sealed, Delivered franchise. For this simple story, one about a group of post office employees that work in the ‘Dead Letter Office’ that try to reunite lost letters with their recipients, could have been that one-off.
​
For that original story, a pilot episode that debuted in 2013, could have easily served as a one and done. For it was so quirky and so unique that it held its own and the plot got the point across no problem. But here we are, eleven years later, talking about that concept. Because it exploded into something popular, and resonated with audiences who loved the idea of Oliver, Shane, Rita, and Norman, finishing business for others through those dead letters and bringing harmony and joy in doing so. But despite its popularity, since it spawned a ten-episode season and a near decade of a dozen films… one could say the magic of this story ran out, since there hasn’t been a new story in this saga since 2021. But that… would be incorrect.

Because last night saw a new chapter in the saga come forth on the Hallmark Mystery Chanel, one that reminded us of why we adore this series and why we keep coming back for more. Which is a feat that Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters accomplished by simply giving us more of what we love. Since this time around, the POstables were tasked with solving the mystery of three damaged letters from a high school prank gone wrong in 2007. Which allowed for them to once again, learn about people’s stories and find ways to bring them together through those letters and the words we communicate with and that made for a charming little feature. One that really did speak volumes to why this series is so successful.

For at its core, it looks at the ties that bind us, one of which is communication. For words matter deeply to us and letters in any form, be them through a block of text message, a powerful email or through the postal service… have weight, have gravity and can do so much for a person in a positive and negative light. Since they do indeed deliver bad news, wondrous news and an outpouring of joy, the end of a relationship or the bare beginnings of one. Because we pour our very souls into words and that was on display here in a beautiful manner. One that truly spoke to how we connect with this concept and are curious to see what stories these letters tell our heroes, and what they will teach everyone about life and its complexities, and its beauty and everything in between. But it of course, also offered more.
​
After all, this series is nothing without its characters, for we do indeed adore them and connect with them as well, and since the last film ended with Oliver and Shane getting married, we were able to enjoy the follow-up to that here and learn how married life is vastly different from everyday life and were able to bear witness as to how one overcomes those difficult first days. Plus, we came to learn more about Rita and Norman’s ambitions to become a parent and Charley even went on quite the journey here. Since she had ties to the prank in question in a manner that added great depth to the plot and its messaging of reconnection and forgiveness, all of which made for an enriching story that at the end… explained another reason why we keep tuning into this saga.

In that, it’s just about life. About the words we forget to say or never say, and why we should say them, and the ups and downs that we all experience as we work to get to another day, complete with doubt and hope and everything that makes life so wild and worth living. All of which brought forth another charming and heartwarming chapter in this saga. One that yet again, leaves us eager for more. Since we simply must know what will come from all the big moments that were assembled here. But while we wait for the next chapter, we can celebrate another feel-good feature from a franchise that just plain understands the majesty of life, and the moments and words that make it so special and so joyous.

Truly one of the most engaging franchises created in recent years, is the Descendants franchise from Disney. Simply because… it is nothing short of a dream come true for fans of Disney and fans of quality entertainment everywhere. Since it brings together so many franchises from the world of Walt Disney and of course, adds new depth to the characters that we love in the most unique manner possible. By focusing upon the descendants of the iconic characters we’ve grown up with. Creating a trilogy of stories that families are able to enjoy together because of the generational ties present, and it also doesn’t hurt… that the music these movie features is simply top-notch. 
​
However, while we have all enjoyed taking part in these amazing new worlds and these amazing new stories and adventures, it’s been quite a while since we enjoyed something new from this franchise. In fact, it has been so long, one could make the case that perhaps the franchise had run its course. But thankfully, that is simply not the case. For it turns out, the franchise just needed a little break, to properly culture a new story in this universe worthy of its predecessors and well, that worthy story is now available to fans everywhere. For today, Descendants: The Rise of Red, arrives on Disney+ and well… there are a great many elements that make this motion picture so worthwhile.

First, is the amazing plot. For this is a story that sees Auradon Prep open its doors to students from all walks of life. Which is par for the course in this wondrous land, but Uma, the school’s new headmaster, truly wants everyone to have a chance to learn and grow in this prestigious school, regardless of upbringing. Which means that Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts will receive an invite to attend this prestigious school, and that… will change everything in this kingdom. Not because Red is trouble, but because her mother has an age-old score to settle with the school, for she was embarrassed on school grounds ages ago in a manner so badly, that her own daughter and an unlikely ally in Chloe Charming… will travel back in time to prevent such an act from occurring to save all of Auradon from mother’s fury.

Which is a story, that truly embodies the best aspects of this franchise. For it clearly is steeped deep in the Disney lore, courtesy of featuring the Charming family and the kingdom of the Queen of Hearts. Not to mention, we continue to see so many icons and iconography from the Disney world as this story plays along. But it is also an adventurous plot, one that transcends time and forces Red and Chloe to grow before our eyes through the fight to save the future. Not to mention, in true Disney and Descendants fashion, the stakes are high and good will be challenged and of course, there are plenty of incredible songs to be found in this film. Ones that do make your toes tap as they play out, which is also another staple of this beloved franchise.
​
But… what makes this movie so incredibly special, is that it goes so much further than just offering up a compelling plot and some greatest hits moments that pay tribute to what came before. This is also, a very smart Descendants film. Since it explores how moments shape us, and the importance of reflecting objectively upon the dark moments in life that might change us for the worse. Not to mention, it speaks deeply to the power of friendship and empowerment and above all, what it means to be kind, and what it means to be good. All of which is present here in a manner that is palatable and impactful. Which makes this a true Disney classic since Disney stories that go above and beyond in that manner, are the ones that stick with us the longest. 

That is of course, not to say we won’t find meaning and commentary in the other films. But this one really embraces it and embraces the fun factor along the way. Because you really do go on quite the ride here, one that also features some fine performances and some cameos from some of the biggest stars around. Because this is a Descendants feature, and that’s how it goes in this world, and well, in the end, all of these elements bring forth another delightful and magnificent chapter in this storied franchise. One that truly puts a smile on your face and leaves you with plenty to think about, and is so compelling and fun and charming, that hopefully the wait this time, before we see another new chapter in this magnificent franchise, won’t be as long as the last one.

Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek of Descendants:The Rise of Red, which you can watch on Disney+ right now!

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Fly Me to the Moon’.
​
​It is definitely safe to say, that we are living through one of the most divisive times in human history. For everywhere you go, in person or online, people are battling over something. It might be something small in nature, such as say differing opinions on matters of etiquette or how certain aspects of how modern life should go. Or it might be something huge, such as a battle over politics, ideologies and the place of ideology in everyday life. But one way or another, people are fighting over something, and it seems as though the fighting just keeps getting worse. As though we are on a path to something explosive and scary and we simply don’t know what to do at this point.
​
For we want peace, and we want the fighting to stop and for unity to be the order of the day, but it seems as though our best efforts to bring that forth are failing. But what’s fascinating about this era in human history, is that we have been here before. We’ve seen brink like concerns over infighting come to life and yet, we have overcome. Granted, the stakes might be at their highest right now, but there are perhaps elements from history we can learn from… that can guide us toward unity and help us to think upon what really matters, and it just so happens… that a brand-new movie from Apple Studios and Sony Pictures, reflects upon one of those moments and how was it helpful in bringing us together at a time when it seemed as though unity was impossible. Which is a feat that Fly Me to the Moon accomplishes by offering up, the most unique plot possible.

Wherein we watch in 1968-1969 as NASA prepares to launch the Apollo 11 mission, the very one that put men on the moon, and it is here we meet two individuals. Cole Davis, the launch director of the mission, and Kelly Jones, a marketing specialist hired by a strange government ‘yes man’ named Moe Berkus… to win over hearts and minds for this mission as America battles its own demons. Which is a job that should be simple in nature, but Kelly runs into a great deal of problems along the way. For she and Cole battle over her plans for the program, and she is hiding from a shady past that is being used by Moe to bring a dastardly plan to life. Wherein Kelly is tasked with creating a secondary, fake moon-landing as a backup plan if Apollo 11 fails. A plan that Moe later decides, is the only way to handle the moon landing, prompting Kelly to dig deep and decide what matters most in this moment.

Which is at first glance, a plot that seems grounded more in fluff and fun than deeper meaning and there is some merit to that particular line of thinking. After all, that does lean hard into the conspiracy theory that exists that the moon landings were somehow faked, and of course… that kind of conflict between a pair of opposites is usually the foundation for a romantic comedy, and those elements are here too. Since Cole and Kelly do indeed fight their attraction toward one another, before giving into what their hearts want. But as the movie progresses, and Moe’s desires to fake the moon landing become more apparent and more urgent, does it become clear that this story has deeper concepts in mind, the kind that do indeed speak to our world, and our current fights, and how we make peace. 
​
For this is a story that showcases the division of the era, and how others were concerned with ideology, goals and political grandstanding at a time when mankind was about to accomplish something far greater. All of which feels familiar and is thankfully presented in a manner that informs the audience, of how so much of what we fight over, is unimportant, really. For ideologies come and go with the times, and the political world is indeed a popularity contest that requires accountability over agency, and that what truly matters… are the beautiful moments we uncover in life with people that matter, and the incredible things we can accomplish when we hold to the truth and come together united in a common goal. And that, is the key to changing the tone of our world and moving it in a more peaceful direction.

The only questions that remain, are what is that common goal for us to uncover? Is it the forthcoming Artemis mission since we are going back to the moon for the first time in fifty-plus years, or is something bigger needed? Well that’s for us to figure out, but what matters more is that this film uses a charming romantic comedy plot thread, and great performances from Channing Tatum (Cole), Scarlett Johansson (Kelly), and Woody Harrelson (Moe), to leave us with more to think upon, and showcases the difference everyday people can make when they dedicate themselves to what’s just and what’s true, and that makes this a delightful motion picture and one that is absolutely worth your while. Courtesy of a magnificent story that engages, entertains and truly gives you hope for tomorrow at a time when it seems as though the world has gone mad. All by reminding us of the majesty we are capable of, when we toss the noise aside and push toward wonders untold.

The late 1980s and early 1990s were an interesting time for home video entertainment. Simply because the market was discovered to be a bastion for independent film and new ideas could find root on the shelves at Blockbuster or at your local mom and pop shop and that prompted so many filmmakers to take chances and bring forth wild movies. Which led to unique trends storytelling wise, such as the glut of arena and battlefield-themed stories that found their way to VHS. Because they were all the rage, for they offered audiences stuff they’d never seen before. Such as nations battling for their future via giant robots in Robot Jox, or gladiator type battles in space in Arena.
​
But alas, while it was amazing to see such new sights and enjoy stories that were indeed quite original, the word trend is the right one to use in describing them. Because a glut of them would come out, and if there wasn’t immediate return, everyone would move onto what the next hot thing seemed to be, and that was the case with this type of film, and that left but a handful of cult classics out there for people to enjoy today and left so much on the table from a storytelling standpoint. Since the full potential of this type of story was never put on display. But since we live in an era where nostalgia is king, there are some filmmakers and companies, revisiting this type of story, to properly explore its potential, as evidenced by the latest offering from Mahal Empire Productions, Arena Wars.

A feat that this story accomplishes by taking us into the year 2045. Where entertainment has become a touch more immersive and darker, through a partnership with the justice system. For in this time period, crime and punishment is handled in prime time. Courtesy of brutal gladiator battles that take place on live television between criminals and skilled killers with a flair for the dramatic. And of course, this is relevant and engaging for audiences in part because it holds nothing back, and because if the criminal in question can survive the onslaught of violence that surrounds them… they can earn their freedom. And this particular tale surrounds us with seven fresh inmates that are eager to throw down to see freedom again, no matter the risk. 

Which is a plot that truly harkens back to that golden era of VHS, and those gladiator style films. In fact, visually, the film pays a lot of homage to that particular era. Since it harbors the bright colors and snappy camera angles that permeated these stories and of course, it’s full of bravado and characters that you love to hate and hate to love. Not to mention, it also doesn’t hurt that there are some tributes to The Running Man thrown in here for good measure as well, courtesy of the combatants that our anti-heroes face. But while it is nice to be reminded of the wonder and the glory, and the fun factor of those movies from yore… there was mention of the fact that this film makes full use of the potential of this type of film.

For this motion picture, is filled to the brim with social commentary. Solid, social commentary, not the fluffy stuff that say, Robot Jox, hit upon. For it dives deep into so much regarding our modern world. Such as how reality television has become a staple of our lives and how it could become a conduit for violence if audiences were willing to let it push the envelope in that manner. Not to mention, it explores how that could become the case, since clearly… appealing to our disdain of the justice system and the divides in America could allow for a show like Arena Wars to come to life. All of which showcases a different kind of dystopian America, where catharsis that is hand fed to people keeps them docile while a busted system thrives.

Which makes for a fascinating and thoughtful feature, one that truly understands the potential of this type of film and unleashes it in an epic manner. So that we are treated to a film where the violence and gore present, and there are buckets of guts for certain… isn’t gratuitous and designed for shock value, but instead serves a powerful storytelling purpose, and yet, it still has more to offer us. For it is also a fast paced, engaging film that truly entertains and it does have a genuine fun factor present, which means… there is something for everyone in this movie. If you want nostalgia, you’ve got it. If you want action and gore, there’s plenty to be found here and if you want something to ponder upon… you’ll find that here too. Courtesy of this fantastic film, one that finally fulfills the promise of this unique type of story.

Everyone is going to encounter a variety of adversity and difficulties throughout a lifetime. No two individuals’ struggles will ever look the same, however, the way in which we deal with the problems life presents can make a world of difference. For every day, we are a given a choice, not of what happens to us externally, but in how we choose to react to and internalize these events.

When life dumps what can seem impossible to handle or simply insurmountable, one can choose to react in a variety of ways. One can give in, declare the problem too much to deal with and simply hide away in avoidance, or one can embrace the challenges as they arrive and meet them head on to the best of one’s abilities, and, if we’re lucky, with the support of those around us.

This compelling documentary, How I Roll, explores how Robin Cohen, an irrepressible woman from New York City, makes the most of each day despite being dealt multiple major difficulties throughout her life. She would be easily forgiven for declaring it all a little too much to handle and throwing in the towel, but instead she chooses to greet each day as another chance to get the absolute most she can out of life.

Despite living with MS for half of her life, which has gotten progressively worse with time, Robin lives by herself and enjoys her independence. Merely the tip of the proverbial iceberg, Robin has also survived the brutal murder of her father during a robbery/home invasion in which her mother was also shot repeatedly. She moved back to New York City to care for her mother and nurse her back to health.

This is not to say Robin’s life has been without joy and wonderful times. She met and married the love of her life and has two loving children. Despite living with MS, she pushed herself to keep going, enjoying each day as it arrives. This film features a beautiful montage of memories of Robin’s family sharing events and everyday moments together. Unfortunately, her beloved husband succumbed to cancer some years ago, which is why she finds herself now choosing to live alone. She refuses to treat herself as a disabled person.
​
This short format documentary is a testament to the power of film, and a powerful reminder of the strength we can find in one another. To be able to witness such bravery in the face of adversity is truly inspiring and provides insight into ways each one of us might embrace the obstacles we face, rather than to view them as impediments.

How I Roll gives us a window into the corners of life that we don’t often think about. This is a documentary that inspires, rather than informs, and in that it becomes truly educational. For what better way to demonstrate how to thrive in the face of adversity than to watch a truly remarkable woman do just that.