We are taught from a very early age, that we should always ignore the mean words that people are going to send our way in this life, for a bevy of reasons. One of which relates to the fact that those who are speaking to us in a sour manner, likely have a sour disposition. So, what they say comes from a place of darkness, one not worth giving agency to. Plus, they’re just words after all, and those should never carry any weight in this life. Because words don’t matter, according to our parents, unless we let them matter, and so we hold to that advice through and through as we grow. Only to learn… that this particular lesson is wholly incorrect. 

Because words do matter, and they do indeed have great impact upon us in a positive and negative manner. And the negative stuff, really does nag at us, especially when its malicious in nature. To the point where those words can make us second guess ourselves, bring down our self-esteem and our spirits and they can in fact, wound deeply. Which is why we need to give words more credit in this life and handle things differently when the nasty ones come our way. Because words are always spoken with intent and purpose, and understanding that, could go a long way in life. If anything, the power of words, the gravity we should give them, and what that would do for all of us is top of mind, because that’s all explored in the most unique way possible in the brand-new feature film, Wicked Little Letters.
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A feat that this story accomplishes, by taking us back in time to the 1920s, to Littlehampton, England specifically, where this simple community finds itself rocked by quite the scandal. In that, someone has been writing the most vulgar letters possible to Edith Swan. A simple woman that lives a simple life with her family and she cannot understand such abuse, and it becomes so out of hand… that the police become involved and firmly believe, it is Edith’s rowdy neighbor, Rose Gooding, that is responsible. For she has no filter and tends to use the language present in those very letters. Giving rise to legal troubles for Rose that are only amplified when the letters begin to appear in other mailboxes around town. For with no other suspect present, and decency laws being what they are… she’s in danger of having the book thrown at her, unless someone can reveal who is truly writing these wicked little letters, since Rose makes it clear… it most certainly is not her.

Which is the perfect way to explore the power of words, and how it is impossible to be ignorant of them and impossible to deny them agency. Because nasty words are nasty words and they do get under our skin, and that power is seen here in a perfect manner. Since the letters basically wear people down and make them think deeply upon themselves and their lives, and they hurt because of the malicious nature of them and that truly does hammer home that central theme and allows for the story to do more than just examine the impact of nasty words upon our psyche, it also gives rise to a grand exploration about what motivates someone to go that route and choose to cause harm with their words over anything.
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That in turn brings forth a fascinating opportunity to really ponder upon the root causes of such matters and how to use that to approach people that use the negative power of words. To reach them and help them understand the consequences of their actions and to start a healthy dialogue at last. Which provides us with a complete journey regarding such matters and it also helps the viewer to understand the nature of communication as a whole. Which is something we can always use a refresher on because the moment can lead us to grunt instead of speak, or not allow for us to really think about the right words at the right time and this story really does affirm how much that matters, and how to maintain it, and what’s wild… is that it still has more to offer beyond those powerful lessons.

For at its core, this story, one grounded in elements from a scandal of this nature from that era… is a comedy. Which is the perfect way to deliver its messages and musings because then the material is never overwhelming, and we can find a little joy in a story that also echoes 2024. Since battles of words are everywhere to be found today, and all of these elements bring forth, one delightful motion picture. One that features amazing acting to boot, since every actor here sells the wonder of this story through and through and this is a movie that also harbors a lot of heart. Since it really does task us to think before we speak and use the right words at the right time, so there is never doubt about how we feel or what we want, and that really is a critical message to hear right now.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the documentary feature, ‘Madu’.
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There is an interesting perception surrounding the pursuit of our dreams in this day and age. In that, so many now firmly believe that we don’t have to chase them. We simply need to be in the right place at the right time and our passions and dreams will come to fruition because of the wonder of the internet and social media. For time and time again, we’ve seen people go viral and from that burst of fame they’re happy and living the life they’ve always wanted to lead, overnight, and well… unfortunately this modern-day perception of how we achieve our dreams is woefully wrong.

Because while we are indeed seeing people plop into them in new and unique ways, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re instantly happy or instantly fixtures in their newfound fame. They still have to work to maintain what they’ve plunged into, and they have to learn to adjust to a world that days before was nothing more than a thought. Which means that the transition from dream to reality isn’t as smooth as we think and it just so happens… that a powerful new documentary on Disney+, explores what the process really looks like to maintain what we’ve always wanted, when we are thrust into it in, Madu.

Which is a documentary that chronicles what happened after 12-year-old internet sensation Anthony Madu wowed the world with his ballet dancing skills that one fateful day, and what came forward… is what so many expect. In that, Anthony caught the eye of talent scouts at the Elmhurst Ballet School of Birmingham and in doing so, was accepted into the school because of his raw talent. Which brings forth an opening to this story that in many ways… does not feel as though there will be hard work for Anthony down the line. Because he made it, the internet saved him and graced him with the gift of dance he’s always wanted. But once the joyous celebrations end, and reality sets in… is when this documentary becomes a powerful feature.

Because it showcases in great detail, the incredible struggles that Anthony runs into when he arrives in the United Kingdom to live his dream and become a dancer. The kind that reflects the central theme in a blunt and direct manner we rarely experience from documentaries. But this is no average documentary. For it truly wants the viewer to understand every single aspect of the work that goes into having everything we’ve ever wanted in life, even when it is gifted to us, and even when we are away from it in the everyday world. Since we also are treated to moments when Anthony must balance his personal life with his dream life, and that leads to so many incredible moments that speak to how hard it is capture the dreams we crave when others don’t fully understand our vision and our desire.
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Giving rise to a raw and visceral documentary. One that also is presented to us in an unconventional manner. For there is no narration here, no direction or understanding from a storyteller. There’s just the moment. Wherein we see real emotion, real concern and of course… a real fire from within. Because while this is indeed a sobering documentary designed to shatter the tropes, we’ve created… this is also a very inspirational documentary. One that sees Anthony buckle down and put in the work to have everything he’s ever wanted and the end result of seeing that play out, is nothing short of breathtaking.

Simply because… Anthony’s journey, while difficult, does encourage all of us… to chase what we want. To try and go viral if that will help, but to go for it, period. Because each of us have a dream, each of us have a niche where we feel we belong, and if we don’t chase it… we will regret it. So, it is best to do as Anthony does, and sacrifice and dedicate and give what we want our all, because who knows… we might just get what we want and that… makes this a supremely engaging and worthwhile watch. One that draws you in with its honesty and leaves you feeling as though you can conquer the world. For if this 12-year-old can learn the lessons needed to fight for one’s dream, what’s holding us back from doing the same? 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘In the Land of Saints and Sinners’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that humanity has quite the complicated relationship with violence. Because on the one hand, so many are keen to speak to its ills and how perhaps we best avoid it at all costs, but on the other hand… these are the same folks that are keen to embrace it as needed. Through war on a broad scale or through simply throwing hands if the moment calls for it in their lives. Which is a confusing way to say we need to steer clear of it, but that is the way it goes. For we are flawed beings that are still primal in some respects and our need to resort to violence speaks to that through and through.  

Which does indeed beg an important question. In that… is it possible then for us to ever be free of violence and its suffering? And sadly, there’s no solid answer to that question. For our duality simply doesn’t speak to one path or the other. But… that doesn’t mean we cannot do our best to try and steer our world and our society in the right direction through other and simpler means. Such as storytelling. For stories offer great lessons, the kind that stay with us and influence us in some manner and perhaps that can slowly turn the tide if we offer up more stories that feature the consequences of violence and well, it just so happens that a powerful cautionary tale regarding violence is in theaters now for us to learn from. 

A feat that In the Land of Saints and Sinners accomplishes, by taking us back in time to a violent era in the world’s history, 1974 to be specific. Wherein we meet a man named Finbar Murphy who appears to be nothing more than a good citizen of the quiet Irish town of Glencolmcille. But Finbar harbors a dark secret. In that, he is a hitman that has killed a countless number of people, and thankfully at this point in time… he is ready to leave that life behind. For he has grown tired of killing. But before he can truly retire and embrace a new chapter, a group of IRA agents descend upon his town and begin to bring about suffering for the innocent. Prompting Finbar to make a tough choice to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and that choice, will bring nothing but chaos to this quaint little town, since the group’s leader, Doireann, will stop at nothing to exact revenge when Finbar strikes first in an effort to create peace. 

Which really is the perfect way to explore… the consequences of violence. Since this is a story that showcases how the decision to commit to it, can ruin lives and outright upend communities that have never dealt with such chaos before. Courtesy of the bloody cat and mouse game Finbar and Doireann commit to. Which is a very blunt and welcome way to express a fine lesson, but this is a film that goes far deeper in its explorations of the impact of violence upon us, which is handled primarily through the film’s brilliant, slow-burning style of storytelling. For we spend more time with Finbar than we do with the villains of this tale, and the time we spend with him, gives us an intimate look at the impact of violence upon the individual. Especially those who are eager to embrace duality, and what we learn here is fascinating. 
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Since that journey showcases how violence creates a hollow life for men like Finbar. Since he really has nothing to show for his work, nothing to really speak to accomplishment wise in his life. There’s just blood on his hands and the nightmares of the lives he’s taken. Which gives rise to a sobering journey that truly makes it clear that violence gives us nothing in return. It’s just wasted energy and that makes for a rightfully bleak viewing experience. One that also features stunning action sequences that are violent and sobering in nature, to really hammer home the ugly nature of violence and how savage we can be. To task us, really. To force us to understand, all of which gives rise to a compelling and powerful feature. One that absolutely grabs hold of you and never let’s go.  

Courtesy of that plot, and some performances for the ages. For this motion picture also features a bevy of heavy hitting actors. Since you’ll find Colm Meaney and Ciarán Hinds here, and they absolutely steal every scene they are in, and Kerry Condon is a tour de force as Dorieann and of course… it’s Liam Nesson as Finbar Murphy that wows us from beginning to end, and really, all of these elements bring forth a motion picture you absolutely need to see. For this really is a unique action feature. One that harbors incredible commentary on the human condition, the darkness we carry, and it truly does leave us with plenty to chew upon regarding the place that violence has in our world, and our role in letting it persist. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’.
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Ask any fan of the Ghostbusters franchise what they want the most from the film segment of the saga, and you’ll get back a similar answer. In that, they want nothing more, than an epic story. One that features a ton of ghosts for the Ghostbusters to defeat before they deal with a nightmare for the ages. A deity so powerful that there is a real chance they might taste failure and it makes sense as to why this is the constant ask from the fans. Because in the film segment of this universe, budgetary restraints and a lack of special effects wizardry only allowed for the ‘Busters to take on a handful of ghosts and a strong but defeat-able deity. 

Which isn’t a bad thing by any means, since it’s led to some solid stories that let the characters and the humor the franchise is known for, shine, and it’s allowed for innovation to come into play. But that want still exists, one that was likely influenced by The Real Ghostbusters, the wildly popular 80s Saturday Morning Cartoon companion to the franchise. For in that show, what the fans wanted took place, since animation afforded imaginative moments untold, and well… for a very long time, that was enough to satisfy the fans. But thankfully, those decades of want for a more epic story set in this magnificent universe… has finally come to an end courtesy of the latest entry in this storied saga, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

A feat that this film accomplishes… by offering up one ambitious plot for the series. Wherein we catch up with the Spengler family after the events of Afterlife and come to learn… the Ghostbusters are alive and well again in the city of New York. For paranormal activity is once again on the rise, and the family is busy busting ghosts and causing enough damage to give the mayor a major heart attack, making it seem as though the good ol’ days of bustin’ are back. But one ugly job and the return of a powerful deity from years lost to history, threatens not only the existence of the Ghostbusters, but all of humanity. For this creature wants our world and it will take the might of every Ghostbuster from the old guard and the new, to bring down the frozen empire it desires.

Which really is… about as epic a plot as it gets, since Garraka, the deity in question… really is the strongest being the Ghostbusters have ever faced, courtesy of great power that extends beyond his ability to control ice, and that makes him quite the terrifying villain, one that seemingly could win the day, adding real stakes to the story and his presence here leads to some unsettling sequences as well. But the epic nature of this story doesn’t end with him. After all, this one delivers more ghosts than we’ve ever seen, and it brings forth other concepts that have floated about the franchise, such as expanding the business into research and development, and inventing other toys for the team to use that are slick and fun. Giving rise to a sense that at long last, this is now a sustainable business, one that will take future films into new territory from a technology standpoint.
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But while it is nice to finally have an epic Ghostbusters story in front of us, one that truly delivers on every wish and hope of the fans, this is a motion picture that never strays from the franchise’s roots. For the characters are still the king here, and go through moments that are relatable, and it also features a wonderful journey involving Phoebe. One that newcomers to the saga, and longtime fans can relate to. Since it involves the fight to fit in, and the painful desire we all experience in our teenage years as we inch toward adulthood and freedom, and the struggles we all face at that age with making the wrong friends. Which evokes either a sense of immediate relatability or memories of days gone by, and those moments are of course, wonderfully balanced out by the franchise’s trademark humor.

For the jokes are still the core of the saga here, and they arrive a plenty and put smiles on our faces, and really… all of these elements combine to bring forth, the best Ghostbusters film to date. Simply because this one really is it, it is the epic, high stakes masterpiece we’ve been waiting for, and it’s wondrous. Since it is filled to the brim with everything we love about the franchise, and the casting is simply top notch and you can never go wrong with the triumphant return of everyone’s favorite little glutton, Slimer, since he pops up here too. But above all, the ambitious nature of this film, and its desire to really propel the franchise into new territory on the silver screen, leaves the viewer with a unique sense of joy. As though the true golden age of the franchise is upon us at last… and more amazing stories akin to this… await us down the line.

Innovation. That’s the word we’ve used often in our discussions of the Ghostbusters franchise over the past few days and rightfully so. Because the original 1984 film was just that… original and filled to the brim with iconic moments that have never been replicated. And the first sequel in this franchise worked to offer up realistic character growth and provided fans with a new evil for the Ghostbusters to conquer. Not to mention the 2016 remake/reboot did take some serious chances and outright provided us with a new set of characters to know and bust ghosts with, and innovation didn’t end there.
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In fact, in 2021 the franchise took innovation to a whole new level, through the failure of the 2016 reboot. Simply because that film tried to evoke a sense of nostalgia where it simply could not and that allowed for a new creative team to ponder upon how best to pay tribute to the legacy of the films that came before, while indeed really pushing the franchise in a bold new direction and the end result of those musings brought about… quite the surprise. Specifically, a new Ghostbusters feature that figured out how to do just that with seeming ease, and that makes Ghostbusters: Afterlife, quite the important film in the franchise. 

In large part because, it really does perfectly blend together nostalgia and innovation, all by introducing us to a new generation of the Spengler family. Because having Egon’s grandkids take over the family business and uncover the secrets of the Shandor nightmare, really is a great way to tie a new chapter in the saga to the old, and the perfect way to bring everyone from the old films back into the fold. Giving rise to organic cameos and the right amount of heroics when needed, and oddly enough, even featuring the return of Gozer the Gozerian works here, since it allows for the mythos of the greatest threat Egon and his friends ever faced to be fleshed out and it oddly… ties into the innovation of the feature. 

Because all nostalgia aside, this is a Ghostbusters film that has a lot of powerful things to say. For instance, it uses Egon’s unfortunate journey after Ghostbusters II to point out how parents are as flawed as anyone else, and that they sometimes struggle with balance and can bring about generational trauma because of it. Which isn’t exactly something we’d ever expect to find in a film about busting ghosts, but it adds realism and depth. To the point where bringing down Gozer long after the Ghostbusters have disbanded speaks to how the sins of the father are sometimes cleaned up by descendants, which is also unique to find in this kind of story, and the wonder of innovation doesn’t end there.
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After all, offering up new characters and a new setting, really does allow for a vastly different type of story to be told. One that is part coming of age, but also speaks to legacy and lineage and that’s powerful stuff to find here, stuff we can relate to and stuff that takes this franchise in a bold new direction. One that is intimate and personal, while at the same time… never loses sight of the core tenets of the franchise. For we would be remiss to not talk about the fact that this film is still grounded in comedy, which we love, and the jokes work here and outright lighten the mood when needed. Plus, the epic nature of the franchise is present here too, courtesy of the third act since you get that epic fight with Gozer and the return of Venkman, Zeddemore, and Stantz to help these kids win the day.

Not to mention, at long last, Winston Zeddemore gets proper respect here, and growth and purpose, adding more depth to a bold new beginning for the franchise. Because this really is a special film when all is said and done, one that takes the nostalgia we harbor for the film, and the generational ties we now share regarding it, and blends it together beautifully. Giving rise to an emotional Ghostbusters feature that stays with you long after its ending and brings a little mist to your eyes. But above all, it is innovative and fun, and it truly does close one chapter of the franchise so that a new one can begin, and it will be interesting to see where that new chapter takes us when Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire arrives in theaters.

It seems that every single franchise out there, be it via book, film, or television, has a story that is more or less the ‘embarrassment of the family.’ One that divided the fans, brought out ire, and continues to be regarded as the worst thing to ever grace that saga. Which is fascinating to say the least, that a single story can inspire such fury and such disdain. But it does indeed happen, and what’s fascinating about this response, is that it tends to just stick with the story in question. Allowing for it to live in infamy when in fact, it might not be as terrible as the collective hive mind of some fans seem to think. 
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Because no one sets out to make rough movies, mistakes happen, influences are at play, and sometimes the wrong release schedule can bring about problems too. Meaning these films may have more to them than meets the eye. Not to mention, when they reach that infamous stage, they are seen with such anger that no one can celebrate the good they do harbor or understand what made them fail in the first place. Which is why perhaps it is time to discuss less what we straight up ‘hate’ about a film and look at what worked and what didn’t. To better understand why it ignites such negative discourse and perhaps expose how such mistakes can be avoided by other filmmakers down the line. Hence why today, we are going to do just that for the ‘embarrassment’ of the Ghostbusters franchise, the 2016 remake/reboot.

For people just HATE this movie through and through, and they seem to despise it for a number of wild reasons. For some go on and on about how there’s some kind of problem with having four female leads take the reins of the franchise, as though somehow women cannot carry a major project in the slightest. Plus, there are others who rip on the script and call it trash, there’s some that have an issue with the humor and how it was executed and well… all of those complaints and the fire they ignite really does make it difficult to see what went wrong with this movie. Because those are all mob mentality reasons that are easy for other like-minded folks to get behind. When in fact, there are some very easy issues to isolate within this film.

None of which relate to the core complaints in the slightest. Because really, the issue with this film, is that it plays it safe and basically recreates the original movie’s plot. Which is problematic because this is a franchise that shakes things up and takes risks with its stories, and cloning the plot of the OGB offers none of that. Not to mention, it tries to recreate nostalgia with characters that have no tie to the nostalgia. Ergo, throwbacks and cameos from the original cast just don’t quite work like they should and feel out of place and awkward and those are the elements that didn’t allow for audiences to connect with it. Plain and simple. Which is important to isolate and spotlight so we can find things to celebrate within this movie.
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Because the fact of the matter is, the cast is amazing here. For Kristin Wiig, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, and Melissa McCarthy are talented comedians, who deliver great jokes and silly moments here that do invoke that particular spirit (pun intended) of the franchise through and through. And everyone in this film has fun with their roles and plays them well. Not to mention, it is indeed a special effects treat, since the ghosts look amazing and the Times Square parade sequence is about as epic and fun as it gets. So, clearly… the issue at hand was never that ‘girls can’t be Ghostbusters’ crap or any such nonsense of that vein. This was a movie that tried to recreate lightning in a bottle when it had the chance to do something special and new.

Which makes this… a mediocre entry at best. Because we’ve seen it before, we’ve enjoyed it before. We just get nicer CGI in this one over the practical stuff that the original team handled. But by no means does this movie deserve the wild hate it received, and it is important that the Ghostbusters here are women. For stories are for everyone and there’s nothing wrong with a girl seeing this at home and wanting to be a Ghostbuster. Because that’s what entertainment is supposed to do, connect, and inspire. So, in the end, while this indeed a polarizing and despised film, it’s not the childhood-ruining disaster some claim. It’s just okay, and it does no harm or no damage. It’s just a silly watch and it did influence change for the franchise, going forward.

There are few things in the creative world more difficult, than creating a quality sequel to a runaway hit. Simply because, some stories come out of the gate perfect, and enthrall audiences and readers in every way imaginable. And if anyone dares to put together a story that doesn’t hold a proper flame to that original, then there will be hell to pay. Through bad word of mouth, low ratings, and a tiny box office haul and sadly, we’ve seen that happen a lot throughout the years. Because there is a ton of pressure in following a juggernaut classic, and it is hard to properly assemble a follow-up that can tip its cap and wow folks again.
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But that doesn’t stop creatives from trying, with success. Because despite the many failures, there are some sequels that manage to wow and even surpass the original. But the majority of the time, what we really get are sequels that just… get the job done. They’re not overwhelmingly amazing, they’re not terrible, they just provide solid entertainment and that tends to go under the radar often but should be celebrated. Simply because… those sequels didn’t live in infamy, they just continued a story as best they could and seemingly had the knowledge that there was no way the original could ever be topped and that middle of the road mentality, oddly serves the next chapter in the Ghostbusters franchise well.

Because Ghostbusters II is just that. A quality follow-up that does a good job of paying tribute and respect to the original while still finding ways to entertain the audience. Yet, despite being a mid-tier Ghostbusters flick, it is quite polarizing with the fans, and it does make sense as to why. After all, the original was a breath of fresh air, filled with innovative concepts. Whereas here, there’s a lot of the same. Since the Ghostbusters must find their way together once again to save the world from a powerful deity that is eager to take over and wreak havoc with its special brand of evil. But even that plot could be forgiven through and through, since it is featured often in the franchise, which means that the real frustrations from the fans here, come from the details.

Since some segments of the story are, indeed, outright clones of what came before, which are the tribute moments that fans… didn’t quite jibe with. Because there is a lot of familiarity to be found in how the Ghostbusters reunite, how that first ghost hunt goes. Plus, we get more kitschy montages set to the hottest music of the era, alongside a finale that is high stakes and features a battle royale between the Ghostbusters and the evil and twisted Vigo the Carpathian. Not to mention, there’s even a Ghost Geyser scene as there was in the first one, it’s just that this one involved slime. But those parallels sadly, overshadow some innovation and some incredible moments.
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After all, this is a movie that gives slime new life. Since it went from being nothing more than something that covers Venkman to an active character of sorts that helps save the day. Something ghost stories haven’t replicated since. Plus, Vigo is a fascinating villain with a stunning backstory that engages and horrifies all at once, as does his unique powers and flex over the Ghostbusters, specifically Ray. Which is also refreshing and new. And of course… there’s character growth to be found here. Not enough of course, since Winston didn’t really enjoy that honor until Afterlife, but these are innovations to the story that allows for it to stand on its own two legs, and the action and adventure in the story, and the humor, are indeed top notch.

But truly, it doesn’t offer enough of that, and the detractors are right, it does rely on the core elements of the original far too much. Allowing for this to be a solid and fun entry in the franchise. One that doesn’t blow us away but doesn’t ruin the franchise either. It instead made it clear that if the franchise was to survive and grow, it would need more innovation and more unique moments a la the original. A lesson that no one took seriously until after the 2016 reboot, but more on that another time. For what matters most, is that this is a quality Ghostbusters feature. One that deserves more love than it usually gets, because it does harbor some wonders and a finale for the ages.

One common thought about cinema in this modern era, is that original ideas and fresh franchises have simply gone the way of the dodo. For every story has been told, and every franchise is a cash cow instead of a loving saga of storytelling, and there is some merit to that line of thinking. Since now making hundreds of millions of dollars can be a disappointment at the box office and yes, sequels and reboots are indeed part of the landscape. But that particular perception just isn’t wholly correct. Because for every tent pole, there are still plenty of modern stories that are indeed original and gave life to franchises that fans adore and still hang onto, one of which… came forth in the early 1980s.
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For back then, a bevy of comedic and creative geniuses came together to ask what would happen if by chance ghosts were real in the world, and their answer to that refreshing and unique question gave rise to an iconic franchise that is now generational in nature and about to celebrate its fourth canonic entry into the franchise and fifth overall subject related story and well, that’s why we here at NTG are eager to celebrate the Ghostbusters franchise this week. To properly reflect upon the wonder of this dynamic and bold franchise, one that does indeed try to stay original and fresh at every turn and it makes sense as to why. Because the original film really is… one of the most original films to hit the modern era, and one cannot break from that.

Especially when you’re dealing with a film that is incredibly intelligent from a plot perspective. After all, this is a film where scientists basically discover that yes, ghosts are real. That there is an afterlife, and rather than take this to the masses… they make money off it. Which is genius and so of the modern times, since these days we believe firmly in the almighty dollar and making cash off of new ideas and that alone makes this a relevant film, one that is unlike anything else on the market. But its wonder and staying power goes far beyond its refreshing plot and overall concept, this is a story that also feels… shockingly real in a way.

Courtesy of the technology that’s present in this story. For the Ghostbusters’ proton packs and traps and even the grand containment unit, are so well grounded in basic science concepts, you don’t think twice about it. It all just immerses you into the film further and the realism doesn’t there. Because the special effects are simply flawless and sell the ghosts in a manner that is seamless and equally as real. Because Slimer and so many more spooks resemble beings that are between worlds, but also feel feasible in nature. As though we could run into them, or run from them, and really, these elements would be enough to justify this film’s iconic status. But there are so many more reasons it needs to be celebrated and acknowledged as a game-changing feature.
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For this movie also blends together horror and comedy, seamlessly. Which is no easy feat that only a handful of franchises have accomplished, and this is of course… one of them. Because truly there are moments that are eerie and genuinely spooky and unsettling. But they don’t overwhelm or terrify because Pete Venkman has an amazing one-liner to fire off. Plus, there’s no real sense of horror regarding Stay Puft once we see him in his all his fluffy glory and learn how he really came to be. Not to mention the ghosts even find ways to keep things light since the Librarian knows exactly how the lighten the mood with a well-placed hush and Slimer is just hilarious, period, with his endless hunger.
 
But yet… there’s still more to celebrate. For none of this works without amazing acting, since you must sell the realism and the cast does that. For everyone puts in the work and gives us something special on screen. Not to mention there’s action and adventure, big moments and fun to be had because this is a perfect motion picture. One that is original, one that is dynamic and beloved. To the point where legions of cosplayers have their own firehouse where they meet and dress up and entertain the kids, all because of a truly magnificent feature that proves… there’s real gems out there. Franchises that do different things and make bold choices, the kind we are going to explore in detail as we inch toward the release of what looks to be the boldest entry in the franchise to date, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that in this moment… we have a deep disapproval of the members of Congress as a whole. Simply because so many of them are loyal to party and agenda, and ideology over being loyal to the will of the people. Plus, quite a few of them are more concerned with their investments and their bank accounts over fiscal responsibility and taking care of wages and other such matters for the people that put them in office. Giving rise to real disdain right now, and a real sense that Congress is not for the people, but for the corporations and their respective interests. 
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In fact, one could cite that it has always been that way since it’s been a bit since we’ve really seen Congress perform the will of the people. But believe it or not, there have been members of Congress that break that particular mold. Who actually wanted to go to Washington to work and do right by the people that voted for them in the first place and put forth legislation that actually makes life better for the everyday citizen, instead of CEOs, and there have even been some members of Congress… that actually went above and beyond the basics of their job. Who did as much as they could for the people of the world and genuinely wanted to see the world be a better place and they are who we should be focusing upon more often.

So that we celebrate and honor their legacy and use them to inspire others to rise to office and root out the career potatoes that love power over hard work and well, it just so happens that a powerful documentary is about to make its Washington D.C. debut that accomplishes just that. For Bella! is the comprehensive story of Congresswoman Bella Abzug, who in 1970, changed the world quite frankly. For this lawyer turned lawmaker was nothing short of a trailblazer that put forth the foundation for some of the equal rights that are enjoyed now and inspired so many more women to be seen and heard in a world where old men rule the day and well, that alone is worth the price of admission regarding this documentary.

But it just so happens to offer so much more. Such as a comprehensive and powerful look at Bella’s life from beginning to end. Which helps us to understand her humble origins and what drove her to want to go from having a successful law practice to serving the people of New York and the United States of America and Planet Earth for that matter as well. Which makes for a fascinating journey that deeply explores the good within Bella, the fight that resided within her to ensure that people were indeed granted equal rights under the promise of the Constitution and that truly does help us to get to know a lawmaker that quite frankly, isn’t celebrated enough, nor is her legacy. 
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It is that legacy however, that truly allows for this documentary to shine. Because we are able to hear from women such as Nancy Pelosi, and Barbara Streisand about what Bella’s fire and vision for America and equal rights, did for them. How it pushed Nancy and others into politics to make a difference as she did and inspired so many women to speak up and fight for what’s right in this world and how… she more or less opened the door for so many young women today and that’s just incredible. Because in a world of billions of people, it’s hard to make an impact that is generational in nature, but this documentary points out how Bella did that and how her actions will continue to do that for years on end.

All of which makes this, a special and important documentary. One that truly celebrates the life and career of that rare individual that is a true beacon of hope and inspiration, and writer/director Jeff L. Liberman does such an incredible job of chronicling all of that in a brisk and powerful manner, that you’re utterly captivated by this story and hanging on every word spoken about the life and times of one amazing individual. Which makes this necessary viewing, since it restores one’s faith in humanity, and truly gives one pause in all the right ways. For this really does chronicle how one person can make a difference when they really put their mind to it, and how there are great people still in this world, willing to put in the work to make it what we’ve always dreamed it could be.

To see ‘Bella!’ during its March 14-18, 2024, Washington D.C. theatrical tun, purchase tickets here.

If there one particular flaw that exists in the current world of true-crime documentaries, it would have to be… there’s a lack of balance. To which, there is good reason for that. Because the individuals that are ready to put together a story of murder and mayhem or whatever crime was committed know that the audience wants to be taken on a journey. One that is compelling and powerful and informative. So, a vast majority of them, focus on the crime at hand and how it played out while examining the ugly and twisted psyche of those who committed such atrocious acts. Which does indeed offer up what the audience wants, but really only looks at the core aspects alone. When in fact, there is more to explore, more we NEED to explore.
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Because the fact of the matter is… crime in any capacity has a grave impact upon the lives of those involved and we truly need to see more of that. So, we understand the bigger picture and understand the impact of crime so that perhaps… we can begin to impact change regarding it. Thankfully, as peak television continues to rule the day and audiences are demanding more content, that is oddly creating a shift in how true-crime documentaries are told. For now, the folks behind it are working to try and find balance and offer a compelling story that explores the impact of what happened and for proof that this is possible and that this shift is underway, look no further than a new true crime documentary that debuts on Peacock today, Pathological: The Lies of Joran van der Sloot.

Which is a documentary that chronicles the horrors that Joran van der Sloot imparted upon a pair of families over the past couple of decades. Since Joran was the man responsible for taking the lives of Natalle Holloway and Stephany Flores, and well… that allows for this documentary to offer up what is perhaps, the definitive exploration of a crime spree that began in 2005 and ended late last year with a long-awaited confession from Joran. A storytelling decision that truly does offer up a compelling and powerful exploration of how and why these crimes occurred, and what drove Joran to do them, and the state of mind necessary to make that happen. But truly, where this documentary shines… is in the impact it explores.

Because this is that rare documentary that doesn’t rush through each moment and doesn’t rush through each crime. It presents a critical area in the case and dives into the impact of that area in a far deeper manner than most documentaries do. By offering up a battery of reactions from those who covered it, were involved in it, and they speak in a manner so raw and so powerful… you truly understand the harm that Joran created, and truly understand how life-changing his decisions were upon the two families. Not to mention, we get special insight from some of the folks that interacted with him, to truly garner a powerful psychological profile of a man… that infuriates the viewer through and through.

Simply because… we also come to learn how much Joran relies and has relied upon charm to get through life, and how he suckers people with it. Giving rise to a profile and an ending that isn’t rosy or pretty… just grounded in the facts and the flaws of our world. Which makes for an emotional and balanced experience. One that is supremely educational since you learn all there is to know about the case, but you’re also deeply moved in every sense of the phrase. Because this is that documentary that has it all, and really is essential viewing when all is said and done.

For Joran’s story, and the horror he imparted upon others… speaks to real problems in our world regarding toxic masculinity, and how we give charm too much credit. But most important of all, it tells the story of two families deeply damaged by one man’s poor and cruel decisions, and the sour feelings we are left with, is the key. Because that’s what we need more of in this world right now, empathy, and it is wonderful that this documentary offers that alongside the facts regarding a cold and remorseless murderer that thrives in the world of pathological lies.

Watch ‘Pathological: The Lies of Joran van der Sloot’ on Peacock now.