ScreenFish

where faith and film are intertwined

Steve Norton

The United States vs. Billie Holiday: Keep Singing a New Song

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Just don’t sing the song.

That’s the advice given to legendary singer Billie Holiday regarding her iconic single, ‘Strange Fruit’. Set against the backdrop of the pre-Civil Rights Movement era, Holiday’s heartfelt song the challenged the practice of lynching African-Americans became a lightning rod of controversy for the federal government out of fear that it could cause civil disturbances. Now, in Lee Daniels’ latest film The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Holiday’s ongoing battle with the FBI is on full display, showcasing the unique courage of an icon and the incredible pressure that she was under to conform.

Beginning in 1940s, the film follows Billie Holiday (Andra Day), the world-class singer of such hits as All of Me and Blue Moon who became the target of the federal government due to her powerful ballad, ‘Strange Fruit’. Although she was arrested as a part of the FBI’s escalating war on drugs, their ultimate goal was to prevent her from performing the controversial song out of fear that it may begin to bring (much-needed) social change.

Passionate and effective, The United States vs. Billie Holiday is a testament to the resilience of a cultural icon at a time of oppression. Though the film is a bit of a slow starter, Daniels’ skill as a storyteller shines as the narrative draws you in along the way. Resisting the chance to portray Holiday solely as an American hero, Daniels gives balance to the starlet by displaying her flaws as well. Plagued by addiction and abusive relationships her entire career, Daniels shows grace to Holiday as a woman who has been taken advantage of since childhood yet never fully justifies her decisions either. Instead, Daniels fully fleshes out the humanity of a woman who struggled with her own personal demons yet also sought to be an example to a people who needed her unique voice.

While the film features solid performances across the board, it’s Day that positively lights up the screen as the titular songstress. Though only her second major acting role (Marshall), the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter absolutely owns the role of Holiday. Despite being central to almost every scene, Day remains fascinating to watch throughout the film. In many ways, Holiday was a complicated woman who commanded the stage to the public yet carried the burdens of her past in private. With this in mind, Day imbues the character with a complex mix of strength and fragility that somehow makes her feel authentic.

Set a decade before the Civil Rights Movement really began to take shape, the film focuses on the fervour surrounding Holiday’s famed, ‘Strange Fruit’. By calling attention to the horrific practice of lynching through her music, Holiday became viewed by the government as a threat that could upset the [read: their] status quo. To them, Holiday’s music created a conversation that they simply did not want to have for fear of seeing the current power structures change. 

But the film points out that, ultimately, the song was not their problem.

Though other Black artists were deemed ‘acceptable’ due to their willingness to ‘play by the rules’ of the time, Holiday’s self-confidence and courage set her apart. As such, the greatest threat to the powers of the time may not have even been her music but her staunch defiance as a Person of Colour. (“You’re scared of her because she’s strong, stunning and Black,” says FBI informant, Jimmy.) While the song may have been the lightning rod, it was Holiday’s determination to sing it despite their pressure that caused the greatest issue for the FBI. Despite increasing pressure (and numerous set-ups) to simply ‘stop playing the song’, there was a bravery inherent to Holiday’s character that is put on display here. To Holiday, ‘Strange Fruit’ was a cry for justice. She understood that the song was important to the Black community so she remained unwavering in her intent to sing it. 

When the government wanted to force her into their mold, she refused. And they couldn’t handle it.

In this way, The United States vs. Billie Holiday portrays Holiday as a person of passion and self-awareness. Though her personal struggles weighed heavily on her, she understood the power and influence that she carried with those who were willing to listen. At a time when many were being silenced, Daniels shows the starlet as a woman who was unafraid to speak up (or, more specifically, sing a different song) at a time when it was needed most.

The United States vs. Billie Holiday is available on Hulu on Friday, February 26th, 2021.H

The Croods: A New Age – Stone Age Meets the Modern Age

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If you want to look at the present, sometimes we need to start with the past.

Following the events of 2013’s The Croods, The Croods: A New Age follows the ‘first family’ as wander through the wilderness. Their simple lives are turned upside down though when they stumble upon the Bettermans, a family that has built a life of privilege through their innovative technology and their high value on self-protection. When the Bettermans decide that the Croods are a threat to their life of luxury, they attempt to rid themselves of their visitors but, in the process, unleash the danger that lurks on the other side of their incredibly high walls.

Directed by Joel Crawford, Croods: A New Age was not a sequel that seemed necessary yet proves to be most welcome. Whereas the first film focused entirely on the Crood clan, New Age opens up the world considerably (and creatively) with the addition of the Bettermans and their utopian realm. While the first film was fairly well-received, the world in which they lived had a relatively limited colour palette as the Croods trudged through their largely dusty terrain. However, with a new environment comes new opportunities for innovation and Crawford and his team let their imaginative juices fly.

Featuring wild creatures and dazzling bursts of colour, there’s an energy within New Age that was missing from its predecessor which also gives the franchise new life. (Personally, I believe that anyone who came up with the idea of ‘wolf-spiders’ really needs to seek some professional help, regardless of how adorable they look.) Filled with modern references like ‘window addiction’ and enough technological wonders to make The Flintstones jealous, Croods: A New Age feels relevant to the modern family and keeps the laughs going along the way.

Even the cast seems slightly more… well… animated in the sequel now that they some new blood to play with. Given the opportunity to work alongside Dinklage’s sophisticated but slimy Phil Betterman, Nicolas Cage’s Grug seems much more likable and endearing. At the same time, with their relationship now firmly established, both Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds are much more comfortable with one another as their characters move towards their ‘forever’. Stealing the show, however, are the aforementioned Bettermans, played by veterans Peter Dinklage and Leslie Mann. Stepping into the role of antagonists to the Croods, Dinklage and Mann are a joy to watch as the obnoxiously wealthy Bettermans. (‘Emphasis on the better,’ they remind.) Though detestable for their celebration of privilege, Dinklage and Mann embed their performances with a nervous desire to protect their family that somehow makes them seem more sympathetic. 

Similar to the first film, A New Age also wants to explore what it means to be both an individual and valued part of the pack. As they settle into the Betterman’s luxurious villas, the Croods finally have the opportunity to have some privacy… but is that something that they really want? As they adjust to living in a technological paradise that allows for them to finally have some space between them, the Croods also find themselves more divided.

Having built a bond between them by always sticking together (primarily out of fear), their new environment provides a certain sense of ease to it that gives them freedom. While this can be life-giving to some, innovations like the ‘man-cave’ and Thunk’s obsession with the window also create roadblocks within their family. In this way, the film recognizes the modern challenges of relationships as we continue to find new ways to create space between us and struggle to maintain open communication in the family unit.

What may be most surprisingly, however, is that A New Age is also unafraid to venture into a new age of ideas by adding the numerous layers of cultural subtext to the family-friendly adventure. From the female empowerment of the Thunder Sisters to the abuse of the environment, the film explores a broad range of culturally relevant issues that help elevate the film’s story. (In fact, through Betterman’s control of the bananas and water supply, the film even suggests the socio-economic ramifications of creating a caste system where the divide between rich and poor continues to grow.) In doing so, there’s a certain level of bravery to A New Age as it intelligently explores some of the deeper issues of our current culture while never becoming overburdened by the conversations or losing the fun.

Despite having little that’s new to the standard animated release, the disc Little Red Bronana Bread and Dear Diary: World’s First Pranks are not spectacular but are effective and entertaining. What’s more, director’s commentaries are always welcome as well. Still, the simplest shorts may be the most helpful. For parents looking for something to do with their kids during a lockdown, shorts that offer creative options like ‘FamiLeaf Album’, ‘How to Draw: Caveman Style’ and ‘Stone Age Snack Attack’ may help bring some activities into your home. It’s also worth noting that the colours really pop onscreen with the home release, especially on the 4K disc.

Filled with humour and heart, The Croods: A New Age is a worthwhile venture. Once again, Grug, Eep and the rest of the family prove that the value of knowing your place in the pack and the importance of supporting one another in the most difficult of circumstances. 

Without question, they have peaked my interest to see what happens in the next age.

Croods: The New Age is available on VOD, 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD on February 23rd, 2021.

Giveaway! THE CROODS: A NEW AGE on Blu-Ray!

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Thanks to our friends at TARO PR, you can bring The Croods: A New Age home on Blu-Ray!

Return to a simpler time with a Blu-Ray copy of The Croods: A New Age. Directed by Joel Crawford, New Age stars the talents of Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone as the ‘first family’ encounters the ‘next family’ for the first time!

Following the events of 2013’s The Croods, The Croods: A New Age follows the ‘first family’ as wander through the wilderness. Their simple lives are turned upside down though when they stumble upon the Bettermans, a family that has built a life of privilege through their innovative technology and their high value on self-protection. When the Bettermans decide that the Croods are a threat to their life of luxury, they attempt to rid themselves of their visitors but, in the process, unleash the danger that lurks on the other side of their incredibly high walls.

In order to enter, simply like/share this post on Facebook and/or Instagram and tell us who your favourite cast member is from The Croods: A New Age!

Winners will receive a Blu-Ray copy of The Croods: A New Age.

All entries must be received by 11:59pm on Wednesday, February 24th, 2021.

The Croods: A New Age was released on Blu-Ray, 4K and DVD on February 23nd, 2021.

Special thanks to our friends from TARO PR!

The House that Rob Built: Leaving a Legacy

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Anyone can build a house. But it takes someone of true character to build a home.

The House the Rob Built tells the story of University of Montana’s legendary basketball coach, Rob Selvig. Coming to the school at a time when women’s sports were not taken seriously, Selvig’s time as head coach of the Lady Griz created a legacy of winning that brought the support of the entire community. More importantly though, Selvig inspired his players to greatness, encouraging and empowering young women for almost four decades.

Directed by Megan Harrington and Jonathan Cipiti, The House that Rob Built is a poignant doc that shows the power that one life can have when they remain committed to serving others. As a former player of Selvig’s herself, Harrington has a great deal of affection towards her former coach and the film reflects that love and respect. Through personal testimonies and old footage, Harrington and Cipiti do a good job showing the incredible respect and admiration that Selvig carries with his players, even to this day. Thankfully though, neither does the film entirely deify Selvig either. By allowing the women to share their stories of Selvig’s temper during games, The House shows Selvig as an imperfect man, even if his coaching legacy supersedes him. (This may sound like a strange thing to highlight but, in actuality, it shows some maturity on behalf of the filmmakers to show some of the blind spots of their subject, even if its someone they admire.)

While the film shows the team’s incredible success and how it caught fire in its community, what shines through most within The House is the commitment that Selvig has to his team. Offered several ‘higher profile’ jobs in the NCAA over the course of his career, Selvig stayed in Montana because he simply felt that his work was far from finished. Though moving may have meant a higher salary or more notoriety, his heart for those youth and the joy that he experienced in their growth gave him such satisfaction that he felt no reason to leave. 

In doing so, however, Selvig brought stability to not only a fledgling program but also to the lives of these young women. Story after story within The House reflect the important role that Selvig played in the lives of his players. At a time when women’s sports was viewed as somehow lesser than men’s, Selvig never saw his players (or the sport) in that way. To him, these young women were easily as good as (or maybe even better than) any men’s team and deserved the same respect. As a result, Selvig created opportunities to empower his players, regardless of gender or race. His encouragement, stability and instruction created an atmosphere that both challenged and supported several generations of young women.

He gave them an equal chance to succeed and it left an impact on them.

Admittedly however, the doc would benefit from a little more information regarding what Selvig learned himself from the experience of coaching these young women. While we hear numerous testimonials about what the girls took away from their time with Selvig, we do not hear as much regarding what he took away from his experience with them. Though The House does address some of his personal issues, it could benefit from some conversations surrounding how his understanding of gender has changed by working with these young women over the course of his career. In other words, though we see that he impacted them, it would benefit the doc if we knew a little more about how they impacted him.

Even so, despite these concerns, The House that Rob Built is a testament to the amazing influence that one person can have when they care for others. Though Selvig had every right to look for greater fame, his love for the team and desire to see them grow and mature speaks of the quality of his character. Without question, Selvig made his House into a home.

The House that Rob Built is available on VOD on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 

Paranormal Solutions, Inc: Believing in Everything (and Nothing)

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Flooded with calls from all sorts of ‘paranormal’ occurrences, the crew at Paranormal Solutions Inc. have decided to broaden their horizons. Starting fresh with a new slogan that says, ‘We believe in EVERYTHING!’, a team of six semi-successful ghost hunters decide to increase business by informing the public that their willing to help with any supernatural problem they may have. (Literally, any problem.) As they step into a larger world, their own skepticism gives way in the face of every conceivable being, from demons to leprachauns.

From the mind of Nicholas Carella and David Milchard, Paranormal Solutions Inc. (PSI) is a ridiculous and fun spoof on a number of popular genres, ranging from alien abduction stories to The Exorcist. By keeping things open to ‘everything’, Carella and Milchard have limitless possibilities in front of them without being bound by any particular ‘rules’ of their world and they make good use of the opportunity. More silly than scary, PSI has some genuine pop in its comedy and even uses their bizarre circumstances to attempt to explore larger cultural conversations. (For instance, the fifth episode explores the topic of political correctness through its attempt to properly support and celebrate a ghost in a wheelchair.)

While the special effects are mostly credible, the real reason that the indie series works is due to its cast. Vibing with the energy of an improv comedy troupe, the relationships between cast members is visible onscreen. In many ways, PSI operates in the same manner as a work-place comedy but with heightened circumstances. (To my knowledge, there haven’t been too many werewolf attacks on Brooklyn 99…) Though set in a world of paranormal madness, conversations between characters instead seem to focus on relationships and everyday occurrences. In doing so, this sense of normalcy actually adds to the absurdity of the moment and translates into some genuinely funny banter between characters.

In many ways, what’s most interesting about the series though is the way that it tackles the subject of belief. As the series begins, Jared acknowledges the fact that their small business needs to ‘rebrand’ in order to boost business. Instead of simply focusing on ghosts, they will now say that they believe in ‘everything’. When he’s pushed further on the ethics of taking advantage of people who believe in things that don’t exist, he simply responds that, “I’m willing to believe in anything as long as someone’s paying me to.” By focusing on the financial benefits of broadening their horizons, Jared shows that he and his team care little about whether or not these things are real and more about whether or not they can pay their bills.

But things start to change when they finally start to encounter them.

From the moment they first lay eyes on a werewolf, the crew at PSI are changed forever. Their skepticism is rocked by the reality of more… well… everything. Demons. Zombies. Sasquatch. (Even more leprechauns!) All of a sudden, they begin to realize that their limited worldview needs to be expanded because there are forces outside their understanding that they simply couldn’t believe. (Though, admittedly, financial gain still remains the primary motivator…) While the series clearly has no specific ambitions regarding the topic of belief, there’s a charming sense of hopefulness embedded within it as post-modern skepticism gives way to a broader openness towards the unknown.

Free from any particular boundaries, Carella and Milchard have an opportunity on their hands. By kicking open the doors of what qualifies as ‘paranormal’, Paranormal Solutions, Inc. has a potentially long runway ahead as a series, should they decide to do so. Though the series may not have the polish of a network show, the goofy and irreverent romp makes you care about its characters and, most importantly, the show is genuinely funny.

And that’s something worth believing.

The first six episodes of Paranormal Solutions Inc. are now available on YouTube with the final two episodes to air on Friday, February 26th, 2021.

I Care a Lot: Two Wrongs Make it Right?

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Vicious and brutal, I Care a Lot is a relentless exploration of what happens when greed is allowed to run rampant at the expense of the vulnerable sector.

It’s also a tonne of fun.

I Care a Lot follows Marla Grayson (Rosamund Pike), a highly successful legal guardian who takes responsibility for the elderly and then exploits them for their vast fortunes. Sensing a huge potential windfall, she takes on a seemingly innocent new client named Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest), immediately placing her in a nursing facility and strips her of her financial assets. However, when Jennifer’s ruthless benefactor Roman (Peter Dinklage) hears of her plight, Marla and her partner (Eiza Gonzalez) must go to war to protect their investments and potentially, save their lives.

Written and directed by J Blakeson (The Disappearance of Alice Creed), I Care a Lot is an energetic dark comedy that commits to its wicked machinations and never looks back. Bursting with fire and entertaining from start to finish, Blakeson’s script pops with devilish glee as it highlights the malicious nature of corporate greed at the expense of the poor and oppressed. Though we have seen Dinklage in villainous roles before, he is in top form here as Wiest’s mysterious and vicious backer, Roman. Even so, the greatest surprise here is Pike who positively relishes her role as the morally bankrupt Marla. Bouncing with energy onscreen, Pike wheels and deals with a maniacal grin that is both enticing and intense. (In fact, even the usually docile Wiest underscores her performance with a sinister darkness.)

With that in mind, one of the more fascinating aspects of I Care is that it really has no hero (or heroine). Whereas most films would emphasize the honourable lawyer fighting to protect their client or the unjust system that takes advantage of the underserved, I Care has no such interests. In this world, corruption is rampant on both sides of the battle and victory seems to stem from the person who ‘wants it more’. By unleashing its inner darkness, I Care allows greed to become the soul of Darwinian business practices. Ferociously attacking each other’s livelihood, both Marla and Roman exemplify the very nature of ‘survival of the fittest’. While Marla views her elderly clients merely as numbers within her check book, Roman is equally merciless, refusing to lose what he feels belongs to him out of sheer tenacity and pride. (For this reason, the title I Care a Lot carries a sense of irony as ‘caring’ takes on an entirely different meaning in this world.)

Having said this, it goes without saying that the characters of I Care seems to care little about what is ‘right’ objectively within this world. At a time when large corporations continue to value profit margins ahead of people lives, I Care becomes a cautionary parable to the all-consuming nature of greed. As the two titans collide in a battle for dominance, both Roman and Marla seem blissfully unaware of the lives who are impacted by their recklessness. For both characters, acquiring wealth and power are the greatest good, regardless of who stands in their way. (Wall Street’s Gordon Gecko would be pleased.) Though families are torn apart and destruction rampant, they continue to remain focused on themselves. While the film eventually does acknowledge the suffering that their actions cause, Marla and Roman seem largely content to create chaos for their own sake.

Though the heart of I Care a Lot may sound bleak, the film’s style and enthusiasm are hard to resist. Featuring solid performances across the board and a brutally fun script, Blakeson’s film breathes satirical fire that demands attention. As the stakes continue to rise and the inner darkness of his characters is unleashed in all its fury, Blakeson never loses sight of the damages caused by their carelessness.

Even if they seem completely unaware.

I Care a Lot is currently streaming on Amazon Prime in Canada.

Nomadland: Home Isn’t Where the House Is

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Set against the vast expanse of the American West, Nomadland tells the story of Fern (Frances McDormand), a middle-aged woman who finds herself at a personal crossroads. Having recently lost her husband and her job, Fern decides that it’s time for her to start fresh by heading out onto the open road in her RV. However, as she explores the vast landscapes set before her, she quickly discovers that she’s not alone. Though she may move aimlessly through the seasons and seasonal jobs, she finds a new form of community amongst the like-minded nomads that welcome her home. As her soul is replenished, Fern also develops a relationship with David (David Strathairn), a man who may wish to play a greater role in her life than she’d initially expected.

Written and directed by Chloe Zhao (Songs My Brothers Taught Me), Nomadland is a stunning piece that honours the souls of those who go unnoticed by a society too busy to notice them. Filled with quiet and intimate moments, Zhao weaves a story of humility and grace that doesn’t merely attempt to entertain. 

Instead, Zhao’s fictional tale wants to show reality.

With an open style of filmmaking that ebs and flows with the surrounding landscapes, Zhao has created a story that moves like a traditional narrative yet feels true. By casting real-life nomads in key roles, she has clearly done her very best to tell a story that lives and breathes authenticity onscreen. (In fact, in order to help them gain a better understanding for the world they were bringing to life onscreen, Zhao even asked her cast and crew to live out of vans during the course of production.) Painting the lives of its ‘houseless’ characters with a loving brush, Zhao celebrates their pioneering spirit but also shows the challenges they face throughout their journey. 

In many ways, Nomadland manages to highlight the overwhelming power of its surroundings yet never loses the value of every individual. Through his magnificent use of cinematography, Joshua James Richards reminds the viewer just how small they truly are when held up against the immensity of the American West. However, at the same time, when Fern encounters individuals along that way, they fill the screen in such a way as to acknowledge their importance. 

Similarly the film’s central character, McDormand may be the biggest name within the film yet she plays Fern with such humility that she actually elevates those around her. Whereas many stars may look at this much screen time as an opportunity to put their talent on display, McDormand instead chooses to step back and allow these real people and their stories to shine.

Because, in Nomadland, every soul matters.

While acknowledging the struggles such as maintaining work and food, the most beautiful aspect of the film is the way that it celebrates those that have found sanctuary and salvation in a nomadic lifestyle. While many have bound their lives to mortgages and static jobs, Nomadland shows the refreshment of the soul that can take place when one untethers themselves from these sorts of demands. For example, as Fern ventures into the American West, she does so not to conquer new worlds but to reconnect with the deepest core of her identity. With the death of her husband and loss of her job, Fern’s old life suddenly feels motionless. Though she may have been left adrift, her heart now yearns for movement and independence. 

However, Nomadland understands the old adage that ‘not all that wander are lost’.

As she builds new relationships amongst those whom she meets, Fern is struck by the deep sense of community that exists within the nomadic culture. Embedded with a profound sense of supporting one another, those that Fern encounter along her journey share a sense of camaraderie and love that is utterly remarkable. Characters such as Swankie and David provide relationship lifelines that feed Fern’s soul and show her the meaning of love yet they never ‘tie her down’.  Though they may not be present with each other for long, their desire for freedom creates a loving connection that endures and uplifts. As a result, though she may not have a house to call her own, Fern absolutely believes that she has found a home amongst her newfound family. 

Featuring what may be the most honest and open performance of McDormand’s career and some absolutely magnificent storytelling, it should come as no surprise if you hear Nomadland’s name called out when Oscar night (finally) arrives. In short, this is a very special film. Coming at a time when we all exist in isolation, Zhao highlights the importance of connecting with one another, especially when we find ourselves so alone.

Nomadland is now available on Hulu in the US and will be available in Canadian theatres on March 19th.

To hear our conversation on Nomadland, click here.

Flora & Ulysses: Hope for a Hero

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When we’re in our darkest moments, we all need a hero.

But, when that hero turns out to be a squirrel, things can get… interesting.

Now available on Disney+, Flora and Ulysses tells the story of Flora (Matilda Lawyer), a 10-year-old girl with an imaginative mind whose family is slowly falling apart. With her mother (Alyson Hannigan) struggling in her writing and her father’s (Ben Schwartz) career as a comic book writer failing to launch, tension within the home has caused them to separate. As her parents inch closer to divorce, Flora is looking for something that can bring her family back together. Then, after she rescues a squirrel, Flora names him the little creature Ulysses and decides to bring him home as her pet. As they become friends, Ulysses soon begins to exhibit superpowers that help gives Flora a new sense of purpose and may change her world forever.

Directed by Lena Khan (The Tiger Hunter), Flora & Ulysses is a charming but forgettable film that shows what can happen when hope breaks into an empty vacuum. Part Alvin & the Chipmunks and part Condorman (look it up), the film is a silly and heartwarming piece that should delight children (yet doesn’t necessarily leave parents ‘wanting more’ when the credits roll). Thankfully, though she gives Ulysses increasing superhuman abilities, Khan never forces him to be anything other than a squirrel. While this may seem an insignificant observation, it allows the film to maintain a certain (albeit limited) sense of realism that keeps the focus on the relationships of the characters as opposed to talking animals. (Sorry kids, there are no singing rodents covering the Black-Eyed Peas in this film.)

Another thing to the film’s credit is its wonderful cast. Schwartz and Hannigan are given space to bring their charm and comedic strengths to their scenes. (Although, admittedly, they have few scenes together so the chemistry between them is hard to gauge.) In addition, as obsessive animal catcher Miller, Danny Pudi brings the frenetic energy of a John Hughes villain from the 90s. However, tying the film together is ultimately young Matilda Lawyer as the ever-optimistic Flora. Flora’s relationship with those around her literally ties the characters together for much of the film and Lawyer’s innocence and charisma are a joy to watch onscreen.

Though Flora & Ulysses shows the fun of a ‘hero-in-waiting’, the true heartbeat of the film is the relationship between hope and belief. While those around her view Ulysses as a reckless (and potentially rabid) squirrel, Flora sees him as so much more. To her, he is a noble creature on the cusp of greatness. Buoyed by her belief, Ulysses continues to gain confidence and evolve into his true potential, growing from common vermin into dynamic hero. 

What’s more, with each new ability that he discovers, Flora’s belief becomes contagious amongst her friends and family. This new-found hope shines a light in the darkness for those around her. Her father’s struggling career seems less important than being there for his daughter. Her mother’s ambition gives way to an appreciation of what she has now. 

For them all, hope shifts their perspective.

Though they’re lost in their own broken ambitions and dreams, the hope they discover in the miraculous Ulysses begins to show them that anything is possible. As their worldview is changed by an injection of hope, every aspect of their lives begin to improve, from the quality of their relationships to their personal success. In this way, the film reminds families that disappointments don’t need to be the end of the story. By changing their perspectives, Flora and her family can see beyond their defeats and cling to the things that they still have together. This gives them a chance to refocus on a new future together, rather than lose themselves in the frustrations of their past.

Fun-loving and sweet, Flora & Ulysses is an adorable addition to the Disney+ line-up. Backed by energetic comedy and quality stars, the film makes for an evening of light-hearted entertainment that the whole family may enjoy. 

And maybe the story of the squirrel will even shine a little light in some dark spaces.

Flora & Ulysses is now available on Disney+.

Synchronic: Time Is On My Side

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It never feels like we have enough time.

Set in the shadows of New Orleans, the new action-drama Synchronic follows paramedics and long-time friends Steve Denube (Anthony Mackie) and Dennis Dannelly (Jamie Dornan). Though both men seem to have their lives together, they soon find themselves in over their heads when they are called to a number of increasingly strange and grisly deaths which appear to be linked to a new drug called ‘Synchronic’. If that weren’t enough to deal with, Denube is soon after diagnosed with brain cancer, causing him to fall into a deep depression that opens the door for him to use the drug himself. However, in doing so, he soon discovers an unexpected side effect of Synchronic that seems to provide hope for the future, even if it lies in the past.

Written and directed by Justin Benson, Synchronic is a surprisingly engaging film that brings a new twist to the time-travel genre. Less Back to the Future and more The Butterfly Effect in its tone, Synchronic is a darker entry into the genre that leans more heavily into the trauma of loss than it does the fun of quantum leaping. Despite the fact that there are some items that move between eras, Benson opts to ignore most of the potential ramifications of time travel. (There’s no ‘Grey’s Sports Almanac’ or ‘Infinity Stone’ ripple effects in this film.) In doing so, Synchronic gives itself the freedom to use the device to reinforce the overall story’s themes and ideas without being bogged down by silliness that often comes with these stories. Instead, Benson uses the premise to focus on the present, as opposed to the past. 

As the film’s heart, Mackie’s charm and charisma give an affability to Denube that comes through despite the pain that his character is experiencing. At the same time, Dornan excels in roles that have an aura of inner darkness and Dannelly’s heavy emotional burden provides ample opportunity for him to show his talent.

Somewhat surprisingly, Benson makes an interesting choice by linking time travel with drug use. Similar to the way in which addicts will use their respective vices to escape from the pain of reality, so too does Synchronic give users the option to return to a ‘simpler time’. 

The problem is that the past offers no comfort either.

Though they may wish to flee their problems, Synchronic users usually find themselves in the most difficult eras of the past. Whether its fighting conquistadors, evading alligators or running from the KKK, those that take the drug seem to discover that the struggles of the past are no less traumatic than the present. In this way, the drug offers no solace for those who are running from the pain of their lives as it transports them to places in time that are no safer than what they were enduring already.

And that’s entirely the point.

By choosing to use time travel in this way, Syncronic is well aware of the fact that we can often become so wrapped up in the troubles of today that we think we are living in the worst period of human history. Instead, the film reminds us that each day has  troubles of its own. This is probably best exemplified through the journey of Denube who becomes more aware of his relationship to the present the more he learns about how Synchronic works. Told that his brain cancer is likely terminal, Denube suffers from depression and an increasing inner rage. Crushed under the ticking clock of his condition, Denube realizes that time is not on his side.

However, as he spends more time in the past, he recognizes the importance of living for today. Though he understands that his life is coming to an end, he also comes to realize the value of the moments that he has right now, whether it’s celebrating the people that he loves or simply being grateful for his time on Earth. While the film fully acknowledges the pain of the present, Synchronic actually finds joy in the midst of trauma that many other films fail to recognize. 

In other words, although the times we live in are not easy, there still remains things worth celebrating in the darkest of moments.

While the film is a bit of a slow starter, there’s a lot to like about Synchronic. Bolstered by engaging performances from its cast, the film’s creativity and commitment to the premise work well to be worth your time. Though the use of time travel is hardly original, Benson uses it in such a unique manner that it feels fresh in a lot of ways. Ultimately however, the most noteworthy aspect of the film lies is not just its ability to explore the past. It’s that it reminds us to find things worth rejoicing in the present.

When we can find a way to do that, time is always on our side.

Synchronic is now available on VOD, DVD and Blu-Ray.

Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence – Safe at Home

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Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence focuses its lens on the life and impact of Kansas City social worker Bobbi Jo Reed. Having turned to drinking and drugs at a young age, Bobbi Jo’s life spiraled further out of control. Left broken and destitute by a life of abuse and prostitution, Bobbi Jo rediscovered her spiritual faith. Now in her mid-30s, Bobbi Jo felt called to use her newfound strength to help others in need. With the development of the ministry at Healing House, Bobbi Jo and her team have seen amazing results by helping more than 8,000 men and women transformed by discovering the power of faith, love and family.

Written and directed by Brent L. Jones, Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence is a powerful documentary of how God can use one person’s shattered story to bring hope and healing to many others. With an emphasis on one particular person and their impact, Jones keeps the film simple and straightforward with its focus. This is not a film about the nature of addiction or the larger problems that plague Kansas City but rather, as the title suggests, the testimony of one person and the impact that they have had with others. By exploring Bobbi Jo’s past and how it led to the development of Healing House, Jones seems to step back and simply allows the story to tell itself. In the process, the film feels very personal as Bobbi Jo is given the freedom to be open about her past battles with addiction without hinderance.

What struck me most about Bobbi Jo’s story is that she’s so… ordinary. For Bobbi Jo, her success lies not in her grand public speaking or any amazing skills. Instead, Jones presents her as a woman who has seen the worst parts of herself and found redemption in her faith. In fact, for the first third of the film, Jones allows Bobbi Jo to share her life’s narrative in grand detail. Having suffered with addiction and prostitution since her youth, she rediscovered her faith and found the strength to ‘get clean’ in her mid-30s. However, even after all her struggles that she has overcome, there’s a humility within Bobbi Jo that Jones allows to come to the surface. 

She understands what it means to feel lost… and she’s determined to help others who feel the same today.

While it may seem like a cliché to suggest that Bobbi Jo is fearless in her pursuit of helping others, it does seem to apply here. (If you’re unsure about that particular word choice, a story about her confronting a man with an AK-47 on Thanksgiving may justify it to you…) Coming out of addiction herself, she understands the needs of those on the street and she has thrown open her doors to reach as many as possible. From the moment that they arrive at Healing House, new residents are welcomed ‘home’ and treated with love and respect. (For many of the residents, this is the first time that they can say such a thing.) Essential to the foundation of the ministry is that this will be a place of safety where they can heal. They’re given clean clothes, a new room and help acquiring their personal identification.

Most importantly though, they’re given a fresh start.

You see, the beauty of Bobbi Jo’s story is her stunning commitment to the broken. By recognizing that all people have value, she is able to accept them with their flaws and see hope for them moving forward. With a passion to stand alongside addicts, ex-convicts, prostitutes and more, Influence shows the incredible power and influence that Healing House has in allowing its residents to have all that they need to begin again. Through each testimony with the film, Influence highlights the fact that Bobbi Jo is willing to help anyone who truly wants to get well. While not everyone succeeds in breaking free of their past issues, there are countless others whose lives have been turned around by Bobbi Jo and her amazing work at Healing House. To them, she has become far more than another community service worker.

She is their mother, friend and pastor.

While Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence may not be a flashy documentary, it does provide some well-deserved press for an organization that doesn’t seem to be well known outside of its sphere of influence. Anchored by her faith, Bobbi Jo and her team continue to build something amazing in Kansas City that changes lives on a daily basis.

Maybe this film will help change some more.

Bobbi Jo: Under the Influence is now available on VOD.