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Rise: Another Disney Slam Dunk

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Perhaps some of the more unsung heroes of Disney’s cinematic canon are their inspirational sports stories.

While they’re primarily known for their animated features, nature documentaries and fantasy-adventure films, Disney has always been able to find inspirational stories in the world of sports. Without even scratching the surface of their vault, films like Remember the Titans, Miracle, Queen of Katwe and Glory Road have become classic tales of young people who have been changed by the experience of competition (and even, in some cases, have changed the world as well).

Rise fits very neatly into this tradition. 

(L-R): Yetide Badaki as Vera and Dayo Okeniyi as Charles in Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Set primariliy in Greece, Rise tells the amazing true story of the Antetokounmpo brothers who came out of obscurity to dominate the NBA. When Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo emigrated from Nigeria to Greece, they dreamed of a better life for their family. However, despite their passion for hard work, they struggled to garner citizenship and lived every day under the risk of deportation. Living from paycheque to paycheque, their children found solace on public basketball courts. Although they had no experience playing the game, the Antetokounmpo boys soon discovered their natural giftings and looked for ways to use their talents to help their family.

(L-R): Ral Agada as Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Dayo Okeniyi as Charles Antetokounmpo, and Uche Agada as Giannis Antetokounmpo in Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Patrick Redmond. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Telling the story of Antetokounmpo brothers and and their ascension to NBA dominance, Rise is an incredible story of resilience that absolutely charms. Directed by Akin Omotoso, the film knows the power of storytelling inherent within the world of sports and uses it to its advantage. Slow motion shots at the buzzer, practice in the rain and battles on the court all bring the action to life with suspense and drama. (Ironically though, the final scenes at the NBA Draft may hold the most solid dramatic tension, even if we already know the outcome.)

Even so, instead of focusing on a particular ‘big game’, Rise primarily spends its time with the Antetokounmpo family as they fight together to survive. As Charles and Vera fight tirelessly to support their family financially, so too do they want to support their children in their dreams. With barely enough money to pay the rent, their boys find their inner spark on the basketball court. Nevertheless, Charles and Vera remain nervous of their endeavours. But their initial apprehension to the boys’ love of basketball is rooted in their desire to protect them from exposure, rather than to selfishly prevent them from enjoyment.

(L-R): Yetide Badaki as Vera and Dayo Okeniyi as Charles in Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

And the fear of exposure is justified.

Due to their undocumented status, the Antetokounmpo family lived under a constant dread. Having witnessed the police tear immigrant families apart themselves, they understood the risks of being discovered. While Charles and Vera fought to make their residency legal, they simply continue to run up against an endless stream of roadblocks and red tape. Unable to find work without legal status (and unable to get legal status without work), they are only able to make ends meet by selling sunglasses to tourists and taking on odd jobs. In this way, the film highlights issues that are far greater than whether or not Giannis understands his basketball fundamentals. Instead, Rise cries out for the poor and impoverished who are attempting to start new lives in a foreign country. 

Interestingly, there’s also a deeply rooted faith that strengthens the Antetokounmpo family as well. Despite everything that they’ve gone through, Giannis‘s mother holds fast to her belief that God has a plan. (“God makes no mistakes. Give it your all and let God do his work,” Vera encourages.) To her, even the darkest of moments can provide blessings by the end and this gives them boundless hope throughout the process.

In some ways, it’s a shame that Rise has gone straight to Disney+. With its passionate heart, incredible story and solid performances, this is a film that actually deserves to be recognized onscreen as opposed to an unknown property that people scroll past while looking for Pixar material. With an eye on justice, Rise inspires with joy and enthusiasm that should please the whole family. Quite simply, there is an affectionate heart within this film which is contagious.

In other words, it is definitely a slam dunk.

A scene still from Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Rise is available on Disney+ on Friday, June 24th, 2022

Ms. Marvel: For the Dreamers

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“The change is here. The change is her.” – Ms. Marvel

It’s no secret that, ever since Iron Man flew across screens roughly 13 years ago, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has perfected the art of selling superheroes. First, create an origin story for a loveable outsider who is struggling to find themselves. Then, after they encounter an otherworldly power, they are transformed and finds their true calling. Using the same formula, Disney has managed to dominate a box office (and streaming world) with no signs of slowing down.

Though, there is a wind of change blowing in the MCU. As we transition out of a world dominated by white male superheroes, Marvel has done an excellent job celebrating the vibrancy of voices within our own world. Whether it’s Sam Wilson’s Captain America, the rise of Wanda Maximoff or the global celebration of Eternals, this new phase of the MCU has changed the faces of their stories. Now, with the release of Ms. Marvel on Disney+, Marvel has created another solid example of how diverse casting and cultural representation opens up new worlds for storytelling. 

And the story of Kamala Khan feels like it’s going to be something truly special.

Set in New Jersey, Ms. Marvel introduces the Marvel Universe to Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a 16-year-old high school teen and fangirl of the Avengers, especially Captain Marvel. Living at home with her Islamic family, Kamala spends her nights dreaming of one day becoming like her hero. So, when she hears about the very first ‘AvengersCon’, a convention honouring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Kamala knows that she must be one of the first ones in attendance. Dressing up in cosplay of Captain Marvel, she adds a golden bangle that she discovers in a box of old junk in the house in order to secure her victory in the Con’s costume contest. However, when things go wrong, Kamala discovers that she has the power to create energy constructs and begins to wonder if becoming a hero may be more of a reality than she’d ever imagined.

Marvel excels at bringing the imagination to life but here they have created a world of such vibrant, youthful enthusiasm that one cannot help but be drawn in. In many ways, Ms. Marvel is reminiscent of Spider-Man Homecoming or the introduction of Miles Morales in Sony‘s animated Into the Spiderverse. In both cases, those films walked the line of style and substance by giving their characters colourful worlds to play in while never losing the character’s passion and soul. 

Ms. Marvel takes a similar approach by selecting a charismatic lead and immersing her in a world of neon vibrancy that bursts off the screen at all times. Whether it’s the seamless integration of animation or the bright, engaging visuals of the world, Ms. Marvel wants the screen be flooded with colour and joy. (In fact, powered by music from the ‘80s and ‘90s, there’s even a slightly retro feel to the series that adds some extra snap.)

Most importantly though, Feige & Co. have truly found someone extraordinary for their Kamala Khan. Young lead Iman Vellani has such charm that she absolutely sparkles on screen [pun intended]. Balancing innocence, humility and fire, Vellani has the soul of a dreamer and the spirit of a hero, making her perfect for the future of the MCU. 

Although the series pops with a Western style, the series does an excellent job of highlighting Kamala’s Islamic heritage. Living with her devout parents, Kamala takes her faith and culture extremely seriously. Trips to the mosque, conversations in Urdu and more help ground her world in the Islamic traditions and faith. At the same time, she also lives in a world of Instagram and pop culture.

In Ms. Marvel, it’s important to still honours the old ways, even as Kamala lives in a new world.

What interesting is that, at this point in their storytelling, the MCU has begun to pass the torch to those who have grown up with it as part of their livelihood. Characters like Iron Man and Captain America have left their mark and faded away for the next generation. Kamala is no exception. To her, the world has become a place where superheroes are admired (and, dare I say, common?) and the greatest of them all is Captain Marvel. Revered for her strength, power and fierce example of womanhood, Captain Marvel is held up in the highest esteem by the young hero-in-waiting and she yearns to be like her. Plastering her room with posters and dressing up in cosplay at the first AvengersCon, Kamala will do anything she can to honour her idol. 

Kamala is a dreamer. And the life of a hero is her ultimate fantasy.

And therein lies the true spirit of Ms. Marvel. This is a series about honouring the past but still leaning into our dreams. Whether it’s her mother or Captain Marvel herself, Kamala holds the women of her life in the highest respect. But she’s also growing up and wants to be figured out what it means to herself in the process. She recognizes the value and power of the women who have blazed the trails but she also wants to become who she was meant to be.

For Kamala, it’s time for her dreams to become reality.

The first episode of Ms. Marvel is available on Disney+ on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 with new episodes streaming every Wednesday afterwards.

Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers – Dusting Off these Two Gumshoes

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When Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers was named as Disney’s next reboot for streaming, the decision simply made sense. 

After all, Disney+ has provided the House of Mouse with an entirely new way to bring their content to the next generation with very little risk. From DuckTales to Darkwing Duck, their investment in bringing back popular franchises for the kids of the modern era have been fairly successful thus far. (I’m still waiting for the return of The Adventures of the Gummi Bears but I digress…)

But things began to take a turn for the strange when it was announced that the franchise would be passed to director Akiva Schaffer, who intended on taking a more meta-approach to the material. Usually, that’s often a bad sign. After all, every reboot (especially a beloved one like Rescue Rangers) comes with certain expectations in tone, humour and style. When you mess with the formula entirely, it can alienate the audience. (See Ferrell and Kidman’s Bewitched)

Amazingly though, Schaffer has come through.

In Disney+’s Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers, Chip and Dale have seen better days. After the cancellation of their fame animated series over 30 years ago, the characters have both moved on. With Chip (John Mulaney) now living in obscurity as an insurance salesman, Dale (Andy Samberg) spends his days attending fan conventions with the hope of garnering enough interest to resurrect their franchise. However, when one of their beloved former co-stars is kidnapped, the two estranged rangers reluctantly come together to solve a real crime in the face of overwhelming odds. 

Using his signature sarcasm, Schaffer infuses Rescue Rangers with a winking eye and sardonic edge that still feels like a love letter to the property. By blending multiple animation styles ranging from claymation to puppeteering but still grounding the project in the human world, the film feels very much like a spiritual sequel to Disney’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. (In fact, any comparisons to the classic 80s animated classic are absolutely deliberate as Schaffer includes numerous references to it.) Sharply written and executed, Rescue Rangers is absolutely eye-candy across the (story)board that features a never-ending stream of pop culture references that should make the film enjoyable on rewatch. (The billboards and advertising that adorn the film’s streets are worth the watch alone.)

And no franchise is sacred. 

Somewhat surprisingly, Rescue Rangers is more than willing to break out of the Disney canon and satirize other studio properties as well. (Again, another key ingredient for Roger Rabbit.) Whether it’s poorly rebooted animation like ‘Ugly Sonic’, or beloved franchises like My Little Pony, Looney Tunes, Pokemon or even ET: The Extra Terrestrial, there’s a surprising amount of support from other studios to let Disney lampoon their products. 

As such, Rescue Rangers feels more like a meta-take on the challenges of rebooting old properties than it does trying to feed you the same Disney product again. In essence, rather than offering a strict reboot of Rangers, the film leans into the difficulties of doing so. Characters who were once beloved by fans have now been relegated to the convention circuit, with the hopes that enough interest will bring them back into pop culture relevance. 

At the same time though, there is no doubt that this film is made with love. Schaffer does not use the film to mock the franchise but rather to somehow reinvigorate it with the understanding of an adult. Jokes referencing CGI surgery, cheese addiction and even references to a strip club and [cartoon] trafficking are made with an adult audience in mind. 

In this way, while the film’s primary story may focus on the missing characters, the true antagonist of the film is getting older. From Lumiere to Tigra the forgotten Avenger, none of these animated characters are ready to settle into the dustbin just yet. (“It’s gotten tough out there for us old timers”, Monteray Jack groans.) Emotionally tied to their faded fame, each one wants to prove that they’re still worth something. This desire to hang onto the glory days is especially true of Chip who yearns to be remembered as more than a ‘2nd banana’. From begging for attention on social media to having CGI surgery, Chip is left scratching and clawing at the elusive celebrity status that he once enjoyed. Though the rest of the world has moved on, he simply wants them to know that he still has value. In a world where no one cares to know your name, how do you know you matter? What does hope look like when your best days seem behind you?

Middle-age is tough, even for animated chipmunks.

But that leads to the film’s biggest question: who is the target audience? Unlike other kids fare that includes the adults, Rangers does the opposite by targeting adults first. Ultimately, this approach works fine, except for the fact that Rangers comes with the baggage of a being known property. For example, in the case of Roger Rabbit, Disney had a blank canvas upon which to create their adult-targeted story. Not so for Rescue Rangers, a series which is known for targeting little ones. (It’s also worth mentioning that, as recently as last year, Disney rebooted Chip ‘N Dale as an animated series that targeted kids). So, with this in mind, parents of young ones may need to exercise caution before hitting play.

Nevertheless, there’s little doubt that Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers is a reboot win. Fast and furry-ous with its humour, Schaffer manages to walk the line between parody and preposterous in ways that revive an old property without feeling stale. So, even if it does seem odd to target the parents over the kids, it’s absolutely worth dusting off these two gumshoes for old time’s sake.

Chip ‘N Dale’s Rescue Rangers streams on Disney+ on Friday, May 20th, 2022.

Polar Bear: Happy Earth Day to You

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No matter the species, everyone needs a home.

Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Jeff Wilson, Disneynature’s Polar Bear follows the journey of a mother and her cubs as they attempt to navigate the incredibly challenging environment ahead of them. From struggling to find food and safety to staving off predators, these polar bears struggle to survive in their unforgiving terrain.

Set against the cold Arctic tundra, Polar Bear is an engaging journey into the lives of a mother bear and her two cubs. Narrated by Catherine Keener, the film keeps to the franchise’s pattern of adding natural storytelling to its visuals. Whereas other nature films tend to emphasize the more scientific or creative aspects of the environment, Disneynature has always taken a different approach. Dating back to the 1960s and Walt’s ‘true life adventures’, Disneynature has always sought to make the harrowing journeys of its subjects more relatable and understandable. With an empathetic tone, Keener speaks about the bears in such a way as to almost humanize them as we learn about their world. For instance, although watching a polar bear hunt a leopard seal could be hard to watch, Keener’s perspective and warmth describes these moments as necessary. We understand that these arctic beasts need to eat in order to survive and feed her children. In doing so, Polar Bear actually manages to create heroes and villains in a world where no such things apply.

Disneynature’s POLAR BEAR – Photo by Jeff Wilson. ©2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

As always, Polar Bear features some stunning footage of that brings the world to life. There’s a cinematic feel to these films that makes one wish that they could be enjoyed on a big screen as opposed on Disney+. Even so, its visuals remain impressive to the eye. By pulling back the camera, Polar Bear emphasizes the incredible scope of the terrain. In doing so, it also reveals how small these massive beasts of the winter truly are when held up against the massive ice floes. 

What’s more, one of the best aspects of Disneynature’s storytelling is their ability to show unexpected details. Brief moments such as breaking ice in order to hunt or the challenge of escaping predators help provide the viewer with a window into the experiences of the bears that other nature docs fail to capture. 

Disneynature’s POLAR BEAR – Photo by Florian Ledoux. ©2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

As we follow this family, we understand that one of the great challenges they face is to find a home. (Again, this simple reference somehow makes their experiences relatable to the viewer.) Amidst the challenges of melting ice floes and changing migration patterns of their prey, this mother and her cubs struggle to find a place to settle. The Arctic tundra is an unforgiving space, especially in the midst of global warming and other related issues, so they must keep moving in order to survive.

In this way, the film serves two purposes. On one level, Polar Bear highlights the beauty of creation and builds an appreciation for these animals in their natural habitat. On another, it also feels like a call to action. Because we now know these gentle beasts, we feel more concern about them and want to help them find safety and security. This love of environmental action has always laid at the heart of Disneynature films and helps them become more practical in their application. 

Disneynature’s POLAR BEAR – Photo by Florian Ledoux. ©2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

In the end, Polar Bear fits very neatly into the environment of this franchise. By helping us get to know these giants of the Arctic, Disneynature also continues to challenge its viewers to help join the battle to save them.

After all, everyone needs a home.

Polar Bear is available on Disney+ on Friday, April 22nd, 2022.

Better Nate than Ever: Find Your Light

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It’s hard to find words to describe the ray of sunshine that is Better Nate than Ever. 

Better Nate than Ever tells the story of Nate Foster (Reuby Wood), an unpopular but spunky 13-year-old theatre student in Pittsburgh who dreams of becoming a Broadway star. When an open audition for the role of his dreams takes place in New York, Nate and his best friend Libby (Aria Brookes) sneak out so that Nate can fight for what he believes is his future. However, after a chance encounter with Nate’s estranged Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow) upends their plans, Nate and Libby must work together in order to make their dreams a reality.

Telling the story of one young man’s dreams of becoming a Broadway star, Better Nate than Ever is an utter delight from start to finish. Directed by Tim Federle (who also wrote the novel upon which the film is based), Nate is sharp, fantastical and fun children’s fare. There is such an enthusiasm and likeability about this film that you cannot help will be drawn in to its world. Musical sequences take on the appearance of a Broadway stage but never distract from the story that’s going on around them. This is not a film where songs burst forth from the cast as they walk down the street but rather are embedded within the life of struggling actors trying to make it big.

After the misfire that was Dear Evan Hanson last year (and arguably Netflix’s Prom), Better Nate than Ever is a return to form for onscreen musicals. These examples prove how important (and divisive) casting a film of this nature can be. However, Nate manages to hit the right notes in this area, especially in young lead Reuby Wood, who sparkles as the indomitable Nate himself. Wood brings an energy and life to the role that makes him undeniably likeable. His chemistry with onscreen bestie Libby (Aria Brookes) works well as the two enjoy some impressive banter, considering their age. 

Although it is also fair to say Disney unabashedly uses Nate as an opportunity to show off their IP as use of musicals like Frozen and West Side Story all fall neatly under the Disney umbrella. In fact, there’s even a certain irony about the fact that they are making a musical about Lilo and Stitch within the film, as its one of the few properties that Disney has not turned into a live-action remake or Broadway play. (However, does it make me a bad person that I kind of want to see the Stitch musical now?)

At its heart, this is a film that invites us to follow our dreams. Whether you are young like Nate or older and more established like his aunt, Nate wants to encourage you to take those risks to ‘find your light’. Although Nate’s story takes off very quickly, the film also makes it clear that it is difficult to achieve your goals. There is a struggle involved but the film does not want you to give up in the midst of that struggle. (In this way, it’s also worth noting that this film also carries with it a message of love and support of the LGBTQ community as well.) 

Much more than this though, this is also a film but what it means to find your life. Whereas Nate knows instantly what he wants to accomplish, Libby is unsure of her future. She has no interest in being a star yet she loves to support those that can be. However, she still does not know who she is or what she wants to be. As her journey unfolds, Libby begins to understand her role in Nate’s inevitable stardom. In this way, the film reminds the viewer to push forward as there is a place for us all. 

While the title Better Nate than Ever may seem a bit outlandish or self-serving, it is also hard to disagree that it’s also accurate. Fueled with a deep affection for Broadway and musical theater, Nate absolutely pops on screen. Most importantly though, it absolutely makes you want to go and find your light as well.

Better Nate than Ever is available on Disney+ on Friday, April 1st, 2022.

Moon Knight: Marvel’s Wildest Experiment… and it Works

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Once again, Marvel has proven that they aren’t the most successful franchise in history by accident. With each entry into their massive (and ever-expanding) canon, they continue to flex their influence by releasing increasingly risky characters and stories that somehow still fit their brand.

A world entirely translated by generations of television.

Multiple Spider-Men from the past 20 years of film franchises.

A giant purple titan who wields an all-powerful gauntlet.

No matter how (doctor) strange their continuity becomes, Marvel somehow manages to make it work. (Yes, there are franchises that are better than others… but the percentage of quality in their cinematic storytelling is surprisingly high, especially considering how long they’ve been doing this.)

Now, here comes what is arguably the most insane story of all: Moon Knight.

Streaming on Disney+, Moon Knight tells the story of Steven Grant, a mild-mannered gift shop employee who is struggling with bizarre dreams. Every night, he fears falling asleep as he finds himself transported to exotic locations and dangerous situations. As his dreams begin to blur with reality, Steven discovers his inner mercenary (literally) as an alternate persona known as Marc Spector battles for control of his body. Fierce and ferocious, Spector is under the servitude of the Egyptian god, Khonshu, who demands that he fight on his behalf. As Steven/Marc begin to unravel their complicated relationship, so too must they defend themselves against a mysterious Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke), an acolye of the goddess Ammit.

Moon Knight is ridiculous on almost every level… but it’s also ridiculously fun

Spearheaded by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, Moon Knight is stylish and well-executed. Billed as a ‘horror comedy’, the series is a wild blend of the terrifying and goofy. Known for their work on Synchronic and She Dies Tomorrow, Moorehead and Benson have a background in psychological horror and the put those talents to work here. Flashing hallways, demonic jackals and psychological breakdowns all work together create an unsettling atmosphere of terror. However, the best example of their horror influence comes through the depiction of Khonshu. Voiced by F. Murray Abraham, Khonshu’s bird skull and long, bony physique pushes the boundaries of what Marvel has offered by creating an intimating ghostly figure that ominously follows Spector/Grant. (Note to parents, while it keeps to its PG rating, this image may intimidate younger ones so use caution.)

At the same time though, Knight is also genuinely funny. Although the series features Marvel’s trademark silliness (such as a car chase in a cupcake truck), much of the credit here falls on a stellar performance by Isaac who is absolutely erratic as the psychologically-divided hero. From the Coen Brothers to Star Wars, Isaacs has always been willing to balance his independent work with big franchises. 

But his performance in Moon Knight is truly unique.

As Marc Spector, Isaac is allow to engage his dark side. A mercenary indebted to Khonshu, Spector remains calm, collected and often brutal. However, as Steven Grant, Isaac is practically bouncing off the walls with erratic energy. Armed with a British accent and high anxiety, Grant is constantly in motion as he attempts to figure out what’s taking place around—and within—him. Together, Spector/Grant have a tension reminiscent of the Hulk & Banner as both men battle for control of the same person. When you add in the demanding demonic voice of Khonshu, Disney has invariably created an ‘Odd Throuple’ with each persona attempting to dominate the other. (In fact, the relationship between these characters echoes Sony’s recent rom-com superhero franchise Venom which features a similar silliness between Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote.)

At its heart, Moon Knight feels interested in addressing the nature of justice. Whereas Spector is more than prepared to exact vengeance and violence when called upon, Grant has a gentler approach. To Grant, violence is never the answer and there is always a better way to solve his problems. However, Spector’s strength is often required in order to defeat the baddies that go bump in the night. There is a tension between their styles that creates some interesting conversations about the definition of justice and what sorts of methods are required. (Admittedly, Knight often favours Spector’s brutality as necessary yet, as the series progresses, one gets the sense that Grant’s humility will become important to Spector’s growth.)

Held in juxtaposition to this internal battle is the villainous Harrow who believes that the sins of man require judgment. Committed to the goddess Ammit, Harrow believes that humanity can be judged for actions that they haven’t yet been committed if there is darkness in their hearts. Whether it’s an elderly woman or infants, Harrow is relentless in his belief that those who (may) create suffering should be eliminated before they have the chance to do so. 

When held up against Spector/Grant, the series creates some space for what it truly means to create a safe space for others. To Harrow, man’s sins are inevitable and therefore justifiably erased. For Grant, man cannot be blamed until the actions come to life and then invited to change. Finally, Spector argues that those who threaten peace are justifiably stopped by any means necessary. Between the three of voices, the series highlights the breadth of opinions on justice and tries to hold them all in tension together.

How Moon Knight fits in with Marvel continuity is not yet known. Set in its own space and time, Knight very much feels like a standalone series. (Although, it’s fair to say that we know that’s not the case. Nothing in Marvel ever exits on its own.) However, anchored by a phenomenal performance by Isaac, Knight manages to carve itself its own corner of the Marvel Universe. Once again, Marvel has taken an insane premise and created something infinitely watchable and engaging.

Somehow, they’ve managed to let this Knight shine.

Moon Knight begins streaming on Disney+ on Thursday, March 31st, 2022.

SF Radio 8.20 Sacred Sexuality in PAM & TOMMY

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In the ‘greatest love story ever sold, Hulu’s Pam & Tommy tells the story of the theft and release of the celebrity couple’s sex tape back in the late 1990s. Beginning with the energy of a raunchy comedy, the series gradually shifts its perspective into something much more poignant and (dare I say it?) powerful in its conversations about gender and sexuality. This week, Amanda Jane Smith and Miriam Ibrahim return to have an honest discussion surrounding the nature of ‘gaze’ and the relationship between consent, sexuality and pornography.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

8.20-Pam-TommyDownload

Turning Red: Embrace the Panda

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Growing up is hard. Embracing the changes as they happen can be even harder.

Directed by Academy Award-winner Domee Shi (Bao), Red is a delightful coming-of-age story that is easily one of Pixar’s best films in years. Filled with bright colours and fueled with humour and heart, there’s simply an infectious joy about the film that charms and delights throughout. With fun and furry… er… fury, Turning Red becomes a wild ride into one young girl’s journey into the madness of puberty.

Taking place in 2002, Turning Red tells the story of Mei Lee (voice of Rosalie Chiang), an enthusiastic pre-teen girl who lives in Toronto, Canada. Though she loves her family dearly, the expectations and pressure created by her over-protective mother, Ming (voice of Sandra Oh), is a cause of stress for her as she endures the chaos of adolescence. Things become even more frenzied when Mei discovers a family secret: whenever she gets too excited, she changes into a giant red panda! Freaked out by this shocking truth, Mei must try to figure out whether or not this change can be controlled… and whether or not she wants to.

While the premise may sound similar to Pixar’s Inside Out, the two films could not be more different. Written by Pete Doctor, Inside Out has an unavoidable level of distance as he writes from his own perspective. However, Red feels much more personal. As Mei wrestles with the changes within her, Shi brings an empathy and understanding that stems from her own experiences as a young girl that makes Red feel more real. As a result, whereas Inside Out feels like a man attempting to comprehend his daughter, Red seems much grounded from personal understanding.

Set in the urban jungle of Toronto, there’s also little question that the film is a love letter to her upbringing in Canada. Having immigrated at a young age, Shi grew up in the city and Red unashamedly adores its hometown. References to loonies, Wilfred Laurier, rides on the TTC and more all allow the city to have its moment in the sun. (Set in 2002, they even refer to the Rogers Centre as its proper name, the SkyDome.) 

More importantly though, Red is also a loving testament to her upbringing as an immigrant Canadian. While the film is not about Shi herself, the film celebrates her Asian heritage yet also remains willing to show the challenges that growing up in a different culture may cause within the home. Caught between the traditions of her parents and her life as a Canadian teen, Mei attempts to make sense of her world and her place within it. Although she remains committed to honouring her parents and their values, Mei’s life feels like a threat to her parents’ traditions. Pop music, boys and sexual attraction begin to create a rift between her and her mother that begins to break down their relationship.

In this way, Red fearless in its exploration of growing up. Using the red panda as a metaphor for Mei’s changing emotions and body, Red feels authentic and honest. Dealing with issues ranging from sexual attraction to a girl’s first period, the film feels grounded in all of the awkwardness of youth, even in the midst of its wild premise. 

While Mei’s world begins to change, Red points out that all of us are fueled by a complex mixture of imperfections, anger and sadness. As she attempts to balance her new and unpredictable emotions and her mother’s expectations of her, Mei becomes frightened of what’ happening to her. However, as she begins to navigate these changes, she also begins to understand what it means to accept the pieces of herself that don’t always fit into the box. (In fact, she becomes empowered by them.) Yes, the changes in her life may be scary and cause tensions at home, but there’s something incredible about them as well.

In the end, Turning Red definitely turns into something special. Mei’s journey may be her own, yet this is a story for everyone who has (or are) going through the chaos of growing up. Whether it’s learning to accept who you are or the ever-changing dynamics between teenagers and parents, these moments in our lives can be really difficult. Even so, Red reminds of the power that comes when we embrace the panda. 

Turning Red is available to stream on Disney+ on Friday, March 11th, 2022.

SF Radio 8.18 We Don’t Talk About BOBA FETT

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Streaming on Disney+, The Book of Boba Fett tells the epic story of the famed bounty hunter and his exploits after the Battle of Sarlaac’s Pit in Return of the Jedi… until it doesn’t. Pivoting hard at the halfway point, the series quickly brings in the best characters from The Mandalorian and focuses more on the group than Boba himself. This week, ScreenFish’r Heather Johnson returns to talk about whether or not we needed a redemption story for Boba Fett and the flaws of Jedi choices.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

8.18-The-Book-of-Boba-Fett

The Dropout: Welcome to the Show

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Looking back, you should probably be concerned if your company’s CEO idolizes Mark Zuckerberg.

Taking the audience back to tech boom of the early 2000s, The Dropout tells the true story of Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried), an impetuous young woman determined to become the world’s youngest CEO. After believing that she’d developed the technology to diagnose patients from a single drop of blood, she drops out of college to pursue her dream by changing the pharmaceutical industry forever. However, as her innovations become more fiction than fact, Holmes and her boyfriend, Sunny Balwani (Naveen Andrews) attempt to keep the company afloat by promising more but offering less.

While one can never be truly sure what the ‘facts’ of these dramatic representations of true life events may really be (see Anderson, Pamela), The Dropout definitely has the goods to make for entertaining television. Like the fable of Icarus, there’s still something compelling about watching a person fly so close to proverbial sun and Holmes’ story is no different. Led by showrunner Liz Meriwether and director Michael Showalter (The Big Sick), there’s an energy to the series that keeps it moving well. While it certainly isn’t comedic per se, there’s a liveliness to this story of Holmes and her fall from grace that gives it life. 

Star Amanda Seyfried increasingly owns the role with each episode, fueling Holmes with a fearlessness that also reveals her immaturity. Here, Holmes is seen as a woman who struggles to let go of control and Seyfried turns in solid work as the wannabe millionaire. Although she wheels and deals for increasing financial backing, there’s a fragility behind her eyes that makes her somewhat unpredicatable. Having said this, it’s possible that the most welcome work in the series lies with veteran actor Naveen Andrews as Holme’s boyfriend and partner, Sunny Balwani. Best known perhaps for his role as Sayid Jarrah in ABC’s Lost, Andrews provides the necessary maturity and strength that counterbalances Seyfried’s often-erratic Holmes. While he is far from innocent in the fall of Theranos, he remains sympathetic throughout. (Also, can someone please pronounce Sam Waterston a national treasure? His presence simply makes almost anything better.)

As a woman in the tech industry, The Dropout acknowledges the incredible challenges that Holmes faces along the way. (There’s even an episode entitled, ‘Old White Men’.) As a young and impetuous CEO of a major tech company, her ability to break through the glass ceiling and its toxic masculinity is nothing short of remarkable.  

But this is also what makes her fall so much more tragic.

Facing impossible odds by a male-dominated industry that refused to trust her, her drive to leave her mark on the world is admirable, but her willingness to compromise her integrity mars her legacy. Instead of becoming a model for future generations of young women to achieve the impossible, Holmes’ endless stream of lies becomes the story that others remember. This inability to be honest with herself, in addition to the falsehoods of the company as a whole, creates the destruction of an idea that had limitless potential. Nevertheless, rather than take the necessary time to really change the world, Holmes’ ego and self-delusion drive her forward recklessly and carelessly into her world of deception. With each small slide into complacency, her hard work falls further into the shadows of her many indiscretions. 

Highlighting Holmes’ brilliance in the corporate world, there’s a certain level of admiration within the series for her ability to play the game. However, at the same time, Dropout never allows her to shirk responsibility for her actions. With each increasing compromise and falsehood, The Dropout reminds the viewer the tragic consequences that occur when we’re willing to sacrifice our integrity for the sake of maintaining ‘the Show’. 

The first three episodes of The Dropout stream on Hulu and Star+ on Thursday, March 3rd, 2021 with new episodes following weekly.