?No matter how rocky and dry the soil, there?s a chance for life.? Ron Vignone?s Two Ways Home has won a slew of awards at various festivals around the country. It is a story of broken people and broken relationships. It is also a story of healing and new life. Kathy (Tanna Frederick, who also…
?We must become the shepherd of our own destinies? Mangrove, the opening film of Steve McQueen?s Small Axe anthology, is a tale of racial struggle against police abuse. It is based on the true story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of men and women put on trial in London. (Yes, that?s right, racial prejudice…
Every now and then, Pixar releases a film that is not just enjoyable or even powerful but truly special. Soul is one of those films. Directed by Pete Docter, Soul is a film that admittedly feels like it?s been made for adults but kids should still love as well. While Docter?s previous hits Monsters Inc. and Inside Out targeted the fears and…
?You can?t crush a soul here; that?s what life on earth is for.? Since Pixar?s Soul is coming to us on Christmas Day, I can?t help but compare it to a present. This is the largest present under the tree. It has the most amazing wrapping paper and beautiful ribbons. We can hardly wait to…
Great films entertain us and transport us to another world. Whether they are summer blockbusters or low-key indie films, there is power in good story telling. But every once in a while we see something that not only transports us, but awakens us. It inspires us. It gives direction to the voice that has been…
One of the unique aspects of growing up in the 1980s (besides being able to roam free in the neighborhood after school) was the advent of video games.? Sure, you could go to the arcade in the mall or the local pizza parlor and pump quarters into Pole Position, Donkey Kong, or Ms. Pac Man…
Back in 2005, I figured I knew all things Jane Austen. A year out from graduating with a major in English, I spent the best semester ever sitting in a class that was dedicated to her writings. Every paper graded was an A. My professor lit up every time I added something to the discussion….
Like creating great music, it?s important that every member of a film?s cast is on the same page. Thankfully, in the case of Ma Rainey?s Black Bottom, the cast are not only in sync with one another. They?re in perfect harmony. Set in 1920s Chicago,?Ma Rainey?s Black Bottom?takes place over the course of an afternoon as…
?I think God gives everyone the same gift. Most people don?t unwrap the gift.? Rafal Zielinski?s Tiger Within is a study of brokenness, fear, hatred, wisdom, forgiveness, and healing. It is the story of two very different people who manage to find a connection they both need to survive. Casey (played by the 14 year…
Honest Thief may be Liam Neeson’s most redemptive role since he played Jean Valjean. It’s not that he hasn’t played the dark angel of vengeance or been a character we rooted for, but here, he’s the kind of guy who looks back over his life and realizes that he’s made several missteps and wants to…
