Sep 3 2021

The Big Scary “S” Word

The Big Scary “S” Word hits theatres and on demand platforms this weekend chronicling the history of Socialism in America. Insightful and articulate in its construction Director Yael Bridge illustrates how the concepts of Socialism have consistently risen to the surface as U.S. culture has faced dramatic hardship or change; and, simultaneously makes the case for socialism’s influence on the underpinnings of Democracy as we know it. Digging deeper, Bridge explores where the nation’s fear of Socialism actually stems from and highlights the current challenges facing its resurgence in America today. Democrat or Republican, this Labor Day weekend, it’s high time the nation learn and remember why this three day holiday exists. Worthy of your time and attention at one hour and twenty two minutes, The Big Scary “S” Word is un-rated.


Sep 3 2021

Cinderella

A modern spin on the age old tale of Cinderella takes to the big and small screen this weekend featuring Camila Cabello as Cinderella, Idina Menzel as the Stepmother, Billy Porter as the Fabulous Godmother, and Nicholas Galitzine a Prince Robert. This go round the story takes a musical bent with mashups, remakes, and originals of varying degrees of artistic mastery, sure to speak to Gen. X parents walking a pretty safe line of crowd pleasers and familiarity. The film also serves as an interesting COVID production having completed about one third of the principal photography before stopping down at the outset of the pandemic, restarting to complete with clever socially distant blocking and staging; which, if not mentioned would probably go un-noticed, to that end, kudos to Writer/Director Kay Cannon. With regards to the film’s artistic direction, choreography, and overall appeal, it’s fine, splashes of humor, and, slight plot twisting keep the story just modern enough; however, while the production certainly has a polish on it, the overall feel still rests outside the bounds of what might be considered “Disney” quality, this is a solid attempt none the less. Perhaps a weekend watch on Amazon for the younger family members in your life. Cinderella is rated PG.


Sep 3 2021

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Having fled his father’s hand and moved to America as a teenager, Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), is drawn back to China when a mysterious warning comes his way. But, facing the wrath and power of his father (Tony Chiu-Wai Leung) could have devastating consequences to earth if Shang-Chi isn’t able to repair is relationship with his sister, Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), and, finish his training in unarmed Kung Fu.Written By Dave Callaham, Destin Daniel Cretton, and Andrew Lanham and Directed by Cretton this film represents the first breakout of an Asian superhero from Marvel and manages to check all of the requisite Marvel boxes along the way, which is to say, the film does exactly what it needs to do, gives the viewer an understanding and origin of the character within the context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offers up some thrills, chills, and spills with increasingly impressive fight choreography, and, lays out some impressive CGI whilst clearly setting up the viewer for more action to come in future installments; check, check, check and check. Oh and, there’s a splash of humor along the way with Awkwafina being…well…Awkwafina. So, does the film challenge us in any particular way? No, it’s standard faire, but that doesn’t make it bad either, if anything, it’s consistent, and it’s fun….And, a little too long at two hours and twelve minutes of runtime. None the less, this one’s cut out for the big screen if you can make it happen. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is rated PG-13.