– By Sam Hendrian – This article is part of our Classic Film Throwback Series “I ask for nothing/I can get by/But I know so many/Less lucky than I” -Esmeralda, “God Help the Outcasts” This haunting prayer uttered by the gypsy Esmeralda partway through Disney’s animated classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame succinctly captures the beautifully complex, challenging themes of the …
Renard’s Mid-Year Report on Cinema in 2019
— by Renard N. Bansale — 2019’s summer film season has begun to wind down as the cinema world prepares for the expected annual onslaught of Oscar contenders that seek to attract awards voters throughout autumn and winter. While they do that, I’d like to take a moment and consider cinema in 2019 so far—the highs, the lows, and the …
The Lies & Subtext of Familial Affection in ‘The Farewell’
(2019—Director: Lulu Wang) — by Renard N. Bansale — Low ★★★★ (out of 5 stars) “Chinese people have saying: ‘When people get cancer, they die.’ It’s not the cancer that kills them. It’s the fear.” — Mother Jian (Diana Lin) to daughter Billi (Awkwafina) Potential spoilers below Truth: Mind conforming to reality, grasping that what is, is, and what is …
What Seinfeld Taught Us About Embracing the Humor of Everyday Life (and Transcending Selfishness)
– By Sam Hendrian – Too tired to watch a whole movie at the end of a long day, the father and son sit down to enjoy a couple half-hour reruns of Seinfeld, sharing many a hearty laugh before it is time to hit the sack. The next morning, their laughter may continue as they gleefully reference the antics of …
Fight or Flight: How ‘Then Came You’ Shows the Power of Redemptive Suffering
– By Anna Livia Brady – (Spoilers below) We shiver and moan whenever the AC is below 73. We get mad when Taylor from Chic-Fil-A puts two honey mustards in our bag instead of three. We leave the credit card bill on the counter to be opened later. Needless to say, we’re creatures of comfort, so drawn to the familiarities …
Disney Declares Creative Bankruptcy With ‘The Lion King’ 2019
(2019—Director: Jon Favreau) — by Renard N. Bansale — High ★★ (out of 5 stars) “While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give.” — King Mufasa (James Earl Jones) to Prince Simba (JD McCrary) (Also, following their initial mentions, I shall distinguish between the two versions of The Lion King using …
Spider-Man Gives MCU’s Phase 3 a Stellar Finale in ‘Far From Home’
(2019—Director: Jon Watts) — by Renard N. Bansale — ★★★★ (out of 5 stars) “You’re not a jerk for wanting a normal life, kid.” — Quentin Beck/Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) to Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland) “Aw, I love Led Zeppelin!” — Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland) to Harold “Happy” Hogan (Jon Favreau) Potential spoilers below Of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) offerings …
Embracing Our Greater Calling in ‘The Lion King’
This article is part of our Classic Film Throwback Series – By Sam Hendrian – 25 years ago, Walt Disney Animation Studios released its own take on the classic story of Hamlet called The Lion King. Featuring a thematically-rich story padded with fun, sometimes soul-stirring songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, it arguably remains one of the powerhouse studio’s …
The Effects of Personal Experience on Art in ‘The Souvenir’
– By Sam Hendrian – When an artist creates art, it is undoubtable that she shares a little bit of her soul with the world. But which aspects of her soul does she predominantly share? Personal experience? Lofty ideals? This question is hauntingly and thought-provokingly explored in the 2019 Sundance film The Souvenir, which will be available for rent/purchase on …
Fate and Free Will in Netflix’s ‘Dark’
– By James Powers – Editor’s Note: Potential Spoilers Below for Season 1 of ‘Dark’ Most of us have probably had the freaky experience, in some high school world lit class, of reading Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex. In case you don’t remember, that’s the one in which the doomed protagonist tries and fails to avoid the unsavory destiny pronounced for …