Archives for : friendship
“Sixteen-year-old Teagan Tao (Miku Martineau) was a rising star in single sculls rowing until a family scandal capsized her future. Forced to relocate with her mom (Jessica Paré) to the East Coast, Teagan starts over at the prestigious Easton Prep, where she’s not just an outcast but stuck aground – there’s no girls’ rowing team. Her only way to the water is to take the helm of the school’s notoriously dysfunctional boys’ varsity crew as their coxswain.”
I had the incredible opportunity head to Toronto to speak with the stars of the new coming-of-age drama series, “Crew Girl”.
We discuss who is the coxswain in their life, their hometowns, and more!
CREW GIRL streams on Netflix September 10, 2026.
Based on the bestselling series of children’s books by Deborah Diesen, “The Pout-Pout Fish” is a heartwarming, animated underwater adventure that is sure to turn anyone’s frown upside down.
The film stars Nick Offerman, Nina Oyama, and “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks. Offerman voices Mr. Fish, who always carries a pout on his face because he has been taught to avoid strangers all his life, isolating himself from the world. Suddenly, his quiet, loneliness is interrupted by a sea dragon named Pip. He accidentally destroys her home and reluctantly agrees to help her find a wish-granting fish named Shimmer, who might be able to help her create a new home for her soon-to-be very large family. However, Pip and Mr. Fish need to find her before Benji, a cuddle fish, does first and uses up her one wish for his own purposes. Read full review here.
Rating: B
“The Pout-Pout Fish” opens in theaters March 20, 2026.
“Poppy wants to explore the world and Alex prefers to stay home with a good book, but somehow they are the very best of friends. They live far apart, but for a decade they have spent one week of summer vacation together.”
Based on the Best-Selling novel by Emily Henry, “People We Meet on Vacation” is the first best film of 2026. The movie is a nostalgic, enchanting, and comforting romantic comedy.
I had the opportunity to sit down with the stars (Emily Bader & Tom Blyth), author (Emily Henry), and director (Brett Haley) in New Orleans (one of the primary filming locations) to discuss, when they knew what they wanted out of life, what kinds of questions they ask to get to know someone, and more!
“People We Meet on Vacation” premieres on Netflix January 9, 2026.
The award-winning Broadway show, Wicked returns for the second half of its whimsical musical, Wicked: For Good.
In Part 2, the now demonized Elphaba known as the Wicked Witch of the West has been exiled from Oz and is desperately fighting for the freedom of silenced animals and trying to expose the lies of The Wizard. While Glinda has been appointed as “The Good Witch” and a comfort to Oz, she is internally struggling, missing Elphaba, her best friend and being part of a charade to villainize her. Now unfortunately, Wicked: For Good fails to defy gravity like Wicked Part One, the first film, BUT as whole, the essential parts of the story are wonderful. There’s a beautiful message about friendship, love, acceptance, and being cautious of false heroes.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande soar once again. It is their chemistry and passion on-screen and off-screen that moves audiences and makes these films a success. Read full review here.
Rating: B
Stephen King’s newest adaptation, The Long Walk is not for the faint of heart. It’s a chilling and intense thriller grounded by the emotional depth of its relatable characters and the choices they make.
Based on King’s first-written novel, the film is set in a dystopian future where a group of teenage boys compete to win a life-changing prize in an annual contest known as The Long Walk, where they must maintain a certain walking speed or get shot. It is as stressful as it sounds, pushing horror boundaries that are equally terrifying, thought-provoking and emotional. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence, who ironically enough directed several of the Hunger Games movies, which plot wise feel eerily related. Lawrence masterfully captures the tension and anxiety these boys are feeling with every step they take. As soon as the walk begins, audiences will be on edge waiting for the inevitable demise of 49 walkers.
It is a difficult watch but if you can power through the unsettling images, you will be blown away by some early Oscar-worthy performances by Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson. Read full review here.
Rating: A-
“The Long Walk” opens in theaters September 12, 2025.
SIRENS Interview: Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, Glenn Howerton, Felix Solis, Bill Camp
SIRENS is the hottest new binge-worthy mini-series on Netflix. The show features a powerhouse cast, including Academy Award winner, Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, and Milly Alcock.
Fahy plays Devon, who is concerned about her sister’s unhealthy relationship with her new boss. The series is a sharp and sexy dark comedy that will keep you guessing till the very end.
I had the honor of speaking with some of the stars of the show about show, a time in our lives when we’re most influenced, and more.
SIRENS is currently streaming on Netflix!
The new drama, “The Friend”, starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray is an adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s novel about an unconventional friendship between a writer and her late friend and mentor.
The film follows Iris, a writer and professor living in New York City. She has just learned about the unexpected passing of her longtime mentor and dear friend, Walter. The heartbreaking news has shocked her, and she isn’t fully able to process how the death has affected her due to the pressures of finishing the novel she had been working on with Walter and having to take care of his Great Dane, Apollo, which Walter has inconveniently passed on to her. To make matters worse her apartment does not allow pets, and finding a new home for Apollo is proving that Iris is taking on more than she can chew.
While Apollo starts out as an imposition in Iris’ life, he quickly becomes a blessing. He fills a void as a representation of Walter and helps her cope with the tragic loss – further proving the healing benefits of an emotional support animal. The film is more of a character study. While we see how all the people in Walter’s life are impacted in different ways by his passing, we focus on the one who seems to be internalizing most of her feelings. I wouldn’t say there’s a whole lot to unpack here, the message is straightforward, and the story is simple, but the delivery is well done through its heartfelt performances and the subtle progression of Iris and Apollo’s therapeutic bond.
Outside of the captivating flashbacks between Walter and Iris and the dynamic between Iris and her new furry friend, the film lacks creativity. It follows a familiar formula we have seen many times before and there’s nothing necessarily inspiring about the visuals or filmmaking. However, it is a solid watch that tackles heavy, yet relatable themes about friendship, grief, and life in general. And it never hurts to watch a heartwarming and easy-going story about the positive impact of companionship.
Rating: B-
“The Friend” is currently playing in theaters.
In TYLER PERRY’S DUPLICITY, high-powered attorney Marley (Kat Graham) faces her most personal case yet when she is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the shooting of her best friend Fela’s (Meagan Tandy) husband (Joshua Adeyeye). With the help of her boyfriend (Tyler Lepley) – a former cop turned private investigator – Marley’s search for what really happened leads her down a treacherous maze of deception and betrayal.
I had the opportunity to speaks with the stars of the film, Kat Graham Meaghan Tandy, Tyler Lepley, & RonReaco Lee about the power of the media and their captivating characters.
Check out the interview and the movie, streaming on Prime March 20, 2025.
“Wicked” has been a beloved stage production. Wicked has been a beloved stage production. Now you can see the story on the big screen in theaters with the whole family during the holiday season. Visionary director Jon M. Chu, who brought us “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights” inspires audiences with a truly magical retelling of the emotional Broadway hit.
For those who don’t know the story, it’s about Elphaba, a young woman who’s misunderstood because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular girl she meets at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. The two don’t get along at first, Glinda is completely unaware of how self-absorbed and offensive she is and Elphaba doesn’t make much of an effort with her. But when they are forced to room together, the two eventually get to know each other in a way that no one else has. They form a beautiful friendship that moviegoers can’t help but fall in love with. However, that friendship is challenged when they have what they hoped would be a dream meeting with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The film is a vibrant reimagining of the classic Wizard of Oz movie and spotlights the untold origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West and her once dear friend, Glinda the Good Witch. And in a lot of ways, I enjoy this story more. It raises the questions – are people born evil? Are those who claim to be heroes truly good? But more importantly, it sends a powerful message about not judging people for the way look, but for who they are on the inside. Thankfully, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s chemistry leaps off the screen. And if you have seen them during this press tour, it’s clear they have built a genuine friendship of their own. The two pour their hearts into unforgettable, award worthy performances. Especially, a hilarious and scene stealing Ariana Grande.
Though some have complained about the film’s nearly three-hour runtime, it allows for effective character development while impressively moving quickly and surprisingly leaves you wanting more. Thankfully, this is only the first part for the bold adaptation and fans can look forward to part 2 next year. In the meantime, this is the holiday film you want to see in theaters as you will be swept away by the dazzling visuals and moving musical numbers that undeniably defy gravity. “Wicked” is a breathtaking spectacle everyone can enjoy.
Rating: A+