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Archives for : High School

Movie Review: “Re-Election”

Most of us have a moment from High School we wish we could redo. It’s a time when trivial things feel much bigger than they are. Though high school can hold cherished memories, for some, it is hard to let go of the past.

In the new comedy “Re-Election”, Jimmy Bauer (director-writer-producer ADAM SAUNDERS), is still haunted by the loss of his race for class president during his senior year back in 1995, which caused him to drop out of school. Now, he’s in his 40’s working in a memorabilia store owned by his dad (Tony Danza). Finally fed up with his mediocre life, Jimmy decides to go back to school for his missing class credits — and with the hopes of winning the Senior Class President election he believes will make his life right. But a lot has changed in 30 years, luckily with the help of his new friend Noa (Bex Taylor-Klaus) and former classmate-turned-girlfriend Ama (Nathalie Kelley), Jimmy will learn there are things more important in life than winning.

Saunders pulls details from his personal life into his feature debut. He grew up in Texas and went to Richardson High School where he was class president. While in some ways it is a story we have seen before, Saunders’ personal ties provide a nostalgic and authentic presentation to a familiar story.

“Re-Election” has some solid laughs especially from Saunders and his on-screen rival, Rizwan Manji. Personally, I could have been entertained just watching these to banter for an hour and half. Thankfully, you are treated to a hilarious video of Manji during the credits.

In addition to the film’s humor, there is a lot of heart. Jimmy has a sweet relationship with his sister (Patty Guggenheim), who encourages him to finish High School and believes he is capable of much more than he gives himself credit for. And there is a touching friendship with Jimmy and his new classmate, Noa (Taylor-Klaus).

Moviegoers can benefit from this light-hearted and easy watch. “Re-Election” is a short and sweet, fun stroll down memory lane with an inspiring future.

Rating: B-

Opens in New York on October 10, 2025

Opens in Dallas & Atlanta October 17, 2025

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CHAD Season 2 Interview w/ Nasim Pedrad

“Chad” is a comedy series that that follows a Persian teenage boy during high school as he desperately tries to fit in, cope with his mother’s dating life and reconcile his cultural identity.

In this bucket list interview, I get to chat with the multi-talented Nasim Pedrad. She’s the creator and star of “Chad”. We discuss the second season of the series that has found a new home at Roku! In the interview we talk about some our favorite storylines in the new season, trying to fit in during High School, the much need relatable Persian representation, and so much more in the fun conversation!

All episodes of “Chad” are currently streaming on Roku! Be sure to watch both seasons and the full interview below!

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Movie Review: “The Half of It” & “Underwater” DVD/Blu-Ray

“The Half of It” is a very interesting take on the classic “Cyrano de Bergerac”. Set in Washington state instead of France and replacing the soldiers and nobles with high school students, “The Half of It” looks like another Netflix winner.

Check out my review of the new Netflix drama and the DVD/Blu-Ray release of “Underwater”.

“The Half of It” is available on Netflix May 1.

“Underwater” is available on Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital

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Interview/Review: Trey Edward Shults talks “Waves”

Trey Edward Shults, Writer/Director of “Waves”

“Waves” goes from bad to unbearable within the first hour; however, the second half of the film remarkably heals itself.

Director/writer Trey Edward Shults wrote “Waves” after his critically acclaimed thriller, “It Comes At Night”. He continues to keep our tensions high with his new family drama. It’s a story he explained that, “was inspired from a number of real life experiences, including meeting my girlfriend and Kelvin Harrison Jr.”

Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Alexa Demie in “Waves”

As the film begins we meet Tyler (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). He’s a senior in high school who as it all: Popularity, a hot girlfriend (Alexa Demie), and star wrestler. Life at home isn’t too shabby either. His father Ronald (Sterling K. Brown) owns his own construction business, his mother Catharine (Renée Elise Goldsberry) is a counselor, and his sister Emily (Taylor Russell) is quiet and reserved, hiding in the shadow of her brother.

Though Tyler is pretty well off, we come to discover his father is constantly pushing him both physically and mentally. He puts a lot of pressure on Tyler to be the best; pointing out that because the family is African American they don’t have the luxury of being average. So when Tyler learns of his shoulder injury, which would end his wrestling career, he decides to hide it and self-medicate. Matters only get worse when his girlfriend reveals she is pregnant.

You might think you know what happens from there, but you don’t. And you’re going to find out here.

By the second half of the film the family is barely keeping it together, and suddenly we’ve gone from Tyler’s movie to Emily’s. She is even more introverted, and doesn’t seem to have any friends at school. That is until she meets Luke (Lucas Hedges), an awkward, but nice boy who also wrestles.  The film completely shifts in tone as we see love blossom in a steady and beautiful manner. Emily and Luke’s relationship is the cure we need after an unnerving first half. 

Taylor Russell and Lucas Hedges in “Waves”

Shults wanted to essentially split the film in two and show the dichotomy of our lives. “I wanted audiences to see, in it’s structure, separate views from a male and female. How different they handle conflict, and what are their highs and lows,” Shults elaborates.

Both Tyler and Emily continuously use Instagram in a way that make us question our own use of the app. It’s a way to track a significant other’s location, stalk a crush and, of course post lots of pictures. “I was trying to make it real and honest. I don’t have social media anymore, but I can imagine how it would feel to have one. I’ve even followed crushes, but in an appropriate way (Laughs).” explains Shults.

At the core, “Waves” is a film about family. The parents are connected to both Tyler and Emily’s stories, especially their father. Ronald is more invasive in Tyler’s life and almost absent in Emily’s. This raises the question, what is the right balance of a parent’s involvement in there children’s lives? Shults went on to answer, “It’s hard to say what’s the right amount of involvement, but for this movie communication is big. It’s important that parents make their kids feel like they can always come to them for anything.  It sounds easy, but it isn’t.”

As the film comes to an end, a shattered family struggles to put themselves back together. What you witness will make you want to embrace your own family and loved ones. Shults’ hope is that audiences will “connect with the complex characters, and have a lot to think about. And maybe even give them hope in their own lives”

“Waves” is a tough start. But if you allow yourself to stay on this emotional roller coaster, it will be a ride worth taking. 

Rating: 4/5

“Waves” opens in select theater November 27 (Playing at Landmark Magnolia)

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Interview: Power Rangers Cast Discuss New Film

I sat down with the stars (Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G., Ludi Lin) of the new Power Rangers movie to discuss their characters and what movie or show made them anticipate high school!

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