I had the great honor to speak with the incredible Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, & Mike Schur about the second season of the fun, lighthearted mystery...
Sydney Sweeney gives a knockout performance in an unbalanced narrative.
Not knowing Christy Martin’s story and uncertain of how Sweeney would pull off this role, I approached this film with caution. To my surprise, Sweeney’s transformation and gripping performance salvages the spotty storyline.
At first glance, “Christy” appears to be a stereotypical female boxer biopic – Christy starts her career from the bottom, has to prove herself as a worthy woman fighter, and build up to her life-changing match. Well, that element is partly there. Christy does start from the bottom, but the film portrays her success as quick ladder climb. She wins almost all her matches and becomes the first female fighter to sign with legendary promoter, Don King (Chad L. Coleman). Her toughest fight, and the real challenge of the story, is what she faces outside of the ring. Martin struggles with prejudice of her sexuality and to feel safe to be with a woman she loves. Her parent’s pressure her to steer away from this “lifestyle”, which is why Martin submits to a marriage with her bum trainer, Jim Martin (Ben Foster), who quickly shows his true, dark colors as an abusive, controlling, and manipulative husband.
There is a lot to unpack with Christy’s story and sadly, the film fails to show the complexity of Christy’s story. The lack of development and backstory of Christy’s relationship with her parents makes her motive to please them a fairly weak. From an audience perspective, they are terrible, especially her mother. They do not help her in any way, so one wonders why she even bothers to suffer in this trapped life to please them.
Perhaps, the biggest downfall, are the lackluster matches. While, they are decently shot fights, they carry no weight or emotion. Christy wins and we move on. I’m not sure if that’s what we are intended to feel, as we are much more concerned for Christy’s safety and well-being in her personal life.
It is not lost on audiences the irony of Christy choosing a “safe” and “acceptable” spouse, ended up being a spouse that almost murdered her. That aspect to this story stays with you and is absolutely heartbreaking.
As whole, “Christy” is an intriguing tale and the entire cast, especially Sweeney (who is quite possibly at her best) and Foster are captivating, however, the misdirection in the screenplay might take away from those compelling performances.
Based on the shocking true story; a charismatic criminal, on the run from the police, hides in a Toys”R”Us. There, he adopts a new identity and starts an unlikely relationship with an employee. This week I sit down with filmmaker Derek Cianfrance to discuss his new dark comedy, “Roofman”, starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst.
Froy Gutierrez as “Ryan” and Madelaine Petsch as “Maya” in THE STRANGERS Trilogy, a Lionsgate release. Photo Credit: John Armour for Lionsgate
You might remember the 2008 film, “The Strangers” based on a horrifying true story of a home invasion. “The Strangers: Chapter 1” is based on the series but is the first installment of a new trilogy directed by Renny Harlin.
After a young couple’s car breaks down in an eerie small town, they are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. What was supposed to be a relaxing evening turns into a nightmare, as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who attack them with no mercy and seemingly no motive. This first chapter is a promising start to the new saga, as Harlin creates a disturbing, realistic setting with subtle jump scares that make you uneasy from the moment they enter the secluded home.
The film does have a bumpy start. The acting and dialogue feel very much like a CW drama, but once the couple arrive at the cabin, the story really finds its footing and succeeds in making you never want to take a vacation in the middle of nowhere. However, you will be eager to see what’s to come after this first movie, as it does end with a “to-be-continued”. Another draw to the film is the two leads, Riverdale’s Madelaine Petsch and local Dallas native, Froy Gutierrez do a solid job as a long-time couple with natural chemistry. It’s the care you have for them that makes you want to see this tragedy through. And I’m sure you’re wondering how this story compares to the 2008 movie. No surprise, there’s a lot of similarities, don’t expect anything original, outside of a different romantic dynamic and possibly a different outcome.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” may not leave a lasting impression, but it does provide all the ingredients for a decent scary movie. There’s mounting tension, creative shots, and enough haunting images that make for a thrilling good time. And with all 3 films planned to take place over only a few days, you can’t help but want to see what’s coming next.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” opens in theaters May 17, 2024.
“This love story chronicles the lifelong relationship of conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein.”
It was a real treat to have a quick chat with Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan! Cooper poured his heart and soul into this movie directing, co-writing, and starring in the incredibly moving film. And Mulligan is truly a tour de force as she gives her best performance yet since “Promising Young Woman”.
Watch this one with no distractions and the volume turned up as you allow yourself to be immersed in the music and beautiful story.
The Von Erich’s ruled the pro-wrestling community right here in DFW. A family united by a sport they loved but one that would ultimately cause their untimely deaths. “The Iron Claw” tells the true story of the Von Erich legacy. I was at the world premiere of the film in Dallas and spoke with star, Zac Efron, and other cast members about the movie.
“A remarkable true story of tenacity, friendship and the triumph of the human spirit, NYAD recounts a riveting chapter in the life of world-class athlete Diana Nyad. Three decades after giving up marathon swimming in exchange for a prominent career as a sports journalist, at the age of 60, Diana (four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening) becomes obsessed with completing an epic swim that always eluded her: the 110 mile trek from Cuba to Florida. Diana goes on a thrilling, four-year journey with her best friend and coach Bonnie Stoll (two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster) and a dedicated sailing team.”
I got a chance to speak with directors, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, and the incredible Bonnie Stoll to discuss the true story, support systems, and more!
NYAD is available to stream on Netflix November 3, 2023.
“This film tells the inspiring true story of Richard Montañez who as a Frito Lay janitor disrupted the food industry by channeling his Mexican heritage to turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic global pop culture phenomenon.”
I got a chance to sit down with the director, Eva Longoria, and the stars of the film, Jesse Garcia & Annie Gonzalez to discuss the movie, their hardships, and how much they could relate to Richard’s story.
“Flamin’ Hot” is available to stream on Hulu and Disney Plus on June 9.
“From director Ursula Macfarlane (Untouchable) and producer Alexandra Lacey comes an unflinching and humanizing examination of the life, death and secrets of Vickie Lynn Hogan – better known as model and actress Anna Nicole Smith. From her first appearance in Playboy in 1992, Anna Nicole’s dizzying ascent was the very essence of the American dream, brought to a tragic halt with her untimely passing in 2007. With access to never-before-seen footage, home movies, and interviews with key figures who have not spoken out until now, ANNA NICOLE SMITH: YOU DON’T KNOW ME reveals new insights into the story of the quintessential blonde bombshell hardly anyone really knew.”
I got a chance to speak with director Ursula Macfarlane and producer Alexandra Lacey about the documentary, Anna’s most shocking details, and much more!
“Anna Nicole Smith You Don’t Know Me” is currently streaming on Netflix.
I am so happy to say, not only is this movie a slam dunk, but it’s one of the best films of the year so far. I know it’s early to say that, but this one is going to stick with audiences all year long.
“Air” is directed by Ben Affleck, who also stars in the film, alongside Matt Damon, Viola Davis, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker and Chris Messina. The film is about a sports marketing executive, played by Damon, and how he led Nike in its pursuit of the greatest athlete in the history of basketball: Michael Jordan. The film’s premise is simple and concise, but also, effective and moving thanks to outstanding performances by its all-star cast.
A big part of the reason why “Air” soars is because of the film’s authenticity. Ben Affleck wanted to do this story right, so he met with Michael Jordan and made sure he approved of the facts and what they would be portraying. Jordan’s only request was that Viola Davis play his mom. And who can blame him? She’s fantastic. Ben Affleck continues to prove himself as a skilled director with his brilliant focus and passion for storytelling.
The film is a witty crowd-pleaser that moves quick. It’s hilarious and has a great message about following your instincts and taking risks. “Air” is an inspiring true story everyone should see.
“The Good Nurse” follows a compassionate nurse, Amy Loughren (played by Jessica Chastain), who befriends an unsuspecting serial killer, Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne). Through friendship she is able to do what no one else seemed to have the courage to, and helps the police take him down. It’s a chilling story with Brillant performances by Chastain and Redmayne.
I had the chance to speak with Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne, and director, Tobias Lindholm about an act of kindness that impacted them, what comforts them during hard times, and more!
Watch the interview and the film when it opens in select theaters on October 19, 2022, and streams on Netflix on October 26, 20222.
