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 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.
“A thirty-something eternal bridesmaid goes on an empowering, and often hilarious, journey of self-discovery.” I had the opportunity to chat with Leah McKendrick, the director/writer/star of the new comedy, “Scrambled”.
This is an early favorite film, and it was such an honor to have an emotional and fun conversation with her about a film that meant so much to me. We discussed things she wanted to highlight about her personal egg freezing journey, the importance of being a supportive friend, and much more!
Be sure to watch “Scrambled” in theaters February 2, 2024.
“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!
“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.
A still from The Persian Version by Maryam Keshavars, an official selection of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute
“When a large Iranian-American family gathers, a family secret is uncovered that catapults the estranged mother and daughter into an exploration of the past, and to discover they are more alike than they know.”
It was such an honor to speak with Director/Writer Maryam Keshavarz about her hilarious and moving film, “The Persian Version”. This one was really special to me given the background and Persian ties. But the film goes places you wouldn’t except while maintaining the heart and humor of the story throughout.
“The Persian Version” is currently available On Demand
It’s kind of hard to say no to anything with George Clooney or Julia Roberts. But when they team up for a rom-com, I’m sold!
“Ticket to Paradise” tells a predictable story about a divorced couple, David (Clooney) and Georgia (Roberts), who can barely tolerate sitting next to each other at their daughter’s law school graduation. But, when their daughter, Lily (played by Kaitlyn Dever) goes on what was supposed to be a summer trip to Bali and falls in love/gets engaged to a native named Gede (Maxime Bouttier); David and Georgia put their differences aside to stop the wedding.
Like most romantic comedies, I’m sure you see where this story is going. When it comes to rom-coms, it’s not the predictability that is the issue, it’s whether or not we are served a fresh perspective and/or a handful of laughs. “Ticket to Paradise” offers nothing new story wise and, sadly, not a whole lot of laughs.
The film’s runtime is around an hour and 40 minutes, but the pacing is a lot slower compared to other films in that genre. This is due to the lack of comedy. The best moments are when Clooney and Roberts are at each other’s throats. Their disdain for each other is funny, and the audience will crave more bitter banter as the two have wonderful comedic chemistry. I’m just shocked they didn’t utilize their humor more. We have seen Roberts go much bigger in past rom-coms, and it’s always a joy to see. That being said, it seems that, Director/Writer, OI Parker’s intentions with this film were to have more serious conversations with subtle humor verses the typical slapstick comedy tropes. I absolutely respect this choice, but also seems like a missed opportunity with these two stars.
What “Ticket to Paradise” does offer, is a stunning setting that’s its own character, and a charming, talented cast you can’t help but fall for. Dever and Billie Lourd team up again since “Booksmart” and continue to shine on-screen. Bouttier and the rest of the actors playing island natives are also a joy to watch. And of course, the whole purpose of this movie– George Clooney and Julia Roberts are magnetizing. I think we’d be entertained watching these two have a conversation about drywall.
There’s nothing wrong with the film, but in a year where there have been some fresh romantic comedies like, “Bros” or “I Want You Back”, it’s hard to get excited about this one.
However, with such a lovable cast, and beautiful location, “Ticket to Paradise” can be an enjoyable, lighthearted comedy to escape all the madness in our lives.
B.J. Novak’s directorial debut, “Vengeance”, is a thought-provoking, hilarious, dark comedy. The talented filmmaker also, wrote and starred in the film. I got a chance to speak with him about the film, the best way to connect with people, what he loved about Texas, and much more!
Check out the interview and the movie when it opens in theaters on July 29, 2022.
David Lowery is an Irving High School alum who has gone on to make critically acclaimed films like “Pete’s Dragon” and “A Ghost Story”. His new movie, “The Green Knight,” is a Medieval, fantasy re-telling of Sir Gawain based on the 14th century Arthurian poem. Watch the video below to find out my thoughts on the movie, along with a review of the independent film, “Paper Spiders”, starring Lili Taylor (“The Conjuring”).
“The Green Knight” opens in theaters July 30, 2021 and “Paper Spiders” is available to rent on various VOD platforms.
At this point, we know walking into any M. Night Shyamalan (Writer/Director) film is a gamble. You’re either going to get a quality movie like “Split”, or you could get the dragged-out disaster that came after, “Glass”. Regardless, we take that risk every time because we know Shyamalan is capable of greatness (i.e. “Unbreakable” and “The Sixth Sense”). Unfortunately, Shyamalan’s newest mystery thriller is far from great.
The premise of “Old” is incredibly intriguing. A family on a tropical vacation visit a beach that somehow causes you to age nearly a lifetime in a single day! Sounds good, but it seems the preview alluded to a more satisfying script.
From the get-go we are introduced to Guy (Gael Garcia Bernel), his wife Prisca (Vicky Krieps), their 11-year-old daughter, Maddox (Alexa Swinton), and 6-year-old son, Trent (Nolan River). The parents want to have one last trip together as a family before they announce their separation and reveal Prisca’s illness. Not so coincidentally, the family is offered a ride to a secluded beach for the day. Why anyone would trust a secluded anything in the middle of a shady beach, I’ll never understand. But, this family is not alone in their stupidity. They are joined by another family of 4, a married couple, and a famous rap star? Sure, why not?
It does not take long for this bunch to figure out something is wrong with the beach. People are dying, and there is no way to get back to their drop off point.
Again, the plot of the film is actually good. It’s original, and you have no idea how it’s going to end or why it’s happening. I can appreciate Shyamalan’s creativity. The man can come up with the most thought-provoking ideas. But sometimes it’s just poorly executed.
The dialogue in “Old” is painful. From the start of the movie to the very end, it’s as if the story was written for toddlers. Everything is spoon fed to the audience, and so many lines are forced. I’m not certain if many of the actors were bad, or they just didn’t believe in what they are saying. Either way, it makes for a slow and difficult watch.
I would be remiss if I didn’t at least shine a light on the two glimmers of light, Thomasin McKenzie and Alex Wolff, who play teenage versions of Maddox and Trent. These two give their all in their performances and are committed to that script. If anything, “Old” will further launch these two talented actors.
I wouldn’t be so harsh if I didn’t know Shyamalan’s skills. “Old” is a great idea that deserved a better screenplay, and maybe a better secondary cast. The premise pulls you in, but ultimately, the film leaves you out to dry.
A criminal mastermind entraps those who have done wrong in the justice system and unleashes a twisted, cruel form of righteousness. “Spiral” is the terrifying new chapter from the book of “Saw” starring Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson. Susan Stephens sat down with Director Darren Bousman and Co-Writer Josh Stolberg to discuss the mystery horror.
