Don’t wait to see ‘Limbo’, an unconventional immigrant story

“Limbo” – Immigrant feature films frequently land in theatres and streaming services for probably a couple of reasons.  These stories are commonplace threads within societies’ fabrics, and the protagonists face built-in conflicts simply by existing in their newfound environments. In the U.S., we rightfully boast about our immigrant roots, and President John F. Kennedy said, “Everywhere, immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life.” While the homeland may become enriched, many times, the aforementioned residents do individually struggle to find their way.  Look to “Minari” (2020) and “Brooklyn”…

‘The Mitchells vs. The Machines’ is a zany and sincere mash-up

“The Mitchells vs. The Machines” – “Mitchells have always been weird, and that’s what makes us great!” – Rick Mitchell (Danny McBride) Directors/writers Michael Rianda and Jeff Rowe’s animated feature – about an everyday family taking a cross-country road trip and running into a machine apocalypse – is a weird mash-up of ideas, and it’s pretty great. Yes, you heard correctly:  a machine apocalypse. On the surface, this flick is “The Terminator” (1984) meets “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983).  Just pretend that Skynet becomes self-aware and abruptly disrupts the Griswolds’ Wally…

Celebrate Sally Hawkins’ birthday with ‘Maudie’

Happy Birthday, Sally Hawkins!  Yes, Ms. Hawkins turns 45 years young on April 27, and this talented thespian has several notable performances on her resume.  Sally’s breakout turn in Mike Leigh’s “Happy-Go-Lucky” (2008) placed her on the cinematic map, and she garnered Oscar nominations for ‘Blue Jasmine’ (2013) and ‘The Shape of Water’ (2017) too. Although The Academy fawned over work in Guillermo del Toro’s “Shape”, we think that she delivered an even better performance that year as real-life Canadian artist Maud Lewis in ‘Maudie’.   Here is our review.  …