Month: February 2021

‘The Mauritanian’ gives us another reason to never forget 9/11

Jeff Mitchell

“The Mauritanian” – It’s difficult to believe, but the September 11 tragedy is almost 20 years old, and indeed, the lasting impact of losing 3,000 human beings on American soil during that horrible day will never fade.  The United States has been changed forever, not unlike how The Civil War, The Pearl Harbor attack, and JFK’s assassination altered the country’s optimistic trajectory.  Yes, I believe that the U.S. is still a hopeful place, but certainly, 9/11 wounded the U.S.A.’s psyche and removed chunks of our collective soul. Its aftermath cost…

‘Minari’: An absorbing and authentic American immigrant story

Jeff Mitchell

“Minari” – “Nothing’s gonna turn us back now.  Straight ahead and on the track now.  We’re gonna make our dreams come true.  Doing it our way.”  – “Making Our Dreams Come True” by Cyndi Grecco, the “Laverne & Shirley” (1976 – 1983) theme song “And there ain’t no nothing we can’t love each other through.  What would we do baby, without us?”  – “Without Us” by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams, the “Family Ties” (1982 – 1989) theme song Writer/director Lee Isaac Chung’s “Minari” is an immigrant story about a…

‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’ isn’t flawless, but you’ll discover heartfelt smiles

Jeff Mitchell

“The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” – Mark (Kyle Allen) is too cool for school, and quite frankly, he seems too cool for any formal or informal institution.  This teen walks in the kitchen for breakfast with an assured confidence that most adolescents lack.  Without a second thought, this know-it-all helps his father (Josh Hamilton) with a crossword puzzle, verbally duels with his sister (Cleo Fraser), catches a ceramic dish falling off the table with the reflexes of The Flash, and heads outside – that’s filled with miles and miles…