Author: Jeff Mitchell

‘The Boy from Medellin’: The J Balvin doc doesn’t hit the right notes

Jeff Mitchell

“The Boy from Medellin” – Medellin is the capital city of Colombia’s Antioquia province.  It has a population of just over 2.5 million, and one of its favorite sons filmed his documentary here.  International reggaetón megastar J Balvin makes a triumphant return home to put on a massive show, but then again, “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Director Matthew Heineman follows this chart-busting marvel to his hometown for one week leading up to the planned live spectacular, but a set of soccer-stadium-sized stumbling blocks place…

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

Jeff Mitchell

“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

Jeff Mitchell

“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…