Author: Jeff Mitchell

The twisted horror film ‘Hereditary’ will leave a permanent mark

Jeff Mitchell

“Hereditary” – Look up the word “hereditary”, and some of the listed synonyms are:  inherited, genetic and family. Obviously, children inherit their parents’ genetic makeup, and this carries a scientific connotation, because at its core, this transfer is purely and factually clinical. Family, on the other hand, implies a loving home, one full of life lessons, support, concern, and care.  The words inherited and genetic always occur with 100 percent certainty.  Meanwhile, a family that lives in a loving household is less than certain.  Love is always the hope, but…

‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ is a beautiful tribute to a radical pioneer

Jeff Mitchell

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” – “He was radical.  I know everyone says that, but he was radical.” – Elizabeth Seamans The groundbreaking and absolutely delightful “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” ran for decades on public television, and this children’s program helped positively shape millions and millions of kids’ outlooks and moral compasses.  In 2018, the new documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is a wonderful, sentimental trip down memory lane for adults who grew up watching the show and its creator, writer, producer, and star:  Fred Rogers. Rogers passed away at…

Plaza’s ‘Veronica’ delivers scares on Netflix

Jeff Mitchell

“What goes on in that place in the dark?”  – “Veronica” by Elvis Costello, 1989 Elvis Costello did not have a horror movie in mind when he released his song 29 years ago, but the aforementioned lyric could definitely apply to director Paco Plaza’s (“[REC]” (2007)) latest film “Veronica”. Released on Netflix, “Veronica” is a creepy horror film that you can “enjoy” at home.   Set in Madrid in 1991, Veronica (Sandra Escacena) – a 15-year-old girl – talks two of her schoolmates into summoning her late father’s spirit via a…