The phrase “they’re just kids” shouldn’t be the verbalization of a dismissal. Rather, it should be spoken as a moment of pause to reflect on what future positive or negative impact could come from the lifestyle choice being observed. We the Animals, the feature debut of short film director Jeremiah Zagar, lives for those errors and pauses as one of the best independent films of the year.
Read MoreAsk any teacher or tutor out there worth their salt from anywhere in the world, myself included, and they’ll trade all the flashy material things and gadgets off that school supply list for students prepared with a kind heart, a willing mind, and a positive attitude. Those three traits aren’t found in the store aisles. However, there are a few movies out there that can inspire future good students and spark conversations for a family movie night at home.
Read MoreNotable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work. Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members, accepted the invitation to participate. I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.
Read MoreClosing out the main summer months with the August pick of the Feelin' Film Podcast "Connecting With Classics" series, host Aaron White and I needed to carve out some serious committed time to absorb and appreciate the longest film ever to win the Best Picture Oscar. That revered classic and victor is the 56-year-old Lawrence of Arabia from director David Lean and it has a lengthy resume of accolades, rankings, and awards Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the definition of a true Hollywood epic.
Read MoreIf you follow my social media shingles, you know I can't stop and won't stop stumping for this film. Searching is an incredible combination of innovative filmmaking, anxiety-inducing thrills, emotionally complex characters, and relevant commentary on the internet as both a danger and potential tool for good. Feelin' Film co-creator Aaron White and I were both floored by writer/director Aneesh Chaganty’s debut feature film and John Cho’s performance in it, so we sat down for a conversation about what makes the film so special. Enjoy this excellent conversation with all the feels and kudos!
Read MoreA free house, teens, alcohol, and music - what could possibly go wrong? Plenty! We’ve all seen the famous college party depicted in movies. There is almost always debauchery, spilt drinks, and general house trashing. These parties cause a lot more damage than your average house party. In a film, you’d be lucky if your house party cost $1000 in damages. As a matter of fact, none of the parties on this list cost less than $2000. Thankfully, your run-of-the-mill house party doesn’t cost as much. However, it wouldn’t be a cliché movie if it was an accurate representation, would it?
Read MoreThe entirety of this daring film is presented through the layers of screens across computer desktops, video streams, and a mouse pointer that moves like a scalpel over those pixelated surfaces. The effect is addictively scintillating to create harrowing emotional triggers. Call it a gimmick all you want, but be prepared to be dazzled and proven wrong by the astonishing narrative construction and visual storytelling conduits. True to both the lurid intensity and exceeding excellence of the dictionary definition, Searching is downright sensational
Read MoreNotable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work. Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members, accepted the invitation to participate. I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.
Read MoreRecently, I pitched my local suburban newspaper, The Forest Park Review, to volunteer my film reviews as a potential worthy addition to their publication. Its editor declined citing space is at a premium for focusing on local topics and issues, but he liked my journey as a school teacher, film critic, and co-founder of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle. He wanted to know if I would interested in being interviewed for a citizen's spotlight. I was glad and honored to oblige.
Read MoreNotable and notorious IndieWire film critic David Ehrlich recently put out a social media call for film critic peers to join a weekly survey to discuss movie topics, answer questions, and highlight their work. Representing Every Movie Has a Lesson, I, along with over 60 other emerging and established film critics including some of my fellow Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle members, accepted the invitation to participate. I'm honored by the opportunity, and I hope my responses are chosen each week.
Read MoreFor video gamers and movie fans alike, these films hit the spot. The combination of two worlds where anything is possible creates the opportunity for some of the best entertainment and escapism imaginable, and here are the best of the best (in no particular order). Enjoy this new editorial and viewing list!
Read MoreWatching the death-dealing retribution and grudge-settling on display definitely shows the dishonesty part, but you will find nothing easy enough to be called “pickings.” Oozing all kinds of artistic flamboyance and crimson damage, this film is a straight punch to the face that has to swing hard to to knock you out. Like any punch, the hand delivering it stings as much as the cheek that receiving it. Sure enough, Pickings is a punch you’ll take and ask for another.
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