2023

The Line 🎒 

The Line follows a college fraternity who are set to ‘welcome’ in the freshmen class, but as inner-turmoil amongst the brothers begins to ensue, Tom Backster must make a decision to either stick with the college frat life he’s always known - or begin to explore a world outside his own.

Though I haven’t seen all of Euphoria, this felt like what I had seen, substituted with rich frat boys. 

Whether it’s the way they use nepotism as a crutch, or how they discriminate against anyone they deem to be beneath their social class - it’s a microcosm of the worst parts of society played out by the fragile egos of a bunch of twenty something year olds, who are in a way “playing house” trying to act like the adults in their lives. 

There's a level of exclusivity that bounds you to this brotherhood but as Alex Wolffs character starts to explore the world, you can tell he wants more than just booze, random women, and a future filled with money. 

Unfortunately for him, traditions and the gate keeping nature of the people he surrounds himself with force him to be beholden to a life that he’s seemingly grown out of.

I thought this was an interesting take on the college experience, especially as it dissects the thought process of trying to fit in while coming from a completely different upbringing than those you are surrounded with.

I’m really curious when this went into production because this has an interesting cast of young actors like Halle Bailey before The Little Mermaid (she’s definitely improved as an actor) and what seemed like a pre-Euphoria Fez (RIP), while also having Alex Wolff, Austin Abrams, and surprisingly John Malkovich. 

It‘a a slow build to a rude awakening, that haunts in such a honest way, showcasing how quickly things can spin out of control when you expect boys to act like men. 

Enjoy! 

6.95/10 🍿 🎥 

Runtime: 1hr40mins

Where: Tribeca Film Festival

The Line Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer.

#HalleBailey #AlexWolff #AngusCloud #AustinAbrams #Movie #MovieReview #TribecaFilmFestival  #TheLine

HBOs BS High 🏈 

BS High is a sports documentary that follows the true story of a makeshift youth football team, that was put together by a conman who was looking to fulfil his lifelong dream of making it big in football - and used any means necessary to do so. 

I don’t know if I’ve ever been as annoyed watching something, as I was watching this. 

This is an in-depth look at those who lived through the Bishop Sycamore experience, where this ‘high school’ prep football team made there way onto ESPN in 2021 but after a brutally lopsided defeat, questions were raised of the teams legitimacy.  

The story itself is unbelievable, especially because of the amount of I’s that needed to be dotted and t’s that needed to be crossed, but those details were simply overlooked by companies as big as ESPN (the world wide leader in sports) and this is how it all ended up shaking out. 

I’m not going to put the conman’s name in this review because that’s essentially what he wanted out of all this, and even on a small page like mine, I don’t want to give this conman the satisfaction of gaining any more attention than he’s already set to receive.

He’s honestly a pathetic excuse for a man who took advantage of high school grads, using their naiveness to convince them that he could get them into college football. 

These are kids who could’ve chosen other paths in life but used their parents money to double down on an unforgiving dream because for some, football is all they had.

Hearing both sides to the story a lot of what happened was preventable, and blame can be cast on the adults in the room who should’ve known better. The conman try’s to push back and says that he’s the symptom of a bigger problem in America, and the root cause is youth sports evolving into a commodified product. I don’t think he’s wrong with that point, but that’s not an excuse to use kids for your own agenda. 

A lot of his actions seem to stem from the insecurity of never being acknowledged by the football world at large, and seemingly being cast aside for his brothers football endeavors growing up. 

My biggest issue with this documentary is that they didn’t blur his face or distort his voice because this gave him exactly what he wanted - which is attention. 

Regardless, BS High is an attention grabbing story full of deceit, betrayal, and broken promises from a man who looked to scout, scheme, and scam his way into the public eye. A worthy watch for those who didn’t keep up with story in real time. 

Enjoy! 

7.6/10 🍿 🎥 

Runtime: 1hr35mins

Where: Streaming on Max & CraveTV on Aug 23rd.

HBOs BS High Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer.

#Football #NFL #ESPN #HBO #Documentary #Movie #MovieReview #TribecaFilmFestival #BSHigh

Marinette  

Marinette is a sports biopic that follows Marinette Pichon, the first French female professional soccer player, on her trailblazing journey from a broken home - to becoming a household name. 

Pichon’s story is inspiring on so many levels. 

She fell in love with a sport that wouldn’t allow itself to love her back because of the gender based restrictions set in place by an outdated system.

Then she ends up being bullied as a young prospect on the French national team due to politics within the organization, but eventually her talent was able to speak for itself removing any doubt of who should be on the squad.

Her ability to endure the many roadblocks that would find there way at every turn of progress she would make, exhausts to no end. 

We then get a look into her personal life where her abusive father made her sister, mother, and grandmas life a living hell - and though she was able to find peace on the pitch - like her home life, that peace was always short lived. 

I feel society has made a lot of progress when it comes to women’s sports, but stories like Marinettes are a reminder of what it took to get here and how much work there is still to be done. 

My biggest gripe with this film was the time jumps throughout her life, that were able to provide context to her decision making but felt inconsistent in its delivery. 

As the viewer you don’t know if you’re meant to stay in that specific point in time, or it’s just a memory she’s recalling so that you can understand the emotional weight she bears in that moment - that all could’ve been resolved with some sort of identifier to let you know what period in her life she was in. 

Marinette is an intimate invitation into the human struggle, about a true pioneer who deserves to be recognized, that as a film may be be inconsistent in its delivery - but is still a story that should be echoed endlessly. 

Enjoy! 

6.95/10   

Runtime: 1hr36mins

Where: Tribeca Film Festival

#Movie #MovieReview #Football #Soccer #France #Tribeca2023 #TribecaFilmFestival #Tribeca2023 

Stylebender  

Stylebender is a documentary that follows the UFC Middleweight Champion of the World - Israel ‘The Last Stylebender’ Adesanya, with unprecedented access into some of his most personal moments as a mixed martial artists, a son, and most importantly - as a man. 

Stylebender takes a therapeutic approach showcasing Izzy in some of his most vulnerable moments, with surprisingly candid and brutally honest conversations with him about his controversies, and some cool insight into the cross-section between his creative fighting style - and his past as a dancer. 

The intimate nature of this documentary is captured through Israel’s therapy sessions, where he tries to make sense of why he’s been feeling the way he has, as he tries to find peace - while still needing the fire within to burn. I found this to be the most fascinating part of the documentary, watching him get in touch with his anger to better understand how to control it, and constructively direct it towards his fighting career. 

It’s the through line of this story of a man with a past filled with abuse, bullying, and constantly standing out because of the colour of his skin - that acts a humbling reminder of the human within the fighter. 

Most sports documentaries come across as PR fluff pieces, to glamorize an athlete through their highlights - this is not that. 

It’s a honest, insightful, and humanizing look into the life of a man who lives for the younger version of himself, who is able to acknowledge his flaws - and still continue to live his mantra of daring to be great. 

Enjoy! 

8.1/10   

Runtime: 1hr42mins

Where: Tribeca Film Festival.

Stylebender Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer. 

#IsraelAdesanya #UFC #MMA #Kickboxing #Documentary #Movie #MovieReview #TribecaFilmFestival #Stylebender

Elemental   

Elemental follows the story of Ember Lumen, who has to manage her parents expectations of her taking over the family business with a budding romance she knows they will disapprove of, that will test the foundational rule they have all come to know - some elements just do not mix. 

The last batch of Pixar movies have been underwhelming to say the least, so it was a nice surprise to watch what felt like a return to form for one of the most beloved animation studios. 

This story of star crossed lovers provides a heartfelt take on one’s first love, and is able to capture the butterfly feeling of that connection, and all the little moments that make that love so precious. That somehow make the world you already knew, that much better. 

I will say the characters do more for the story, than the story does for the characters, but the more intimate, lighthearted moments - will make up for the roundabout way it gets to its ending. 

What I enjoyed the most was watching as each detail was unveiled of this fully realized and functioning world. The characters somehow made so much sense, and were crafted out of an idea I’ll admit I was very skeptical of - that I ended up wishing we had the chance to explore even more. 

This hits on a lot of the same beats as Zootopia, but still unique unto itself - as an endearing story about coexisting with the world at large, understanding that getting to do what you want is a luxury, and turned what could’ve been a Shakespearean tragedy of a lovers peril, into a happily ever after. 

Enjoy! 

7.3/10   

Runtime: 1hr46mins

Where: In Theatres June 16

Elemental Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer.

#Disney #Animation #Animated #LeahLewis #MamoudouAthie #CatherineOHara #Water #Fire #Movie #MovieReview #AnnecyFestival #Tribeca2023 #Pixar #Elemental

Deep Sea  深海

Deep Sea is a story of a young girl named Shenxiu, who while trying to process her parents separation, ends up having to join her remarried father and his new family on a cruise. 

On that cruise, she begins to hear the song her mother used to sing to her roaring against the waves - which ends up whisking her away into a mysterious underwater world - where she will set out on a journey beyond her wildest dreams. 

This is one of those movies I wish I could watch again for the first time. 

It’s a visual escapade that magically transports you into this whimsically crafted world, packed to the brim with colourfully rich detail -  like a wet canvas, that just drips off the screen. 

What Spirited Away is for a lot of people, this was for me.

It tragically captured the unintentional defence mechanisms children create to cope with neglect, or in this case - feeling abandoned. 

At times it plays like a bout with depression, making you think you’ve shaken off the dark cloud hovering over you - just to end up facing the thrash of a wave, that pulls you back in. 

Even with all that, it does a great job of contrasting its mature themes with a family friendly story, a story you’ll wish was never ending.

The main reason you’ll wish it never ends is because it introduces us to of one of the most loveable characters of the year in Chef Nanhe, who I promise you’ll miss as soon as the movies over.

I’ll admit this does drag a bit in the middle, but that also felt like it’s time to flex its incredible animation, and give the viewer the chance to admire the piece of art Deep Sea truly is. 

This is one of the most vibrant, entrancing, spectacles you’ll see this year. It’s an experience to behold, with a story that is just as inspiring as its animation - both showcasing the true power of a child’s imagination.

Enjoy! 

9/10   

Runtime: 1hr52mins

Where: Tribeca Film Festival & Annecy International Animation Film Festival

Deep Sea Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer.

#Animation #3DAnimation #Anime #Cartoon #Movie #MovieReview #China #Chinese #AnnecyFilmFestival #TribecaFilmFestival #Tribeca2023 #AnnecyFestival 

The Night Doctrine  

The Night Doctrine is an animated short film that follows the true story of Lynzy Billing, an Afghan-Pakistani journalist who returns to her home country after 30 years to investigate the murder of her family - that took place during the CIA-Backed night raids in a post 9/11 Afghanistan. 

This is a devastating look into the innocent lives that were affected by the long drawn out battle between the CIA and the Taliban, uncovering the countless number of lives that were lost, families that were impacted, and brings attention to those who willingly chose to join forces with the CIA in the “Zero Units” - and attack their own people. 

It’s a young girls attempt at gaining closure from a situation she was too young to understand, who has come back as a woman to set the record straight and let the world know what was really going on. 

These are the untold stories that need to be told, acting as a necessary reminder of the atrocities of war - from those without a voice. 

Enjoy! 

7.2/10  

Runtime: 16mins

Where: Tribeca Film Festival

The Night Doctrine Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer.

#ShortFilm #Animated #Animation #MovieReview #Movie #TribecaFilmFestival #Tribeca2023

It’s Basic  

It's Basic is a documentary that follows a group of families who are granted access to a government funded pilot program, that will provide them with a basic income of $500 a month - no questions asked. 

I’m a person who naturally assesses my own situations looking for the worst possible outcome, and how I can avoid that. 

Using that lens to look at a larger systemic problem isn’t helpful, and made me initially look at the idea of basic income as a negative - rather than a positive for the contributing members of society who are barely able to make ends meet. 

This documentary highlights the people who are working countless hours,  multiple jobs, and some having more than one household income - that still end up having to live paycheque to paycheque.

Whether it be student debt, the cost of raising a child, or basic life expenses, these are all things that could lead to early burn out, or the mental health issues that have really plagued our society in recent years. 

Which is why that extra $500 makes the world of difference, allowing you to save for a family trip, or stress less about your monthly bills, and actually being able to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

These personal stories of families who are trying to preserver, and face adversity head on, really puts into perspective how much a few extra hundred dollars a month can mean to someone.

This documentary is a case study in government funded financial assistance, that will either sway you into agreement, or continue to turn you off from the idea - but what you won’t be able to deny is that a little help, can go a long way. 

Enjoy! 

7/10   

Runtime: 1hr16mins

Where: Tribeca Film Festival

It's Basic Documentary Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer.

#Documentary #MovieReview #Movie #Tribeca2023 #TribecaFilmFestival 

AT&T's Untold Stories: Smoking Tigers  

Smoking Tigers follows Hayoung, a Korean American high school student who is trying to balance her overbearing mother, neglectful father, being outcasted by people she thought were her friends - and the pressure she faces in regards to her future. 

Safe to say, she’s going through a lot. 

That balancing act Hayoung has to endure, of being different things for different people takes a heavy toll - but when you’re as isolated as she is, that invisible weight is one you end up having to carry alone. 

Though her story is at the forefront of this movie, in the background there’s another story unfolding that she would benefit from paying attention to. 

It’s a story about a mother who has to be the authority figure, one who might not see the work you’re putting in but continues to demand you’re very best at all times, and who sacrifices everything for the happiness of her children. 

As a teenager, sometimes you’re so focused on visible actions, that the moments of hard work you’re not around to see - ends up going unnoticed and unappreciated. 

So that authority figure mom that hounds you, can end up making you resentful - not realizing that the ‘fun’ parent is the one who doesn’t have to face the burden of raising two children - and is only there when it’s convenient for them, but at her age and with what she’s going through - that’s all she really wants. 

Through all of that, Smoking Tigers teaches you to appreciate an unconditional love language that patiently awaits your understanding. 

With all of that being said - it’s a movie that moves like a melancholic breeze, where a moment in time ends up feeling like an eternity for a girl who may have school figured out - but is still trying to make sense of everything else.

Enjoy! 

7.1/10   

Runtime: 1hr30mins

Where: Tribeca Film Festival

Note:  Untold Stories is a long-term alliance between AT&T and the Tribeca Film Festival, providing underrepresented filmmakers with $1 million dollars and mentorship to support bringing their ideas to life.

Now in its 6th year, AT&T has contributed over $6 million since the beginning of the program in 2017, empowering underrepresented filmmakers by bridging them with the necessary resources to achieve extraordinary opportunities.

Every year, 5 talented and diverse filmmaking teams pitch their original feature scripted film projects to an esteemed Greenlight Committee of industry professionals to decide who will be the next $1 million dollar prize recipient.

Smoking Tigers Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer.

#MovieReview #Movie #Korea #Korean #Tribeca2023 #TribecaFilmFestival 

My Eyes Are Up Here  

My Eyes Are Up Here follows Sonya, a famous model that just happens to be disabled, who unwillingly let’s the man she slept with the night before, awkwardly tag along - as they rush to get her the morning-after pill. 

This was a short but sweet romantic-comedy, that captures the seemingly uncomfortable moments after a one night stand. 

The morning after can be filled with confusion, maybe regret? but in this case it was an understanding of the situation - and not wanting to make it more than what it was. 

That’s Sonya’s way of protecting herself from the hurt she may feel if someone doesn’t feel the same way she does, which gives the other person an out knowing that she may be a beautiful model, but her physical disabilities may be more than that person bargained for. 

But that’s the charm of this short film, the man she ends up spending this random day with doesn’t care about any of that - he’s willing to embrace her insecurities and adapt to her needs, not just meet his own. 

This is a feel good, warm-hearted story about letting love in, giving someone a chance, and showcasing the strength of an empowering woman who reminds us all that disability - doesn’t mean inability. 

Enjoy! 

8/10   

Runtime: 13mins

Where: Tribeca Film Festival

My Eyes Are Up Here Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer. 

#ShortFilm #MovieReview #Movie #TribecaFilmFestival #Tribeca2023

American Sikh  

American Sikh is an animated short film that follows the true story of Vishavjit Singh, a turban-wearing Sikh who must navigate a post-9/11 America, where instead of fitting in - he unwillingly ends up standing out.

This man has lived a lot of life. 

Vishavjit was born in America, but had to move to India because his parents missed the comfort of their own home. He knew he wanted to return to America after the events of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Punjab, because why would you want to live in a place that didn’t accept you? 

After years of dreaming of his return, he finally made his way back to the US, but everything he knew about America was about to change.

He had romanticized America for so long as this beautiful melting pot of different people and cultures, but after 9/11 he would end up enduring an onslaught of hate because of how he looked - and not who he was. 

This led him to continuously change so that he could become the version of himself that would be accepted by others, but that tough and lonely road made him realize that he would rather stand out as himself, than blend in as no one.

Initially I wasn’t a fan of how the story unfolds. To some him showing his devotion to America by dressing up as Captain America (Sikh) might seem like a fun gesture, but claiming happiness by overcompensating to appease a people who don’t deserve the kindness you’re presenting them with felt disingenuous. 

Then I had to remind myself that I haven’t lived the immigrants journey - so how can I judge his situation if I’m not willing to move to foreign country, let alone a city in my own province.

The man was alone, yet still managed to muster up the courage to dress up as a patriotic figure to change the perception of what a man in a turban can be - turning what some saw as a villain, to a recognizable hero.

This isolated journey of self discovery, is strengthened by its comic-inspired animation, in a truly commendable story about finding your identity - while navigating the hate filled world around you.

Enjoy!

7.3/10  

Runtime: 9mins

Where: Tribeca Film Festival

American Sikh Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer.

#ShortFilm #MovieReview #Movie #TribecaFilmFestival #Tribeca2023

 In Passing 

In Passing follows Rey and Elle, a couple in New York who are trying to navigate their growing tension, as their work in home lives begin to submerge into one. 

This story is true to life where sometimes your responsibilities catch up to you and become all consuming, and you no longer feel like an active participant in life - but a bystander, like a cog in a machine working your way into exhaustion. 

Which at times can make us forget why we do the things we do, and in some cases - who we do these things for. 

In ‘In Passing’ we have one person who is overwhelmed by the amount of hours they’re putting in at work, the other anxious that they can’t get their creative juices flowing to finish off their art piece - both just stuck in a continuous cycle of not being able to get further than they are in that moment. 

With that, resentment builds up, especially when you do everything for someone else and you begin to think that they’re taking it for granted.

It’s tough because sometimes we get so stuck going through the motions, we forget what propelled us into what we were doing in the first place.

This is an honest, poignant take on what most people go through in years, captured in a strong 10 mins - that will remind you to take an extra second out of your day, to take care of those - who take care of you. 

Enjoy!

7.9/10  

In Passing Review (2023) The Richmond Reviewer.

Runtime: 10min

Where: Tribeca Film Festival 

#ShortFilm #Tribeca2023 #MovieReview #Movie #TribecaFilmFestival