Home/2017

Year: 2017

‘Darkest Hour’ inspires us to rise to our own greatness

‘Darkest Hour’ inspires us to rise to our own greatness

“Darkest Hour” (2017). Cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, Stephen Dillane, Samuel West, Lily James, Ronald Pickup. Director: Joe Wright. Screenplay: Anthony McCarten. Web site. Trailer. Sometimes it takes having our backs against the wall to realize the greatness of which we’re truly capable. Getting there may seem like a dire process, and we may be ready to break down or give it all up if hope appears lost. Such dark night of the soul moments test us to the limit but also show us exactly what we’re made of, a scenario pointedly depicted in the new, fact-based historical drama, “Darkest Hour.” At the outset of World War II, the British government sought to minimize its involvement and the potential for bloodshed by practicing a policy of appeasement put forth by Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup). By bending to the demands of German Chancellor Adolf Hitler, the U.K. hoped it could curtail the rising tide of warfare. However, when it became apparent the Fűhrer had no intention of honoring his agreements, the need for a new strategy – and a new British P.M. – became all too clear. But, British politics being what they were at the ...
Check Out Self Discovery Radio

Check Out Self Discovery Radio

Here’s a little gift just in time for the holidays! Join me and host Sara Troy for the current edition of Self Discovery Radio in which we discuss conscious creation in the movies, particularly as covered in my new book, Third Real: Conscious Creation Goes Back to the Movies. The interview is available as the featured podcast for the next week and will be subsequently archived on the show’s web site. Tune in for some fun and lively movie chat by clicking here ...
‘The Disaster Artist’ skillfully unmasks hidden truths

‘The Disaster Artist’ skillfully unmasks hidden truths

“The Disaster Artist” (2017). Cast: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Ari Graynor, Alison Brie, Jacki Weaver, Paul Scheer, Zac Efron, Josh Hutcherson, June Diane Raphael, Megan Mullally, Sharon Stone, Bob Odenkirk, Melanie Griffith, Bryan Cranston, Jason Mantzoukas, Andrew Santino, Charlyne Yi, Kelly Oxford, Tommy Wiseau, Greg Sestero, Judd Apatow, Kevin Smith, Keegan Michael Key, Danny McBride, J.J. Abrams, Zach Braff. Director: James Franco. Screenplay: Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. Book: Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell, The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made. Web site. Trailer. Most artists would agree that they seek to garner acclaim by producing quality work, creations applauded for their many noteworthy attributes. But sometimes artists achieve notoriety for their disastrous efforts, works that are so stunningly awful that they earn praise for their utter detestability. In the case of filmmakers, such dismal efforts often lead to their productions becoming cult classics, movies that are loved for how relentlessly bad they are. And one such example provides the basis for the hilariously off-beat new fact-based offering, “The Disaster Artist.” When aspiring but eminently insecure actor Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) befriends an enigmatic classmate from his San Francisco acting ...
‘The Last Jedi’ tackles life’s lessons, striking a balance and finding our way

‘The Last Jedi’ tackles life’s lessons, striking a balance and finding our way

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017). Cast: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Laura Dern, Benicio del Toro, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Frank Oz (voice), Anthony Daniels, Joonas Suotama, Jimmy Vee, Justin Theroux, Tim Rose, Tom Kane (voice). Director: Rian Johnson. Screenplay; Rian Johnson. Source Material: George Lucas, “Star Wars.” Web site. Trailer. Finding our place in the world. Tapping into our source of personal power. Learning how to balance strength and vulnerability, power and temperance, and when to charge and when to retreat. All of the foregoing are noble pursuits aimed at helping is get through life and its challenges, be it in both everyday matters and in more heroic ventures. And understanding what it means to be a master of these skills is a venture that defines us and guides us in how we conduct our lives. Those are among some of life’s big questions tackled in the latest installment of one of  filmdom’s most storied franchises, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Picking up where the seventh offering in this series left off, “The Last Jedi” follows the continuing exploits in this epic galactic drama, ...
Join Me for The Cinema Scribe

Join Me for The Cinema Scribe

Tune in for the latest Cinema Scribe segment on Bring Me 2 Life Radio, Wednesday, December 20, at 12:45 pm ET, by clicking here. And, if you don’t hear it live, catch it later on the podcast! ...
This Week in Movies with Meaning

This Week in Movies with Meaning

Reviews of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “The Disaster Artist” and “Darkest Hour,” as well as a podcast preview, are all in the latest Movies with Meaning post on the web site of the Good Radio Network, available by clicking here ...
Go to Top