MOVIE REVIEW: The Glorias

(Image courtesy of Amazon Studios)

THE GLORIAS— 4 STARS

In one of her many quotable soundbites throughout her storied career, Gloria Steinem once said “Women have two choices: Either she's a feminist or a masochist.” You’re either for social equality of the sexes or you take pleasure in pain and suffering. The slivers of gray area between those two titles do not exist for her. Committing to such a stance is valiant. There are not enough cinematic examples of genuine female personas living on that kind of edge to the fullest and truest. The Glorias aims to give that edge the highest possible pillar using one of history’s best examples. This fine film is available for purchase on Digital and Streaming exclusively on Prime Video starting September 30th.

Virtuoso director of stage and screen Julie Taymor (Frida, Broadways’s The Lion King) pays homage to the 86-year-old feminist idol with an emblematic travelogue of a film. Four different actresses, including two top-billed Academy Award winners Julianne Moore and Alicia Vikander, chronicle the formative and influential decision points from the prime of Steinem’s life. Adapted from Steinem’s 2015 autobiography My Life on the Road by Taymor and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright Sarah Ruhl, The Glorias veers in and out of linearity across the span of performance ages.

We meet a young Gloria (Ryan Kira Armstrong) born of The Great Depression to a swindler and showman of a father named Leo (a plum part for long-lost Oscar winner Timothy Hutton) that she adores. It all may be a doting adventure for her, but his uprooted ways of migrating away from trouble and towards the next scam drained her mother Ruth (Enid Graham) for years. Gloria grew to become a bohemian teenager (recent Becky star Lulu Wilson) that learned her father’s tricks while becoming an anchored caregiver to Ruth.

LESSON #1: TEACH A KID TO BE RESOURCEFUL-- The dishonesty of Leo’s schemes were not lost on Gloria as she aged, nor was the inequity bestowed upon her mother. Knowing how to self-manage and scrounge for your own bootstraps over being handed things, fills bellies, wallets, and spirits. Her dad’s signature mantra was ““If you don’t know what happens tomorrow, it could be wonderful.” There was an enterprising chestnut view of the world that was impressed upon her in this way. That gypsy-like cleverness and appliance would go on to serve her well as an unflappable presence that rolls with any high, lows, or manner of resistance.

Adulthood took the 20-something Gloria (Vikander) on a sojourn to India where she traveled by train to see the caste lifestyle of local women and collect their stories transitioning in culture and politics in the wake of Gandhi. Enlightened and emboldened by that experience, Gloria pursued her storied New York City career in journalism. Adorned with dynamic costumes from 3-time Oscar winner Sandy Powell and navigating period-perfect setting recreations from art director Kim Jennings stepping into the higher production designer seat, Vikander’s section of the 1950s and 1960s becomes the meaty middle of Taymor’s drama that rescues the earlier childhood drag that balloons this film’s 147-minute running time.

LESSON #2: THE SEVERITY OF GENDER WORKPLACE INEQUALITY-- Stuck with puff pieces and chick assignments of weak material, Steinem’s improving professional voice would battle constant workplace patriarchism that prevented promotion and ascension matching her acumen and value. Instead, all the inappropriate menial tasks, gazing eyes, and snide put downs occupy this chauvinistic era. The Glorias would overflow in hours if every incident she lived made the dramatized screenplay. What’s here is plenty damning and more than enough to infuriate.

LESSON #3: FIGHTING INEQUALITY WITH LIBERATION AND REVOLUTION-- The fascinating stalwartness of Gloria Steinem comes from her responses to restrictions and barriers from Lesson #2. One of her lines says it all in that “When you avoid conflict, conflict will seek you out.” Meet it and beat it with superior substance. Pick the right battles to enact change. Stand for the right principles that can convince minds and hearts. Gloria and her followers were willing to put their bodies where their beliefs were. That’s liberation and revolutions with stances instead of soldiers.

In gaining an affluence built on work ethic, it is during her 30s that she would find kindred spirits like Dorothy Pitman Hughes (Antebellum’s Janelle Monae), Flo Kennedy (Lorraine Toussaint of Middle of Nowhere), and Bella Abzug (Bette Midler) and start the successful Ms. magazine focused on female perspectives. As circulation grew, a shared female experience emerged. The stumps got taller, the crowds got larger, the marches got longer, the boundaries got wider, and the collective voices got louder. By the time Gloria ages past 40, the biography is absorbed by Julianne Moore’s glare behind those signature hued sunglasses, by-lines, flashbulbs, and television cameras.

LESSON #4: THE MANY IMPORTANT FACETS OF FEMINISM-- Too many conservative folks point straight to the maligned pro-choice horrors of abortion when they fingerpoint negatively towards feminism. It has been and always will be more than that and vain moments of fist-shaking applause. At its peak, the women's liberation movement argued multiple facets of sexual discrimination and called for social, economic, and psychological freedoms and reforms. Their unified platforms became not just women’s rights, but universal human rights. Steinem once said of the issues in an interview “Surely if we just explain them, they would fix them.” If it could only be that easy. You have so much homework to do if you cannot understand, empathize, or embrace the full range of these necessary equalities. 

The women’s lib plight expanded to diverse groups and racial minorities with the same battles, and Steinem traveled to wherever the fight was. In addition to Hughes and Kennedy, The Glorias includes excellent sidebar chapters on Steinem’s involvement with Hispanic leader Delores Huerta (Monica Sanchez) and Native American politician Wilma Mankiller (Kimberly Guerrero). As a female parallel to Aaron Sorkin’s all-male ensemble in The Trial of the Chicago 7 playing in the same digital pond, this is another award-worthy collection of stage presence and talent. All of these supporting actresses are boisterous treats to accompany the main character and amplify the larger messages. Touissant’s loose cannon lecturer is the top scene stealer.

These memories and accomplishments from younger days are being reminisced all film by Moore’s oldest guise of Gloria as she travels by bus in the American West. Taymor created unique and intriguing transitional pauses by having Moore share seats and conversations with the three generations of actresses playing her younger self. They observe parts of the unattainable world from their moving windows. Shot in graceful black-and-white by three-time Oscar nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto (Silence), the segments represent a touch of a simpler form of playful macabre (some will say not enough) that comes with this storied director. 

These asides are the emotional connective tissue of the entire film. Unfiltered regrets, debated wisdom, and long-held dreams replace the microphone soundbites and the picket signs. Those scenes carry genuinely serene and affecting moments of reflection. They may be shot to look whimsical, but they reach to gild exposed and admitted personal flaws within the central figure. Call this respectful hero worship and the most traditional or packaged film Taymor’s ever made if you must. However, what’s left (political pun intended) is well-earned pride.

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Maya Stojan: ‘3 Day Weekend’ Releasing Oct 8

Sleeper Cell Films suspense-thriller movie ‘3 Day Weekend’, starring Maya Stojan (Marvel: Agents of Shield), Morgan Krantz (Netflix: In the Dark), Nathan Phillips (Snakes on a Plane) and Scott MacDonald (Jarhead) will be available on Amazon Prime on October 8th. Filmed completely without dialogue on the stunning backdrop of Park Rapids, Minnesota, ‘3 Day Weekend’ […]

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GUEST CRITIC #34: Me Before You

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As busy I get from time to time, I find that I can't see every movie under the sun, leaving my friends and colleagues to fill in the blanks for me.  As poetically as I think I wax about movies on this website as a wannabe critic, there are other experts out there.  Sometimes, it inspires me to see the movie too and get back to being my circle's go-to movie guy.  Sometimes, they save me $9 and you 800+ words of blathering.  In a new review series, I'm opening my site to friend submissions for guest movie reviews.

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TODAY’S CRITIC: Adrian Johansen

Adrian is a guest writer who submitted a review of Me Before You in the life lessons style that matches Every Movie Has a Lesson. She put together a very nice review and breakdown that was very worth sharing. Enjoy!

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The popular romantic 2016 film Me Before You was based on a best-selling book by Jojo Moyes. The film follows a young woman, Lou (Emilia Clarke), who finds herself suddenly without unemployment and with no real direction in life when it comes to what she might end up doing. She is ‘stuck’ living at home with her parents, in a relationship with a self-centered man, and has given up dreams of a career in fashion to help support her family. 

On her first day on the job as a personal caregiver, she meets Will Trainor (Sam Clafin), a man who is used to life in high society, but who suffered being hit by a motorcycle. It has left him paralyzed from the neck down and contributes to a variety of different health issues. 

Throughout the film, Will goes from nearly loathing Lou to falling in love with her. But it’s not your typical romantic comedy and deals with a variety of heavy topics including mental health issues, loneliness, love, assisted suicide, and living life to the fullest. 

Let’s cover some of the biggest lessons you can take away from this heartfelt movie, and how it goes far beyond your typical love story. 

Live Without Regrets

At one point in the film, Clafin’s character Will says to Lou that “you only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.” 

Will says that while living in a wheelchair, but Lou has found herself ‘paralyzed’ in a different way. She gave up on her dreams to help her family, she hasn’t done any traveling in life, and she really doesn’t seem to live her life to the fullest. Will helps her with that, thanks in part to his social status and wealth. But it’s an incredible lesson to learn for everyone. 

There are moments throughout the movie where you can see the expression on Will’s face change, as though he wishes he could have done things differently. He may tell Lou to live life fully because he has regrets in his own life. It seems as though he wants Lou to avoid having any regrets in life, too, and that’s a lesson we can all take away. 

The Importance of Mental Health

About 1 in 5 people in the U.S. alone have a mental health condition of some kind. It’s very clear that after his accident, Will Trainor is struggling with depression. So much so, in fact, that Lou quickly finds out he is planning on ending his life with physician-assisted suicide. 

There comes a time, then, that Lou is there to provide certain aspects of end-of-life care for him. Will had made the decision to end his life before Lou came into it. Even after meeting her, falling in love with her, and having her beg him to change his mind, he stayed with his original decision. Many times, during end-of-life care, there is shared decision-making. In this case, however, it was Will’s choice to end his life. Thus, it became Lou’s job to: 

• Provide comfort

• Be a steady hand

• Make sure Will is confident in his decision

• Support him until the end

Aspects of broken communication occurred between Will and Lou because of his decision, because she wanted him to stay and couldn’t support his wishes at first. By the end of the film, not only was she his caregiver but also his partner. While in the real world this might cause some ethical issues, it created a more heartbreaking story for the book/film.

Obviously, this isn’t the ending that many viewers of the film wanted. But it speaks volumes to the importance of mental health care around the globe. Finding a support system and someone to talk to can help you to manage the symptoms of anxiety or depression, and this film shows just how much Will needed someone like Lou to confide in. 

Finding Beauty in the Little Things

Lou is meant to be a somewhat ‘quirky’ character with an original sense of style and a love for the little things in life. Because she hasn’t experienced many extravagant moments, she appreciates the small things that she has grown up with, from a pair of bumblebee tights to memories with her family. Many life lessons can be learned from Louisa Clark including: 

• Always showing kindness

• Showing no fear in standing out

• Not being afraid to grow

• Seeing the best in people

• Embracing the unexpected

Even though Will’s life was cut short, Louisa’s energy did rub off on him toward the end of his life. He went from being in a continuously depressed state to happy and somewhat fulfilled. He ended up looking forward to their morning routine together whenever she would show up. That’s more than just an aspect of the movie used to build on their meet-cute; it’s scientifically proven that a morning routine has psychological benefits, including increased creativity. 

While Me Before You might not be a traditional romantic comedy or even a traditional feel-good film, there are many life lessons that you can take away. It’s a movie that, like many others, can make you love life. If you’ve seen it before, it may be worth watching again with a different perspective.

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CONCLUSION

Thank you, Adrian! You are welcome anytime. Friends, if you see a movie that I don't see and want to be featured on my website, hit up my website's Facebook page and you can be my next GUEST CRITIC!

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GUEST COLUMN: Checklist of 90s Movies You Should Definitely Watch

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Checklist of 90s Movies You Should Definitely Watch

by Henry Thompson

The 90s was definitely the decade of the film. I mean, what other era spawned hits across several genres? Who can ever forget classics like Titanic? Or powerful romance films like Pretty Women and Clueless, ideal for the idealists and romantic (at heart). Mystery, thrillers, and even Disney animations were also not left out. The 90s produced movies that catered to every taste, leaving a lasting impression even so many years after. 

As an avid movie fan, you may yearn to relive the moments in these movies. It might even be that you’ve not had the pleasure to watch them for the first time. We’ve got you covered. In this article, we bring to you some of the evergreen movies from the 90s. 

Titanic (1997)

Of course, there’s no better movie to set the ball rolling than Titanic. This movie was so epic that lines from it are referenced today. The story –  about two lovers stuck in the ill-fated Titanic – resonated with viewers because of how powerful the storytelling was. It gave faces to the victims of that shipwreck, humanizing them in a way prior movies and documentaries hadn’t. This movie is one for the ages. 

The Joy Luck Club (1993)

This flick was iconic in so many ways, chief amongst them being that it had an all-Asian cast. This was as far back in 1993. It would take almost 15 years later for the movie Crazy Rich Asians to replicate this feat. The story follows a group of Chinese-American women and their mothers. It is a powerful and emotionally moving tale. You may want to have your tissue handy.

Groundhog Day (1993)

What happens when a weatherman gets to repeat the same day several times in a loop? Find out in this fantastic movie. Bill Murray stars as a weatherman carrying out an assignment in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He finds himself unable to break the loop and get out of that one day that never ends. 

The Bodyguard (1992)

This is one film that deceased singer, Whitney Houston, is most popular for. Starring opposite Kevin Costner, Houston’s character was a famous pop star who employs a former secret service agent (Costner) to be her bodyguard. Whitney Houston lent her magic touch to the movie, such that the movie’s soundtrack is still the best selling soundtrack album to date. 

The Parent Trap (1998)

This movie, perhaps, solidified Lindsay Lohan’s position as a formidable artist. Young as she was —11 years and a few months — she was able to interpret her roles perfectly. Roles, yes, because she played two identical twins separated by their parents. She had to switch between the British and American accents, spar with herself, all while being in character. These things may not seem like a big deal now with the many actors that have pulled it off, and the many tech advances that have made switching roles easy. However, when you consider that this movie was made in 1998, and also that Lohan was pretty young, you’d have nothing but respect for the actress’s talent. 

Clueless (1995)

If you watched this movie, you must have been struck by how gorgeous the characters looked. Clueless ushered in a high point in fashion unprecedented in that era. The outfits may not excite you now, overtaken as they are by newer trends; however, the story will definitely capture your interest. Clueless is the retelling of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Emma. It features a charming protagonist who sweeps into a high school and automatically becomes the rave of the moment. 

Schinder’s List (1993)

You can easily tell the stuff a film is made of by how many Oscars it garners. Schindler’s List won 7 in one night, earning legendary director Stephen Spielberg his first Oscar. This movie is based on the true story of hero Oskar Schindler, who saved thousands of Jews during World War 2. He employed them in his factory, shielding them from the rampaging German soldiers. This is a decent depiction of a hero without capes. 

Home Alone (1990)

If you haven’t watched this movie, shame on you. Home Alone showed us that a child left alone to his devices could come up with so many ways to get into trouble, outmaneuver crafty burglars while being entertaining at the same time. Another thing, it is a Christmas movie. Tell me, why again haven’t you watched Home Alone?

Boyz N the Hood (1991)

If you want a realistic portrayal of life in black-populated ghettos, this is the movie for you. This John Singleton-directed movie depicts urban ghetto life in all its realness. It follows the daily struggle for survival, drug abuse, gang wars, and the limited opportunities available to the average black person in such a community. In the shadow of all that the Black Lives Matter movement represents, this movie may well remind you of what the struggle is about. 

The Lion King (1994)

There has indeed been a live remake starring Beyonce; however, the opinion in some quarters is that this remake pales compared to the original. The Lion King was the king (pun intended) of animated films upon its release. The story of Simba, a young cub on a search for vengeance, looking to reclaim his father’s kingdom, is one that remains ageless. Throw in the lovely soundtrack, especially Elton John’s rendition of, Can You Feel the Love Tonight? and you have yourself the perfect date movie. 

Thelma and Louise (1991)

This movie introduces us to two badass women. Best friends, Thelma (played by Geena Davis) and Louise (played by Susan Sarandon) escape from their terrible jobs, and terrible husbands in search of adventure Things get ugly on the road, with twists and turns they hardly expected. This was one of Brad Pitt’s earliest roles. You’ll love it. 

There you have it, our checklist of 90s movies you have to watch. It certainly doesn’t hurt that you can find most of them on Netflix and other streaming platforms. You can even watch them in HD! We are certain you will have nothing but a lovely experience.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Henry Thompson is a journalist who enjoys covering topics of home security and home renovation. Over the course of his career, he has been contributing to various media publications, and now he is running the blog homenetrouter.com where he writes about healthy living, DIY, and home security.

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COLUMN: Football Film Culture: "Invincible" to "Leatherheads"

Invincible to Leatherheads: Football Film Culture

Americans love football. Anyone hailing from the rural regions of the US knows that football is often regarded as an important part of life: it teaches discipline, provides an outlet for grueling competition, and is one way to become a local or national hero.

Football in film delivers on a few key components of the American associations with the sport. Films that feature the NFL or NCAAF as a focal point of the plot often depict hard-fought battles where the odds are stacked against a rag-tag team. Whether through comedic mishaps, determined work ethic, or the powerful bonds of community, football squads always prevail in the end.

Some features focus on individual players, like Invincible and Rudy. Others focus on teams or communities that are disenfranchised and seek to reinstate their autonomy through a killer football season, like The Longest Yard and We Are Marshall. Finally, there are the comedic takes, like Adam Sandler’s Waterboy or Disney’s The Game Plan.

In the end, the audience expects to be inspired and, most of all, they expect a big win. Even if the scoreboard doesn’t reflect a technical win from the team, then there’s never a big emotional or practical payoff far away. So if you're looking for some sports-related excitement, check out the following titles.

Invincible, 2006

Set in the gritty streets of South Philadelphia in the 70s, Invincible offers an emotional and heartfelt tale of defying the odds and developing character. Based on the true story of Vince Papale, Mark Wahlberg stars in the drama that focuses on one regular man’s dream to play for the Philadelphia Eagles in the wake of personal disaster.

Today, the Eagles do well amongst analysts that offer NFL Picks and have a recent 2017 Super Bowl title under their belt. But back in Papale’s days, the Eagles were an exciting, on-the-rise franchise that was ready to shake up the NFC.

In the end, Papale appears in Super Bowl XV… which is a slight deviation from the true story of Papale’s life.

Any Given Sunday, 1999 

Hailed as the epitome of great football films that preceded the Remember the Titans and Friday Night Lights franchises, Any Given Sunday focuses on a fictional professional football team and the dynamics at play on and off the field. 

At its core, it’s a film about professional football from every angle—social, physical, mental, and emotional. It’s beloved for its wide ensemble cast of actors including Al Pacino and real football players like Jim Brown.

The title is pulled from a quote about how football teams can win and take it all on ‘any given Sunday’, which astutely summarizes the impetus that drives teams to keep winning—no matter the odds.

Leatherheads, 2008

While not a comedy on par with the slapstick shenanigans of The Waterboy or quite as family-friendly as The Game Plan, this Smokehouse Pictures production focuses on the early days of American football.

It’s a smart comedy for those who appreciate the finer aspects of football—like its origin, structural theory, and some of the classic strategies from the first offensive and defensive lines.

As usual in an American football film, the story features an uplifting ending, a hero who defies the odds and becomes a better man in the process. Did we mention it stars George Clooney and John Krasinski?

Rudy, 1993

Football is often imagined as an equal playing field despite the ample social and physical requirements that have often been associated with the gridiron. Still, America loves to imagine that the field is the place where anyone can make a name for themselves.

Enter the true story of Daniel Eugene ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger. Despite lacking sufficient grades, finances, and height to appear on Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish football team, Rudy doesn’t give up his battle to step onto the field.

Rudy is considered one of the most inspirational films ever made, rated number 54 of 100 in a list by the American Film Institute. Unlike the other films on this list, Rudy is close to the actual events that inspired the story. Aside from the over-vilification of Coach Devine, it’s a solid retelling.

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GUEST COLUMN: Great Movies to Create a Retro Mood at Home

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Great Movies to Create a Retro Mood at Home

by Theresa Cofield

Whether you are a classic movie enthusiast or you simply enjoy retro style in movies, there are some movies for you to enjoy. Sometimes it is just needed, you want to stay at home and feel cozy. It’s also a great idea to enjoy retro settings with your friends or family members. 

Below you may find some interesting movies with descriptions. Check out these options, some of these movies are modern but create an unforgettable retro atmosphere. Others are retro movies considered to be the best masterpieces of all time. 

Inglourious Basterds

A movie that will keep your attention from the very first to the very last minute of watching it. It was directed by Quentin Tarantino and depicts events about a group of American soldiers with Jewish roots who gathered together to fight against fascists in Europe. The movie is set during World War II but does not depict real events. 

It’s not a historical drama, it is rather a black comedy that depicts an alternative story. It’s a pretty violent movie, but it is definitely worth watching, especially considering the cast and the fact that the movie got 8 nominations even though it got one Oscar.

Revolutionary Road

A drama starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. The film depicts the events during the mid-50s of the previous century. Frank and April Wheeler are a perfect young couple with two children and a dream-like house in the suburbs. They are a perfect family from the poster, belonging to the middle-class, and having everything they need.

Frank has a job and April is a perfect housewife, she takes care of their children making sure their upbringing matches the expectations of the society. Frank and April are both young and beautiful, and they have a dream to move to Paris. Seems like they are perfect, right? Well, you have to check out the movie and see it on your own. Because sometimes what you see does not match what you expect.

Lawrence of Arabia 

It’s not exactly retro, it’s rather historical, but interesting and catching the attention of viewers. The music is amazing, the film was shot in such places as Jordan, Morocco, Spain, and England. It's a classic English movie that is considered to be the best in the history of English cinematography.

The actors are not just playing, they are living the lives of their characters. The music is amazing and combined with incredible landscapes, it makes you observe everything intently. The movie was released in 1962, and it’s 100% epic and worth watching it.

The Edge of Love

If you are into complex relationships between individuals, then this movie will be interesting for you. It is set in 1940, in Britain, right in the middle of the battle for England. During one of those rare moments when loud explosions and fear of the war is nowhere on the horizon, 2 childhood friends Vera and Dylan meet after a long partition.

Vera and Dylan were in love in childhood and youth, and after meeting Dylan, Vera realizes that her feelings towards Dylan are still alive. Little did she know that Dylan is already married. You will have to see on your own how things go, but the movie is extremely interesting and shows human feelings and emotions as it is.

An Education

It's a movie about a young 15-year old lady whose name is Jenny. She is very eager to start studying in one of the most famous colleges out there, Oxford. It's a way to escape her boring routine, obtain an education, and become more or less independent.

While there, she meets a man who is twice as old as her. He is without a doubt charming, masculine, and seems to be rich. He is wearing fashionable clothes, rides a cool sports car, and of course, catches Henny's attention. Enjoy the movie to learn where this all is leading both characters.

The Stepford Wives

If you love stories where not everything seems to be as it seems, then you will like The Stepford Wives. Joanna Eberhart and her husband move to a little heaven-like town that is called Stepford. It's so idyllic, so small, so quiet, everyone is happy and enjoying life. A perfect place for Joanna after her nervous breakdown.

She befriends a local woman Roberta "Bobbie" Markowitz. Little did they know, but some women in this small, heaven-like town seem to have some secrets. You will have to join Joanna and Bobbie on their investigation to find out what is so suspicious and weird is hidden by some citizens of perfect Stepford.

West Side Story 

A movie that was shot in 1961. Definitely represents retro in both ways - depicts retro events, and in fact, belongs to old-school movies. It depicts New York City and the gangs that ruled the city at that time. 

It's musical and you won't regret watching it. It's a relatively modern depiction of Romeo and Juliet, but with its own plot twists and events. The atmosphere of old Hollywood is unforgettable and extremely enjoyable. Just watch it and enjoy it since it's one of the masterpieces of all time. 

The Hustler

Back in those times when the possibility of bet on csgo was considered to be heresy, “Fast” Eddie Felson was trying to earn a living by gambling and other suspicious ways at those times. The movie is set in the mid-50s and is considered to be a classic one. Even though it is black and white, it is still considered to be a masterpiece even today when the cinematography can offer everything to its eager viewers.

It shows the life of a man who experiences the ups and downs of life. Not always he is successful, but he certainly is trying to improve his skills to become famous and earn his share. His manager, ruthless Bert Gordon, is capable of leading him to victory. Enjoy this black and white movie and you will definitely feel the retro atmosphere. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Theresa Cofield is a freelance writer who has a love for creativity and a passion for helping others. She works as a blogger at csgobettingg.com where she covers the topics of esports and the gaming industry.

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‘Fingers’ Wriggles Free October 6

Writer-director Juan Ortiz’s psychological comedy horror film ‘Fingers’, staring Sabina Friedman-Seitz, Jeremy Gardner, Michael St. Michaels, Stan Madray, Alex Zuko, Michael Richardson, Sterling William, Taylor Zaudtke, El Louissaint, Melissa McNerney, Vincenzo Hinckley, Brannon Cross, and Rebekah Paugam, and Tony “Hulk” Rivera, is releasing on-demand and across all digital platforms on October 6. Filmed in Florida, […]

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MOVIE REVIEW: The Trial of the Chicago 7

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THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7-- 5 STARS

Not if, but when, you watch The Trial of the Chicago 7 on Netflix, know that, like all movies based on historical events, what you’re watching is a cherry-picked and tidy two-hour dramatization of legal proceedings that lasted just short of 150 days. Normally when that happens, the dramatic license to make an entertaining product has added any number of embellishments for showmanship’s sake. Folks love the challenge, especially in a courtroom movie, of sniffing out the sugarcoating to wonder “did that really happen?” up and down every narrative peak and valley. The crazy thing is the exact opposite is happening here from Aaron Sorkin.

LESSON #1: THE WHOLE STORY IS ALWAYS MORE THAN WE SEE IN A MOVIE-- The courageous antics and challenging tactics seen in the varnished 129 minutes of The Trial of the Chicago 7, are just a fraction of what really transpired in this raucous real-life case. It was wilder than this. It was worse than this. For a single example statistic, the eight defendants and their lawyers racked up 159 counts of criminal contempt. The movie shows you under ten of them. 

Watch the acting confrontations, observe the reenacted testimonies, and soak up historical perspective, but then go read further official accounts and records afterward. Throw in the civic importance of Medium Cool as a cherry on top. Call it due diligence. Call it praise confirmation as well.

When you do yourself that favor and make that follow-up effort, you will be astonished at what Sorkin and his fellow creators honed as well as what didn’t make the film. There are plenty of instances where missing so much potential material could be considered a flaw. That’s not here. The Trial of the Chicago 7 loses zero of the peace-branded activism and emboldened essence with its brilliant composition to make a commanding, impressive, and affirming viewing experience. 

For those light on their history, the 1968 Democratic National Convention hosted in Chicago was marred by public strife between protest groups and the Chicago Police, much of it caught on cameras while the world was watching. For many, it was the pigs versus the pariahs. When the tear gas cleared and Nixon won the ensuing election, federal conspiracy to incite violence charges were levied by the new U.S. Attorney General John Mitchell (an opening cameo from William Hurt) and his prosecution team Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Tom Floran (character actor J.C. Mackenzie).

The targets were a mix of staunch antiwar influencers deemed “petulant,” “dangerous,” “unprofessional,” “unpatriotic,” and “impolite” by Mitchell. Among them are two duos of large-scale organizers with opposing dispositions. Tom Hayden (Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne) and Rennie Davis (rising actor Alex Sharp) were two straight-laced members of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).

The “Mobe” Dems commonly butted philosophical heads with the free-wheeling sarcasm of the “Yippies” (Youth International Party) faction lead by Abbie Hoffman (an invested Sacha Baron Cohen) and Jerry Rubin (newly minted Emmy winner Jeremy Strong of Succession) despite the same tangential aims. The middle man and occasionally neutral voice of reason was co-defendant and conscientious objector David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch). All were represented in court by civil rights attorneys William Kuntsler (Oscar winner Mark Rylance) and Leonard Weinglass (TV mainstay Ben Shenkman).

The most maligned member of the accused was the co-founder of the Black Panthers himself, Bobby Seale (new Watchman Emmy winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), flanked often by Illinois chapter chairman Fred Hampton (the Everywhere Man of Kelvin Harrison Jr.). Detained for another pending criminal charge while the others have made their cushy bail, Seale was trapped silent in this trial without legal representation and disallowed by the Honorable Julius Hoffman (Frank Langella) from cross-examining witnesses or making statements. He was the separate eighth of what became the titular septet. 

Fueled in fits and spurts by a peppy score from composer Daniel Pemberton, the back-and-forth arguments of the case trigger expositional flashback sequences of the events before, during, and after the fateful August riots from the various points of view. The spoken details and filmed set pieces are, through the deft editing from Alan Baumgarten (American Hustle), interlaced with the archival parallel footage from the real history. Those splashes of black-and-white violence remind viewers of the gravity behind the potential farce. As the trial drags on, the case presents more and more conflicting purposes and damning blame.

LESSON #2: REVOLUTIONS MAY HURT FEELINGS-- As Abby Hoffman will jest, they’re not meant to be easy. He and his rhetoric consider this to be a political trial of the cultural revolution that he believes should be evolving to an actual one that usurps the government. Ruffling feathers is only the beginning and this trial is a springboard to draw the proper attention. He’s the type of shifty and enigmatic presence to catch every egg meant for his face and splatter them on his critics’ faces instead, be them friend or foe.  

LESSON #3: THE PRICE OF REVOLUTION IS LIVES— While public spectacle invaded the legal arena, this was no kangaroo court. The charges and risks were real. These men were facing a decade of jail time eating away the primes of their twenties and thirties. Livelihoods count as lives, but at least the eight on trail would have them. The same could not be said for the thousands of casualties in Vietnam that grew by the day. Wants, desires, votes, and issues aside, lost lives sparked these rallies and protests. The present day could learn from the events of a half-century ago. It shouldn’t take an international war to bring true change when the conflicts are right here locally.

LESSON #4: WATCH YOUR MOUTH— Be it in court, on tape, out on the streets, or one-on-one with a rival, get your words right. Frame your argument and positions. Pick your battles and, most importantly, speak up no matter the consequences if your beliefs are solid. These eight men had not only such sly wherewithal, but the moral conviction of ideals to stand behind their every vocalized breath publicly and under every bright light of scrutiny. This would be the complete opposite of the anonymous “internet courage” of today. 

With this being an Aaron Sorkin film, the words are the best part. The Academy Award-winning writer (The Social Network) turned filmmaker (Molly’s Game) has always had something beyond the normal gift of gab. Known and celebrated for his staccato assaults of barbed conversations, the punches of his The Trial of the Chicago 7 script linger longer than his usual pacing. To a marvelous effect, performance scenes stretch taller, lifted by wisely chosen imaginary moments of stumps and pontiffs. Such opportunities created arguably the best ensemble acting showcase so far this year.

From the most flippant to the most cantankerous, not a single cast member misses their mark or weakens any chain. With every low-registered pronouncement and irksome removal of his eyeglasses, Frank Langella puts on a clinic for the evil slow boil. Those pitted against him exude their ranges of indignation for complementary combinations. The flamboyance of Sacha Baron Cohen, the spry spirit of Mark Rylance, and the passionate postulating of Eddie Redmayne all come from distinctly opposition character viewpoints and backgrounds. Yet, every clash of differences only tightens the cohesions of their unified cause and thickens the performances. And, for a Sorkin film, you can bet every syllable is measured to millisecond for maximum effect.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Guest on the "Kicking the Seat" podcast and YouTube channel talking "A Face in the Crowd" for the ReelPolitik series

Throughout 2020, I’ve had the pleasure of being invited on Ian Simmons’ website “Kicking the Seat” to contribute to his year-long “Reelpolitik” series. Leading up to the hotly anticipated national election this November, Ian has been pulling aside classic films that exemplify politics with possible parallels to our present state today. This school teacher loves to talk on that kind of level. For my fourth appearance, Ian and I dive deep into Elia Kazan’s A Face in the Crowd from 1957, a punchy political satire starring a then-little known Andy Griffith in a shocking role far different than his future career peaks. Enjoy our discussion in podcast and video forms below!

MY FULL 2012 BLIND SPOT REVIEW OF "A FACE IN THE CROWD"

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GUEST COLUMN: Unbelievable Movies Based On True Stories That Deserve Documentary Status

(Image: Cincinnati Enquirer)

Unbelievable Movies Based On True Stories That Deserve Documentary Status 

by Kurt Waller

There are times when you search for great documentaries, but in the end, what you find are movies based on true stories that have enough in them to be called a documentary or be recorded as one but aren’t. These movies re-live those things that happened in real life over someone’s life. It could also be a global catastrophe or some other event, and they are amazing to watch. 

Apart from teaching real-life lessons, these movies also tell a story of how an event unfolded. One would agree that one of the best ways to tell a story is to make it into a movie. But when the movies are too good, you start to wonder if a documentary would have been better. This is the story of so many movies that are based on true stories. Even the greatest documentary critics would find it hard to criticize some of these movies were they documentaries. There are a number of these movies, and a few of them are documented in this article.

Hotel Rwanda 

This movie is difficult to watch as it tells Paul Rusesabagina’s story of Rwanda’s genocide in 1994. Paul, a hotel manager at the time, was Hutu and was married to a Tutsi woman. 

Once the war began, the Tutsi people became the target, and this put Paul in a difficult situation as he tries to save his family and some of his neighbors with the hotel serving as their safe harbor. 

This story is a genuinely unbelievable one, especially given the modern era that we are now in. however, it is someone’s true story and is one that is worth every second of your time. 

Chernobyl

It is hard to believe that Chernobyl is a pure work of fiction or just some beautiful assignment writing because of how amazing it is. If there’s just one movie that deserves to be a documentary, then it is this one. It is quite telling that this was the first movie to get a better rating than both Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, which are HBO’s most highly rated shows. This should already give you ideas as to how amazing this movie is. This is, without a doubt, one of the best films you’ll ever watch (especially with those based on true stories). That’s how good it is. 

This movie is centered on the years after the nuclear disaster of Chernobyl in the 80s in Russia. Even if you already know a few things about Chernobyl, you’re certainly going to learn a few more things from this fantastic true story.   

When They See Us 

This is one of the best real story movies that you’ll ever watch on Netflix. This is another one of those stories that you can’t but recommend for everyone to watch. This documentary-worthy movie is about some boys’ sad stories accused and wrongly convicted of rape in the late 80s.  

These boys’ story is quite disturbing on many levels, and the producer Duvernay put a lot into this movie to portray the events that happened to these boys and how their lives were completely ruined while serving their prison sentence and even after the sentence. It is one that you shouldn’t miss. 

Mindhunter

This is still an ongoing series at Netflix and is about a task force set up in the 70s for a kind of murder that happened more than once. This is a group that was labeled as “serial killers” by the FBI themselves. 

Through this college paper series, the group went ahead to interview several serial killers that were already famous at the time to create a profile that could help them catch serial killers. If crime and criminal investigation movies get you excited as it does with me, then you have to watch minehunter. 

These movie producers brilliantly portrayed the real murderers starting from how they look specifically and their different bizarre habits. This movie does have a lot to offer the viewers, so you should join the queue. 

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, And Vile

This is another serial killer movie based on the story of Ted Bundy, who is now infamously known as a serial killer. One good thing about this movie and something that differentiates it from the others mentioned before is that it also has a documentary based on the same person Ted Bundy and both film and documentary are worth every second. The movie also offers a very different perspective on the documentary, so you might want to watch both. 

The movie’s focus is not so much about Bundy’s crimes, but the long-term relationship that he maintained with his girlfriend Liz which was quite a shock, especially considering that he became infamous for brutally murdering women. 

It has to be mentioned that the movie has some enormous exaggerations in it, but I guess that’s why it’s a movie after all, and it’s quite an enjoyable one to watch. Whichever one you watch first, the movie or the documentary, you are likely going to go hunting for the other one. This is even truer if you watch the movie first, you will go the extra mile to watch the documentary too, and it’s worth it. 

Conclusion 

There are many other movies based on true stories that are worth documentary status not mentioned here. But you won’t begrudge us if we deny that one for these few ones. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kurt Walker has been working as an editor and a copywriter providing UK dissertation at best essay writing service UK in London for three years. He is also a professional content writer and journalist at bestessays.com.au in such topics as inspiration, productivity, education, and technologies. 

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GUEST COLUMN: Top 10 Best College Movies

(Image: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)

Top 10 Best College Movies

by Lewis Robinson

Whether you're in college, thinking about going to college soon, or just enjoy a good college flic, you may enjoy watching some of the movies on this list. Below are some of the top ten best college movies made in the last fifty years. Watch one tonight!

10. Drumline (2002)

Band kids are most likely to enjoy this movie. Drumline tells the story of a new college freshman who joins the college's marching band. Throughout the movie, he needs to work to earn respect from his fellow band members. 

9. Monsters University (2013)

If you're looking for something a little more relaxed and lighthearted, try watching Monsters University. This movie is a prequel to the Pixar movie Monsters Inc. This movie shows the origin of Mike and Sully meeting and honing their monstering skills.

8. Wonder Boys (2000)

When Wonder Boys first came out in 2000, the movie didn't receive high praise. However, it has an all-star cast, including Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, Katie Holmes, and Robert Downey Jr. The movie follows the story of a college professor trying to write a second novel and receiving help and inspiration from students and other professors.

7. The Social Network (2010)

The Social Network is a docu-drama that tells the story of Mark Zuckerburg creating Facebook. For the most part, this movie is a dramatization of the events leading up to it. This movie is perfect for anyone who loves creating apps or who is interested in Facebook in general.

6. Pitch Perfect (2012)

Pitch Perfect is a lighthearted college musical. This movie more or less ignores everything that has to do with taking classes, and instead focuses on several students in a singing group. This movie is totally unrealistic but it's good for a laugh and is great for anyone who loves female-lead movies.

5. 22 Jump Street (2014)

22 Jump Street is the sequel to 21 Jumpstreet. Both movies follow two undercover detectives, played by Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, who attend classes while trying to solve crimes related to an underground drug ring. This is another great comedy movie that has very little to do with actual college classes.

4. The Graduate (1967)

The Graduate is a classic college movie. It follows the story of a young college-aged man who falls for a middle-aged woman. Their torrid love affair causes a variety of problems for both the two lovers and their family members. If you love romance movies and drama, you may love this movie.

3. Legally Blond (2001)

Unlike many of the college movies on this list, Legally Blond does show some of what it takes to get into a prestigious college. This movie has a lighthearted plot and great characters that drive the film. However, there are parts of the movie that show the struggles that come with studying for standardized tests, which is great encouragement for students to take an SAT prep class.

2. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Good Will Hunting may be one of the most popular college drama movies ever made. This film follows the story of an intelligent college janitor, played by Matt Damon, who needs to take therapy from a college professor, played by Robin Williams. This emotional movie touches the heartstrings of anyone who's watched it in the last 20+ years.

1. Accepted (2006)

Possibly the most entertaining college movie ever made is Accepted. This movie tells the story of a group of students who don't get accepted into an actual college, so they fool their parents into thinking they got into college... by literally creating their own college. The students buy a building with collected tuition and hold their own classes. It's one of the best movies for any new or aspiring college student to watch for a laugh, and maybe some motivation to apply to college.

Many years ago I attended a small university in Utah. I remember watching The Graduate at a party with friends and loving the realism of the whole thing. Then, not long after Good Will Hunting came out and I was reminded of the care some of my professors had. All of these films are great to watch both while in or out of college!

The next time you need a good movie to watch, check out one of the movies on this list. Depending on what one you pick, you may laugh, cry, sing, or all three!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lewis Robinson is a business consultant specializing in CRM and sales. He's begun multiple corporations and currently freelances as a writer and personal consultant. He mainly writes about topics like business, marketing, and education; though there are many other topics he discusses as well. He has a wife and two children and enjoys spending time with them.

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MEDIA APPEARANCE: Quoted on Quality Comix discussing superhero diversity through "Black Panther"

I was approached recently for my second collaboration opportunity with Quality Comix, a successful comic sales website which puts out their own editorial content alongside their marketplace. They were working on a long-form article on the challenging history of superhero diversity. The people at Quality Comix enjoyed my perspective last time on Joker and wanted a contribution on Black Panther in respond to the passing of star Chadwick Boseman for their collected piece. I was happy to oblige speaking about that movie’s vast importance. Check out your boy!

THE COMPLETE QUALITY COMIX EDITORIAL MY FULL REVIEW OF "JOKER"

(Image: qualitycomix.com)

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GUEST CRITIC #33: A Star is Born

(Image: imdb.com)

As busy I get from time to time, I find that I can't see every movie under the sun, leaving my friends and colleagues to fill in the blanks for me.  As poetically as I think I wax about movies on this website as a wannabe critic, there are other experts out there.  Sometimes, it inspires me to see the movie too and get back to being my circle's go-to movie guy.  Sometimes, they save me $9 and you 800+ words of blathering.  In a new review series, I'm opening my site to friend submissions for guest movie reviews.

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TODAY’S CRITIC: Lafronda Stumn

Lafronda Stumn is a student at Madisonville Community College and intends to graduate with an Associate's degree in Associate of the Arts. She plans on earning a Bachelors Degree in Motion Picture Studies and English at Wright State University. Her favorite Directors are Scorsese, Spielberg, and Spike Lee, and her favorite actors are Al Pacino, Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, and Halle Berry. Lafronda contacted this page looking for a place to get published and I enjoy giving people that very kind of opportunity. She recently reviewed Alfre Woodard’s powerhouse drama Clemency and the troubled romance Blue Valentine. Welcome back, Lafronda!

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HER REVIEW:

When I first heard that Warner Bros was going to another remake of A Star Is Born, I wondered, is this necessary? Why now there were three other versions in 1937, 1954, and 1976. You know what happens already, please try something original for a change? I heard outstanding notices at the Venice, Telluride, and Toronto Film Festivals; then, I felt maybe it right after all? Overall, the film lived up to the hype.

Bradley Cooper took over the realms of this new version as a not only actor but director, producer, and Co-writer and plays Jackson Maine, an ounce famous rock star who has spent too much time drinking and snorting coke and because of not taking care of his voice and body. Wasted, he goes into a gay bar desperate for a drink. Jackson then sees a female singer sing French and in amazement by her performance. Her name is Ally (Lady Gaga), who works as a waitress by day and once a week sings at a gay club where she loves the gay community. Jackson tracks her down, and they strike up a conversation and captivate! by him too, knowing from the very beginning, Jackson Maine drinks too much.

On their second date, they go to a cop bar where Jackson and Ally confront another drunk, and Ally, disgusted, punches him in the face. Jackson tends to her wounded hand at the grocery store with a frozen peas bag and later asks her to join him and his band on tour. She later quits her job and immediately joins in on time. While touring, Ally meets a manager who likes what he sees. He asked to be her manager and recorded her debut album. She accepts, and while Jackson is happy for her at first. His drinking and drugging take a toll on his voice and career as Ally ascend to superstardom. In contrast, Jackson's career descends into oblivion as rehab cannot ignite his career, and well, you know where the story ends after that.

Despite the familiar aspects of the story, it fills the movie with memorable moments. When Ally sings "Shallow" and" Always Remember Me this Way," and" I'll Never Love Again" are sensational. Lady Gaga can blow and has the voice of an Angel. I love the sequence when Jackson and Ally meet Jackson's friend Noodles (played with such ease by Dave Chappelle). You see  Chappelle's character's wife and kids. Over dinner, Jackson proposes to Ally and get married by another friend of Jackson's (Eddie Griffin); there a scene earlier in the film where Jackson takes Ally to the pecan farm. He grew up in Arizona, and with surprise by what he sees and confronts is the much older brother and manager Bobby (Sam Elliot). Elliot is right in limited screen time. I also love that there is no score meaning that it is more of a drama with music in the background.  The film with no score increases the feeling of the jobs as a performer and the dramatic aspects that you feel more empathy for the main characters and the situations they are entangled themselves.

The performances are all first-rate. Lady Gaga is perfect as Ally; she's better in the first half than in the second where things happen to Gaga; is character and doesn't much respond to what occurs.  Cooper is terrific as Jackson Maine. I believe he gives his best performance as a man has broken down alcoholism, which, unfortunately, the disease of addiction has made love the drink and drugs more so than Ally and his Career and his brother. Cooper's direction is that of a seasoned veteran with a close taught to approach and make you believe you are in the actual film with its concert scenes and away from show business when it just Jackson and Ally spending time together. There's excellent chemistry between them, and I see many of the films to come for Gaga.

Among ranking of the best, A Star Is Born films, where does this rank? The 1954 Judy Garland and James Mason version will always be the best. No one ever tops that version. The 1937 version hasn't aged well but has an outstanding performance by Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, comes in third, and the 1976 versions are too campy for my taste. This 2018 version ranks second. Well done, great entertainment but the overly familiar ending will make the film memorable for younger audiences. Older audiences or younger people who are cinema savvy will appreciate how well done it is, but nothing compares to Garland and Mason's. Still, it is a gratifying and fulfilling movie-going experience.

Rating: ***1/2 (out of four)

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CONCLUSION

Thank you again, Lafronda! You are welcome anytime. Friends, if you see a movie that I don't see and want to be featured on my website, hit up my website's Facebook page and you can be my next GUEST CRITIC!

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MOVIE REVIEW: Antebellum

Photo credit: Matt Kennedy for Lionsgate

ANTEBELLUM-- 1 STAR

Twists and turns be damned, Antebellum is a potent illustration of the discrepancy between a premise, the intellectual seed of every creative film, and what could simply be called in the end “a good idea.” Premises are catalysts that pique interest and corkscrew typical conventions to a degree where the goal is to get a potential audience member to declare “I gotta see that.” Shock value sells. However, even the ballsiest premises only work with storytelling and filmmaking execution that can justify the how and, eventually, the why. Those premises become “good ideas.”

On so many levels, Antebellum and its premise were not anywhere close to good ideas. With every pendulum swinging between power and abuse and between dominance and defiance, this wannabe mindf--k movie does not achieve enough of that aforementioned justification. Even with a determined performance from Janelle Monáe, this is a distressing and unnecessary inquisition with no solid answers.

Now, something that can help a premise is ambiance. With an impressive unbroken tracking shot from Don’t Breathe cinematographer Pedro Luque Briozzo, Antebellum opens to flaunt its production value. Lacing off the ground above cotton fields and through shanty buildings, the camera captures a familiar landscape of uniformed white finery forcing servitude on ragged Black prisoners characterized in the stellar costumes of Mary Zophres (La La Land). The disturbing musical notes from frequent Monáe collaborators Nate Wonder and Roman Gianarthur choreograph the unnarrated acts of oppression on screen and peaks when a noose hits a neck. We’re there and it’s ugly.

LESSON #1: READ THE ROOM-- At this point, a level head asks, goodness gracious, are we still making fictionalized slavery movies and putting that violent cycle on screen again for the umpteenth time? Unless the future comeuppance is satisfying and/or hammers home a greater purpose, why continue to perpetuate this wretched wringer? As this lesson commands, is now a good time for that in this present era? Who’s clamoring the “I gotta see that” cheers for this?

Here in this established setting of a plantation commandeered by Confederate soldiers, Eden (Monáe) is a field hand that has been disciplined into silent submissiveness by the ranking officer (TV star Eric Lange), his vicious top lieutenant (Jack Huston), and his haughty and heinous wife (Jena Malone). Those in control preach and speak of heritage and territorial inheritance. Escape attempts have only made Eden’s punishments and labor worse. However, with the close of the eyes and the wisk of a near-match cut one night, Eden awakens to be an entirely different person.

LESSON #2: LIBERATION OVER ASSIMILATION-- Like wiping away a bad dream, Monáe is also Veronica Henley, an influential speaker and successful writer of social activism against racial patriarchy. Her work looks to break the cycle of inequity with liberation over assimilation. She is a married mother of one and lives well in a present day that still slights her. This outspoken and confident force is the kind of woman that warns how anger and fear are not what they appear to be while she (and the film) quote William Faulkner. Veronica couldn’t be any more different than the defeated Eden. 

Written and directed by the creative team known as Bush and Renz (Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz) making their feature film debut, Antebellum dangles a grand ploy to connect Eden to Veronica. The pontifications of this psychological thriller mean to call out and contort the troubling ethnic and societal parallels between the present and the past. That’s all the premise lacking a clever or keen execution. When the swerves hit, preposterousness obliterates cleverness.

The best Antebellum can muster is the coin-flip anecdotes of “our ancestors haunt our dreams to see themselves forward” and “the unresolved past reeks havoc on the present.” They are traded by a tribe of girls, including Veronica and two besties (mouthy Precious star Gabourey Sidibe and token buddy Lily Cowles), before a night of elegant drinks. What is weak foreshadowing could have been and should have been shattering truths. 

LESSON #3: WHAT’S NOT A GOOD IDEA-- The height of those champagne flutes was the maximum gravity given to those potential cornerstones for drama and suspense. Too much is spent on the brutality instead. Antebellum tears down a promising icon of Black success into another degraded victim launched into a gauntlet of misogynistic torture. That’s not a good idea. Anything coming out of an ordeal like that is more of a damage and a disservice than something compelling or of consequence.

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