GUEST COLUMN: All About the Documentary "You Don't Know Nicotine"

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All About the Documentary "You Don't Know Nicotine" 

by Emma Wilson

In a world where smoking tobacco is becoming a significant trend, a large percentage of the population is also interested in delving deep into the real insights of the mechanism. Not only is medical science making efforts in such endeavors, but also the entertainment industry is chasing the truth behind the addictive chemicals. 'You Don't Know Nicotine' is one such documentary that has been making prominent impacts in people's mindsets about the smoking component' nicotine.'  

Amidst deep-seated evolutions in the use of nicotine globally, one filmmaker's expedition through fear and confusion leads to an astounding discovery about the planet's most despicable stimulant. Who knows? This may evolve society forever! The latest documentary, You Don't Know Nicotine, is now streaming on the very popular Ibex. It declares that every single thing the world knows about nicotine might be an illusion.  

From smokers in youth, the science behind smoking chemicals to the nitty-gritty of the dab beads and Terp Pearls, this documentary has tried to reveal all concepts evolving smoking and, more importantly, the active element nicotine. More provokingly, it shows that people's ignorance is the envisioned consequence of a trickery campaign, powered by greed, ego, and pure dark money.  

What Is The Message Presented By 'You Don't Know Nicotine?' 

For more than a century, society was deceived by cigarette brands about the medical risks of smoking. As per surveys used in the documentary, endless lives ended up with fatalities from an addiction that they had picked as a kid. In the overwhelming outcome, a substantial percentage of the smoking population remains reasonably scarred by doubt, disbelief, and the ever-green terror of nicotine. The documentary is thus considered an eye-opener as the message it tries to send people has been figured out as highly authentic and very different from the others.  

The interesting part is that the same nicotine that has hooked individuals to fatal cigarettes also has re-arisen among young adults and kids alike with brand new nicotine-based products. These products are exploding into the conventional majority of the population extending their arms to many developed nations across the globe. Hence, experts state that it is high time to take a more magnified look at these evolutions and challenges, breaking free from the existing nicotine addiction information and myths.  

Can Nicotine Actually Have Therapeutic Effects? – Documentary Highlights 

The award-winning filmmaker Aaron Biebert, on his crowd-funded voyage, has sorted through the existing nightmares revolving around nicotine. He has been recently known for unleashing shocking shreds of evidence regarding the true nature of the component nicotine.' The filmmaker framed several detailed questions about nicotine to gather unique and off-beat data from insightful sources, which have all been added to the information projected in the documentary.  

Just like the concept of 'A Billion Lives,' the agenda of 'You Don't Know Nicotine' merges with each other in certain aspects. For instance, the highly demonized and misunderstood substance might also have therapeutic effects on the human brain, as per recent medical science explorations.  

The documentary often brings the audience's attention to how to initiate nicotine consumption in a safer and more useful way. Suppose medical science can discover such mediums and ways of nicotine consumption. In that case, the forever-hated substance can also become a doorway to treat neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease, and quit substance abuse.  

The Fascinating Section in “You Don't Know Nicotine”

When you watch the documentary, you will come across insightful words that you will be willing to believe from many eminent and well-known minds about the hated substance. One of the parts that attracted a lot of attention from the viewers and fascinated them was a series of film interviews leading the experts into in-depth research on nicotine. What makes the section so interesting is that the movie lists a wide range of health conditions and ailments that might be treated by nicotine. It sounds odd, but the amalgamation of the factual evidence has left the world with its jaw-dropped.  

The Questions Asked and Strong Stand-Point Taken By the Film 

Apart from Parkinson's disease and neurological conditions, some of the conditions that can be positively influenced by nicotine include ADHD, cognitive decline in declining years of the aged population, late-life depression, Tourette's syndrome, and Down syndrome. However, the entire point in the film revolves around how medical science must find out the safe and worthwhile ways of nicotine use and consumption.  

With the support of politics and science of nicotine as a stable platform, the documentary has raised questions regarding the trustworthiness and reliability of the nation's health-centric authorities. What it unleashes is that provided adequate money, power, and time, a comparatively small group of interests thrived in manipulating the facts to bring their ends. Through the intricate interviews with activists, consumers, and scientists, it also walks around how misleading mind-games, well-intended as they might be, have distressing real-world impacts on the population. 

The Bottom Line 

It might be completely out of one's imagination that a docu-film centered on one single chemical element, nicotine, would bring such details under one roof. This documentary is perhaps changing the existing notion of 'nicotine' because it has presented informative and complex content to the general audiences in such an appealing way. 'You Don't Know Nicotine' has displayed enough facts and pieces of evidence to break people free from many of the concepts regarding nicotine that mainly stemmed from the anti-tobacco academic efforts initiated back in the 1980s. If you want to step out of the stereotypes and the existing myths about the demonized substance nicotine, this film deserves some heed from you this season. 

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MOVIE REVIEW: The Power of the Dog

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THE POWER OF THE DOG-- 3 STARS

Floating like an intoxicating mist in the meadow of cinema is the irresistible vapor of slow-burn cinema. A shade more pungent than the fog of aimless slow cinema itself, this smokier variety, Jourdan Aldridge of Premium Beat, is a “filmmaking style, usually in narrative productions, wherein plot, action, and scenes develop slowly, methodically toward a (usually) explosive boiling point.” There’s a sect of astute cinephiles that welcomes every molecule of that approach. They will deeply inhale Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog in theaters and on Netflix as it lingers through this awards season. Others will rightly be impressed by the air of it all only to still squint, cough, and wander astray in its blur. 

Based on Thomas Savage’s 1967 western tragedy, the year is 1925 on the cattle drive trails of Montana. Two brothers, one refined and the other rough and tutored by the same mentor, a highly spoken-of but long departed “Bronco Henry,” have been ranching across this state for a quarter-century together. George Burbank (Jesse Plemons of Game Night) is the suited businessman making sure details and affairs are in order at every stop. His refined brute brother Phil (the top-billed Benedict Cumberbatch) is the strict and forthright one getting his hands dirty to keep everything moving at all times. The two Burbank brothers couldn’t be farther apart in goals, talents, and temperament and carry a mostly unspoken drama. 

LESSON #1: BROTHERS WHO ARE OPPOSITES-- Approaching 40 and carrying a “fatso” nickname, George appears to be growing tired of the long rides. He is soft-spoken and has become smitten by a demure widowed innkeeper named Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst, in her first feature in four years), seeing a chance to settle down. Meanwhile, Phil feigns an educated background between the dirt and chaps. He lives fully in the grinding work with ferocity and seriousness that leads and scares others. 

Phil is unforgiving with admonishments towards his brother or any man who cannot match his dedication, commonly bending ears with macho tales of Bronco Henry like he’s a mythic “Bill Brasky” Saturday Night Live bit. One of those men Phil sees and targets as lesser is Rose’s antsy teenage son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee of Let Me In). The effeminate young man with less-than-rugged fashion sense (wearing sneakers in a sh-t-kicker boot world) and confidence enjoys writing and papercraft art. When George marries Rose, Peter is now trapped by Phil’s caustic presence and the rancher’s persistent spite infiltrates everyone’s minds. That’s when two forms of contaminating menace take over the slow burn of The Power of the Dog. 

LESSON #2: THE DAMAGE OF A LOUD MENACE-- Benedict Cumberbatch encapsulates the forest of simmering fires within Phil. There are times his unflinching body language does the talking. Other times, he pushes Phil’s abruptness vocally and physically. Phil will think low of Rose and call out her alcoholism and depression. He will try to man the bullied Peter up and teach him points of the rancher’s trade. When conformity to his will or wishes are not met, the emotional explosions are volatile and impressive from the London actor.

LESSON #3: THE DAMAGE OF A QUIET MENACE-- At every point Cumberbatch’s Phil appears to be the cocksure rock everyone else breaks themselves against, something stewing internally or elsewhere will erode the granite more effectively than snapped lightning bolts. People like Phil will point to the history supposedly held within the surrounding mountains as if the evil is around them when it could very well be right in their midst. Quiet menaces like Kodi Smit-McPhee’s daring performance can cause equal damage to a loud one, as seen in the rampant sorrow, malaise, and, eventually, plotted revenge brewing in Campion’s chosen course through this novel.

From a filmmaking standpoint, Jane Campion has not missed an artful step in the twelve years since her last feature. The foreboding vistas of New Zealand stand in for the American West in this ruminating affair, and they are captured with staggering beauty bordering on surrealism by cinematographer Ari Wegner (Zola, True History of the Kelly Gang). The same can be said for Jonny Greenwood’s shrewd score, a orchestral work far more keyed into its setting than his meandering musical kaleidoscope work from Spencer. The entire film looks and sounds the part without much business picking up. 

LESSON #4: RANCOR WITHOUT CARNAL VIOLENCE-- Calling down the inspirational Biblical thunder of Psalm 22:20 that swings like a pendulum between beloved darlings delivering souls and the deadly teeth of sin, The Power of the Dog allows straight bitterness to build its texture of smoke. You have a western that doesn’t pull a trigger to make its points. It kills without blades or bullets. Call it a woman’s touch, if you must, but that would be dismissive when you consider the source material and its notable twists.

When combining the concentration of disquiet with the slow-burn technique, menace can only burn so far. Built in short chapters with little time skips of transitions, The Power of the Dog licks more cigarette wrappers in dramatic confrontational establishments than Denis Villeneuve lifts and lands flying vessels in Dune. Whatever is in those papers when lines like “a man is made by patience and the odds against him” are delivered, the burn is drastically slow. 

No matter how gorgeous and well-acted the film is, The Power of the Dog is like a small 30-count cardboard matchbook people used to fold into their pockets. They’ll strike and light on fire, but with less heat and sturdiness than a firm wooden match from a box. The long, contemplative coup of a narrative in Campion’s film is like letting those cardboard matches burn in the hope it singes your finger with excitement only for a little breeze to put it out where you need to light another, and then another over and over. There’s true slow-burn with promise and then there’s this overly slight and insubstantial tension. 

LOGO DESIGNED BY MEENTS ILLUSTRATED (#913)

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House of Gucci ★★★

Director: Ridley Scott Stars: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Salma Hayek, Jeremy Irons, and Al Pacino Released: 27th November 2021 After releasing the terrific The Last Duel, Ridley Scott is back in cinemas for the second time this year, with another big-budget adult drama, in time where those seem like an increasingly dying breed, with […]

The post House of Gucci ★★★ appeared first on Movie Marker.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: 6 Reasons Why You Should Watch the 2005 Film "Unfiltered"

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6 Reasons Why You Should Watch the 2005 Film Unfiltered

by Lewis Robinson

The 2005 film Unfiltered provides viewers with an intimate look into the lives and storied rivalry of Michael Phelps and Ian Crocker. This film is a must-watch for fans of Olympic swimming for a variety of reasons.

1. You Love Swimming

Whether you are trying to finance swimming pools so you can launch your competitive career or simply enjoy watching the sport on TV, you are probably familiar with the talented swimmer Michael Phelps. This movie offers an unprecedented view into one of the greatest rivalries of his career as he battles Ian Crocker for supremacy in the pool. 

2. You Are a Fan of Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is probably the most famous Olympic swimmer in the world. His 28 medals and 23 gold medals are the most of any athlete in Olympic history. He also set records for the most Olympic gold medals in individual events at 13 and the most total individual medals at 16. He broke Mark Spitz's record for the most gold medals at a single Olympics with eight at the 2008 Beijing Games. He still holds the long course world record for the men's 400-meter individual medley and is a former world record holder in four other events. He won the World Swimmer of the Year Award eight times and the American Swimmer of the Year 11 times. He was also the Sports Illustrated athlete of the year in 2008. 

3. You Are a Fan of Ian Crocker

After challenging Phelps for supremacy early in Phelp's career, Crocker may have ended up in Phelp's shadow, but he is a decorated athlete in his own right. Crocker is a five-time Olympic medal winner and a former world record-holder. He was the first man ever to swim the 100-meter butterfly in less than 51 seconds.

4. You Love a Good Sports Rivalry

The rivalry between the pair explored in the film may have faded from memory as the focus shifted to Phelp's unprecedented medal haul over the course of four Olympic games. However, the run-up to the 2004 Olympics that culminated in Phelp's dramatic victory in the 100-meter butterfly by just 0.04 seconds was one of the biggest stories of the 2004 games. 

5. You Appreciate a Good Documentary

Unfiltered is the first documentary of its kind to take a deep dive into the world of Olympic swimming. The film provides viewers with a riveting look into the rivalry between Phelps and Crocker and into their friendship outside of the pool. It also explores the sacrifices and personal struggles of both athletes, including Crocker's struggle with depression and Phelps’ DUI charge.

6. You Want To Know What It's Like To Be a Professional Swimmer

For most people, swimming is a sport they see on TV every four years at the Olympic games and then forget about it until the next Olympics comes around. For professional swimmers, swimming is a year-round profession that requires hours of training and dedication. If you've ever wondered what it is like to live the life of a famous swimmer, this documentary is the next best thing to being there. You learn what it's like to go from the Olympic spotlight to being just another student on a college campus or just another guitar player in Austin, Texas. You also get a look into the darker side of fame as the movie follows the struggles both swimmers faced after the 2004 Olympic games.

Conclusion 

Swimming is always one of the marquee events of any Summer Olympics. However, it isn't often that you get to see what goes on in the lives of the sport's greatest stars when the games are over. Unfiltered is a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the story behind the story.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: 5 Popular and Fascinating Movies About Dreams

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5 Popular and Fascinating Movies About Dreams 

by Lewis Robinson

Why are dreams so fascinating? Could it be because there are different kinds, and so when people go to sleep, it's as if they're in a buffet line where the cook will give them a random dish? It could be a dream that you just don't want to wake up from - something so thrilling and exciting that it causes you to dread waking up even in mid-dream. Or, it could be something frightening that makes your emotions skyrocket to where you'll never forget it. Perhaps it could be a dream where you walk down memory lane, where you revisit people and places from your past, giving you that satisfaction that everyone desires that involves experiencing something one more time.

For whatever reason, dreams can make a huge impact on a person. Maybe this is why Hollywood has produced several films revolving around the concept of dreams that have captured the hearts of Americans everywhere. These movies are remembered because people can relate to them. Everyone experiences dreams and wishes they could relive some of them one more time. When it comes to these special movies, there are five that have made a massive impact on the culture of America.

The Wizard of Oz

Everyone knows about Dorothy and Toto. The movie revolves around a girl who simply has a dream about visiting a beautiful place and following a yellow brick road. About 95% of the movie takes place inside Dorothy's dream as she follows three companions to see a wizard who could send her home, or as the audience would say, "wake her up". Along the way, she meets her companions and encounters the villain, the Wicked Witch of the West. First coming out in 1939, this movie is an American treasure, because it highlights one of the most common dreams that people everywhere have - that of venturing into a faraway land and longing to return home.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Who doesn't remember the red-striped shirt and long, piercing claws of one of the scariest horror movie icons of all time? That's right - Freddy Krueger! A Nightmare on Elm Street revolves around a girl who begins having strangely real nightmares about a demonic figure who visits and tries to murder her. This villain then begins to hunt down her friends in their dreams, leaving her to solve the mystery of why this is happening while refusing to fall asleep. This lack of sleep leaves her spiraling down a horrific journey of mystery and murder, all taking place in dreams.

Inception

Another great hit, this one can leave your head spinning. The movie makes a nod towards common dream patterns, such as "hypnic jerks" and deep sleep patterns. It revolves around a group of people diving into the dream of another and trying to solve a mystery. The strange part is that they must dive deeper and deeper into "levels" of this man's dream, causing them to run into dangerous circumstances awaiting them.

The Matrix

The Matrix isn't about a normal dream that one experiences when they fall asleep, but it highlights experiences that everyone has when they do dream. In the Matrix, a hero named Neo finds that the entire world he lives in is actually a computer-generated dream forcibly implanted into him by villain machines. In order to survive and achieve his goal, he must "wake up" and be brought to the real world - a setting where the machines are ruling the world. The film’s threequel is even coming to theaters this December!

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Walter Mitty is a man who constantly goes in and out of daydreams throughout the movie. This charming movie highlights what people do everywhere by drifting in their thoughts, dreaming of being a bigger, better, and more popular figure. In Walter's daydreams, he is the king, full of confidence and bigger than life.

The Main Takeaway

It's no wonder that movies about dreams are enticing to people everywhere. In dreams, people can be who they want to be and do what they want to do. Naturally, movies about dreams are appealing to audiences, and more of them should be made.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: The Power of Dreams in Disney's "The Rookie"

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The Power of Dreams in Disney's The Rookie

by Kevin Gardner

Nearly everyone has at some point dreamt of what could have been. Whether it's a missed career opportunity, a missed relationship, or something else entirely, ruminating in the nostalgia can bring up a variety of emotions. The 2002 Disney film, The Rookie, manages to capture every one of those feelings as it explores a "what if" that becomes real.

The film's lead character, a man named Jimmy Morris, lives deep in the world of could have been. He's a high school science teacher who missed out on his chance to become a pro baseball player after a career-ending pitching injury. Now the only time he handles baseball gloves, it's playing with his kids or coaching the students on the school baseball team.

After a disappointing start to the season, Morris sits down with his team for a heart-to-heart. He pushes them on the importance of having dreams. The team pushes Morris right back. They've noticed how fast he's still able to pitch, and they want to know why he gave up on his dream. Eventually, the team and their coach come to a deal: if the team takes home the district championship, Coach Morris will go to another big-league try-out. 

As slow and steady as the grass grows in their outfield, the Big Lake Owls start building momentum. They take home win after win both at home and on the road. By the day of the district championship, they're on a 16-game hot steak. It's a hard-fought game with more lead changes than innings, but at the end of it, it's the Owls who leave the diamond in victory. After the celebration of their win dies down and the season and school year wraps up, the team demands that their coach uphold his end of the deal.

So, on June 15, Jimmy packs up his three young kids and heads to a try-out for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Once there, he's confronted with young men half his age with twice the talent. When his number is finally called up, he delivers twelve straight fastballs at 98 miles per hour each. A few weeks later, he does it again in front of a slew of professional scouts. That's when things start getting complicated.

As the offers start pouring in, Jimmy must take a hard look at the needs of his family and the desires of his heart. He wrestles with the decision as his friends and loved ones weigh in on what he should do. It's his wife, Lorri, who finally says what he needs to hear: that he can't let his dream get away from him a second time. The next morning, it's off to the minor leagues.

Morris starts out in the AA league on the Orlando Rays, and then the AAA league on the Durham Bulls. It's by no means an easy transition. The younger players regard him as nothing more than a publicity stunt, and Morris finds life on the road to be more painful than he expected, both physically and emotionally. After three months of the grind, he decides to call it quits and head back home to his family and his job. He believes that his dream has run its course once again.

Which, of course, is when everything changes again. The call that Jimmy Morris has been waiting his entire life to receive comes through. He's being called up to the major leagues to pitch for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His first game is the next day in his home state of Texas. For the first time, he finds himself in a major league uniform, and his family and his students are all there to see his lifelong dream come true.

Above all else, The Rookie is a story about the value of holding onto your dreams. They may come true on schedule, or they may take forty years to be realized. No matter the timeline, as long as you keep believing, your call is going to come one day.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: Film Review of 2015’s "Spectre"

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Film Review of 2015’s Spectre

The follow-up to Skyfall, regarded as one of the finest Bond films ever made, is a much different film than its predecessor. Spectre is a modern take on James Bond’s famous clichés and plot conventions. Unlike Skyfall, it does not slow down for sadness or melodrama, but it pauses for a second then surges forward with high-energy action scenes. Spectre’s stunts are some of the most impressive of the series, and Daniel Craig (Bond) rarely seems able to take a breath after he’s thrown around by Dave Bautista or attacked by twenty black-suited men with submachine guns.

Opening with a Bang

The film opens in Mexico City during the Day of the Dead celebration. Bond pursues a terrorist, Marco Sciarra, through the crowded streets and eventually follows him to a downtown building. After Bond’s bullet hits the terrorists’ explosives, the building collapses, but the villain gets away. Bond tackles him when he tries to escape in a helicopter, and the two wrestle and fight while the helicopter spirals towards the jubilant crowd below. The helicopter stunt is on a higher level of complexity than previous Bond movies, and it’s more exciting than any scene from the Mission Impossible franchise.

Continuing the Tradition

In Spectre, Daniel Craig is a killing machine; his death count lingers near the Rambo total, but he does it with more style than less talented actors. Craig is always confident and believable whether he’s examining classified images on a rugged tablet, saving his love interest from psychopaths, or resisting painful torture from his nemesis. Although Ian Fleming’s novels and previous Bond films never hid 007’s talent for killing and causing mayhem, Spectre highlights Bond as being an assassin, and the word keeps popping up throughout the film.

Assassins are usually associated with the evil side, but Bond is not ashamed of being a hired government killer who defends the crown and saves the world at the same time. However, he plays Bond with more humanity than Connery, Bronson, Dalton or Moore. He’s so likable that you almost forget he murders dangerous people for the Queen.

Enhancing the Old Stereotypes

Spectre is a great Bond film, but it cannot be called original. It uses every plot device that made the franchise famous, but it dresses up the stereotypes with only the kind of flash that a $250 million film allows. Bond is a rogue agent (isn’t he always) who gets his double O status suspended after he’s criticized for blowing up the building in Mexico City. He evades his superiors while he chases the villain and romances the daughter of his former adversary Mr. White. He does whatever he wants and defies the urge to listen to his boss or his helpful colleagues.

Spectre combines the storylines and villains from the 1960s and 1970s. The last time Bond fans heard the evil organization S.P.E.C.T.R.E. mentioned was in 1971 in Diamonds Are Forever, but this time, Christoph Waltz plays the nefarious Blofeld. Waltz is creepier than scary, but his casual demeanor, wild smile, and unique personality help put him near the top of Bond villains. Unlike the Blofeld of previous Bond movies, Waltz does not pet a large white cat or drop henchmen in shark tanks, but he prefers torturing Bond with tiny drill bits.

Another nostalgic touch to Spectre is Dave Bautista’s character. He plays a silent assassin named Mr. Hinx who repeatedly fails to kill Bond and his girlfriend Dr. Swann (Lea Seydoux). Mr. Hinx only utters a single word for the entire film, but he uses his brute strength to do most of the acting. He’s reminiscent of the massive Jaws henchman from the Roger Moore films who seemed to toss Bond around like a ragdoll. Bautista gives Craig the same treatment in Spectre. He battles Bond while traveling by train and throws him repeatedly into walls and windows.

Spectre may not be as majestic or cleverly plotted as Skyfall, but it’s exceptionally entertaining to watch, and unlike the other Bond films it imitates, it’s very well-acted.

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GUEST COLUMN: Movie Lessons About Self-Acceptance

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Movie Lessons About Self-Acceptance

by Adrian Johansen

While most people love movies for their entertainment value, it’s impossible to deny that many films carry important lessons. Some are subtle, while others are obvious. Either way, movies that leave you feeling inspired or desiring to make a change can create a great impact on your life. 

One of the most important lessons you can learn from the big screen is self-acceptance. And, you don’t have to search hard to find great films on this subject. Art imitates reality, and because about 85% of people suffer from low self-esteem, seeing that on film can really strike a chord with audiences. 

Whether it’s a coming-of-age film, a story about overcoming obstacles or just learning to accept one’s true self, there is no shortage of movies about self-acceptance. The lessons we all can learn from these films are extremely important, especially if you have a hard time loving and accepting who you really are. 

Let’s take a look at a few of those films that stand out. If you haven’t seen them before, now is a perfect time to watch and take their lessons to heart. 

Loving Your Appearance

Not loving the way you look is a huge problem for many people – especially young women. Because it’s such a prominent issue, there are dozens of movies that touch on this subject, including: 

• Dumplin’

• Hairspray

• Last Holiday

• I Feel Pretty

• Tall Girl

• Real Women Have Curves

These films, in particular, focus on how physical appearance can impact your self-esteem. Most depict women/girls feeling low or unaccepted because of their image. But, each one has its own lesson that helps the main character overcome those physical insecurities. 

In Hairspray, Tracy Turnblad uses her love of music and dancing to make new friends, stand out from the crowd, and even land the guy of her dreams. In I Feel Pretty, Renee experiences an accident that puts her in the mindset of a beautiful woman, boosting her confidence until she realizes that she was perfect in her own skin the whole time.

You can take lessons from these films to boost your own body image and foster positivity. Let them inspire you to: 

• Appreciate everything your body does

• Avoid comparisons with others

• Set realistic expectations for yourself

• Learn to love every part of yourself

Of course, girls aren’t the only ones who face physical struggles. Men have to deal with the same issues, including struggling with baldness, body height, or pant size. Movies like these are for everyone, and even if the subject doesn’t fit your self-image issue entirely, you can put yourself in the character’s shoes to see how they overcome it.  

Whether it’s weight, height, or any other aspect of your appearance, you can find inspiration in unexpected places that can make a difference, and be the hero in your own life, just like the characters were in these films. 

Overcoming Difficulties

It’s not uncommon to have low self-esteem and struggle with accepting yourself if you are in a situation that keeps you down. A perfect example of this is the 2011 film, The Help. Based on a book of the same name, this movie follows a group of African American maids in the deep south during the 1960s. 

This film depicts how poorly those women were treated and degraded, but it also shows how they initially responded. They had a low sense of self-worth, and they didn’t see their lives getting better any time soon. 

When an aspiring writer offers to tell their story, they start to see that they’re worth more than what they’ve been told. They become more confident. They fight back. They feel heard and valued, and eventually are able to love themselves because of who they are, rather than feel ashamed by it based on the opinions of others. 

There are many high school movies that follow this concept, too. It’s not uncommon for people to experience bullying in high school. Sometimes it’s because they look different or are considered “nerdy”. Other times, it might be because of their background. In the recent film Sierra Burgess is a Loser, the main character discovers that she doesn’t need to fake a persona or be someone “different” to fit in. Though she creates a lot of commotion in the film, by the end she realizes that she is enough for herself and anyone else who comes into her life. 

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Sometimes, other people can make it hard to accept yourself or how you want to live your life, and not just high school bullies. Unfortunately, your own family can often be the cause of your lack of self-worth. Some of the best films that depict this subject include: 

• Say Anything

• Matilda

• Wuthering Heights

• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Whether your family doesn’t approve of your career choice, your partner, or even where you want to live, you can likely find a film or a character going through the same things. It’s not an easy pill to swallow, especially when your family is supposed to love and support you. 

One thing these films can help you with is the motivation and nerve to set boundaries. Try things like: 

• Being assertive with your needs

• Learning to say “no” without guilt

• Explaining to your family when your personal space is being violated

No matter why you struggle with self-acceptance, you don’t have to live that way forever. Let some of the films listed here inspire you to be your best self, and to love yourself for exactly who you are at this very moment. 

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GUEST EDITORIAL: Shilajit: Its Uses and its Dosage

Shilajit its uses and its dosage 

Shilajit is an ancient medicine commonly used as ayurvedic medicines. It is a very viscous and sticky in nature and mainly find in the rocks of Himalayan regions. It is made up after decomposition of plants parts for millions of years. It is a mineral based extract of blackish brown in color and it is made up of a very sticky and gummy kind of substance. It consists of so many minerals inside it like iron, copper, silver, zinc etc. Before taking shilajit, there are side effects you may get taking shilajit. Check with a doctor.

Precautionary effects of shilajit 

As Shilajit consists of many heavy metals like iron zinc silver free radicals etc which if goes inside the body leads to contamination and make you sick. It may lead to poisoning and also increase the toxin levels inside body , so you should not consume raw and unprocessed Shilajit you should use it after complete purification.

Don’t take Shilajit with your other medications or as supplement or if you are having sickle cell anemia or thalasemia. It is also suggested that it should not be taken in Gout disease. In some cases it is also observed that you should not take Shilajit if you are feeling allergic or rashes or nauseous after having it

Dosage and how to use Shilajit 

Shilajit is obtained in liquid form but available in both liquid and powder form , if you are taking it in liquid form take it in balance of or equal to the size of a single grain or if you are taking it in powder form take it with milk. Dosage is very important and to be concerned about. Always take it according to preferences and according to its target actions , it’s dosage concern is very important otherwise it will leads to toxification.

The recommended dosage is 200-300 mg per day but before taking it please do consult with your doctor first. In market Shilajit capsules are also available take it with the lukewarm water in  prescribed dosage. It is suggested to take Shilajit in the morning or before sleeping at night. Wondering how to take shilajit, then you can read the blog and get much details.

Shilajit has so many beneficial effects

• It is very beneficial for maintenance of cardiovascular health but if you are having active health diseases, please don’t take or consult with health care advisor first.

• Shilajit is good in infertility especially for men. It enhances the sperm count by more production and also helps in increasing the sperm motility which increases the fertility. 

• Shilajit is also good for anemic patients having symptoms of fatigue, headache etc. It helps in increasing the red blood cell count ultimately maintain the iron balance by increasing its level.

• It is also very helpful in aging. It consists of many components but one of the main components is fulvic acid, which have a very great anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect against toxins and free radicals and delaying the aging process.

• Shilajit also helps in increasing the testosterone levels in male ultimately enhancing the fertility.

• Shilajit is also very helpful and beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease.

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Learn to crush your opponents in a game every time easily

Do you want to crush your opponents? Are you willing to win every time? If yes, then continue to read this to know all the tactics for beating your opponents. 

The most important point in a game is to be able to strike at the right moment and this is only possible when you are aware of all the components, tricks, and plays of the game. You can play a rummy dummy in Getmega. Rummy is one of the most exciting and interactive games ever. It has been played for ages and is still played today with the same excitement and rummy dummy is a variation of the same. But playing the game isn't enough; you must be able to win it as well. Winning the game requires skills, knowledge of various tactics, and being able to apply them at the correct time. To be able to beat your opponents in a game every time easily, you should be able to understand your opponent and along with it show your gameplay. 

Rummy dummy 

Rummy dummy is popularly known as dummy rummy. It is a variation of the traditional rummy game and can be played by two to four players. Online dummy rummy is a very popular game of skill that helps the players to brush up knowledge and skills regarding the game. Two decks of cards, that is, 108 cards are used in the game and each player deals with 13 cards. The four jokers are used as wild cards. You can learn more about dummy rummy in Getmega and enhance your playing skills. The game is played in a clockwise direction and requires a strategy to win.

How to crush your opponents: Know all the tactics 

Rummy dummy or dummy rummy, both are the same game and a variation of rummy. Before knowing the different strategies, you must know how to win in a dummy rummy. Here is the way you can win. 

Here are some of the ways or tactics by which you can beat your opponent every time in a game easily:

• Predict opponent's moves - The most important factor to win in rummy is to play smartly and leave your opponents behind. You must be able to predict the moons of an opponent with the help of which you will be able to beat them. You should be able to make an accurate guess to be able to do this. You can achieve this only by putting in regular efforts. 

• Force the opponent to make your desired move - Another tactic to follow so that you win the game is to force your opponent to make some moves that will help you to complete your sequence. You can do this by confusing your opponent. Confusing your opponent in an online rummy dummy is not difficult as your opponent will not know the playing style as it is not a rummy game but its variation.

• Get your desired card - Another way to win over your opponent is to make them discard the card you want. If you want a queen of diamond or heart to complete your sequence, you must discard the king of heart or diamond. This will make your opponent discard the queen of heart and diamond and then you can pick up the card.

• Pick some unwanted cards - One of the most important factors to win over your opponent or win the game is to make your opponent confused and not let them guess the sequence you are making. You can do this by picking some unwanted cards from the deck, which will confuse your opponent and they may discard the card you want.

• Bluffing - Yet another way to win the game is adopting the bluffing strategy. You have to do is make your opponent believe that you are going to win the game. This can be done by picking cards from the open deck. You can also discard lower-value cards. This forces the opponents to fold their hands.

With regular practice, you will be able to polish your tactics and tricks and more easily predict the movements of an opponent. Constantly playing the game will only help you win over your opponent and be a regular winner. 

Conclusion 

Rummy dummy is not a difficult game and fills the players with excitement. With the correct use of strategies, you can always win over your opponent every time. All you require is the employment of the tactics and regular practice of the game. So, what are you waiting for, learn all the tactics and apply them while playing the game to get the best results and win.

Getmega is one of the largest gaming platforms which only has skills in it. Playing in Getmega will enhance your abilities and help you reach the next level.

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How to Play Safe Online Poker

Everyone deserves a moment of fun during the day. Spending time in a pleasant way allows you to relax from your responsibilities, feel joy and even regain a positive mood. Moreover, if the chosen form of entertainment can bring real, material benefits, it becomes much more enjoyable. One of the ways of spending free time in a pleasant way and providing yourself with a bit of excitement and adrenaline are poker games.

1. Where to play online poker?

2. Do you need real money to play online poker?

3. Poker sites – is it safe to play poker online?

Where to play online poker? And is it safe to do it? Let’s try to find out everything that is important about online poker.

Where to play online poker?

If you want to start playing the best online poker, you should find good sites, where you can feel safe. It is really important. Unfortunately, it's easy to end up in a dangerous poker room where users aren't meant to have fun, but get scammed. That’s why it’s so important to use only the best poker sites. It turns out that finding those is not that hard. You can simply use https://donkhunter.com/. This page has a lot of reviews and information about poker rooms that you can join and what poker bonus you can get. Thanks to it, you can choose the best for you and play. The services offered on the site are free of charge, you  can win a welcome bonus and a loyalty program has been created to help players. The help of the DonkHunter team is absolutely irreplaceable. If you want to find the best poker sites, this project is made for you.

Do you need real money to play online poker?

Of course there are online poker sites where you don’t need to pay money. Even though it is obvious, real money poker is much better. First of all, players become much more cautious if they can actually lose money. This makes the game more challenging and more fun to play. It also requires more attention and logical thinking from the player. Moreover, the possibility of losing but more importantly winning money is extremely exciting. Poker site could sound like a place where you can lose a lot of money, but if you are careful, it is safe and fun.

Poker sites – is it safe to play poker online?

If you want to play real money poker you should be careful. Of course, you should always read what T CS apply. If you are using only the best poker rooms that are trustworthy and reviewed by others, you can feel safe. You should therefore rely on the support of sites such as DonkHunter. If you really want to play poker, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to lose money or to be scammed – you can have a good and safe time.

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‘The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord’ Sets Dec. 28th Release Date

Something Holy This Way Comes … Horror film ‘The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord’ starring Swayde McCoy and Jordan Grier is being released on all digital streaming platforms December 28th via Random Media. Directed by Jared Jay Mason and Clark Runciman, ‘The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord’ follows Gabby and Michael, […]

The post ‘The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord’ Sets Dec. 28th Release Date appeared first on Movie Marker.

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GUEST COLUMN: The Popularity of Netflix: The Secret to Netflix's Popularity Growth?

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The Popularity of Netflix: the secret to Netflix's popularity growth?

by Mike Jones

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming apps worldwide. During the pandemic of COVID-19, Netflix had the most of the viewers and have earned a lot more than they earned before the time of the pandemic. People were left with nothing, no social gatherings, they had to avoid outdoor play games because of their health, no other activities and they had to stay isolated from their loved ones. People have to work from home and students had to attend online classes for the first time, which was quite frustrating. 

Therefore opting for spectrum internet packages is a wise choice because of the reliability and accessibility. Spectrum bundle deals offer the customers home phone services at an amazing price. All the spectrum plans are easily gettable to the customers. Moreover, spectrum internet offers customers to have a top-notch service experience.

However, Netflix got some of the entertainment to accommodate every age group. Usually, when you get free after work. You wished to watch something which is light and which can make your tiring, exhausting day, a bit exciting, good for your heart and relaxes your mind. Netflix has loads of movie genres and you can watch it according to your liking. Subscribe to spectrum deals and enjoy the best streaming service. Like if you want to watch any suspenseful, action, romantic movie then Netflix has got you saved. 

Netflix offers so many amazing seasons at such cheap prices. People lost their jobs and source of income, during the pandemic. Their buying power was not that strong enough but Netflix is offering so much quality watching in such an affordable monthly plan. Moreover, you can set a preference list on Netflix according to your fondness. In addition, if you are doubtful about watching that movie, or you want to see what kind of movie is that, then Netflix has got you sorted. You can watch a preview before watching the movie and Netflix has mentioned the movie genre on the top left of the screen. Netflix also rates its ten best movies or seasons of your country according to the views on that particular movie.

How Spectrum Internet Useful For Watching Netflix:

Spectrum internet has been useful for Netflix users. The Spectrum internet is providing a great internet deal and you can binge-watch any season without data caps. Spectrum deal packages are cost-effective and reliable. They are providing 3Mbps up to 25Mbps which is best for using Netflix for HD streaming. Getting a good quality internet can solve every problem. Spectrum internet price is the best in town. If you have good quality internet, you can even download that particular season and show and can watch it while you’re on the go, on trains, and even outside of the house without using your hotspot. 

Squid Game

 Squid Game is decisively Netflix No. 1 show of all-time with 1.65 billion hours streamed in first four weeks. The show has broken all the records and has been the top 1 show globally. If you can stand violence and action, then it is the right season for you. You can even binge-watch it. Moreover, the show is all about the deadly game and has referred to poverty.

Here are three drawbacks of watching squid game— the #1 Show On Netflix

This show has a lot of negative impacts as well. It has mentally affected people due to all the violence and all the plot of the VIPs, poverty, and being rich.

Poverty, disproportion, and despair: 

The plot of the show has deeply affected people by showing the dreadful way of earning money, and money is the only way you can live in this world. It has deeply affected people by letting them think that money is all you need to sort all your problems. Excessive need for everything is poison even if it is money. Moreover, the show has shown that how the world is so unjust, if you are elite they will cater to you in every possible way, but if you are poor, you have zero worth. The show was all about getting rich by risking your life.

All the people who faced difficulties because of money in their life, bank corrupted, and had their feet drown in loans were invited because they had no other choice and they had to risk their lives. The people participated in the life-threatening game just to get rich. In addition, it has clearly shown that money can turn you against your loved ones. Money can spread hatred and you can do anything even you can kill your brother, any blood, or even other relationship just for the sake of money. They have misused the meaning of the word money.

VIP’s Were So Aggravating:

The plot of VIPs was so annoying and frustrating. It was a good start in the first five episodes without introducing VIPS in the tale. The games in the first five episodes were afflicting, the drama and humor were on-point well-chosen with all the transformation of the characters.

Then the VIPs show up in the story and take a major turn for the worse. The show went boring, obnoxious, and painful in every way. Their dialogue was hideous and made more jarring by bad voice-over work. 

The VIPs took up an absurd amount of screen-time and the minute they were introduced the season went dilatory, and their presence was so annoying. The end should have been better and it could end up in a better way. Moreover, the VIPs were given a tremendous amount of waiters, and whom we are catering to them and serving them down made viewers think that money can buy human lives as well. 

Final Twist Of The Season:

The final twist ruined the season, as it showed that the squid game was pointless and made viewers think that all that suspense, all the wait was worthless. The ending ruined the charm of the season. The twist was entirely awful and pointless.it has a weak ending to a show, which started with great promises. The story was taunting all the poor and rich around the world. It got famous but it has great drawbacks, which cannot be neglected. The viewers were disappointed and all that violence was pointless because of the worst ending. The season collapsed pretty badly. The viewers were disappointed and the impact of the show was not good for most of the viewers. The youth is taking notes from all the violence in the season.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Belfast

Image courtesy of Focus Features

Official Gala Presentation of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival

BELFAST-- 5 STARS

When Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast turns back its clock to 1969 and tints itself into the monochrome palette of black and white, a large sign appears mounted on the end of a row of houses that acts a de facto welcome mat to the bustling little street in the Tiger Bay neighborhood our movie inhabits. Painted on it is a well-worn saying that quotes a portion of 1 Timothy 1:15 and states:  

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

LESSON #1: HEALING OLD SINS-- Curiously, the sign leaves off the last five words of the Bible verse: “of whom I am chief.” If you didn’t know that, the verse, as it's presented, would sound like a thorough recruiting statement for the religious spine of this blue-collar corner of Belfast. However, once you add the final portion, it can read like it’s missing a stance of personal admission. With the professing of sin comes penance and restored relationships. Enter Kenneth Branagh, who spent the first nine years of his life in the city before moving away at the beginning of The Troubles in 1970. 

In so many personal ways expressed through his chosen visual art form, Belfast feels more than an affectionate salute from the displaced Belfast native and five-time Oscar nominee. Reflecting on half-century-old memories for the man behind the camera and scripted page, Belfast may indeed desire to be each of those aforementioned healing measures and then some for Kenneth Branagh. His extraordinary and tenderhearted film stands, runs, dances, sings, cries, and dreams its way to a crowning peak as one of the best films of 2021.

Once the color changes and the high cameras descend into the citizens of this era, our chosen point-of-view in Belfast becomes local rabble-rouser Buddy, played by newcomer Jude Hill. He adores family, soccer, a girl in his class at Grove Park Primary School, and movies-- not necessarily in that order. Buddy’s community wraps his charmed life in those very things. The household is run by his mother (Outlander’s Caitriona Balfe) while his gambling father (Fifty Shades of Grey’s Jamie Dornan) works for weeks at a time out of town to pay down debts. Buddy’s pert grandparents, played with sweet sagacity by Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds, are nearby help and loving influences.

On the morning of August 15th, things turn from happy to harrowing in a hurry. What began as a normal, peaceful day turned ugly when Protestant rioters filled the streets to vandalize and attack Catholic homes. Locked into the head-spinning and camera-circling child’s gaze of jarring events, Buddy and everyone else took cover and weathered the first storm. Overnight, the commoner hamlet was drastically upended and scarred. While neighbors helped neighbors clean up and rebuild, the very concrete in the streets was razed to create “peace wall” security checkpoints with constant police and army presence, scanning helicopter spotlights, and torch-bearing community watchmen at night. 

LESSON #2: A KID’S INVENTED LOGIC OF ADULT SITUATIONS-- To Buddy, the barbed wire, rubble, and extra people and noises are just new obstacles to move around while reading comic books or playing soccer. The gravity only hits slightly. Combine his first-hand observations of these changes with the sensory digestion of the ever-present TV and radio reports, and a child’s psyche will create their own interpretations of what’s transpiring. The range between fearful honesty and fantastical gossip all applies for Buddy. His parents and grandparents soften or shield every grim truth they can with chin-up deflections.

Branagh’s trusted cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos (their seventh collaboration with an eighth on the way of Death on the Nile next year) strongly aids this children’s perspective to the picture. He sets many of his shots to peer through doors, windows, and confining hallways in true voyeuristic fashion matching a kid watching with interest at a distance. Those structures frame a solid sense of a lived-in home with meaningful foundations more than mere imaginary set creations. The effect is simple, subtle, and brilliant.

LESSON #3: A CHILD’S NEUTRALITY-- Echoing Lesson #2, religion and politics are learned behaviors and practices. Buddy and his family may be Protestant, but they have Catholic friends, including that flaxen-haired classmate he’s smitten with. With the words “not our side, not their side,” they are not rooted in any indoctrination and have not chosen a hardlining faction. Righteousness and hate do not live in that home. That same neutrality filters down to Buddy, who sees everyone as neighbors to support and not other loaded labels. 

LESSON #4: “BE GOOD AND IF YOU CAN’T BE GOOD, BE CAREFUL”-- When you have that genuine fairness instilled into a kid, the pillars of right, wrong, kindness, and respect become easier to demonstrate and enforce. This lesson verbiage is a repetitive family saying that makes it frank and personal. My, if it were only that simple all the time! Bravo to these parents again, especially when faced with an escape route decision of leaving for the prospect of better jobs in England or safer shores as far away as Australia or Vancouver. 

In those parental roles, the four primary adult actors are astonishing. Weighted by her character’s anchor to the only home she’s ever known and the protective duties as the primary parent, Caitronia Balfe exudes motherly muscles of dramatic strength. She commands a blistering scene in particular when she drags two kids by their sleeves through the rioters to return things they wrongfully looted while all hell is breaking loose solely to prove a point of dignity. When Jamie Dornan is present, he represents a welcome dash of bohemian dazzle with his love for music and movies and an oasis of masculinity to stand his ground on behalf of his family. When Balfe and Dornan are together, their spousal debates and stretches for unity, also seen through Buddy’s lens, show the true conflicts of this time period were behind closed doors and pitted across domestic dinner tables.

The real scene-stealers are Ciaran Hinds and Judi Dench. Hinds’ homely and cheeky mentorship of Buddy baths this movie in adorable charisma. Dench matches him with feminine fluster asserting, like Balfe’s role, that women still run the show as necessary. When the two are away from Buddy, their senior wisdom shifts to put weary faces on the frightening reality that endangers the happiness they cultivated.

LESSON #5: TAKE HOME WITH YOU-- All of these lessons centered on Buddy’s experiences speak to the greater hopeful streak of generational bonds at the heart of the film. Backed by a soundtrack of reminiscent Van Morrison songs, the exit emotions of Belfast strike terrific chords for the power of home beyond brick and mortar. Branagh’s movie closes with a three-pronged tribute of “For the ones who stayed,” “For the ones who left,” and “For all the ones who were lost” as it transitions back to a current Northern Ireland where the healing has regenerated a viable city and region. Home follows and returns all the same.

The filmmaker himself is a product of this final lesson and the poignant history that forced it to come to pass as it did. Even before this film, Kenneth Branagh was a native son absolved of the old struggles by succeeding in honor of his home. Steven Colbert might have said it best when Branagh was recently a guest on CBS’s The Last Show when he remarked “The movie is so funny and so sad at the same time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so Irish in my life.” He’s dead right. The movie warms you with mirth and destroys you with punch, just as a proper Irish creation should. 

LOGO DESIGNED BY MEENTS ILLUSTRATED (#912)

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World of Wong Kar-wai: Days of Being Wild

Wong Kar-wai’s second feature is exemplary of a filmmaker having fleshed out their style and authorial voice, as Days of Being Wild is a melancholic fever dream, whose visual style both transforms and simplifies that of As Tears Go By. Considerably less plot-based than his previous film, Days of Being Wild entails Yuddy’s romantic and […]

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GUEST COLUMN: The Real All-Stars Were the Movie Stars of "All-Stars"

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The Real All-Stars Were the Movie Stars of All-Stars

by Kevin Gardner

If you have seen the movie All-Stars, you can congratulate yourself on accomplishing a rare feat. Fewer than one million initially saw this 2014 production of a comedy about a girls’ 10-and-under fastpitch softball team. Those who did see the movie rated it highly. Perhaps, however, you thought the title was a reference to the 2013 British film of the same name about a children’s club in London that is about to be bulldozed. Others might have thought it was about the 1997 Dutch film, All-Stars, about a soccer team. This review is about the American film that was perhaps less seen than either of the others. If you have not seen this movie, here is a spoiler alert: this is a delightful film that, while telling the story of a team of tweens, is far more concerned with the girls’ ambitious parents.

What Was This Movie Really All About?

From the Bad News Bears to The Mighty Ducks, Hollywood has produced a number of movies about sports teams themed around the growth and resilience of children, with sports serving as a background theme. In All-Stars, the kids—who do not know or care much about their teams, winning or even their softball bats—are not the focus. Instead, the player’s driven, perfectionistic parents take center stage. The central conceit of the movie is that the absurd behavior of the parents is incredibly, sadly realistic. Many reviewers delighted in what they saw as the film’s true-to-life depiction of hovering, demanding parents. In this sense, All-Stars is a case of art imitating regrettable life.

Who Dreamed Up These All-Stars?

The driving force behind the movie is a journeyman director, producer, writer and actor named Lance Kinsey. Canadian-born Kinsey is one of those actors whose face is familiar because he has appeared over the years in many popular movies and television programs. Kinsey’s talent is apparent in every aspect of the production. He wrote the screenplay, directed and starred in the movie as one “Lance Grayden”—the author’s actual middle name. Grayden portrays a formerly triumphant fastpitch softball coach who decides to return to coaching. The intimate nature of the script is demonstrated by the fact that the character names of many of the actors are their actual names: Miriam Flynn becomes Miriam Carson; Richard Kline becomes Richard Kind.

Who Brought Life to the All-Stars?

Speaking of the cast, the movie is an over-the-top romp for them. The closeness of the director to his acting friends turns the film into a veritable playhouse production, as the characters are allowed to use their creative chops to expand each part hilariously. One marvelous example of this is the late Fred Willard, who marvelously steals every scene into which he stumbles. You will recognize a lot of familiar characters and actors, each given free rein to push past the limits of absurdity. At some point, you may find yourself feeling grateful these are actors and the children do not have to endure them in reality. Of course, real kids on athletic teams do suffer from such helicopter moms and dads.

What Is a Mockumentary?

Kinsey, who was a member of the famous comedy troupe Second City, wrote and directed the film as a mockumentary. Several reviewers noted that it reminded them of some of the marvelous Christopher Guest films of this genre, such as Best in Class and This Is Spinal Tap. The film is presented as a documentary following a group of hapless girls who just want the softball season to be over while their parents politic to get them onto the league’s all-star team. Indeed, there is a lot of mockery taking place. Grayden helplessly observes alleged adults mocking parenthood while their daughters’ disengagement mocks the consuming intensity of fastpitch softball.

It can be noted that Kinsey has pulled off a first in the genre by using children as a passive contrast for the near desperation of parents whose self-worth is caught up in an endeavor to which their kids cannot do justice.

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GUEST COLUMN: The 10 Best Films About Running of All Time

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The 10 Best Films About Running of All Time

by Kevin Faber

Running is not one of the film industry’s favorite subjects, and few running films are as profitable as dramas, comedies and thrillers based on other topics. Hollywood prefers to stick to stories that can generate the highest sales, but sometimes, a running film breaks through and wows audiences and critics. If you’re a runner or enjoy watching films about the sport, you can check out these ten films that represent the best running movies of all time.

1. Chariots of Fire

Although it’s considered one of the best films ever produced by a British film company, Chariots of Fire flies under the radar compared to other more popular sports films. The story involves a Christian runner and Jewish runner who compete in the 1924 Olympics. While the plot focuses on competitive running, the real heart of the film examines prejudice and how some extraordinary people struggle with and overcome diversity. It won four Oscars, and the sensational soundtrack will stay in your head for days after watching the film.

2. Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump is an epic drama, comedy and feel-good movie that impressed critics and thrilled audiences worldwide. Tom Hank’s portrayal of a mentally-challenged man that overcame his disability by running non-stop around the country won him an Academy Award and inspired many fans to take up running. The phrase “run Forrest, run” has become an American symbol for overcoming fear and beating the odds. Forrest Gump may convince you to throw on a crop tank and lace up your running shoes.

3. Run Lola Run

Although the 1998 German film did not make a splash at the box office, Run Lola Run is a unique experimental film that may cause you to pause for breath. Franka Potente (Lola) races through the city streets in desperation to recover the lost funds owed to a gangster holding her boyfriend. The pounding soundtrack and fast-paced running scenes are exhilarating and sometimes terrifying.

4. Race

The 2016 film Race follows the life of Jesse Owens from his meteoric rise at Ohio State University in track and field to his gold-medal performances at the 1936 Olympics. The film shows how the United States was hesitant to feature an African American runner when segregation was still gripping the country. Jesse Owen’s triumph over critics, bigots and the Nazi leader Adolf Hitler is a truly American story.

5. Saint Ralph

In 2004’s Saint Ralph, Adam Butcher (Ralph) is a troubled student at a Catholic school in Canada who is forced to join the cross-country team after he’s caught smoking. When Ralph’s mother is diagnosed with cancer, the young man decides to run the Boston Marathon in hopes that God will save his mother’s life. Ralph enters the race as the youngest runner to attempt the marathon.

6. I am Bolt

No other sprinter on the planet can run as fast as Usain Bolt, and he still holds the honor of being the fastest man in the world. The film I am Bolt follows the athlete as he prepares to make history in the 2016 Olympics. Bolt’s story is inspiring, and thanks to the athlete himself, it’s incredibly funny.

7. Run Fatboy, Run

After Dennis (Simon Pegg) abandons his pregnant girlfriend at their wedding, he realizes he made a serious mistake. Years later, he attempts to win her back, but he discovers his ex-girlfriend is involved with an athletic businessman who plans to run in a charity marathon. Although he’s out of shape and knows nothing about long-distance running, he enters the race after only training for three weeks.

8. On the Edge

The 1986 film On the Edge follows the story of a disgraced former runner who decides to enter the punishing Cielo-Sea Race in his 40s. The film focuses on how the aging athlete trains and eventually runs against much younger athletes.

9. The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner is a 1962 film about a troubled young man who is sent to reform school after he’s caught stealing. At the school, he proves himself a talented runner but continuously rebels against authorities and the class system in England.

10. Without Limits

1998’s Without Limits tells the story of distance runner Steve Prefontaine as he trains with his coach Bill Bowerman. Although the runner and coach become close, they initially disagree about Prefontaine’s habit of running a race at full speed from beginning to end.

These ten films are excellent representations of the sport of running and celebrating the human spirit. After viewing the movies, you’re likely to hit the trails for a nice run.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: 3 Reasons Why Escape Rooms Create Adrenaline in Movies

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3 Reasons Why Escape Rooms Create Adrenaline in Movies

by Kevin Gardner

If you've been watching recent horror and action movies, you've probably noticed a new trend. This popular plot point, oddly enough, is the use of games to amp up adrenaline. Think of Alice in Borderland, Escape Room and its sequel, Ready or Not, The Belko Experiment, Saw, The Purge series and the ever-popular Squid Game. While this may seem odd, especially since games can feel childish, the method tends to succeed. One of the most effective games used is escape rooms, or, at least, similar situations. If you want to learn more, here are three reasons why escape rooms create adrenaline in movies.

1. Creates Mystery

The main draw of escape rooms, at least in real life, is the thrill of the mystery. Can you find all the clues? Will you solve it within the time limit? Is there a big plot twist to discover? The same principle applies to films with escape rooms. While you may not be in the room, you can still try to figure out the clues yourself. As long as you pay attention, you may have a general idea of what's going on. Look at the entire frame of the movie. You may see a clue that the characters haven't noticed yet. An added element in the film is the overall mystery. Why exactly are the players doing this game? Who's behind it all? Sometimes, this answer is a plot twist. This occurs in movies like Funhouse and Saw. Other times, details in the rooms will lead to the answer. For instance, the escape rooms in Escape Room are all based on the characters' backstories. No matter what the mystery is, it'll probably make you want to try virtual escape room team building.

2. Heightens Stakes

In many horror and thriller movies, the stakes aren't always clear. A single killer may be chasing teens or murdering enemies. However, you aren't always sure whether the characters are in danger. While this provides more mystery, it can cause the heart-pounding scenes to be a bit shorter. When escape rooms are used, this is definitely not the case. For one thing, the stakes are high for practically the whole film. For instance, the Saw movies rarely have a moment of calm or safety. The characters simply go from one dangerous game to the next. Escape rooms can also provide a clear ending point to reach. Until everyone gets out or finds a puzzle-breaking clue, that point won't be met. This makes it even more nerve-wracking when time is running out. If the characters aren't close to escaping, your adrenaline will be pretty high. Finally, escape rooms and other games are excellent companions to horror movie adrenaline. While losing an escape room in real life can be disappointing, losing one in a movie will likely cost a character's life. 

3. Provides Interesting Visuals

It can't be denied that escape rooms provide amazing visuals. As long as directors get creative, the deadly rooms in question don't need to be plain. Consider Escape Room's various challenges. The upside-down room was a marvel to look at. This alone amped up the adrenaline of the scene, mainly because it was clear that a character could easily fall and die. Also, the same film used a drugged room to create scary and nerve-wracking hallucinations. These images were certainly haunting, and each one made the scene (which was already pretty nail-biting) all the more intense. On the other hand, escape rooms can provide more simplistic visuals. Consider movies like Devil. The characters are all trapped in an elevator, and this is the main set the audience sees. While this may seem boring, it amps up the sense of claustrophobia and looming doom. 

Escape rooms, being a fairly new phenomenon, have only just begun to feature in films. However, judging by how films with similar contrivances have fared, these intricate puzzles are sure to be used more often. Keep your eye out and enjoy watching some scary flicks!

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GUEST EDITORIAL: 4 Types Of Movies That Can Teach You About the Fashion Industry

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4 Types Of Movies That Can Teach You About the Fashion Industry

by Devin Caldwell

The fashion industry is one of the most fascinating industries on earth. Anyone who pays attention to New York or Paris fashion week knows that the world of fashion is constantly changing, but few understand what's really going on under the surface. Thankfully, there are several films out there that are known for accurately portraying the ins and outs of the fashion world.

1. Biographical Dramas

Thanks to a rising interest in the big fashion designers of the past, tons of cool biopics and biographical dramas are coming out that can show you a lot about what these designers may have been like. Miniseries like Halston, all about the iconic designer of that name, have the time to zoom in on specific aspects of this person's career, from their fixation on fleece fabric to their preferred type of wine.  Similarly, films like House of Gucci portray intense family drama within a fashion house that the outside world was unaware of at the time.

Of course, because these are movies, the events are heightened and dramatized for greater effect. But, in general, they stay true to what really happened. Even for those without a particular interest in fashion, these portrayals of creative and motivated people make for a great watching experience. 

2. Documentaries

If your goal is to get the facts and see the real people and places behind the clothing you love, finding a good documentary is the way to go. Documentaries like Valentino: The Last Emperor show the behind-the-scenes action of a huge fashion house like Valentino, but they'll also give you a glimpse of who these designers are and what inspires them. The September Show is a rare look at what goes on to prepare each issue of Vogue magazine, from the perspective of its reigning editor, Anna Wintour.

These documentaries are visually stunning and extremely well-made. You'll find yourself moved to tears by the passion and the hard work that goes into curating a line of clothing or putting on a show. It's a lot easier to see how fashion is an artistic expression when you look at it through the lens of these brilliant designers. 

3. Old Classics

The fashion industry has been around a long time, and nothing can teach you more about the fashion and style of way back when than a Hollywood classic like Funny Face. Not only do you get to see Audrey Hepburn in one of her earliest roles, but you get to see her wearing dramatic gowns with Paris as a backdrop. The movie was made in the late '50s, so the styles of that time are all represented, from beatnik turtlenecks to Dior-Esque gowns. Watching old movies is one of the best ways you can get familiar with how people used to dress and what was in style, but movies like Funny Face will also show you what the fashion industry was like in those days. 

4. Fictional Portrayals

There have also been some fantastic fictional stories written about the inner workings of the fashion world, such as The Devil Wears Prada. While Devil is technically a work of fiction, it's based closely on the book of the same name by a woman who worked for a high-end fashion magazine. It's a fascinating story that can tell you a lot about the long hours and hard work required of those who want to make it big in the fashion industry. Movies like Head Over Heels can tell you about what it's like to work as a model, a career that many aspire to without understanding what it demands.

And no list of movies about the industry would be complete without mentioning Zoolander, a comedic take on the sometimes egotistical stereotypes about male models. No industry is without its flaws, and a comedy helps to shed light on those flaws while still making for a fun viewing experience.  

The Main Takeaway

For anyone with an interest in fashion and a curious mind, these movies, documentaries, and miniseries are all a great way to get a closer look while also having a great time. 

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