Year: 2020

Join host Frankie Picasso, author Sandra Beck and yours truly for a special edition of The Good Media Network’s Mission Unstoppable when we speak with filmmaker Renee Scheltema about the new, updated version of her sustainability documentary, “Normal Is Over 1.1.” Tune in to Facebook Live on Thursday April 30 at 1 pm ET by clicking here. For more information, click here ...

Tune in for the latest Cinema Scribe segment on Bring Me 2 Life Radio, Tuesday, April 21, at 2 pm ET, available by clicking here. And, if you don’t hear it live, catch it later on demand!  ...

Reviews of “Extra Ordinary,” “Sorry We Missed You” and “Bacurau,” as well as a podcast preview, are all in the latest Movies with Meaning post on the web site of The Good Media Network, available by clicking here.  ...

“Bacurau” (“Nighthawk”) (2019 production, 2020 release). Cast: Bárbara Colen, Thomas Aquino, Silvero Pereira, Sônia Braga, Udo Kier, Thardelly Lima, Rubens Santos, Wilson Rabelo, Carlos Francisco, Luciana Souza, Márcio Fecher, Jr. Black, Val Junior, Lia de Itamaracá, Karine Teles, Antonio Saboia, Jamila Fecury, Jonny Mars, Alli Willow, James Turpin, Julia Marie Peterson, Brian Townes, Charles Hodges, Chris Doubek, Buda Lira, Fabiola Líper. Director: Juliano Dornelles and Kleber Mendonça Filho. Screenplay: Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles. Web site. Trailer. The impact of bullies has gained wider recognition in recent years. In most instances, this increased attention has focused on the detriment to individuals, but it can just as readily affect groups and entire communities, even if these situations don’t garner the same amount of distinction. But that’s not to suggest that such conditions must be willingly tolerated, a circumstance explored in the enigmatic new morality play, “Bacurau” (“Nighthawk”). What’s happening in the remote Brazilian village of Bacurau? Not long after the death of the town’s 94-year-old matriarch, Carmelita (Lia de Itamaracá), all manner of strangeness has occurred. Admittedly, things weren’t entirely “normal” before her passing, but, in the time since her transition, the weirdness has been significantly ramped up. Consider the following: ...

“Sorry We Missed You” (2019 production, 2020 release). Cast: Kris Hitchen, Debbie Honeywood, Rhys Stone, Katie Proctor, Ross Brewster, Charlie Richmond, Julian Ions, Sheila Dunkerley, Maxie Peters, Christopher John Slater, Heather Wood, Alberto Dumba, Natalia Stonebanks, Jordan Collard. Director: Ken Loach. Screenplay: Paul Laverty. Web site. Trailer. Have you ever been so dissatisfied with your circumstances that you were willing to take drastic steps to change them? And, if so, have you ever subsequently found yourself no more fulfilled afterward, despite high hopes going in? What next? Do you formulate yet another new plan, or do you reconcile yourself to the futility of trying and give up on starting over? That’s a tough call, especially for the discouraged, but it’s the reality for a blue collar family seeking a better life in the affecting new drama, “Sorry We Missed You.” It’s a safe bet that most of those in the working class want to be able to get ahead. So it is with the Turner Family of Newcastle, England. Breadwinners Ricky (Kris Hitchen) and Abby (Debbie Honeywood) put in long hours to provide for their children, Seb (Rhys Stone) and Liza Jae (Katie Proctor). They’ve been trying to save up ...

What in the world is going on these days? That’s a good question, one we’re opening up for discussion on a special edition of Frankiesense & More on The Good Media Network. Tune in on Facebook Live on Friday April 10 at 12 pm ET for a thoughtful discussion of a wide range of topics with host Frankie Picasso, yours truly and special guest author Sandra Beck by clicking here. UPDATE: For those who expected to hear the show live, we had a slight broadcast glitch, but the recorded show can be heard by clicking here ...