“Tanna” (2015 production, 2016 release). Cast: Mungau Dain, Marie Wawa, Marceline Rofit, Charlie Kahla, Albi Nagia, Lingai Kowia, Dadwa Mungau, Linette Yowayin, Kapan Cook, Mungau Yokay, Mikum Tainakou. Directors: Martin Butler and Bentley Dean. Screenplay: Martin Butler, John Collee and Bentley Dean. Web site. Trailer.Who we love is something we should be able to decide for ourselves, but it hasn’t always been that way, especially in many of the world’s traditions-based cultures. With arranged marriages the norm – relationships frequently driven by considerations having nothing to do with love – those who choose to step outside that custom engage in what’s looked upon as radical or even taboo. But, given the power of love, sometimes even tradition can’t withstand such [...]

“Logan Noir” (2017) Cast: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Richard E. Grant, Eriq La Salle, Elise Neal, Quincy Fouse. Director: James Mangold. Screenplay: Scott Frank, James Mangold and Michael Green. Story: James Mangold. Source Material: John Romita Sr., Len Wein, Herb Trimpe, Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost. Trailer.What a difference cinematography can make. Thanks to a single production change, a good movie has been elevated to a great one, a film that carries far more meaning and impact than what was conveyed in its original incarnation. Such is the case with a new, limited edition, black-and-white version of the latest offering in the Wolverine films in the wildly popular X-men franchise, “Logan Noir,” [...]

Reviews of "Logan Noir" and "Florence Foster Jenkins" and a magazine article preview are all in the latest Movies with Meaning post on the web site of The Good Radio Network, available by clicking here.

Ever feel like you were completely on your own, isolated and disconnected from everyone and everything? Yet, often within a short time after the onset of those feelings, we find ourselves comfortably connected to others. Movies help to remind us of this in those times of doubt. Find out more about our inherent sense of connection in "The Ties That Bind Us," my latest article in New Consciousness Review's Conscious Cinema series, available by clicking here and in the summer edition of the HAPI Guide, available by clicking here.

Reviews of "I, Daniel Blake" and "Mia Madre" and a new movie book preview are all in the latest Movies with Meaning post on the web site of The Good Radio Network, available by clicking here.

“I, Daniel Blake” (2016 production, 2017 release). Cast: Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, Brianna Shann, Dylan McKiernan, Kate Rutter, Sharon Percy, Stephen Clegg, Kema Sikazwe, Steven Richens, Micky McGregor. Director: Ken Loach. Screenplay: Paul Laverty. Web site. Trailer.When the chips are down, it’s comforting to know that there are those who have your back. That’s especially true for the residents of countries that have social services systems in place to provide needed support in times of crisis, like unemployment and health emergencies. It’s truly reassuring that those structures will be there when they’re needed. But will they? Do the agencies responsible for administering these services live up to their obligations? And what happens if someone in need fails to properly comply [...]

“Wonder Woman” (2017). Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen, Danny Houston, David Thewlis, Saïd Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremner, Eugene Brave Heart, Lucy Davis, Elena Anaya, Lilly Aspell, Emily Carey. Director: Patty Jenkins. Screenplay: Allan Heinberg. Story: Zack Snyder, Allan Heinberg and Jason Fuchs. Source Material: William Moulton Marston. Web site. Trailer.The process of self-discovery can be challenging enough in and of itself. But imagine what it might be like to go through that in the midst of trying circumstances in a world you barely understand. If you can picture that, you have an idea of what life is like for a superhero coming into her own, the story that provides the backdrop for the new summer blockbuster, “Wonder [...]

Reviews of "Wonder Woman," "Tanna" and "Gleason" are all in the latest Movies with Meaning post on The Good Radio Network web site, available by clicking here.

“Miss Sloane” (2016). Cast: Jessica Chastain, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, John Lithgow, Sam Waterston, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alison Pill, Christine Baranski, Mark Strong, Jake Lacy, Chuck Shamata. Director: John Madden. Screenplay: Jonathan Perera. Web site. Trailer.What does it take to push for a just cause? As much as we might like to think to the contrary, it often takes more than just good intentions; it frequently requires a concerted effort, one that may even include measures some of us would see as questionable, troubling or manipulative. Indeed, when it comes to achieving hoped-for outcomes in certain high-stakes issues, sometimes we may have to send a bulldog into the fight on our behalf. But where do we draw the line? How far are we [...]

Join me and host Frankie Picasso for the next edition of Frankiesense & More radio when we'll interview director Betsy Kalin about her latest documentary, "East LA Interchange." We'll also discuss some new movie releases in theaters and for home viewing. Tune in here Thursday, June 1 at 1 pm ET for some lively movie chat. And to find out more about "East LA Interchange," click here.