‘Life is Short’ presents a plan for living

For what it’s worth, celebrities are often regarded as vain, narcissistic, self-absorbed and unapologetically materialistic, generally consumed with their own ambitions, being the center of attention and lining their pockets. Seldom are they widely recognized for qualities like artistic integrity, personal fulfillment and noble intentions. But those generalizations do not always provide realistic depictions; there are individuals who indeed embody sincere motivations that drive their craft and their lives. But how do they defy the so-called model and turn out like that? Such is the point behind the new Netflix documentary profile of actor-comedian Martin Short, “Marty, Life is Short.”

Obliviousness scrutinized in ‘The Invite’

Nineteenth Century Irish novelist, playwright and raconteur Oscar Wilde, widely known for his witticisms and observations about life, is generally credited for the following arguably astute advice: “One should always be in love. That is the reason why one should never marry.” And it’s most fitting that those very words should eloquently serve as a cinematic epigraph at the start of a new comedy-drama about a casual, neighborly social occasion that goes awry while simultaneously providing its unsuspecting participants with new, eye-opening, revelatory insights about life, love, marriage, sexuality and a host of other topics, “The Invite.”

‘Disclosure Day’ delivers revelations on multiple levels

“Disclosure” can be an awfully loaded word, one that carries connotations on multiple levels, both big and small, but nearly always with personally meaningful ramifications. However, sometimes those implications may be so subtle that they’re not easy to spot, grasp or understand, even though that does not diminish their importance. It’s also interesting to note how they’re frequently revealed simultaneously, heightening their impact, especially if they’re considered in tandem with one another, a circumstance that may be hard to ignore. Such are the dynamics at work in the latest offering from iconic filmmaker Steven Spielberg, “Disclosure Day,” handily the director’s best picture in years.

‘Tuner’ creates harmony from imperfection

It’s often been observed that “order comes out of chaos,” a notion that might seem counterintuitive but frequently rings true. It’s also something that can be seen in a variety of contexts, with corollaries all their own tailored to the area of endeavor in question. In the world of music, this idea can be applied to the tuning of instruments – specifically pianos – wherein it’s been said that “harmony can arise out of imperfection,” a principle that, ironically, can also be applied to each of us as well.

‘I Swear’ eloquently depicts the fruits of confidence and self-worth

They say “you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover,” because you just might be surprised by what’s inside. The content may readily defy observations and expectations in unanticipated ways. And the same, of course, can be said for people, especially those who exhibit traits or behavior that’s outside the mainstream.

‘La Grazia’ explores life in a state of grace

As we approach the finish lines of our lives, we often take time to reflect on how we’ve spent the years of our existence. It’s a process that allows us to take stock of who we are and how we’ve lived, and it frequently provides a means to help us make decisions about any remaining unfinished business we may have. However, such soul-searching may also leave us with more questions than answers at a time when we need such clarity most, the alternative being pervasive indecisiveness that can be crippling.

‘Is This Thing On?’ looks for solutions on the brink

No matter how much we may care for our significant others, we sometimes appear to experience issues with them that threaten the future of our relationships. The love between us might still be seemingly present, but the overall tone of the partnership feels … off, and we’re unlikely to know why. Unfortunately, under those circumstances, we give up and choose to separate, but is that really the wisest course? Perhaps there’s something more at work here.

2026-06-17T08:32:44-05:00March 23rd, 2026|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews, Romance|

‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ offers a profile in courage

Courage comes in many forms, some of them plainly apparent and others seemingly unlikely. Ironically, it’s those emboldened but unsuspecting heroes who often end up achieving the greatest victories in their endeavors, even when up against formidable opponents. And now the makings of such an implausible scenario provide the focus for an insightful first-person documentary, one in which an unassuming, mild-mannered David matter-of-factly takes on a daunting Goliath.

‘Midwinter Break’ asks, ‘what do we really want out of life?’

Has anyone noticed how it’s becoming increasingly rare these days to find movies that present stories with insightful, contemplative narratives? Granted, pictures like this may not appeal to everyone, but these releases address ultimately account for significant and meaningful aspects of our lives and the nature of existence, big issues that aren’t – and shouldn’t be – easily dismissed. That’s especially true now, given the hunger that many of us have for offerings that provide profound food for thought on both practical and existential levels.

Go to Top