adversity

‘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.

Brent Marchant2026-06-08T09:58:08-05:00June 8th, 2026|Conscious Creation, Drama, Featured Post, Movie Reviews, Romance|

‘The Plague’ matches wits with disempowerment

Anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of a bully’s wrath can understand the hurt, anxiety and self-esteem issues that frequently accompany such physical and emotional trauma. The abusive taunting, teasing, mockery and ostracism that come with such cruel treatment can leave its victims devastated for years afterward, making it difficult, if not impossible, to recover. And this doesn’t even account for the awkwardness that the abused go through in seeking to assimilate into society and its everyday course of conduct. However, such incidents – as painful as they can be – frequently lead to valuable life lessons in empowerment and overcoming adversity.

Brent Marchant2026-03-08T18:57:44-05:00January 26th, 2026|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews, Smart Horror|

‘I’m Still Here’ explores the virtues of hope

Hope is an undeniably powerful force, and a belief in it firmly cements our faith in it in our consciousness. It’s difficult to shake, too, hanging on persistently in our worldview. Admittedly, though, when circumstances challenge its validity and viability, that quality can come under fire, perhaps even prompting us to question its strength and resilience. But such conditions can also serve to affirm our convictions, to galvanize us in our views of the power of hope, particularly when it seems like that’s all we have going for us.

Brent Marchant2025-03-10T03:39:18-05:00February 14th, 2025|Biography, Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

For better or worse addressed in ‘American Symphony’

The now-famous opening line of the Charles Dickens classic A Tale of Two Cities – “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” – has become virtually synonymous for describing situations that are simultaneously both joyous yet difficult. In many ways, this is a scenario that seems almost unfathomable, one whose very existence is hard to imagine, let alone endure. Yet many among us have nevertheless experienced such challenging, ironic and contradictory conditions, circumstances that ultimately push us to find the means to survive and to overcome the ordeals posed to us so that we can truly enjoy the best of what life has to offer while putting the worst behind us.

Brent Marchant2024-02-01T08:27:47-05:00December 31st, 2023|Conscious Creation, Documentary, Movie Reviews, Romance, Uncategorized|

‘Still’ profiles an icon’s journey of celebrity and challenge

As a society that worships those in the celebrity spotlight, we tend to place these icons on pedestals, imbuing them with almost superhuman attributes. We often look on them as leading seemingly perfect lives. We may even wonder, “What problems could they possibly have?” But, given their seemingly larger-than-life accomplishments, we frequently lose sight of the fact that these luminaries are people just like the rest of us.

Brent Marchant2023-07-03T23:07:13-05:00May 19th, 2023|Conscious Creation, Documentary, Movie Reviews|

‘The Moon & Back’ wrestles with grief, creativity, adolescence

Where do we turn when the bottom falls out? That’s difficult enough at any age, but what is one to do when going through an impressionable time of life, such as adolescence? The coming of age considerations that teens face are often burdensome enough in themselves. However, when they’re compounded by a significant loss, starting over may seem impossible.

Brent Marchant2023-05-30T18:03:30-05:00April 27th, 2023|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘The Swimmers’ illustrates how to beat the odds

When the odds are stacked against us, it may be easy to turn our backs to the challenges confronting us. Such scenarios could readily be viewed as simply too daunting, not worth the expenditure of time, energy and commitment needed to overcome them. However, in considering the potential rewards available, it’s possible to have a change of heart

Brent Marchant2023-03-23T13:21:03-05:00February 15th, 2023|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Olga’ spotlights the essential power of choice

Many of us face times when we’re presented with seemingly impossible decisions. The choices open to us may appear fundamentally unpleasant across the board, or they may give us options that have both upsides and downsides that might tend to cancel one another out. These conditions can make it difficult for us to know what to do, potentially leaving us locked in a state of stalemate. However, that need not be the case if we can hold on to our awareness of our innate power of choice.

Brent Marchant2022-11-02T15:11:38-05:00September 27th, 2022|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

‘Land’ restores hope where it’s lacking most

When beset by an unspeakable tragedy, it can be nearly impossible to regroup. Those who care about us will undoubtedly try to lift our spirits and help us get our bearings back, but that may not be enough, especially if our heart and spirit are not in it.

Brent Marchant2021-07-23T23:45:40-05:00June 22nd, 2021|Character Study, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Sound of Metal’ walks the path of redemption

When we stumble in life, getting back on track can be difficult, but, when we do, the feeling can be quite gratifying. However, if that reawakening is intruded upon by some kind of new setback, we may be left discouraged and disheartened. All that work may have seemingly gone for naught.

Brent Marchant2021-03-23T08:31:29-05:00February 20th, 2021|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|