disappointment

‘All Shall Be Well’ grapples with fairness, inclusion

They say that “blood is thicker than water,” an observation that can make its presence apparent in many ways. This often becomes most obvious during times of crisis, when major decisions are called for, such as when a death occurs or an inheritance is involved (money being on the line frequently speaks volumes). And, in conjunction with those conditions, differences and disagreements frequently arise, making difficult situations more tense, perhaps even combative. So what accounts for this?

Brent Marchant2025-04-25T04:10:54-05:00April 25th, 2025|Conscious Creation, Drama, Featured Post, Foreign, LGBTQ+, Movie Reviews|

Wrapping up the 2025 Chicago Latino Film Festival

The 41st annual edition of the Chicago Latino Film Festival – the longest continuously running event of its kind in the US – is now in the books, having featured an array of narrative, documentary and short films in local theaters and community centers. Here’s my take on what I watched and what I thought.

Brent Marchant2025-04-15T09:34:59-05:00April 15th, 2025|Comedy, Drama, Featured Post, Film Festivals, Foreign, Movie Reviews, Sci-Fi, Smart Horror|

‘The Room Next Door’ probes the fundamental right to choose

Choice is arguably the most precious personal resource that we possess. It makes so much possible, and it provides us with so many opportunities to seek the fulfillment of what we hold most dear. Because of that, however, there may well be times when what we choose to embrace and invoke won’t be agreeable to others. But, then, the choices in question are ours and fundamentally not subject to the approval of others, save for cases where their well-being might be placed in jeopardy. That even includes choices involving the direction that our own personal fate ultimately takes, again, no matter what others may have to say about it. Such is the question that’s called for a terminally ill woman in making her decision on whether or not to willfully continue her existence.

Brent Marchant2025-03-21T10:44:00-05:00March 21st, 2025|Conscious Creation, Drama, Featured Post, Movie Reviews|

‘Maria’ plumbs the perils of indecision

When one achieves greatness at his or her craft, it’s difficult to walk away when the skills behind it begin to fade. Moreover, facing the hard truth that one’s peak may indeed be irretrievably in the past can be even tougher to accept, no matter how passionate one’s desire might be for it. At times like these, we must often begin making new plans for ourselves and our future, and some of the options open to us may indeed hold considerable appeal, especially if they involve unfulfilled dreams. But what if we have difficulty accepting the reality of such circumstances?

Brent Marchant2025-03-21T08:09:23-05:00February 18th, 2025|Biography, Character Study, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ showcases the healing power of letting go

Engaging in acts of forgiveness can be among the most difficult life tasks that any of us undertake. In nearly every case, we’re called upon to absolve those who have harmed us. In many instances, we might feel so violated by these misdeeds that we simply don’t want to extend any type of grace toward our transgressors, even if they’re contrite about wanting to make amends. And, the greater the degree of the offenses committed against us, the more challenging such absolutions can be. But, despite these inclinations toward holding grudges, we should nevertheless make the effort to ask ourselves, “What do we gain by holding on to the hurt?”

Brent Marchant2025-03-05T06:08:48-05:00January 20th, 2025|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Mountains’ copes with the nature of change

Change often carries a cost. At the same time, though, it’s also accompanied by unexpected rewards. In either case, however, we frequently don’t recognize what’s coming, what it might entail and how it could affect us. What’s more, a lack of awareness of what’s unfolding can place us in a seriously compromised position.

Brent Marchant2024-11-22T00:27:19-05:00September 8th, 2024|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Sing Sing’ explores personal resurgence through the arts

When everything gets taken away from one’s life, it must be nearly impossible to find something that provides a meaningful reason to carry on. The pervasive sense of hopelessness that sets in makes it difficult to establish a purpose in one’s existence. And so it often is for the incarcerated, individuals faced with an uncertain future of indeterminate duration. Under conditions as difficult as these, realistically speaking, one can’t help but wonder whether even the prospect of rehabilitation will actually pan out as a viable option.

Brent Marchant2024-10-20T01:13:53-05:00August 22nd, 2024|Biography, Character Study, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Late Bloomers’ maintains it’s never too late to grow up

In an age where personal accountability has become increasingly hard to come by, it’s comforting to know that it’s never too late to grow up. Granted, willingly assuming responsibility for our actions and attitudes may not always be easy, pleasant or fun, but it’s something we all must ultimately do, no matter how much we may not want to.

Brent Marchant2024-09-08T17:55:33-05:00July 14th, 2024|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Robot Dreams’ follows the quest for relationship fulfillment

In an age where the lines of what makes for a successful relationship have become increasingly blurred (and simultaneously more liberating), we’re seeing all manner of partnership combinations emerge that are just as valid as conventional models, no matter how different they may appear. And thank goodness for that, as anyone in an alternative partnership can joyously attest. However, despite this newfound freedom, these relationships can experience their share of challenges just like any other pairings.

Brent Marchant2024-07-28T23:38:19-05:00June 23rd, 2024|Animation, Comedy, Conscious Creation, Movie Reviews, Romance|

‘All the Colours’ applauds the courage to be oneself

Discrimination is truly an ugly concept, no matter what basis is used to try and justify it. Those who become the targets of such inexcusable prejudice are left to endure the irrational ridicule inflicted upon them, treatment that often drives them into hiding, afraid to step forward and be themselves. Considerable courage is generally required to overcome those conditions, but even vast reserves of that attribute may not be enough when it means taking on institutionalized versions of such loathsome negative behavior. Nonetheless, those who are able to muster up the bravery to tackle such undertakings should be commended.

Brent Marchant2024-07-05T16:28:14-05:00June 7th, 2024|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, LGBTQ+, Movie Reviews, Romance|