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‘Radioactive’ reveals a chillingly toxic truth

An old expression maintains “Don’t believe everything you read in the newspapers.” It’s an adage that seems to have taken on increasing relevancy these days, too. But there was a time not all that long ago when many in the public were willing to accept without question whatever information was reported in the media. Fortunately, there were those who were astute enough to recognize when things didn’t add up and were willing to raise their voices in protest.

Brent Marchant2024-06-05T08:23:01-05:00May 19th, 2024|Conscious Creation, Documentary, Movie Reviews|

How to walk one’s talk ‘Somewhere in Queens’

It’s one thing to talk a good game, but it’s something else entirely to back it up with authentic action. Indeed, it’s a definitive example of being able to walk one’s talk, a practice that can be difficult to carry out, especially if preceded by exaggeration, deception or flat-out fabricated bragging. But, for those who are able to live up to their words, tremendous heartfelt satisfaction often results.

Brent Marchant2023-08-24T10:21:22-05:00July 12th, 2023|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Movie Reviews|

‘Monica’ examines acceptance, forgiveness, choice

When it comes to the notions of acceptance and forgiveness, it’s always important to remember that they’re beliefs that come with another inherent quality – the power of choice. Indeed, in both cases, we’re free to choose to either embrace or ignore these virtues, regardless of what others may think of us or how the perspectives we adopt might make us look. At the same time, though, we must also consider the consequences that come with either of these choices.

Brent Marchant2023-08-09T09:04:34-05:00July 3rd, 2023|Conscious Creation, Drama, LGBTQ+, Movie Reviews|

‘Viking’ stresses the need for flexibility, resourcefulness

When we take on challenging, risky or dangerous tasks, it usually helps to have a back-up plan in place. No matter how well we might plan for all conceivable contingencies, there may be times when things still slip through the cracks and need to be addressed. But, even with such a Plan B option, there may yet be occasions that defy even our best projections and sincerest intentions for trying to identify solutions for the unexpected.

Brent Marchant2023-06-04T21:31:09-05:00May 7th, 2023|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews, Sci-Fi|

‘Argentina, 1985’ shows us how to exceed ourselves

All too often, we set limits for ourselves that come to define us, sometimes in a far too restrictive way. But are we enduringly confined to such constraints, or can we surpass them and achieve more than we thought we’re capable of? The answer may surprise us

Brent Marchant2023-02-01T01:19:16-05:00December 24th, 2022|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

‘Costa Brava’ compares engagement vs. escape

Staying engaged with the pulse of life is arguably the best way to get the most out of our existence. However, there are times when the pressures of everyday living can wear on us, making us feel as though we have to get away, especially if we believe that it’s placing our health, sanity and well-being in jeopardy. Retreating from such conditions can be rejuvenating and put us on a happier and more fulfilling path. But such isolation also has the potential to become a trap

Brent Marchant2022-10-21T05:03:40-05:00September 12th, 2022|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

‘Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes’ exposes the perils of deception

The truth can be hard to face. We may want to deny it, dismiss it or cover it up, but it inevitably comes back to us in all its unblemished fidelity, forcing us to deal with it, no matter how dire the consequences associated with it may be. Attempts at imposing deception may work for a while, but cracks in the foundation of such lies ultimately emerge,

Brent Marchant2022-07-21T09:05:27-05:00June 28th, 2022|Conscious Creation, Documentary, Movie Reviews|

‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’ chillingly instructs us in life’s hard lessons

Some life experiences can involve truly hard pills to swallow. In fact, they can be so arduous to undergo that we may wonder why we’re having to endure such ordeals, especially when they involve elements we find unthinkable.

Brent Marchant2021-05-12T11:56:12-05:00April 21st, 2021|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

‘Colewell’ examines the opportunities and heartache of change

“Colewell” (2019). Cast: Karen Allen, Kevin J. O’Connor, Hannah Gross, Daniel Jenkins, Craig Walker, Malachy Cleary. Director: Tom Quinn. Screenplay: Tom Quinn. Web site. Trailer. Change – some of us dread it, while others among us welcome it with open arms. Whichever camp we fall into, however, we all have one thing in common – we have to make adjustments in our lives when change makes its appearance. How well that goes (or doesn’t go) depends on how we approach what confronts us and how well it integrates into our existence, a challenge faced by an aging postmaster in the thoughtful character study, “Colewell.” For 35 years, Nora Pancowski (Karen Allen) has enjoyed a comfortable, predictable, enjoyable routine, but now, [...]

Brent Marchant2020-08-28T13:51:50-05:00August 1st, 2020|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Spider’ spins a troubling web of truth

“Spider” (“Araña”) (2019). Cast: María Valverde, Mercedes Morán, Gabriel Urzúa, Felipe Armas, Pedro Fontaine, Marcelo Alonso, María Gracia Omegna, Mario Horton. Director: Andrés Wood. Screenplay: Guillermo Calderón. Web site. Trailer. Truth can be a powerful weapon, one that can both avenge wrongs and operate as a force of devastating destruction, sometimes simultaneously. The power associated with it can have tremendous ramifications and in a variety of contexts. And, when evidence of truth in both its aspects surfaces, the implications can be staggering. So it is for three individuals whose stories are rooted in the past and thought forgotten until they’re unexpectedly revived in the present, an intense saga depicted in the taut Chilean political thriller, “Spider” (“Araña”). In 1970, socialist [...]

Brent Marchant2020-07-04T05:26:19-05:00June 13th, 2020|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|