happiness

‘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|

‘Golden Years’ shows how to put the luster in retirement

Retirement is supposed to be one of those times of life that we eagerly look forward to. Having the free time to do what we want, when we want, is thought to be liberating and thoroughly enjoyable. But, for some, the transition from full-time working life to full-time leisurely living can be challenging, especially in the relationships of long-partnered couples.

Brent Marchant2024-08-30T12:57:27-05:00July 7th, 2024|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews, Romance|

‘Afire’ explores what can occur when clearing the slate

Getting away from it all is often an effective way to regroup, recharge and put one’s life back on track, especially when it comes to sorting out complicated issues and stalled creative endeavors. At the same time, though, things can sometimes go sideways in these experiences; unforeseen developments may intrude on hoped-for expectations, thrusting circumstances into unexpected territory and uncontrolled chaos. Nevertheless, such disruptions can also yield surprising outcomes, opening new doors

Brent Marchant2023-10-09T10:28:43-05:00August 9th, 2023|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, 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|

‘El Houb’ fights for recognition and acceptance

Imagine being forced to live your life completely on others’ terms, never doing what you want, no matter how strong your desire. Sounds pretty dismal, right? Yet, for those in certain communities, that kind of coercion can be an everyday circumstance. The isolation can be positively crushing, removed from what suits you and being forced to pursue your dreams in secret, if at all, for fear of the repercussions. And, in the meantime, you’re likely to find yourself behaving in uncomfortable, unnatural ways, tantamount to living a lie.

Brent Marchant2023-08-02T00:26:14-05:00June 21st, 2023|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, LGBTQ+, Movie Reviews|

‘Being Mary Tyler Moore’ surveys an icon’s life and work

I find it curious how often many of us think of the everyday lives of well-known actors and actresses as being virtually identical to the parts they play in movies and on television. These performers are so convincing in their roles that countless viewers tend to believe their on-screen and off-screen personas are virtually indistinguishable. However, when we examine the credibility of that idea, many of us can’t help but come to the conclusion that this notion is patently ludicrous.

Brent Marchant2023-07-27T08:57:09-05:00June 18th, 2023|Conscious Creation, Documentary, Movie Reviews|

‘The Blue Caftan’ celebrates love in all its colors

Love is such a precious gift, one that often seems elusive to those looking for it. But it’s out there if we know where to search for it, and that usually begins inside each of us. Unfortunately, when we find it, we frequently don’t recognize it for what it is or we unduly place obstacles in our own way that keep us from embracing it.

Brent Marchant2023-04-25T00:28:08-05:00March 27th, 2023|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, LGBTQ+, Movie Reviews, Romance|

‘The Quiet Girl’ explores reversing neglect

Everything in life requires attention. And, the more precious, special or complex something – or someone – is, the more crucial the provision of that kind of regular care and consideration becomes. But, regardless of how much attention is supplied in any of these cases, the one thing that absolutely cannot be tolerated is neglect

Brent Marchant2023-04-09T16:37:50-05:00March 23rd, 2023|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

‘Leonor Will Never Die’ explores reclaiming one’s power

When we feel like we’ve lost something, we often wonder if we’ll ever get it back. Those who innately see the glass as half full generally have the requisite optimism needed to reclaim it. But those whose worldview is less enthusiastic frequently treat their loss as permanent and irretrievable. But need things be that way?

Brent Marchant2023-01-29T03:01:03-05:00December 22nd, 2022|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

‘Triangle of Sadness’ asks whether turnabout is fair play

We like to think that we’re fundamentally all equal, and, in idealistic terms, it’s hard to take issue with that notion. However, from a practical, realistic standpoint, inequality is unfortunately alive and well in so many contexts. It’s undoubtedly unfair that such differences have been allowed to continue to hold sway and that there are those who must endure such inequities. But can the situation be rectified?

Brent Marchant2022-12-11T04:32:32-05:00November 11th, 2022|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Movie Reviews|