principle

‘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|

‘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.

Brent Marchant2026-04-26T20:19:35-05:00April 19th, 2026|Character Study, Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Featured Post, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

‘Can I Get a Witness?’ appraises the price of paradise

“Can I Get a Witness?” (2024 production, 2025 release). Cast: Sandra Oh, Keira Jang, Joel Oulette, Zaa Nkweta, Shaz Far, Casey Kenneth Wright, Yuki Morita, Ben Immanuel, Patrick Gallagher, Naika Toussaint, Andre Anthony, Oscar Chark, Jude Wilson, Cassandra Sawtell, Tedra Rogers, Ally Battaggia, Kymo Van Oers, Jovanna Burke. Director: Ann Marie Fleming. Screenplay: Ann Marie Fleming. Web site. Trailer. Successfully vanquishing global ills like environmental degradation, economic inequality, insufficient health care and armed conflict in order to purposely create an earthly paradise is undeniably an ambitious and virtuous goal that most of us would probably support. The benefits of creating a healthy, sustainably managed future are undeniable. But how far would we be willing to go to realize it? The [...]

Brent Marchant2025-09-03T16:55:22-05:00July 15th, 2025|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews, Sci-Fi|

‘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 Marchant2025-07-13T12:31:05-05:00April 25th, 2025|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, LGBTQ+, Movie Reviews|

‘Mickey 17’ explores the dangers of expendability

In a throw-away age like the one in which we live, virtually everything is vulnerable. We can become so accustomed to this way of thinking that it becomes an ingrained mindset, one in which we come to believe that anything perceived as not being expediently useful is potentially disposable. But how far are we willing to go with this? Indeed, aren’t there inherent dangers that we might take this notion a little too far, perhaps even to a point of no return?

Brent Marchant2025-06-12T03:50:24-05:00April 20th, 2025|Action-Adventure, Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews, Sci-Fi|

‘Flow’ urges us to intuit our way to success

Sometimes the simplest yet most profound messages come to us from the unlikeliest of sources. In many cases, those messengers deliver their insights metaphorically and unwittingly, with an almost “innocent” nature, as if to give license to the notion of “out of the mouths of babes.” So imagine how valuable that information can be when its impact is significant and inspired and comes at a time when the stakes are at their highest.

Brent Marchant2025-05-29T22:28:12-05:00April 4th, 2025|Animation, Conscious Creation, Foreign, 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 Happy Families’ seeks a cure for dysfunction

An old saying maintains that we can pick our friends but not our family. But is that really so? It might seem that way at times, especially in situations where we struggle mightily to get along with them and put up with their annoyances and quirks. However, one could also contend that the individuals we incarnate with are present in our lives to help us learn valuable lessons in areas like cooperation and forgiveness.

Brent Marchant2024-06-29T14:31:48-05:00June 5th, 2024|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

Life’s letdowns probed in ‘Shortcomings’

When life doesn’t quite turn out as planned, it’s easy to become frustrated, cynical and embittered, falling into a trap of unrelenting wallowing and victimhood from which it’s difficult to escape. It’s disappointing, to be sure, when circumstances don’t pan out as hoped for. But what will staying in such a rut accomplish?

Brent Marchant2024-06-20T20:02:24-05:00June 2nd, 2024|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews, Romance|

‘Kenyatta’ gives us hope for the future

Regrettably, convincing idealism is an increasingly rare commodity in political circles these days. With so many politicians looking out for themselves and their cronies, it’s become difficult to find those we can genuinely trust. Indeed, how are we supposed to put our faith in what they say? Every so often, though, there are those who come along who appear to defy such low expectations.

Brent Marchant2023-12-15T00:08:02-05:00October 26th, 2023|Character Study, Conscious Creation, Documentary, Film Festivals, LGBTQ+, Movie Reviews|