reluctance

‘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|

‘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|

‘Freud’s Last Session’ plumbs life’s big questions

In all truthfulness, how often do most of us take the time to contemplate life’s “big issues”? Given the importance and impact they have on us, one might think they’re something we should all examine in greater detail and on a more frequent basis than we probably do. Yet we often find ourselves distracted by the comparatively inconsequential minutiae of everyday life, setting aside those grand questions that we must all ultimately address for ourselves.

Brent Marchant2024-06-04T07:08:28-05:00May 17th, 2024|Biography, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Tótem’ celebrates life in the face of death

It’s never easy to face difficult situations, especially when they’re impending and it seems as though they’re inevitable, circumstances in which there’s nothing we can do about them. Indeed, it’s hard enough for us as adults to process and cope with such conditions, but how are children supposed to handle these kinds of situations? Youngsters seldom possess the experience and wisdom needed to deal with their feelings.

Brent Marchant2024-03-24T04:21:52-05:00March 6th, 2024|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

‘Fingernails’ charts the quest for the perfect mate

How do we know when we’re in love? And, even if we suspect we are, how do we know if we’re with the right person? In an age where individuals are increasingly out of touch with their own feelings – especially the one they seem to crave the most – these are pressing questions that desperately beg answers. So what should we do?

Brent Marchant2023-12-20T14:27:38-05:00November 5th, 2023|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews, Romance|

‘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|

‘Everything Went Fine’ pits love against death

Questions related to assisted suicide and the right to die have been debated hotly for decades, and proponents on each side of these issues have made passionate arguments for their causes. Is it ethical to help someone take his or her own life, or must its sanctity be preserved at all costs? At the same time, is it proper to deny someone the right to bring their existence to an end if they so choose, especially if they are in extreme pain or if they feel that their continuation is anguishing or pointless?

Brent Marchant2023-07-12T11:30:40-05:00May 30th, 2023|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

‘The Forty-Year-Old Version’ logs the quest for personal fulfillment

Waiting for our life to be fulfilling can be a frustrating exercise. We know we have something to say and goals we’d like to accomplish, yet, for whatever reason, things just never seem to materialize. We’re thus likely to sit back in bewilderment, unable to understand why nothing comes together.

Brent Marchant2021-04-25T05:12:27-05:00April 1st, 2021|Comedy, Conscious Creation, Movie Reviews|

‘Two of Us’ explores the depths of the power of love

We’ve all been led to believe that “Love conquers all.” But is that really the case? Aren’t there situations that arise where, no matter how much love is present, it can’t solve every problem that arises?

Brent Marchant2021-04-21T00:33:00-05:00March 23rd, 2021|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews, Romance|

‘Cicada’ chronicles the path to healing

“Cicada” (2020). Cast: Matthew Fifer, Sheldon D. Brown, Sandra Bauleo, Cobie Smulders, Jazmin Green Grimaldi, Scott Adsit, Michael Potts, David Burtka, Jason “Freckles” Greene, Beau Curran, Bowen Yang. Directors: Matthew Fifer and Kieran Mulcare. Screenplay: Matthew Fifer and Sheldon D. Brown. Web site. Trailer. Healing old wounds can be a long and painful process, especially if we’re unclear about the nature or source of the hurt. When we are, though, the path to overcoming trauma can be a seemingly unending one in which the anguish never goes away, leaving us feeling as if there’s no hope for recovery or a future worth looking forward to. But, many times, and often quite unexpectedly, something happens that sets us off in a [...]

Brent Marchant2020-11-23T19:28:27-05:00October 10th, 2020|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews, Romance|