New Release
James Harper (Chris Pine) is an ex-Special Forces soldier who joins a private contracting agency in order to support his loving family. Unfortunately, while on a black ops assignment, his mission becomes compromised and shadowy forces want Harper dead.
While this film does have a few tension-filled scenes, most of it isn’t only overly convoluted, but full of generic action tropes that we’ve all seen many, many times before. It’s also so painfully inaccurate that it’s clear the filmmakers neglected to hire military advisers.
Indie Pick
This hard-hitting film follows several seemingly disparate parties whose lives are profoundly affected by our modern digital age. Everything from cyberbullying to the downsides of social media to disturbing teen websites is covered in this dramatic thriller.
The realistic acting and deft direction coupled with the timely subject matter make this film seem like a documentary. It ultimately provides food for thought on how the internet has changed the world and will hopefully spur some people to reconsider direct human communication.
Romantic Musical for Our Times
One day, two struggling creative people, musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and actress Mia (Emma Stone), meet and fall in love. However, as their careers begin to take off, will their love endure?
With heartfelt, nuanced acting and a moving, genuine love story, this is one of the best of the modern type of musical in recent history (with a fantastic score by composer Justin Hurwitz). It captures the reality of life in Tinseltown and will most likely be considered a classic many years from now.
Phenomenal Japanese TV Series
Shintaro Katsu stars as a transient, blind masseur (considered of low caste), who also happens to be an unparalleled swordsman. As he travels 18th-century Japan, he helps those in need.
Katsu delivers an earthy performance as a man living by a strict code of honor. Every episode is packed with wholesome messages about helping others and refusing to compromise one’s ethics.
