Directors Ned Castle and Matt Day collaborate with producers LeBron James and Maverick Carter for a good old-fashioned in-the-crowd pleaser in the documentary All You Hear Is Noise. The screenplay crafted by Castle and Day successfully balances audience appeal while abstaining from the typical stereotypes and oversimplifications frequently portrayed in media representations of intellectual disability.
Trent Hampton, Melanie Holmes, and Chris Wines, three determined U.S. triathletes, are gearing up to dominate the Special Olympics World Games. They refuse to let the daily onslaught of prejudices and misunderstandings hold them back. With unwavering support from their families and coaches, they are on a mission to challenge negative attitudes towards people with disabilities locally and internationally. Their sights are set on achieving nothing less than triumphant success and cementing their place of belonging in the United Arab Emirates.
Underdog sports have been a favorite genre of moviegoers since 1976’s Oscar-winning film Rocky. As social creatures, we feel a connection to underdog stories because we enjoy feeling needed. This creates a strong bond between us and the underdog. Films featuring the Special Olympics are familiar, as they have been featured in movies such as The Ringer and the more recent Champions.
While those films tended to lean towards the humorous side with heart, All You Hear Is Noise is a documentary, so it allowed me to identify with the characters. Castle and Day give Trent Hampton, Melanie Holmes, and Chris Wines equal time. We learn that Trent is highly religious, Melanie is ready to move out independently, and Chris dreams of joining the Navy.
The docs’ first half shows the athletes training and traveling to the game. While the second half centers on life after. Running a brisk ninety minutes, All You Hear Is Noise, is engaging and shows us that even though our athletes have a disability, it doesn’t hinder them from achieving their goals.
The filmmakers deserve recognition for their decision to avoid unnecessary clichés and concentrate on success.
Final Grade: B
Seth Rogen continues his successful relationship with Apple TV in his latest comedic series, “The Studio.” Rogen and his longtime collaborator, Evan Goldberg, direct all ten episodes and write three. Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez write the remaining episodes.
Director Geremy Jasper attempts to modernize the rock opera genre in his sophomore film, “O’Dessa,” available on Hulu. Jasper also pens the film’s screenplay. Rising actress Sadie Sink portrays the titular character, a farm girl searching to recover a cherished family heirloom. She travels to a strange and dangerous city, where she meets her one true love, Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). To save his soul, she must put the power of destiny to the ultimate test.
Academy Award nominee Peter Craig collaborates with fellow nominee Ridley Scott to adapt Dennis Tafoya’s novel Dope Thief for television. Airing on Apple TV, this eight-episode series stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry in the lead role and also features Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, Nesta Cooper, Amir Arison, and Ving Rhames.