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
Martial arts auteur Siyu Cheng delivers his latest action-packed fest in “The Tai Chi Master” from Well Go USA. The Tai Chi Master” examines the journey of Zhang Junbao, a dedicated disciple of Wuji, who emerges as a crucial figure during significant upheaval.
On a musical level, the documentary is a library of Williams’ great works. It’s dramatic performances of his most famous songs, such as the classic “Star Wars” marches, the grand piano music from “Jurassic Park,” and the melancholy music from “Schindler’s List.” Each song is part of a narrative, a call to revisit old films and remember their heart-wrenching connections. Its thrilling finale (which celebrated his work on “Harry Potter”) also underscores the longevity of his music among audiences today.
Megan Fox teams up with director S.K. Dale to bring her feminine wiles to the world of A.I. in “Subservience” from XYZ Films. Will Honley and April Maguire wrote the film’s screenplay. Alice (Fox) is a lifelike, artificially intelligent android who can care for any family and home. Looking for help with the housework, struggling father Nick (Michele Morrone) purchases Alice after his wife Maggie (Madeline Zima) becomes sick. Alice suddenly becomes self-aware and wants everything her new family has to offer, starting with the affection of her owner — and she’ll kill to get it.