“The Fire Inside” is a boxing biopic that goes the distance
The film begins in 2006 with a young Claressa (Jazmin Headley) almost getting laughed out of the gym by the boys. However, possessing the heart of a lion, Claressa quickly catches the eye of former boxer turned coach Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry) when she bests one of his boy boxers. “The Fire Inside” then takes us to Claressa’s junior year in high school, pushing past countless limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.
Second Listen Sunday : Toni Braxton, Snowflakes
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.
Slow Jam Saturday : The Isley Bros, “What Can I Buy You”
Iconic R&B group The Isley Brothers had already solidified their pleasure in R&B when they released their first Christmas album, “I’ ‘ll Be Home for Christmas,” in 2007. Group member Ron has always had one of those voices that can sing anything, so it makes sense that the group’s first Christmas album would feature the usual standards with an R&B interpretation.
“The Man in the White Van” succeeds as an old school style thriller
The central protagonist is a young Annie, played masterfully by Madison Wolfe, who plays her with vulnerability and determination. Wolfe conveys the childlike wonder of childhood, yet she also embodies the absolute terror of Annie knowing she is being monitored. Her fall into fear has much more to do with the white van stalker than it does with the broader blindness of a culture that refuses to listen to children’s voices, as expressed in the heartbreaking way that her parents (played poignantly by Ali Larter and Sean Astin) cannot embrace the reality of what their daughter is being subjected to.
“The Brutalist” is throwback style dramatic epic
The supporting cast includes Joe Alwyn, who portrays Harry Lee Van Buren, the entitled and self-important young son of Harrison. Stacy Martin takes on the role of Maggie Van Buren, Harry’s twin sister. Isaach de Bankolé plays the character Gordon, a close friend of László. Alessandro Nivola represents Attila, a furniture store owner located in Philadelphia and cousin to László. Finally, Emma Laird plays the role of Audrey, the spouse of Attila.
“Juror No.2” serves as a solid swan song for director Clint Eastwood
Kemp serves on the jury for a high-profile murder trial involving James Michael Sythe (Gabriel Basso), who is accused of killing Kendall Carter (Francesca Eastwood). However, as the trial progresses, Kemp realizes that he may be responsible for the victim’s accidental death. Collette portrays Faith Killebrew, the Assistant District Attorney prosecuting the case.
Second Listen Sunday : John Legend, A Legendary Christmas
Christmas Day is ten days away, and this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday is John Legend. The twelve-time Grammy winner was over a decade into his career when he released his first Christmas album, “A Legendary Christmas,” on October 26, 2018. When one thinks about Legend’s piano skills, it’s surprising that it took him so long to do a Christmas project; however, perhaps the singer was waiting for the right time. Music fans will be delighted that the legendary Raphael Saadiq produces all the songs for the project.
“Nosferatu ” is elevated horror with bite
Eggers masterfully crafts a narrative that explores the fine line between desire and destruction, drawing viewers into the emotional turmoil of his characters. The cinematography is breathtaking, with shadowy landscapes and hauntingly lit interiors that evoke a sense of dread and anticipation. Every frame of the film feels meticulously composed, a testament to Eggers’ commitment to his craft.
“Dirty Angels” is an uneven action flick
The film opens by introducing us to an American soldier named Jake (Green), who is seconds away from being executed while on her latest top-secret mission. While Jake is rescued, her team ends up losing their lives, adding to Jake’s PTSD. A few years later, during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, a group of schoolgirls was taken hostage in Afghanistan. Jake’s old boss, Travis (Christopher Backus), recruits her to join an all-women commando unit to liberate them.
A pitch perfect Timothée Chalamet elevates cliché filled “A Complete Unknown”
Mangold sets the film in the influential New York music scene of the early 1960s and centers on a 19-year-old musician from Minnesota named Bob Dylan, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. It follows Dylan’s meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts, as his songs and charisma become a worldwide sensation. The narrative culminates in his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
“Saturday Night” successfully looks at SNL’s debut episode
Four-time Academy Award-nominated director Jason Reitman returns to the screen with his tenth directorial effort, “Saturday Night,” released by Sony Pictures. Co-written with Gil Kenan, the screenplay focuses on the night of the 1975 premiere of NBC’s “Saturday Night,” which later became known as “Saturday Night Live.”
Second Listen Sunday : Ashanti, Christmas With Ashanti
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.