A Conversation with director John Gray. [Real to Reel Film Festival]

“Reel Conversations” highlights filmmakers behind official Real to Reel Film Festival Selections. On this episode of “Reel Conversations,” Thomas Manning speaks with John Gray, the writer and director of the short film Extra Innings. Real to Reel is honored to host this short for the 21st Annual Real to Reel Film Fest. Extra Innings follows a reporter as […]

Apollo 13 – 25 Years Later

The Apollo 13 mission is one of the most infamous ventures in the history of space travel. Launching on April 11, 1970, the astronaut trio of Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise set out on a lunar exploration assignment. However, a disastrous oxygen tank malfunction on April 13 forced the three men to forfeit […]

Caddyshack – A Comedic Classic

The plot for this film is so simple that it borders upon directionless. However, there is just enough narrative structure present, that the story can be considered acceptably coherent. Comedies which have stories so weak that the movie is basically a series of unconnected gags seem to be commonplace in the genre, but the architecture […]

“Socrates” – Not for the Faint of Heart, but a Deeply Personal and Significant Commentary on Society

From the opening shot of director Alexandre Moratto’s Brazilian coming-of-age drama, Socrates, audiences will recognize that they are in for a very personal, brutally honest, and unrelenting emotional journey following the life of a struggling young teen in São Paulo. Inspired by his time volunteering with the UNICEF-supported Querô Institute in Brazil, a “non-profit that […]

“The Peanut Butter Falcon” – 2019’s Most Joyous Film Yet

Written and directed by duo Tyler Nilson and Mike Schwartz, “The Peanut Butter Falcon” is easily one of my favorite movies thus far in 2019. To be honest, this is definitely not a perfect film. But, it is indeed practically perfect at accomplishing exactly what it sets out to do. This movie warmed my heart, […]

Spider-Man is Far From Home, but the MCU is Right Where it Needs to be

There is quite a lot to unpack in this review. It took me two viewings to decide exactly how I felt about this film. Nevertheless, here we are in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 23rd film, and it does not show signs of slowing down anytime soon. ———————————————————————————————————————- After the universe-shattering events of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, Peter Parker […]

X-Men: Dark Phoenix Cannot Quite Rise from the Ashes

Director: Simon Kinberg Writer: Simon Kinberg *Based on comic books created and written by John Byrne, Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum, Jack Kirby, and Stan Lee* Producers: Daniel Auclair, Todd Hallowell, Simon Kinberg, Stan Lee, Kathleen McGill, Josh McLaglen, Hutch Parker, and Lauren Shuler Donner Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner, […]

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Moving Directorial Debut

Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor makes his screenwriting and directorial debut with “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” based on the autobiographical book from William Kamkwamba. Detailing the remarkable story of a young man in an extremely poverty-stricken region of Malawi on the continent of Africa, this narrative follows William (Maxwell Simba) as he overcomes starvation, […]

Blindspotting: We Can Not Afford to Turn a Blind Eye to These Issues

Director Carlos López Estrada brings forth this deep-cutting, gut-wrenching, socially-convicting, yet heartfelt, side-splittingly hilarious, and charming narrative about two best friends in inner-city Oakland who have known each other for their entire lives. Collin (Daveed Diggs) and Miles (Rafael Casal) come from similar backgrounds, upbringings, and cultures; yet, there is one significant difference separating them: […]

Happy Death Day 2 U: Bends the Mind, and the Genre

A few weeks ago, I reviewed 2017’s “Happy Death Day” from director Christopher Landon (in association with Blumhouse Productions), in preparation for the newly released “Happy Death Day 2 U.” Here is a recap of my thoughts from the sequel: While the first “Happy Death Day” placed more focus on creating a horror comedy, “Happy […]