Such a badass!

Plot summary: a Jewish man, both a Holocaust survivor and renowned architect, escapes to the U.S. and his talents are discovered

I’ve seen a lot of discourse criticizing the plot of this film, particularly the rape scene, and the thematic messaging behind such plot choices. I feel that those making these critiques fail to understand the point of the movie: to highlight the difficulty of assimilating into American culture for Jewish immigrants post WW2 (and can probably be applied to the immigrant experience more broadly). Plot choices in this film, while often serious and intense, were used to advance themes of difficulty surrounding the immigrant experience, and thus critiques surrounding Corbet’s failure to fully flush out certain themes surrounding rapes and drug use fail to understand that’s not what Corbet intended to do.

Rape in this film is used to explore the power dynamic between immigrants and white, Protestant Americans and to juxtapose perceptions of immigrants with Protestant Americans. Not only is Laszlo clearly powerless, but the dialogue during the scene highlights the irony of these “idealized” citizens looking down on groups such as Jews while quite literally committing a transgression like rape. Male rapes have also always existed, and consequently there were immigrants that experienced this, and the film appropriately highlights the feeling of shame the can accompany male rape, which inevitably some immigrants experienced. Lastly, this rape also sets up the very powerful ending. While certainly uncomfortable to watch, those criticizing this scene for not being necessary, or for not offering more commentary on rape itself, are failing to understand the purpose of this movie and the fact that it’s supposed to make us uncomfortable.

This film is far more centered on dialogue, with the plot often just being used to set up the dialogue, and many people seem to be missing that. There seems to be some type of expectation amongst movie goers that every possible theme that could accompany a plot point needs to be fully fleshed out or it’s a failure on the directors part, and it’s a seriously flawed way to approach a film.

It's over the top, unrealistic and pure cinema. Can't beat a good monologue

Finally got around to watching this. Having mixed reviews on Ridley Scott I wasn’t sure if it was trying to be something the original gladiator was, or if this was going to be a corny medieval movie. Instead I was enthralled with wonderful dialogue, plot elements, and of course action. It’s on Hulu if you haven’t seen it. I recommend it if you like gladiator and can appreciate a slow burn movie with a grand finale. 8.5/10 from me which is high praise.

I watched "Blink Twice" the other night. I was genuinely surprised at how much I liked it. What did you think of it?

I just watched Rise Above: The Carl Jackson Story—and it’s so much more than a sports documentary. If you're a fan of golf or just love a good story about resilience and mentorship, this is a must-see.

Carl Jackson’s journey is nothing short of incredible. In a world of golf that was predominantly white, he didn’t just break through the barriers—he took it upon himself to lift others up along the way. What stands out to me the most is how his mission wasn’t just about personal success. He was determined to pave the way for others and make golf more inclusive for future generations.

The film dives deep into race, identity, and the real power of mentorship. Carl's story really drives home the idea that success isn’t just about individual victories—it’s about using your position to help others rise with you. It made me reflect on how we can all do a little more to guide and support those coming up behind us.

The storytelling in this documentary is raw, real, and deeply moving. It's so refreshing to see a film that highlights not just the highs, but the true journey of a mentor. This film left me thinking about how I can be a better mentor in my own life—and how important it is to keep pushing to break down those barriers for others.

Shoutout to director Maryilene Blondell—she did an amazing job capturing the essence of Carl’s story and bringing his powerful journey to life in such an authentic and impactful way.

If you're into golf, history, or powerful life stories, I can’t recommend Rise Above enough. It's available for rent on various platforms now, and it’s definitely worth the watch.

So I hop on MAX and this pops up. I’m confused as to why HBO MAX feels the need to Differentiate Black History and American History by trying to “WAKE” people into making it just ONE thing (Black History is Our History). Hasn’t it ALWAYS been ONE History?

IMO America just separated itself, Felt bad and had to include it into history/Schools so it gave a Month of Recognition. Enough of ONLY February being BHM and return it to the Month of Love and Celebrate History as Conjoined HISTORY. It’s 2025, it’s all the same History told in different parts and forms. We should be enjoying it all year long instead of only a month.

If you walked up to most 40-year-olds (or older) and asked them who Laci Peterson was, their response will probably be something like, "Isn't that the pregnant woman whose husband killed her?"

If you walked up to most 40-year-olds (or older) and asked them who Evelyn Hernandez was, their response will probably be something like, "Who?"

That's Pretty Girl Syndrome - True Crime Edition.

Both women (Laci and Evelyn) went missing in 2002. Both women were later discovered (or, actually, parts of them were discovered) months later. Both women had their child murdered as well, with Laci's child being in the womb while Evelyn's child was a toddler. Yet, whereas the Laci Peterson double murder made headlines, the Evelyn Hernandez double murder receive pretty much nothing more than a burp from media outlets.

Yeah, even true crime has elements of show business in it.

Now, to be perfectly honest, I have nothing but disdain for people who continually ready themselves to spit out the word, "privileged", at a moment notice. They are fools who should be treated as such. Yet, because I try to be honest when jotting down my thoughts and opinions, I will say that "privileged" does pop up whenever someone goes missing, or worse, is murdered. There is no better example of this than the bloated case of the Gabby Petito murder.

If one takes away all the media glamour of the Petito murder (yes, I said glamour) they will find a very simple case of a mutually toxic relationship that took it a step too far. It has happened a thousand times before and will happen a thousand more times. Yet, even though there is nothing strange, unusual, or interesting that occurred in the Petito murder case, Lifetime and Thora Birch decided to make their film, "The Gabby Petito Story".

Why?

Because Petito fits the criteria for Pretty Girl Syndrome.

For the Pretty Girl Syndrome to work, certain requirements must be met. The girl must be white. That is nonnegotiable. Also a nonnegotiable trait is attractiveness. The girl has to be considered pretty by the general populace. Additionally, even though some think overweight women are attractive, with Pretty Girl Syndrome, the girl has to be 125lbs or less. Finally, the girl has to be at least from a middle-class background. She can be from a more affluent background, but then she has to have a more "down to earth" quality about her. For a female victim to be nationally noticed by the media, Pretty Girl Syndrome must be adhered to.

Obviously, Gabby Petito met the requirements for Pretty Girl Syndrome, and thus, her story and face were plastered all over news outlets and social media, and a few movies/documentaries were made about her. And Thora Birch's film, "The Gabby Petito Story" is the most obscene result of the media circus from the Petito Murder Case.

The film reeks with falsehoods and tropes. In the film, Petito is an independent free-spirit, sweet and kind, who is attempting to make a name for herself. Because Petito is a free-spirit, sweet and kind, that makes her also naïve about how evil her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, really is. She must be blind as well, since Petito never notices how here boyfriend is always huffing and puffing in anger, growling and yelling, or flinging tortilla chips across the room. Yeah, he tossed my dinner across the room, but I love him. And Laundrie is such an oppressive force that Petito always ignores all of her friends' advice to "leave him". Of course, Laundrie tries to get Petito to give up on her "Van Life" blog, mainly because he is jealous and controlling. It's not at all because the whole "Van Life" idea was just a flop and would never make any money.

Obviously, Birch's "The Gabby Petito Story" is trope heaven. The film wasn't made to explain the events of the Petito Murder, or to bring awareness to abusive relationships (on both sides). Petito is an angel and Laundrie is a demon. That is basically the plot of this worthless film. This film was made for sensationalism, and its cash-grab, and nothing more. What makes this film all the more distasteful is that it isn't even any good, which is the ultimate sin that any film can make. But then again, Birch's "The Gabby Petito Story" wasn't made for the sake to tell an actual story.

To believe that Gabby Petito's life needed to be etched into cinematic stone is comical to say the least. Her "importance" is rooted in Pretty Girl Syndrome. Be it for the fact that she was pretty, murdered, and had a villainous boyfriend, no one would be interested in a film about her, for her life was average (like the rest of us). Lifetime, Birch, her fellow producers, and the leading actors and actresses did nothing more that suckle off the Petito Crime Teet. The film was hastily put together and given a spit-shine before the cash-cow was taken to the rendering farm, and it shows in the final product. It is painfully obvious to anyone viewing the trope-filled film that is was made because the requirements for Pretty Girl Syndrome were met and the audience (money) was there.

But hey, that's why it's called "show business".

Strangely enough, there is a story to be told with the Petito Murder, and it is the story of the fragility of social media. Much like when the Seirenes would lure sailors to sail their boats towards them, only to have to boat smash against the rocks and drown the sailors, the Petito Murder shows how utterly ignorant a person(s) can be when chasing the illusion of becoming "viral". The film could have portrayed how a mutually toxic and immature couple (Petito and Laundrie) come up with the ill-fated idea of becoming popular "YouTubers" and set off to find their viral fame, only to discover later that the whole YouTube lifestyle is a pipe dream. Yes, a rare few make a name for themselves, but most (like Petito and Laundrie) fall to the waist-side and are forgotten. And because they are hit with this cold reality, along with an already mutually toxic and abusive relationship, the Petito murder occurs.

But Lifetime and Birch didn't tell that story. Why? Because it is true.

So sit through the 90 minute trope tofu-fest of Birch's "The Gabby Petito Story", but if you think you are being told the story (as boring as it is), you are woefully wrong. You are being lied to.

Just finished watching Her again, last time was 2013 when it came out. First reaction: wow, amazing acting but how weird. Today’s reaction: wow, this movie perfectly captures how life will soon be.

What were your thoughts?

What two movies are the best back to back continuation of a story. Not just a second movie in a series, but the continuation of a story.

For me it’s Rocky and Rocky 2, those were such well made and compelling movies. The boxing was what it was built around but it was really a love story.

Anybody else have another option.

It was a great experience and great storytelling, just like fine dining should be. I’d recommend it to everyone that has worked in the service industry and everyone that enjoys fine dining.

The mix of comedy and thriller was special. It was unique and refined, like a surprisingly good spicy dessert. 10/10 will watch again

I just watched Rise Above: The Carl Jackson Story—and it’s so much more than a sports documentary. If you're a fan of golf or just love a good story about resilience and mentorship, this is a must-see.

Carl Jackson’s journey is nothing short of incredible. In a world of golf that was predominantly white, he didn’t just break through the barriers—he took it upon himself to lift others up along the way. What stands out to me the most is how his mission wasn’t just about personal success. He was determined to pave the way for others and make golf more inclusive for future generations.

The film dives deep into race, identity, and the real power of mentorship. Carl's story really drives home the idea that success isn’t just about individual victories—it’s about using your position to help others rise with you. It made me reflect on how we can all do a little more to guide and support those coming up behind us.

The storytelling in this documentary is raw, real, and deeply moving. It's so refreshing to see a film that highlights not just the highs, but the true journey of a mentor. This film left me thinking about how I can be a better mentor in my own life—and how important it is to keep pushing to break down those barriers for others.

Shoutout to director Maryilene Blondell—she did an amazing job capturing the essence of Carl’s story and bringing his powerful journey to life in such an authentic and impactful way.

If you're into golf, history, or powerful life stories, I can’t recommend Rise Above enough. It's available for rent on various platforms now, and it’s definitely worth the watch.

you can better believe I cried so hard when Uncas & Alice died. Cora lost her sister, Nathaniel lost his brother & now his father is deeply depressed, & Chingachgook lost his son.

I'm happy the remaining three have each other but damn so much loss.

For me it’s Kristen Stewart. I think her acting abilities are often downplayed because of her involvement in the Twilight saga, but her performance in Spencer is one of my favorite acting performances of the decade and she also does greatly in Clouds Of Sils María and Personal Shopper.