Spielberg returns to another examination of humanity and history with his 1997 film Amistad. Based on an actual event in 1839, the film explores a revolt of Mende captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad. When the captives take over the ship they demand that the surviving crew take them back to Africa, but instead,…
Tag: culture
Star Trek: Discovery – Desperate Hours (2017) – David Mack
Back in 2017, Star Trek launched it’s first live action series since the finale of Enterprise in 2005. As always there have been tie-in books allowing various authors to explore the universe depicted on big and small screens, as well as the variety of characters inhabiting it. Some to a more successful degree than others….
TIFF 2021: The Devil’s Drivers dir. Mohammed Abugeth and Daniel Carsenty
Shot over the course of eight years, The Devil’s Drivers is a fascinating documentary that ends up feeling incomplete. Revving and running between the borders of Palestine and Israel, the film feels constrained by its 90 minute time. Brushing gently against the political and religious situations that permeate the area, the narrative elects to follow…
TIFF 2021: Attica dir. Stanley Nelson
Taking a look at the five day rebellion, and hostage taking in September of 1971 at Attica prison, Nelson’s documentary is a stark, unflinching look at the prison system, the industry of it, the culture and race clash that is inherent in it, and the larger world as a whole. Filled with interviews from those…
In the Heights (2021) – 4K Review
Musicals, when done right, can be a powerful thing, and Warner Brothers 4K release of In the Heights isn’t just a musical done right, it is joy captured on film, and the images and sound practically pop off the screen in crystal clear celebration. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the music and lyrics for this beautiful film,…
The X-Files (1996) – Teso dos Bichos, and Hell Money
This entry in The X-Files is a bit of a tough one because we have two less than stellar episodes, back to back. First up is Teso dos Bichos (which has a slang meaning that caught some interest), and is one of stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson’s least favourite episodes. Written by John Shiban,…
Star Trek: Shadows on the Sun (1993) – Michael Jan Friedman
Set shortly after the events of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Shadows on the Sun explores some of the backstory of Dr. Leonard H. McCoy, a character that has become one of my favourites over the years. It’s interesting, as a child, and teen, Kirk was always the character for me. But as I…
DC Comics Cover Art (2020) – Nick Jones
Neal Adams. Jack Kirby. George Perez. Alex Ross. Dave Gibbons. Amanda Conner. Jim Lee. John Byrne. The tip of the iceberg on a long list of distinguished and exceptional artists who have created iconic images through the years for DC Comics, aiding in the transition of the medium from being seen as ‘just for kids’…
Star Wars: Rebels (2016) – Hera’s Heroes, The Last Battle, and Imperial Supercommandos
Hera (Vanessa Marshall) and Ezra (Taylor Gray) have their first face to face confrontation with Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) in Hera’s Heroes. With an original airdate of 15 October, 2016, this episode was written by Nicole Dubuc, and brings Timothy Zahn’s creation of the Admiral further into the developing story, and highlighting his interest…
Star Trek: Enterprise (2005) – Bound, and In a Mirror, Darkly Part I
Captain’s log: 27 December, 2154 Manny Coto pens Bound, which first aired on 15 April, 2005. Things go badly for the crew of the Enterprise, specifically the men, when Archer (Scott Bakula) receives three Orion slave girls, Navaar (Cyia Batten), D’Nesh (Crystal Allen) and Maras (Menina Fortunato) as a ‘gift’ from Harrad-Sar (William Lucking) for…
The Mind Reels 