Candace Paul
- Entertainment , Spotlight
- March 26, 2021
- 26 views
Movie Review: Resurrection – what happened to the Disciples of Christ?
Resurrection is a bit different from other Easter movies. The Easter movies we are most familiar with tend to depict Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, then ends shortly after. But Resurrection, produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, shows us what it must have been like for Jesus’ disciples in those three intense days after His death – before rising again. What did His disciples experience? What did they see? We discover what it must have felt like to be a living witness to the Messiah. What a great honor it must have been to spread the Good News – despite the danger. They knew Jesus. They walked with Him, learned from Him, witnessed His death, believed in Him, and learned that He rose again. I had to the opportunity to speak with Roma Downey, Emmy nominated actress, director, producer and New York Times Bestselling author, about career, faith, loss, and Downey’s compelling new film: Resurrection. Watch this candid interview below and definitely watch Resurrection on Discovery+ March 27th!
- Entertainment , Spotlight
- February 18, 2021
- 16 views
Netflix Star Brandon Jay McLaren offers Words of Wisdom for Creatives
When speaking with Brandon Jay McLaren, you can’t help but appreciate his positive attitude, relaxed demeanor, and humility. This monumental moment in his career is the result of 20-years of “insanely” hard work. But McLaren wouldn’t have it any other way. Right now McLaren is busy filming the remake of “Turner & Hooch” – Tom Hank’s 1989 classic set to air on Disney+, while also working on other projects currently in development. And all this comes after the release of the popular Netflix Series, “Firefly Lane” in early February. “You have to believe…why couldn’t this happen to me?” McLaren said when asked what advice he’d give to young actors and writers. He describes situations where an actor can come so close to getting a role and still not getting it; or having a great audition and not being selected – simply because someone didn’t like your “vibe”. via GIPHY But, don’t lose focus! For creatives who are pitching ideas or auditioning for roles, it can be hard not to get discouraged – especially understanding the subjectivity of the industry. Nonetheless, there is light at the end of the tunnel for those who keep pushing. “Sometimes all it takes is convincing one person with influence to like you” said McLaren. “And that could change your life. Always remember why you started Ultimately, when times are hard and nothing seems to be going your way, McLaren says to remember why you started – and that will be your motivator. For him, the answer has always been simple: There’s nothing else he’d rather do. Watch the Aknowingspirit exclusive interview below!
- Entertainment
- February 11, 2021
- 4 views
MINARI – the American Dream retold
Minari is a film about all of us – told through the unique perspective of a Korean-American family. Starring, Steven Yeun, best known for the Walking Dead, and Burning, the film depicts what life is like for an immigrant family just trying to live the American Dream. At its core, this movie is about trying to seize an opportunity and build a legacy, while continuing to hit unexpected roadblocks at every turn. Background In the early 80’s, a Korean-American family purchases a small plot of farmland in Arkansas – hoping to become a food supplier for local grocery stores. The parents in this close knit family make ends meet by working factory jobs by day, then working late into the night and on weekends cultivating the farm. In an effort to help, the grandmother assists with the children, so even more hours can be devoted to farm life. Over time, the family becomes part of the community, the children adjust, and the father can finally see the vision he initially had coming together. Then, he learns: the American Dream is easy to ponder, but very difficult to attain. Wait…What’s the American Dream, Again? Whenever someone mentions “the American Dream” my mind immediately goes back to black and white 1950’s films. Most often, the middle class family living the American Dream was depicted as white…in a nice house, with a perfectly manicured lawn, a white picket fence, two kids, a two-door garage, and a dog (probably a Golden Retriever). Somehow, this lifestyle was funded solely by a father with a well paying corporate job, while mom was the cheerful and loving homemaker preparing a casserole for dinner. In fairness, I’m sure there are still some families like this, but that is only one of many American stories. In fact, According to AAP.org, one in every 4 children in the United States, approximately 18.4 million children, live in an immigrant family. Eighty-nine percent of these children are born in the United States and are US citizens. Furthermore, immigrants start businesses at a higher rate than the U.S.-born, as reported by the Immigration International Forum. For every 100,000 immigrants, 520 became entrepreneurs in a given month. That means, soon the average American household won’t look like the one I described, but will be ethnically diverse and likely led by entrepreneurial parents. This movie sheds light on that American story. One about coming to this country, investing in this country, and believing in what this country can help your family achieve. Ultimately, Minari shows that we all actually share the same dream: to find fulfilling and meaningful work, provide for our families, find joy doing it, and eventually see the fruits of our labor. Minari’s release is February 12, 2021!
- Entertainment
- December 29, 2020
- 29 views
Chadwick Boseman speaks bodly against God in his final performance
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, an August Wilson play, has been adapted for the screen and is currently on the popular streaming platform Netflix. The film is already getting Oscar buzz for its star-studded cast, eerily relevant themes, and its highly charged emotional performances. But one scene in particular may be considered the most controversial part of the entire film: When Levee, played by Chadwick Boseman, boldly speaks against God. Background Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom takes place in 1920’s Harlem. The movie centers on Ma Rainey, a legendary Blues musician, recording the smash hit “Black Bottom” for white record executives. While the band comprised of four talented musicians wait for Ma Rainey to arrive, these four black men share their stories and unique perspectives on racism, class, equity, and religion. During a highly charged discussion about black exploitation in the music business by white executives, Levee played by Chadwick Boseman threatens his bandmate at knife point and tells him to ask God for help – like God “helped my momma!” Then he proceeds to go on a rant, taunts God to strike him down, then uses profanity against His holy name. Even though it was “acting”, for me, it was still very shocking and uncomfortable to watch. The Aknowingspirit team had a discussion about the growing trend in Hollywood to create art that pushes the limits, with the aim of bringing forth strong emotional responses from the audience. This is considered the cathartic view of cinema and it’s used quite often to push certain themes and controversial perspectives. For instance, in September of 2020, the Oscars released new criteria for considering films for Best Picture. While the stated purpose is “to reflect our diverse global population in both the creation of motion pictures and in the audiences who connect with them”, it may also be a subtle attempt to steer the types of movies made and the content of those films. See our full discussion on this topic below. Let us know what you think.
- Entertainment
- September 30, 2020
- 15 views
Movie Review: “Then Came You”
“Then Came You” is a romantic comedy about a woman, who after losing her husband, decides to travel the world with his ashes as her way of honoring him. While on her first stop in Scotland, she meets a sarcastic and brutally honest innkeeper. Although their personalities clash (often), there’s an undeniable spark between them, and a choice to make: Hold on to a past love, or allow new love to blossom? This movie starring Kathie Lee Gifford and Craig Ferguson, is a slow build – but a cute movie worth watching. For those who have lost someone they love, that feeling of trying to hold on to their memory – while also trying to move forward with life, can be very challenging. It’s a mixture of making every effort not to forget them, but realizing that your life must continue. This widow wants to do everything with her husband’s ashes. She carries them around with her, talks to them, and tries as much as possible to integrate them into her daily life. The innkeeper helps her to see that this is not only unreasonable, but it is also emotionally unhealthy – especially when the prospect of a new love is present and right in front of her. For me, the movie was particularly timely. My dad recently passed away. He and my mom had a beautiful and loving marriage for 44 years. Watching the movie made me think about her. Eventually, this too will be something my mom has to figure out in her own life. How to cherish the memories of my truly amazing father, while also allowing herself to love and be loved again. This movie captures that inner struggle well. Nevertheless, my favorite parts of the movie were the breathtaking views of Scotland. To me the message was: while you’re living there’s still so much to see and do. Most importantly, that our loved ones would want us to carry on, because they are still with us. “Then Came You” premieres 9/30 in select theaters for one night only!
- Entertainment
- August 20, 2020
- 21 views
Movie Review: Words on Bathroom Walls
Adam, a senior in high school, has a mental breakdown in Chemistry class. While performing an experiment with his lab partner, he suddenly sees a black ghost-like figure enter the classroom. Understandably panicked and scared, Adam accidentally knocks down a glass beaker which leaves his lab partner with a chemical burn. As the class looks at him with a combination of pity and fear, he soon realizes: nothing was ever there. Soon after, Adam is diagnosed with Schizophrenia and asked to leave the school. Words on Bathroom Walls makes the audience take a long walk in someone else’s shoes. Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness that many people don’t quite understand. This film forces us to consider what it might feel like if you can’t trust what you see or hear, and how that might impact the relationships you have and the relationships you want. In Adam’s new private Catholic school, he meets a confident young lady who seems drawn to him and unbothered by his condition. But, it becomes increasingly clear that Adam’s greatest fear is the impossibility of leading a normal life and finding love, while trying to ignore the voices and visions no one else can see. Why this movie matters Schizophrenia tends to affect men and women equally, with no compelling difference between ethnic groups. However, symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions usually start between ages 16 and 30, and men experience symptoms earlier than women. So, why does that matter? This movie lets us feel what that is like. Think about it, one day you are leading a normal life then you just start seeing and hearing things! Everyone tells you “it’s all in your head” but it is REAL to you. How will this change your life? How can you cope? How will you move forward? The film also tackles more controversial issues like prescription drugs to cope with this mental illness, and other forms of treatment – which includes isolation and psychiatric facilities. We see that there isn’t an easy answer. Often choosing one treatment, while forfeiting the others may have consequences.
- Entertainment
- August 4, 2020
- 28 views
Movie Review “The Grizzlies “: A Powerful Story about Inuit Youth
This film based on a true story, is about Russ, a young teacher who takes the job no one wants: teaching history in a small Inuit township in northern Canada. This desolate town, isolated from the rest of the world, is extremely poor. Families struggle daily with drug abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, and a long history of broken promises from “white men”. Understandably, these kids don’t care about attending class, or doing homework – especially when it’s unclear where their next meal will come from, or worse…which one of their classmates will commit suicide. After getting a small taste of how challenging his teaching assignment would be, Russ plans to stay long enough to have his student debt cleared, or as soon as a better opportunity presents itself. So he prepares to leave, until he remembers the confidence he once built playing college Lacrosse. He figures Lacrosse might give these kids a reason to live. The importance of this film The stories of First Nations communities are rarely told. When they are, we often see indigenous people presented as one dimensional “mystical” characters assisting some white character on a journey of self-discovery. I thought this storyline would be similar, but it wasn’t. I’m GLAD it wasn’t. The film focuses much more on Inuit youth and the serious challenges they face. According to the National Institutes of Health, suicide among Inuits are among the highest in the world. There are reportedly 135 suicides per every 100,000 persons. This rate is 10 times higher than the rest of Canada. In short, suicide is an epidemic within the Inuit community. This film takes this hard truth head on by delving deep into the lives of each student to show all the factors that contribute to their sense of hopelessness. What I liked most about the film was the balance and wisdom the Inuit principal brought to the story. Initially, she comes off as somewhat rude and unyielding, but it becomes clear that she is only being protective. From her perspective, teachers like Russ come a dime a dozen. They erroneously believe changing complex and systemic issues will happen now that they are there. Better yet, they think they can change the culture without having to learn it or respect it. Believing that Russ is like all the rest, she pushes back on the Lacrosse initiative. She reminds him that in this community broken promises have dire consequences. He needed to feel the weight of giving these children hope, and what may happen if it is stripped away. This was a good film. This story needs to be told. The Grizzlies is now in select theaters! See HERE: https://www.thegrizzliesmovie.com/see-the-film
- Entertainment
- April 29, 2020
- 18 views
Movie Review: “Parasite” and the complexities of poverty
I wasn’t sure what to expect from “Parasite“. I hadn’t heard much about this film, so I was definitely taking a chance with my coins (movie tickets are expensive)! After the opening credits, I had even less hope! I saw subtitles. Had I known I would be reading subtitles for two hours I would’ve PASSED. via GIPHY However, after the first 10 minutes it didn’t matter… The movie was THAT GOOD! via GIPHY Background The film is set in Seoul, Korea and follows two families from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds. We’re introduced to the Kims – a working-class Korean family, living in a cramped basement apartment in what appears to be a less desirable part of the city. It’s clear from the daughter, Ki-jung, trying to find the best spot in order to access a neighbor’s wi-fi signal, to the father, Ki-taek, folding a stack of pizza boxes, that this family is struggling to make ends meet and will probably take any odd job for money. So, when the son, Ki-woo, learns of a tutoring job offered by the “well-to-do” Park family, he jumps at the opportunity. Once he’s hired, one-by-one, the Kims manage to slyly maneuver their way into the Park household, by taking on the roles of assistant, driver, and housekeeper – all while the Parks are completely unaware they’re related. Substance At first blush, it’s easy to write the Kims off as scammers, liars, manipulators, and hustlers, or (as the title suggests) parasites latching on to a host. But…that’s the easy take. It’s much harder to see the Kims as a close-knit family who developed these character flaws as a means of survival, just to have a small bit of comfort. This film tackles the very real challenges and hard choices the working poor battle daily. For instance, social stigmas or the woes of navigating unexpected life events, all while trying to maintain consistent employment. One scene depicts this well. After a heavy rainfall, the Kims’ basement apartment floods. They manage to wade through the water and salvage a few remaining items, then quickly evacuate with others to a nearby shelter. The next day, they must put the personal problem of losing everything they’ve ever owned, aside. Mrs. Park needs all her employees to set-up the backyard for her son’s extravagant birthday party. Real Life If you’re thinking this is merely creative writing and rational people would take a day off to sort out their affairs, you’d be wrong. A Pew Research study found many workers never take days off out of fear of losing their job. In fact, the United States has some of the most egregious stories of people working through hardships. A New York Times article reported that 45 percent of Americans have no paid sick leave. Consequently, they work through significant personal challenges – like going to work while undergoing cancer treatments, being extremely ill, or in one troubling case, working while passing kidney stones. Throughout “Parasite” you get the sense that the Parks have a particular disdain for common people. The Parks often gossip among themselves about their employees or use them for free “therapy “sessions, but…