Drama Archives - Page 13 of 13

BLOOD STRIPE

Yevette Renee Movie Review: BLOOD STRIPE

2019

Director: Remy Auberjonois
Screenwriters: Kate Nowlin, Remy Auberjonois
Cast: Kate Nowlin, Rene Auberjonois, Tom Lipinski, Rusty Schwimmer, Chris Sullivan, Ken Marks
Genre: Drama/Thriller

Through The Lens of a Female Combat Veteran Remy Auberjonis makes his directorial debut with his compelling drama BLOOD STRIPE that exposes the horrific toll of war on US Marine combat veteran, Sarge (Kate Knowlin), after three tours of duty in Afghanistan and the challenges she faces as she attempts to find her place at home and in her community. So often, films show the effects of war on our male combat soldiers and seeing the hardship and struggles from a women’s perspective adds a new dimension to the conversation on veterans and PTSD.

Returning to her husband, Rusty (Chris Sullivan) in their small town, Sarge does her best to assume her role as his wife, but her violent temper, excessive drinking and the painful exercise routine that she subjects herself to, makes it exceedingly difficult for her to cope, yet she refuses to go to the VA hospital for medical care because of substantial wait time for treatment. Imagine, having a PTSD crisis and later off to the kitchen cooking, cleaning and pouring coffee. The honeymoon is short lived.

When she is honored with a celebration it triggers another PTSD episode and the natural human instinct of self- preservation kicks in and fear and flight takes over. Where does one go for help? She runs and runs until she finds herself at a lakeside camp, the great outdoors, where she vacationed as a child.

Upon reaching the camp, she is not alone and finds caretaker Dot (Rusty Schwimmer) and her husband closing the camp for the season. Dot barters with Sarge for room and board in exchange for her doing caretaking chores. Dot’s way of doing what she can to help an injured soul.

The grueling work required provides Sarge with a small amount of reprieve from emotional and mental anguish yet the demons keep roaring back as she struggles for her sanity. As the saying goes, Where ever you go, there you are.

By choosing a small town and the summer camp as well as not showing Sarge in actual combat, her character is not lost in what is happening around her and is kept in the forefront of the film.

A non-traditional take on military veterans with a female Shero. A film worth seeing.

Not Rated
Runtime: 87 minutes
Production Company: Tandem Pictures
Cast: Kate Nowlin, Rene Auberjonois, Tom Lipinski, Rusty Schwimmer, Chris Sullivan, Ken Marks
Director: Remy Auberjonois
Screenwriters: Kate Nowlin, Remy Auberjonois
Producer: Schuyler Weiss, Julie Christeas, Remy Auberjonois, Kate Nowlin
Executive producer: G. Mac Brown Director of photography: Radium Cheung

Production designer: Cassia Maher

Costume designer: Camille Benda

Editor: Jeremy L. Kotin

Casting directors: Kerry Barden, Paul Schnee

BESOURO

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BESOURO: Movie Review

by Yevette Renee

2019
Director:    Joao Daniel Tikhomiroff
Cast:          Ailton Carmo, Jessica Barbosa, Anderson Santos de Jesus
Genre:      Action Drama
Country:    Brazil
Language: Portuguese

Joao Daniel Tikhomiroff’s first feature film “Besouro” tells the story of Master Alipio (Macale) who teaches the art of Capoeira to Besouro (Ailton Carmo, a professional Capoeira player), and in the dual roles as Dinora and the wind and water Goddess Orixa (Jessica Barbosa) and Quero-Quero ( Anderson Santos de Jesus) beginning in their youth. Col Venancio a wealthy white landowner exploit its blacks citizens as though they are still living under the slavery system. Colonel eventual has Master Alipio murdered. From the grave, he urges Besouro (Ailton Carmo,) and the hero in the Afro-Brazilian myth, fight for the people as the Col attempts to stop the rebellion.

The fighting, dancing and aerobics choreographed scenes are set in the beautiful Brazilian sanctuary of Chapada Diamantina. Seeking refuge in the beautiful Bahia jungle., Besouro receives magical powers and soars through the sky.

What stands out. A valuable way to carry on an important part of their rich culture. Capoeria players, lead by Besouro, a hero to Afro Brazilian. Away to transend the oppression, even if only for moment. Does film have a message or solicit a response

Magical powers of Dinora (Jessica Barbosa) also performs as Orixa. Orixa, the goddess of wind and water. Magnificent and magical scenes.

Film context and background: Capoeira combine acrobatic dancing and fighting that’s forbidding by plantation owner.

Besouro is well written with a great story, a beautiful setting amidst misery. A good film

Run time: 95 minutes
Producers: Vicente Amorim joao Daniel, Gil Ribeiro, Michel Tikhomiroff
Production Co: Mixer, Miravista, Globol Films
Cast: Alto Carmo, Jessica Barbosa, Anderson Santos de Jesus, Flavio Rocha
Director: Joao Daniel Tikhomiroff
Writer: Patricia Andrade, Joao Daniel Tikhomiroff
Director of Photography: Enrique Chediak
Editor: Gustavo Giani
Music: Pupillo, Tejo Pamaseno, Rica Amabis, Gilberto Gill

DESTINED

DESTINED: Film Review

By Yevette Renee

2019
Director: Qasim Basir
Screenwriter: Qasim Basir
Cast: Cory Hardrict, Hill Harper, Jesse Metcalfe, Zulay Henao, Jason Dohring, La Anthony
Genre: Drama

Your Choices Will Determine Your Destiny

Writer and Director, Qasim Basir’s drama DESTINED travels the two parallel life of Rasheed/Sheed (Cory Hardrict) as he navigates through the inner city and corporate boardrooms.

Set in Detroit and filmed in the Motor City, the film provides an ideal backdrop to the violent and gritty life on the streets for Sheed, as he hustles his way to the top in the drug world and becomes a kingpin and for Rasheed, working as an architect in the city that gave us motor vehicle, wit6h his professional hustles up the corporate ladder.

Alternating back and forth between the two distinctly different stories can sometime be a challenge to keep up with, yet Basir does make an effort to provides assistance with understated changeovers as Rasheed pursues his goal of corporate dominance with a project that will have a major impact on the people he knows that still live in the hood and call it home and Sheed’s life on the street.

In addition to the great dual performances by Hardrict, you have Officer Holder/Dylan Holder (Jesse Metcalf), Officer Miller/Nathan Miller (Jason Dohring, who two characters add to the intrigue that is woven between Sheed and Rasheed’s world. Mayor Jones (Hill Harper) gives voice to the community that will be impacted by the gentrification of the projects being pursued by Rasheed. The issue of gentrification plagues far too many communities in America. Most of the people effected in these communities are the most vulnerable population who are unable to afford the cost of living in a place the called home. Giselle Porter, a girlfriend from the past (Zulay Henao) brings further drama.

Watching the lives of Sheed, an successful drug dealer and Rasheed, an equally successful architect, brings to mind a number of former drug dealers that have used their innate understanding of running a business that includes marketing strategies developed on the streets slinging dope, who have transferred their important skill set to lawful and very lucrative careers in entertainment. It makes me wonder how many more young men, given the opportunity, could transfer their skills learned on the street for good causes. It is certainly something worth thinking about.

DESTINED is a unique perspective on how the decisions we make in life, especially in our youth, can determine the path that is before us. A good film to see.

Runtime: 95 minutes

Production Companies: Confluential Films, Whitewater Films, Q Productions
Distributor: XLrator Media
Director/screenwriter: Qasim Basir
Producers: Tommy Oliver, Rick Rosenthal, Matt Ratner, Codie Elaine Oliver
Cast: Cory Hardrict, Jesse Metcalfe, Robert Christopher Riley, Margot Bingham, La La Anthony, Hill Harper, Jason Dorhing, Zulay Henao
Director of photography: Carmen Cabana
Production designer: Deirdre Elizabeth Govan
Editor: Rene Besson
Costume designers: June Abro, Lauren Waterstone
Composer: John Jennings Boyd

TAZZEKA

TAZZEKA: Film Review

By Yevette Renee

2018

Director: Jean-Philippe Gaud
Writer: Jean-Philippe Gaud , in collaboration with Mariannick bellot
Cast: Mandi Belem, Quidad Elma, Abbes Zahmani, Oliver Sitruk, Adama Diop, Khadija Bouzekri
Language: Arabic/French with English subtitles

A Person’s Passion and Motivation Can Propel Them Through Obstacles

With a passion for cooking that was nurtured in a way that only a grandmother can, Elia (Mahdi Belemih) dreams of going beyond the boundaries of his rural village of Tazzeka in Morocco, where he was raised by his grandmother (Khadija Bouzekri),in Director Jean-Philippe Gaud’s first feature film Tazzeka and that is his second film in 16-years.

While working in a local Tazzekan restaurant owned by Youssef (Abbes Zahmani), Elia dreams of going to Paris to further his cooking desires because the small village provides little opportunity to further his culinary ed ucation, especially considering Youssef’s strict authenticity to his already established menu.

Raised by his grandmother, multi-generational family unit that is a common practice. Elia meets Salma (Quidad Elam) who lives in Paris and is visiting her family in Tazzeka.

His grandmother’s fear and her total disapproval of Elia’s going to Paris are potent emotions that hang over Elias as he struggles with his desire to go to Paris.

Director Gaud does a great job portraying the hardship and struggles of immigrants.
It reminds one of the challenges that immigrants face around the world, where people like Elias seek better chances of bettering his economic status.

Writer Mariannick Bellot provides the cast with realistic discourse.

Film comparison to relevant events or movie: As it stands in the United States, under the current administration, just as in the film, it is extremely hard for immigrants to migrate to other country, seeking better opportunities and valuable education. You see so much of what’s going on today in the lives of Elias and others.

Location is well chosen filmed in Tazzeka, Morocco in Africa. The setting it add or subtract from my experience?

The original sound track by Simon Minoun and Chadi Chouman provides added suspense .

Tazzeka is a good film.

Conclusion (Tie back to the thesis, Give guidance to the audience to see or not see the movie)

Run time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Director: Jean-Philippe Gaud
Producer: Jean-Philippe Gaud, Avelle Hutchings
Production Co.: Takka Films
Cast: Modhi, Quidad Elman, Oliver Sitruk, Abbes Zahmani, Adama Diop, Khadija Bouzekri
Writer: Mariannic Bellot, collaboration with Jean-Philippe Gaud
Photographer: Rѐmi Mazet
Editor: Chadi Chouman, Simon Mimou n
Art: Elodie Martin
Set Decorator: Elodie Martin
Sound: Bruno Ehlinger
Visual Effect: Benjamin Ganteille
Original Score: Simon Minoun, Chadi Chouman

LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE

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LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE: Film Review
By Yevette Renee

3/5

2018
Director: Damon Jamel
Writer: James Flournoy, George McDonald
Cast: Cisco Reyes, Jasmine Burke,
Genre: Drama
Language: English

Be Careful About the Advice You Give, You Never Know Who’s Listening

Committed to his DJ at a local Atlanta radio station, Tony Sinclair (Cisco Reyes) strives to build on his career in director Damon Jamel’s Last Night A DJ Saved My Life.

Opening the phone lines to his audience for a call-in, Tony is asked for relationship advice for a female caller. His advice to Robin (Jasmine Burke), “If it’s not working, then leave.” When you are a DJ you never know who’s listening and to his surprise his girlfriend Christine calls in and breaks up with him in the most humiliating way possible.

People often stay in relationships longer than they should. It shows the importance of having your partner’s support your aspirations and goals. Robin is not the only one who takes this advice to heart. A fantastic job taking the title of a song and creating a story line that is true to form to the title. The fame and success he craves as a DJ in Atlanta.

The challenges relationships face when not in agreement with goals and aspirations. Frustration of supporting a boyfriend financially while he pursues his career as a DJ. A career that he is struggling and determined to achieve.

Damon does a fantastic job taking the title of the song and a story line that is true to its inspirational title, because Tony truly does save Robin’s life.

Filmed on location in the Hollywood of the South, Atlanta, GA and add in all the musical talent in the region, you get to listen to some great music. An enjoyable film with great music.

Run time:
Distributor:
Producer: James Flournoy, Frank P. Williams, Tangi Miller
Production Co: In Your Face Filmworks, Star Maxx MediaWriter: James Flournoy, George McDonald
Cast: Cisco Reyes, Jaѐ, Jasmine Burke, Dennis LA White, Omar Gooding, Tangi Miller, Angie Stone, Law X,
Director: Damon Jamal
Writer: Jeffrey T. Brown
Editor: Law X
Sound: J.L. Bolden

IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK

Beale Street Movie Review

BEAUTIFUL BOY

Movie Review: BEAUTIFUL BOY
By Yevette Renee

October 11, 2018

Director: Felix Van Groeningen
Screenwriters: Luke Davies, Felix Van Groeningen
Cast: Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, Maura Tierney, Amy Ryan
Genre: Drama

When The Unconditional Love and Support of a Father is Not Enough

Director Felix Van Groeningen’s first English language film “Beautiful Boy” brings to the screen the love and struggles in David Sheff’s memoir Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction and Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines by his son Nic Sheff.

David Sheff (Steve Carell) had a strong male presence in his son, Nic’s (Timothée Chalamet ) life and was his primary custodial parent, yet even with unwavering guidance and economic security, it still was not enough to prevent Nic from succumbing drugs and alcohol which leads to his downward spiral and the vicious cycle of overcoming his drug and alcohol dependency.

People will often say “It’s my life and I can do as I please.” We are all aware of a person’s freedom of choice, yet what they fail to realize is that they are not suffering through it alone. As evident in the pain experienced by David, every day as he makes it his mission to learn and help his son, his wife Karen Barbour (Maura Tierney) as she does all she can to keep her family together, and their two kids Jasper (Christian Convey) and Daisy (Oakley Bull) who have to deal with their big brother no longer being present for family activities and the conversations that must be had because of Nic resorting to theft to feed his addition..

Beautiful Boy gives us a glimpse into the lives of those who struggle with a family member with a drug addictions while at the same time

Release date

September 7, 2018 (TIFF)

October 12, 2018 (United States)

Opens: October 12, 2018

Runtime: 120 minutes
Production Company: Plan B Entertainment, Big Indie Pictures
Cast: Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, Maura Tierney, Amy Ryan
Director: Felix Van Groeningen
Screenwriters: Luke Davies, Felix Van Groeningen
Producers: Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Brad Pitt
Executive Producer: Sarah Esberg, Nan Morales
Based on Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction by David Sheff Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff
Cinematography: Ruben Impens
Production designer: Ethan Tobman
Costume Designer: Emma Potter
Art Director: Patrick M. Sullivan Jr.
Set Decorator Jennifer Lukehart
Editor: Nico Leunen
Casting Director: Francine Maisler
Distributed by Amazon Studios