Telling Time (2021)

I hadn’t heard of it either until recently—and yet, it’s one of the highest grossing movies of all time.

Not only does the system prevent upward mobility, but it makes it incredibly easy to slide from comfortably middle class to unhoused.

Hoppers is a fun ride with a deep message underneath. In true Pixar fashion, Hoppers explores the complexity of emotions and learning to be still in a world that demands fast progress. Through the main character Mabel, we are reminded what it is like to let ourselves feel big emotions. But also how not to be controlled by them. 

I write for a diversity-focused film review blog, so I’ll be honest: I really wanted to like Pretty Lethal. Starring Maddie Ziegler, Lana Condor, Iris Apatow, Avantika, and Millicent Simmonds, Amazon Prime’s new thriller seemed like it would be a girl power movie about dancers with a horror action twist. Sort of a Suspiria for teens. But with shallow and unlikeable characters, a confusing plot, an overreliance on violence, and cringey dialogue, any fun the movie started out with was quickly lost. What was left was a faint echo of greater horror movies about dancers made before. 

The original Mothra is a fun monster movie that has way stronger lore, music, and special effects than most of its contemporaries.

Director and writer, Miles Marti, brilliantly created a film that captures the story of a kid that learns a new reality all within the walls of her classroom. Tears Of Knowing lightly steps into the devastation of loss through a childhood lens, and presents a perspective that is not often acknowledged. Though grief and loss are important aspects, the film also showcases excellent portrayals of trust, innocence, and naivety.