The Discreet Insensitivity of ‘Slumberland’
The cultural insensitivity of 'Slumberland' is discreet, and can be easily overlooked in CGI extravaganza.

The Umezu-gumi stands in opposition to the Iwasa-gumi, which rules the streets. In this city where tensions remain on the brink of explosion, Hideki Minashima is released from Osaka Prison. He visits Iwasa to convey the final words of Shimizu, with whom he had shared a cup of sake as brothers whilst in prison. Meanwhile, Umezu’s expression changes upon meeting Minashima. For he was none other than the former boss of the Kobe Kazama-gumi—the parent organisation of the Umezu-gumi. Twelve years earlier, the boss had been stabbed to death, leading to the dissolution of the group; senior members Hirokawa, Kurahashi and Kudo had each gone their separate ways. Iwasa, who had become enamoured with Minashima—who was devoting himself to training with the aim of one day rebuilding the group—proposed handing over the position of second-in-command to him. Umezu, however, betrayed the code of honour of the underworld and turned his blade against Minashima...
The cultural insensitivity of 'Slumberland' is discreet, and can be easily overlooked in CGI extravaganza.
Dramatic Horror!!! Wait, what?? Did you say "dramatic horror"?? IS there such a thing?? I mean, TRULY. Well, if San Francisco-based, Pakistani-born independent filmmaker Dr. Hassan Zee and this film critic have anything to say about it, there IS such a beast as experienced through the director's newest feature film set to officially debut October 4th in the City by the Bay. Folks, indie film will always be a bastion of experimentation and originality, and this film for me fits that bill.
The Christmas Horror section of films is growing, and today we present a bold selection of new and old Christmas horror films to celebrate this macabre union.
Desi’s “straight man” to Lucy’s playful exuberance subverted people’s expectations of what a Latino man could be and added respect and nuance to the way onscreen marriages between men and women were portrayed.
Given Hollywood's history of racism and financial motivations, how much progress can we expect? Plus: a list of excellent films by Black directors.
Only time will tell what this new Black Panther and movie will show us with all of the old and new elements of the superhero craft integrated.