★★★★ Come sports fans, come animation buffs, come consumers of impeccably-crafted dramas! Eye-popping, stunningly-realized animation is becoming all the rage lately, and Japanese import The First Slam Dunk, based upon the popular 90s manga and anime series, arrives at the festival to continue this trend. For what essentially boils down to one feature-length basketball match, … Continue reading Fantasia 2023: The First Slam Dunk
Film Review: Hustle
★★★★★ At first glance, Netflix’s Hustle may seem like one's stereotypical inspirational sports drama. Starring Adam Sandler in one of his best dramatic roles yet, Hustle certainly fits that description, yet the film is actually a brilliant love letter to the sport of basketball. I am admittedly no fan of sports myself, nor do I … Continue reading Film Review: Hustle
Film Review: 12 Mighty Orphans
★★★★ Set amongst the backdrop of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, 12 Mighty Orphans reminds us that orphans weren’t always looked upon favorably. In fact, at one time, they were completely stigmatized, considered second-class citizens, and referred to as nothing more than ‘inmates.’ Thousands of children were orphaned during this time period, and … Continue reading Film Review: 12 Mighty Orphans