A cinematic journey through Chicano culture and spirituality

“Bless me, Ultima” (2013)is an emotional and powerful film adaptation of Rudolfo Anaya’s beloved novel directed by Carl Franklin. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this film stands out as a touching exploration of cultural identity, spiritual growth, and a clash between Indigenous tradition and European religion. Set in New Mexico during World War II, “Bless me, Ultima” follows young character Antonio Márez y Luna (Luke Ganalon), a young Chicano boy who is coming of age in a world where ancient traditions and modern influences intersect. His life changes dramatically when Ultima (Míriam Colón), a curandera(healer) with deep mystical wisdom,…

“Inside Out 2” the importance of emotional intelligence

“Inside Out 2” continues its emotional exploration into the mind of young Riley, as she navigates the complexity of being a teenager. The film follows Riley as she and her friends take on a summer hockey camp before they enter their freshman year in high school. Puberty comes in overnight and puts Riley’s brain under construction – making room for some new emotions. Envy, Anxiety, Embarrassment, and Ennui come in and make themselves at home while the original emotions, Joy, Sadness, Disgust and Anger, struggle to adapt to their new roommates. We are taken on a wild ride through Riley’s…

Honoring female filmmakers who helped shaped the film industry behind the scenes

The film industry, like many others, is male dominated. That is not to say that women haven’t played an important role in it throughout its history. There have been, and continues to be, incredible women who play a major part in making great films.   Many of these women find success behind the scenes in critical filmmaking roles. There are many amazing female writers, costumers, and editors in film. While they aren’t necessarily common household names, they work alongside male directors that you would likely recognize.  Even the iconic director Martin Scorsese has had the same female editor, Thelma Schoonmaker, since…

Return of the rom-zom-com

Valentine’s Day and romantic comedies, much like a couple in love, go hand in hand. This month’s new release, Lisa Frankenstein, takes the best things about the beloved genre and gives it a healthy dose of horror. The new film marks the feature length debut of director Zelda Williams, daughter of the late actor and comedian Robin Williams. Taking inspiration from classic horror films as well as the candy-colored comedy staples of the 1980’s, the film tells the story of a teenage girl and her newly resurrected zombie boyfriend.  In honor of this new release, I decided to reach out…

‘Ghostbusters’ is a call worth making

 ho you gonna call? I’m gonna call my mom because this movie hit all the soft spots in my heart.  If you didn’t grow up with the original 1984 “Ghostbusters” directed by Ivan Reitman, that’s OK. But if you did and you have not gone to see the new “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” directed by Jason Reitman, son of Ivan Reitman, in Mushu’s words, “Dishonor! Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow…” because when you think about a Ghostbusters reboot you think of the all-female version we don’t all like to talk about, well it’s like it never happened. And I get…