Ayla Ruby 
Examining the actions of ordinary individuals in extreme situations is a well-worn trope in film. 2018: Everyone is a Hero, a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language survival drama film by director Jude Anthany Joseph, subverts this trope with compelling storytelling that captures human stories and explores human resilience, community, and sacrifice. I went into …
How the Gringo Stole Christmas is a new Christmas comedy starring George Lopez and directed by Angel Gracia. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and seriously a joy to watch. The movie is about a young woman, Claudia (Emily Tosta), who brings her very American boyfriend, Leif (Jack Kilmer), home for her Mexican father’s (George Lopez) traditional Christmas. It’s got The George Lopez …
Netflix’s latest holiday movie, Best. Christmas. Ever!, is a festive and fun holiday flick. The film sparkles with heartwarming moments that reflect genuine emotion. Despite some candy cane-sized plot holes, Heather Graham and Brandy Norwood’s endearing performances and Best Christmas Evers’s lively pace keep the yuletide spirit alive and keep us believing in St. Nick and St. …
In the realm of Christmas comedies where heartfelt wishes and magical transformations abound, Genie falls short of granting its own wish to be a memorable and rewatchable holiday flick. Despite its star-studded cast as shiny as Aladdin’s lamp, including the comedic prowess of Melissa McCarthy and the charm of Paapa Essiedu, and the combined expertise …
Dashing Through the Snow is a heartwarming and cute, family-friendly movie that’s a great addition to family movie night in the Christmas season. With strong themes of family, meaningful diverse representation, and a smart premise tied to familiar Christmas tropes, Dashing Through the Snow is a rare win for the whole family. …
A must-watch for anyone who has ever picked up a controller or sat in front of a computer screen, Half-Life: 25th Anniversary Documentary, directed by Secret Tape’s Danny O’Dwyer, takes you on a journey through the history of one of the most influential video games of all time, Half-Life. Produced in high definition and featuring …
Lila Schmitz is a talented filmmaker and director behind the Irish music documentary The Job of Songs. The story centers around the musicians in Doolin in County Clare, Ireland. It’s a beautiful and layered look at this small community of musicians, their traditions, and the humanity that infuses them. We chatted …
A new sci-fi beacon has ignited amongst the stars in the vast expanse of the streaming cosmos. Beacon 23, based on five novels by Hugh Howey, premiered this past weekend with two episodes on MGM+. Set amidst deep space where dark matter is a serious threat, the original series revolves around the enigmatic …
Looking for a Christmas rom-com that’s as heartwarming as a mug of hot cocoa on a chilly winter’s night? Look no further than EXmas, a delightful blend of holiday cheer, cheeky banter, and a dash of charm. Just as love and laughter intertwine like tinsel on a Christmas tree, Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell sparkle …
Scavengers Reign, now streaming in full on MAX, helps solidify that we’re living in the best timeline for grown-up animation. It’s beautiful and bizarre, alien and fantastical, and oh-so-human at the same time. The show follows survivors from the Demeter, a spaceship shipwrecked in space, as they navigate the treacherous …
Marvel’s latest flick, The Marvels, is a bright blast of action-packed big-screen fun. Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, and Teyonah Parris have a fun and infectious chemistry that makes The Marvels impossible to look away from. Nia DaCosta’s Marvel debut is a visual victory packed with punch and spectacle. The story races along at a lightning pace, …
Mark your calendars, acting Starfleet cadets and families alike! The long-awaited animated series Star Trek: Prodigy is finally set to beam onto Netflix on December 25th, making it the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. The big announcement came today during Netflix’s Geeked Week. Season 2 of Prodigy will air on the …
The Dirty South is a neo-western crime thriller that will knock your boots off. It’s a Southern-fried, action-packed ride that’s dripping with tension and has an authentic and sweet tea-infused soundtrack with rock at the core. Set in Louisiana, The Dirty South features Willa Holland, Shane West, and Dermot Mulroney. It’s got crime, a ticking clock, …
Yesterday was a busy day for Marvel Studios, as it dropped the Echo trailer and premiered the show at a Choctaw Day Celebration. There, the studio announced a new “banner” called Marvel Spotlight, with Echo as its first entry. Rumors about the Echo trailer had been swirling for days, but the Marvel …
Welcome to the very first episode of The Lost Remote, the podcast where Manika D. and Ayla Ruby (and sometimes others!) discuss their favorite television shows that are no longer on the air. It’s spooky season, and we decided to kick off the show with a TV show from the CW that’s very near and dear …
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a predictable yet colorful, charming coming-of-age story with a positive message for both kids and parents. The story is beautifully animated with a visually enchanting world. Its fast pace makes up for its waltz through well-trodden story tropes. [Editor’s note: This review has some mild spoilers …
Wizards of Waverly Place was on the air for four seasons and helped launch the careers of Selena Gomez, David Henrie, and Jake Austin. The fantasy sitcom was watched by millions on the Disney Channel. At ATX TV Festival in Austin, Texas, we chatted with two of the stars from the show, Jennifer Stone and David DeLuise, about their …
A Man Called Otto is a “dramedy” directed by Marc Forster and written by David Magee, based on a novel of the same name by Fredrik Bachman. Tom Hanks stars as Otto Anderson, a grumpy and precise widower who (against his will) befriends a young family across the street from him. Otto is a complex character, and Tom Hanks gives …
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)’s refusal to negotiate with writers has left Daredevil: Born Again fans in the lurch. The Daredevil: Born Again shoot at Silvercup East was picketed by striking writers walking for a fair wage and contract terms. After today’s action, Marvel shut down production …
The world premiere of The Little Mermaid drew a star-studded crowd last night, with celebrities turning out to the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles to celebrate the highly anticipated live-action remake of the beloved Disney classic. The red carpet was awash in blue, the color of the sea, as stars like Halle Bailey (Ariel), Melissa McCarthy (Ursula), Jonah …