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Reviews
Cabrini (2024)
A brilliant, inspiring masterwork
My wife and I sat in stunned tearful silence at the end, all the way through the final credits. The audience applauded. The man behind me said "WOW!" Brilliantly written, directed, acted. The true story of entrepreneurship, compassion, persistence, and vision while overcoming incredible odds in the face of blatant politics, prejudice, soul-crushing bureaucracy, and worse. I have no idea how they managed to re-create early 1900s New York City so well-I felt like I was living there the whole time. I don't like "religious" movies because they are usually pushy and preachy, this was none of those. It is simply the true story of a determined woman with incredible persistence and compassion for those who needed a hand up, and she absolutely, positively would not take "no" for an answer. As a change agent, I'm used to overcoming very tough challenges, but she faced situations over and over where I could see no way forward, and I got an education just watching. Truly inspiring.
The Shepherd (2023)
Loved this!! Great Christmas watch.
Ignore the negative reviews, someone with an axe to grind is trying to sink the ratings on this excellent short. My wife and I took a chance on this and loved every minute. Well acted, well directed, good story, not predictable, and best of all I was left feeling something inside, something good and uplifting. I would explain in more detail but I don't want to spoil the plot.
If you want to watch something that inspires and intrigues without vulgar language and violence and explosions, this is it.
I do have my own axe to grind with Disney in some ways-they have lost their way, and they insist of forcing people to watch the bad parts of some garbage they now distribute by denying access to VidAngel. BUT this short is beautiful and worth the watch. Make more of THIS, Disney.
"Stand with anyone who stands right. Stand with them while they are right, and walk away when they are wrong." - Abraham Lincoln.
Foundation (2021)
Brilliant storytelling, intricate plot, edge of seat
I read the original Foundation series. This adaptation isn't that. It's better, deeper, richer. It uses the original as a framework and expands on it with brilliant writing, superb acting, stunning graphics, and edge-of-seat storytelling. The first two episodes moved kind of slowly as you get used to the setting and characters. Then it picked up the pace, and by the end of the seventh episode I was stunned by the intricacy of the plots and subplots. At least a dozen (and probably two dozen) suspenseful, unresolved plot lines and issues are being woven together all at once. It's probably the most compelling storytelling I've seen ever.
Some complain about political overtones, but I disagree. This is the future, spanning thousands of world, not the present. If POC main characters bother you or you are put off by intellectual plot lines, this isn't for you I guess. But if you see people as people and not races, if you want depth and substances and world building far beyond The Expanse (which is also well done), if you are interested in the emotional motivations behind realistic people and civilizations, then this breathtaking masterpiece is for you.
The Fixers (2019)
Well-directed entertainment that makes a difference
Unlike some contrived "reality" shows, The Fixers shows real people, really making a difference, in real communities with real needs.
The Fixers are a 4 person team with construction experience who swoop in to a location with deep needs somewhere around the world. They assess the situation, plan and create something beautiful to help in a major way, and walk away, all in one week. Most episodes find me wiping a tear or two from my eyes, and I'm inspired to help people more.
I especially love the leadership aspects of the challenge: they must make a big difference in a short time on a limited budget with limited resources with uncertain weather. Constraints unleash creativity and innovation, and this show shows that brilliantly, including how to tap into and rally with any locals who are willing to help.
Great family entertainment that teaches great principles.