Author: Ben L.

PTL Reviews (Film and TV)

“Captain America: Brave New World” Struggles Under the Weight of MCU Expectations

After years of speculation and behind-the-scenes reshuffling, “Captain America: Brave New World” has arrived, marking a new chapter for the star-spangled hero. The film is a significant moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with Anthony Mackie fully stepping into the role of Captain America following the events of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” It also introduces Harrison Ford as Thunderbolt Ross, replacing the late William Hurt in a casting move that carries weighty expectations. But despite these major shifts, the film ultimately struggles to recapture the magic of its predecessors. Continue reading “Captain America: Brave New World” Struggles Under the Weight of MCU Expectations

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AAPI Representation in Film/TV, Previews

Thailand Beckons: The White Lotus Season 3 Trailer Drops Ahead of February Premiere

New trailer released for HBO’s critically acclaimed series The White Lotus is back with its highly anticipated third season, set to premiere on February 16, 2025. Season 3 of The White Lotus relocates to an exclusive resort in Thailand, where another ensemble of wealthy guests and dedicated staff will clash over the course of a fateful week. Continue reading Thailand Beckons: The White Lotus Season 3 Trailer Drops Ahead of February Premiere

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Awards Focus Articles

Academy Award Nominee Eric Barba Breaks Down the VFX of ‘Alien Romulus’

Academy Award-winning visual effects supervisor Eric Barba is no stranger to ambitious projects. From his Oscar-winning work on “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” to visually striking films like “Tron: Legacy” and “Oblivion,” Barba has consistently demonstrated a talent for blending artistry with technical precision. In an interview with Awards Focus, Barba discussed the challenges of blending analog and digital techniques, the legacy of practical effects in the “Alien” franchise, and the remarkable effort it took to balance artistry and technical precision. Continue reading Academy Award Nominee Eric Barba Breaks Down the VFX of ‘Alien Romulus’

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AAPI Representation in Film/TV, PTL Reviews (Film and TV)

Squid Game Season 2 Review: High Stakes, Richer Stories, Mixed Results

The second season retains the show’s knack for crafting compelling character arcs amidst moments of intense tension. However, some of the shock and novelty of the first season are inevitably diminished. The pacing is slower, as the games—spread across two seasons—make room for richer side narratives. Despite this, the series remains binge-worthy, keeping viewers eager to hit “Next Episode” late into the night. Continue reading Squid Game Season 2 Review: High Stakes, Richer Stories, Mixed Results

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Awards Focus Articles

A Complete Unknown: James Mangold’s Cinematic Ode To Bob Dylan’s Formative Years

In A Complete Unknown from Searchlight Pictures, James Mangold takes audiences on a transformative journey into the early life of Bob Dylan, showcasing the enigmatic artist before his rise to superstardom. Known for his Oscar-winning Walk the Line, a biopic of music legend Johnny Cash, Mangold expertly revisits the genre, cementing his reputation as a storyteller who excels at directing masterful performances from actors not typically known for their musical chops. Continue reading A Complete Unknown: James Mangold’s Cinematic Ode To Bob Dylan’s Formative Years

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AAPI Representation in Film/TV, Awards Focus Articles

Blending Culture And Heart: Pat Boonnitipat’s ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ Explores Love And Legacy

This article originally appeared on AwardsFocus.com In his feature directorial debut, Pat Boonnitipat introduces himself as a filmmaker with a keen eye for emotional depth in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. This touching story, presented by Thailand’s leading studio GDH 559, follows M, a young man who temporarily sets aside his dreams as a game caster to care for his terminally ill grandmother, Amah. … Continue reading Blending Culture And Heart: Pat Boonnitipat’s ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ Explores Love And Legacy

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Awards Focus Articles

A Short Film With A Big Splash: Rashida Jones Directs “A Swim Lesson”

This article originally appeared on AwardsFocus.com In just 21 captivating minutes, A Swim Lesson, the latest project from Grammy winner and Emmy nominee Rashida Jones, proves that big things can come in small packages. Stepping behind the camera as director and executive producer alongside Will McCormack, Jones crafts an Oscar-qualifying short documentary that’s making waves for its heartwarming message and inspiring portrait of human resilience. The … Continue reading A Short Film With A Big Splash: Rashida Jones Directs “A Swim Lesson”

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Awards Focus Articles

Honoring The Past, Forging The Future: Wes Ball’s Vision For ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

This article originally appeared on AwardsFocus.com In an interview with Collider in 2018, Director Wes Ball stated, “I’m not interested in doing a DreamWorks or Pixar-type movie, I’m interested in doing something closer to Planet of the Apes where you’re really gonna nail characters and show the harsh reality of what they live in.” As fortune would have it, the project that he was speaking … Continue reading Honoring The Past, Forging The Future: Wes Ball’s Vision For ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

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Awards Focus Articles

Showrunner Laura Eason Discusses Vulnerability, Intimacy, And Power in Starz’ ‘Three Women’

This article originally appeared on AwardsFocus.com Laura Eason has built a formidable career blending her talents as a playwright and screenwriter into captivating television narratives. Known for her Emmy-nominated work on House of Cards and her acclaimed play Sex with Strangers, Eason consistently demonstrates a keen ability to explore the intricacies of human relationships and power dynamics. Her latest endeavor as the showrunner for Three … Continue reading Showrunner Laura Eason Discusses Vulnerability, Intimacy, And Power in Starz’ ‘Three Women’

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Awards Focus Articles

“The Sex Lives of College Girls” Season 3: A Glimpse Into the New Semester at Vulture Fest

During Vulture Fest, held November 16-17, showrunner Justin Noble and cast members Alyah Chanelle Scott, Renika Williams, and Ilia Isorelýs Paulino teased “The Sex Lives of College Girls” Season 3 highlights during a playful pajama-themed panel. Dressed in cozy sleepwear, they gave fans a glimpse into the humor and camaraderie that define the series. Continue reading “The Sex Lives of College Girls” Season 3: A Glimpse Into the New Semester at Vulture Fest

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