Category: Film & TV

UFC President Offers Employees Free Tickets to See ‘Sound of Freedom,’ Calls on Other Executives to Do the Same

The president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Dana White, is offering his employees free tickets to go see “Sound of Freedom,” a film based on true events surrounding efforts to combat human trafficking. “There’s a new movie out called ‘The Sound of Freedom,’ and it’s about human trafficking,” Mr. White began a Twitter video…


The Life, Death, and Times of James A. Garfield, With C. W. Goodyear | Sons of History, Ep. 11

James A. Garfield is most often remembered for being assassinated only a short time after his inauguration. His death was a tragedy, but his life was a triumph. C. W. Goodyear, historian and author of the new biography “President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier,” joins the podcast to discuss this incredible statesman who overcame everything…


Rewind, Review, and Re-Rate: ‘Lion’

2016 | PG-13 | 1h 58m | Biography, Drama “Lion,” which made its U.S. debut in 2017, is a deeply moving film about the trials and tribulations of a young Indian boy who gets lost, and the various challenges he faces later as he searches for his original family. That boy is Saroo (played by…


California Lawmakers Pass Motion Picture Tax Credit Extension, Gun Safety Protocols

California lawmakers have approved legislation that extends boosting film and television production in the state and added a requirement that qualifying production companies have new gun safety and diversity programs. Assembly Bill (AB) 132, authored by Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) passed the Legislature June 27 and is now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk awaiting signature….


Popcorn and Inspiration: ‘Strike up the Band’ From 1940

Nothing puts one in a patriotic mood like hearing a brass band play a rousing march. There’s nothing quite as American as that proud, militaristic sound with perfectly synchronized musicians. A movie which celebrates the many forms of American music is the 1940 “Strike up the Band.” Starring young Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland in…


Documentary Review: ‘Angels of the Sky’

PG |1 hr 30m | Documentary | 2023 They have been called the “Greatest Generation,” but only a few of the young American men (and they were almost entirely men) who fought the National Socialists during World War II are still alive to tell their stories. Fortunately, quadriplegic filmmaker Trent McGee and co-director/co-writer Josh Berman recorded…


The Past, Present, and Future of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict | Sons of History, Ep. 10

When the war between Russia and Ukraine started in February 2022, it was the continuation of an ongoing conflict. Ukraine desires independence and Russia wants to draw the nation back into the Russo fold. Dustin Bass and Alan Wakim discuss the Russo-Ukrainian history, the problem with NATO, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reasons for invading, and…


Epoch Watchlist: What to Watch for July 7–13

This week, we feature an Akira Kurosawa epic set in feudal Japan and a rousing lesser-known World War II drama about the Canadian Air Force. New Release ‘The Flash’ In yet another retread of a popular fleet-footed comic book superhero, Ezra Miller stars as The Flash, who accidentally travels back in time after using his…


Film Review: ‘The Lesson’

R | 1h 43m | Drama, Mystery, Thriller | 7 July 2023 (USA) Observing the most basic rules of mystery thrillers (keep the plot simple and don’t cheat the audience), director Alice Troughton’s “The Lesson” (originally titled: “The Tutor”) isn’t likely to win any year-end awards, but in a summer overflowing with hyper-stylized sequels, thunderously blunt action flicks, and politically-correct animated “message”…


Headed South For Christmas

A heartwarming holiday family film that follows Mackenzie, an angst-ridden 14-year-old girl (Abby Corrigan) whose mother died during childbirth. Mackenzie’s only wish for Christmas is to meet her mother for the first time. Will her wish come true? …