Category: Streaming
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H.I.M.: Football, Faith, and the Dark Rituals of American Greatness
Films are made for many reasons, and not all of those reasons will resonate with every viewer. One such film that has been heavily critiqued—and in some circles outright dismissed—is Monkeypaw Productions’ 2025 release “H.I.M.,” starring Marlon Wayans. “H.I.M.” arrived with significant anticipation, largely because it carried Jordan Peele’s imprint. While the film was produced…
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More Than Monstrous: Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein is a Hauntingly Beautiful Triumph
There is nothing quite like a classic—especially when it is realized on the big screen with care and reverence. The true delight lies in seeing a beloved literary work rendered faithfully, in a way that honors the images and emotions long cultivated in the reader’s imagination. Adaptations are always a gamble, but when they succeed,…
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Gremlins: A Mogwai for Christmas, the Gift of Unleashed Chaos
Keeping with the theme, the next Christmas entry on the list of cinematic gifts is “Gremlins.” A bona fide 1980s classic, it unapologetically wears its holiday tag—despite being a little bit of everything: part comedy, part horror, and wholly entertaining. That genre-blending quality is precisely what has earned it enduring cult status. To Be or…
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How “Elf” Teaches Us to Embrace Our Inner Misfit
Christmas has its central figures which include Frosty, Rudolph, the Grinch, Kris Kringle, and, of course, Santa’s helpers elves. For the number six cinematic Christmas gift for 2025 is none other than “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell. Elves are the essential magic behind Santa’s global journey, at least for those who still believe. They spend the…
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Animation That Deepens the Story: Revisiting Zemeckis’s “A Christmas Carol”
One day closer to Christmas, and the next holiday gift that continues to give is A Christmas Carol. For fans of this enduring classic, there is no shortage of interpretations. This review centers on Robert Zemeckis’s early-2000s animated adaptation, led by the ever-expressive Jim Carrey. A Christmas Carol Directed by Robert Zemecki This version largely…
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“The Black Nativity” Merges Sacred Story with Modern Struggle
Yesterday marked the 11th day until Christmas, and the countdown continues. For the third day of holiday movie recommendations, I’d like to highlight a cinematic gem that often goes overlooked: “The Black Nativity.” With its stunning visuals and heartfelt message, this film deserves more recognition, and for those who haven’t seen it, it’s truly worth…
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Holiday Hope on Rails: The Polar Express and the Choice to Believe
It is the eleventh day in the countdown to Christmas, and today’s festive yet faith-centered review turns to an early-2000s film that has since become a holiday classic: “The Polar Express.” The film had much working in its favor before the train ever left the station. Robert Zemeckis was at the helm, with Tom Hanks…
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Where Faith Meets Action: The True Miracle of “The Preacher’s Wife”
With Christmas just twelve days away, I’m counting down with a dozen holiday film reviews. For my first selection, I offer “The Preacher’s Wife,” a luminous remake of “The Bishop’s Wife” that delivers both visual splendor and spiritual resonance. If this gem has somehow escaped your holiday viewing tradition, now is the perfect moment to…
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Full Circle: How ‘Stranger Things 5’ Masterfully Pays Off Its Legacy
“Stranger Things” burst onto screens and captivated audiences worldwide. Its blend of 1980s nostalgia with supernatural adventure struck a chord that sent viewership numbers soaring beyond Netflix’s wildest expectations. But all good stories eventually reach their conclusion. November 2025 marks the beginning of that end, as fans prepare to witness “Stranger Things” fifth and final…
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Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: The Film That Perfects the “Holiday Odd Couple”
The true magic of certain films springs not from their production values but from their cast’s chemistry and pitch-perfect delivery of dialogue that leaves audiences howling with laughter for decades. When layered with subtle messages that crystallize by the final frame, these movies become timeless. Such is the enduring charm of the holiday classic “Planes,…
Uncut Diamonds 