FLORA AND SON (2023)

September 29, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. This pleasant little film is such a treat, though that’s not surprising since writer-director John Carney was also responsible for SING STREET (2016) and ONCE (2007), two underrated gems. All three films do what filmmaker Carney does best – they use music as connective tissue between characters who otherwise struggle to click.

Eve Hewson (“The Knick”, and Bono’s daughter) finally lands a lead role, and she truly shines as Flora. Flora is a frustrated woman in Dublin who doesn’t know how to deal with her borderline juvenile delinquent teenage son, Max (newcomer Oren Kinlan). She also desperately wants to find a spark of happiness for herself … even hoping to win back her ex, struggling musician Ian (Jack Reynor, MIDSOMMAR, SING STREET), who has moved on and found Flora’s replacement. Flora was much too young when she became a parent, and though she’s far from perfect as a mom, she knows in her heart that she wants a better life for her son and herself.

Max seemingly has no ambition, and he quickly rejects the tattered acoustic guitar his mom offers as a late birthday present. It turns out Max prefers creating computer-generated hip hop music via software and hardware … mostly in hopes of getting a girl’s attention (a tale as old as time). So, while Max putters behind a closed door, Flora begins guitar lessons via Zoom with Jeff (charming Joseph Gordon-Levitt) pursuing the goal of learning guitar and singing a song she will eventually write at the local pub’s talent show. Of course, Flora is drawn to Jeff’s sensitivity and he to her sincerity and beauty. Director Carney infuses some fantasy into this virtual romance with dreamlike sequences in which Jeff appears alongside Flora, the Zoom camera no longer an obstacle.

Jeff takes a cruel shot at Flora’s favorite song by James Blunt, and instead introduces her to Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” … yet another example of how music can bring folks together. Director Carney also gets bonus points for including Tom Waits’ “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love With You”, one of the greats. The connections through creating art don’t end with Flora and Jeff, and soon Max is chatting with his dream girl, and Flora and Max and Ian come together for a blended live number, showing music heals wounds and builds bridges. Sure, this is a sentimental, feel-good movie, but they can’t all be filled with action and superheroes and misery, right? This is one to enjoy. Plus, it’s time for the world to appreciate the talents of Eve Hewson and John Carney.

Opens September 29, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

STORY AVE (2023)

September 29, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. The first feature film from writer-director Aristotle Torres and co-writer Bonsu Thompson is adapted from their 2018 short film of the same title, with a boost from Sundance Labs. It’s a coming-of-age story set on the streets of the Bronx, as the characters deal with grief, loss, and searching for connection and their place in this world.

High School senior Kadir (Asante Blackk, LANDSCAPE WITH INVISIBLE HAND, 2023) is emotionally crushed by his brother’s death, and a sense that his mother blames him. Kadir can’t handle this pressure and takes his talent as a graffiti artist and tagger to the local crew leader Skemes (Melvin Gregg, THE WAY BACK, 2020). As Kadir struggles with his desire to fit in, he’s also presented an option by the school counselor to attend art school. Kadir is one of the few who actually have a shot at escaping the streets, but he’s so drawn to the loyalty required to be part of the crew that he accepts Skemes assignment to rob a local at gunpoint.

With his familiar face and a presence in so many movies and TV shows since the 1980’s, Luis Guzman shines as MTA Worker Luis … the man Kadir randomly chooses to rob. However, there is more to Luis than meets the eye, and soon he has talked Kadir out of the robbery and into accepting his coat, a hot meal, and a place to sleep. This kindness confounds Kadir, but he reluctantly accepts the new father figure, though the boy is oblivious to Luis’ own demons and struggles. The film’s best scenes include Luis and Kadir, and sometimes Gloria (Coral Pena, CHEMICAL HEARTS, 2020), the waitress who shows off her own photographs to Kadir, in hopes of helping him understand how art can expand one’s perspective.

Director Torres creates a believable environment, and rising star Asante Blackk and screen vet Luis Guzman are both terrific. Watching Guzman’s character guzzle wine while he sings and dances and cooks in the kitchen is a real hoot – and a reminder that Guzman is a treasure. Luis provides a life lesson to Kadir that is bigger than the movie when he says life is messy and we are usually responsible for making our own mess. It’s such a true and powerful message for so many. The only weak link here is having the main characters spell out their relationships and feelings in the final act. This shows a lack of faith in the viewers and actually weakens the ending. Otherwise, it’s an easy one to appreciate.

In theaters beginning September 29, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

DREAMIN’ WILD (2023)

September 26, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Very few actors are more proficient than Oscar winner Casey Affleck at taking on the role of a tortured soul and making us care. If you are one (like me) who wiled away many hours scouring LP bins at music stores, then you likely recall the “Dreamin’ Wild” album from Donnie and Joe Emerson. It was a horrible album cover featuring the two young brothers in white jumpsuits. The self-produced album flopped, and writer-director Bill Pohlad has adapted the in-depth article penned by Steven Kurutz to dramatize the backstory, while filling in the real-life effects.

A vivid dream of success at an early age startles an older Donnie Emerson (Casey Affleck) awake. This is how Pohlad opens the film. Reality strikes as he once again realizes that recurring dream never came true, and now he runs a foundering recording studio and plays wedding gigs with his wife Nancy (Zooey Deschanel). Director Pohlad plays with timelines in an unconventional manner much as he did in his excellent Brian Wilson biopic LOVE & MERCY (2014). Noah Jupe and Jack Dylan Grazer play the young Donnie and Joe, respectively, while Walton Goggins plays grownup Joe, the less talented, though quite eager drumming brother.

This is a beautifully crafted film, though a bit unusual for a musician biopic. It’s not so much a story of music as it is a glimpse at the psychology of a musician. On the family farm in rural Fruitvale, Washington, teenage Donnie writes and performs songs. His ever-optimistic and always supportive father (a terrific Beau Bridges) mortgages the farm to build the boys an onsite recording studio so that they can pursue music, while keeping up with farming chores. When nothing happens with the album, dad loses a big chunk of the farm, and everyone just moves on with life. Well, Donnie doesn’t so much move on as brood about a shattered dream.  Thirty plus years later, an independent record producer (Chris Messina) shows up and informs the brothers that their album has found a second life online and there is interest in a new pressing, as well as a special concert and even a tour.

It’s at this point where we see just how deep the waters run for Donnie. He is reticent to allow himself to dream again … despite encouraging his own kids to do so. He’s a pensive man carrying the burden of guilt and shame as a son and failed artist. It takes courage to try again, although a tortured artist remains tortured regardless of any level of success. The second shot finds the dreamlike hit “Baby” front and center. It’s an ethereal song perfectly suited to Donnie’s temperament and a testament to his talent.

Director Pohlad brilliantly utilizes flashbacks throughout so that we understand what these folks have endured, and how differently they each react to the second shot at fame and respect. Often it takes a jolt in the present to permit us to come to terms with the unresolved feelings of the past, and we not only get to see Donnie make peace with his brother and father, but in a brilliant cinematic sequence, also with his younger self. Pohlad’s film plays as a fitting tribute to Donnie Emerson, but also as inspiration to all the dreamers.

Releasing digital and On Demand beginning September 26, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

CLERK (2023, doc)

September 26, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Despite his 30-year career and devotion to independent cinema, none of writer-director Kevin Smith’s films have ever really clicked with me. Because of this, I was hesitant to review Malcolm Ingram’s documentary on the filmmaker whose rabid fan base adores him. What a pleasure (and relief) to report that it turns out Kevin Smith is much more likable and relatable than his movies, at least for me.

Ingram includes the family of the man from New Jersey, and we hear from Smith’s mother, his brother, and his daughter. Smith explains that it was his father who had the most influence, regularly taking him to the theater as a youngster. Kicking things off is a 1992 video Smith recorded for his parents prior to taking off for film school. Despite his ultimately dropping out of school so he could make movies, the brief clip shows respect and appreciation for parents who were so supportive.

For most of two hours, we proceed chronologically through Kevin Smith’s life and career, and yes, Ingram has rounded up the usual suspects: Jason Mewes, Scott Mosier (Mr Get-it-done), Joey Lauren Adams, Betty Aberlin, Walter Flanagan, Brian O’Halloran, and others in this group (or is it troupe?) of regulars. Adding glitz to the proceedings are interviews with Stan Lee, Penn Jillette, Richard Linklater, and Jason Reitman, reinforcing Smith’s connection to mainstream Hollywood, as well as his beloved comic book community.

Of course, it was the Sundance Film Festival in 1994 when everything changed for Kevin Smith. His debut feature film, CLERKS, was warmly received, and he was aptly described as a blend of Howard Stern and David Mamet. ‘Warmly received’ is a bit of an understatement, as Smith basically exploded onto the scene as the next big filmmaker to watch. As has happened so often to others, he discovered that building on that initial success is a bit more complicated.

Smith’s body of work includes MALLRATS (1995), CHASING AMY (1997), DOGMA (1999), JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK (2001), JERSEY GIRL (2004), CLERKS II (2006), ZACH AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO (2008), and RED STATE (2011). For many, that would be a wrap on a solid career, however, Smith continues to be involved with TV series and feature films, and in a twist, he evolved into a highly sought after public speaker via a couple of routes: “An Evening with Kevin Smith” and Smodcast, his podcast where no topic is really off limits.

We pick up so many surprising tidbits during this film. Smith has always been a prolific writer, leaving many in awe of his talent. He was annoyed that his job at the video store turned into far more time and responsibility at the adjacent Quick Stop Convenience Store (yes that one). Seth Rogen turned him onto weed … OK, so that one is not so surprising. Smith speaks to his regret upon learning the truth about Harvey Weinstein, whose Miramax backed so many of his projects. A 2018 heart attack didn’t kill him, yet did change him. We also hear from his actor-daughter Harley Quinn Smith who clearly admires her dad, and avoids any fashion commentary on his ever-present hockey sweaters. Kevin Smith is a guy who has found many ways to connect with fans (and make new ones), making him a guy who would never say, “I’m not even supposed to be here today.” Malcolm Ingram has effectively balanced a career retrospective with a character study, and it turns out the character is pretty cool.

Available September 26, 2023 on www.MercantileInstinct.com

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Posted by David Ferguson

CARLOS (2023, doc)

September 22, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Although I was too young to attend Woodstock in 1969, I vividly recall the first time I saw the 1970 concert film, as I was stunned by the energetic performances, the dedicated attendees, and the mass of people making the best of rain, drugs, and music. By this time, I was attuned to Hendrix, The Who, Joplin, and most of the others, but the band that shook me was Santana. Familiar with only one song, “Evil Ways”, off their debut album, I was mesmerized by the pure force of their live “Soul Sacrifice” performance – the relentless drumming of Michael Shrieve (20 years old) and the blazing guitar work from band leader Carlos Santana (a 22-year-old).

With this documentary, Rudy Valdez (THE SENTENCE, 2018), delivers so much more than the typical musician biography. Sure, we get the basic background information, but thanks to chats with Carlos Santana himself, we learn more about the man and how his being is meshed with the music. Born in Mexico, Carlos’ dad played in a mariachi band and taught him to play the violin. The unusual route to rock and roll stardom began when Carlos switched to guitar and the family moved to San Francisco. His blending of Latin Jazz and Blues with rock and roll delivered a sound we had not previously heard. Carlos’ began playing regular gigs at the Fillmore West, and things kicked into gear once promoter/producer Bill Graham got involved.

Carlos formed a band and Graham instituted ‘festival training’ culminating in the live performance at Woodstock. Carlos tells an incredible story about Jerry Garcia (of The Grateful Dead) handing him some drugs, and the next thing Carlos knew, the band was called on stage in the midst of his acid trip. If you’ve seen the movie, the facial expressions will make complete sense once Carlos recalls what he was seeing with that trusty guitar in his hands. It’s one of the best rock stories you’ll hear. A week after Woodstock, Santana’s debut album was released by Clive Davis at Columbia Records.

The family background is interesting enough, but the real value here is in the self-reflection from Carlos. Apparently, the interview was conducted over a period of time, so we see variations and moods from the man with magic music. Carlos even discusses his time as a disciple of spiritual guru Sri Chinmoy … including haircut, white suits, and self-discovery. Carlos confesses how once “Smooth”, recorded in 1999 with Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, became a monster hit, he finally felt validated.

Not many musicians get to have a professional career that spans more than fifty years … or have a wife who is a skilled drummer … or have a ‘slithering snake’ story with a spot in rock lore. But Carlos Santana, now 76 years old, has all of that, and has recently been battling a public relations nightmare after a statement he made regarding the trans community. As for the documentary, the interviews and archival footage and photos provide a nice look at the man behind the music.

Opening in select theaters on September 23, 2023 and going wide on September 29.

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE ORIGIN OF EVIL (2023, France)

September 22, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Dysfunctional families are common fodder in films for the simple reason that most of us can relate … or at least walk away being grateful that ours isn’t THAT bad. I do trust (and hope) that your family bears little resemblance to the Dumontet clan at the center of this film from writer-director Sebastien Marnier and co-writer Fanny Burdino. This is a story filled with deceit and greed and conniving folks who make any of the reality TV housewives seem like Mother Teresa.

This is a tricky film to discuss while attempting to not spoil anything, so understand some of this is vague by design. Laure Calamy takes the lead as a line worker at an anchovy packaging plant. Her lesbian lover (Suzanne Clement) is incarcerated, and the money problems are piling up. She reaches out to the Dumontets to see if patriarch Serge (Jacques Weber) will accept his long-lost daughter, Stefane, back into the family. Jacques agrees, and soon she is on a boat to visit the ultra-rich Serge, who lives in a mansion on an island in the south of France.

As it turns out, Serge is the least of her worries. His wife Louise (Dominique Blanc) is an eccentric and colorful shopaholic or spendaholic who takes each day as a challenge to buy more items online and through TV shows. Daughter George (Doria Tillier) is a taskmaster who runs the family business and has no time for the newly-discovered sister. There is also George’s teenage daughter (Celeste Brunnquell) who mostly broods and looks forward to the day she can escape. Lastly, we have Agnes (Veronique Ruggia), the longtime housekeeper who is also not in favor of adding one more plate to the dinner table.

Director Marnier presents us a cast of nutjob characters, each who carries a secret and is working part of a self-serving scheme. Back-stabbing seems to be a shared family trait, and at times (2 times precisely) it spirals into murder. An extensive use of split screen allows Marnier to convey the duplicitous and conniving happenings. The accompanying music often makes use of a pipe organ – a sound rarely heard in movies that aren’t 1940’s horror films. Yes, the film is heavy on camp, but it’s also heavy on heavy, making the comedic moments even more effective.

Dominique Blanc is wonderful in her role, yet it’s Laure Calamy whose performance truly stands out and makes the story work. The set decoration is unlike anything we’ve seen before (taxidermy and VHS tapes are front and center), and the film acts as yet another skewering of the rich (at least it’s not rich Americans this time). Fans of Claude Chabrol will appreciate the homage, and most of us cringe at the unstable personalities in this dysfunctional family and its affiliates. It’s unclear how best to label this – comedy, mystery, suspense – but regardless of the label, there is a bit of fun in watching the entitled get a taste of comeuppance.

Opens in select theaters and On Demand beginning September 22, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

MAN ON THE RUN (2023, doc)

September 22, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Remember that time you paid pop star Brittany Spears one million dollars to jump out of a birthday cake at your party? Or the times you paid huge appearance fees to celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, and Paris Hilton to hang around your lavish parties? If not, then you’re no Jho Low. And thank goodness for that. Jho Low was in cahoots with then Prime Minister Najib Razak to siphon billions from a fund designed to assist Malaysian citizens. Their fund was called 1MDB (1 Malaysian Development Berhad) and thanks to researchers and whistleblowers, this film from Cassius Michael Kim lays out a textbook case of corruption, fraud, and greed.

The FBI have called this the largest kleptocracy case to date. Kleptocracy is defined as corrupt government officials embezzling funds for personal gain. And yes, that is the where the billions of dollars come in, however, in this day and age, celebrities must be involved for the general public to much care. To satisfy these viewers, the montage of associated celebrities is impressive, and the use of these funds to finance Martin Scorsese’s Oscar nominated film, THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2014), may provide the perfect example of irony. Government corruption funding a film highlighting Wall Street corruption. To top it off, that scenario is then used as the basis for a documentary focused on the two key players behind this conspiracy of fraudulent activity.

In addition to Jho Low, Prime Minister Najib Razak, and the celebs, the story also involves Najib’s wife, the FBI, Goldman Sachs executives, and numerous other folks who got caught up in the web of greed. Wherever there is dirty money being spent, you can be assured there are dirty people involved. Filmmaker Kim allows many to communicate their perspectives and observations on Jho Low, though the reality is that he remains a somewhat mysterious figure. An enigma who, while conspiring with the head of a country, managed to live the high life by spending money bilked from Malaysians.

A 22-carat diamond ended up with the Prime Minister’s wife, and both of them got what they deserved in the end. However, the newest game of “Where’s Waldo?” is now called, “Where’s Jho Low?” He is the titular man on run, while others pay the price … including a country that teetered on financial failure. The director does include an interview with the former Prime Minister, and we do hear from others who are familiar with the case. Unfortunately, none of the celebrities who accepted the fees agreed to appear on camera, either due to shame or fear of self-incrimination. Still, there is plenty of slime on display.

In select theaters beginning September 22, 2023

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A MILLION MILES AWAY (2023)

September 14, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. A tongue-in-cheek note just prior to the closing credits provides us with one final smile: “Jose is the first migrant farmworker to have traveled to space.” This footnote encapsulates what this biopic is all about – dreams, commitment, sacrifice, and overcoming obstacles. Writer-director Alejandra Marquez Abella and co-writers Bettina Gilois and Hernan Jimenez adapted this from Jose Hernandez’s memoir, “Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut”, creating a wonderful (and yes, inspirational) viewing experience for the entire family. In fact, it’s the perfect selection for family movie night (other than the youngest kids who won’t understand the themes).

Superb character actor Michael Pena (the underrated END OF WATCH, 2012) takes the lead as Jose Hernandez, who grew up in a family of migrant farmworkers bouncing from town to town for harvesting work in the fields. Even as a child, Jose worked alongside his family whenever he wasn’t in school. And it was one teacher in particular who went above and beyond to change the trajectory of Jose’s life. Recognizing his potential, and his dream of going to space, the teacher spoke with respect to his parents in terms that made sense. Her actions, along with Jose’s dad passing along his recipe for success … the five ingredients serve as chapters in the film … allowed Jose to passionately pursue his dreams.

Along the way, Jose met and married Adela (Rosa Salazar, ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, 2019), and the two began a partnership and a family … a large family. The theme of family is present throughout Jose’s story, as support and sacrifice are necessary at every step. We see group hugs in good times and bad. We see doses of reality when needed, and we learn that “tenacity is a superpower” as Jose begins his years-long pursuit of being accepted into NASA – a goal he achieved after eleven letters of regret.

Everyone faces obstacles, and some are greater than others. What sets some folks apart is their motivation to continue the pursuit. Perhaps words of wisdom from a parent or spouse hits at just the right time, or maybe it’s that one teacher who inspires a “can do” approach with a response to the “When I grow up …” essay assignment. Whatever else is involved, we recognize the tenacity that Jose displayed, and this film will likely inspire others to follow their own dreams. Supporting roles are played well by Julio Cesar Cedillo and Veronica Falcon as Jose’s parents, Garret Dillahunt and Sarayu Blue as astronauts, and Bobby Soto as a special cousin. Pena flashes the charm and likability to become the hero we admire, and director Abella eschews the cliches expected from such a story. The actual clips and photos at the end only add to this heartwarming movie perfectly suited to family movie night.

Premiers on Prime Video on September 15, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

RADICAL WOLFE (2023, doc)

September 14, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. There have been many great writers over the years, yet only a handful of these have become celebrities themselves … in contrast to celebrities who become “writers”. Tom Wolfe was one whose personality was as big (sometimes larger) than his books. Sporting the trademark white suits that had him labeled “a dandy”, making frequent talk show appearances and numerous public book readings and speeches, Wolfe achieved the celebrity status that evidently was important to him. Richard Dewey’s documentary is based on the “Vanity Fair” article written by Michael Lewis (“Moneyball”, “The Big Short”, “The Blind Side”), who also appears on screen here providing insight into Wolfe the writer and Wolfe the man.

Dewey presents a pretty basic chronological biography of this man whose mastery of word usage has led him to be recognized for introducing some familiar phrases into the language. These include: “the right stuff”, “good ol’ boy”, and “the Me decade”. Wolfe penned many bestsellers across multiple genres, as well as countless articles and essays with his observations and commentary on society and counterculture. Some of his most famous works are “The Right Stuff” (adapted into an exceptional 1983 film), “The Bonfire of the Vanities” (adapted into a regretful 1990 DePalma flop), and “A Man in Full”. It’s that latter 1998 novel that kicked off the high-profile literary feud between Wolfe and rival writers John Updike, Norman Mailer, and John Irving.

Wolfe’s background as a newspaper journalist certainly contributed to his long-standing commitment to research and details. Among those interviewed here and speaking to his expertise are Gay Talese, Christopher Buckley, Tom Junod, and the aforementioned Michael Lewis. Also included are numerous clips of Wolfe’s TV appearances, and even comments from his daughter, Alexandra. Talese in particular captures the essence of Wolfe when he describes him as (something along the lines of) an extremely polite man who transitions into a terrorist with a pen in hand. Not many can be described as an elegant gentleman AND with adjectives such as cynical, mean, outlandish, and contrarian. Tom Wolfe can … and has been.

As a writer, Wolfe turned his focus on Black Panthers, Leonard Bernstein, astronauts, New York City, Junior Johnson’s NASCAR, and Ken Kesey’s LSD hippie counterculture. Sure, he was often criticized for his use of exclamation points and ellipses (a habit we share), yet he was also behind “New Journalism”, aka literary journalism – making stories more interesting to read. He suffered through depression after a heart attack, but the man did things with words most of us can only dream of. Tom Wolfe passed away in 2018 at age 88, but his white suit lives on in images, and magical words live on through publications. For a man who adored adoration, he would likely be fine with that.

The film will debut in limited theaters beginning September 15, 2023

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CASSANDRO (2023)

September 14, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. One of the possible indicators that a movie is well done and interesting is when it draws you in despite having no similarities to the world you live in. I was transfixed by this film from writer-director Roger Ross Williams (Oscar winner for MUSIC BY PRUDENCE, 2009 short) and co-writer David Teague. I am not Hispanic, have no affinity for wrestling, am not gay, and don’t wear makeup or do drugs or crave attention … all part of Saul’s life in this terrific little film.

The always outstanding Gael Garcia Bernal gives a top-notch performance as Saul Armendáriz who transforms into the titular Cassandro, an Exotico luchrador in the colorful world of Lucha libre (Mexican wrestling). Tradition says Exoticos take a beating in the ring while being subjected to the rowdy crowd’s homophobic slurs screamed at maximum vocal volume. But Saul, who took his performance name Cassandro from a soap opera, has a vision where he body slams tradition, and periodically wins matches while simultaneously winning over the crowd.

Saul and his mother (Perla De La Rosa) have a tight bond, one developed after Saul’s dad left home rather than accept his son who had come out as gay. We watch as Saul’s skill and notoriety improve thanks to his trainer Sabrina (Roberta Colindrez) and promoter Lorenzo (Joaquin Cosio). In this world, unique relationships develop, and we see Saul with both fellow wrestler Gerardo (Raul Castillo) and Lorenzo’s right-hand man Felipe (Bad Bunny). Ever-present is the cloud of ‘daddy issues’ that Saul carries, and we do wonder if the situation with his religious and closed-minded father (Robert Salas) will be resolved.

There is an odd cadence to the story’s progression, and a few times it feels like the script skips through some important moments, while dwelling on some lesser scenes. Examples of this include Cassandro’s climb to fame and an awkward talk show appearance where he is treated as a role model by a gay youngster. Still, the performance from Gael Garcia Bernal is so strong and charming … his face truly lights up while in the ring … that we can imagine on our own how he climbed the ladder of Lucha libre, as he instills in us the message of being who you are and staying true to yourself. All of this is complemented by a terrific score from Brazilian composer Marcelo Zarvos, who excels in the use of the trumpet here.

Opening in theaters on September 15, 2023 and on Prime Video beginning September 22.

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