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Friday Night Lights: 20th Anniversary

John Stark

“Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose.” From the original book to Peter Berg’s film, and then into a series that’s still remembered, this story clearly has legs. Now, with talk of a revival in the air, it just proves that the themes still strike a chord—teamwork, resilience, and the human spirit behind the sport. Billy Bob Thornton brings gravitas to the coach, while Connie Britton—who fans later adored in the TV version—starts to shape that role here. Jay Hernandez, Derek Luke, and Lucas Black all give performances that feel grounded, while Tim McGraw surprises with his dramatic chops. It’s not … Continue reading Friday Night Lights: 20th Anniversary

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All Dogs Go To Heaven: 35th Anniversary

John Stark

All Dogs Go To Heaven: 35th Anniversary- A Don Bluth Classic Quick Take: Kids these days. I really hope that cinematically minded parents are showing their children at least one Don Bluth classic. He brought so much to Animation, and if it wasn’t for him proving there could be viable competition for Disney, I’m not sure anyone else would have tried. This is one of my favorites from my childhood, and revisiting it was such a trip down memory lane. The track Amazon has is TTS, but now that they own MGM, they could always redo it. Burt Reynolds plays … Continue reading All Dogs Go To Heaven: 35th Anniversary

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Memoir OF A Snail

John Stark

Memoir Of A Snail- From The Director Of Mary and Max Quick Take: Sadly, this stop motion awards contender doesn’t have audio description. I was not provided any, and the theatrical release was missing it as well. So, while the story of a woman whose life is full of these really heavy moments, and who has an affinity for snails, is not something I’d recommend to a blind and visually impaired audience. it is a shame, because the director’s previous work, Mary and Max, is very well regarded. There are moments here in this R-rated animation that are profound in … Continue reading Memoir OF A Snail

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Chasing Chasing Amy

John Stark

Chasing Chasing Amy- A Solid Rumination On The Effects Of Kevin Smith’s Title And LGBTQ Culture Quick Take: I didn’t discover Chasing Amy until much later, when it had a Criterion release.At the time, my education on LGBTQ culture was not where it is now, and I never really gave the movie much thought. My first introduction to Kevin Smith was actually Dogma, and I loved that. I’ve kinda felt like I’ve been chasing Dogma for Kevin’s entire career. But, to have this story told from this unique perspective, from someone who was exploring their queerness and wasn’t sure where … Continue reading Chasing Chasing Amy

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Reality Bites: 30th Anniversary

John Stark

Reality Bites: 30th Anniversary- Smells Like Twentysomething Spirit Quick Take: This had audio description on Netflix, and was also in an anniversary year. However, it was also my first time through this, and I am not quite the right generation for this. In 1994, those who were graduating, or having just graduated high school could relate to the message, and I was busy really focused on accessible kids films. 1994 was fun for being a kid, as Disney’s output not just included The Lion King, but also live action gems like Iron Will and Angels In The Outfield. This was … Continue reading Reality Bites: 30th Anniversary

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The Small Screen Diaries- 12/13/24

John Stark

I did get to sit down yesterday with Roy Samuelson and talk about his new book in an interview over on my YouTube. So, check that out, buy his book at Roy Samuelson.com/book TV News: Haven’t had anything really good in a hot second, then WBD went and cancelled Sesame Street. Of course, they are shopping themselves around, and it would be insane if no one picked them up. Disney, I’m looking at you. You already dominate kids content, and own The Muppets. Make it happen. TV Shows Watched: Silo: S2E5 (Apple Plus) with audio description, Black Doves: S1E3 (Netflix) … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 12/13/24

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The Small Screen Diaries- 12/12/24

John Stark

I didn’t do my Critics choice predictions on here, but I’m pretty pleased with their choices. My predictions didn’t fully align, but the CCA has been trying harder and harder to seem like an Oscar precursor by getting it right, so they tend to vote for things that are likely to be nominated, and not necessarily their passion picks. For example, if you follow critics at all, you might have noticed how much most of them adore Challengers. It did not get a Best Picture nomination, over films that are far more divisive among critics, but far more likely to … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 12/12/24

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The Small Screen Diaries- 12/11/24

John Stark

TV Shows Watched: Black Doves: S1E2 (Netflix) with audio description, Skeleton Crew: S1E3 (Disney Plus) with audio description, Shrinking: S2E9 (Apple Plus) with audio description, Cross: S1E4 (Amazon) with audio description, and Call me Ted: S1E4 (MAX) with audio description. Podcasts: None YouTube: I watched a few international films today without audio description, and did watch some videos of other critics talking about them. of the channels I remember, shoutouts to Deep Focus Lens, Spooky Astronauts, and Peter Bradshaw. Movies: Better Man (Screener) WITH audio description, All We Imagine Is Light (Screener) no audio description, Red Rooms (screener) no audio … Continue reading The Small Screen Diaries- 12/11/24

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Junior: 30th Anniversary

John Stark

Junior: 30th Anniversary: A Second Look- We Deserve This Right Now Quick Take: As funny as you might think it is to see Arnold Schwarzenegger pregnant, it really isn’t. It’s kind of amazing the talent that said Yes to this, from Arnold, to Danny Devito, Emma Thompson, Frank Langella, and director Ivan Reitman. I think I was in the mood for this when I was a kid, but unlike some of Arnold’s other comedies that remain in my favorites (Kindergarten Cop, Twins) this one is something I can do without. For more, check out the video. Continue reading Junior: 30th Anniversary

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Nice Girls

John Stark

Nice Girls (2024) (Netflix)- Is This International Buddy Cop Action Comedy Worth It? Quick Take: This 2024 international buddy cop comedy made me cringe more than anything. Yes, Netflix threw some audio description on a random international title, but it just makes me even more upset that this has audio description in English, but not Emilia Perez. I’ve tried to support audio description for International Titles, but this and The Wages Of Fear were both Netflix titles that are in my bottom ten films of 2024. I’d avoid this like the plague. For more, check out the video. Continue reading Nice Girls

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Win A Date With Tad Hamilton: 20th Anniversary

John Stark

Win A Date With Tad Hamilton: 20th Anniversary- We Deserve This. Quick Take: A movie that hasn’t aged well. While the premise of a young woman from a small town getting the opportunity to date a matinee idol seems like a charmer, the movie is more about her eventually realizing her boss, who even tries to exude his influence on her to thwart her chances with Tad Hamilton, is the guy for her. yes, they were friends presumably before he got promoted, but this feels icky. You’ll want Kate Bosworth to choose herself. Netflix had it with audio description though. … Continue reading Win A Date With Tad Hamilton: 20th Anniversary

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Mother’s Boys: 30th Anniversary

John Stark

Mother’s Boys: 30th Anniversary- The First And Last Time I Watch This Quick Take: First and last time. I’m a Jamie Lee Curtis fan, and I wanted to check this off my list. This is not a good film. She plays an oddly unlikable person in a thriller where somehow there’s virtually no bloodshed, and she does a weird seduction of her own pre-teen son. Peter Gallagher is here too, and this movie is best left not heard or seen. It may have audio description, but preserve your positive look on Curtis and avoid this mess,. For more, check out … Continue reading Mother’s Boys: 30th Anniversary

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Wimbledon: 20th Anniversary

John Stark

Wimbledon: 20th Anniversary- A Second Look- Still An underrated Charmer Quick Take: I used to think I was the only one who enjoyed this. It opened in September of 2004, and was not a box office hit. But, what a great year to revisit this, and Netflix had it with audio description. Challengers made tennis sexy again, and Wimbledon, which features winning performances from Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst is a charmer, even if it isn’t memorable in the grand scheme of cinema.A nice watch and trip down memory lane. For more, check out the video. Continue reading Wimbledon: 20th Anniversary

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Boys Don’t cry: 25th Anniversary

John Stark

Boys Don’t Cry: 25th Anniversary- A Second Look: Still Very Resonante In 2024 Quick Take: It has been 25 years since Hilary Swank burst onto the screen with her Oscar winning performance as Brandon Teena, a performance that some believe today should have been played by a trans actor. The truth is, it likely would not have had the same profile, as it already felt subversive for 1999, just existing. I don’t even remember this opening near me until after it won the Oscar. I came from a rural area, like brandon, and the truth is that LGBTQ culture in … Continue reading Boys Don’t cry: 25th Anniversary

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Do The Right Thing: 35th Anniversary

John Stark

Do The Right Thing: 35th Anniversary- The Original Spike Lee Joint Quick Take: While not Spike Lee’s directorial debut, it does feel like his arrival. Lee fans will always remember what came before, but this was lee making his typical statement and socially conscious movie and getting Oscar recognition. Many feel this is still his best work, and they are justified in feeling that. it is hard to watch this movie today, and think of how violence plagues us just like this today. the emotional resonance of this film, and a real life event like George Flloyd’s murder cannot be … Continue reading Do The Right Thing: 35th Anniversary