OPUS (2025)

Written & Directed By: Mark Anthony Green

Cinematography: Tommy Maddox-Upshaw

Editor: Ernie Gilbert

Cast: Ayo Edibiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Tony Hale, Stephanie Suganami, Melissa Chambers, Amber Midthunder, Tatanka Means

A writer travels to the compound of a pop icon who disappeared years ago. Surrounded by his cult of sycophants, as well as a group of fellow journalists, she soon discovers his twisted plans for the gathering.

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this is a strange film that seems to fit into the darkly Comedic cult figure film, think a film such as THE MENU. It seems to be a commentary on the cult of celebrity taken to a new level.

Where something mysterious is going along and it’s usually at an exclusive location cut off from the world or a kind of celebrity is at the center and all of his disciples where it’s kind of an eat the rich revenge tale. 

Now this film lives up to its story, even though it’s very predictable, and there are some points of originality when it comes to the story and the filmmaking. 

As the film goes from a dark comedy to a thriller very quickly, the one based on believing John Malkovich playing one of the best selling in popular rock stars of the 1990s it starts off already with this ridiculous notion not that he can’t play the role, but you just have trouble seeing him as that character with that history but once you get past that you should be fine but for a film, that’s already going to give you that kind of ridiculous notion

It becomes shocking that the film doesn’t follow suit in that manner when it comes to tone as everything else has played a little more seriously even the so-called twist at the end isn’t that surprising 

Though I can’t admit there is something captivating about the film. Maybe it just seems like a lost opportunity that it seems to go more for surface level when it could’ve been so much deeper and explored maybe the love and seduction of musicians or rock, stars pop stars and their audience and how just like a song or an instrument they can play their audience, especially when they’re willing and the things that they can make them do we’ve all her tails in gossip columns, or even in some biographies of what Rockstars can make seemingly ordinary people do or what people can do when supposedly influenced by music.

It shows how easily we can be led to believe the beliefs or philosophy of a celebrity with very little evidence or basis more than we will listen to an expert as we are trying to figure out the experts agenda, but we believe the celebrity is speaking from the heart and we trust them more as we’ve spent more time getting to know them

Luckily, the music in the film isn’t that bad that comes from John Malkovich‘s character.  (Having Nile Rogers do the soundtrack is a plus) Believing that getting him in the cast was such an achievement that nobody questioned the validity of him playing the role and he does his best with the role that he can, and he is believable That the film doesn’t quite pack the punch that it seems like it desperately wants to

Not to mention that half the comedy doesn’t quite land the way it expects itself too. It’s sort of like someone who thinks they’re funnier than they are as the film seems to think that it’s smarter than it is and while at times it makes good points and also grossly is overconfident 

Once the film gets to the third act and all his revealed, it also seems to want to go for a grossness factor to a certain extent. As it seems expected and also to show true pain in torture for the victims. 

Ayo Edibiri is very well cast in the lead and while she is compelling, I wish that the film could follow suit with her and for her and give her the necessary material to truly ground her in a film that is more worthy of her character and her natural talents 

Grade: C

RATS! (2024)

Written & Directed By: Carl Fry and Maxwell Nalevansky 

Cinematography: Carmen Gilbert 

Editor: Carl Fry

Cast: Danielle Evon Ploeger, Luke Wilcox, Darius Autry, Luxy Banner, Khali McDuff-Sykes, Ariel Ash, Jacob Wysocki, John Ennis 

In Fresno, Texas, graffiti artist Raphael’s arrest leads to his involvement in a chain of events involving a sting operation, suicide, drug deals, criminal suspicions, weapons, a newswoman, and a plutonium deal gone wrong, creating chaos.

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This film is truly indescribable as it is all over the place, but in the best way it’s offkilter and crazy yet unbelievably funny and a bit my car definitely a future cult movie that audiences didn’t know they wanted and they and that they have been waiting for.

It definitely is a colorful midnight movie comedy that has a strange ensemble and packs up a sucker punch that you don’t see coming that can be sweet, but also disoriented

As this is a punk rock movie and like the main lead character, it feels dressed and has the vibe of a 1990s warped tour with pop punk, dungeons, and hot topic shoppers. There is plenty of drug use and colorful art direction to match the characters.

The film has anarchaic spirit reminds me of the spirit of the movie FREAKED as it seems to keep inventing itself along the way and stays comedic as it goes along and has new scenes to wrap around or throw back to characters or situations that we might remember with running jokes and not much necessarily makes any sense

It’s a film that just seems full of distractions as when someone you know tells a story, but then gets deep into a side story that they feel will help explain the main story that’s going along and it does to a certain extent, but these distractions also seem to go on a different wavelength of information you didn’t need to know, but the storyteller felt it was important and even though it could equally lead nowhere, you’re happy for it as at least it serves up a chuckle or a laugh.

As even at times it presents certain characters who seem like they’re going to be part of the major storyline, but are only around for one or two scenes and then disappear completely even as you were getting used to them. 

Actress, Danielle Evon Ploeger,  steals the show as she is so committed in her performance where her character has no shame and has an intensity that comes out of nowhere in for no reason that she truly shines throughout 

At times, the film can get gory and violent. Which might explain why it’s on the streaming service shutter, despite not truly being a horror Film. So though thankful bruschetta as it does carry a lot of independent films that aren’t exactly horror films that they still share on their channel usually more independent productions that most would’ve never known if not for the service . Truly helping a lot of indie films.

The film starts off simple and weird. As a kind of study of the absurdities of the suburbs, especially for younger characters and the older characters who have stayed around. as it builds up and comes together in the end. 

It bathes itself in broad humor and presents more shocking humor that for some we have no substance to really grab onto that makes it feel like most of what happens is random, but that is how life can be and especially for these characters.

It reminds me of Joseph Kahn‘s detention to a degree absurd in all over the place exploring youth culture while also feeling like it’s rebelling against something like traditional cinematic rules.

The film is messy offbeat not for everyone that has that spirit of youth that can be random. Silly doesn’t always make sense and can be quite wrong in certain situations, but you still have to move forward and clearly want to see where it goes. A stoner comedy

THE HOLE (1998)

Directed By: Tsai Ming-Liang 

Written By: Tsai Ming-Liang and Pi-Ying Yang

Cinematography: Pen-Jung Liao

Editor: Ju-Kuan Hsaio 

Cast: Kuei-Mei Yang, Kang-Sheng Lee, Miao Tien, Hui-Chin Lin, Hsiang-Chu Tong, Kun-Huei Lin

While never-ending rain and a strange disease spread by cockroaches ravage Taiwan, a plumber makes a hole between two apartments and the inhabitants of each form a unique connection, enacted in musical numbers.——————————————————————————-

This film about two stragglers in a doomed neighborhood on the verge of the new millenium of the year 2000. As it seems they are the last ones left in their neighborhood and trying to avoid a virus that is passed from roaches that makes those who get the virus pretended and act like insects.

Before this happens a plumber trying to find a leak into the apartment downstairs exposes a Pipe and a hole into the apartment downstairs

As the film goes along constantly rains and the female who lives downstairs apartment keeps getting flooded. While the man upstairs who runs a shop keeps smoking.

Both are lonely and after awhile they start to communicate and you can see how lonely they both are and long for connection. In between we see musical scenes usually starring the female. Which seem to be her inner monologues of what she wants to say or share. 

The film is about two lonely people finding one another imnthe middle of chaos. 

There are long moments of nothing really happening. Except for each of them going through their days or killing time. Not really doing much, but those moments make us become much more closer to them. As they are more identifiable. Especially In their loneliness. As they are so close yet far away from one another.

This is one of those films where you will either be into the film or you won’t as it can be hypnotizing, but it can also be seen as boring. 

By the end It’s a romantic poetic moment where we hope for the best. As it ends literally on a happy note.

As the film goes along it’s easy to get what it is supposed to be about and the story of making a connection in desperation. At the worst of times and your perfect partner was there all along.

this is one of those films again that when I used to work in a video store, I used to see the DVD cover for all of the time, but never ventured past the cover art to venture to find out what the film was about as the cover looks so plain it just never really interested me or at the time looked way too artistic for me to truly find an interest or try to find an interest in.

At heart a romance. Though. Definitely not a comedy. Though it has  enough quirky details To be shaped or Designed like one.

As two neighbors,Really strangers become connected

Once  a plumber leaves a hole in the floor of

An apartment that is the roof of another. As there is a pandemic in a nearly Empty housing unit. Where the disease is being spread by insects randomly and there is non stop rain outside. Though again some how this is the aesthetic and background to explain why these two characters firnthe most part stay home and other then work Or food shopping, Go nowhere. Yes it’s One of those films. High concept in theory, but focused on the minutae of the characters and dramatics. Where the musicsl numbers are the action scenes. As well as

Kind of the loveScenes. As it is where the characters innermost thoughts and feelings actually come out and are on display. 

Where it feels like it’ going to change scene to scene, but for every curve like the musical sequences. It stays true to it’s path and vision 

It’s a film where it feels like you fully understand where the film

Is going and what it wants to come

Across, but insists on do I g it in it’s

Own way and you have no choice but to follow.

Then rather then going the conventional it chooses to make you watch the most mundane actions of the characters and make it seem poetic or that it means something deeper.

While Also getting the audience to feel thencharscters to be more identifiable. 

While one can admit this is the type of film that feels more like A Statement or Expression.

Definitely not justncintent or disposable. It’s a Film That is clearly not meant for all audiences.

As it is the type of Film you are going to either get with or not.

Unfortunately for me it never connected with me

Or never got  on the same wave length. As it felt tedious and you question not only what is it all about and why am I here. Even a question of consciousness.

Though I can see why others might dig the film. It never quite comes alive. It’s certainly unconventional. So I can’t really rate it. As it is more artistic cinema for you to ponder rather then just grade. 

when it comes to art, we all have our own interpretations as it is so bold and different than what we are accustomed to, while

being creative In anyway, that is not universal

Unfortunately,  i also felt most of the minutes and the film is under 90 minutes. 

SUMMER OF 69 (2025)

Directed By: Jillian Bell

Written By: Jillian Bell, Jules Byrne and Liz Nico

Cinematography: Maria Rusche

Editor: Casey Brooks 

Cast: Sam Morelos, Chloe Fineman, Nicole Byer, Liza Koshy, Paula Pell, Natalie Morales, Matt Cornett, Alex Moffat, Charlie Day, Jillian Bell, Fernando Carsa

Abby seeks to impress her crush by learning a specific sexual position, enlisting a stripper’s help. However, she realizes true self-discovery and lasting friendship are more valuable.

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This film is the directorial debut of actress Jillian Bell. It’s more of age film than I can say a teen film, as it’s a little too raunchy and risqué for family viewing or for parents to allow their teens to watch, even as strangely the humor is more sophomoric. Though the film also has an earnest heart and charm

Which then makes the film very confusing as to who exactly it’s aimed that or which audience, as it’s too raunchy for teens, but might be a little too silly for adults. 

The wet one can appreciate about the film. Is that instead of it usually being guys with gross out or juvenile humor, now it’s more of the women, and it doesn’t have so much gross out humor as just sillier, stupid humor, but there’s a point to it all. 

Luckily, the cast is filled with comedic supporting players like Nicole Byer, Liza Koshy, the hilarious Paula Pell, who is funny and everything I’ve ever seen her in, and is a comedy writer herself,. when only wishes there was more of them or a spinoff movie for their characters. Director Jillian appears in a small role herself and Chloe Fineman of Saturday Night Live as one of the leading ladies in this film .

She is attractive, funny, tough, yet stays believable throughout the film, and can see a big screen career, though would have loved it if the film played a little bit more with what was expected and had either Eliza Koshy or Nicole Byer in the Chloe Fineman, typical beautiful blonde in the lead

Newcomer Sam Morelos is quite a find, quick and she can play the heartbreaking parts of her character as well as the funnier scenes. She comes across as the character as genuine makes you root for her. She’s a burst of sunshine.

Not to mention why this film deals with some more adult and a little dark subject matter. It’s surprisingly just stays light and keeps a smile on your face, as it just kind of has this cheer about it that you and it don’t have any cynicism to it, that you would think this film would be filled with. Also it also pays on March teen films of the past.

One has to give it to Hulu they seem to fund an honor, female, driven comedies, and dramas that are more coming of age, but find way to make their mark and be quiet not only charming but noteworthy they’re not necessarily going to change the world cinematically, but they’re good comfort entertainment. Films like PROM DATES and PLAN B

Which is why, though this film even from its title is more of a double entendre, and has plenty of sexual material. It’s still plays it pretty clean and safe as this is a tail that involves strippers that has no nudity and we never see them quite now for some, who might feel that’s a cop out this is not the film for you and it never was gonna be but those just looking for almost like comfort movie that has stakes, but aren’t that high give this film a chance. You might surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it.

Grade: C+

TIGER STRIPES (2023)

Written & Directed By: Amanda Nell Eu

Cinematography: Jimmy Gimferrer

Editor: Carlo Francisco Manatad 

Cast: Zagreen Zairzal, Piga, Deena Ezral, Jun Lojong, Khairunazwan Rodzy, Shahiezy Sam, KhairFatimah Abu Bakar, Bella Rahim 

An 11-year-old girl who is carefree until she starts to experience horrifying physical changes to her body.

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This film is like the Pixar animated film TURNING RED. Teaching us about the nature of puberty in females and gaining their periods. How it turns them into something you barely recognize. Their own vicious beasts. That they canmt help. 

Here ItMs a little more literal and violent then the animated film. As this film deals more of this happening in a repressive community and literally the character becoming possessed.

While she seems to affect others. It is never quite explained why or how. As she seems to be the most not one who goes through a complete head to toe change. Though at heart is still a little girl. No matter how dangerous or vicious she becomes.

Which is usually a result of her defending herself from her so-called friends. Who generally turn on her once she goes through changes. They at times come across as the true villains.

The film even throws in a charlatan doctor. Who believes he can cure her and save the town. 

What we get is a body horror film that treats puberty as a horror to all those involved in an individuals transformation. 

For all the metaphors and striking visuals at times. The film feels pretty basic and shows its hands constantly. There is nothing wrong with that. It just doesn’t make things all that exciting or interesting. 

The things there are to admire other than the performances. How the film stretches out her transformation bit by bit. As the film goes along we know something is going on with her but it seems like each scene with her reveals a new part of her ultimate transformation.

This is ultimately a supernatural coming of age story that offers parallels that are universal. It’s a bit grizzly but still more cute with a bit of cruelty than anything.

Grace: B- 

THE MOTEL (2005)

Written & Directed By: Michael Kang

Based on the novel “WAYLAID” By: Ed Lin

Cinematography: Lisa Leone

Editor: David Leonard and Colleen Sharp

Cast: Sung Kang, Jeffrey Chyau, Jade Wu, Samantha Futerman, Clint Jordan, Eleanor Hutchins, Ron Domingo, Jackie Nova 

Thirteen-year-old Ernest Chin lives and works at a sleazy hourly-rate motel on a strip of desolate suburban bi-way. Misunderstood by his family and blindly careening into puberty, Ernest befriends Sam Kim, a self-destructive yet charismatic Korean man who has checked in. Sam teaches the fatherless boy all the rites of manhood.

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Even though it offers a coming-of-age story from A different viewpoint. It also shows how universal themes and experiences most of us all have at some points.

It barely offers any answers or true endings, but that is how certain aspects and problems are in

Life also. Especially wanting to be an adult but still acting like a child. 

The film Feels unfinished to a certain extent. As it is already short in running time. That you in the audience wanr more from the film and the characters. You want to stay with them showing how much they mean to you and how strong the filmmaking is, that you have formed a bond with them.

The film is kind of a downer and has quite a few explicit material that might make some in the audience uncomfortable.

Showcasing a young man going through puberty with no male role Models. No real emotional support for his interests. Forced into the family

Business. Bullied and in the friend zone with his crush. 

It also showcases Sung Kang in an early

Role before being in the FAST & FURIOUS franchise. In a role that has the character who comes and shakes things up. Who becomes a debauched role model of sorts. Though has a tragedy behind him.

The film feels like a short story that was needed to be shared. A rarity that unfortunately is never followed up, but serves as an example of something shiny and worth your attention.

Though as an adaptation it seems like lighting in a bottle for both. 

Grade: B- 

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (2025)

Directed By: Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang

Story By: Maggie Kang 

Written By: Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang, Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan

Head Of Cinematography Layout: Gary H. Lee

Editor: Nathan Schauf 

Featuring the voices of… Arden Cho, May Hong, Ji-Young Yoo, Ken Jeong, Daniel Dae Kim, Ahn Hyo-Seop, Yunjin Kim, Lee Byung-Hun,Liza Koshy, Joel Kim Booster

When they aren’t selling out stadiums, Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise.

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Trust me, this film came totally as a surprise to me as the title pretty much says it all and I didn’t at first have too much interest in it but heard so many glowing reviews and word-of-mouth that I decided to check it out and I’m glad I did 

As this animated film was truly a marvel to experience and caught me totally off guard. It’s dramatic. It’s funny. It’s silly has supernatural elements, but is also a satire of K-pop music and the whole industry or phenomenon around it well also exposing the heart of it and how meaningful the music can be to not only the artist, but especially the audience

It also works as a full-blown musical with not only the stage performances of the songs, but also in their singing their emotions after certain dramatic scenes

This is also a film that could only be told truly an animated form as to make a live action version of this film. You couldn’t exactly get the angles and the budget would have to be super inflated, and it just wouldn’t lend itself to the silliness at certain times.

Now the film has action sequences, but it’s not heavily an action film. It seems to care more about emotions and humor as well as being an outcast.

This one just has an energy and excitement that feels contagious and you’re willing to follow the film wherever it goes. 

It’s quite enjoyable and I have to say so far one of the better films that I have seen this year I can say it certainly not for everybody but if you ever just wanna have fun and get lost in a film with a pretty good soundtrack to boot or just a fan of musicals you should definitely give this film a try

Grade: B

HAPPY GILMORE 2 (2025)

Directed By: Kyle Newacheck

Written By: Adam Sandler And Tim Herlihy 

Cinematography: Zak Mulligan

Editor: Tom Costain, Brian Robinson and J.J. Titone 

Cast: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Benny Safdie, Ben Stiller, Sadie Sandler, Bad Bunny, Julie Bowen, Haley Joel Osmet, Lavell Crawford, Dennis Dugan

Nearly thirty years have passed since Happy Gilmore famously won the 1996 Tour Championship. For nearly twenty years after that victory his career flourished. That ended when his wife was tragically killed on a golf course. Distraught he gave up golf and turned to looking after his five kids. Over time, however, he has become an alcoholic and is working in a supermarket. Now his daughter has the opportunity to attend a prestigious dance school and the cost sees him contemplate taking up golf again.


this is why personally I don’t really watch Adam Sandler movies. when he is majorly behind the scenes in the writing and producing of his comedies anymore. I don’t mind when he’s working on the film, strictly as an actor because then you get films like UNCUT GEMS or his other two more dramatic Netflix movies where not perfect but the films were at least decent in someway.

this is a sequel to one of my favorite of his early comedies. As now he seems to be like Woody Allen, where if you were going to know his work, he would more praise his early funny films whereas now his comedies that he writes are kind of like Tyler Perry movies where it seems like he’s writing for himself or jokes that he finds funny, but he doesn’t seem to really care about the audience , which is a shame as Adam Sandler can be a likable screen presence at times at least back when he was making films that made audiences laugh

though now his films feel like they are parties or a reason for his friends to get Work and also for him to get to hang out with them. As it seems like they’re having much more fun hanging together than worrying about the actual script, character direction or making anybody laugh. as with each new film, it also seems like Sandler‘s entourage grows now not only does. He usually cast his friends, but now his family his wife and daughters are added into the mix of most of his films which he has a right to do, but I don’t think the audience was clamoring for it

This film seems to bring back every character from the first film in some sort of way even the minor ones who might’ve just been there for one scene and just in case you forgot the film seems to want to provide flashbacks for you to remember. The film also has a ridiculous number of cameos throughout the film even for no reason I don’t know if it was they wanted to be in the sequel or if he asked them it was fans or if this was all him trying to appeal to a younger audience as he has the usual commentators sports commentator celebrities but he also has influencers podcast Eminem for some reason throughout

not only is the storyline, stupid and ridiculous, but it also makes no real sense. As they play extreme golf and that must be played but worse of all it’s not funny at all so you are constantly wondering who is this for because it kind of insults, the originals audience and this film doesn’t seem like it’s going to influence the next generation to wanna watch it either. 

I really had hope that this would at least be decent, but if anything it just seems to Barry the remembrance of the original where you wish that it had been a one and done. If anything it also might just remind you of how good or decent the first one was and how fall this film has fallen from it’s legacy.

Grade: F 

THE GUTTER (2024)

Directed By: Isaiah Lester & Yassir Lester 

Written By: Yassir Lester 

Cinematography: Veronica Bouza 

Editor: David Dean and Josh Porron

Cast: Shamiek Moore, D’Arcy Carden, Susan Sarandon, Paul Reiser, Kim Fields, Paul Scheer, Jay Ellis, Langston Kerman, Jackee Harry, Adam Brody

Walt lands work at bowling alley AlleyCatz. He’s pressured to embrace his bowling talent, which sparks backlash from detractors seeking to undermine his sudden pro success.

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This is a film that will instantly remind most of the movie KINGPIN. As a revolves around bowling and a come back for an alcoholic, former champion as well as an innocent newcomer, who is a natural at the sport, who gets a little seduced by the Fame and the money to a degree. 

So you can obviously see some of its inspirations. 

It’s also a goofy comedy like that film only not as focused on gross out humor. Here the film just get more and more ridiculous as it goes along, but it manages to keep It’s humor and a smile on the audiences faces. As you take nothing presented that seriously.

As the film has it’s basic story elements constructed but seems to through jokes all

Over the place. Where happy the cast seems more like guest stars or that they were friends with the cast and crew and decided to make cameos in small roles for the day. 

Most of the characters aren’t that successful and come actors as dumb. Some dumber than others. Though in all the silliness It’s ok 

You will more be shocked at the casting of the film more than anything. The film’s humor is more dirty than anything but not over the top. As the film is quite charming. Nevertheless over staying it’s welcome. 

It’s nothing too special, nor offers too many surprises but it has a good heart and likeable enough characters.

The film stays simple and entertaining. It’s not a film you will remember much about afterwards but you should enjoy as it plays. 

Grade: C+

THE FIRE INSIDE (2024)

Directed By: Rachel Morrison 

Written By: Barry Jenkins 

Cinematography: Tommy Daguanno and Rina Yang 

Editor: Harry Yoon

Cast: Ryan Destiny, Brian Tyree Henry, De’Andre Aziza, Idrissa Sanogo Bamba, Adam Clark, Olunike Adeliyi, Chrystian Buddington, Lanette Ware, Sarah Allen 

Claressa Shields becomes the first American woman to win a gold medal only to learn that not all dreams are created equal.

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That is truly what the film is about the passion that fires inside that won’t let you quit for any reason even when you try to walk away, there’s something that keeps bringing you back to it. That is what the film and the filmmakers tried to instill in this inspirational true story.

Though the second half of this film is more eventful. As well as the achievements of the person in real life this film is based upon. The film set up a strong foundation. Which we see as the discovery and maintenance of her drive and passion.

The film offers a look at her personal life, and those that she seeks out to support and those who truly support her. As the route, no character is one dimensional they managed to turn themselves around or show their true colors. 

In that way, the film already plays against the traditional where all of a sudden one character stays the same throughout except for one scene or one final act where all of a sudden they change it kind of an apology or change for the worse. 

The film is very inspiring, even showing what happens after initial success, and all the hoopla dies down. It shows how to maintain and find meaning afterwards, as well as the power of community when it comes to support in all different ways. 

The film is a familiar story of sports discipline and training and saving someone from a bleak future by fighting against all odds .

The film doesn’t have as much fighting scenes as he would expect as it is more dealing with the day-to-day drama of her life, and her family unit parental child bonding with her coach and his family, and the jealousy provides in her family who seemed dysfunctional they were always changing and evolving Usually for the better though there are some trials and tribulations for the worse.

No truthfully, it’s that drama that keeps the film afloat and keeps the audience interested as this is a film of hope and what can be achieved with hard work, finesse, and belief in oneself 

Grade: B-