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Moments of stillness
By: Thomas Wambsgans
Tags: Film, Art, Film Reviews, Movies, Movie Review

Sound of Metal - 10/10

“Those moments of stillness, that place, that’s the kingdom of God”

It is be beyond cliché to do an “in this troubling year” intro, but everyone should take the time to watch Sound of Metal and understand what “that place” means, especially during this year of constant noise for some and unbearable silence for others.

Paul Raci, who plays Joe and delivers the aforementioned line, gives a gentle, beautiful performance that welcomes the viewer into his community for deaf addicts, along with the main character Ruben, played powerfully by Riz Ahmed. Throughout the film, the viewer shares in Ruben’s journey, a journey carefully crafted by first-time director Darius Marder.

Marder exposes and subjects the audience in the opening scenes to the horrifying experience of rapid hearing loss, and every stage of emotion that immediately follows. Olivia Cooke’s character Lou, playing an important role in pushing Ruben and the audience into the next steps of managing the situation, carries the viewer to the next act.

This is where a well-executed dramatization of disability becomes a mesmerizing, poignant, and cathartic reflection of not only how disability is perceived, but of how people deal with difficult experiences in their own lives.

Hearing people will never truly understand the experience of being deaf, and addressing this, Marder has said “everyone who represents deaf culture in this movie is from deaf culture without exception.” Upon viewing, this seems apparent. This movie should be lauded as an achievement for its authentic depiction of deaf culture, and to take it a step further, it elicits an empathetic response that does not rely upon the viewer’s pity for the deaf community, disability, or even the main character.

In this film’s message, one about acceptance, adaptation, and human connection, it becomes much more than the viewer feeling for the main character’s hardships. It becomes a meditation, and in its final build up, after Ruben, flooded with tragic clarity, repeats “it’s okay” to Lou, the viewer desperately craves that final respite, the moment of stillness.

Many may not feel stillness to be a viable solution to the difficulties of their own lives in a world of isolation, but as this film profoundly demonstrates, stillness is a place to deny the constant momentum of their thoughts and lives, and accept the beauty around them through silence.
THE ACTUALLY GOOD GRINCH – The Grinch (2000) Review
By: Rose Westerman
Tags: Film, Movie, Movie Review, Film Review, Christmas

As the majority of us know, the grinch was recreated in 2018 and I absolutely despised it! It was awful. So it came as a relief to me when I could finally watch this version again, as it is a million times better in every single way!

There was no better man for the job than Jim Carrey. If it were any other actor I dare say the film wouldn’t be good, but Carry suits and plays the role phenomenally! His portrayal of The Grinch is tremendous and it is truly iconic. I find myself quoting his lines regularly.

Not to forget Cindy-Lou Who, who was so cute and extremely well played. I think it’s safe to say this role kick started Taylor Mosmen’s career, as she’s landed roles and big television series, like Gossip Girl and The Walking Dead. She’s also in a successful band! The dynamic of her and The Grinch brought the story to life, another reason why this movie is so good.

I could end up talking about this film for days, as it’s one of my favourites, but I won’t go on for too long. Every actor/extra casted, committed to their role which I absolutely love. It honestly shows the team effort. And I can’t compliment the set designers, makeup team and costume department enough, as they were the ones who brought the Who’s and Whoville to reality, especially Cindy-Lou’s little nose.

Another definite recommendation from me! 10/10
“The Hex” Film Review
By: Shain E. Thomas
Tags: South Africa, Coco Lloyd, The Hex, Film Reviews, Reine Swart

If there is one thing Reine Swart’s The Hex proves, noting how people interact with each other, everyone wears a mask. People hide their true selves in plain sight.

The Hex opens with a London setting. Tower Bridge at night is a spectacular sight. Coco Lloyd’s Dilanne, working in a pub, is thousands of miles away from her native South Africa. No one, considering her quintessentially British accent, would know she’s South African. Dilanne, raised in the United Kingdom, had not been home in years.

After witnessing her mother’s murder via a live video chat, Dilanne leaves London and returns to her native South Africa. Whilst staying Aunt Lisa’s residence, trying to come to terms with her mother’s murder, Dilanne begins digging into family history. Dilanne seeks to unravel the mystery of her mother’s murder.

Further to Lloyd, The Hex also stars Mari Molefe van Heerden, Mary-Anne Barlow, Christopher Jaftha, and Hungani Ndlovu.

Image Credit: IMDb.com

Supporting and minor characters are played by Rowan-Raine Pretorius, Stephanie Sandows, Andre Velts, Juanita de Villiers, and Christel van den Bergh.

The way Lisa speaks to her occupational therapist, Anathi, is abominable. Noting such verbal abuse, if there were another position vacant, Anathi should have considered a job elsewhere.

Lisa, constantly berating her occupational therapist, shows Anathi zero respect. Mary-Anne Barlow’s Lisa behaves like a real [fill in the blank]. The brief scene we get of Lisa’s twin sister, also played by Barlow, indicates Dilanne’s mother has a far different attitude towards life and the people around her.

Anathi, even though it is clear she’s not comfortable with the arrangement, is sworn to secrecy regarding certain family metaphorical skeletons. Plagued by persistent weird visions, with intrigue slowly building, Dilanne seeks a witch doctor’s advice.

The film, with a significantly eerie atmosphere, allows emotional tension gradually build. The errieness, noting the musical director’s contribution, can be partially attributed to Alun Richards. The cinematography and film editing, respectively executed by Marius de Nysschen and Regardt Botha, pulls audience members into the film’s narrative.
V for Vendetta
Tags: Film, Sosyoloji, İnceleme, Film Reviews, V For Vendetta

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BANTS: SOLAR OPPOSITES REVIEW
By: Adaora Asika
Tags: Animation, Film Reviews, Movies, Solaropposites, Movie Review

SPOILER!

SPOILER!

THIS REVIEW IS FILTHY WITH SPOILERS PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!

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I just binged solar opposites and it was.....ok. If you liked Rick and Morty solely for its whole philosophical undertones behind a seemly nonsensical show, then you won't like solar opposites.

I want to say right off the bat that I liked this and I am looking forward to season 2.

The basic plot of the show is an alien "family" escaped their home planet before an asteroid destroyed it, carrying with them, their "children" , yummylack and Jesse and a Pupa who they are in charge of nurturing until it grows up and presumably consumes the planet- you know, the usual sturvs😊.

Solar Opposites has more sitcom-esque roots than its predecessor, while the relationship between the characters in Rick and Morty is often abusive, the family unit is at the center of Solar Opposites. The show flips the dynamic from "humans exploring space" to "aliens settling in on earth" .

It still feels remarkably similar to “Rick and Morty,” albeit from the perspective of aliens trying to understand humans rather than humans who keep messing with aliens. Solar Opposites is more slapstick comedy, it doesn't add anything new to the conversation except 'humans are pretty weird and annoying', which is fair enough not every show has to have a deeper layer of meaning to unpack 🤷🏽‍♀️.

The storylines are mostly confined to a single episode, usually ending in a visceral and gory manner, that quickly lose its shock value( for me at least). Solar Opposites is very gory and explicit with the violence, even more so than Rick and Morty (I think 🤔), do not watch if you have a weak stomach.

Those 'children' also facilitate what is easily the best subplot on the show. Yumyulack begins systematically removing people from Earth by shrinking them down to an inch tall and storing them in containers embedded in his room wall. Their range of offenses varies wildly — one may be a bully, the other may have worn the wrong color shirt on a given day 🤷🏽‍♀️ . This evolves into a second world within Solar Opposites. It is reminiscent of a violent wasteland a la Mad Max, driven by an economy of Skittles, Legos and miniature reading material. I hope they continue focusing there or find some other just as Interesting subplots to develop in season two.

Even though I enjoyed it, it's kinda hard to pick a fav becauseno one really stands out....yet. Gun to my head, I'd choose Jesse, she's fun, willing to experiment and a voice of reason.

I'd recommend this to people who like wacky adult animation and are willing to pass through season 1 hoping it can only go up from here.
Netflix’s ‘Canvas:’ A Heartfelt Narrative About Love and Loss
By: Allison Degrushe
Tags: Netflix, Animation, Film Review, Incluvie, Diversity

This review of Netflix’s ‘Canvas’ contains no spoilers. The animated short was released on the streaming platform on December 11, 2020.

The latest addition to the world-renowned streaming service, Netflix, is the animated short Canvas. Written and directed by Frank E. Abney III, Canvas illustrates the story of a grandfather who, after suffering the loss of his beloved, struggles to reclaim his love for painting.

Source: Twitter (NetflixFilm)

The short contains no dialogue; the entire story relies heavily on a viewer’s visual interpretation. The animation includes elements to show how a character feels — dark, gloomy settings, mournful facial expressions, and a dismal musical score.

The original music score, composed by Jermaine Stegall, set the mood of the whole story. The music was emotional, tugging at the heartstrings of the audience. From feelings of dreariness to optimism, the music acted as a guide through a heartfelt tale.

Source: Twitter (NetflixFilm)

The excellence of Canvas lies in the themes of support and encouragement. The story introduces a sentimental turning point that allows the grandfather to regain his passion. Through this moment, it delivers a meaningful message: Although it may seem that tragedy is the end of the world, it’s not. You have a purpose, and it’s okay to move on and return to something that brings you joy.

The animation presents phenomenal representation for marginalized groups in film; the diversity in the short consists of all three characters, who are all people of color. In addition, the family of the grandfather offers two female figures to the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this feel-good, nostalgic story. In films, representation does matter, and this animation proves it.

View the trailer for Canvas here, and check it out on Netflix today!
“Happy Face” Film Review
By: Shain E. Thomas
Tags: Happy Face, Film Reviews, Drama, Thriller, Alexandre Franchi

Happy Face, directed by Alexandre Franchi from a story co-written with Terminal Venus’ Joelle Bourjolly, is a thought-provoking tale that approaches shallowness unlike any previous production. The French Canadian title Happy Face: La tyrannie de la beauté, noting the subject matter, feels a tad more appropriate.

Societal pressures, common in most countries, frequently influence the way persons look and behave, and think. An outward appearance, not always a reflection of an individual’s personality, can be misleading. Real monsters aren’t always readily apparent.

Image Credit: IMDb.com

Stan, played by newcomer Robin L’Houmeau, is a 19-year-old teenager that spends much of his time playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends. The teenager, when not immersing himself in the fantasy tabletop role-playing game, tires picking up girls in local bars.

Desperate to become less shallow, wrapping his face in bandages, Stan attends a hospital support group for disfigured people. Group attendees, after building a friendly relationship with their new-found friend, soon begin questioning Stan’s sincerity. Why is he is their midst?

Debbie Lynch-White, playing support group leader Vanessa, does an exceptional job. Vanessa, noting Lynch-White’s commitment to her character, feels genuine. There is an honesty to the actress’s performance, from the moment she first appears on screen, which many people will find comforting.
Bad Moms – A Christmas Review
By: Rose Westerman
Tags: Film, Movie, Film Review, Mila Kunis, Christmas

The Christmas special of Bad Moms is a comedic adventure, full of mayhem and chaos. The perfect Christmas doesn’t exist… so they say.

We watch Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Bell ‘take back Christmas’ as their mother’s come to visit and almost ruin the season. They twerk on Santa, steal a shoe shops Christmas Tree and cause havoc in a shopping mall. Totally not whilst sober.

Along side Kunis having her mum on her case, she trashes her own home after raging about a party her mother threw, leaving her distraught that she’s ruined Christmas. But we all know a Christmas film can’t end on a bad note, so she fixes it up in time for the morning, making for the perfect chilled out Christmas with a Chinese take away for tea. Jealous!

Love is in the air! Hahn falls for a ‘sexy santa’ that she meets in her salon whilst waxing his balls. How romantic. The pair form an instant connection as he surprises her on Christmas day and communicates to her through the medium of dance. She also gives her son zip lock bags for Christmas so I’ll leave you to determine what kind of character she is yourself.

The hilarious Christmas comedy will put a smile on your face, and you should definitely watch. Do it for Mila Kunis!
Review Film Terbaru
Tags: Film, Film Reviews, Filmmaking

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No Water, No Sunlight, And No Food After Midnight – Gremlins, A review
By: Rose Westerman
Tags: Film, Producer, Movie, Film Review, Movie Review

A classic! Another film where you can enjoy the whole year round, yet I still class it as a festive experience.

I absolutely love Gizmo, he’s so cute in every way possible. I want him for myself, but I know I’d end up breaking all the rules within the first day, so it’s best I stay away. Yeah and they also don’t exist. I do feel sorry for the dog though, he just got replaced by a monkey-like, toddler-like, furby esc being. Don’t even get me started on the ‘Bye Billy’ at the end, it brings tears to my eyes.

I also know I shouldn’t laugh, but I can’t help but giggle when Kate explains how her dad dies. It truly is so tragically hilarious. Yet very unfortunate.

And I’m pretty sure I can vouch for everyone for the absolute hatred of Stripe. He was a bad egg, quite literally.

I can safely say this is one of my favourite Christmas films, and I hope it’s one of yours too.
“Climate of the Hunter” Film Review
By: Shain E. Thomas
Tags: Mickey Reece, Climate Of The Hunter, John Selvidge, Independent Film, Film Reviews

Climate of the Hunter, directed by Mickey Reece from a story co-written by John Selvidge, possesses a fairly simple but entertaining narrative.

The film, respectively starring Ginger Gilmartin and Mary Buss as sisters Alma and Elizabeth, revolves around them vying for the affections of a man who may or may not be a vampire. Wesley, personified by Ben Hall, is not all he seems.

Typically, when referencing Reece’s earlier work, there are often comments pertaining to Strike, Dear Mistress, and Cure His Heart. Strike, Dear Mistress, and Cure His Heart, released in 2018, garnered a positive response at the Fantasia International Film Festival.

Image Credit: IMDb.com

Reece, with directorial credits including Time Machine, Suedehead, and Arrows of Outrageous Fortune, is developing an eclectic reputation. Currently, in pre- and post-production, Reece is working on Country Gold and Agnes.

Climate of the Hunter, possessing a Hitchcockian tone, feels a tad melodramatic. There is a slight easy-going atmosphere, only simmering at the beginning, that unsurprisingly comes to a boil later in the production. It is not until much later, noting the sisters’ response to their gentleman friend, Reece’s film takes on a nightmarish feel.

Reece’s latest release, possessing a more niche appeal than other offerings, is likely not everyone’s cup of tea. It doesn’t cater to the taste of a flock-like audience. Sheeple seem to only know what they like because of what their friends like. People, ones not greatly impacted by their friends’ taste, will be greatly surprised by this film.

Climate of the Hunter, further to Gilmartin, Buss, and Hall, stars Jacob Ryan Snovel, Laurie Cummings, Sheridan McMichael, and Danielle Evon Ploeger.
Taipei Story
By: Arijit Paul
Tags: Film Reviews, Taiwanese, Cinema, Articles

Edward Yang’s ode to a city lost in dreams.

The longstanding Japanese occupation followed by Mainland China’s tug has Taiwan in the centre of a geopolitical and social identity crisis. This sense of crisis pervades the majority of Edward Yang’s short but illustrious career. Taipei has been the epicentre of cultural dissociation, marked by its transition from a conservative to a progressive urban hub in the early 80s. Yang’s sophomore feature is an endeavour to capture the differences between the waning past, rooted in tradition and the speeding changes, necessitated by rapid modernisation.

The two characters- Chin (Tsai Chin) and Lung (Hou Hsiao-hsien) are situated on the far ends of a spectrum. Lung, basking in the glory of his yesteryear as a baseball player, seeks every opportunity to cling back to his homeland. Chin, however, is an ambitious woman looking to settle in the US by steadily climbing the corporate ladder. These alternate principles reflect and in turn, represent the vastly differing identities of Taiwanese microcosm.

Yang constructs every scene with a keen sense of physical existence. His characters dwell in the silences and inhabit the spaces, providing us to contemplate and feel, instead of responding to the acts. Cinematographer Yang Wei-han composes a Taipei with an altering palette of warm and cold colours. The outdoors spiked with high-rises drenched in deep blue contrasts with the interiors soaked in warm colours. Along with the spaces- blank doorways, empty corridors, stairways and hollow elevators; the colour saturation provides a visual counter-cue to the characters’ emotions.

“Taipei Story” in essence is also deeply reminiscent of an Ozu film (not just by its English title) in terms of its stance. Being an astute observer of the unfolding events in the Metropolis, Yang keeps a steady hold of the chord. Although the film is an unyielding critique of the urban middle class, Yang refrains from exercising the moral compass in tandem with the characters.

Just as I was approaching a new lane of cinema, re-inventing it with every passing film of Tarkovsky, enters Edward Yang in all sublimity. While Tarkovsky was like a guardian, who took me by the arm, guiding through the path, Yang feels more like a buddy. One who puts a hand on your shoulder and smiles reassuringly. There is an increasing feeling of resonant connection with Yang, whom I’ll never meet, but who gets inside my head and leaves behind bits and pieces of experiences with every film. It is almost like he leaves a mark at every checkpoint for me while I tread through this uncharted territory.
6 Movie Recommendations
By: Kartikaya Srivastava
Tags: Recommendations, Film, Quarentine, Film Reviews, Movies

The Thing (1982)

“Whether we make it or not, we can’t let that Thing freeze again. Maybe we’ll just warm things up a little around here. We’re not gettin' outta here alive.” This last line from John Carpenter’s body horrer masterpiece can very well be put in the context of Covid-19. A group of scientists on a remote base in Antarctica encounter a “thing” that can mutate into the body of its host, what follows is one of the smartest and most suspenseful horrer movies of all time. Full of grotesque, inhumane and practical effects of the highest quality, this film despite being 40 years old will never get old. Accompanied with Erico Moriccone’s haunting score, the suspense of who is who or in this case 'what’, will leave you terrified of the unknown.

Teaser for the film : Ever seen a ribcage amputate a man's arm ?!
2 Movie stories 11/28/20 and finally, one not dealing with Justice League, Snyder Cut | Gutting the Sacred Cow
By: Kevin Gootee
Tags: Podcast, Film Reviews, Movies, Movie Podcast, Movie Review

Movie News

Kevin Israel’s selection:

So it was revealed over the holiday that there is ANOTHER Predator sequel coming. This one is helmed by 10 Cloverfield Lane’s Dan Trachtenberg. The news of the fifth installment in the franchise was “Accidentally” leaked this week and it lit the internet up! Look, the original Predator is one of my favorite movies. It’s perfect. It builds tension throughout the whole movie. The cast brings the perfect amount of grit and levity. There are no slow points. Unfortunately, none of the predecessors have captured the magic of the original. Maybe because the unknown of the predator alien is what made the first movie so exciting. Regardless, I’ll always be rooting for this franchise, but they have yet to impress me. Here’s to hoping.

Kevin Gootee’s selection:

Last year when I went to Disneyworld, I did the lightsaber building workshop. I think I paid $300 to construct it and let me tell you, worth every penny. Now I see this article saying all of this Star Wars memorabilia is on sale? Listen folks, you need to get tickets to our live show, buy our merch, and get us a ton of advertisers so Israel and I can buy all of these goodies and quit our corporate America jobs:
All Aboard The Polar Express – A Review
By: Rose Westerman
Tags: Movie, Producer, Film, Film Review, Movie Review

A modern classic, the Polar Express is by far the oddest Christmas film we’ve had this century. What makes it bizarre is not it’s story line, but it’s awful and creepy animations. It still scares me.

This movie is so creative in many ways! The plot was so thought out with tonnes of unsuspected twists, like the ghost for example. Also the little musical number at the beginning of the train journey (I think that song will be stuck in my head for the rest of my life).

If there’s one thing I don’t like about the film, is the god-awful ‘Know It All’. I always wanted him to get pushed off the train, but no one ever falls off. Contradictory to this, I absolutely love the conductor. He was so sweet and pure in the way he loved stamping tickets. Personally I believe he carried the film on his back!

There was a theory that the hero boy was the ghost and the conductor as well, which at first thought I can somewhat make sense of it, but in all honesty I haven’t looked into it and I don’t plan on doing so. I believe it’ll ruin the spirit of the movie, I’d rather go on unknowing.

The Polar Express will never stop loving on, a truly timeless film.
Journey’s End — A War movie that inspires you from different perspective
Tags: Film, Journeys End, Film Reviews, Movies, Movie Review

War Brings tragedy and destruction to people. How the psychological status of soldiers are being ignored?

At the end of 2019, there was a movie about World War I on how British Soldiers defend Britain has sparked the discussion of the public. The movie is called 1917.

After watching 1917, I started feeling interested in history during that period. Therefore, when I found this movie on Netflix, it has aroused my interest.

In 1918, after the war has sparked off for four years. A young Second Lieutenant Raleigh newly arrived at the front and ask to join C company in the trenches. The reason that Raleigh would choose to join C company because the commander Captain Stanhope is a long-time friend from school and to his family.

Instead of having a warm welcome of what Raleigh expected, Captain Stanhope becomes an aggressive and self-alcoholic person. He doesn’t treat Raleigh nicely and even doesn’t want to meet Raleigh. The one that treats Raleigh nicely is Lieutenant Osborne also nickname as “Uncle”. Even when Captain Stanhope is in the bad moon and has a bad temper on him, Lieutenant Osborne will show his understanding of Captain Stanhope. It is because Lieutenant Osborne knows how much stress that Captain Stanhope had throughout these years. He also knows the reason that Captain Stanhope doesn’t want to see Raleigh.

On the night before the day that they finally have to go on the battlefield. Captain Stanhope finally sit down with Raleigh and reveals his inner thought to him. Even though they had prepared four years for this day, hoping this day can come as soon as possible so that they do not have to bear the stress for so long.

When that day comes, though they are still nervous and worried about the day. All of them are still well-prepared to sacrifice for the country including the cook. They know it is a proud responsibility to serve the country and all the things will end soon.

Most of the war films that I have watched are either focused on how the wars bring tragedy to the people or the actions sequences in the movie. In this movie, it does not have a lot of action scene or CGI.

Instead, it focused a lot on what the audience has always ignored, the pressure and the psychological status of soldiers. Even though they are the chosen ones to serve the country or prepared to sacrifice for the country. They are still human, and they would feel scared and worried about the war.

Though I haven’t watched many movies that starred Sam Claflin. In this movie, his performance has changed my impression of him from his previous performances. He plays this aggressive but at the same time have a huge inner thought and pressure buried inside him, I would say this is one of his performance. In addition to that, though Paul Bettany and Toby Jones don’t have many appearances in the movie. Both of them have provided a memorable performance for the audience.
“Army of One” Film Review
By: Shain E. Thomas
Tags: Action, Ellen Hollman, Army Of One, Revenge, Film Reviews

Ellen Hollman shines as the titular 75th Ranger Division 1st Lieutenant Brenner Baker. Army of One, directed by Stephen Durham from a story co-written with Hollman, Mary Ann Barnes, and David Dittlinger, revolves around Hollman’s military trained character.

Deep in the Alabama’s backwoods, camping with husband Dillion, Brenner stumbles upon an illegal drug and gun storage compound. Before they can flee, after being painfully interrogated, Dillion is killed.

There is a plausibility to the cartel goons, not too bright, which points to them being overly confident. We can see this in the way they, without giving it a second thought, leaving Brenner for dead. It doesn’t occur to them Brenner might not actually be dead. One should seriously NEVER underestimate a 75th Ranger Division trained soldier.

Image Credit: IMDb.com

Brenner, seeking revenge on the goons that killed her husband, goes on a killing mission carving up everyone in her path until there’s only one person left standing.

Hollman, further to being part of the writing team and producing Army of One, plays the titular character. Her physical performance, throughout the film, reads like the actress took the time to do the necessary research before committing to any tangible character choices.

Further to Hollman, with strong performances turned in by Matt Passmore, Stephen Dunlevy, Gary Kasper, Barry Hanley, Casey Hendershot, Duke Jackson, and Michael Konanec, there is much that can be said for the way each person approaches their respective characterisations.
The Trial of the Chicago 7: why we need this film now more than anything
By: Yasmine Chan
Tags: Film, Netflix, Democracy, Film Reviews, Systemic Oppression

Niko Tavernise/NETFLIX (2020)

Based on the Democratic National Convention protests in 1968, The Trial of the Chicago 7 covers the legal repercussions following a peaceful protest that turned into violent clashes against the then-president Lyndon B. Johnson’s policies on the Vietnam War. This historical courtroom drama examines the glaring faults in the legal system with a magnifying glass, and it is something you have to watch.

Now, director and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin is no stranger to courtroom drama. One of his previous screenplays The Social Network centres around multiple lawsuits on Facebook’s legitimacy and ownership. Sorkin’s signature rapid-fire dialogues are present in The Trial of the Chicago 7 as well. They are in fact prominent that it is sometimes hard to follow. Sorkin needs someone who can neutralise his energy in their directing, but with Sorkin being the director, things get overwhelming with all the quick cuts. The style of this film makes it a painful film to watch. But it is a painful film I am recommending because of how close the story hits home.

During the trial, Judge Julius Hoffman (played by the brilliant Frank Langella) shows bias towards the prosecution. He dismisses one of the defendants, Bobby Seale’s right to be represented by an attorney. He orders Seale to be beaten and gagged when Seale tries to stand up for his constitutional right. He charges the defendants and their attorneys with counts of contempt of court when they object to Judge Hoffman’s prejudicial decisions. Judge Hoffman is supposed to be the comic relief of the film, you want to laugh at how unreasonable he is, but you cannot, especially when you take into consideration how there are SO MANY people like him in power all around the world.

“We’re not going to jail because of what we did. We’re going to jail because of who we are!” — Abbie Hoffman

We are in an age of revolution. Hong Kong, Thailand, Belarus, Vietnam, and many more places have people protesting against injustice. When even a peaceful demonstration is faced with repression, an act that should have been protected by the right to freedom of expression, protestors feel like they have no choice but to make their voices heard via other means. As a result, similar to what the Chicago 7 faced, activists around the world are being trialed (and jailed) for speaking up and fighting for changes to be made. The glaring globality of systemic oppression is sadly why The Trial of the Chicago 7 succeeds in wrecking my heart.

Judge Hoffman is not just a person — he is the manifestation of the unfair systems. Judge Hoffman is everywhere, and The Trial of the Chicago 7 serves as a reminder of that. Or rather, it empowers us to continue our fight. It took a long time for the real-life Chicago 7 to receive justice, so let us hope dawn will come after the dark times.
Jessica Chastain is an Awesome Assassin in “Ava” on Netflix
By: Jeff Ehren
Tags: Netflix, Film, Action Movies, Jessica Chastain, Film Reviews

Jessica Chastain is an Awesome Assassin in “Ava” on Netflix

Jessica Chastain as Ava on Netflix

Jessica Chastain plays Ava, an addict who left for the Army and came out an assassin. The premise has been done before, but Chastain, John Malkovich and Colin Farrell are a delight to watch. The rest of the cast include performances as smooth as the liquor Ava tries not to drink.

“Ava” is a holiday movie for everyone that includes family, love, missed opportunities and new beginnings. Especially in a year such as 2020, viewers can use some therapeutic escapism that speaks to the heart.

Unlike many films that shrink or expand timelines and careers, Ava’s path of eight years seems perfect. In real life, we are bombarded with information to convince us that we can transform our minds and bodies in a year, or even less. Eight years would easily explain time in the Army, training and recruitment for her new job, and then time within that job establishing her body count.

Viewers can also think of eight years as high school and college years. Or we can think politically and how two terms for a United States President can change the culture of the country. “Ava” conveys that we can change, for better or worse, in a relatively short amount of time.

Spoilers for the ending: it represents the change from the archaic patriarchy to women leading their own lives. Ava outlives and leaves the men who either kept her down or controlled her in some way. Her father is dead, her proxy father is killed, she kills the murderer, and she leaves her ex-boyfriend behind. She ventures out on her own, free of the patriarchy.
Bad Santa – A Review
By: Rose Westerman
Tags: Film, Independent Filmmaker, Movie, Film Review, Movie Review

Bad Santa is definitely the one for you if you enjoy twisted humour and drunks who have kids sit on their laps for a living. The untraditional festive film is not one for the young’ns, it’s for the ones who can appreciate how wrong the first sentence is.

I didn’t enjoy this film as much as I would’ve liked to. Maybe it was too bigged up, or maybe I just envisioned it to be like ‘Dirty Grampa’ (they have the same ring to them). Never the less, that doesn’t mean to say you won’t find it hilarious!

I did however love the little fat kid, I undeniably had a soft spot for him. He was so cute and completely unaware of everything, it made me so happy when he got his pink elephant. It also made me so happy when Mrs Clause’s sister went to look after him, I knew she’d treat him like the king he is.

All in all, you should totally give this one a go if you’re a fan of comedy, especially the kind with dwarfs!
JUDGE LETS SANTA CLAUS GO! – A Miracle On 34th Street, A Review (1994)
By: Rose Westerman
Tags: Film, Movie, Movie Review, Film Review, Christmas

Right off the bat, I could tell this was going to be a heart warming film! That first moment we saw Santa Claus was so sweet and treasurable, a truly kind soul. After all, first impressions do count (well I mean it is Santa).

This creative, unimaginable, mellow movie, has something so special about it, but I just can’t put my finger on what. Maybe it’s the innocence of Father Christmas, the middle aged woman trapped in a child’s body, or the classic love story roped through it all.

At one point of the film (NO SPOILERS, but the bit where it gets heated ;) ) I did start to cry. I’m not surprised at myself because the majority of films make me cry, but I was just so sad for Mr Kringle, I wanted to go give him a big hug. The acting there was absolutely tremendous!

The ending definitely showed the Christmas spirit, I loved how despite all the bickering, it was still a Merry Christmas all around! Not to mention the ‘I believe’ badges, which I thought was such a cheeky touch.

Another one I most definitely recommend, but if you wanted to go more old school, you could watch the 1947 version as well! 10/10!
Как пройти собеседование и выжить
By: Alenka Shekhovtsova
Tags: HR, Recruiting, Job Interview, Job Search

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The Self-Made Engineer: Ruby Granillo
By: Anduril Industries
Tags: Artificial Intelligence, Recruiting, Hiring, Drones, Defense

Meet the software & hardware engineers, flight operators, customer specialists and product managers who are building the future of defense at Anduril.

Flight test engineer Ruby Granillo at Anduril’s Capistrano Test Site

“I find myself at the test site flying drones and often think to myself, ‘Is this really my job?’” says Ruby Granillo, an Anduril flight test engineer focused on the Ghost sUAS. She is responsible for executing flight operations and tests the Ghost sUAS hardware and software which is constantly under development.

“There are days where everything works smoothly and it really doesn’t feel like a job. My favorite part of working at Anduril is flying drones at the test site,” she says.

Originally from Mexico, Ruby immigrated to the U.S. ten years ago as a high school student, mostly living on her own and supporting herself with part-time jobs. She worked her way through college too, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree.

After graduating from California State University, Long Beach, with a degree in aerospace engineering, Ruby took a systems engineering position at start-up Vector Launch, where she worked on launch vehicles and the processes behind them. When that company folded and she was searching for a new job, a LinkedIn ad for Anduril popped up and caught her attention.

It was important to Ruby to be part of a corporate culture that empowers employees to make a tangible impact on company operations.

“I wanted an opportunity to have a say and a large impact at a company. I went to the onsite interview to find out more about Anduril and how the company operated. I found that employees were friendly, transparent, and open to ideas — it seemed like the perfect environment to thrive and grow my career,” she says.

Reflecting on her accomplishments at Anduril so far, Ruby says the work is very rewarding. On a recent visit to a military base to fly drones for customers, she took a moment for herself; “I was sitting there looking at all the things going around me. It just felt really good to say, you know, ‘I made it! I got to this point in life!’”

Beyond her involvement with drone testing, she’s often with “Women of Anduril,” an all-female group of Anduril employees who chat throughout the day, hangout, and have lunch — even over Zoom.

Being connected to a network of female engineers is not new for Ruby, who is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), leading outreach to underserved youth. “I find that it’s very important to try and convince young girls that engineering is an awesome field and has lots of exciting opportunities — I think it’s necessary to mentor younger kids.”

Ready for a career at Anduril? Check out our openings: https://www.anduril.com/careers
भाभा परमाणु शोध केंद्र में 105 पदों पर होगी नियुक्ति, 15 जनवरी तक ऑनलाइन आवेदन कर सकते हैं कैंडिडेट्स
By: Kuku News
Tags: Latest Jobs, Recruiting

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Interest in UK Jobs from non-EU Candidates
By: Richard Wheeler
Tags: Recruiting, Uk Jobs, Eu Citizens, Recruitment, Uk Job Market

During the past year, interest in UK jobs from candidates based outside the EU has increased by 20%, according to a new survey by Indeed.

For the first time in seven years, UK based jobs advertised on Indeed.com are attracting a greater number of clicks from outside the EU than from EU countries.

Interest from the EU has seen only a slight increase of 1.3% since 2019. Overall, there has been a steady decline in EU interest since the 2016 Brexit referendum as EU citizens will face visa restrictions for the first time with the end of freedom of movement on December 31st.

Jack Kennedy, UK Economist at Indeed said: “As the free movement to the UK for EU citizens ends, interest is increasingly coming from further afield.”

High-paying jobs, in sectors such as tech, engineering and finance, are the most attractive to foreign workers.

The rise in interest from non-EU countries has partly been driven by the UK government’s offer of a path to citizenship to about three million people from Hong Kong. The offer follows Beijing’s imposition of a National Security Law in Hong Kong and applies to people holding British National (Overseas) passports.

In a separate survey by Indeed, which involved more than 14,000 employees and 3,500 employers across 14 countries, job security emerged as the top priority for workers at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc with most economies.

The survey measured the experiences and attitudes of people across areas such as job security, motivation, teamwork, pandemic support and work/life balance. The survey found that for 71 per cent of workers across the globe regarded a secure, stable form of employment as one of their top priorities for 2021, with 56 per cent ready to sacrifice perks to achieve it.

Contact us to find out more about our IT recruitment solutions.
5 errores comunes en una entrevista de trabajo
Tags: Selección, Entrevistas, Recruiting

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What to ask in a job interview as a candidate
By: Mika Kauppila
Tags: Job Hunting, Job Search, Recruiting, Job Interview, Recruitment

Credit: Olga Filonenko

”Now, do YOU have any questions?”

If you hear this question at the end of your job interview, something is already wrong. You should also be asking questions during the interview. The situation should be a mutual negotiation, not a unidirectional interrogation.

It’s not just the hiring company who is taking a risk, especially if you changing jobs. Whereas the they should ask most of the questions, you should have yours too.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive guide, but rather give some ideas.

Opening

The situation is about you. Take an active role right in the beginning. Don’t just wait there to be shot at. If appropriate, make yourself equal with the others in the room.

”Should we have a roundtable? Maybe I can introduce myself first.”

Expectations

“Six months from now, what would make you thing you hired the right person?”

“If you hire me, where would you see me in 5 years?” After they ask you the same question.

Culture

“Give me an example of your company culture.” Define culture if needed.

“What kind of a person would be a perfect cultural fit?”

Leadership

“What would your boss say about you?”

“Are you comfortable giving and taking feedback, positive and negative? Do you have an example?”

“Do people feel free to disagree with their managers?”

“How do you keep your employees motivated?”

“On what basis could I say no to an individual task?”

Employee satisfaction

“Can I contact someone who has left the company?”

“Why people usually leave?”

“How long careers people have on average (or median rather)”?

“Can we take a brief visit at the office/factory/lab?”

“How do you develop your personnel? Do you make sure they stay as the top talents of the industry?”

Closing

“For my personal development, who can I ask for feedback after the interview?”

“What is your feeling right now?”

“When can I expect to hear from you? Or when should I contact?”

What have you asked? What you wish you had asked? Feel free to share your ideas.
Job Readiness — How do you know you are ready for a job?
By: Clerin Clery
Tags: Job Hunting, Job Search, Recruiting, Job Interview, Jobs

We all are aspiring for a job after our professional or technical studies. We apply for various jobs through job portals, agencies, direct recruitment, etc. But are you ready for a job? What makes you different from every other candidate?

Job Readiness is the awareness of your strengths, your weaknesses and the room for growth. It involves many factors but it does not confine itself with building a nice resume and performing well in a job interview. It includes your desire for work, having necessary skills, setting goals, good attire, your knowledge about the job and the company, etc.

Here are some important factors you need to know to be ready for a job:
Strategic Relationship
By: Mitta Xinindlu, Www.Mittaxinindlu.Com
Tags: Strategic Planning, Business Models, Recruiting, Strategic Relationships, Business Strategy

There are five main players in a strategic relationship — the one I call ‘a successful relationship’; Top Talent Recruiter, Top Talent, Competition, Stockholders, and Customers.

Attracting and retaining the best partner in a relationship is as tough as it is in business, with statistics indicating a yearly high rate of, relationship failure, divorce, and break-ups.

Christina l Unsplash

The number of young and old people who continuously change partners due to the failure of their relationships is shocking. Young people seem to enter into relationships because they hope that things will turn out differently if they keep changing partners. However, it is impossible to get it right if one doesn’t know the good qualities of a successful relationship.

The number of one’s partners will never be big enough for one to understand the ins and outs of a successful relationship. Furthermore, a heart once filled with love will never be perfectly replaced, and new partners will not replace those who are leaving. Despite all the heartaches, tears and misunderstandings, you can attract and retain top talent. We all know the rule which clearly states that we should have one opening at a time for any one potential partner. Similarly, in business, we have never had one job position and hired two or more people to fill it. Why then when you get a lot of ‘applications’ you choose not to use your business acumen? Why do you end up dating two or more partners? Remember, there’s always one position only at any given relationship chance. That’s rule number one. However, some will argue that in an African culture a man is allowed to have more partners or wives. Similarly, a businessman may argue and say that a business can hire two or more employees to do the same job.

Both arguments are acceptable but not strategic. Hence many relationships –both business and personal- fail dismally.

There are seven negative factors that contribute to the failure of relationships; namely, cost, time constraints, satisfaction abuse, stress, resource constraints, conflicts and unmet expectations.

As a top talent recruiter, despite the rule, it doesn’t stop you to have more applications than what you need. However, at the end of the day, you have to make the final decision which is to accept one application only.
The Recruiter’s Love Story
By: Jim Esposito
Tags: Relationships, Job Hunting, Recruiting, Love, Recruitment

Photo by Alex Martinez on Unsplash

Every love story has its ups and downs but this one made me really taste the bitter end.

She was beautiful — curly bright hair, light green eyes, sweetly curvy shapes, a discerning intellect. And I still can’t believe she actually promised she would always be there for me.

I mean, she knew I was struggling, she knew I needed a job, she knew how my career was important for me, and she said she could understand.

She would call me every day — asking how I was holding up, what I had done the previous night, and how I was doing with other interview steps. She would text me, email me, meet me every time I did and didn’t need her. And I did believe it was all real.

She assured me I would get a job, that she would do anything in her power to help me out and guide me through.

Then, one day, she just disappeared — no more texts, no more calls, no more meeting up. Was she interested in somebody else? I’ll never know.

I tried, no regrets. I did my best to be patient and wait, to follow up nicely, to chase her till the very last moment. It was only a waste of hope.

I failed at getting a job. And she failed me.

The last time we met — just to quickly catch up and finalise some details — I gave her a last heartbroken goodbye. She didn’t even flinch; she didn’t move a finger until I was about to storm out of that room.

“Wait, please!”, she yelled; then she stood up, came closer and took my hand.

“What now, Samantha?”, I said visibly bothered.

She looked me straight in the eyes with that look she knew I was so drawn by. I could smell her intense perfume and my head almost felt light for how penetrating and luscious it was — and she was.

“Please, don’t leave me, not like this, not empty-handed…I…I don’t want to lose you.”

“Can I retain your details for future opportunities?”