Backstage Pass

Mufasa: The Lion King” is a prequel to the ‘The Lion King’ movie series, focusing on Mufasa’s early years as a lion cub. Director Barry Jenkins addresses two key questions: How did the young Mufasa become king, and why did his brother Scar turn against him? Upon viewing the film,…

The immensely popular romantic drama television series “Virgin River” streaming on Netflix is currently airing its sixth season, which launched in December 2019. Diving into the source material, I found that Robyn Carr, a New York Times Bestselling author, created the series of romance novels that inspired the show. She…

Dylan, a 19-year-old singer and songwriter, leaves his home in Minnesota and arrives in New York in 1961, destined to change the course of American music. Moving into Greenwich Village, he begins forming personal relationships while focusing on his career as a singer. Timothée Chalamet stars and performs as Bob…

The town of Emmanuel is known for its annual Christmas pageant, which is about to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The long-time organizer and director, the unyielding Mrs. Armstrong (Mariam Bernstein), fell, breaking both of her legs and is out of commission. No one stepped up to lead the pageant, leaving…

Families can rest assured that younger children will enjoy “Moana 2” in the theater just as much as their older siblings and friends. The film boasts catchy songs, a powerful female lead character, and breathtaking special effects. Eight years have passed since that spirited Polynesian girl captivated Disney fans, and…

“The Wizard of Oz” (1939) holds a special place in my heart. It’s been my favorite movie since I was 10 years old, and I’ve had the pleasure of viewing it over 25 times, many of those in a movie theater where I’ve introduced the film and led discussions. I’ve…

  The historical story begins sixteen years after the Academy Award-winning movie “Gladiator” concluded, as Ridley Scott returns as director, with an opening setting of northern Africa where Lucius, a refugee, warrior, and farmer, is captured and enslaved by General Marcus Acacius played by Pedro Pascal from Rome. Lucius, who…

Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield tug at your heartstrings, rendering extraordinary performances in their shared love, loss, and pliability. Together, they raise the question of how do you want to be remembered after you are gone? Pugh is a famous chef named Almut, a character whose profession symbolizes her passion…

The popular TV series “The Diplomat” begins Season 2. It features 8 Episodes, starring (Keri Russell) as Kate Wyler, the US Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Season 2 opened on October 31 on Netflix. Beginning after a deadly explosion in London, Kate Wyler looks for the truth, finding her main…

  Japan’s 17th-century historical drama “Shōgun” is by far a Hollywood masterpiece. The meticulous details in the set design, wardrobe, and character development take you back to a time of protocol, duty, love, and power when one lapse in judgment can mean death. The binge-worthy, ten-episode series starring Hiroyuki Sanada…