There is no shortage of stories about fathers and their kids, specifically sons. But in Justin Chon’s (“Gook,” “Ms. Purple”) film, “Jamojaya,” the relationship becomes bogged down with the added aspect of career and ambition. There’s the duty that a father feels toward his son and a son’s desire to take care of himself and fly away from his father. But amidst all that, the relationship that drives the story can become a bit muddled in the imagery and silences in the film at times. 

READ MORE: 25 Most Anticipated Movies At The 2023 Sundance Film Festival

The movie focuses on James (Brian Imanuel), a rapper from Indonesia with growing popularity in the States.

Continue reading ‘Jamojaya’ Review: Justin Chon’s Showcases A Complex Father/Son Relationship In Drama With Momentum Issues [Sundance] at The Playlist.

“Scrapper” starts in a dreary English flat with a child all alone but not incapable. That seems to be the M.O. for Georgie (Lola Campbell), who is quiet initially through the opening scene. But that, of course, changes as we get to know her better throughout the movie. Directed by Charlotte Regan (“Standby”), “Scrapper” dives into the carefully constructed composure of a child who just lost her mother and has to deal with that new reality.

Continue reading ‘Scrapper’ Review: Harris Dickinson Stars In An Endearing Story Of A Grieving Daughter & Long-Lost Father [Sundance] at The Playlist.

Few writers have as much of a hold on adults’ childhood selves as Judy Blume. Even if you’ve never read her books, her impact, especially with her most influential novels decades ago, is felt in how YA fiction is laid out today. She set the standard on how to write books for kids that weren’t condescending. In her iconic novels, the author doesn’t talk down to kids but instead, goes into their very thoughts and life troubles.

Continue reading ‘Judy Blume Forever’ Review: Documentary Joyfully Celebrates Esteemed Author’s Life & Impact [Sundance] at The Playlist.

Spanning three time periods and two continents, “Past Lives,” the directorial debut of Celine Song (“Endlings”), tells the story of two childhood friends and sweethearts pulled apart by time, circumstance, and fate. They come back together and end in a way that might subvert the romantic fantasies of the audience — but this only shows the important roles people play in our lives, even if it’s not what we expected. 

READ MORE: 25 Most Anticipated Films At The Sundance Film Festival

Disembodied voices start us off in “Past Lives,” making guesses at who Nora (Greta Lee), Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), and Arthur (John Magaro) are to each other as they sit at an NYC bar.

Continue reading ‘Past Lives’ Review: Celine Song Delivers a Bittersweet and Stunning Romance in Directorial Debut [Sundance] at The Playlist.

While introducing “Radical,” director Christopher Zalla (“Sangre de Mi Sangre”/”Blood of My Blood”) said it was a labor of love. In addition to that, he said it’s a “movie about what happens when kids are empowered.” And while the film definitely explores this in a well-crafted display of filmmaking, it also leaves a bit of a dark shadow in the minds of those allergic to the notion that your mind is all you need to succeed.

Continue reading ‘Radical’ Review: Eugenio Derbez Stars In Heartfelt But Flawed Teaching Drama [Sundance] at The Playlist.