The Cinema Scribe

No one likes to go through life without access to one’s personal power. Doing so leaves us vulnerable to being taken for granted and under the thumb of others. So how do we escape such situations? Find out more in a review of the hilarious new campy horror romp, "Renfield," on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe!

It goes without saying that we all want to be understood. But, if our outlooks vary somewhat from those of others, we may find ourselves alone, separated and subjected to ridicule or castigation that we don’t feel we deserve. So how do we overcome all that? Find out more in a review of the new intergenerational comedy/drama, "Juniper," on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

Many of us have trouble seeing into the future. That lack inherently leaves us wondering what’s next and how to plan for it. As a result, we often tend to go from moment to moment, unaware of what awaits us around the corner. But not everyone operates that way; some of us have the foresight to imagine our world far down the road. Find out more in a review of the engaging new documentary, "A Life's Work," on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

Lofty notions are often seen as impractical and unrealistic. And, indeed, they’re frequently looked upon as impossible to implement given their staggering requirements and essential commitment. But that’s not to say that they can’t be accomplished with the right amount of determination and a strong faith in the possibility of their fulfillment. Find out more in a review of the beautiful new urban wildlife documentary, "All That Breathes," on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

Getting back on one’s feet after a hard fall can be unbearably difficult. In addition to the strength and stamina required to stand back up, there are those poised to keep the downtrodden on the ground, their boots firmly and mercilessly planted on those making the valiant effort to lift themselves up. But recovery and redemption are possible. Find out more in a review of the heartbreaking and heartwarming drama, "To Leslie," on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

When the odds are stacked against us, it may be easy to turn our backs to the challenges confronting us. Such scenarios could readily be viewed as simply too daunting, not worth the expenditure of time, energy and commitment needed to overcome them. However, in considering the potential rewards available, it’s possible to have a change of heart. Find out more in a review of the uplifting new fact-based drama, "The Swimmers," on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

They say that, when one door closes, another one opens. That may be hard to envision, and even more difficult to see, at the time that predecessor portal slams shut. The trick, of course, is leaving ourselves open to the possibility and making the effort to recognize it when it occurs. Find out more in a review of the uplifting new documentary, "Wildcat," on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

Willingly taking ourselves out of our comfort zones is something that may make many of us squirm in discomfort. As creatures of habit, we like our lives filled with familiarity and predictability. So, when we find ourselves faced with having to make adjustments in response to our conditions, we might rail against those circumstances, especially if we feel the pressure of time constraints. Find out more in a review of the endearing new drama, "Living," on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

Compassion is something we could all use more of these days. That's especially true for those who are trying to resolve difficult personal challenges. But how do we offer support, particularly when we see others engaging in what we believe to be self-destructive behavior? Find out more in a review of the gripping new drama, "The Whale," on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

When we feel like we’ve lost something, we often wonder if we’ll ever get it back. Those who innately see the glass as half full generally have the requisite optimism needed to reclaim it. But those whose worldview is less enthusiastic frequently treat their loss as permanent and irretrievable. But need things be that way? Find out more in a review of the quirky but insightful new Filipino comedy, "Leonor Will Never Die," on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.