Are the turns of a simple life crucially important to tell? The Cider House Rules answers in the affirmative, yet we are left scratching our heads as to what is meant by the display, other than the eponymous “heart-felt”. In other words, this is female cat-nip in the same vein as Steel Magnolias.   The main critique with “heart-felt” drama is that it ends where it begins;....

Everyone has problems. Coping is a symptom of the human condition then. And how one copes is as unique as the individual.   In the case of the Shrink that occupies the title of the film, that coping is copious amounts of marijuana. It is a near constant stream of inhaling marijuana cigarettes, in between therapy sessions, talk show sessions, and marijuana purchasing sessions. Early on....

Dystopias where the world is not covered in darkness are refreshing to experience. Particularly when as part of the machination of the dystopic there is a strong stratification of society. In fact, as strong as can be: the lower castes are forced to sacrifice their children in a pagan tribute to the state.   It’s quite revealing that the power of the state is what is worshipped....