Avengers: Infinity War (2018) Directed by: Anthony & Joe Russo

SPOILERS!!!!!!!!  DO NOT READ UNTIL AFTER YOU'VE SEEN THE FILM!!!!!!

     So seriously, I've warned you twice. Don't read this until you've seen the film! I am about 12 hours removed from the opening sequence, and my mouth is still agape. While no movie has ever fully followed it's comic book predecessor, Marvel has really outdone themselves here. 11 films have culminated in this piece of comic-movie mastery. DC may as well hang up their boots.

     I thought I had an idea of what to expect from this movie, but it was honestly so much more. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo decided to pull the heartstrings early and often, but it really made for some unforgettable movie moments. Not sure my mouth was ever fully closed after the first five minutes of the movie. It was truly, almost, everything I could have wanted!

     In the original "Infinity Gauntlet" comic book, Thanos, the Mad Titan, is in love with the lady Death and sets out to destroy half of all living things to appease her and win her love. In the film, Thanos (Josh Brolin) is more like the Rose Christians, wanting to reduce the population of all races by half for the good of the galaxy. He proclaims that my destroying half of the population of Gamora's (Zoe Saldana) race, her home planet went from the brink of starvation to being a prosperous people again. So while the main reason behind Thanos' rein of terror has changed, it's still a pretty cool story line for the film.

     I ensure that every viewer will lose at least one of their favorite Marvel heroes/villains within the span of this film. I personally lost a few. The opening sequence shows a decimated Asgardian ship. Most all of the passengers are dead. Pan to a dying Heimdall (Idris Elba), and the entrance of the God of Mischief, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). The followers of Thanos have killed virtually eliminated the Asgardian race in one swoop. However, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) will not be so easily defeated. In a last ditch rally, Thor and his favorite green troll, The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), attempt to thwart Thanos and company, but to no avail. By the end of the scene, both Loki and Heimdall are dead and the Hulk has been bifrosted back to earth and through the roof of 177A Bleeker Street in New York.

     Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is sent by Banner to call upon Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) to make preparations for the coming onslaught that is Thanos. And that onslaught doesn't take long to arrive. Two of the six Infinity Stones are located on Earth, and one of them, the Time Stone, is housed within Dr. Strange's amulet, the Eye of Agamotto. The other is located in the head of the Avenger android, The Vision (Paul Bettany).  Thanos dispatches two of his goons to New York, after Dr. Strange, and two to Scotland to seek out the Vision and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen).

     The New York attack also catches the attention of Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who rushes into action. While in Scotland, Vision and Wanda receive a helping hand from now fugitives, Captain America/Nomad (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Falcon (Anthony Mackie).

     Half a galaxy away, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora, Drax (Dave Batista), Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), teen-Groot (Vin Diesel), and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) are responding to a distress call when they literally run into Thor, barely alive, floating in space. After reviving Thor, he, Rocket, and Groot head out to forge Thor a new weapon to combat Thanos; leaving the rest of the team to travel to Knowhere to seek out the Collector (Benicio Del Toro) and another one of the stones.

     Steve Rogers and company go to the Avengers training facility and meet up with Rhodey/War Machine (Don Cheadle) and head out to Wakanda seeking the help of Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Cap's lifelong friend Buckey Barns (Sebastian Stan). And this makes up the teams who set up to take on Thanos and keep him from collecting all six stones.

     The film left me wondering, how long will it take for Thanos to realize what he has done? How long before he is unable to live with his decisions? Thanos gives the sense of being inherently good, with his heart in the right place, so what will he do to correct his folly? My theory lies within the Time Stone. But I'll leave my complete theory unwritten.

     The film is dark and gritty, probably to symbolize the darkness falling on humanity. I expect the sequel to be brighter and fought more in the light as good will always prevail. The action is outstanding and on point for each character. It's really cool how you see each fighting style really reflected in the character themselves and how they instantly work as a group, even if they are unfamiliar with each other. And although some really well known characters have smaller parts, each actor brings a life to their role that you are always used to seeing in comic book or action films. There are still those moments of Marvel humor, but they seem more to break up the doom and sadness.

     In summation, I loved this movie so much! 6 of us went to see this and everyone enjoyed it. My 18 year old son was practically inconsolable at the end of the film in a way I've never seen him before. He was still crying 20 after we exited the theater. He's a sweet kid. Please watch this film, and take your whole family, then go again with your friends. It's so hard to accept that we have to wait a year for the follow up. I hate cliff hangers! Or, do I love them? Avengers Assemble sooner please!!!

   

   

Dogma (1999) Written and Directed by Kevin Smith

 

      Oh Dogma, how I love thee! I think that making this film may have given Kevin Smith the angel on his shoulder that saved him from his recent heart attack! Or maybe it was just George Carlin watching out for him? So damn funny and completely littered with top talent. There's just not enough positives I can say about this film.

     Now, I'm not going to say that this is my favorite of writer/director Kevin Smith's films. I mean, it's no Mallrats! However, this is when you see Kevin really deliver a polished, Hollywood type film. That may sound like a "dirty" thing to his fans, but I see it more as his coming of age film. His previous three films were indie greats; from the low budget Clerks, to the under-appreciated Mallrats, to the gritty, somewhat taboo Chasing Amy, Dogma sort of came out of that and stood on it's own.

     While we saw many old friends from previous films such as the hilarious Jason Lee playing the role of the demon Azrael, to Ben Affleck and his partner Matt Damon in the roles of cast out angels Bartleby and Loki, respectively. This film brought some other Hollywood big hitters who I imagine were anxious to be in one of Smith's films.

     It really seems as though Smith, being raised Christian, was able to express his feelings on religion and the Catholic Church, without fear of having to sugarcoat anything to please the masses. He was honest, as always, and the dialog was superb! I'll never get enough of his style of witty banter. Essentially, Smith did present his own Dogma, on film.

     The story follows Bethany, played by Linda Fiorentino, who is a woman who has lost her faith. That is, until she is visited in the night by the angel known as Metatron, the voice of God, played so righteously by the late Alan Rickman. Metatron informs Bethany that God has tapped her to go on a crusade to stop two angels, Bartleby and Loki, from undoing all of existence. And of course, it's going to happen in New Jersey!

     All of this is possible because God, who apparently is a skee ball fanatic, has occupied a human body and has gone missing, therefore, he is unable to see the plot and halt it. We later find that God is in a coma and only being referred to as John Doe Jersey.

     So the story goes that Cardinal Glick, played by my absolute favorite stand-up comedian of all time, George Carlin, is attempting to hold a rechristening of his church and stating that quote "All that pass through these archways shall be forgiven and a morally clean slate". Of course this makes the newspapers, one of which is sent anonymously from Azrael to the outcast angels Bartleby and Loki. Now, if Bartleby and Loki pass through the arches as humans, this would show God as being fallible, and would completely undo existence.

     Along the way, Bethany meets a list of characters meant to aid her on her mission from God. Among these "Crusaders" are the always present and hilarious Jay and Silent Bob, Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith; Rufus, the black apostle, played by the always funny Chris Rock; and the gorgeous Latin goddess Salma Hayek playing the Muse. On the other side, Azrael has sent a trio of rollerblading Hockey demons to hunt down Bethany and kill her before she is able to reach New Jersey and stop the two angels from entering the church.

     There are definitely some seriously outrageous moments, like the shit demon attacking the group, that set this apart from any earlier Smith films, but also lays the groundwork for films to come. You also get the usual hi-jinks's that come with any Jay and Silent Bob appearances. Then there are the other cameos by those such as the always present Walt Flanagan and Brian Johnson, as well as their Comic Book Men side kick Ming Chen; Scott Mosier; another member of the Hicks family, Brian O'Halloran; Randle himself, Jeff Anderson; the comedic genius of Ethan Suplee; in her smallest role ever, Gwyneth Paltrow; and as the true form of God, Alanis Morissette.

     This story was so good even to an agnostic like me. Kevin Smith has always found a way to make everything he does fun and relatable to fellow Gen-X'ers. He has a way of telling stories that is layered. Much like Romero did in his "zombie" films, you have the main theme of the film, but like in Dogma, there is a layer underneath that you're not going to find unless you're looking. In Kevin Smith's case, that is usually delivered by his character, Silent Bob.

     This movie is fun, but only for those who can go into it with an open mind about religion. It's family friendly and appropriate for anyone over 12. That is also probably a good age to start exposing children to Kevin Smith, when they are still forming their own personality. The world needs more intelligent, witty, sarcastic people in it!

   

   

Cannibal Holocaust (1980) Written by: Gianfranco Clerici Directed by: Ruggero Deodato

   

     I honestly can't remember the first time I heard about this movie, but I sure remember the first time I watched it! I was hanging out with my friend Dan and one of his friends came over with his copy. I had heard a lot about this movie and wasn't sure that I was mentally prepared to view it, but after some debate, we chose to watch it. I must say, that with most films I've seen that have been banned in many countries, this film was not as bad as it was made out to be.

     The film is about a professor that discovers the footage of a group of documentary film makers thought lost in the Amazon. I guess this could be considered one of the first "Lost Footage" horror films? Anyway, through watching the footage we learn that the group found a rumored tribe of native cannibals.

     At first, the tribe welcomes the film makers, although they do seem wary of the group. The documentarians follow the tribe as they gather food from various sources like giant turtles and pigs. Which are actually being butchered and eaten by the tribe. Apparently, they were able to show this on film because the tribe was a real tribe and they were simply showing how they fed themselves. While this was not easy to watch, it did lend to the legitimacy of the film.

     The one scene that really got to me, and I'm sure it was not actual footage like the animals, was a ritual in which a man finds that his "wife" had an affair. The scene starts with the couple in a boat that docks on a muddy shore. The woman is bound by her hands and drug from the boat where a pike is awaiting. The man then impales the woman on the pike. The man then starts to gather mud in a ball form, about the size of a softball. You then see him start to add sharp sticks to the ball of hardening mud. He then begins to insert this ball into the woman, as a symbol of her infidelity. Again, I'm sure this wasn't real, but after seeing the turtle being butchered, this really made my stomach turn. I wish I would have been warned of this scene, and that is why I'm adding it into this review.

     Finally, after days of filming and following the tribe, the expected happens. After all, a wolf is still a wolf, even if it's disguised as a sheep. The cannibals turn on the film crew and deliver one of the best, realistic dismemberment scenes I've ever witnessed! I do love me some gore!!!

     As mentioned before, this film was banned in many countries, which is why, in my opinion, most people have heard of it. The banning of the film lent to it's lore and made people seek it out. I understand why, in 1980, this may have been too much for most people to stomach, but to all out ban it may have went too far.

     This is definitely a cult classic horror film that fans of the genre should see. However, that being said, it is definitely NOT for everyone and should not be viewed by anyone under 16 or anyone with a sensitive stomach. But for everyone else, have fun!

Logan (2017) Written and Directed by: James Mangold

   

      I can remember when I first heard the Hugh Jackman would be playing the iconic Wolverine in the then upcoming X-Men films, and I thought, "this guy is too tall, and he's Australian, not Canadian." I didn't really give him a chance, and then I saw him on film. WOW!!!! He really brought the essence of Wolverine to the big screen. Now, I can't imagine anyone else playing the role.

      In this final film that will star Hugh Jackman in this fantastic role, you get the sense that an era is coming to an end, and it is, in a big way! Then we find out that this is not only the final film for Jackman, but also the last time we will see Patrick Stewart in the role of Charles Xavier! Not sure the news could be any worse!

     In this futuristic story line, we find an aged Logan, ailing from a gradual loss of his healing factor, caring for an Alzheimer's riddled Professor Xavier. For some reason, Logan has proclaimed to never again bare the claws and the berserker rage that made him near unstoppable in his early days with the now unseen X-Men. Logan, in an attempt to keep out stray thoughts, is hiding Xavier in a derelict silo and tries constantly to keep his old friend in some state of peace, while working as a chauffeur.

     Suddenly, out of the blue, Logan is charged with getting a young girl safely to the Canadian border. However, this young passenger, is more than she seems and is being pursued by a group of enhanced humans, bankrolled by a sinister corporation. Now Logan, against his best wishes, must risk his and Xavier's lives to get this strange girl to safety.

     Now, I'm not sure if it's because Logan is old and soft, but you sense a connection between him and Laura, Dafne Keen, even before we find out that she was created from Wolverine's own DNA by the Essex Corporation. The bond that grows between Laura and Logan is so touching, given the heroes backstory. Eventually, we see that Logan is willing to sacrifice any and everything to protect Laura. Including the life of Xavier and his own.

     As the end of the film approaches, we find that Laura isn't the only clone to have come from Logan, but possibly the only one not looking to kill the original.

     In my humble opinion, this is the best performance Jackman has given to this character. The emotion and drive he delivers is so great, you believe it is his own. Jackman gives Logan a vulnurability that the character has never had prior. As for Patrick Stewart, you really get a sense of suffering from Xavier. A man who once possessed the most powerful mind on the planet, now can barely remember his own name. And what is the tragedy that was so great to cause Wolverine to sheath his claws forever? Finally, we have the absolutely superb performance by young Miss. Keen. She is so good, that I feel very comfortable leaving the mantel of Wolverine in her more than capable hands.

     I guarantee that if you are a fan of the X-Men lore, either in the books, film, or both, you will be left in tears. My daughter was inconsolable in the theater. I, being a fan of both comic and film, felt like I was very happy to see this chapter end like it did. I understand, that no matter how much I wish that Jackman and Stewart could play these roles forever, as artists, it can begin to hinder them. These roles come with such a strong and huge commitment, that they can't do them forever.

     I really loved this movie, and I was so excited to see it get the chrome treatment on the Blu-ray version. It does have quite a bit of violence, but I still say it's ok for anyone over 13.

   

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) Written by: Quentin Tarantino and Robert Kurtzman Directed by: Robert Rodriguez

 

     I still remember how brilliant the promotion for this film was. From what we were shown, this appeared to be another crime caper from Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. Well, they sure as hell got me!

     My friend Jeremy and I used to go to this mall every week, on pay day, and visit the arcade and the theater. We had seen previews of the new Tarantino film and had already decided that this would be our weekly film. This time, we brought along another friend, Dan, who graciously provided us with a hallucinogen to help heighten the experience. The entryway to the theater was bizarre and had blinking lights arching over the walkway to each theater, and really helped to set the mood for our current venture.

     We enter the screening room and found our seats. As the film started our trips began and I was instantly engulfed in the film. It starts with a very tense liquor store robbery that escalates into the murder of a lawman (Michael Parks) and the store blowing up as two brothers, Seth (George Clooney) and Richie (Quentin Tarantino), exit the store arguing. The dialog was purely Tarantino, but I felt like the scene was something I would see if Kevin Smith wrote a caper movie. Maybe it was just the drugs?

      So, anyway, cut to some time later and the brothers Geko, Clooney and Tarintino, kidnap a traveling family, former minister Jacob (Harvey Keitel), Kate (Juliette Lewis), and Scott (Ernest Liu). This is when we discover that the brothers are seeking refuge in the town of elRay in Mexico. They plan on using the family and their RV to smuggle them across the border.

     At this point I recall being completely sunken into my seat and hanging on every word of the dialog as our merry band of travelers cross the border and approach a bar that is supposed to serve as a rally point for the Geko's and those meant to get them to elRay. This is when a sober version of me would have realized that something was about to go very wrong, but instead found myself laughing hysterically at the bar's doorman (Cheech Marin) giving a spiel of all of the different kinds of pussy that's available at the "Titty Twister"!

     Our group sits down and begins taking shots and enjoying the entertainment. That's about the time I fell in love! Danny Trejo delivers an introduction to a sensual dancer and as her music begins, out comes the extremely beautiful, breath-taking Salma Hayek. I believe I started drooling. As her hips seductively sway, she sets her eyes on Richie and walks across table tops until she is right in front of him. As the song ends, several "hard" patrons of the bar approach their table and attack the Geko's.

     The brothers quickly dispatch the mob and as blood drips from Richie's injured hand, the seductress dancer suddenly changes from beauty into a hideous "creature"!!! I, in shock, raise from my seat and shout at the the screen, "What the hell is that?" The surprising turn of events leaves me in a state of complete disbelief as I am pulled back into my seat by my friends.

     So much carnage and mayhem ensue and our brothers and their captors are forced to band together for their very survival. The Titty Twister is packed full of great cameos like that of make-up effects royalty Tom Savini (Sex Machine) and Greg Nicotero, as well as Fred Williamson as the Vietnam veteran Frost. Additional cameos by John Saxon, Kelly Preston, and John Hawkes make this film very fun.

     This was an excellent collaboration between Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. You can really tell the extreme dividing point between the two, although the directing and feel of the film, overall, is seamless. This movie was awesome then, and still holds up. The casting and performances were spot on and well delivered. I loved how Cheech Marin was given multiple roles as a throwback to his Cheech and Chong variety shows. And I never would have thought I'd see Harvey Keitel playing a minister!!! And finally, to see George Clooney get back to fun, horror films was so glorious! Just glad his hair was better than it was back in his "Killer Tomato" days!

     There is an extreme amount of violence and nudity, so it's not recommended for anyone under 15. That being said, it is also a load of fun! Also, this was written by creator of The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman, in a superb example of the great writer he is.

   

Where the Day Takes You (1991) Written by: Michael Hitchcock, Kurt Voss, and Marc Rocco. Directed by: Marc Rocco

   

     I first saw this on Cinemax back in the early 90's. I have always found this film as being moving and important, although I did think that it missed the mark on tackling the mental illness aspect of the homeless population. It is, however, a wonderful piece of cinema. Great story by Michael Hitchcock, Kurt Voss, and Marc Rocco, who also directed.

     "Where the Day Takes You" follows a group of homeless youth living on the streets of Los Angeles. It follows a close knit "family" led by King (Dermot Mulroney). He takes care of his group that consists of Little J (Balthazar Getty), Greg (Sean Astin), Crasher (James LeGros), Brenda (Rikki Lake), Manny (Will Smith), and new to the group is Heather (Lara Flynn Boyle), who instantly attracts King.

     The story is being told by King as he sits in an interview room that was assigned as part of a probation agreement. As the interviewer, Laura San Giacomo, probes King for his story, you find just how difficult it is to stay alive, and keep your friends alive, in the concrete jungle that is L.A.
   
     Through the film you see how each character struggles with street life, whether it be through the use of drugs, or by prostituting themselves, or by simple panhandling. Most of which always lead to trouble.

     Greg is homeless by choice as he would rather live with his drugs than his rich family. Little J is young and stupid, but is always trying to impress King. Little J also realizes that he can make money from older, homosexual men. Crasher is like the uncle, always trying to keep the kids safe, but dismissing that when it's time to have fun. Manny is not only homeless, but he is also a double leg amputee. Heather is an aspiring actress who is new to L.A. and has nowhere else to go.

     As the story progresses, you find that everything with our group is falling apart as King reignites a feud with a scumbag, Tommy Ray (Peter Dobson), who is in the business of prostituting young, homeless kids. This leads to Little J accidentally shooting Tommy Ray and King taking the fall. You find later that this is why King was in jail and now having to tell his story. A tragic end to this compelling story leaves everyone as broken messes with no one left to pick up the pieces.

     And it's fun to see cameos by some of the best in the business, like Alyssa Milano as a prostitute, David Arquette as a pimp, Kyle MacLachlan, Christian Slater, and many more. Each actor put in very different, and very excellent performances. Seeing Sean Astin as a druggie was riveting! Such great actors showing what they're made of.

     This is a great film, but the adult themes would leave me to recommend for anyone over 14. A truly compelling film that will leave most in tears. Definitely worth the watch and time you'll spend trying to find it.

The Outsiders (1983) Written by: S.E. Hinton and Katleen Rowell Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

   

     Based on the young adult novel by S.E. Hinton, the Outsiders is one of the best coming of age stories I've ever read, or watched. The film introduced us to some of the best screen actors of a generation, while giving us a glimpse into the life of teens in 1950's/60's Tulsa, Oklahoma.

     From the first time that I read the book, to the first time I saw this film, I can remember that it always made me think of my uncles and their friends. The friendships, commodore, the willingness to sacrifice yourself for your friends or family. As I grew, I started to see more of myself, and my friends in those roles. This was a story that grew along side of me, and became a part of me. It's definitely unforgettable, and still very moving.

     Two rival gangs, the Soc's and the Greaser's, square off on a consistent basis over their turf in Tulsa. The Greaser's are mainly made up of Darrell Curtis (Patrick Swayze), Sodapop Curtis (Rob Lowe), Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell), Dallas Winston (Matt Dillon), Johnny Cade (Ralph Macchio), Two-Bit Matthews (Emilio Estevez), and Steve Randle (Tom Cruise). A cast that would surely be way out of budget in today's cinema!

     The film follows Ponyboy and Johnny as they try to escape Tulsa after Johnny kills one of the Soc's, Bob (Leif Erickson), in self defense after a fight in a local park. Ponyboy comes from a devastated home where he is supervised by his two older brothers, Darrell and Sodapop, after their parents are killed in a car accident. Johnny's home life is filled with abuse, so he tried to stay away as much as possible anyway.

     Turning to the only person they know can help them, Dallas, they are able to find an abandoned church, far away from Tulsa, to take shelter in. While there, the best friends try their best to hide their identity and keep themselves occupied, as Ponyboy buys a copy of the novel "Gone with the Wind" to read aloud to help pass the hours. After spending many days at the church, they decide to turn themselves in to authorities. This decision is heavily protested by Dallas, who eventually agrees to bring the two home.

     While Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dallas enjoy a long overdue lunch, the church is visited by a group of young children on a field trip. During their visit, a poorly extinguished cigarette from Johnny sparks a fire, trapping some of the children. Our trio returns to find the church ablaze and teachers frantically searching for the lost young ones. The three instantly jump into action, running into the church in an effort to save the kids. While saving the kids, Johnny is struck by a falling beam and is severely injured. Ponyboy suffers smoke inhalation and minor burs, as does Dallas.

     The fire, and injuries, decide the fate of the three Greasers as they are transported to the hospital. As Ponyboy waits to hear the news on Johnny, his brothers make the reunion trip to bring their brother home, where they face a hearing from social services and Ponyboy and Johnny face a court trial.

     At the trial, many people testify on Ponyboy and Johnny's behalf, including several members of the Soc's, including leader Randy (Darren Dalton) and Cherry Valance played wonderfully by Diane Lane. The testimonies set free both Pony and Johnny, however, when Pony goes to the hospital to tell Johnny the good news, he arrives to witness Johnny's death. Before dying, johnny whispers, "Stay gold Ponyboy", a quote from "Gone with the Wind".

     The death of Johnny triggers Dallas in a way that makes him seek death, and he finds it after robbing a local store. As he flees, the shop owner manages to hit Dallas with a couple of bullet rounds. Shortly afterward, Dallas is mowed down by police, under a lone street light as his friends run to his aid.

     The deaths of Pony's closest friends has a life changing effect on his life and he vows to make a change. Social Services decide to keep the brothers together and Pony starts to become more active is his scholastic life. As he begins to re-read "Gone with the Wind", Pony finds a letter from Johnny hidden inside. The letter explains the "Stay Gold" quote and inspires Pony to write a story based on his account of the events that had recently transpired in his life.

     This is a great film that actually has a newer cut, "The Complete Novel Edition", which is basically just an extended cut. I love this version so much more than the original one. This film served as an introduction to most of these actors and I found the performances to be profound and dead on. Two-Bit was definitely my favorite character, although he had little screen time. Matt Dillon, as Dallas, was simply superb in his final scenes. Dillon also becomes the "Go to" actor for other film adaptations of Hinton's novels, "Tex" and "Rumble Fish".

     It has always been such a surprise to me that a female writer could so accurately capture the feelings and friendship between two adolescent males. That is, however, exactly what Hinton did with this story. This book is usually read in the eighth grade and I would suggest this film to anyone that age or older. Beautifully directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film can be cherished by people of any age.

The Big Sick (2017) Written by: Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani Directed by: Michael Showalter

   

     I think I must really be getting old. Why else would I find myself sitting here writing such a positive review about a chick flick? Maybe it's because it was a true story written by the actual couple, Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon? Maybe it's because of the loving banter between the two? I think it's because neither was afraid to show their real emotion and vulnerability.

     The film follows Kumail, playing himself, as he stumbles across Emily, played by the very underrated and beautiful Zoe Kazan. Kumail is a stand-up comic just starting out while trying to adjust to his Pakistani family trying to arrange a marriage for him. Shortly after meeting Emily, she comes down with a severe illness that causes doctor to put her into a drug-induced coma.

     The film is about two people falling in love while everything is trying to keep them apart. Unexpected, life threatening health issues, over bearing parents, true feelings, and struggling careers all wanting to work against them; still they manage to make it persevere and find love in each other. Both the writing team, and the acting team really portray that beautifully.

     Kumail is put into an awkward situation having to meet Emily's parents (Ray Romano and Holly Hunter), as their daughter is thrust into this dangerous, life altering predicament. Although they do not come off as racists,Emily's parents do seem a bit taken a back with Kumail's background. This spurs one of the most hilarious exchanges I've heard in recent film history!

Terry(Romano): "What do you think about 9/11?"
Kumail: "Terrible. We lost 19 of our best guys!"

     It's those kinds of things that you can get away with in these type of enduring indie films that would never fly in big budget features. And that is exactly what I love about indie film. Indies aren't afraid to tell an in-depth story, or really build characters. The Big Sick does both excellently. While I've always like Kumail on HBO's Silicon Valley, I found this role so much more gratifying. He is an excellent comedian, with great timing. And Zoe Kazan is wonderfully awkward and seductive in a very nerdy way. This movie was really good. I would recommend this for anyone 12 and older. Have fun!