Perhaps it’s my background as a little girl who didn’t discover her inner strength until far too late in life that helped me fall absolutely head over heels in love with it.

How she was saved. Why she was chosen. And why more than 8,000 souls now call her, “Mom.”

One of my favorite moments may not be so popular with young viewers, but the tender father-daughter reconciliation underscores both the film’s primary theme and director Jude Weng’s desire to be respectful of and authentic to native Hawaiian culture.

In the age of social media, the term “friend” has taken on a far looser meaning. Watching this is an unexpected, often painful but emotionally rewarding masterclass in friendship.

I loved the climactic portions of “Soul” that helped Joe himself realize that although playing jazz is his life’s greatest passion, perhaps ultimately it was not his most significant purpose in life.

In a very real way, Howard and screenwriter Vanessa Taylor have made choices to pretty up what is anything but a feel-good family story.

Forest Whitaker is smashing as Jeronicus Jangle.

The primary cast of the film takes what could be another predictable tear-jerker and infuses fresh perspectives.

There is true magic in what transpires.

With elections on the horizon, now is the perfect time to discuss not only faithful citizenship but also the prospect of political leadership as--first and foremost--service to one's society.

While it tackles the heavy topic of teen suicide, it is ultimately a call to transformation.

While definitely a military action movie at its core, it is also an examination of perseverance, commitment to own's duty, and of enduring faith.

While there are a few clunker cases of overacting, the cast is for the most part strong and likable.

Michael Jr. as Ben brings soul and spirit to a role that will feel resonant to any parent of a certain age.

How much we have to learn from our elders, yet how infrequently we quiet ourselves to really listen to their wisdom.

The doc offers an intimate portrait of Catholic activist Dorothy Day.

The filmmaker’s perspective is telegraphed. But many who do not know the Church likely will be touched and inspired.

Do we serve for the ‘medal’, or for some higher purpose or calling?

Disaster might be seen from the outside long before it happens on the inside. 

An important film in that it acquaints many, sadly perhaps for the first time, with a remarkable woman.