In a time when tragic deaths and protests have drawn renewed attention to the issue of racism in the U.S., “The Ride” offers a reality check and a sign of hope.

Unorthodox as she might be, Enola’s personality offers a valuable lesson on the meaning of female empowerment, both for women of her own time as well as today.

But what is equally amusing is that by her own standards, Mulan herself falls short.

The film’s most prominent message is a valuable one on its own: the importance of accepting help from others.

It’s a noble goal on the part of David Smick, who wrote and directed the film, but the end result is sadly just as disjointed as the America it portrays.

By truly listening, he not only offers Adam a source of love and truth, but he also opens himself up to grow more in his faith and ability to communicate it well.

Amid all the glamor, drama, and fun, Feel the Beat offers something more profound.

Suffice it to say her writing is not for the faint of heart.

It proposes something that so many films before it featuring the cliche, fearless American war hero do not: the need for an ‘interior life’ in order to win the battles that matter the most.

Such an editing decision not only gives the film a lopsided structure but also robs it of a more nuanced portrayal of the conservative team.

It cuts through the complexity and highlights basic truths. It reminds parents and kids alike that the moments when we’re happiest and at our best are often the simplest ones. 

In many cases, those undergoing physical hardship need spiritual consolation just as much, if not more so, than practical solutions.

Although ‘Dads’ recognizes that human fatherhood has a special nobility, it cannot explain why. 

Sadly, the battles for independence from men, marriage, sexual norms, and the “weakness” of compassion are the noteworthy crusades.

A pretty picture, but a diluted plot.

Like its protagonist, I Am Patrick is not unfamiliar with disruptions to a mission.

Authentic yet original, powerful yet not over-dramatic, simple yet stirring, all at once.

Because his life had so many complex layers, tying them all together into a two-hour narrative is no small task. 

Is doing good in exchange for nothing worth it?

Not the stunning encore that Toy Story 3 surprised us with, but it walked the tightrope fairly well.