Movie Reviews
‘The Air He Breathes’ Movie Review: A Well-Done Romantic Drama
Grief is universal, but how we handle it is not. Everyone who has lost someone has their own story and way of dealing with it. Passionflix’s latest adaptation, The Air He Breathes, follows two people working to find their way through the grief that has taken hold of their lives.
Based on the book of the same name by author Brittainy Cherry, “The Air He Breathes follows Elizabeth (Kelcie Stranahan) and Tristan (Ryan Carnes), who find solace and healing in each other’s company after suffering devastating losses. As they navigate their grief and past traumas, they discover the power of love and second chances.”
I’ve seen many Passionflix movies over the years, but I have to say The Air He Breathes was the first one that made me cry several times from start to finish. When we’re introduced to Elizabeth and Tristan, they are both on their grief journeys. Elizabeth, who lost her husband, Steven, has decided to take her little girl Emma (The incredibly adorable Charlotte Ann Tucker) back home to Meadows Creek to try and start fresh. Meanwhile, Tristan, who lost his wife Jamie and their son Charlie, has essentially run away and gone into a sort of hiding. When the two meet, it’s not under the best circumstances because she accidentally hits his dog, Zeus, while driving. Naturally, this is not the best way to meet someone, and Tristan is rightfully upset. But Elizabeth sees something in Tristan. She sees the vulnerability under the anger and frustration, especially when he breaks down after hearing that Zeus will be fine.
As Elizabeth gets settled back home, she learns that Tristan is her next-door neighbor. This quickly sends us right into the good old enemies-to-lovers trope, which is one of my personal favorites. Even though almost everyone in town seems to have something negative to say about Tristan, Elizabeth sees beyond that because she senses something in him. She also appears to identify with him in many ways because she knows what it’s like to have the people in town pass judgment on her. Everyone expects her to behave a certain way since she lost her husband, which is tough enough because she’s still trying to figure out how to exist without him.
Tristan is a bit of a recluse in some ways because he makes it a point to keep his distance from everyone, and he’s just existing and not living. That is until Elizabeth enters his life. Try as he might, he really can’t avoid her. I mean, she lives next door. And secretly, he enjoys her company. Come on, how many people do you know that would willingly cut someone’s grass? Sure, Tristan initially claimed that he did it because he didn’t want her to wake up the neighborhood, but when he learned that, like him, she had lost her spouse, his views on her changed. During this time, Elizabeth and Tristan learn that they are not so different.
Soon, Elizabeth and Tristan begin spending a lot of time together. He helps her out a lot with the maintenance of her home. As they grow closer, their relationship shifts, and they sleep together. However, the twist is that they both agree they will use each other to keep the memory of their spouses alive. What could possibly go wrong? Except, you know, both genuinely develop feelings for each other. Elizabeth and Tristan are not emotionally equipped to have relationships that do not involve real feelings. They both love hard, and that’s obvious in the way they each love their spouses, Steven and Jamie. Watching their love scene was heartbreakingly beautiful because they feel everything so deeply. To some people, it probably seemed weird that they would do this, but ultimately, we all want to be loved and seek companionship. That’s the void these two were filling.
Even when they decide that sleeping together involves too much of their hearts, Tristan makes it clear he still wants Elizabeth in his life. Even if that means they can only be friends. And of course, we all know that doesn’t work either because these two have already been intimate, and now they know what it’s like, so it becomes even more difficult for them. As the saying goes, the heart wants what it wants. And Tristan and Elizabeth want each other. Unfortunately for them, there are a lot of people who don’t want them to be together. And old wounds are opened up in ways none were even prepared for. I am NOT going to go into that any further because I wouldn’t want to spoil the twist I didn’t see coming when I read Cherry’s book.
The Air He Breathes was a well-done book-to-screen adaptation. Both Stranahan and Carnes gave powerful performances as Elizabeth and Tristan. Stranahan added such a lightness to Elizabeth; there was a quiet stillness about her approach that was also so palpable. I also have to acknowledge that she brought out Elizabeth’s fiery nature. Carnes, whose character is a man of few words at first, was able to convey Tristan’s closed-off demeanor, and I loved that we could slowly, bit by bit, begin to see him become more open again to friendship and then to loving and being loved again. As I said, quite a few tears were shed while watching this. It’s probably the same amount as I did when I read the book.
I have to say this may be one of my new favorite films adapted by Passionflix. Director Rachel Annette Helson and Cinematographer Sean Conley created something beautiful with this film, showing a lot of care with Brittainy Cherry’s book. Her characters were indeed in great hands because it’s daunting to try and capture a story that not just the author loves but readers as well. We all know that readers are picky when we hear the words “book-to-screen adaptation,” so it’s beautiful when a director gets it right. If you’re looking for a romantic drama (believe me, The Air He Breathes has the drama) with heart and some twists that will make your jaw drop, this is the film for you.
The Air He Breathes is now streaming on Passionflix.
US director Francis Ford Coppola poses during a photocall for the film “Megalopolis” at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 17, 2024. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)
A trailer promoting Francis Ford Coppola’s new film “Megalopolis” has been withdrawn after it was found to have incorporated fake movie reviews, reportedly generated by artificial intelligence.
Coppola’s wildly ambitious, decades-in-the-making movie, which hits theaters next month and stars Adam Driver, has starkly divided critics.
A trailer released this week drew parallels to earlier works by the revered Hollywood director that also initially left some professional reviewers cold before going on to become classics — suggesting “Megalopolis” can do the same.
“True genius is often misunderstood,” a voiceover began, before quotes from famous critics calling “The Godfather” a “sloppily self-indulgent movie” and “Apocalypse Now” a “spectacular failure” were presented on the screen.
The problem? None of those quotes were real.
Instead, the trailer appears to have used AI-generated imitations of the type of withering put-downs associated with renowned reviewers such as Pauline Kael.
In at least one case, a criticism appears to have been lifted from a review of an entirely different film
The trailer was quickly recalled, with Hollywood studio Lionsgate offering “our sincere apologies to the critics involved and to Francis Ford Coppola” for an “inexcusable error in our vetting process.”
“We screwed up. We are sorry,” said a statement.
Lionsgate has since parted company with the marketing consultant behind the trailer, trade outlet Variety said Friday. Meanwhile Deadline reported that the quotes were generated by AI.
The furor comes at a time when Hollywood is roiled by the encroaching impact of AI. Fears the technology could replace entertainment industry jobs — from actors to writers — were central to last summer’s devastating strikes.
The trailer episode is just the latest controversy to hit “Megalopolis,” an already hugely divisive epic.
Legendary director Coppola has said he spent $120 million of his own money to make the film, selling a stake in his California vineyard.
But its much-hyped world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival left the industry confounded.
Critics’ responses ranged from “a true modern masterwork” to a “catastrophe.”
Driver stars as a seemingly magical architect whose efforts to rebuild a decaying city into a futuristic utopia are thwarted by its resentful mayor (Giancarlo Esposito).
US actor Adam Driver (L) and US director Francis Ford Coppola pose during a photocall for the film “Megalopolis” at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 17, 2024. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)
The movie also stars Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf and Dustin Hoffman.
It receives its North American premiere at the Toronto film festival next month, before being released in US theaters on September 27.
The controversy has provoked theories among some Hollywood observers that the entire unseemly debacle could have been staged to provoke headlines.
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Lionsgate did not respond to an AFP request for comment.
But a source familiar with the marketing plan told AFP the studio did not deliberately fabricate the quotes, and removed the trailer as soon as it became aware of the situation.
Welcome to an exciting year-long project here at The Nerdy. 1984 was an exciting year for films giving us a lot of films that would go on to be beloved favorites and cult classics. Imagine a world where This is Spinal Tap and Repo Man hit theaters on the same day. That is the world of 1984.
We’re going to pick and choose which movies we hit, but right now the list stands at nearly three dozen.
Yes, we’re insane, but 1984 was that great of a year for film.
The articles will come out on the same day the films hit theaters in 1984 so that it is their true 40th anniversaries. All films are also watched again for the purposes of these reviews and are not being done from memory.
This time around it’s August 24, 1984, and we’re off to see Cal, Old Enough, and Oxford Blues.
Cal
A film about the IRA and its complicated relationship with its countrymen, as well as the anger between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland, was a weird place to set a love story, but that is precisely what Cal is.
Cal (John Lynch) is adrift in life. He has trouble finding work, and relies on his father, Shamie (Donal McCann) for everything. What Shamie doesn’t know, however, is that not only is his son wrapped up with the IRA, but he even assisted in the murder of a policeman. A year later, he unknowingly runs into the policeman’s widow, Marcella (Helen Mirren), and is enthralled by her.
Cal’s life from that point forward is a mixture of bliss and tragedy until the film arrives at its rather odd conclusion that I won’t spoil for anyone.
It’s well acted, but the script is lacking in a lot of ways. The eventual resolution of Shamie’s story happens completely off-screen and almost feels like the actor left the set for some reason.
Then, there is the lighting of the film. While I understand setting a mood, large portions of night shots felt as though they were lit with two drug store flashlights that had been dropped in the mud, and no one had cleaned them off. It is a muddy mess that is incredibly difficult to follow at times.
Overall, it’s a fine film, but not one I can ever imagine me spending a second thinking about ever again.
Old Enough
I knew absolutely nothing about this film going into it, and lucked out that I walked away pleasantly surprised.
Lonnie (Sarah Boyd) is the 11-year-old daughter of a well-off family in New York City who ends up meeting and befriending 14-year-old Karen (Rainbow Harvest), the daughter of a family that struggles to get by, one summer. Over the course of the summer break, both of them find different ways to expand the life experiences of the other while also coming of age. They have their ups and downs, but both come out of the experience better for it.
Both girls turn in excellent, believable performances. They are not perfect, but they are enjoyable watch.
The only major issue I had with the story was the constant attempts by Karen’s older brother, Johnny (Neill Barry), to sleep with Lonnie. Yes. Things such as that happen, but it was still uncomfortable to watch it.
It’s a fun little, unassuming movie, that’s not a bad time if you’re looking for a slice of teenage life pre-technology.
Oxford Blues
I would love to tell you what Oxford Blues was about, but I’m not sure the people who made it knew themselves.
Nick Di Angelo (Rob Lowe) wants to go to Oxford University, not because an incredible rower, but because he wants to meet and woo Lady Victoria Wingate (Amanda Pays). After a bit of a turn as a gigolo, he makes it there and sets his sights on Victoria, while also befriending Rona (Ally Sheedy), setting up a rivalry with Colin Gilchrist Fisher (Julian Sands), getting into trouble with the school, learning the value of teamwork, and, I guess, going to class.
The movie hits on so many college film tropes that it’s as if someone put several movies in a blender, and Oxford Blues popped out. At the very end of the film, after only the most tenuous examples of Rona and Nick having feelings for one another, they kiss. Nick looks at Rona and says, “Why didn’t we ever do that before?” Rona replies, “I don’t know.”
Don’t worry fictional characters, the audience didn’t know either.
If you have time for only one 80s college film, I guess make it this one as it will serve essentially as the Cliff Notes for all of the rest of them.
1984 Movie Reviews will return on August 31 with Choose Me, Bolero, C.H.U.D., and Flashpoint!
The faith journey is not for the faint of heart, especially in relationships. Walking in faith requires community and Biblical wisdom in marriage, parenting, and establishing lasting relationships with your extended family or friendship. In this article, I will share my thoughts on The Forge, a movie review.
The Difficult Reality Of Being A Christian Parent
The Forge shows the ups and downs of a single mom trying to launch her young adult son into the world. It also shows the importance of mentorship, friendship, prayer, and discipleship.
You will leave this movie wanting more for your life, faith, marriage, church, and community.
The beginning of The Forge tugged at this mama’s heart. As a mom of three young adults, I could relate to the dialogue. Cynthia Wright is a single mom to 19-year-old Isaiah Wright. In one of the beginning scenes, Cynthia is talking to Isaiah, and her frustration is palpable. I think we can all relate to this when it comes to dealing with the stage of launching your young adult into the world.
Having faith and parenting young adults is a whole new ballgame. I have never prayed more in my life and I have entered a new level of surrender in my walk with Jesus. The Forge portrays the struggle of being a Christian mother to a young adult so well. There is also a lot of guidance on what to do when you don’t know what to do in this highly complex season of life.
It is evident that being a Christian parent to a young adult requires:
- Faith and trust that God has good plans for your child and your family.
- Surrendering your will and control over the life of your child who has the same free will you have.
- Lots of prayer and prayer support from those around you.
God Has Good Plans For You And Me
God is the perfect Father, and his plans might not be ours. In The Forge, Cynthia quickly learns that she doesn’t have to parent her son alone and calls on her prayer partners. Cynthia is surrounded by friends and believers who want what is best for her and her son.
Being surrounded by people who pray for and believe in the best for your family is a blessing.
The Forge shows the viewer that to be a good friend, you need to pray for your friends, believe in your friends, and bless your friends with your words. It is so easy to get lost in the pain of this world, your life, and what you don’t have. However, The Forge shows us the value of wanting more for your life.
Growing Up Is Hard To Do If You Don’t Have Someone To Invest In You
In The Forge, we can see how to make time for mentorship despite life’s demands. Additionally, we see the fruit the investment of time into someone else’s life will bring—not only in the mentee’s life but also in the mentor’s life.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. – John 15:16 (ESV)
As a Christian, your most extraordinary mission is to share the gospel and be fruitful. Every action you take, and word you speak will bear fruit. Understanding the seeds you are planting and the fruit you will bear from them is essential in determining your next steps in life.
In The Forge, Isaiah has difficulty growing up because he does not have a male role model to whom he can look up. However, as the story unfolds, we can see God working in his life and helping him become the man God created him to be. This is not done through one person or one prayer but through many prayers and many people planting seeds in his life that will bear good fruit.
Overcoming Excuses
The Forge is a movie with many lessons told in a two-hour time frame. One of the biggest lessons that stood out to me was to overcome the excuses in your life.
Overcome the excuses that are:
- Holding you back from serving God with your whole heart.
- Keeping you in a place that you don’t want to be.
- Preventing you from finding the relationships that are good for you.
- Building relationships and authentic community.
- Investing in and serving other people.
Life is undoubtedly busy and difficult, and there are many obstacles and trials to overcome. But the key is to find the purpose in the journey. The Forge shows us Isaiah’s journey to overcoming his excuses. He makes the effort to get rid of all that is holding him back from God’s best for him.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Everyone who watches The Forge will gain new insight and ideas on living a fruitful life and building an authentic community.
The story was relatable, although there were moments that seemed unrealistic. While I believe in the power of mentorship and the need for discipleship, the viewer needs to keep an open mind on how that may play out in real life. I loved the idea of everyone in The Forge getting a sword; however, I think we can all lower our expectations and realize discipleship can be done in a small group hosted by our church. However, I appreciate the symbolism and the honor the writers of The Forge gave to the beauty of being in an authentic community of believers.
Like most movies, The Forge had drama and action built into every scene, making some of the events unrelatable. However, that does not take away from the fact that discipleship is important and necessary and will help us all become who God created us to be. It is essential to believe in yourself and others. Overall, the story of The Forge encouraged my heart, which will determine the next steps in my faith walk.
Kingdom Builders is participating in the ticket gifting program through Fandango. Click here to redeem a free promo code or gift a movie ticket to someone else.
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