Say what you want about Joaquin Phoenix, but the boy can act his buns off. In the new psychological thriller You Were Never Really Here, Phoenix is a former soldier turned FBI agent, no nonsense hitman-on-a-mission who now devotes his time rescuing kidnapped young women from a sex traffickers.
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HIRED GUN: OUT OF THE SHADOWS - INTO THE SPOTLIGHT
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What is a hired gun? It's a musician that has the ability to read charts fast, fit in like a missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle and be ready to tour at a moment's notice. Sounds like a great way to earn a living right? Not all of the musicians interviewed would agree with you. As a matter of fact, several members of Billy Joe's band referred to him as 'heartless'. Most attribute this attitude as an aftermath of his former manager stealing 90 million dollars and vanishing into thin air. That kind of betrayal would leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth.
Read MoreBABY DRIVER
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When I tell you that this is the best action movie I've seen in awhile...I do not exaggerate! The car stunts in this flick make the Fast and Furious franchise look like a movie about bumper cars.
From the first frame to the last, I was riveted by the acting, stunts and overall story line. It sort of has a little Godfather quality in the respect of "...every time I try to get out...they pull me back in."
Read MoreLA FILM FESTIVAL 2017: THE BOOK OF HENRY→
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How many times do we watch an injustice happen to a compete stranger or even a next door neighbor and run a blind eye? Better yet, what if a loved one passes on and has a final wish they are insistent be carried out...would you do it?
Read MoreABFF 2017: CREATED EQUAL→
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In a world where gender equality remains a critical issue, this controversial film, doesn't set out to challenge the Catholic Church doctrine, but asks a very modern question... Should women be allowed into seminaries to study for the priesthood? "Created Equal is a film that gives you a voyeur experience into the stained glass ceiling that exists in the Catholic Church and asks the question about women being allowed into seminaries without actually taking sides," shares Bill Duke. "We are so excited that the American Black Film Festival has officially selected our film as a world premiere and look forward to the conversation that is created around this highly debated topic."
Read MoreTHE FREEDOM TO MARRY→
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The Freedom to Marry chronicles Wolfson, Bonauto and a few couples along the way who they fought the good fight with. This documentary, at times, was just as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, but inspiring all at once.
Read MoreI AM HEATH LEDGER
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Described by his Mom as a "wild stallion", this overzealous Australian teen booked his first film "10 Things I Hate About You," shortly upon arrival in Tinseltown. However, it was his big break opposite Mel Gibson in The Patriot that put him on the map and Brokeback Mountain made him an A-list star.
Read MoreLet It Fall→
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Remembering the L.A. Riots and the Rodney King beating vividly, I was surprised to become enlightened about all the elements and incidents that were popping off. I had no idea that a young LatashaHarlins was shot in the head over some orange juice by the shop owner. No idea that Karen Toshima, a budding artist, was gunned down in Westwood. No idea that James Mincey, Jr. was murdered based on the stereotype that he "looked" "big and threatening" or that innocent families had their homes ransacked for drugs leaving their abode inhabitable.
Read MoreSmurfs: The Lost Village
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If Beyoncé' lit a match under millennial women with her concept album "Lemonade", Smurfette is the ringleader for the Female Smurf Nation. At least until she stumbles upon the "lost village", which is saturated with female Smurfs. These dolls have a strong sense of self, confidence and identity. For all these reasons and more, Smurfs: The Lost Village will really strike a chord with young girls.
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