A multifaceted crisis—one whose devastating consequences linger and whose persistence permeates every community. Gun violence remains a complex and emotionally charged issue. As noted in *American Solitaire*, the United States records an average of 43,000 gun-related deaths per year; 120 people a day—5 people per hour—are killed by others in this country. But we are not mere statistics. Director Aaron Davidman appears to have deeply internalized the art of portraying the aftermath of war, starkly depicting elements such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a loss of control in his latest narrative. It is a commendable effort, grounded in a sincere examination of how the world attempts to function under the constant awareness of having a gun in hand—though it lacks certain elements required to stand as a fully realized cinematic work. Director: Aaron Davidman Writer: Aaron Davidman Stars: Joshua Close, Gilbert Owuor, Joanne Kelly Imagine this: you have before you a fascinating d...
The behind-the-scenes portrait of *SNL* feels remarkably familiar, yet this time it is filtered through the mischievous, revealing gaze of the man who lurks behind the curtain. Like countless *Saturday Night Live* fans, I felt as though I had spent the entire year of the show’s 50th anniversary immersed in a sort of crash course on *SNL*’s history and its place within the world of entertainment. I’m referring to all the *SNL50* specials, the commemorative gala, Questlove’s music documentary, and Jason Reitman’s film *Saturday Night*—a backstage drama in which almost none of the actors quite managed to nail the cast members they were portraying, yet which still possessed a vision of its own: a sense of how *SNL* became the first major-network comedy show capable of capturing the danger and madness of the real world—what was happening off-camera—and bringing it directly to the screen. Director: Morgan Neville Writers: Morgan Neville, Alan Lowe, Jake Hostetter Stars: Lorne Michaels, Chevy...