'Is Anybody Listening?' DVD Review

Paula J. Caplan is a Psychologist and author who had a father who was a Captain of an all black battery that fought in the Battle is the Bulge. She grew up listening to all the stories of that famous battle. What she also heard were the stories of the men coming home and trying to settle into a world that actually didn’t exist for them anymore. As she grew up and acquired her degrees she also met and listened to hundreds of other people who also went through the same bewildered outlook of life.

You see when a person joins the military and has to fight in a battle or war they are changed forever. These people are human but then they fight and afterward try to be the same person they were before but when they talk now people believe they are mentally ill. When in reality they are simply people who have fought in a war and survived the best way they could. Most Americans don’t have the knowledge of fighting in a war and for the most part most Americans are military illiterate. Caplan learned early on what these proud Americans needed and has fought to help them. She set Listen to a Veteran a national non-profit organization that simply listens respectfully to what a veteran has to say. Instead of isolation they are able to bring them into the fold of humanity again.

This story is a documentary/drama that brings home the message of love and heart full thanks to the men and women who have served in the military during times of war. Caplan has even interviewed vets like 96 year old Isaac Pope who served with her father in the Battle of the Bulge. The quality of the DVD is excellent. The sights and sounds are superb. This is a must for every American whether you have served or not. It will give you an insight into a hell that some people are not able to come back from but desperately need our help. Don’t pass this one up and add it to that personal library.

'Winter Flies' DVD Review

Fourteen year old Mara (Tomáš Mrvík) is a very rebellious young lad. His younger friend Hedus (Jan František Uher) is a positive, pudgy young boy who simply just wants to hang out with Mara. The boys decide they want to go off on a road trip. So they steal an Audi and they drive off into the frozen wastelands of the Czech Republic. The two have a great time on the road and even pick up a young female hitchhiker (Eliska Krenkova). Like most young boys this is a trip of a lifetime. You never really find out just why the boys went on the road trip. You have your suspicions but you never really learn the truth. Eventually the boys do get pulled over and taken into custody by some local police.

This is truly where the fun begins for you find out how they acquired a dog and a hitchhiker. You learn how sexually stimulating it was to have the young lady in the car as they traveled the Czech roads. The police officer who is grilling Mara or actually listening to his stories is not very sympathetic maybe because he wanted to do something crazy like this when he was a young boy.
Czech Director Olmo Omerzu does a wonderful job with this coming of age story with our two young men. The film made it to being nominated as an Oscar nomination for Best International Film In 2019.

Film Movement is bringing this enjoyable film to DVD for us on February 11th, 2020. The quality of the DVD is fantastic and the sights and sounds are excellent. You really do get the feeling as if you are right there in the backseat driving down the Czech countryside. You will want to pick this one up and put it that personal library of yours for it is a joy to watch. You may want to pick this one up and give it to that special someone as a gift. You will watch it over and over so sit back and enjoy.

'High Strung: Free Dance' Blu-Ray Review

Zander Raines (Thomas Doherty) is a wonderful up and coming Choreographer. . He is working on a new  Broadway show that could be the hit of the season. Raines goes out on a limb and casts a dancer by the name of Barlow (Juliet Doherty). Raines also gives a young innovative pianist named Charlie (Harry Jarvis).  Barlow is a looker and Charlie as well as Raines both notice it right away.

This threesome of sorts makes for some interesting scenes in the movie. Barlow has the looks and can dance but when it comes to her mother Oksana (Jane Seymour) she simply has an attitude. It might just be that Oksana was a dancer and as a mom might be just be a little overbearing. She does mean well but Barlow has a mind of her own and fights back when she can.
Charlie on the other hand was a delivery driver who simply is a very talented and innovative pianist.

As I said earlier Charlie notices Barlow right away and you can see the chemistry early on. Unfortunately Raines has it bad for his lead dancer and lets it be known. Barlow simply plays them both and enjoys the attention.

The music and the dancing are pretty incredible. Those of you who enjoy dance then this film is for you. If you care for chemistry between young actors then this film is for you. Those who enjoy both dance and chemistry then your in luck because you are going to be tinkled pink with this film.

GVN Releasing is bringing this film to Blu-Ray on February 4th, 2020. The quality of the Blu-Ray is excellent. The sights and sounds are superb and the show is wonderful. This is one those films that you will want to pick up and put in your personal library. It would also make a great gift for that special person. Once you have this film in your possession you will be watching it over and over. So watch the rivalry and romance and see where the love falls. Enjoy.