Shows
Getting to "Hell Yes!".Getting to Hell Yes! LinkedIn Live with Ray Hespen🎙️ Podcast Teaser for Getting to Hell Yes Featuring Ray Hespen🚀 Episode Overview: In this episode, we sit down with Ray Hespen, CEO & Co-Founder of Property Meld, to discuss how data-driven maintenance management is transforming property operations, reducing costs, and increasing resident retention in the multifamily industry.🔑 Key Takeaways🛠️ Maintenance is a Revenue Driver, Not Just a Cost Property managers often view maintenance as an expense, but Ray explains how efficient repairs and proactive management actually increase NOI and improve retention rates—turning maintenance into a strategic asset.📊 The Data Doesn’t Lie The industry has lacked data-driven...2025-02-1256 min
The Money Line: Beyond The Law#02 Meet the Team – Ray Medearis Joins the LineIn this episode of The Money Line, we’re introducing one of the key members of Hurt in Houston: Ray Medearis, our dedicated Intake Specialist. Ray plays a vital role in connecting with our clients from the very beginning of their journey with us, ensuring they feel heard and supported.
David and Vincent Salazar sit down with Ray to learn more about his story, his work, and what drives his passion for helping people. As a new regular on the podcast, Ray brings his unique perspective, humor, and insight to the mix.
Join us as we...2024-11-2630 min
Morning Reel93 - "Eastern Promises"David Cronenberg is a great filmmaker, a legend in sci-fi film community but he also makes these dark, undertone thrillers where little action goes in the film but the one big violent scene is suppose to make it up for it all. In some cases, it works. In this film, it didn't work too much for me. It is a sold crime/gangster film. I love the fact how Anna who is played by Naomi Watts goes into the rabbit hole of Russian crime life all to make sure the baby she delivered is safe and with some type of...2023-08-3120 min
Morning Reel92 - "The Virgin Suicides"Sofia Coppola, daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, started her directing film career with "The Virgin Suicides". She created a good film about teen sisters growing up in a very strict and religious household. Their parents are weird and it's their fault the girls died. Now, I don't discuss that but the main focus of the film centers on a family gets through death of their own. I love how Coppola did her best of showing five sisters going though grief but centers on about two to three of 'em. I do like the visuals of this film because if you're...2023-08-2417 min
Morning Reel91 - "Fargo" (film)The Coen Brothers are master of filmmaking. They can make a crime film funny but at the same time they don't hide the bleakness of what can happen when a insecure/beta car salesman purposely sets up to have his wife kidnapped for ransom. What can't go wrong, right? "Fargo" puts us in a cold world where not only is there crime but life also awaits. I love the cast of this film, they made the screenplay into their own. I love the fact that visuals in the film help push the story forward as well giving us moments of...2023-08-2214 min
Morning Reel90 - "Biutiful"Alejandro González Iñárritu created a beautiful film called "Biutiful" but as beautiful as it is, it's dark, sad and relentless. We follow a man who's involved in the counterfit business as well as guiding lost/broken spirits into the next life as a medium. The two professions do not coincide. Uxabl, the main character, found out that he has prostate and he doesn't have much time. What to do? The film centers on the family dynamic between his immediate family and his relatives. The film also relies heavily on spirituality and how we should always try to be on...2023-08-1417 min
Morning Reel89 - "Past Lives"A24 finally released a normal film called "Past Lives" about the re-connection and absolution of two people who, at one point, were in love with each other although time and distance were not in their favor. it's hard to tell where relationships can go especially if one is willing to go the extra mile. These people hadn't seen each other for years, almost a decade and one of them is looking for a chance that we all know is too late. But it's not about chance for that type of opportunity, it's about closure and it's importance. We all need...2023-08-0412 min
Morning Reel88 - "Interstellar"Christopher Nolan's 2014 "Interstellar" is the perfect film and I consider it the best film of last decade. The perfect film where all aspects of filmmaking blend very well together to deliver a great film. It has a great story, a lot of information thrown at you where you shouldn't except yourself to know, you just trust the people on screen and HOPE they save humanity and by saving humanity you save Earth. The film touches on that, time travel and crossing boundaries that greater what we expect and that's what the film is about. We humans are maverick and if...2023-07-2817 min
Morning Reel87 - "Oppenheimer"Christopher Nolan is back and he's back with "Oppenheimer", and adapted biographical film abut J. Robert Oppenheimer, the "father" of the atomic. It's wild film both visual and audio. It's a film made to be experienced in the theater and the screenplay itself is just as good. I like how the film tackles with the psychological effects and politics scientists go through with such a notion that we have not only developed a weapon of mass destruction but we have unlocked the capabilities of more and a country like the United States will use it and probably abuse it. It...2023-07-2115 min
Morning Reel86 - "Manchester by the Sea"Kenneth Lonergan wrote and directed "Manchester by the Sea" A great film that earned Best Original Screenplay and Best Male Lead Actor and the film deserves. It's a film that heavily deals with guilt and grief due to a tragic loss of family. As heavy the emotions are in the this film, Lonergan was able to write some comedy in the film, almost making into a black comedy. We need some type of release from our troubles even though they wont fix anything. Life always goes on but it's important how you go about it. I love how the film...2023-07-2118 min
Morning Reel85 - "Tár""Tár" is a film driven by paranoia from the titular character. I liked the theme about being the talk of the town to almost a half-recognized talent. And all of it is due to allegations to where we see this character scramble for some type of security. In her world, there isn't any. People in her field of work and expertise all play a role where they all back stab each other. I dug "Tár" for it's unique screenplay of a pretentious Lydia Tar trying to make delusional sense of what's crumbling around in her life. I also li...2023-07-2009 min
Morning Reel84 - "Kajillionaire" feat. Mildred FernandezMiranda July is known to weird out, to stretch what we call normalcy. I feel like she is David Lynch's daughter. She'd be the comedy version of him. Anyways, Mildred Fernandez and I reviewed "Kajillionaire" about Old Dolio who never had a chance in life. I mean, her name says it all. All she wants is someone to meet her beyond what is just equal. We want to feel special. July created a film where it's screaming that without having to hear it. We see the events that unfold where a human progresses dramatically as the film goes on. This...2023-06-2034 min
Morning Reel83 - "Flamin' Hot" Feat. E-ZoneE-Zone asked me the other day is we can review this film. Of course we can and we did. Eva Longoria in directorial debut, released "Flamin' Hot", the story of how Richard Montañez made the hot cheetos that eveybody in the world knows about and loves. In her debut, she a made a good film about ambition, following goals and proving yourself. The things that me and E-Zone is generational trauma. I wanna give praise to Longoria, I think she captured it very well and I hope she makes films with that type of theme, folks in our generation n...2023-06-1518 min
Morning Reel82 - "Moonlight"A24 put out a great film with a great cast that rightfully earned "Best Picture" at the Oscars n 2017. "Moonlight" is a coming-of-age film written & directed by Barry Jenkins. It's a gay film about identity that centers around Chiron, who grew up in a very dysfunctional household with his single mother who's struggling with her own addiction. The only nuture Chiron has is through a drug dealer and his girlfriend Teresa who would be his parents in another reality. The film centers primarliy on Chiron's upbringing as he goes thorugh his life struggling with his idenity being a gay person...2023-06-1320 min
Morning Reel81 - "Coraline""Coraline" is full of spunk but not for your average child, it's too edgy for it. It's a stop motion film that goes for a quasi-horror spooky film that's centered with the idea of unification as a family and the struggle of identity. It's a film that is filled colors, moods and themes established due to cinematography. Let's not forget the production design because the artists who made this film deserve the mention. I talk about a couple fo these things and how some key parts of the screenplay itself did not work for me but didn't stop me to...2023-06-0111 min
Morning Reel80 - "The Piano Teacher"Michael Haneke wrote and directed "The Piano Teacher" with precision and brutal honesty. It's about a woman who is living through being a total lie. She takes life to other people and sadly to herself but there are reasons for it. It's a film about control. Do we have the control? How easy is it for one to slip? I loved the film for the complexity of the characters that carry this film through the tensions. The writing is great and Haneke is also great and character displaying the shots he chose as well. I also talk about how deep...2023-05-3015 min
Morning Reel79 - "Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles" THE GREATEST FILM OF ALL TIME?in 1975, arthouse queen Chantal Akerman wrote & directed "Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles", a film about a widower turned into a prostitute to make ends-meet. That's it. That's the plot but there's so much that goes into this 201 minute minimalistic film that you'd never thought you'd encounter. 201 minutes, yes 201 minutes. The whole Avengers series is much longer than that and sucks as a whole with little depth into it besides saving the world. Jeanne saved herself in some weird way in this film. Sight & Sound publication named this film the "Greatest Film of All Time" in their decade film poll...2023-05-2215 min
Morning Reel78 - "Some Like It Hot"Billy Wilder's "Some Like It Hot" is the perfect comedy film and it came out in 1959 that stars Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. This trio can make life together and how many lives have they uplift and brought laughter to our faces. I love this comedy film. It teaches about life even if you have to dress up as a chick to do so. I praise the film for its elements such as writing, acting (especially Tony Curtis plays THREE characters). The supporting roles are great and all this acting helps push the story. The one-liners! This film...2023-05-1120 min
Morning Reel77 - "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith"May the fourth be with you. Today I reveiw the best "Star Wars" prequel film, "Episode III - Revenge of the Sith". It's probably the most balanced film of them all that gives us thoughts of life & death, coping and moving forward with loss, and should they written better dialog? I do have some issues with this film but regardless of that, it has action to back up during the ominous scenes of the film. I praise the film for its visual effects, how story carries itself with the wipes and Lucas kkind of knows where to write the best...2023-05-0415 min
Morning Reel76 - "Moonage Daydream" feat. DJ C-MinusDJ C-Minus joins me on this review on Brett Morgen's "Moonage Daydream", an artistic collage of David Bowie's musical career to where it begins at the beginning of his "Ziggy" era. We go a little deep into the film, discussing aspects of the documentary film that's shown by a deep catalog of archival footage that looks great. The film celebrates intimate moments of Bowie, making us feel like we're right there in person and doesn't shy on what to show us. It's a discussion for the fans of Bowie, glam and filmmaking in general. Enjoy.DJ C-Minus...2023-05-0430 min
Morning Reel75 - "Pineapple Express"David Gordon Green released 2008's "Pineapple Express" and since then has become a cult following to all stoners and would-be stoners and it's thanks to Cheech & Chong's infliuence of their comedy and association to the vibrant plant known as marijuana. The stoner comedy film "Pineapple Express" brought laughs especially with it's slapstick humor and how they tie the stigma's the plant's "dangers" to society especially when you see corrupt cops fucking around with drug criminals. isn't that hilarious? The flaw I have is with Amber Heard. Not the taking a shit in the bed but I wish there was more...2023-04-2011 min
Morning Reel74 - "The Super Mario Bros. Movie""The Super Mario Bros. Movie" is a great starter film for everyone to get into the franchise. The legacy has made it to the big screen in animation and they got it for the most part. I praise the film for Jack Black as Bowser, the best Bowser character you can get for $100 million. I also like how it brings nostalgia, making you want to dust off your SNES and start playing in front of your 50 inch curved flat screen that still has AV inputs. How times have changed. I wish the film could have had a better screenplay to...2023-04-1707 min
Morning Reel73 - "Sound of Metal""Sound of Metal" teaches us a lesson. Sometimes we gotta accept what we have and move forward, especially to live a fufilling life. Ruben in the film was like, "F that, I want my hearing back". You pay the price for the things you want and sometimes it doesn't turn out right. Ruben learned the hard way but in the end he did get peace and for the way the film was written to get the ending we see, it's great. I praise the film for its use of sound, the dedication the actors put on to make this film...2023-04-0605 min
Morning Reel72 - "Everything Everywhere All At Once""Everything Everywhere All At Once" is the perfect film as much as it's not my favorite film, it deserves most of the Oscars (and you'll hear why). Overall it's gerat, action-packed, drama goes all over the place and this film in general does go all over the place and as the film goes, the message of it is just in your face and it remains there for the duration of it and I personally love it. It's about real life taken in all kinds of versions of itself and wouldn't we want to know that? I praise the film for...2023-04-0311 min
Morning Reel71 - "He Got Game"Spike Lee directed "He Got Game" in 1998 and although it didn't meet the budget as far as sales go, he taught us things that money can't buy and that's being a man. In this film, being a man is everything, even more than basketball and it's funny because basketball is life for Jake and Jesus Shuttlesworth.The very thing separated these two characters and could it bring them together? And how. I dig the film for it's visual style, how the characters interact with each, seeing actually use their bodies to drve the film. It's a very physical film besides...2023-03-2409 min
Morning Reel70 - "The Banshees of Inisherin""The Banshees of Inisherin" is a great written and directed film by Martin McDonagh, who takes black comedy to the ficitonal place called Inisherin fille with a unique cast of characters whom are very interactive. Some of the cast add great purpose to the push of the film's plot and they bring the two main characters together even though one of 'em doesn't wanna do jack. The film is so simple but filled with great dialog and how it supports loneliness, existentialism, life crisis, and other things in that nature. A very grown up film but it's also hilarious but...2023-03-0912 min
Morning Reel69 - "Cocaine Bear""Cocaine Bear" is Elizabeth Banks' best film to date. She was able to show us a thriller, a comedy and a crime film all in and hour 30 mins. That's a little hard to do even if it leans towars the comedy side of things. It's a pretty solid script, cheesy for the most part. But seeing the bear high on cocaine is sort of like watching a National Geographic program. I'll say this, it's not the best film but it definitely end up sharing it's simulcast with National Geographic. Listen to us what intrigued us, such as direction, certain shots...2023-02-2506 min
Morning Reel68 - "If Beale Street Could Talk""If Beale Street Could Talk" is great film that deals with injustice and how to get through it out. The tale is embodied by Tish & Fonny, who are beyond in love, separated by bars due to a crime Fonny was wrongfully convicted of. Tish is carrying Fonny's baby and with support of her family, they try to turn things around. But like life, there are challenges that one must get by with no guarrantee and that's what I love from the film personally, the fact that we're seeing a window to these fictional people's lives and seeing what their realities...2023-02-1417 min
Morning Reel67 - "Love & Basketball""Love & Basketball" shows the life of two people who are not only in love with each other but in love with basketball. The ticket to freedom, success and being wanted for them is basketball but they later realize what they have is far much greater. This films deals with the ups and downs of trying to be a success especially dealing with family and peers. I talk about why I like this film due to a great sctipt, how complex and insightful these characters are and how this theme of love is carried. Enjoy.#love&basketball #valentinesday #film2023-02-1411 min
Morning Reel66 - "Elvis""Elvis" is a wild ride. It definitely complimented the craziness of Elvis through it's elaborate editing, sound design, to the sloppiness of the screenplay itself along with casrting choices. I enjoyed the film for it's beauty of cinematography, production design, and honestly, it's screen direction because it is tough to show a concert being done even it's all filmmaking. Enjoy.#elvis #morningreel #bazluhrmann2023-02-0314 min
Morning Reel65 - "The Fabelmans"Steven Spielberg has done it with this film called "The Fabelmans" which is roughly his autobiography. Everyhting he cherishes about filmmaking and being vulnerable is right here. I briefly talk about why this film is a masterclass in filmmaking, I give credit to the casting and the actors who played these great and realistic characters, and I also briefly bring up how the plot of the film plays to even modern times, splitting your work life and family life, art vs passion. This is a film that everyone will enjoying especially those who are career-driven individuals. Enjoy.#thefabelmans...2023-01-2711 min
Morning Reel64 - "Matilda" (1996)Danny DeVito directed Matilda, who gave us a lot to think about and a lot to be grateful of. It's visually striking, the dialog is very snappy and a bit dark at times, especially with Principal Trunchbull, she's a riot. Matilda is a smart girl, almost too smart for your own good and a lot of power of the film comes from that understanding. We all want to belong, believe it or not. I briefly talk about DeVito's visual style in this film in particular, the character development of Matilda and some of the characters, and lastly the comparison of...2023-01-1913 min
Morning Reel63 - "Waking Life"This film review was a request by orlyb2012 Thank you orlyb2012 !Waking Life is Richard Linklater's love letter to his whole filmography: the meaning of life. Is there magic in the world? Are we actually alive? Linklater various films explore those themes, of existentialism, reality, in a lot of his films and he doesn't really go deep on them but in this film in particular, he goes BALLS DEEP and I like that. This is not your typical drama or action film. It's a film that demands your attention and your mind because it does...2023-01-1512 min
Morning Reel62 - "A Little Princess"Alfonso Cuaron started his studio film career with A Little Princess in which I enjoyed especially with the cinematography and great acting from the cast that you wouldn't expect to see. You can tell that Cuaron has a knack for visuals and it shows in the dream sequences that the set has created that looks very inviting, fluid, and imaginative, which is the subtext of the film, belieivng in reality's magic. Enjoy!#alittleprincess #alfonsocuaron #morningreel2023-01-0506 min
Morning Reel61 - "New Year's Eve"New Year's Eve is a Garry Marshall directed film and somehting happened to where stories don't go no where but somehow captivate the heart. Not mine, that's for sure. Here's a film where an ensemble cast could have done better if the treatment was better for them in the first place. FInd out why I gave this film TWO tokes in terms of story selection, writing in general and the cheesiness of it. Enjoy.#newyearseve #garrymarshall #morningreel2023-01-0209 min
Morning Reel60 - "Aftersun"Aftersun is a brave film written & directed by Charlotte Wells that focuses on the dynamic between single parents and their children especially when dealing with depression coming from the parent. It's a simple in its plot but complex as to what the characters go through in an emotional and physiological level. I love it for the writing, the acting and stage direction Wells was able to successfully accomplish, as well as how the cinematography presents the dynamics. Enjoy!#aftersun #charlottewells #a242022-12-3011 min
Morning Reel59 - "A Charlie Brown Christmas"A Charlie Brown Christmas is the first TV special of the Peanuts gang and it's great for kids and adults to watch. The short is still reltable to today's time especially how it mentions commercialism and greed, especially from a child's perspective. I loved the humor, seeing Charlie Brown as a play director is great and Snoopy steals the cel throughout. Watch it on Apple +, sadly it's not broadcasted to the public audience, but do please see it whenever it's on your screen.#acharliebrownchristmas #morningreel #charlesmschulz2022-12-2606 min
Morning Reel58 - "Elf"Elf is directed by Jon Favreau and he did a great job guiding a cast to cheer and jubulation. It's a well balanced film that I would consider a modern Christmas film and at this point it is a classic. Listen to me talking about the team between James Caan and Will Ferrell, how develop from each other, how music embodies Christmas, and how to relates to certain people who think they got it all but if family ain't there, you got nothing.#morningreel #elf #willferrell2022-12-2514 min
Morning Reel57 - "Home Alone" and "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York"Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a Christmas gift provided by John Hughes to us. Now, in this review, I don't go in-depth to the how this franchise stood the test of time. I simply talk about how I like the first film aginst its adventurous sequels but they are great to watch and enjoy for all kinds of people to see and it's great to see this film due to its constant culture it continues spray to our younger generations. Enjoy.#homealone #homealone2 #johnhughes2022-12-2020 min
Morning Reel56 - "It's a Wonderful Life"It's a Wonderful Life" is wonderful for many reasons - the production design, the well written script adapted from "A Christmas Carol", the acting and ensemble cast you get, plus more from the premise itself of making the best of life, especially when you know you got it good. Enjoy.#morningreel #itsawonderfullife #frankcapra2022-12-1007 min
Morning Reel55 - "The Philadelphia Story"True love! In this LSD review, I talk about why I think "The Philadelphia Story" is a great film, almost the perfect film to be more descriptive. The cast filled with beautiful and talented actors and how they certainly bring the script alive on its toes especially with endless one-liners. This film caught my attention as to how it reflects the times and parodies high societies, monocles y todo. Even for a screwball film, it has great cinematography as well, moving through the set design, exposing the goods of the manor. Enjoy this one.#thephiladelphiastory #morningreel #lsd2022-12-0507 min
Morning Reel54 - "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving"This Peanuts classic shows us kids and adults what Thanksgiving is about in a cute, comedic and wholesome way. A simple plot didn't go a long way but I enjoyed Snoopy making food for his friends and all comes from the bottom of his heart. A film to enjoy and possibly re-create, you'll get hooked and make you want to take on the world.#morningreel #acharliebrownthanksgiving2022-11-2606 min
Morning Reel53 - "To the Wonder""To the Wonder" written & directed by Terrence Malick is a love letter to love and it's brutal. It's not a graphic film but the passion that the actors put into the film is no where near numb. An explosion at being free and feeling free in a space where you have to convince the audience, "this is who I am and it makes sense to me". I loved the film for it's cinematography, the use of voice overs in certain sequences in the film that leads to the result of careful editing. It's a film everyone should watch because it...2022-11-1808 min
Morning Reel52 - "Equals" Feat. Fabiola SotoMy wife briefly joins on this episode for the review of "Equals" which I thought is a good hearted film that did is best to use romance and fuse it with minimalist science fiction themes such as dystopian societies where emotions are taboo. I really love the cinematography, talk about how the visuals from the robotic nature of the camera can help tell a story and the actors in the film did a great job carry the story and describe the pains we humans feel when it comes to love and passion. I only wish the film had a better...2022-11-1009 min
Morning Reel51 - "Clerks III""Clerks III" concludes the "Clerks" trilogy that Kevin Smith has created. This film is probably the most emotional of the three. Not the most powerful, it almost feels like mockumentary of sorts but Smith did a good job choosing which scenes are worthy enough to "re-enact" but in Randal's vision. And I like it a lot. The dialog is sharp and Elias is great practicing Satanism and dressing up what he thinks is what a Satanist would be like. It's everything. This film does carry the narrative of life/working and keeping your loved ones near. There's a slight twist...2022-11-0415 min
Morning Reel50 - "Clerks II"We're back with "Clerks II", the raunchier, more in-depth sequel to Kevin Smith's "Clerks II". I dig this sequel more than the first, it has more dialog that works with the overall story of the film. I talk the strengths of how the characters push the narrative of life/work/friendship/ As they get older, the circles are much smaller and tighter and you start to appreciate life more. I also point out how much fun this film is and you can see it as how the scenes play off so hilariously in some cases. In this film, the acting...2022-11-0413 min
Morning Reel49 - "Clerks""Clerks" is Kevin Smith's debut in cinema and what an explosive film it is. After this film, the rest was history for this talented man. I talk about how the film reminds me of Jean-Luc Godard in terms how it's organized visually speaking. It's in black & white set in local New Jersey, the screen is filled with interesting dialog especially how blunt they are when it comes to being real about what's going on with you. Its quite a blessing to have, to be honest. The characters brings the story alive and if they could they change in any direction...2022-11-0409 min
Morning Reel48 - "Halloween" (1978)John Carpenter's "Halloween" is a great attempt at American Horror Slasher cinema. The man who is known for writing, scoring, and directing; takes us to suburbia where in Halloween, no teenager is safe and Michael Myers doesn't care who gets sliced. I praise the film for doing its best to produce an iconic female lead led by Jamie Lee Curtis. I also talk about the cinematography and its effect of creating a character of voyeurism while at the same time framing what needs to be shown. I also talk about its use of audio in creating tone and suspense. Enjoy!2022-11-0110 min
Morning Reel47 - "Häxan""Häxan" is probably one of most spookiest/horror films of the day and that time is 1922. Imagine watching this film at that time? That's what I briefly explore in this episode. It's a documentary-style film that informs us witchcraft since Middle Ages until modern times at that time. I dig it because of how they depict information. The production design did a great job bringing devil to life and demons, creating sabbath scenes, it's great. Check it out!2022-10-2609 min
Morning Reel46 - "The Blair Witch Project""The Blair Witch Project" is an example of an indie masterpiece and at the same time being a horror film. The decision to make the film feel realistic led partially to the power of the film, the acting is incredible that it makes you feel like you're amongst the trio of characters. I also discuss how things just gets worse in matters of sequences.2022-10-2208 min
Morning Reel45 - "Hocus Pocus" and "Hocus Pocus 2"A GRINDHOUSE FEATURE - "Hocus Pocus" and "Hocus Pocus 2" both great for kids and adults to watch. I talk about how the films puts representation on women in leading roles, the complexity of the characters especially Bette Midler's. I also talk about how well the themes were written in their own right.#morningreel #hocuspocus #hocuspocus22022-10-1412 min
Morning Reel44 - "Titane""Titane" is a a modern body borror film masterpiece. Julia Ducournau took the genre and added a fresh edge to the female lead especially this lead beautifully acted by Agathe Rousselle. Ducournau put a lot of attention to detail in all apsects of filmmaking which I felt led to winning the Palme d'Or earlier this year and I briefly talk about that. Acting, cinematography, unique way of driving the story forward, "Titane", it's hard to watch but re-watchable. Definitely earns that.2022-10-0606 min
Morning Reel43 - "Jaws""Jaws" and among other early '70s films made what is called the "blockbuster" today. "Jaws" is an iconic film beautifully directed by Steven Spielberg. He went the Hitchcock/new wave route with his choice of cinematography and how the characters played each other in such a fun way. I talk about the screenplay, how detailed he is in certain sequences in the film and I also mention how important it was to have the story go directly forward.#morningreel #jaws #stevenspielberg2022-09-1510 min
Morning Reel42 - "Jerry Maguire""Jerry Maguire" is a fan favorite amongst folks who love the work of Cameron Crowe and Tom Cruise, respectively. Fortunately, I dig them both. To me, one of Cruise's best roles, if not the best because he fires on all cylinders portraying a sports agent whose put his life and career on the line. I talk about how great the characters are due to the writing of Crowe and they carry each other throughout the course of the film. I also talk about what the subtext is of the film as it relates to how should we make ourselves to...2022-09-1108 min
Morning Reel41 - "The Spectacular Now"One of my favorite sub-genres of filmmaking is the "coming of age" where young folks figure themselves out, whether it be a situation or time in their life. "The Spectacular Now" is a gem in this modern day romance/drama genre. The film does the sub-genre right, creating simple complexities that deal with family and key social groups, such as best friends and whatnot. I talk about the writing of the film, some cinematography and how the location adds to the film's progression and aesthetic.#morningreel #thespectacularnow2022-09-0210 min
Morning Reel40 - "Days of Being Wild""Days of WIld Being" is Wong Kar-wai's debut film about missed connections of the romantic and parental. The absence of those who birthed us creates to be a certain, missing the peace that we can forever yearn for. I talk about how his choice of angles with music supports the narrative, pushing the mood these characters are going for. I also talk about the main character as to how deep and complex he is, enough to study about. The rest of the cast is great as they not only add support but they great strengths of their own. I loved...2022-08-2810 min
Morning Reel39 - "The Rehearsal" Season 01Nathan Fielder's "The Rehearsal" that's on HBO, is one of the most original reality television programs today where all the stops are off. In full Fielder mode, he goes on to helping people in his way but goes almost to God-like stages. One of the things being recreating locations all the way to smallest of details JUST to insure that his client can be successful to their confrontation. All the while he starts to get attach and BOOM, he starts making his own rehearsals. I briefly talk about the season, from what I gathered watching this six episode season which...2022-08-2307 min
Morning Reel38 - "Irma Vep" (1996)Olivier Assayas wrote and directed "Irma Vep" that portrays the state of French cinema at the time by placing the audience in the middle of making a film. A film about a film like how Assayas did is very invasive in an artful way. I briefly explain this method in this episode. I really enjoyed the film, it's nice to see people break down in normal situations, it's nice to see how people coexist despite their upbringings. It's not said but it's displayed and I think it adds progressive tendencies as to why we do the things we do.2022-08-1807 min
Morning Reel37 - "Inception""Inception", to me, is Chistophher Nolan's masterpiece. The most understandable complex film in his body of work, this episode puts me back in 2010 when I saw the film the day it came out and how I addicted I was to it because of it's original storytelling, the use of its ensemble cast, and it all came from Nolan's writing. I also briefly explain how Nolan's chooses his scenes carefully that help push the story even to those who would have a hard time getting around the concept of time in a fake dream state.2022-08-1111 min
Morning Reel36 - "Gravity"Requested by Anthony Soto"Gravity" is the film Alfonso Cuaron finally got some serious recognition because of the numerous awards its earned back in 2013. I explain why by praising his writing, the team that made the sound design and the team who did the CGI for this film--which looks great. It's a sci-fi adventure led by mainly Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. It's a film of the triumph of the human will. There are actions that leave you no choice but to succeed, no exceptions. How Bullock's character progresses in the film from beginning to the final shot...2022-08-0411 min
Morning Reel35 - "Bringing Out the Dead" [MUSHROOM POV]I know why Martin Scorsese casted Nic Cage to be in "Bringing Out the Dead", he knew that this man can unravel such as that and he knew he can. This film is a wild trip into the dangerous streets of New York but in that ugliness is beauty that changes your outlook on life. Paul Schrader wrote this excellent film and Scorsese brought it on screen. It's shiny and dirty, the ying and the yang but all blend in "BRINGING OUT THE DEAD". I go into the complexities of actors in this film through the bizarre mind of Schrader.2022-07-2809 min
Morning Reel34 - "Little Miss Sunshine"The debut film of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. This is a solid film with a great screenplay and a great cast to knock it off the pageant floor. I dig the strengths these cast of characters do and aren't afraid to show their weakness which is interesting to see in any film.2022-07-2204 min
Morning Reel33 - "Lost Highway""Lost Highway" is one David Lynch's quasi-pyschosexual neo-noir masterpiece where the screenplay leaves your head scratching but at the same time it gets you to watch more. I talk about the strengths of the film in how its visuals not only create a style but also pushes the story and the mood of it all just lingers. It's those films that you have to accept as you see it because it's so out of the norm but it's set in a realistic world.2022-07-1613 min
Morning Reel32 - "Child 44""Child 44" tried it's best to centralize corruption and murder in early Soviet Union era but it's confusing plot and heavy burden on Russian accents rather than actual spoken dialog left me searching for more. The actors did their best on this film but it just wasn't enough.2022-07-0706 min
Morning Reel31 - "Big Eyes""Big Eyes" is Tim Burton's passion project about artists Walter and Margaret Keane but more primarily on Margaret for she is a pioneer in modern art of the time with her paintings that have the signature "big eyes" on the subjects. It's a fairly written film about standing up for yourself especially when it's stuff that's be distributed all around the world. I just personally felt that the acting in the Walter character is too much and the character of Margaret was a bit too weak. I can't say if the plot itself was a bit too laid back in...2022-06-3006 min
Morning Reel30 - "Beautiful Boy""Beautiful Boy", a dramatic bio film based on David and Nic Sheff's memoirs about meth addiction. The film looks into it, bringing the true story to life in a character-driven way with the swells of music that adds to emotions of the film. It's harsh take on reality especially to those who struggle with addiction. It's a really good, the actors do a great job portraying a family that really does care about Nic whether they don't know how to really help him.2022-06-2309 min
Morning Reel29 - "Saving Private Ryan""Saving Private Ryan" is the perfect war film directed by Steven Spielberg that even today still stands strong due to all kinds of aspects that the man visioned and set in stone. I talk about those aspects such as direction, cinematography, acting and even screenwriting. Even if it wasn't visually pleasing, the screenplay could carry it, it's written that well. I love the film for its dissection of PTSD and the innocence of war and sometimes it's simply told through visuals.2022-06-1609 min
Morning Reel28 - "Tokyo Story"Yasujirō Ozu's "Tokyo Story" is considered one of the best--IF NOT--the best film of all time. THE BEST FILM OF ALL TIME. Like, if Stranger Things went on 20 more seasons, "Tokyo Story" would be still probably the best film of all time and I don't explain that but I explain what it does to the human psyche. It asks ourselves very important questions that every human in society goes through and if it hasn't, it's gonna come and it comes hard. A film so simple but so beautiful at the same time. I explain the cinematography, the slow pacing and h...2022-06-0915 min
Morning Reel27 - "Chungking Express"Wong Kar-wai could be your introduction to Hong Kong cinema and his "Chungking Express" is the keys to it. If you dig crime and romance with quirky moods, this is the film. I briefly explain how Kar-wai sets mood with music and visuals such as rolling back shutter angle, something simple that can be set on your camera. Imagine that? It's incredible to see a film like this because it really didn't require much, the actors with their intimate settings brought life on the screen.2022-06-0205 min
Morning Reel26 - "Brokeback Mountain" feat. XG of "Tin Foil Hat"/"GPS"/"WDSTS"XG joins me on this episode reviewing "Brokeback Mountain" directed by Ang Lee, a LGBTQ/romance masterpiece. It almost felt like I was watching Wong Kar-wai's "Happy Together" where the complexities of same-sex relationships hits the heart. XG and I discuss the impact of this film because of its story-telling, how tame it really is compared to cinema today when it comes to sex and relationships, and how the representation was done right especially the bigotry that affected the gay movement at that time.XG's merchhttp://fullytoxic.com2022-05-2614 min
Morning Reel25 - "I Give It A Year"Dan Mazer gives us his version of the trials and tribulation of marriage especially in the first year of it. "I Give It A Year" is written and directed by Mazer. I gave it a chance and I did enjoy it and as much as I enjoyed it, I wouldn't say I would do the things these characters do in this film but MAN they do give great performances. I wish I can say the same about the screenplay overall. The characters are much smarter than their decision making but oh well, that's life goes, I GUESS.2022-05-1909 min
Morning Reel24 - "Whiplash" feat. Eric Bobo of Cypress HillIn this episode, Eric Bobo and I talk about Damien Chazelle's "Whiplash" about a college student's dedication of achieving success in his jazz program lead by a perfectionist of a band leader. He gives, blood, sweat, and tears and sometimes that's not enough. Perhaps your dignity? Bobo gives us insight of the road a musician can possibly go journy through and it's never an easy one. This film in particular sheds a lot on the subject of success, respect and dedication for your passion. I admired the film based on the subject and certain edited cuts mimics the intensity of...2022-05-1217 min
Morning Reel23 - "Parallel Mothers"Pedro Almodovar's "Parallel Mothers" is the Mother's Day treat because it highly puts representation of motherhood between two generations. It shows no matter at what age you are, mother instincts kick in, some more than others. I dug the writing and how the characters brought it out so well it makes you feel like you're in the scenes. The use of red as always is so good. The mixture of the concept of ancestry could have been more balanced but I understood the point of it all.2022-05-0813 min
Morning Reel22 - "8½"Federico Fellini's "8½" is the perfect film that was requested by Luis from the suggestions that I have offered to anyone who listens to this podcast. To briefly describe it here, I enjoyed the film very much to the point where I call it "the perfect film". I could have said so much about the film that I forgot to talk about my favorite shot about the film. There's so much to learn about live and this film delivers it in a way no one could have thought of especially during the early '60s in the Italian film industry. I b...2022-05-0508 min
National Board ConversationsRay Salazar
On this episode of National Board Conversations, we take a trip to Chicago to speak with Ray Salazar. He is a National Board Certified High School English teacher, powerlifter, and more! You can check out some of his work at the White Rhino Blog and learn about his community efforts. We get to know how Ray became an English teacher, his state records in powerlifting, and talk about things close to him. Give him a follow on Twitter or Instagram, and I hope you enjoy the episode.Twitter: @NBPTSInstagram: @NBPTSFacebook: The National Board...2022-05-0236 min
Morning Reel21 - "Cypress Hill: Insane in the Brain"Estevan Oriol put Los Angeles hip hop on the map with this documentary called "Cypress Hill: Insane in the Brain". What I mean by that really is that from the generation he participated during, he documented Los Angeles culture. In this doc, he reflects his time during touring and managing Cypress Hill and their impact in Hip Hop. He does very visually with archives of different kinds of mediums, it's very impressive and it does show passion from Oriol.2022-04-2606 min
Morning Reel20 - "Nightcrawler""Nightcrawler" is the perfect film and the perfect neo-noir film as well with it's exciting plot and its hilarious way it goes about especially Jake Gyllenhaal's character of Louis who is determined to not only go broke but to give perfection and what more motivation do you need. Even though it was written & directed by Dan Gilroy, this is the film that Michael Mann would have made because it does fit those night time aesthetic, finding the next lead because "if it bleeds, it leads". I briefly explain how these elements in filmmaking make "Nightcrawler" a thorough watch.2022-04-2107 min
Morning Reel19 - "The Blind Side"I saw "The Blind Side" a couple of days before reviewing it. I was watching it and I said to myself, why not review it. It's a pretty good film based on the life of Michael Oher who grew up troubled and was taken in by a loving and caring family who didn't really see race based on why they took him in. He was in need and they did the right thing. But they seem like the perfect family and that's one thing I talk about in the film, I wish they were more a bit more complex. But...2022-04-1407 min
Morning Reel18 - "Marriage Story""Marriage Story" was all the talk of the town especially in New York and Los Angeles, respectively and I can see why as to watching it the other day. I can see how people can connect to the characters to the film whether they themselves have been married or not. I'm not a fan of Noah Baumbach but the writing in this film is great and I explain why. I also talk about the strengths of acting and how the main characters depicted marriage especially that they're in the world of "The Arts" as one would call it. Effective overall...2022-04-0712 min
Morning Reel17 - "Grizzly Man" feat. Xavier Guerrero"Grizzly Man" is one of the those documentaries where all the evidence is in front of you and you have to do is piece it together. Over 100 hours of footage stemming years upon years, director Werner Herzog took the task to tell the story of Timothy Treadwell, a man who loved the environment (in his own way) and also grizzly bears. Me and XG and my featured guest, one half of the "We Don't Smoke the Same" Podcast and producer of both "Tin Foil Hat With Sam Tripoli" as well as "George Perez Stories", talk without having to say it...2022-04-0113 min
Morning Reel16 - "Vanilla Sky"Cameron Crowe's "Vanilla Sky" is his magnum opus that caught my eyes in my early 20s and after watching the film time and time again, it still holds up. I briefly discuss how soundtrack selection to set a mood for a premise is key, how films such as this that question its validity is a testament to the filmmaker's goal, and how the plot is universal to the struggles of human contact whether we dream of it or not. It's among us. Take care of one another.2022-03-3118 min
Morning Reel15 - "The Lost Daughter"Maggie Gyllenhaal's "The Lost Daughter" is great a film and how about it starting her directorial debut strong. The acting, choice of actors and the cinematography is a bonus. A story about how one loses themselves while they losing children of your own. It changes and warps your livelihood. This a film that's aimed for adults and Gyllenhaal doesn't relent, she keeps it there and makes you take the drama that's being presented. Nominated for oscars, I hope they win one.2022-03-2705 min
Morning Reel14 - "King Richard""King Richard" is the biopic of famous and legendary Venus and Serena Williams as well as their father Richard. It's not your average biopic because it doesn't go too deep into the biographies within these characters except that it's all revolved around tennis and making it big. I mean, that is what happened, but I wished for more. I expressed this in the review as well as how great the writing in this film as far as how the actors executed the roles. I wish there was more to it. The editing is great but for Best Picture...that's a...2022-03-2709 min
Morning Reel13 - "Band of the Hand" feat. Stephen Carpenter of Deftones"Band of the Hand" is a B Movie-esque crime film where "Miami Vice" and "Scarface" meet but at six feet apart. 1986 is the time and punk-juveniles finally get their smarts straight and decide to fight crime for once in their lives and it turns out to be something being proud of about. Nice premise, impactful soundtrack and lukewarm cinematography, Stephen Carpenter aka Steftone of Deftones joins me as we discuss a small wild ride of the late '80s. He spreads the message of antiheroes doing good, comedy within suspenseful scenes and how you can still check out a film...2022-03-2422 min
Morning Reel12 - "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial""E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" is one of the biggest blockbuster films of all time directed by Steven Spielberg. It's one of my favorite films of all time and even though it's a blockbuster, it's much more than that. It's a film filled with purpose, hope, and unity and I briefly explain that and a bit more in this review. I also briefly talk about how this is the "perfect film" in my eyes. This is a marriage between sight and sound and that sound's music was perfectly scored by none other than John Williams. You can never find a film...2022-03-1709 min
Morning Reel11 - "Edward Scissorhands"Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands" is a cult classic that even goths and nerds can be at peace while watching this film but it is much more than a crowd-pleaser, it's a film that gives you a perspective of looking beyond the surface and makes you scratch through it with visuals, music and production design overall. Burton shows you a different world that you wouldn't living in at least for a day. I briefly explain the synergy of music and editing in this film, how colors work to give you a sense of what kind of characters you're looking in instant...2022-03-1108 min
Morning Reel10 - "The 400 Blows""The 400 Blows" directed by François Truffaut is my favorite film of all time. This broke into the French New Wave genre, breaking the rules of cinema without NEEDING a budget. And because of that with is style and raw and intellectual storytelling, it's regarded one of the best films of all time. I briefly (lol) explain why it's my favorite film to where it adds to my own visual style of filmmaking.2022-03-0409 min
Morning Reel09 - "All the Real Girls""All the Real Girls" is probably David Gordon Green's most underrated film and one of his best if you don't count "Pineapple Express", that of course was a hit but it's a comedy and it's easier for a comedy to make it than a drama, especially like a romantic drama. It's probably one of my favorite "indie" films of all time. I explain why this film is worth the watch. This isn't your average romance drama. This is an indie film where Green fires on all cylinders, expressing emotions through visuals with the lack of time and space. No one...2022-03-0306 min
Morning Reel08 - "Tangerine""Tangerine" is film directed by Sean baker set in Los Angeles almost right next to Hollywood. It follows a trans prostitute's journey to finding her pimp/lover when she was tipped off that he messing around with another prostitute of his stable. It's a wild a ride that doesn't stop from beginning to end. I talk about how the characters pushed the story, how Baker respectfully showed the representation of the transgendered community in a raw outlook, and why shooting the film with an iPhone added to the tone of it all.2022-02-2404 min
Morning Reel07 - "Little Nicky" feat. E-Zone"Little Nicky" was released in November of the year 2000. I was 10 years old. Next year, the world changed forever especially in filmmaking. When watching this film, you see nostalgia of course but most importantly you see culture packed into 90 minutes. PG-13 then is different to PG-13 today. Me and my guest E-Zone (We Don't Smoke the Same Podcast/High & Hungry/Dr. Greenthumb Podcast) dissect "Little Nicky" of the raunchiness of comedy back in the new millenium, how Happy Madison were able to mix genres & character identity with brand on top of brands. The film is much more to how it...2022-02-1724 min
Morning Reel06 - "Before Sunset"HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! The "Before Trilogy" is considered one of the greatest trilogies of all in filmmaking next to "The Godfather Trilogy". In the selection of the trilogy, brilliantly directed by Richard Linklater based on his own personal experience, I review "Before Sunset". I explain why it's the "perfect film" especially that one could watch for Valentine's Day. Missed connections are a bitch and this film explores that especially how it handles time and space. There's a couple that do this very well and seamlessly and "Before Sunset" does exactly that and much more.2022-02-1409 min
Morning Reel05 - "The Worst Person in the World" feat. E-Zone and XG of We Don't Smoke the Same PodcastConsidered one of the best dramedy films of 2021 coming into 2022, Joachim Trier's "The Worst Person in the World" takes on relationships in Oslo, Norway in the point of a view of Julie (played by Renate Reinsve who KILLED IT). I discuss this film with my guests E-Zone and XG of the famous We Don't Smoke the Same Podcast. We go in a bit deep in the film, exploring the writing of Trier how he puts Julie's struggles as to what she wants in life. We all also share how it relates to our lives and how something relatable is a...2022-02-1116 min
Morning Reel04 - "Sign '☮︎' the Times" feat. DJ C-Minus of Fantastik 4ourDJ C-Minus joins me as the first guest to discuss Prince's concert film of his album "Sign '☮︎' the Times" as to why it is one of the best concert films ever made. Prince looked happy in this film that he directed himself and his band-mates weren't shy to expose themselves to the fullest degree. Everyone isn't shy to show us how bad ass of a performance they created in 24 frames per second as well as the story that goes along with it, guided by DJ C-Minus' deep knowledge of Prince especially the time of making this album and film...2022-02-1022 min
Fé e TulipasComo Evangelizar e Vencer o Medo do Evangelismo | com Ray ComfortEvangelizar é uma tarefa que nos foi dada pelo próprio Senhor Jesus, e a melhor parte é que Ele nos ensinou como evangelizar. Nós podemos perder o medo do evangelismo quando passamos a pensar nas pessoas e lembramos da tarefa. Hoje, vou estar conversando com Ray Comfort, ele é um apologista e evangelista, fundador do ministério Living Waters que tem como base evangelizar pessoas, é autor de vários livros incluindo "O Melhor Segredo do Inferno". Ele vai nos dar dicas e conselhos de como evangelizar na prática e de como perder o medo do evangelismo. Se você ainda não conhec...2022-02-0842 min
Morning Reel03 - "Twilight" and "The Twilight Saga: New Moon"My film review of "Twilight" and "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" from the famous book series created by Stephenie Meyer. I briefly talk about Bella's mouth always open in almost every shot, the ambitions these characters could have & how it applies to the overall dynamic of the support for each other, and how lust is replaces love in triangles. 2 1/4 of 42022-02-0306 min
Morning Reel02 - "The Power of the Dog"Review of Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" that's based on the 1967 novel written by Thomas Savage. In some part of this podcast episode, I describe how the cinematography plays a big role. I also chime in why critics think it's one best films of 2021 IF NOT the best film of that year.2022-01-2705 min
Morning Reel01 - "Licorice Pizza"My Intro to Morning Reel and the review for Paul Thomas Anderson's "Licorice Pizza"2022-01-1906 min
ALMAS AL AIRERay Kroc "El Fundador"Acompañame a introducir nos en la vida de Ray Kroc, algunos datos interesantes y una historia de exito. Instrgram: jcesar.sa y julio.csa.1 Tiktok: @juliocsa1 Facebook: Julio César S. Antonio2021-11-1830 min
Sin Maquillaje, Altagracia SalazarMilton Ray defiende la constitución de LeonelEscuchar al presidente del Constitucional oponerse a una reforma que independice el ministerio público debe ser un record. Aunque es más de libro que el presidente de un alto tribunal reaccione en la tv. ¿Habrá pasado en otro lugar del mundo ?
Esta transmisión es vista cada día por miles de dominicanos y dominicanas que viven en cualquier lugar del mundo porque el 40% de los dos millones de televidentes que promediamos al mes está fuera. La mayoría en Estados Unidos, España en segundo lugar, pero tenemos televidentes en Australia, Abu Dabi y Bostwana...2021-08-2029 min
The Atlantic's Audio ArticlesWhat My Students Taught Me: Ray Salazar and Salina RichterWhat My Students Taught Me: Ray Salazar and Salina Richter by TheAtlantic2017-06-0810 min