Author: Bianca Sbrocchi

  • ‘In the Heights’ is the Gold Standard for Movie-Musicals

    ‘In the Heights’ is the Gold Standard for Movie-Musicals

    In case you were running a little low on optimism this week, In the Heights starring Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace and Corey Hawkins will lift your spirits so sky-high, you’ll be dancing as you walk down the street.  Inciting goosebumps from its opening number onward, this electrifying film follows a cast of young…

  • Why DEH should have Gone POC

    Why DEH should have Gone POC

    The gentle, emotional nuances of Evan’s coming-of-age story would have been so beneficial to have incorporated into the life of a POC character. Showing a Black, Asian or Latino young man that is afforded the space to be vulnerable, flawed and sensitive while driving a compelling and widely-loved narrative would have been a game changer.

  • “Bliss” is Magnetic Despite its Flaws

    “Bliss” is Magnetic Despite its Flaws

    Bliss describes itself as “a mind-bending love story”, and it delivers. Greg (Owen Wilson) begins his journey as a very average, workaday introvert whose serendipitous misfortune leads him to Isabel (Salma Hayek). As her nomadic, rebellious spirit draws him into her “off the grid” lifestyle,  she possesses and shares with him an unusual set of…

  • ‘Hysterical’ is an Absolute Must-See of 2021

    ‘Hysterical’ is an Absolute Must-See of 2021

    In recent weeks, I’ve been on a quest to delve into the disparities in representation within the stand-up comedy community. With no shortage of stand-up specials constantly being released across every platform, it seems only fitting to dig deeper into a behind-the-scenes look at how certain advantages and disadvantages take their toll on diverse joke-telling.…

  • I Wish ‘Women Aren’t Funny’ was More Funny

    I Wish ‘Women Aren’t Funny’ was More Funny

    Here at the Incluvie newsrooms, we dedicate ourselves to the call to action surrounding diversity in film and T.V. While continuously adopting that critical lens as I watch both, I notice that I consider another favourite media-pastime of mine, stand up comedy, as a free pass: I don’t need to wear my Incluvie hat as…

  • Don’t Give Disney a Pat on the Back for Doing the Bare Minimum

    Don’t Give Disney a Pat on the Back for Doing the Bare Minimum

    Disney has cleverly managed to dance around the misdeeds of their past by scraping by with an insincere action that does very little to incite any long-lasting positive changes.

  • “United States of Al” is Another Show Made for White Viewers- But in a Good Way

    “United States of Al” is Another Show Made for White Viewers- But in a Good Way

    On April 1st, a new CBS comedy premiered that pleasantly surprised me. Produced by Chuck Lorre Productions, United States of Al manages to claim a spot on the Incluvie radar, follow the tried-and-true formula of the evening sitcom lineup, and, therefore, appeal to the masses.  United States of Al is a weekly thirty-minute comedy that…

  • Taking a Break from the News by Watching the News- but does “Last Week Tonight” Count?

    Taking a Break from the News by Watching the News- but does “Last Week Tonight” Count?

    Acutely funny and always well-intentioned, Last Week Tonight has a lot of heart for a satirical-news program.

  • “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” Dilutes Lady Day

    “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” Dilutes Lady Day

    As the title suggests, this film depicts a heartbreaking battle: governmental abuse against the Black Civil Rights movement in the wake of Lady Day’s song “Strange Fruit”. The telling of her story through the eyes of Lee Daniels lends a more artistic tone than biographical one- but the nature of her legacy rings true- despite…

  • “Small Talk”: An Incluvie Film Festival Review

    “Small Talk”: An Incluvie Film Festival Review

    The most impressive aspect of this film is the honest and natural performances given by the on-screen duo.