Hour 21: A Film and Interactive Media Blog

The Wild Robot : And The Growth of Motherhood “I do not have the programming to be a mother.” “No one does, we just make it up" “Goodbye, we like your new baby, hope it doesn't die.” -The Wild Robot (2024) I find it difficult to distill The Wild Robot down to its essence. However, I can very easily give you a one line synopsis: a robot gets shipwrecked on a deserted island, and after a tragic mistake most care for a now orphaned gosling. In all honesty, the content of the film is not the problem, my hang-up stems from my perceived inability to craft a piece that demonstrates, with accuracy and honesty the loving thematic heartbeat of this film. Either that, or I am having a difficult time realizing how this film beautifully articulates the humanity and logistical anxiety contained in a mother's love. When it comes to it, perhaps that is why The Wild Robot is such a wonderfully engaged expression of the dignity of motherhood. With a sense of effervescent charm and h...

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (2024) Healing is Yours to Write “Every monster was once a man." “I know you.” “There is always a choice.” -Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (2024) I think it's fair to say, in the interactive space, if empathy had a revelatory moment in the modern era, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice would be a prime mover in that conversation. I would even suggest that a player's empathy is an essential element in understanding the impact and purpose of Senua's first steps towards healing and reclaiming her dignity as a loved and valued member of society. You may discover however, that Senua's journey through Helheim does not conclude on a note of healing, per se, but a removal of certain barriers towards that healing. That is to say, healing is a process, it does not do well with finite results. "The past, is never past." -Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (2024) Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, could have very easily been derailed by its own ambitio...

  Fallout, season 2 (2025-2026) “And just to ask the question, would it help if I said please?” “Guess I'm just trying to lead by example.” “So give me the drugs.” -Fallout, season 2 What is choice? What is control? Both of these motivating factors of human experience indicate a philosophical dilemma when it comes to interactivity, and its relationship with authorial intent. In other words, linear narratives have a difficult time coalescing effectively with a person's independence. Though, what if the choice is the narrative, and control its thematic through line? If you take the above quandaries into account, you would more than likely get the sophomore season of Fallout's televised efforts. Nothing short of a joyous contradiction in terms, Fallout returns, continuing an enthusiastic blending of mediums, or should I call it a breaking down of barriers? Either way, this coming together of both the interactive and linear narrative structures is a charm-filled reminde...

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026) “Good night princess.” “Mario, we found where Rosalina is.” “This is what happens when you don't have a bed time.” -The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026) No preamble here, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a light in a dark night from end to end. I shouldn't be surprised, though it is striking, how aware this film is of its capacity for cultural impact. I know how strong that statement may seem, but its use here is not to exaggerate. Instead, I hope it illustrates how comfortable this film is with its simplicity. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie delights in its characters, and its focus on family, with their importance in our growth and understanding of who we are, and who we have the capacity to be. Mario and Peach's adventure through the outer worlds of The Mushroom Kingdom, in search of princess Rosalina, has a vibrancy that supersedes its already legendary Nintendo artistic pedigree. It took me until now to realize that Nintendo'...

  Mother Angelica: A Contemplative life of Action "If you don't go, He won't go." -Mother Angelica “Mother Angelica, weak in body, strong in spirit. Charismatic woman, charismatic woman.” -Pope St. John Paul II “The Lord gave it to me to do, I've done it.” -Mother Angelica An active Christian faith is not solely defined by motion, but by the strength derived from prayer and meditation. That is how Rita Rizzo was able to propel herself through hardship, tragedy and struggle. To become one of the most respected conveyors of the redemptive message of the Gospel, and the love of Jesus Christ. Whether you are religious or not, the sheer spunk and tenacity of Rita Rizzo cannot be overstated. It could be said that Rita Rizzo was born to take on the mantle granted her as Mother Angelica. As with all of us, Providence held her in the palm of His hand, and when He called, she answered with eagerness and gusto. She lived her calling to the fullest extent of her bei...

  Fallout season 1 (2024) “I'm not going back without my dad.” “If you insist on staying, then you will have to adapt. The question is, will you still want the same things, when you have become a different animal altogether?” “What Happened." “It's the same thing that always happens. Everyone wants to save the world, they just disagree on how.” -Fallout season 1 (2024) Perhaps it is a bit presumptuous, but credit is due where credit is due. Amazon's adoption of the Fallout video game franchise, is a delight in the most apocalyptic of ways. Fallout is known for its ridiculous, albeit insightful ridiculous satire on the end of the world. The humor is sharp, and the wit is biting, and remarkably it all works to a concise degree. Because, when you reach the precipice of the Apocalypse, you realize that maybe we're all to blame, in some way or another. Fallout, in its televised form, thrives in its ability to eloquently take shots at its many ideological combat...