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‘I Just Killed My Dad’ probes domestic violence question without giving answers
Director Skye Borgman’s three-episode documentary places Anthony Tremplet’s real life killing of his father not under a microscope, but in a landscape of…
Whoopi Goldberg’s classic “Sister Act” makes joyful noise even in 2022
First released in 1992, Sister Act brings a new sense to “making a joyful noise,” even today. Starring Whoopi Goldberg, the film tells the story of Delores Van Cartier, a nightclub singer whose life is imperiled when she turns witness against her mobster ex-lover. . .
Practice as Ritual
It wasn’t just about the results. My practice space was sanctuary for me—a place of peace where I could let go of everything, pore my heart out and lose myself in music for an hour—sometimes even longer . . .
Spring into Spring with leafy green
It’s officially Spring and everything is returning to life. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping in the trees, green is everywhere and students are torn between the desire to embrace the beautiful weather, and the ever present need to study for fast-approaching final exams. But what if there was a way to bring the beauty…
Finding arts jobs during COVID-19 as college seniors
“What are your post-graduation plans?” This dreaded question can easily unnerve even the most self-assured college seniors. For arts majors approaching graduation in the middle of a pandemic, the question is outright terrifying. The following steps may not provide a conclusive answer on how to find a job, but they can still be of help…
‘CripTales’ challenges Hollywood’s disability representation practices
“See the ability not the disability.” This familiar saying quoted in episode 4 of “CripTales” reflects common attempts to separate the person from their disability. “CripTales” adamantly rejects this platitude, preferring to face the reality…
‘Great British Baking Show’ returns to Netflix
“The Great British Baking Show” deserves a Hollywood handshake. Known as “The Great British Bake Off” on the BBC, and now most widely available on Netflix, the show provides a welcome dose of extravagant wholesomeness in the midst of…
‘9’ offers surprising depth
“Our world is ending, but life must go on.” Shane Acker’s film “9” warms hearts with a warning chill, just as this final line of its opening narration suggests.
‘Cuties’ worth watching despite #CancelNetflix
“Cuties” wants to make you uncomfortable. Maïmouna Doucouré’s Sundance Film Festival award-winning film forces viewers to confront the potentially harmful messages young children receive about sexuality from two extreme viewpoints. Released on Netflix’s streaming platform Sept. 9, the French film…
‘Criminal: United Kingdom’ locks viewers in
The no-frills opening to Netflix’s 2019 mini-series “Criminal: United Kingdom” clearly establishes what to expect from it. This is not a show that laughs – it is an endless intense staring contest…
‘RED’ offers a fun ride
“RED” is one crazy car ride of an adventure story. For viewers willing to wait out the cringy first 20-or-so minutes, the 2010 release based on a DC Comics series offers a journey of upbeat heroic antics. Titled after…
Why are so many people watching kids’ films in college?
We’re all guilty of it sometimes. It’s hard to resist. Plus, I did it for homework this time, so I get a free pass right?…
‘Future Nostalgia’ dances right along
Dua Lipa’s second album, “Future Nostalgia” bookends a dance party invite with social commentary. The album’s opening title track firmly establishes the hallmarks that define the album: electronic vintage dance beats, self-confident…
‘Glow Up’ shines bright
Netflix’s newly released second season of “Glow Up: Britain’s Next Makeup Star,” has little need of a glow up. It’s already glowing…
‘Warrior Nun’s’ promise haunted by flawed writing
The haunting vocals, hissing flame and glowing metal halo of “Warrior Nun’s” title card promises more mystery and depth than this new ten-episode Netflix series delivers. The show tells of Ava, a deceased orphan teen who is plucked back to life when…
‘The Aeronauts’ finds joy in flight
Amazon Studios’ “The Aeronauts” escapes the confinement of a single gas balloon basket by soaring across a spectrum of emotions. Although loosely based on the true story of James Glaisher’s (Eddie Redmayne) meteorological achievements, under Tom Harper’s direction, the story of Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones) and Glaisher’s…
Weinstein case, an important reminder
(Revised 5 Nov. 2018, first published in The Bison 8 Nov. 2017) ~ Roughly a year after the sexual assault allegations against Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein hit the mainstream news, the arts world is still…
Hearing protection, a responsibility for students, faculty, staff
Revised (First Published in The Bison student newspaper) ~ On most days in OBU Theatre’s shop space, half hidden away behind Sarkeys Black Box, two things can be expected: the noise of saws and drills, and the accompanying bright bits of green, yellow or pink ear plugs that can barely be seen sticking out from…
Arts education opportunities abound online
COVID-19 has effectively pressed pause on many aspects of the arts world. Yet despite the challenges that social distancing poses for artists and arts enthusiasts around the globe, it has also…
About Me
Hi, I’m Kendra Johnson, a journalist, actor and creative seeking truth through empathy.
As an arts, entertainment & lifestyle freelance journalist…
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Kendra Michal Johnson 