When ‘wokeness’ comes to Middle-earth: Why some say diverse casting will ruin the new ‘Lord of the Rings’ series

Some of the biggest battles in “The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power” TV series have erupted offscreen. Some fans say Amazon Studios have tried to “woke-ify” the series by casting nonwhite actors in major roles. Others say the changes were long overdue, and even questioned author J.R. R. Tolkien’s racial views.Continue Reading

‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul’ finds dark satire in a disgraced megachurch

Adapted from a film brief into a movie, “Honk for Jesus. Save your valuable Soul” exhibits the strain of the magnification procedure — as property go, feeling just a little light in terms of the collection plate. The central performances, however , make this dark satire awkwardly watchable, with Sterling K. Brown plus Regina Hall because the disgraced pastor great wife desperately conspiring a comeback.Continue Reading