NOC Review: ‘Young Woman and the Sea’ Defies the Odds and Inspires

May 30, 2024May 30, 2024 Mike Manalo

I’m not generally a fan of inspirational sports-themed dramas. I know Disney has been making bank off them since Remember the Titans way back in 2000 (back before star Ryan Gosling was a household name, by the way). But as someone who isn’t an athlete or a sports fan, I generally just don’t see these movies. But I’m very glad I saw Young Woman and the Sea. And I’m very glad it’s getting a theatrical release rather than a streaming one.

Interview, Movies

NOC Interview: Maggie Q on Representing Powerful Asian Women in ‘The Protégé’

August 16, 2021August 15, 2021 Mike Manalo

The Protégé isn’t just your typical action movie. And Maggie Q is absolutely not your typical Hollywood action hero. Indeed, Q and this movie represent something special for Asians like myself; more so especially for Asian women. In the history of American-made action films, how many have been led by Asian women? And no, Scarlett Johansson doesn’t count for obvious reasons. I bet if you’re counting at home, you have barely finished counting on one hand.

Interview, Movies, Streaming

NOC Interview: Gina Rodriguez Discusses Netflix’s ‘Awake’

June 11, 2021June 11, 2021 Sophia Soto

Gina Rodriguez stars as Jill Adams in Awake, which premiered on June 9. The new Netflix film will take you on an intense journey with an incredible performance from Rodriguez, who plays a mother that will do anything to save her children. The actress is best known for playing the title role on Jane The Virgin, which earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy.