Anastasia and Leyla Vara create Minecraft swords at the Warsaw Community Public Library. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Public Library.

By Melissa Chapman
Cataloging Supervisor
Warsaw Community Public Library

WARSAW — I have been pleasantly surprised lately at the excellent films that have been released so far this year. Below are a few that I would like to recommend.

“Till” tells the story of Mamie Till-Mobley, whose pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Louis Till, became a stirring moment that helped lead to the creation of the civil rights movement. It’s an extraordinary history lesson that everyone needs to see. Instead of putting emphasis on the horror of the crime and the guilty, the tragic story is told through the emotional ordeals of the survivors.

“Elvis” like the man himself — delivers incredible, crowd-pleasing entertainment that provokes a wide range of emotions. The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley, seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America.

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a remarkable, mind-bending, beautifully orchestrated film. The film itself revels in often being utterly ridiculous — yet has a lot of heart. What makes this film so different is that it is set in a wild multiverse. The entire cast is fantastic and delivers authentic, believable performances. The film is about an exhausted Chinese American woman, who can’t seem to finish her taxes. “Everyone…” is a futuristic portrayal of saving our most cherished relationships. The fight between good and evil, right and wrong, social boundaries, mental perceptions, etc., will take place among washing machines and calculators (…) everything, everywhere, all at once.

I’ve saved the best for last: “The Whale,” starring Brendan Fraser. Unless you were on a different planet, everyone knows that this film was Fraser’s comeback after a long hiatus. The story is about a reclusive English teacher living with severe obesity who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption. Most people who lash out at others are suffering from traumas and have not found their way back to their own heart. Thank you, Brendan, for reminding us to come from the heart when interacting with others. I hope this film helps those with traumas realize they can heal with help and find their way back and treat others kindlier.