Ryan J Serrano has entered into the film industry, showing his passion for the visual arts with the production of LifeCycle (short film) and Kill’em Now (full length – rough cut). With just a background in creating character sketches for his podcast and a bit of acting from his college days, Serrano demonstrates his potential for becoming a great filmmaker.

LifeCycle, directed and starring Roberto Ortiz as Renato D’Auréli, is a black and white silent film depicting a successful young film director given the opportunity to revolutionize cinema into “the next best thing.” This short film made a great artistic effort displaying the character’s struggles with rejection of his envisioned works yet determined to continue drafting his imagination. LifeCycle pays a nice homage to Megalopolis. It navigates through the fascinating timeline in creating the technological advancements in the world of cinema, which builds-up an impactful ending for D’Auréli.

Kill’em Now, directed by and starring Serrano, has a western theme storyline that has gusto. It takes a nameless bounty hunter (Joan James Muixi) to help out the small town folk to muster up their courage and defeat the BullHog Gang led by Skrill (Ryan J. Serrano). Of course, a large sum of money is involved, and a sibling rivalry unfolds with Ludwig Sanchez (Philip Nathan Bañuelos). Kill’em Now has the action and town drama of a classic western that includes a rib-tickling Dr. Marty (Ted Faye), his nosy daughter Vageena (Lulu Grey), and the town floosy Sabrina (Skye Lovelady). The entire cast did great in bringing out these fantastic characters. It could be said this film is reminiscent of Robert Rodriguez’s El Mariachi and Desperado. Kill’em Now definitely has the appeal to be picked up by a major studio.

Both independent films are scheduled to be released July 17, 2025. With much anticipation, it could be also be showcased in upcoming film festivals. All the best to these kind folks!

Directed by multi-award-winning Garry Keane with the collaboration of a Deaf and hearing team, A Quiet Love is undeniably an inspirational groundbreaking film that is told entirely through Irish Sign Language. This documentary gives an inside look at the lives of three Deaf couples who prevail over life’s challenges and conflicts. These couples attest how relationships can be nurtured with the absence of sound.

John and Agnes have a remarkable quiet love story. It takes place during “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland – the conflict between Catholics and Protestants. There was only one Deaf school, regardless of whether they came from the opposite sides of religion, everyone was just seen as classmates. Since not all sign language is the same, especially in Ireland, Agnes took a liking for John and taught him British Sign Language. Although they have been together for 66 years, they rose above adversity of violence and cultural differences. They are the epitome that love is the answer.

Kathy and Michelle are an interesting LGBTQI+ Deaf couple that are ready to expand their family. They decide for each to experience pregnancy and accept the risks that come along with facing the obstacles of parenthood of Deaf and hearing children. Everything they do for their family shows their unconditional love. A journey they do not regret.

Séan and Deyanna are a captivating couple. Séan comes from a struggling past of substance abuse but found his redemption in the sport of boxing. However, due to his hearing implant, he has been denied a professional boxing license. In the midst of his frustrations, he meets Deyanna (a hearing person) who enlightens his world. Séan is given an opportunity to be granted a boxing license but requires his implant to be surgically removed with the risk of going completing deaf. Deyanna understands his passion and is supportive with whatever decision he makes. Now that they have a son, Séan faces a difficult choice.

There is a deeper perspective in understanding the dilemmas Deaf people encounter. In this heartening film, A Quiet Love captures the turning points in finding solutions that get them moving forward in life. This film delivers an unparalleled visual experience. Reading the closed captions gives a calming effect, and you feel engaged with the couples’ body language and facial expressions while they are signing and communicating through their smiles, laughter, sadden eyes, hugs, kisses, and holding hands. You know that saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Well, their expressions are worth volumes.

Expectations were high for the post-Jurassic World: Dominion and seventh installment in the dinosaur adventure saga of the Jurassic Park franchise. However, Director Gareth Edwards pivoted the enthusiastic quest to be lost somewhere in the jungle with Jurassic World: Rebirth. Writer David Koep handed over a stagnant storyline – the same motive of exploiting the prehistoric animals for the greater good.

The scenes were compartmentalized and had many recycled visuals to Edwards’ previous films like Godzilla and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. He even managed to include similar props from other Universal Pictures films like Jaws and The Land Before Time. Sadly, the dinosaur graphics did not blend well as in the original classic Jurassic Park, which really set the bar high for all of its sequels. The mutant D-Rex did not have an original, creative image. It looked more like the character from Alien smashed with a T-Rex. At times, Rebirth felt like going through the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios Florida theme park.

Production went in with the heavy hitters starring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend and brief cameo from Ed Skrien. If the intention was to showcase popular actors to lure in audiences to the theaters, then the creators have lost touch with the passion and imagination of film-making. They seem to have redirected their attention on generating revenue.

The only positive out of this Jurassic World: Rebirth is the random Delgado family – father Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) with daughters Isabella (Audrina Miranda) and Teresa (Luna Blaise) and Teresa’s boyfriend Xavier (David Iacono). These characters were relatable and contributed the family drama and humor. There is a very touching scene where Isabella bonds with an adorable little baby dinosaur. These two young ones stole the audience’s hearts.

Any further thoughts of sequels to the Jurassic Park franchise should do like the dinosaurs, go into extinction.