Joy Bennett, writer

New Podcast Episode!

2/8/2025

Fran Moran

Just thrilled to have a brand new episode now up at my podcast A Word with Joy featuring the wildly talented and charming Fran Moran, of Fran Moran and the Nervous Wrecks, pictured above. Fran talks about his songwriting process, his lifelong music career, and his new album, Four Days at the Castle. Wonderful, danceable songs that rock out and settle in just fine. Visit @franmoranmusic for more info., the podcast can be found here awordwithjoy.com. It's also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, YouTube and Podbean. Thank you so much for your time, Mr. Moran!

Babygirl Film Review

1/20/2025

Cast of Babygirl at the Venice International Film Festival premiere

Yep, Nicole Kidman gets it just about right here. A very strong film, with a performance by Ms. Kidman that is a pure tour de force. She is one hell of a brave actress. Oscars, are you listening? Rated R for strong sexual themes throughout. But then they always warn you, don't they?

A Complete Unknown

12/26/2024

Another wonderful movie for your holiday enjoyment is A Compete Unknown, starring the transcendent Timothée Chalamet, who actually sings and performs as Dylan in amazing form. For those of us who lived through that transition between folk music and rock and roll, this captures that unique time in American life perfectly.

Wicked Film

12/21/2024

I can unreservedly recommend the new Wicked film, now playing in theaters only. It likely is one of the best films I've ever seen, and I've seen more than my share. The outstanding cast, artwork, and music are all absolutely top shelf.

This is filmmaking of the highest order. The combined effect of the visuals, acting, and music all sweep you off your feet, and are just superb. One interesting note, there has been talk of Ariana Grande, who is terrific in the film, of getting an Oscar. For my money, that Oscar should go to none other than Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba. Erivo's powerful voice and acting literally had me in tears.

This is a feminist film. It's a metaphor for women who, despite what society and family and friends might say, "you can't do this" have the courage and pluck to find their wings, to fly, despite everything. Erivo runs away with the film, or should I say flies.

Best news ever: At the end the film, the real title of the film appears, Wicked Part 1. I understand Wicked Part 2 is already in the works, and can't wait to see what this talented team does next.

LolaVie Hair Care

12/20/2024

Leave it to the amazing Jennifer Aniston to develop this wonderful new line of natural hair care products. I can personally highly recommend the Restorative Shampoo, Restorative Conditioner and Perfecting Leave In Treatment for excellent hair care products. I have hair that is short and quite fine, so if it can make my hair look and feel this good, imagine what it can do for you! Not animal tested, cruelty free. lolavie.com

Just Dance Now

12/15/2024

Hey if you have been working on the computer for too long, why not get up and dance for a bit with Just Dance Now, a free app that let's you play an infectious song of your choice on your computer and dance along with it using your phone as a guide to how you're doing. Get the Just Dance Now app on your phone and laptop or Apple TV, and follow the easy set-up instructions. They'll be having you bopping along to some Bruno Mars song or something in just a minute. Way fun, and great exercise to break up those long computer sessions! Just Dance Now is the limited, free version of the Just Dance videogame, more information can be found here: justdancenow.com.

<<Previous