Have you ever been to a primary care doctor and wondered why they focus on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of your illness? Rather than take a patient-centered approach to address questions like, “Why are you ill?” they prescribe medications that alleviate symptoms but don’t do much to solve the underlying issue that’s causing you to be sick.
When you have a runny nose, you’re handed an antihistamine. When you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you’re prescribed a pill that treats the number. The truth is that this approach only tackles your symptoms. When the root cause isn’t fixed, your symptoms can get exponentially worse. Remember - your body’s dysfunction isn’t due to your meds not working.
This begs the question: Wouldn't you rather address the underlying cause of your health concerns so you can experience long-term relief? As a naturopathic doctor in Imperial Beach, CA, Dr. Erica Oberg takes a functional approach to medicine and well-being instead of treating the symptoms her patients endure.
Health is a state of vibrant vitality, abundant energy, and positive affect. It can be learned, cultivated, and practiced by everyone. Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience a higher level of health and vitality. As such, her clinical practice focuses on preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-degeneration, and anti-aging.
Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing and creating customized treatment plans to help individuals dial in their lifestyle, dietary supplements, peptides, bioidentical hormones, anti-aging pharmaceuticals, and more. If you’re looking for individualized, science-based, proactive functional, integrative, or natural medicine, we believe you’ll resonate with Dr. Oberg and work your way through life’s challenges with help from our functional medicine clinic in Imperial Beach, CA.
Dr. Oberg and her team of licensed providers specialize in a range of naturopathic and science-based services, including but not limited to:
If you're ready to reclaim your vitality and learn more about Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine, we make it easy to get started. The first step is to have a complimentary 15-minute phone call to ask questions and determine if her approach is a good fit. Once Dr. Oberg understands your health needs and goals, your journey to optimal health and wellness truly begins.
Now that you know more about what makes Dr. Oberg different from other physicians, let's dig a little deeper into some of the most popular programs and clinical services offered at her functional medicine clinic.
As people get older, many things change in life. Often, those changes are good, like having more self-control, financial freedom, and patience. Others are hard to deal with, especially when they're out of our control. Like all things in life, our hormones change when we get older. These fluctuations can cause problems for both men and women, including:
If those symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone. A 2019 American Psychological Association survey found that almost half of women aged 30 to 60 in the US have experienced symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Of course, as men age, they suffer from imbalanced hormones, too. Research from BodyLogicMD states that nearly 38% of males in America aged 45 and older have a testosterone deficiency.
The good news is that balancing your hormones and addressing the root cause of your symptoms doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a realistic goal with Dr. Oberg by your side. As a functional medicine doctor in Imperial Beach, CA, she can help your body metabolize and detoxify both your own hormones and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals infiltrating your life. When your hormones are in harmony, you experience improved energy, mood, and overall health – and that’s something to be excited about.
Our comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your hormonal health. This is no "one-and-done service" - it's a holistic journey that spans three transformative months, offering the support and guidance to become confident, capable, and healthier than ever. Features of our hormone balancing program include:
You will receive support throughout your journey from Dr. Oberg, who will provide healthcare services, and our health coaches, who offers personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs.
Nutrition has a significant impact on hormonal health. A customized hormone-balancing diet plan will be provided to help nourish the body optimally based on individual goals.
We provide a range of practical strategies and tips for regulating hormone balance through your nervous system. These techniques aim to empower you to take control of your well-being.
When appropriate, we’ll prescribe you hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or growth hormone peptide therapy to help balance your hormones.
At our functional medical office, we make it a point to correct the root causes of our patient's problems. We don't treat symptoms - but we do use them to figure out the underlying issues you're facing. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be time to consider HRT.
When you mention hormone replacement therapy, most people think the treatment is exclusively for females going through menopause. While that's partially true - HRT can relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopause-related problems - men also deal with imbalanced hormones.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
When your sleep patterns change - like when you have trouble falling or staying asleep - it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. Testosterone is involved in regulating the sleep cycle, and insufficient levels of it can disrupt quality rest.
Imbalances in hormones can affect mental health and mood. If a man shows signs of irritability, mood swings, or depression, it could indicate low testosterone or other hormonal issues. Hormone replacement therapy can help regulate mood by balancing your hormone levels.
Menopause happens when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months. It is a result of declining sex hormone levels, causing the ovaries to stop releasing egg cells. During menopause, women face a range of challenges.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
Irregular menstrual cycles are a common sign that women are nearing menopause, and their hormone levels may be shifting. The frequency of their periods may increase or decrease, and the amount of bleeding could be more or less than usual, while also lasting for a shorter or longer time.
Hot flashes are perhaps the most well-known symptom of menopause and a frequent sign that a woman's hormones are imbalanced. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth and sweating that are usually most intense on your face, neck, and chest.
Don't let hormone imbalances dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your balance, energy, and vitality. By working together with Dr. Oberg and her team, you can unlock the path to a healthier, more harmonious you.
When you choose Dr. Oberg as your naturopathic doctor in Imperial Beach, CA, a new world of healthy living and wellness options are at your disposal. One of the most popular and effective ways to give your body the goodness it needs is with custom IV therapy at our functional medicine office.
Customized IV therapy from Dr. Oberg is all about tailoring your treatment to meet your health goals and needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all IV clinics, our team considers factors like nutrient deficiencies, hydration levels, and overall health to create a customized infusion. This personalized approach gives you better and more applicable results, whether you're looking to get a boost of energy, fortify your immune system, or get relief from a specific ailment.
Your custom IV therapy begins with a consultation with Dr. Oberg. During your initial meeting, we’ll get a better sense of what your brain and body needs. From there, we’ll create a custom infusion for you – not just a formula that matches your height, weight, and age.
Our IV drip therapy menu includes infusions such as:
IV therapy is considered one of the best ways to get the nutrients and immune-boosting goodness your body needs because it gives you a more direct, efficient means of delivery. Unlike oral supplement, which often falls short due to digestive limitations, IV therapy ensures swift and comprehensive nutrient absorption. Some of the biggest benefits of IV therapy from a functional medicine doctor in Imperial Beach, CA include the following:
IV fluids and electrolytes rapidly hydrate your body, providing an efficient remedy for dehydration resulting from illness, physical activity, or excessive alcohol intake.
IV treatment is able to increase energy and fight tiredness, which can make you feel re-energized.
IV infusions containing immune-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants can fortify your immune system and assist in recovering from illness.
IV therapy containing growth factors, exosomes, and vitamins is effective in improving the health and appearance of the skin and hair. These components complement hair and facial microneedling treatments exceptionally well.
IV therapy can help reduce the symptoms of toxic exposure, like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, whether it's from a basic hangover or prolonged exposure to molds, heavy metals, or other toxins.
Dr. Oberg’s personalized IV infusions can serve as an initial boost for making lifestyle changes and play a role in a sustained plan to control persistent conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and others.
Support Mitochondria function and Anti-aging
Dr. Oberg offers carefully sourced and research backed regenerative therapies such as exosome and stem cell infusions. These can be powerful options for people recovering from chronic infections such as long COVID or Epstein Barr or Lyme. They are also powerful for neuro-regeneration and we frequently use them in stroke recovery and for traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Oberg offers personalized IV micronutrient therapy tailored to address specific nutritional deficiencies, hydration needs, and overall health. This therapy is based on advanced testing that evaluates your cells' nutrient levels. Whether you need more energy, a stronger immune system, or relief from different health issues, IV drip therapy can be customized to help you rediscover the very best version of yourself.
As we get older, our bodies experience a range of changes that affect our health and appearance. These changes are primarily caused by issues with mitochondria and cellular aging. However, there have been significant developments in regenerative medicine, offering the potential to turn back the hands of time and improve health. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Oberg to begin your journey with regenerative medicine.
Regenerative medicine is an exciting, innovative field that centers on activating your body's innate regenerative abilities to repair and revitalize tissues, cells, and organs. Its focus is on improving your body's natural healing processes to counteract the impacts of aging and different health issues. If you find that old, nagging injuries won’t go away or that fine lines and wrinkles have become overwhelming, anti-aging medicine from a functional medicine doctor in Imperial Beach, CA may be perfect for you.
At our naturopathic medical office, we use treatments like IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and Peptide Therapy to manage a broad array of health and aesthetic concerns. These treatments can aid in tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and enhancement of cellular function.
Anti-aging services offered at our functional medicine clinic include the following:
Peptides are fundamental components of proteins and play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the aging process. Dr. Oberg offers peptide treatments to help counteract age-related decline, enhance muscle growth and performance, improve skin health, and more.
When you bring your hormones back into balance, you can fight back against issues such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and even erectile dysfunction.
Replenish vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration for improved energy levels, skin health, and immune support.
Exosomes are tiny vesicles generated from mesenchymal stem cells. These vesicles serve as powerful communicators, transmitting signals to various tissues in the body. Their main function is to trigger healing, regeneration, and repair processes, mimicking the actions of younger cells. They are considered to be one of the most effective strategies for combating the aging process.
When nutrition guidance, lifestyle adaptations, and powerful supplements are combined with naturopathic medical therapies from Dr. Oberg, you can reverse chronic diseases in your life and reach your anti-aging goals.
Our goal with regenerative medicine treatments is to rejuvenate deteriorating or aging tissue. Our approach to treatment centers on fixing and reversing damage instead of solely addressing symptoms like pain. Regenerative medicine harnesses the power of healthy cells to renew and restore function by enhancing the body's innate capacity for self-healing.
Dr. Oberg uses regenerative medicine to treat a range of issues, both aesthetic and injury-related, including the following:
Experience the future of anti-aging and regenerative medicine with Dr. Erica Oberg. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey to a healthier, more youthful you.
When you visit our functional medicine clinic, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Erica Oberg uses her unique skills, knowledge, and naturopathic principles for the betterment of your health and well-being. Unlike many traditional primary care providers, our team combines the best aspects of traditional wisdom and modern scientific medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic diseases.
You don't have to worry about us suggesting addictive pain medications or treatments that simply mask your aesthetic or medical challenges. Instead, our goal is to address the underlying factors holding you back. If you're ready to take the first step toward purposeful progress and healthy living, contact us today.
South Bay had two big events in November!On November 12, the Board of Trustees approved new school boundaries related to the closure of Central School at the end of this school year. The district worked with PowerSchool to review attendance boundaries, enrollment trends, and facility usage. The new boundary map (available at www.sbusd.org) relocates the students from Central while balancing enrollment throughout the district. The adjustments also support equitable access to academic programs and maintain continuity of services for all...
South Bay had two big events in November!
On November 12, the Board of Trustees approved new school boundaries related to the closure of Central School at the end of this school year. The district worked with PowerSchool to review attendance boundaries, enrollment trends, and facility usage. The new boundary map (available at www.sbusd.org) relocates the students from Central while balancing enrollment throughout the district. The adjustments also support equitable access to academic programs and maintain continuity of services for all affected students, minimizing disruption to learning outcomes.
Families can assist with a smooth transition by registering as soon as possible. Online registration will open for all families on March 1, 2026. Students will register at their school of residency (based on the family’s home address).
The inter/intra-district transfer window will open on March 1, 2026, and close on May 1, 2026. Students currently on an approved intra/inter-district transfer will remain at their current school of attendance. Transfer priority consideration will be given to families of students who were overflowed in 2025-26 and to siblings of currently enrolled students.
Our Transportation department will determine which students live outside the walking distance for Emory, Mendoza, Oneonta, and Sunnyslope, and will update the new routes on the transportation website as soon as possible. Special Education students currently receiving transportation will not be affected by the new boundaries.
South Bay offers an Extended Learning program at all K-6/K-8 schools. If your child currently participates in an Extended Learning program, they will continue in the program at their new school of residency.
The district remains committed to ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible for students, families, and our employees. We appreciate your support and will continue to keep you updated as we move forward. Please visit our website for future announcements.
The second big event involves our most important partners, students. To develop student leadership and encourage engagement in their education, South Bay has launched the Student Leadership Council this year. The Council will provide an important platform for student voice and agency and provide an opportunity for them to impact district decisions and school culture.
Our first meeting on November 6 was hosted at Mendoza School and included lunch and transportation to/from schools. Every elementary school was represented by one student leader, and our two charter schools had two representatives: one from the primary grades and one representing middle school. The discussion included identifying focus areas and a discussion on how to use surveys and digital platforms to collect student feedback.
At the conclusion of the meeting, students shared how they felt about their participation in the Council. Below are a few examples:
I feel empowered.
I feel happy and excited!
I feel like I can make a difference.
I feel like we can make changes for the better.
I feel proud to represent my school.
I feel confident that I can share my thoughts.
Our vision for the Council is to build a thriving, inclusive school district that prioritizes student experience and provides opportunities for students to collaborate on district initiatives.
The Council will meet two more times this year, culminating in a presentation to our governing board in June 2026 to share their recommendations, showcase achievements, share goals, and celebrate student leadership.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!
VOL. 41, NO. 50 - Dec. 11, 2025
Christmas tunes are a big part of the holiday spirit, and every year Lamb’s Players Theatre offers a special show that highlights the cast’s talent.
This year marks the 47th Festival of Christmas with the theme “Let it be Christmas.” Once again, Lamb’s Players has put on a show that does not disappoint. Many of the songs featured were written specifically for the show, and while traditional Christmas ones were also heard, they were newly arranged.
With an ensemble of talented actors who not only sing but play musical instruments, the audience can’t help but be enthralled by the show.
At the very beginning, the actors shared their own Christmas memories and traditions with the audience, going to mass, getting a drum set, opening one present on Christmas Eve, and breadcrumbs leading to a guitar.
The set includes a snack bar, open before the start of the show and intermission, a fireplace with a roaring fire, cozy armchairs, a staircase, and church pews with stained glass windows.
Many of the traditional songs were beautifully arranged to give them a new and different feel. “Gloria in Excelsis” became a jazzy tune, the slow “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” a 15th-century song, had a modern sound, and “Silent Night” started out with the sound of an electric guitar. Even rap made an appearance in the show thanks to Angela Chatelain Avila. “Jingle All the Way” got everyone clapping, and “All I Want for Christmas is You” was beautifully performed by the female cast members dressed in Mrs. Claus costumes.
Special guest Leonard Patton, who composed and arranged a number of the songs for the show, came down the staircase singing “White Christmas.” He and the cast performed “Christmas on My Mind,” a song he wrote in 2007 for a previous Festival of Christmas. “Holy Night” was beautifully arranged by Patton with only vocals and percussion instruments and performed by the male cast members. Patton is a singer, musician, actor, and composer in San Diego and has been part of the cast at Lamb’s in previous productions.
Guest artists alternate, and depending on the day you attend the show, Rebecca Jade, Bryan Barbarin, or Patton may be showcasing their talents for the audience.
The amazing members of the cast are not new to Lamb’s and all have performed at the venue before.
This year’s Festival of Christmas, “Let it be Christmas,” is directed by Kerry Meads with music and arrangements directed by Erik Cedeberg, Vanda Eggington, Jon Lorenz, and Leonard Patton.
Meads is Lamb’s associate artistic director and director of educational outreach. She has been part of the staff since 1976, and is the resident playwright and performer.
If you are looking for holiday cheer and enjoy a live performance by gifted artists, the Festival of Christmas should not be missed.
The 47th Festival Of Christmas runs through Dec. 28. Times: Tue. 7 p.m., Wed. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Thu. & Fri. 7, Sat. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. running time 1:30. For more information and to purchase tickets, log on to lambsplayers.org or call (619) 437-6000.
VOL. 41, NO. 50 - Dec. 11, 2025
Monday, December 8, 2025, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Imperial Beach Library Community Room
Bingocize is a 20-session class that incorporates exercise and bingo with fall prevention education. Class exercises can be done in both seated and standing positions. Bingocize has been shown to improve strength, gait, and enhance health and well-being knowledge! Class meets twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
In partnership with UC San Diego Health. Registration is required, and space is still available. Register at https://forms.office.com/r/d7jSg7j9Qi.
VOL. 41, NO. 49 - Dec. 4, 2025
Making the right food choices is not always easy, especially during the holidays, but our well-being depends on it. Stephanie Gomez is a local woman who began her journey to become a dietitian by talking to others about the right foods to eat before and after exercise.Gomez, who moved to Imperial Beach a year ago, started her practice, Begin Again Nutrition, almost three years ago. Gomez is originally from Monterey, CA. She moved to San Diego to attend school at 19. Gomez found herself unable to lose weight after her second pregnancy....
Making the right food choices is not always easy, especially during the holidays, but our well-being depends on it. Stephanie Gomez is a local woman who began her journey to become a dietitian by talking to others about the right foods to eat before and after exercise.
Gomez, who moved to Imperial Beach a year ago, started her practice, Begin Again Nutrition, almost three years ago. Gomez is originally from Monterey, CA. She moved to San Diego to attend school at 19. Gomez found herself unable to lose weight after her second pregnancy. “A friend encouraged me to exercise and go to the gym,” she recalled. Gomez started at the back of the room, but before long, she was the instructor. At this time, she was living in Fontana. She was very motivated and taught cardio and sculpt, yoga, pilates, and also became a personal trainer offering a Boot camp. During this time, Gomez “built a strong and healthy fitness community” and saw people who enjoyed exercise but also wanted to eat better. As a personal trainer, she was already making recommendations on how much protein to eat and the best foods to eat before a workout.
In 2017, Gomez decided to close her business and go back to school to reach more people. Gomez has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences, and a Master’s degree in Dietetic Administration. Gomez is continuing her education and is now enrolled in a PhD program. As part of that program, she became board-certified in obesity and weight management and is a dietitian in integrative medicine.
Since working in nutrition and subsequently opening Begin Again Nutrition, Gomez has helped many feel better, and it’s not always necessary to lose weight. “It’s not just food…I look at the full picture…it might be things that people struggle with…migraines, food sensitivity, persistent bloating, gastrointestinal issues,” she said. Gomez explained it’s a matter of opening up a conversation and digging deep. “If there is something not functioning properly, there is a reason…The goal is to feel well overall, not only with your weight,” she said. Gomez also takes into consideration other elements like mental health. There are times when she has dealt with patients who have had a problem for a long time, even though their doctor reassured them they were fine. Gomez was able to find the root cause of the problem thanks to conversations with those patients.
Gomez has an office in Mission Valley where she sees her patients, and she also offers Zoom consultations. In addition to her practice, Gomez also conducts corporate wellness, both locally and out of state.
Gomez takes health insurance, and many of her patients are referred to her by physicians. “You can think of a dietitian as a nutrition primary provider,” she explained. Often doctors refer her to patients for issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diabetes, and hypertension. Gomez’s specialty is obesity and weight management with the additional specialty of integrative medicine. Often, Gomez orders tests because other issues are at play, like genetics, hormonal testing, and additional diagnostic tools. Beyond weight loss and digestive disorders, she also treats patients with hormonal issues such as menopause and perimenopause.
With new patients, Gomez explains that it’s one step at a time, and to consider how they feel that day and what they can do that day. “Because everyone is an individual with a schedule and responsibilities. The first thing is to get a patient’s story,” she said. One answer does not fit everybody. Questions like wake-up time, exercise routine, hydration, stress, and even socioeconomic status all play a role in what’s happening.
Gomez also talks about what feels possible for a patient, and it’s important not to set excessive goals that cannot be achieved, and “trying to understand how we get there from here,” she said.
She points out that the process is not just about the calories, but continuing to take steps in the right direction. One thing she loves to see in her patients is the light bulb go on, whether it’s with an individual or in a group session.
The name of her practice, Begin Again Nutrition, points to the fact that “we can always begin again. A lot of us have to begin again, it’s okay,” she said.
Apart from her practice, Gomez is also employed as a contractor for a few companies. One of her roles is as a mental therapy consultant, which Gomez finds very rewarding because she helps build the right mindset for healthy habits. Through one of those companies, Goomi Group, she recently taught teachers at Mendoza Elementary School. Another local connection is SunCoast Market. She recently held a Healthy Holidays talk, and she’ll probably hold a superfoods talk in January. Gomez also has a presence at the SunCoast Farmer’s Market, where she has a booth.
“Sometimes professional dieticians are not well understood, people may think ‘I don’t want to go on a diet,’ but it’s very rare I give a meal plan. Nutrition is very personalized. You may find that food is not the most important problem, but it’s rooted in something else,” she said.
Gomez encourages people to fill out the coaching questionnaire on her website and do a coaching discovery call.
Her plan is also to open up a community group where anyone can engage in the conversation with her and others. “Never give up, there is always time to begin again,” she said.
For more information, log on to www.BeginAgainNutrition.com.
VOL. 41, NO. 50 - Dec. 11, 2025
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Currently on Digital this week from director Joachim Ronning and Walt Disney Pictures and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD is the return outside the game with TRON: Ares.There is a battle brewing in the computer world between Eve Kim (Greta Lee), the CEO of ENCOM and Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) who is the CEO of Dillinger Systems. What these two mega-techs want is something Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has hidden, the Permanence...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Currently on Digital this week from director Joachim Ronning and Walt Disney Pictures and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD is the return outside the game with TRON: Ares.
There is a battle brewing in the computer world between Eve Kim (Greta Lee), the CEO of ENCOM and Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) who is the CEO of Dillinger Systems. What these two mega-techs want is something Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has hidden, the Permanence Code. While Eve spends her time going through her sisters notes and computer, Dillinger has made a connection inside the digital world creating Ares (Jared Leto). Kim wants to use the code to help the world and Dillinger wants it to creates weapons that can make him millions.
Ares mission is to find the code and bring Kim to Dillinger. Bringing his team, Ares has the help of Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith) who takes directives seriously. After a chase, Dillinger manages to send Kim inside the same code as Flynn yet Ares is beginning to understand what is happening and doesn’t agree with the ‘creators’ programming. What he does want is to remain outside and see the world that he’s beginning to understand. Dillinger is furious and does something causing Athena to go after Kim and now Ares. Dillinger is unstoppable, just ask his mother Elizabeth (Gillian Anderson).
Kim team up to put a stop to Dillinger with the help of Ajay (Hasan Minhaj) and Seth (Arturo Castro) to fight against Athena. Ares goes back inside the program and meets the one person who can help get what they all want – Kevin Flynn. The fight is on as both sides become aware that this is not a normal fight!
Leto as Ares begins as a 29-minute killing machine but soon begins to experience something that isn’t part of his programming – curiosity. Taking in everything around him and meeting Kim makes it clear that the ‘creator’ Dillinger is not who he seems to be. I love that Leto’s character discovers a conscious, is awaken by the simplest of feelings (ie Depeche Mode) and has a dry sense of humor that I enjoyed. This is such a cool role for Leto playing the armored silent type who knows the game Dillinger is playing, literally.
Lee as Eve is still dealing with the death of her sister but also knows that looking for the Permanence Code means following the bread crumbs her sister left behind. Instead of freaking out at every turn, Lee takes it all in and adapts quickly to Ares’ world. This a role that has so much happening with Lee’s Eve being smart, quick and creative every step up to the final scene. Turner-Smith as Athena is angry at every turn but more-so when she sees Ares and Kim together, almost a computer jealousy deal. When Ares decides to go rogue, Turner-Smith’s Athena has no issue with taking the lead of destruction. What a fantastically ‘angry’ role that looked like it was a lot of fun to do.
Castro as Seth understands that Eve knows what needs to be done and he is her right-hand shadow. When Ares shows up, Seth’s reaction is hilarious but doesn’t stop him from getting the job done. Minhaj as Ajay has a smaller, chaotic role but he also brings about a sense of humor that is based on the madness happening around him. I loved both these guys!
Mr. Bridges, the Dude abides, returns as Flynn explaining to Ares about his choices. He hasn’t lost his swagger or his pearls of wisdom and I personally am thrilled he returned to role he first played in the summer of 1982.
Other cast include Sarah Desiardins as Erin, Cameron Monaghan as Caius and Selene Yun as Tess Kim.
Walt Disney Studios incorporates Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions films such as the highly anticipated upcoming film THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disney.com.
MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.
Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes (Seth’s Date, Burning Man, Lisberger Cameo), The Journey to Tron, Lightcycles on the Loose, The Artistry of Tron, Cast Conversations, and The Legacy of Tron.
It should be noted that Nine Inch Nails is responsible for the film’s soundtrack. It is punching loud and doesn’t hold back providing perfection for the action scenes. It pulsates so much that your chair is moving and your feet are being musically massaged. I have to say I actually enjoyed every bit of it. Another part of the film I enjoyed was the return of some memorable things but I’m not about to expand on that!
TRON: Ares is visually stunning and there is no doubt about that. The action is intense and it is a 119-minute eye workout. The Light Cycles are still amazing to watch and as cool as ever to watch. What is stunning is that writer Jesse Wigutow stayed true to the original story but adding a twist that the digital world finds itself in the real world. Seeing the film in IMAX is such a bonus and I can’t imagine experiencing it any other way. TRON fans will not be disappointed in the slightest.
In the end – there is no going back!
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Currently on Bluray and DVD from writer/director Kiah Roache-Turner and Well Go USA is the struggle of war and an unexpected force in the BEAST OF WAR.It is World War II and young Australian soldiers are training for war, but not for the one they anticipated. Crossing the Timor Sea, it doesn’t take long before their boat is hit and sinks. Leo (Mark Coles Smith) helps to rescue as many from the sea as he can including Will (Joel ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Currently on Bluray and DVD from writer/director Kiah Roache-Turner and Well Go USA is the struggle of war and an unexpected force in the BEAST OF WAR.
It is World War II and young Australian soldiers are training for war, but not for the one they anticipated. Crossing the Timor Sea, it doesn’t take long before their boat is hit and sinks. Leo (Mark Coles Smith) helps to rescue as many from the sea as he can including Will (Joel Nankervis), Teddy (Lee Tiger Halley), Thompson (Sam Parsonson) and Stan (Maximillian Johnson) and Kelly (Sam Delich). Leo is the lone Aboriginal soldier and that does not escape the constant hits by Kelly causing a rift between the two.
Floating together on a large piece of the ship, the soldiers quickly discover that they are being hunted more than if they were on land. It doesn’t take long before Kelly begins to aggravate the survivors with his nastiness and deceptions. Leo tries to keep the group focused on survival, and he knows a little bit more about it than the others. What lies below the water shows no mercy and only cares about one thing, dragging each one down into the dark waters.
It is a battle of wills both above and below the water!
Smith as Leo is an aboriginal soldier that is not only dealing with being paid less than the other soldiers but also being looked down upon for his culture. Yet, that being said, there isn’t a part of him that isn’t respectful and wanting to help anyone who needed it – even if it means taking on a bully fellow soldier. I loved that about Smith’s portrayal of this character, it is his own experiences that keep him level headed and empathetic to everyone, even Kelly.
Delich as Kelly is just a plain hot mess of a human being that finds pleasure in ridiculing and degrading everyone around him. Even trapped out at sea, Kelly doesn’t hesitate to use psychological meanness in the secret hopes to be a survivor. Delich gives an outstanding performance of exactly what a “bad guy” would do and every good movie needs one bad guy besides what’s beneath their raft.
Nankervis, Halley, Parsonson, and Johnson each play soldiers that clearly have every reason to be afraid and look for leadership in Leo. They are young and already afraid of everything that comes with war – except an enemy with teeth. Each one of these actors gave something unique to the story being told and added another layer of horror to a horrific attempt at survival.
Other cast include Tristan McKinnon as Bobby, Steve Le Marquand as Sergeant, Lauren Grimson as Hazel, Laura Browne as Susan, Jay Gallagher as Corporal Gallagher, Aswan Reid as Archie and Masa Yamaguchi as Commander Harada.
Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.
The film is inspired by the actual 1942 sinking of the HMAS Armidale losing 100 men, but also is reminiscent of the USS Indianapolis that sank in in 1945 after delivering components of the atomic bomb. They also experienced a similar experience with over 879 deaths.
There are plenty of man vs. ocean films and, lets be honest, some are excellent and some are not so good. BEAST OF WAR takes us on a roller coaster ride because not only are they fighting for their lives on the open ocean, but they are dealing with the tension and intentions of everyone left on the small piece of leftover ship. There isn’t a moment in the film where those two things aren’t so intertwined that it is easy, for a fraction of a second, to forget that each other isn’t the biggest problem!
Director Roache-Turner didn’t attempt to reinvent the man vs. shark films but instead took a true story, put in actors who add another layer and surround it all with man’s worst fear about water and war. The soldiers didn’t know whether to look for a fin in the water or look straight for the enemies’ ships or up for enemy planes! Also added was the ‘no fear’ aspect of putting in some of the harshest attacks on the soldiers so horror you want, horror you get.
BEAST OF WAR is such a combination of war, soldiers, fear, personal conflicts, culture, and survival that it is a serious watch. Coming in at eighty-seven minutes, it is full throttle from beginning to end so don’t look away.
In the end – survival is the mission!
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Can you trust anyone?Currently on Digital and coming to 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD from director Darren Aronofsky and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the chase when CAUGHT STEALING.Hank (Austin Butler) is living in the Lower East Side spending his nights as a bartender at the local watering hole. The one thing you can be sure of is that Hank is a die-hard San Francisco Giants fan and shares that fandom with his own mother. Hi...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Currently on Digital and coming to 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD from director Darren Aronofsky and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the chase when CAUGHT STEALING.
Hank (Austin Butler) is living in the Lower East Side spending his nights as a bartender at the local watering hole. The one thing you can be sure of is that Hank is a die-hard San Francisco Giants fan and shares that fandom with his own mother. His love life includes the lovely Yvonne (Zoe Kravitz) who accepts Hank for all his craziness and baseball antics. After a shift at work, they head to his apartment and met by Russ (Matt Smith), a nutty neighbor who is on his way out of town.
That wouldn’t be a bother to the couple except for one small, little, furry thing – his cat Bud. As much as Hank would like to pass, Yvonne agrees in his stead. A few hours later, there are two very strange individuals outside Russ’ door. Pavel (Nikita Kukushkin) and Aleksei (Yuri Kolokolnikov) want to have a little talk with the cat owner. When Hank doesn’t provide them with any information, well, the hospital has a new kidney patient! Getting home, Yvonne lets him know that his life needs changing, especially when Det. Elise Roman (Regina King) visits to find out why he was attacked.
She fills him in on who the Russians were that attacked him, as well as their leader Colorado (Benito Martinez Ocasio or Bad Bunny if you like), and warns him that there are two more monsters coming for Russ – the Drucker brothers Lipa (Liev Schreiber) and Shmully (Vincent D’Onofrio). Hank is thoroughly confused because he has no idea what they want from him. Looking for what could be so important that Russ has, he begins a search and discovers something interesting in the litter box. In the meantime, he’s being chased by the Drucker brothers and learns nobody that’s involved in this is beyond the horrible.
Hank has to get out of his own head and get into the game because there is one thing depending on him to fix all of this – Bud the cat!
Butler as Hank is dealing with a trauma from high school but keeps himself together working at the local bar and spending time with his girlfriend. Quick witted with her and liked by patrons, he seems happy with his life. When the neighbor asks for a favor is when his world is introduced to some very strange happenings and even stranger people. Butler flows seamlessly through the chaos that has entered his characters life and there isn’t a moment of down time. Not bad with the cat either.
King as Det. Roman is hardly in the mood to baby Hank. She is director, forward and makes it clear that the Russians aren’t the only people that are vicious. I love when King takes a role and just runs away with it and Det. Roman can be added to the list. I just adore her. Ocasio as Colorado is an interesting character that definitely needed more screen time to fully understand the big question – what is he saying? <insert maniacal laugh here>.
Schreiber and D’Onofrio as the Hasidic brothers who are in business to make money and don’t take kindly to anyone else handling their money it a bit of comedy in itself. Taking Hank to their Bubbe’s house made my jaw drop and then I broke out laughing. It’s twisted comedy and I am here for it. Kukushkin and Kolokolnikov as the crazy Russians get to play the stereotype of the bad guys. They love beating people up and have no problem being chastised for doing it, in fact, it makes them want to do it more.
Shout out to Smith as Russ who is the reason I don’t do favors for neighbors and Kravitz as Yvonne as the girl who is so accepting of Hanks ways.
Other cast include Will Brill as Jason, Action Bronson as Amtrak, George Abud as Duane, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Dale, Griffin Dunne as Paul, Carol Kane as Bubbe, Tonic as Bud and Laura Dern as Mom.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.
MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.
Special Features include Aronofsky: The Real Deal, Casting Criminals, Chaos and a Cat, New York Story and I Don’t Drive.
CAUGHT STEALING is a little bit of everything, thriller, chase, mystery, cat, revenge, Mom, football and money. The cinematography is very cool with the 1990’s look and we are taken back to that time when there is a payphone being used – Google that if you’re a little stumped on what a payphone is. The film is so quick paced that there isn’t a lot of ‘getting to know’ the characters in-depth besides Hank. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a fun ride through it all and the cast is brilliant.
Aronofsky has shown up with some amazing films like THE FOUNTAIN (2006), BLACK SWAN (2010), MOTHER! (2017) and THE WHALE (2022). This is the only film that I found my self laughing and then wondering if I should have been, only to laugh again. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Aronofsky’s dark films, and there are moments of dark in the film, but I enjoyed where this film took me. It must be said that with all the dogs in film, it was nice to see a cat front and center, well done Tonic.
In the end – one small favor leads to one big problem!
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
© 2025 Dr. Erica Oberg All Rights Reserved. Made by 
Book a complimentary meet & greet call