Movie ReviewsSeen a lot of movies, got a lot of opinions.
Let’s get Lily Gladstone her Oscar.
CIFF24: "African Giants" - Film Review
Complemented by gorgeous cinematography, African Giants is an ode to brotherly love and a reminder that we are capable of growing up.
Sundance '24: "Thelma" - Film Review
Are we still the same person we always were if we allow ourselves to be vulnerable? Thelma wholeheartedly says yes. That we are at our best when we allow ourselves to be emotional, to try and fail, and to get right back on the electric scooter when we fall off.
TIFF23: "Close to You" - Film Review
Finally, we’re able to see Page happy and living as his truest self. For that, I am grateful to Close to You. It doesn’t make up for the film’s weaknesses, but it’s one hell of a strength.
TIFF23: "Woman of the Hour" - Film Review
Woman of the Hour is an intriguing first outing from director Kendrick, as well as a clear showcase of her talents in front of the camera.
Outfest: "Chasing Chasing Amy" - Film Review
Art is constantly transforming and reinventing itself, and Chasing Chasing Amy is proof of the ever-changing nature of creation.
Fantasia Fest: "Lovely, Dark, and Deep" - Film Review
As with any movie that builds its premise so wholly on a creepy mystery, the success of Lovely, Deep, and Dark lies in how that mystery unfolds and what is revealed.
Outfest: "Love, Jamie" - Short Film Review
Emblazoned on a self-portrait of Jamie holding a rainbow flag that turns into a dove and proudly walks down the street is a quote: “Our Flaming Queer Hearts Will Not Be Denied.” There are hundreds of ways to interpret what Jamie is attempting to convey here, but sometimes the simplest answer is the correct one. Do not deny the truth of who you are, wave your flag proudly, and hold your head up high.
Outfest: "Playland" - Film Review
The film’s setting is the decrepit Playland Café with a bright pink neon sign ever-glowing in the background, a mix of what was lost and what endures. Playland is a rhapsodic testament to existence.
CIFF: "Egghead & Twinkie"
Egghead & Twinkie is the eccentric, joyful, coming-of-age flick that’s reminiscent of the greats.
Outfest Fusion '23 - Young Hearts Run Free Shorts Program
Reviews for the short films in Outfest Fusion 2023’s Young Hearts Run Free shorts program.
Outfest Fusion '23 - Tickled Pink Shorts Program
Reviews for the seven short films featured in Outfest Fusion’s Tickled Pink program.
CIFF: “Rye Lane” - Film Review
Rye Lane is a shock to the system and the current landscape of romantic comedies. It’s loving, genuinely humorous, and an effortless crowd pleaser. A beautiful, energetic reminder that love is worth going after time and again.
CIFF: “Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out” - Film Review
Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out is the sort of sweet, charming, family flick that will warm the hearts of those who stumble upon it. For those who want a thought-provoking cerebral experience, this isn’t it, but it never wanted to be that in the first place.
CIFF: “Playing Through” - Film Review
There’s only one movie (so far) about Ann Gregory. It’s a shame she was forced to share it.
CIFF: “Black Barbie: A Documentary” - Film Review
This documentary acts as a historical primer for those who aren’t experts on the life and times of Barbie and as a scathing look at Barbie’s impact on the psyche of children.
CIFF: “Riceboy Sleeps” - Film Review
Home is a transient, liminal, and ever-changing place. Riceboy Sleeps is Shim’s way of creating an eternal version of the life he had with his mother.
CIFF: “Viking” - Film Review
Viking is a space oddity survival flick with its feet firmly planted on earth. The production design is a gorgeous blend of retro futurism that harkens back to the era of the space race.
CIFF: “King Coal” - Film Review
I’m a coal miner’s granddaughter. My mom’s side of the family lives in a small town in southwestern Pennsylvania. The kind of small town with one stoplight and that exists because of King Coal.
CIFF: “Plan 75” - Film Review
Those who let the sensitivity of Plan 75 wash over them will walk out of the theatre and immediately call someone they love.
CIFF: “My Sailor My Love” - Film Review
My Sailor My Love is not the first film to focus on a gruff old man’s ability to open himself up to love again. Up and Driveways are far more successful iterations of the genre that show the totality of what it means to learn and grow from the past. My Sailor My Love gets most of the way there, but cannot neatly tie the bow on its story.