“Idiots” Plays it Safe and Stoner
As Idiots stands, it’s not a new or well-developed look at the broken systems that keep rich people rich and poor people poor, nor does it crack a joke about something that hasn’t already happened in a frat house somewhere in America.
“Gypsy 83” is a Love Letter to the Early-Aughts Freaks
Twenty-five years on and Gypsy 83 is still a rollicking adventure. Clive and Gypsy were written for the noncomforists of suburbia who dream of adventure far beyond the state of Ohio.
“Nimrods” Can’t Make Mainstream Punk
Nimrods needs more bite to match the fervor of the punks who paved the way.
“Mustache” is a Delight
In order to enjoy Mustache, you just have to be willing to go back to the awkward teenage years of finding yourself — the often uncomfortable, sometimes profound, and always shifting time when the tickle of a prepubescent mustache can change the world.
“That Alien, Sound” Captures the Mysteries of Life
That Alien, Sound, like the cosmos Sound hails from, is swirling with thematic notes that create a galaxy of their own.
“Buffet Infinity” is 3am Channel Surfing at its Finest
As much as it is a movie, Buffet Infinity is also an experience in the charming, analog oddities of yesteryear.
“Over Your Dead Body” Needs Resuscitating
Over Your Dead Body has too much dead weight to make for a dark look at a romantic relationship.
Slamdance ’26: “Danny Is My Boyfriend” is a Disaster in the Best Way
Danny Is My Boyfriend is an utter disaster in the best possible way. A trainwreck that’s as fun as it is colossally, catastrophically dramatic, masterfully realized by Sandler and Lakatos.
“Cold Storage” is a Little Drafty, but Still Warm
Cold Storage may leave the viewer a little cold, but there are some embers here that may catch fire.
“Stripper Boyz” Will Pelvic Thrust its Way to Your Heart
Stripper Boyz is an incredibly entertaining blend of dry, mumblecore-esque comedy and a surprising amount of heart. Who knew the answer to insecurity was ripping your clothes off on a stage in Las Vegas?
“If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing” is Unfiltered Teenage Anxiety and Humor
If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing is an introduction to Bones’ directorial voice, one that is sharp and funny, with room to grow.
My “Anaconda” Don’t Want None Unless You Got Originality, Hun
Anaconda could have been included in that conversation, but instead it’s too much like a big studio poking fun at itself while doing the exact thing it attempts to make light of.
“Tapawingo” is the Spiritual Sequel to “Napoleon Dynamite”
Tapawingo will speak to a generation that misses the oddball sincerity of the aughts and potentially win over some Napoleon Dynamite non-believers with its more fleshed-out narrative.
“Eternity” Asks Who You Want to Spend the Rest of Time With
Perhaps, though, it’s like Joan says — maybe what makes life (and Eternity) special is that it is finite.
“Bugonia” isn’t Mad, it’s Just Disappointed
Bugonia isn’t regret, but remorse, and that stings all the more.
Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague” Returns to the French New Wave
Nouvelle Vague is not the act of rebellion it documents, but it is a charming escape to a time film lovers wish they could’ve experienced firsthand.
“Rats!” is Early-Aughts Stoner Madness
Rats! is a riot that crawled out of the depths of Warped Tour to arrive on the doorstep of the 2020s in the best possible way.