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: "Big Boys" - Film Review
Big Boys is viscerally nostalgic. It’s an emotional time machine with no frills or fuss. A sweet snapshot of the ineffable experience of growing up.
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: "Eitr" - Short Film Review
Eitr is instantly lovable, the kind of debut short film that’s a mark of an exciting beginning for Al-Hamaydeh Miller.
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.
"Afire" - Film Review
Afire lacks the burning sense of humanity that is arguably the most essential part of art.
"Bottoms" - Film Review
Is there anything more relatable than starting an all-out, bloody, after school fight club because you want to make out with someone? Bottoms would argue no, then punch you in the face.
"Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning" - Film Review
Dead Reckoning is as advertised. A bombastic summer blockbuster that will put butts in seats, but will likely be forgotten before Dead Reckoning Part Two reaches theatres.
"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" - Film Review
It almost feels wrong to see Indy in high-definition like this. Dial of Destiny lacks the warmth of film, the spirit of adventure, and the twinkle in Indy’s eye.
"Shortcomings" - Film Review
Shortcomings bills itself as a dramatic romantic comedy, but never manages to fit into any of the molds of this genre. That’s not to say that it has to fit into a neat package in order to be a successful film, but Shortcomings isn’t as humorous or romantic as it should be.
"Past Lives" - Film Review
“Who do you think they are to each other?” The question echoes as the film’s ending returns to the bar where it was initially asked. Perhaps a better question is, what does it mean to know someone?
"august at twenty-two" - Film Review
august at twenty-two captures the incendiary magic of finding someone who you click with. It’s more than simply getting along and being able to make small talk.
"Rodeo" - Film Review
Rodeo is gnarled, burning passion. It’s an angry, desperate, hope for a better life and a desire to fit in somewhere, anywhere.
"Sublime" - Film Review
There’s a certain kind of magic reserved for a teenage, shoegaze-y rock band. Such is the central heartbeat of Sublime, an Argentinian LGBTQ+ drama about two boys growing up and every turbulent feeling that comes along with it.
"Reality (2023)" - Film Review
More than a compelling narrative film, Reality shows that it’s entirely possible to maintain the reality of a situation without compromising the cinematic possibilities. Reality understands that truth always trumps fiction.
"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" - Film Review
A cosmic shift happened in 2018 when Into the Spider-Verse premiered in terms of its animation style and colors. Across the Spider-Verse proves that it was not a one-hit wonder.
"Fast X" - Film Review
Fast X desperately wants to be a fun popcorn summer flick. The film manages to achieve that status quite a few times, but the runtime is so sprawling, the script so nonsensical, and the action sequences so drawn-out that it cannot sustain the levity.
"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" - Film Review
While the script falters, the production design soars. The world of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is vivid, bold, and exciting.
"Full Time" - DVD Review
Full Time is an angry indictment of the current state of affairs and an ode to the sacrifices parents make for their children.