Movie ReviewsSeen a lot of movies, got a lot of opinions.
Let’s get Lily Gladstone her Oscar.
"Barbie" - Film Review
“That felt achey, but good,” Barbie says when a tear escapes her eye for the first time in her life. That’s life as a human. The impossibility of perfection gives way to an ache in the soul about the beauty of existence and its doomed fleetingness. That is the essence of Barbie and the essence of life itself.
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?
“Aloners” - Film Review
Aloners takes Jina’s perfect world and shatters it. The film forces her to feel the weight of the human condition. The pain, the joy, the sadness, the depths of her emotions. It’s not easy to choose to be present for life, but it is essential to being alive.
"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.
“Asteroid City” - Film Review
Asteroid City has its head looking up to the stars, its feet on the ground, and its heart just barely peeking out of its sleeve.
"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.
“The Blackening” - Film Review
The Blackening is joyously fun, lovingly made, and the triumphant return of the mid-budget comedy.
"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.