★★★★ Nearly anyone can relate to feeling like an outsider. Sweetheart, fueled by a decidedly British outlook and flavor, reminded me of that awkward phase of my high school existence when I hadn’t quite figured out myself yet. AJ, or April (Nell Barlow) if you prefer, is the black sheep of her family. They constantly … Continue reading Film Review: Sweetheart
Film Review: This is the Year
★★★★★ Channeling 80s John Hughes and fun party movies like 90s classic Can’t Hardly Wait, David Henrie’s This is the Year is the best teen comedy of 2021! As the feature film directorial debut for the Wizards of Waverly Place star, I was surprised how much passion and nuance is lovingly baked into the script. … Continue reading Film Review: This is the Year
Interview: Actors Haley Lu Richardson and Owen Teague
One of the best films at 2021’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) was the searing intimate drama, Montana Story. Both Allison and I adored this dark story, and are individually huge fans of lead actors Haley Lu Richardson and Owen Teague, so we were thrilled to chat with them! Our special guests this week answer … Continue reading Interview: Actors Haley Lu Richardson and Owen Teague
Film Review: This is the Night
★★★★ I was just as surprised as anyone to see the Blumhouse logo pop up before drama film, This is the Night. The brand most known for its indelible imprint on modern horror proves that it can do the coming-of-age dramedy just as skillfully. Writer/director James DeMonaco (creator of the already-iconic Purge franchise) takes the … Continue reading Film Review: This is the Night
TIFF 2021: Dear Evan Hansen
★★★ (Written by Alllison Brown) The film adaptation of extremely successful Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen, was highly anticipated on my list. I saw the musical in February of 2019, after winning the ticket lottery, and had the luxury of watching from the very first row with a friend. Despite my caveats with its unethical … Continue reading TIFF 2021: Dear Evan Hansen
TIFF 2021: After Blue
★★★ Have you ever thought to yourself, man I would love to see a French space western with lesbians? Well, your prayers have been answered! TIFF selection After Blue is hands-down one of the strangest films I have seen in recent memory. In the same breath, its provocative erotic imagery and steadfast dedication to fleshing … Continue reading TIFF 2021: After Blue
Film Review: Lady of the Manor
★★★★ I never thought one of the most charming rom-coms I would see all year would also orchestrate the single best fart joke in ages, as well as include Judy Greer making hilarious faces to herself in a mirror. Lady of the Manor, written and directed by brotherly duo Christian Long and Justin Long (who … Continue reading Film Review: Lady of the Manor
Film Review: Nightbooks
★★★★ Netflix has fleetingly tackled nearly every holiday in one way or another (both excellent Christmas Chronicles movies from legendary director Christopher Columbus spring to mind instantly), and now with Nightbooks, the streamer sets its sights on Halloween! From Sam Raimi’s Ghost House Pictures, Nightbooks is a twisted family film with horror sensibilities. Love for … Continue reading Film Review: Nightbooks
TIFF 2021: The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
★★★★ (Written by Allison Brown) Looking for a film with a Burtonesque vision and similarities to 2014’s Big Eyes? The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, based on a true story, will hit the spot. Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays lead Louis Wain, has been receiving raving critic reception for his performance in another TIFF film, The … Continue reading TIFF 2021: The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
TIFF 2021: Lakewood
★★★★ Naomi Watts attaching her name to any project is usually a mark of quality. Watts takes chances with the films she tends to choose, making any movie in her filmography worthy of watching at least once. Phillip Noyce (2014’s exceptionally good The Giver) directs this harrowing thriller imagining a parent’s literal worst nightmare. Noyce … Continue reading TIFF 2021: Lakewood