★★★★ 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
TIFF 2021: The Starling
★★★★ After years on the “Black List” for most liked unproduced screenplays in Hollywood, The Starling is finally here, and thankfully it is well worth the wait. If one has lost a loved one recently, this film may provide the balm of looking forward and moving on after grief. Director Theodore Melfi is no stranger … Continue reading TIFF 2021: The Starling
Film Review: Best Sellers
★★★ Best Sellers is a quirky dramedy seen plenty of times before. Michael Caine plays famous retired author Harris Shaw, while Aubrey Plaza is an ambitious young publisher named Lucy. Lucy needs the popularity of Shaw to reignite interest in her publishing company, but Shaw certainly is not about to make things easy… Both lead … Continue reading Film Review: Best Sellers
TIFF 2021: Dug Dug
★★★ Judging by the TIFF description, which promised a “striking and musically infectious satire,” as well as my expectation for extravagant Bollywood musicals, I certainly had an inkling what Dug Dug would deliver well before starting the film. The reality is that Dug Dug is void of characterization and narrative, focusing its multi-colored laser-pointer instead … Continue reading TIFF 2021: Dug Dug
Interview: Actress Francesca Reale
Actress Francesca Reale joined Allison last week for a delightful chat about her career, dating history, the brilliance of Jaboukie, and her hilarious new rom-com Dating & New York. Narrated by doorman Cole, the film hits theaters Friday, September 10th, from IFC Films. It plunges us into the waters of the modern dating world via … Continue reading Interview: Actress Francesca Reale
Film Review: Queenpins
★★★★ Queenpins begs the question: is non-violent crime still grounds to get one put behind bars? This crime comedy, based on a true story, brings together Kristen Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste as two BFF’s with a penchant for couponing. It is a hell of a fun time and feels gift-wrapped from another era completely. Narrated … Continue reading Film Review: Queenpins
Film Review: The Scary of Sixty-First
★★ After hearing comparisons to Eyes Wide Shut shortly after the debut of The Scary of Sixty-First at the Berlinale Film Festival, my excitement level for this psychosexual horror thriller shot up immensely. That it did not live up to my lofty dreams speaks less about the quality than the actual style, which feels jammed … Continue reading Film Review: The Scary of Sixty-First
Film Review: Small Engine Repair
★★ Back in 2013, I very nearly caught John Pollono’s buzzy Off-Broadway production of Small Engine Repair. Honestly, I was slightly bummed that I missed it, as I kept hearing how great it was. Now in 2021, I finally have a chance to see the story come to life via John Pollono’s directorial feature film … Continue reading Film Review: Small Engine Repair
Film Review: Shit & Champagne
★★★ Shit & Champagne is a movie that is completely critic-proof. Your enjoyment will rely largely on your ability to embrace the absurdity of the concept and high camp factor. It does exactly what it says on the tin—based on a stage production, Shit & Champagne charts the tumultuous life of runaway stripper Champagne (director/writer/lead … Continue reading Film Review: Shit & Champagne
Film Review: Afterlife of the Party
★★ How exactly does one waste the charm and natural charisma of Victoria Justice? Look no further than Netflix’s new comedy, Afterlife of the Party! It takes a fresh and fun premise dealing with death and what comes after, then fails to do anything with it that we haven’t seen before. The entire movie has … Continue reading Film Review: Afterlife of the Party