★ I should have seen the writing on the wall with Netflix’s new musical, the aptly titled 13: The Musical. For one thing, the review embargo is the actual release date and time it drops; while not an infallible measure of quality, this is often a sign that films are not up to par. Secondly, … Continue reading Film Review: 13: The Musical
Film Review: Day Shift
★★★★ Horror comedy, when executed correctly, is one of my favorite windows through which to experience genre filmmaking. Day Shift discovers a perfect tonal mix between campy comedy fun, vampy horror violence, and thrilling action, emerging as one of my favorite Netflix productions of the year. Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained, Baby Driver) fills the lead … Continue reading Film Review: Day Shift
Film Review: Mack & Rita
★★ Mack & Rita is like a body-swap comedy, only with an air of self-fulfillment and confused messaging about old age. How exactly does one squander the indomitable talents of this terrific ensemble cast, let alone the lead stars both playing each other, Diane Keaton and Elizabeth Lail? Co-written by Madeline Walter and Paul Welsh … Continue reading Film Review: Mack & Rita
Film Review: Luck
★★★ The addition of streaming options for newer animated films has only added to the breadth of variety, ideas, and fascinating filmmakers swirling around projects. Obviously, they cannot possibly all be winners. Too frequently, companies cater to the mindset of very young children as opposed to trying to reach a wider audience through the injection … Continue reading Film Review: Luck
Fantasia 2022: Bodies Bodies Bodies
★★★★★ Here’s a fun equation: A24 + modern horror whodunnit + meta dark humor = ? The answer is a frolicking mini-masterpiece entitled Bodies Bodies Bodies, after the titular sinister game our players participate in. Written by Sarah DeLappe and directed by Halina Reijn, the film has a fiercely feminine touch that redefines the tired … Continue reading Fantasia 2022: Bodies Bodies Bodies
Fantasia 2022: Sadako DX
★★★★ Attempting to follow the chronology of The Ring films is actually more difficult than one would expect; while the American iterations have a total of three films, back in its native Japan, Ringu has been thriving for years. Sequels for this series range well into the double digits. This latest, appropriately titled Sadako DX … Continue reading Fantasia 2022: Sadako DX
TV Review: The Resort
Many a mystery show has emulated the likes of Lost, and Peacock’s new comedy/thriller The Resort appears to be another in a long line of imitators. What initially masquerades as a silly dark comedy soon reveals itself to be so much more. Hiding just underneath the surface is a burgeoning unsolved mystery just begging to … Continue reading TV Review: The Resort
Film Review: Honor Society
★★★★ Honor Society is the ultimate in feel-great entertainment, channeling positivity and hopefulness amidst a raunchy R-rated dark comedy exterior. Narrated by lead character Honor (Angourie Rice, Senior Year, The Nice Guys), I found myself instantly drawn into this high school haven. Reliant on situational humor and heart-filled hijinks, Honor Society is far from one's … Continue reading Film Review: Honor Society
Fantasia 2022: Sharp Stick
★★★★ For those familiar with Lena Dunham’s body of work, the controversial actress has established herself as excelling at awkward, sexually-explicit material tinged with dark comedy and coming-of-age vibes. Sharp Stick follows suit, placing Kristine Frøseth front and center in an absolutely transformative, unique performance. Far from the New York City-centric snark of HBO’s Girls, … Continue reading Fantasia 2022: Sharp Stick
Film Review: Not Okay
★★★★★ For any lover of dark comedy, Not Okay may easily work its way up to being their favorite film of the year. The satirical nature of writer/director Quinn Shephard’s script makes some of the most effective and raw moments palatable and memorable. By bringing up so many moral questions right off the bat, Shephard … Continue reading Film Review: Not Okay