★★★★ 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 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: The Eyes of Tammy Faye
★★★★★ Armed with minimal knowledge about the film itself, I headed into my viewing of biographical dramedy The Eyes of Tammy Faye ready to see Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield knock it out of the park. Chronicling the rise and fall of the most famous televangelist couple of all time, Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye … Continue reading TIFF 2021: The Eyes of Tammy Faye
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
FrightFest 2021: Pretty Boy
★★★★ Valentine’s Day slashers are in short supply—beyond My Bloody Valentine or 2001’s Valentine, there is not much else out there. While Pretty Boy may not be some masterpiece of modern cinema, it maintains a fun, ridiculous tone that permeates from every facet of the production. I was not aware that Pretty Boy was a … Continue reading FrightFest 2021: Pretty Boy
SBIFF 2021: Under My Skin
★★ The idea behind Under My Skin is far better than the execution. David O’Donnell’s new film has layered visuals and a raw story about one person’s struggle with gender. A key creative choice blocked me from identifying with its mixed messages: the central character is played throughout by entirely different actors. When young musician … Continue reading SBIFF 2021: Under My Skin
Interview: Actresses Isabelle Fuhrman & Stefanie Scott
Allison and I got together this week for a trip to the winter of 1843, as we dissect the new Fantasia International Film Festival horror thriller, The Last Thing Mary Saw! Our special guests, genre vets Isabelle Fuhrman and Stefanie Scott, join us to talk about filming behind blindfolds, staying in character, LGBT representation, and … Continue reading Interview: Actresses Isabelle Fuhrman & Stefanie Scott
Fantasia 2021: The Last Thing Mary Saw
★★★★ If The Crucible and The Witch had a baby, it would probably grow up to be Edoardo Vitaletti’s electric period-piece horror thriller, The Last Thing Mary Saw. It manages to establish the mania and tense atmosphere one imagines when picturing old-time Salem. Everyone would blame their problems on witchcraft, pointing the finger at the … Continue reading Fantasia 2021: The Last Thing Mary Saw
Bentonville Film Festival 2021 Wrap-Up
This year's Bentonville Film Festival brings with it a variety of riveting indie filmmaking, largely from female creators and primarily specializing in dramas and rom-coms. Below, I have rounded up the films I saw at this festival, including links for their roster I have previously viewed. Films 7 DAYS Full review at the link. AMERICANISH … Continue reading Bentonville Film Festival 2021 Wrap-Up
Bentonville 2021: Workhorse Queen
★★★★ Mrs. Kasha Davis first came onto my radar similarly to the way many others discovered her: through season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her signature line, “there’s always time for a cocktail," thrust her into the limelight. This catch phrase marked her as a memorable and quotable queen, despite being the fifth one sent … Continue reading Bentonville 2021: Workhorse Queen