★★★ 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
Genres
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 Voyeurs
★★★★★ Amazon Prime’s new erotic thriller, The Voyeurs, easily emerges as one of my favorite films of the year in more ways than one. What starts as a simple plot with a cute couple moving into a gorgeous loft apartment escalates into pearl-clutching moments of shocking intensity. Writer/director Michael Morgan, creator of the excellent but … Continue reading Film Review: The Voyeurs
Interview: The Voyeurs Cast and Director Michael Mohan
Amazon Prime’s erotic thriller, The Voyeurs, stands tall as one of the best films of 2021. Allison and I sat down via Zoom for a special spoilery chat with three of the film’s central stars, as well as writer/director Michael Mohan. We talk the forgotten era of the erotic thrillers, first reactions to this twisty … Continue reading Interview: The Voyeurs Cast and Director Michael Mohan
TIFF 2021: 7 Prisoners
★★★ 7 Prisoners deals with an incredibly traumatic and upsetting facet of society: human trafficking. The fact that those preyed upon are trying to better their financial situations (often to help their families) makes it altogether more depressing. I found the methods of torment to be absolutely abhorrent and appalling, which I suppose is exactly … Continue reading TIFF 2021: 7 Prisoners
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: Kate
★★★ Netflix’s action shoot-em-up, Kate, comes on the heels of several excellent movies from the streamer. While it may not reach the high highs of last month’s Gunpowder Milkshake, Kate will thrill fans craving John Wick-style visceral combat and choreography. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is firmly channeling Jason Statham in Crank, and every second of her … Continue reading Film Review: Kate