★★★★ Leave it to writer/director Stephen Chbosky to make a comforting dramedy about an Italian restaurant where the chefs are all adorable grandmas. Chbosky—whose Perks of Being a Wallflower is a personal favorite both in book and movie form—understands the emotional core of this true story. Yes, Nonnas, aptly titled as being a fond Italian … Continue reading Film Review: Nonnas
Film Review: Fight or Flight
★★★★ Josh Hartnett enters his John Wick actioner era in explosively entertaining and hilariously off-kilter pulp flick, Fight or Flight. For decades, Hartnett has been putting up impressive character work since his acting boom in the late 90s/2000s. Though he took some time off in between projects, it truly feels like we are experiencing a … Continue reading Film Review: Fight or Flight
Film Review: Summer of 69
★★★ Clumsy, cringey, and a little sweet, Summer of 69 tries to mix sex comedy with heartfelt teenage life lessons without managing to land either. Still, there is some fun to be had. A high school student and a successful stripper make for quite a strange pairing, calling on actresses Sam Morelos and Chloe Fineman … Continue reading Film Review: Summer of 69
Film Review: Pavements
★★★★ At this point, it would appear that nearly every major chart-topping megastar has delivered a jukebox musical of their greatest hits, a movie biography, or an immersive museum collecting artifacts of their greatest achievements. Accomplishing all three would be a herculean task that few musical acts would dare to approach. Enter: Pavement, the self-proclaimed … Continue reading Film Review: Pavements
Film Review: Sneaks
(Written by Intern, Miranda Zampogna) ★ Sneaks, an animated feature directed by Rob Edwards and Christopher Jenkins, cobbles together an impressive cast. Among the sequined collection of stars, Anthony Mackie and Martin Lawrence voice anthropomorphic sneakers in this Toy Story-esque tale. Audiences trek alongside Edson, a high school basketball player, who wins a pair of … Continue reading Film Review: Sneaks
TIFF Next Wave 2025: Pools
★★★★ Writer/director Sam Hayes dives right into the stylized vibes of Pools, a gripping character study that makes quite a splash. Anyone who has ever felt adrift looking for their purpose in life will find relatable meaning in the surprisingly emotional subtext. Odessa A’zion (Hellraiser, The Inhabitant) leads a cast of up-and-coming young talent, including … Continue reading TIFF Next Wave 2025: Pools
Film Review: The Uninvited
★★ Some films are made with the best of intentions, collecting an excellent cast of game actors, yet still come up short. Meet The Uninvited, a meandering, single-setting dramedy set in the Hollywood Hills. Fueled by a sweet performance from renowned film and stage actress Lois Smith, there is sadly little else to recommend. The … Continue reading Film Review: The Uninvited
Film Review: The Italians
★★★★ Filmmaker Michelle Danner makes her imprint on the dysfunctional family dramedy, homespun with plenty of Italian flavor. Clearly inspired by bold studio films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Italians wears its cheesy ricotta heart on its sleeve. Lighthearted and over-the-top, screenwriter Lisa Phillips Visca leans into Italian-American stereotypes in a gleeful sendup … Continue reading Film Review: The Italians
Film Review: Freaky Tales
★★★★ Will the 80s ever die? If the grungy aesthetic of Freaky Tales can be believed, the answer is an emphatic no. This stylish indie debuted at the Sundance Film Festival last year, and the ridiculously fun vision of producing/writing/directing duo Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden has finally emerged for audiences everywhere in all its … Continue reading Film Review: Freaky Tales
Film Review: The Life List
★★★★ A new gold-standard Netflix rom-com has officially arrived, based on the acclaimed book by Lori Nelson Spielman. Led by a dazzling performance from Sofia Carson and the golden retriever boyfriend energy of Kyle Allen, The Life List balances a perfect mix of romance, self-discovery, and tearjerking tragedy. Anyone who has grieved a loved one—especially … Continue reading Film Review: The Life List