It's been a difficult month since the end of our 2nd season, and we're back to kick off Season 3! Both our hosts moved, and one had a bout with Covid. Of course, this left us eager to return to our favorite topic. Halloween Horror Nights 2023 kicked off a couple of weeks ago, but … Continue reading Bela Lugosi’s Undead – Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Final Preview/Hype Episode!
TIFF 2023: ‘Fair Play’ Shines a Light on Power, Work, and Entitlement
While Wall Street has been a fruitful location for storytelling, the business world has become a hotspot of creative activity. The high-stakes world has often served as a microcosm for larger issues in America. Director and writer Chloe Domont utilizes this approach, as well as audience awareness of Wall Street and Industry, to deliver a … Continue reading TIFF 2023: ‘Fair Play’ Shines a Light on Power, Work, and Entitlement
TIFF 2023: ‘The Umbrella Men: Escape From Robben Island’ – A High Energy Crime Sequel
In 2022, The Umbrella Men surprised as a wildly entertaining heist film. The South African caper gave strong Ocean’s vibes and was one of the most rewatchable genre films of TIFF 2022. To our surprise, a sequel to that fun film landed at TIFF 2023. With Director John Barker returning, The Umbrella Men: Escape From … Continue reading TIFF 2023: ‘The Umbrella Men: Escape From Robben Island’ – A High Energy Crime Sequel
Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘For Night Will Come’ Ruminates on Power, Sacrifice, and Family
Becoming a parent fills many with dread. The grip our children have over our emotions cannot fully be described. Despite this, many see their entire world shift beneath their feet. Yet, some parents sacrifice in ways that no parent would wish on their worst enemies. Throughout For Night Will Come, a mother tries to reckon … Continue reading Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘For Night Will Come’ Ruminates on Power, Sacrifice, and Family
Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘Through the Night’ – An All-Too-Common Tragedy
"He said, she said" narratives stem from a patriarchal lens, yet filmmakers continue to shift that truth. After all, in a post-Me Too era for American filmmakers, there's genuine hope that the lines have been redrawn. However, the mindset of "deserving" sex and power continues to corrupt. Director Delphine Girard reminds the audience in Through … Continue reading Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘Through the Night’ – An All-Too-Common Tragedy
Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person’ Mixes Incredible Charm and Violence
In 2022, Bones and All sought to reshape the teenage cannibal film. Luca Guadagnino’s triumph did not work on some, but it also pushed for a reimagining of traditional horror tropes. The power of the monster has rarely been in its scares but instead in its commentary. This allows Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person … Continue reading Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person’ Mixes Incredible Charm and Violence
Review: ‘The Good Mother’ – A Predictable But Effective Mystery
The lengths a family goes to protect their own can lead down dark paths. Our willingness to even ignore the bad deeds of family can doom us to make our own mistakes. Throughout The Good Mother, director Miles Joris-Peyrafitte wants to highlight the choices in morally grey areas. The result is rather predictable storytelling, but … Continue reading Review: ‘The Good Mother’ – A Predictable But Effective Mystery
Streaming: ‘Big George Foreman’ – A Paint By the Numbers Biopic
Boxers like George Foreman become widely recognized as generational talents. However, what they do after competing at the highest levels of sports often shifts how we view their legacy. Yet Big George Foreman, a new film from director George Tillman Jr., tries to intertwine the two aspects of the famed boxer's life. Unfortunately, Big George … Continue reading Streaming: ‘Big George Foreman’ – A Paint By the Numbers Biopic
Streaming: ‘The Flash’ Crashes and Burns on It Horrible Visual Effects
Occasionally, the direction of the discourse becomes too toxic to actively engage with a film. In the case of The Flash, the ship had sailed years ago. The off-set antics of star Ezra Miller became known beyond the industry. Many directors had entered and exited the project, resulting in muddled visions. Perhaps worst of all, … Continue reading Streaming: ‘The Flash’ Crashes and Burns on It Horrible Visual Effects
Review: ‘Golda’ – A Complicated Mirren Cannot Save the Frustrating Narrative
Playing one of history's most controversial figures is nothing new for Helen Mirren. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II provided unique insight into the balance between Monarch and symbol. She also portrayed the Queen of Gossip, Miss Hedda Hopper, with all the malice and wit she was known for. Yet Golda Meir represents her most … Continue reading Review: ‘Golda’ – A Complicated Mirren Cannot Save the Frustrating Narrative