We often rely upon parents to create a nurturing environment. Yet discovering our parents are flawed human beings comes as a shock to most. Sadly, many others come to this realization earlier in life. The emotional abuse suffered by LGBTQ+ people often comes at the hands of bullies and parents. It's upsetting how often the … Continue reading TIFF 2023: ‘Toll’ – Carolina Markowicz Sensual Tale of Repression
TIFF 2023: ‘God is a Woman’ – Memory and Tradition Framed Through Cinema
The power of film on the collective memory of a community can rarely be understood. Documentary remains one of the most impactful ways to remember a place, a time, and a culture. Yet the true power of these films stems from the emotion that rises naturally over their runtimes. While God is a Woman begins … Continue reading TIFF 2023: ‘God is a Woman’ – Memory and Tradition Framed Through Cinema
Bela Lugosi’s Undead – Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Final Preview/Hype Episode!
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
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