After a series of scam documentaries took the world by storm, the "Scam Culture" genre was born. With successful shows like The Dropout, Super Pumped, and WeCrashed, many tried to find the next big story. Oscar-winning directors Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe circled the sad tale of Bishop Sycamore. The fake high school, whose … Continue reading Review: ‘BS High’ – A Stunning Vision of Greed In Youth Athletics
TV Review: In Season 3, ‘How to With John Wilson’ Remains as Funny and Weird as Ever
The small absurd oddities of life often go unremarked upon. Yet some find ways to turn the seemingly banal into an artistic endeavor. No one in entertainment seems as great at bringing this to life quite like John Wilson. While some audiences are aware of the incredible How to With John Wilson, the series has … Continue reading TV Review: In Season 3, ‘How to With John Wilson’ Remains as Funny and Weird as Ever
Review: HBO Doc ‘After the Bite’ Depicts a Town Struggling with Its Future
In a film like Jaws, filmmakers must balance genuine tragedy with excitement. However, even a story that fascinates audiences does not compare to the real-world impact of these events. Sharks have long been the subject of filmmakers, both for conservation and cultural impact. After the Bite, a new documentary from director Ivy Meeropol, examines the … Continue reading Review: HBO Doc ‘After the Bite’ Depicts a Town Struggling with Its Future
TV Review: ‘Full Circle’ Ed Solomon and Steven Soderbergh Craft a Meticulous Crime Fiction
Few directors can balance an ensemble quite like Steven Soderbergh. The director behind Ocean's Eleven, Logan Lucky, and Traffic loves to let stars excel with big performances. Yet he's at his best when he turns down the temperature, allowing actors to embrace their subtle differences within a larger team. Working off screenplays from creator Ed … Continue reading TV Review: ‘Full Circle’ Ed Solomon and Steven Soderbergh Craft a Meticulous Crime Fiction
Review: ‘The Stroll’ – A Documentary Concerned with Trans History
For decades, Cis history has dominated the way history becomes fact. However, the ideological apparatus that defaults to this thinking has found more challenges than ever. Features, like HBO's recent documentary The Stroll prove that with diversity comes new approaches to filmmaking. The personal story from director Kristen Lovell about her time as a sex … Continue reading Review: ‘The Stroll’ – A Documentary Concerned with Trans History
Tribeca 2023: ‘Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed’ – A Standard But Moving Bio-Doc
The iconic images of Rock Hudson have long stood in stark contrast to his reality. Yes, he was a wildly popular and attractive star throughout the 1950s. He was also not the ladies' man that some attributed to his persona. While he could not be open about his sexuality as a gay man, Hudson still … Continue reading Tribeca 2023: ‘Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed’ – A Standard But Moving Bio-Doc
The Idol – Episode 1 – “Pop Tarts & Rat Tales” Recap
The controversial Sam Levinson and Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. “The Weeknd,” feel like a match made in heaven. They both love Hollywood glitz. They often explore the darker sides of sex and pleasure. Neither hits 100% with their target audiences. You would argue they often alienate their fans. Yet at the same time, both find ways … Continue reading The Idol – Episode 1 – “Pop Tarts & Rat Tales” Recap
‘Succession’ – Series Finale – Season 4, Episode 10 – “With Open Eyes” Recap
Directed by Mark Mylod and written by Jesse Armstrong, Succession comes to an end. The pieces are in place for a few last big moves, but leave it to Armstrong to pull off some last-minute changes. The Succession finale, titled "With Open Eyes," completes the two-week window from the start of the season. Emotions run … Continue reading ‘Succession’ – Series Finale – Season 4, Episode 10 – “With Open Eyes” Recap
‘Succession’ – Season 4, Episode 9 – “Church and State” Recap
The penultimate episode of Succession finally addresses the funeral of Logan Roy. The family splintered once again on Election Night. With Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin) feeling himself, he takes to the stage to eulogize their father. Can he keep his emotions in check? We know the sparks will fly as the family deals with its … Continue reading ‘Succession’ – Season 4, Episode 9 – “Church and State” Recap
‘Succession’ – Season 4, Episode 6 – “Living+” Recap
After a strong showing abroad, Shiv (Sarah Snook) needs to keep the house of cards in order. Her brothers Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and Roman (Kieran Culkin) went rogue and tried to throw off the deal. If not for Shiv, the team might have been dead in the water. Shiv helped play Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård) against … Continue reading ‘Succession’ – Season 4, Episode 6 – “Living+” Recap