COMMITMENT TO LIFE from I Am Divine director Jeffrey Schwarz chronicles the AIDS crisis with an emphasis on Los Angeles. Even if you are familiar with the era, you will likely find some of the material revealing. The well-executed documentary is part of the Outfest virtual lineup this week.
Down Low
Rightor Doyle’s uproarious and bawdy black comedy DOWN LOW with Zachary Quinto and Lukas Gage is unexpectedly warm-hearted at times. Gage, who co-wrote the script, is the MVP here and there are memorable turns from Judith Light, Simon Rex, and Audra McDonald. It is included in the Outfest LA virtual lineup.
Fancy Dance
Erica Tremblay’s FANCY DANCE is a gripping Native American mystery and family drama that builds up to a memorable emotional finale. Lily Gladstone is outstanding here and I can’t wait to see her in Scorsese’s Killers of The Flower Moon. Fancy Dance is available to watch this week only on Outfest LA virtual platform.
Mutt
I have a soft spot for good looking, authentic NYC films. Vuk Lungulov-Klutz’s MUTT starring Lio Mehiel as a trans man having an intense day is one such film that gives insight into the transition process and leaves a lasting impression. It is now available to watch virtually via Outfest and will be in theaters […]
Outfest LA Virtual Lineup
You can now rent and watch many of the 2023 Outfest LA selections online. Additional films will be available to watch next Monday. Here’s a Letterboxd list of the features in their virtual lineup: https://letterboxd.com/filmfestival/list/outfest-la-2023-virtual-lineup/
Command Z
Steven Soderbergh’s time travel web series COMMAND Z with Michael Cera, Roy Wood Jr., Chloe Radcliffe, and Liev Schreiber is now available to watch on commandzseries.com. The whole thing is a little over 90 mins and can be watched for $8, which will go to charity.
Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game
Meredith and Austin Bragg’s PINBALL: THE MAN WHO SAVED THE GAME starring Mike Faist with a terrible mustache is now on Hulu. It’s the story of Roger Sharpe, whose efforts overturned NYC’s 35-year ban on pinball. If you’re looking for a quick, fun movie, this should do it.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Aitch Alberto’s Outfest LA Opening Night selection Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an affecting YA coming of age romance that is full of empathy towards its characters. Many will find it inspirational. Both leads are very believable and there is a strong supporting cast that includes Veronica Falcon, Eugenio Derbez, […]
The Miracle Club in theaters
Irish period dramedy THE MIRACLE CLUB is a perfect fit for Sony Pictures Classics, which is releasing it in theaters this weekend. If the trailer interests you, go see it. It is funny and, as you can expect from that cast, well-acted. Especially Kathy Bates is a joy to watch.
Theater Camp
Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman’s THEATER CAMP is like a Christopher Guest mockumentary for theater people and they will love it. There are many inside jokes, which might prevent it from having universal appeal, but it definitely entertained me. It had premiered at this year’s Sundance and it is in theaters now.