BREAK THE GAME is a compelling documentary with a lot on its mind including transphobia, depression, cyberbullying, social media addiction, and romance. I think it will give hope to people who find themselves in a dark place from time to time. Streaming as part of Outfest LA virtual lineup.
Commitment To Life
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/
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, […]
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.
Favorites of 2023 so far
My personal favorites among the films I have watched in the first half of 2023: Past Lives Afire Slow Suitable Flesh Blue Jean Totem Scrapper Tori & Lokita Beyond Utopia John Wick: Chapter 4 Full Time Fair Play Last Night of Amore The Beasts Burning Days Blackberry
May December – NYFF Opening Night
Todd Haynes’ MAY DECEMBER with Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore will open the New York Film Festival on September 29th. Can’t imagine a better way welcome the fall!