India Donaldson’s GOOD ONE with Lily Collias announces the arrivals of an exciting new voice and a talented new actress. Without ever being boring, it takes its time to introduce a conflict and is all the more satisfying afterwards because of it. The Seattle International Film Festival selection will be in US theaters this August.
Un Amor
Isabel Coixet’s UN AMOR is an imperfect film that nevertheless captivated me with its unusual story, committed performances from Laia Costa and Hovik Keuchkerian, and the beautiful framing of its scenes. It also has one of the worst landlords in film history. It is in this year’s Seattle International Film Festival lineup.
The Primevals
David Allen’s live action/stop motion hybrid THE PRIMEVALS has finally been completed 24 years after his passing. B-movie and visuals effects fans should have a ball with the imaginative creature design and the cheesy dialogue and storyline. It has a midnight screening at the Seattle International Film Festival and will also be available for streaming.
Food Roots
Michele Josue’s mid-length documentary FOOD ROOTS is about Chicago restaurateur Billy Dec’s trip to Philippines, where he meets relatives and tracks down family recipes. A quick, at times moving, piece that should appeal to foodies and those interested in Filipino culture. It is screening in person and virtually at the Seattle International Film Festival.
Luther: Never Too Much
Dawn Porter’s LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH is beautiful and sad. It has a treasure trove of great looking (and sounding) archival material. It starts with Vandross’ upbringing in NYC and covers his time as a backup singer and producer for the likes of David Bowie, Dionne Warwick, and Aretha Franklin and his tremendous solo career. […]
Thelma: Seattle International Film Festival Opening Night
50th edition of Seattle International Film Festival is kicking off with the delightful Opening Night film THELMA. June Squibb does not need any help from Jason Statham and is determined to get her money back from scammers. She is marvelous and Josh Margolin’s directing is slick. It is also great to watch Richard Roundtree one […]
Challengers
Luca Guadagnino’s CHALLENGERS with Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist was supposed to open the Venice Film Festival last year. Its release got postponed during the SAG-AFTRA strike, and it is finally in theaters. A cleverly constructed script, three skilled actors bursting with chemistry, the high energy score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and […]
2024 Tribeca Festival lineup
Tribeca Festival has announced their 2024 lineup including films with Kristen Stewart, Lily Gladstone, Christopher Abbott, Jenna Ortega, Michael Cera, Naomie Harris, Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Banks, Steve Buscemi, John Magaro, and Demián Bichir. 86 features will have their World Premieres at the festival. Among the Narrative Competition entries, there is Morrisa Maltz’s follow-up to The […]
Wicked Little Letters
Set in 1920’s Britain, Thea Sharrock’s comedy mystery Wicked Little Letters follows the scandal that erupts in a seaside town when residents start receiving letters full of profanities. It has some fantastic British swearing, which cracked me up the whole time. Jessie Buckley is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses. Her and Olivia Colman […]
Immaculate
Catholic horror Immaculate from South By Southwest Film Festival is director Michael Mohan’s second collaboration with Sydney Sweeney. From the great looking cinematography by Elisha Christian to Will Bates’ score, it wears its giallo influences on its sleeve. There are many effective jump scares. While the pace could use some improvement, the third act and […]