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"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare"

A historical WWII film based on incredible true events that's lively, refreshing, and feels like it's operating on a different level of creativity and vision.

Blending fact and fiction, “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” isn’t the movie I expected, but it’s a movie I highly enjoyed. Fully embracing his signature slick visual style, action-packed storytelling, and sly wit, director Guy Ritchie has made a historical WWII film based on incredible true events that’s lively, refreshing, and feels like it’s operating on a different level of creativity…

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"Love Lies Bleeding"

I absolutely adored the bold and audacious “Love Lies Bleeding,” director Rose Glass’ sordid story of romance, violence, and redemption. Combining a lesbian love story with a brawny thriller, this gritty, bloody, and brash film was one of my favorites to come out of this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Lou (Kristen Stewart), a reclusive gym worker who spends her days mopping floors, unclogging…

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"Backspot"

While the story may not be particularly original, the film's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of teenage life and the complexities of relationships both on and off the mat.

“Backspot,” offers a refreshing take on the world of cheerleading, presenting it not just as a flashy spectacle, but as a serious sport filled with dedicated athletes striving for perfection. Director D.W. Waterson captures the modern world of the sport with her story of a teenager who is defined by her drive, determination, ambition, and genuine love of competition. Riley (Devery Jacobs) is a…

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"Abigail"

With a wicked sense of humor, slightly taunting tone, talented cast, and plenty of bloody gore, this is one entertaining horror ride from start to finish.

I feel like “Abigail” is going to be one of those horror movies that audiences and genre fans really like. This latest project from Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett has everything you’d want in a film, and it delivers on them all. From its wicked sense of humor and slightly taunting tone to its fully committed, talented cast and plenty of bloody gore, this is one entertaining ride from…

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"Ghostlight"

A sad and smart comedy / drama about the healing power of the arts that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure.

You’ll feel a wide range of emotions when watching co-directors Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s “Ghostlight,” a sad and smart comedy / drama that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. It’s a story about the power of the arts to heal and give purpose, but also the true adage that art often imitates life. After an outburst on the job and subsequent suspension, construction worker Dan…

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"We’re All Gonna Die"

A clever, inventive, low-budget film that defies expectations with its highly creative storytelling, imaginative use of limited resources, and surprisingly heartfelt narrative.

The clever, inventive, low-budget gem “We’re All Gonna Die” defies expectations with its highly creative storytelling and imaginative use of limited resources. Co-directed by Matthew Arnold and Freddie Wong, this quirky indie film takes audiences on a wild ride through the end of civilization, blending elements of humor, grief, and hope into a surprisingly heartfelt narrative. The story centers…

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"Hunting Daze"

I like being surprised by a film, and this one did it effectively and often, subverting expectations at almost every turn.  

With its mix of horror, pitch black drama, and psychological thriller, “Hunting Daze” delivers an unpredictable viewing experience. Writer / director Annick Blanc takes audiences on a disturbing journey into the darkest depths of human nature in her story about identity, belonging, and the consequences of reckless behavior. I like being surprised by a film, and this one did it effectively and…

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"Natatorium"

The obtuse nature of the storytelling is frustrating, but there’s enough thematically interesting about this psychological thriller to earn it a mild recommendation.

Rampant manipulation, unsettling familial power dynamics, and years of estrangement set the tone for “Natatorium,” writer / director Helena Stefansdottir’s dark, slow-burn psychological thriller. It’s a well made, tense film that manages to remain interesting, even if the easily-solvable mystery and eventual reveal prove to be a bit of a letdown.   Awaiting the results of her audition for a…

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"The In Between"

The pacing is painfully slow and the storytelling leisurely lyrical, which both prove to be extremely frustrating.

“The In Between” is a heartfelt yet modest film that treads the delicate line between personal memoir and cultural exploration. From its low-quality, grainy visuals and unfortunately sluggish pacing, it’s evident that this production was made on a shoestring budget. Within its unassuming framework lies a story that feels deeply personal and genuine, even if it’s not well executed as a…

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"Frida"

A must-see for lovers of art and admirers of Kahlo's works, but those seeking to broaden their horizons will find the film easily accessible.

Director Carla Gutierrez’s documentary “Frida” offers a deeply intimate journey through the tumultuous life, passionate relationships, and stunning works created by the legendary artist Frida Kahlo. With most of her story told through Kahlo’s most famous (and also rarely seen) drawings and paintings, Gutierrez has crafted an enchanting documentary about the icon that will make art lovers…

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"Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion"

A damning exposé of the dark, toxic underbelly of the clothing industry, told through the controversial Brandy Melville fashion brand.

Documentary “Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fashion” is a damning exposé of the dark underbelly of the clothing industry, focusing its lens on the controversial brand Brandy Melville and its toxic impact not only on its core customer base of teenage girls, but also the detrimental effects fast fashion has on the global environment. Directed by Eva Orner, this documentary shines a harsh light on…

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"The Uninvited"

Set within the confines of a palatial Hollywood Hills home, “The Uninvited” presents a captivating exploration of female issues, including the delicate act of balancing motherhood with a career, aging, and the relentless pressures of society’s impossible beauty standards. In her thought-provoking debut feature, writer / director Nadia Conners crafts a sharp and clever story that unfolds against…

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"Wicked Little Letters"

The deliciously vulgar “Wicked Little Letters” is a foul-mouthed, mild-mannered comedy that brings a farcical letter writing scandal to a 1920s English seaside town. Based on a true story, this is a tale of misogyny, hypocrisy, repression, and female rage against overly restrictive and discriminatory societal norms. Director Thea Sharrock and screenwriter Jonny Sweet don’t break a lot of new…

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"Sweet Dreams"

A sincere film about the reality of addiction and recovery, boosted by a surprisingly authentic dramatic performance from Johnny Knoxville.

The premise of “Sweet Dreams” may seem like another wacky comedy, but it is a surprisingly sincere story that delves into the serious side of addiction recovery. It’s an unusual mix of a standard drama and an inspirational sports film, which makes writer / director Lije Sarki’s project feel highly personal yet also forgettable. Its niche audience among those familiar with substance abuse and…

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"Ricky Stanicky"

“Ricky Stanicky” is a prime example of wasted potential, featuring stupid writing, unrealistic characters, and a barrage of unfunny jokes that fall flat. Directed by Peter Farrelly, this film squanders its promising premise and talented cast on a juvenile and uninspired, off-color comedy that fails to deliver enough laughs or entertainment to justify its sad existence. This is a really, really…

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"Road House"

A wild ride of fightin', spittin', cussin’, and bone snappin’, this testosterone-fueled muscle movie is perfect for a weekend stream.

Director Doug Liman’s “Road House” is a wild ride of fightin’, spittin’, cussin’, and bone snappin’, a testosterone-fueled muscle movie that’s perfect for a weekend stream. Taking a more dramatic angle with a drug and crime story, this re-imagining of the 80s cult classic still delivers plenty of action and entertainment, even if it lacks in originality and substance. Trouble is brewing at a…

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"Easter Bloody Easter"

Blending Southern-fried stereotypes with low-budget horror charm, this goofball of a holiday movie has the makings of a corny cult classic.

Blending Southern-fried stereotypes with low-budget horror charm, “Easter Bloody Easter” has the makings of a corny cult classic. This silly and satisfying goofball of a movie boasts cheap (and hilarious) special effects, over-the-top musical numbers, and a rabbit suit that is the chef’s kiss of kitschy perfection. In this female-forward story about unlikely heroes, Jeanie (Diane Foster, who…