Cloudburst (2011)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Every so often, a film quietly slips into your life and steals your heart, leaving you astonished that it managed to fly under the radar. Cloudburst, directed by Thom Fitzgerald and starring the incomparable Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker, is one such gem — a hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply affecting road movie that remains unknown to far too many. The story follows Stella (Olympia … Continue reading Cloudburst (2011)

Handsome Devil

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I was pleasantly surprised by how captivating Handsome Devil turned out to be — it hooked me right from the start. Directed by John Butler, this coming-of-age film is set in a rugby-obsessed Irish boarding school and tells the story of an unlikely friendship. The plot follows Ned, a misfit who struggles to fit into the school’s hyper-masculine culture, and Conor, the star rugby … Continue reading Handsome Devil

Dead Ringer (1964)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Once again, I found myself completely captivated by another Bette Davis film. Her acting in Dead Ringer is nothing short of extraordinary. Playing twin sisters Edith Phillips and Margaret DeLorca, Davis delivers a performance that’s equal parts chilling and mesmerizing. Directed by Paul Henreid, this psychological thriller is a shining example of classic Hollywood at its finest, packed with suspense, drama, and Davis’s unmatched … Continue reading Dead Ringer (1964)

Mysterious Skin (2004)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mysterious Skin, directed by Gregg Araki, is a deeply emotional and unsettling film that explores the lives of two boys forever changed by a mysterious event in their childhood. Adapted from Scott Heim’s novel, the movie examines the long-term effects of trauma and the ways people cope. The story centers on Neil McCormick, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Brian Lackey, played by Brady Corbet. … Continue reading Mysterious Skin (2004)

Lady Bunny: A Legendary Queer Cultural Icon

by Frank gaimari Lady Bunny is a name synonymous with the glittering, unapologetic world of drag. With her towering blonde wigs, double-stacked lashes, and razor-sharp humor, she has been a force in the scene for decades. But this legendary performer isn’t just a drag queen — she’s a comedian, DJ, and cultural trailblazer who has helped shape Queer history and nightlife as we know it. … Continue reading Lady Bunny: A Legendary Queer Cultural Icon

Stand by Me

⭐⭐⭐⭐ This past weekend, I had the incredible privilege of attending the 40th-anniversary celebration of Stand by Me at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. To say the evening was magical would be an understatement. After the film’s screening, the audience was treated to a live Q&A session with cast members Jerry O’Connell, Corey Feldman, and Wil Wheaton. Hearing their behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections on … Continue reading Stand by Me

Muriel’s Wedding

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ve seen Muriel’s Wedding more times than I can count, and honestly, I could watch it a million more. There’s just something about this movie that sticks with you — it’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s so real. And at the center of it all is Toni Collette, in one of her very first roles, absolutely knocking it out of the park. She’s so … Continue reading Muriel’s Wedding

Project Hail Mary

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dr. Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up alone on a spaceship, light-years from Earth. His crewmates are dead, his memory is a blur, and he’s surrounded by unfamiliar technology. Slowly, he pieces together the truth: he’s on a mission to save humanity. The sun is dying, dimmed by a microscopic organism called an astrophage, which is draining its energy. If nothing is done, Earth … Continue reading Project Hail Mary

Ratatouille

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ There’s something truly special about Pixar’s Ratatouille. Released in 2007 and directed by Brad Bird, this film is a feast for both the eyes and the soul. The title itself is a clever little wink — on one hand, it’s the name of a classic French vegetable stew at the heart of the story. On the other, you’ll notice a not-so-subtle nod to the … Continue reading Ratatouille

Head On (1998)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ana Kokkinos’ Head On is a cinematic gut-punch — a raw, unrelenting exploration of identity, culture, and rebellion. Based on Christos Tsiolkas’ novel Loaded, the film follows 19-year-old Ari, a second-generation Greek-Australian navigating the chaos of his sexuality, family expectations, and the gritty streets of Melbourne. It’s a story that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t sugarcoat, and doesn’t apologize. Ari, played by Alex Dimitriades, is a … Continue reading Head On (1998)