⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Talented Mr. Ripley is a film that truly stands out — not just for its gripping story, but for its breathtaking cinematography. Set against the stunning backdrop of 1950s Italy, the movie takes viewers on a visual journey through sunlit coasts, the bustling streets of Rome, and the romantic canals of Venice. Every frame feels like a painting, capturing the beauty and allure … Continue reading The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Polly Findlay’s Midwinter Break is a film that understands the power of silence. In a cinematic world often filled with noise, this beautifully crafted drama finds its strength in the quiet spaces between words. It’s a thoughtful and deeply human story about a long-term marriage, brought to life by the masterful performances of Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds. The film follows Stella (Manville) and … Continue reading Midwinter Break (2026)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The documentary Grey Gardens is a deeply personal and haunting look into the lives of two extraordinary women — Edith Bouvier Beale, or “Big Edie,” and her daughter, Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale. Living in a crumbling mansion in East Hampton, the Beales are a fascinating contradiction. Once part of the American aristocracy and relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, they now exist in a … Continue reading Grey Gardens
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Some films stay in a viewer’s memory, while others, like “Blue Moon,” leave a mark on the soul. Richard Linklater’s latest isn’t just a biopic — it’s a sad, night-long goodbye to Lorenz Hart, the troubled songwriter whose lyrics still echo in bars and lonely hearts. Watching this film, one is drawn into a world that is at once bright and sad, carried by … Continue reading Blue Moon (2025)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a lifelong Shirley MacLaine fan, I have to admit I feel somewhat embarrassed that I only just watched her 2017 film The Last Word. Shirley MacLaine has been one of my favorite actresses for as long as I can remember — her talent, wit, and screen presence have consistently impressed me. Watching this movie for the first time felt like uncovering a long-overdue … Continue reading The Last Word
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ When it comes to films that have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema, Sidney Lumet’s 1975 crime drama Dog Day Afternoon is a title that stands tall. Based on a true story, this gripping tale of a bank robbery gone awry is more than just a heist film — it’s a raw, emotional exploration of human desperation, love, and the chaotic … Continue reading Dog Day Afternoon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This Halloween, I found myself alone with nothing but silence and a craving for cinematic chills, so I settled in and pressed play on one of my all-time favorites. No matter how many times I revisit Hitchcock’s classic film Psycho, it never loses its hold on me. The film immediately casts its spell, opening in a dimly lit hotel room where Marion Crane (Janet … Continue reading Psycho
⭐⭐⭐ William Friedkin’s Cruising is a thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to engage with its deeper themes. Released in 1980 and starring Al Pacino, this thriller is renowned for its controversial and captivating nature. It explores topics such as identity, violence, and the complex relationship between duty and desire. In Cruising, Al Pacino portrays Steve Burns, an NYPD officer tasked with infiltrating the leather bar … Continue reading Cruising
⭐⭐⭐⭐ From the very first scene of Charade, Audrey Hepburn exudes effortless elegance and warmth, capturing your attention and holding it tightly. As Regina Lampert, a young widow swept into a whirlwind of danger and deception, Audrey masterfully balances vulnerability with sharp-witted charm. She makes it impossible not to root for her—or envy her impeccable Givenchy wardrobe. Watching her glide through Paris feels like witnessing … Continue reading Charade
FRANK'S FILM REVIEW 