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

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)

My Own Private Idaho

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here’s my take on My Own Private Idaho (1991), directed by Gus Van Sant. It’s a strange yet fascinating film that lingers long after you’ve watched it. At its heart, it’s about figuring out who you are and what it means to search for love and a sense of belonging. Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix both deliver incredible performances, making the story feel raw … Continue reading My Own Private Idaho