The Trip to Bountiful

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Few films explore longing for home as vividly as The Trip to Bountiful, the 1985 drama directed by Peter Masterson and adapted from Horton Foote’s acclaimed play. Celebrated by Geraldine Page’s Oscar-winning lead performance, this quiet yet powerful film resonates across generations with its heartfelt examination of family, memory, and the passage of time. Set against the backdrop of post-war Texas in the 1940s, … Continue reading The Trip to Bountiful

Is This Thing On?

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Is This Thing On? is a rare gem of a film that surprises viewers with its humor, emotion, and honest portrayal of life’s unexpected challenges. Directed by Bradley Cooper and co-written with Will Arnett and Mark Chappell, the story follows Alex Novak (Arnett), who is trying to rebuild his life after separating from his wife. While loosely based on the life of comedian John … Continue reading Is This Thing On?

Hamnet

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Audiences entering the theater to watch Hamnet may not know exactly what to expect. With the acclaimed talents of Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley anchoring the cast and the film’s deep connection to Shakespearean legacy, anticipation runs high. Yet, the emotional depth and profound humanity that unfold on screen surpass even the loftiest expectations. Directed by Chloé Zhao and adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s celebrated … Continue reading Hamnet

Gods and Monsters

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gods and Monsters, directed by Bill Condon, is a moving and visually stunning exploration of the final days of James Whale, the real-life director of Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. While inspired by Whale’s life, the film is a fictional account of his last days, crafting a story about memory, identity, and the search for connection. Set in the 1950s, the film follows Whale (Ian McKellen) as … Continue reading Gods and Monsters

Milk

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gus Van Sant’s Milk isn’t just a movie—it’s a powerful story about bravery, love, and the fight for equality. It tells the true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, and it’s both inspiring and heartbreaking. Sean Penn’s incredible performance as Milk brings this story to life, showing us the struggles and triumphs of a man … Continue reading Milk

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

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Let’s talk about What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, a film that’s as famous for its on-screen drama as it is for the legendary feud between its two stars, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Now, was their rivalry real? In my research, I found this truth. These two didn’t exactly exchange friendship bracelets on set. But was it blown out of proportion for the … Continue reading What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

The Prince (2019)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Watching The Prince, directed by Sebastián Muñoz, is like stepping into a vivid and unrelenting world. It’s the story of Jaime (Juan Carlos Maldonado), a young man whose life takes a sharp turn when he commits a crime and finds himself in the harsh environment of a Chilean prison in the 1970s. As the story progresses, the layers slowly peel back to reveal the reasons … Continue reading The Prince (2019)

God’s Own Country

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Francis Lee’s debut feature, God’s Own Country, is a poignant British romantic drama. The film’s narrative skillfully navigates a soulful love story with profound themes of self-discovery, human connection, and the quest for redemption. Set against the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire landscape, the film offers an emotionally charged experience. The narrative follows Johnny Saxby (Josh O’Connor), a young sheep farmer wrestling with the … Continue reading God’s Own Country

The Last Showgirl

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Walking out of The Last Showgirl gave me the rare feeling of witnessing something special. This isn’t just a movie—it’s a cinematic gem that manages to be intimate and larger-than-life. The film weaves the poignant story of a woman, Stella (Pamela Anderson), who sacrificed motherhood to dedicate her life to the glitzy world of show business. After 35 years as the star of a … Continue reading The Last Showgirl