Hamnet

Frank’s Film Review: Hamnet⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 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 … Continue reading Hamnet

Wicked: For Good

Frank’s Film Review: Wicked: For Good⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 Wicked: For Good returns audiences to the magical world of Oz, promising grand spectacle and heartfelt drama. While it doesn’t always recapture the dazzling heights of its predecessor, the film offers plenty of enchantment — particularly for longtime fans, who will find much to enjoy in this anticipated finale. The story resumes five years after Elphaba’s bold stand against … Continue reading Wicked: For Good

Psycho

Frank’s Film Review: Psycho⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 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 … Continue reading Psycho

Train Dreams

Frank’s Film Review: Train Dreams⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 Last night, as I stepped into the theater for the Seattle International Film Festival, my heart pounded with anticipation. Like many in the audience, I was eager to see Train Dreams, the new adaptation of Denis Johnson’s acclaimed novella. But I had another reason for my excitement. About a year and a half ago, I spent a long, unforgettable day … Continue reading Train Dreams

Sex, sequins, and stardom: Inside the world of Chi-Chi LaRue

by Frank Gaimari Chi-Chi LaRue, born Larry David Paciotti on November 8, 1959, in Hibbing, Minnesota, is a name synonymous with boldness, creativity, and unapologetic authenticity. A trailblazer in the drag and adult entertainment industries, LaRue’s journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a celebrated icon is nothing short of extraordinary. Although I had heard the name Chi-Chi LaRue, I knew little about the person … Continue reading Sex, sequins, and stardom: Inside the world of Chi-Chi LaRue

Cruising

Frank’s Film Review: Cruising⭐⭐⭐/5 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 … Continue reading Cruising

The History of Sound

Frank’s Film Review: The History of Sound⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 Director Oliver Hermanus makes a bold statement from the very first frame of The History of Sound. The opening credits unfold in complete silence — a striking choice that immediately draws the viewer in. This moment sets the tone for a film in which sound — or the absence of it — holds as much meaning as the … Continue reading The History of Sound

Adam & Steve

Frank’s Film Review: Adam & Steve⭐⭐⭐/5 Adam & Steve, directed and written by Craig Chester, is a quirky romantic comedy that dives headfirst into the chaos of love, redemption, and the hilarity of human relationships. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it’s a film that wears its heart—and its humor—on its sleeve. The story kicks off in 1987, where Adam (Craig Chester), a … Continue reading Adam & Steve

Mildred Pierce

Frank’s Film Review: Mildred Pierce⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 Joan Crawford’s career was hanging by a thread when she took on the role of Mildred Pierce in 1945. After parting ways with MGM and being branded “box office poison,” she had everything to prove—and Warner Bros. gave her the chance to do it. But let’s be clear: Crawford didn’t just walk into this role. She fought for it. At … Continue reading Mildred Pierce