⭐⭐⭐⭐ Set in New York City’s Lower East Side, Flawless tells the story of Walt Koontz, a retired security guard played by Robert De Niro, who suffers a debilitating stroke while trying to help a neighbor during a robbery. Left partially paralyzed and struggling with his speech, Walt is advised to take singing lessons as part of his rehabilitation. Reluctantly, he turns to his neighbor Rusty, a … Continue reading Flawless (1999)
by Frank Gaimari THE BIRDCAGETheaters This June, the iconic comedy The Birdcage is making a triumphant return to theaters to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Originally released in 1996, this beloved film, directed by the legendary Mike Nichols and featuring a screenplay by Elaine May, has remained a cultural touchstone for its humor, heart, and groundbreaking representation. The special re-release, scheduled for June 7 and June … Continue reading Celebrating 30 Years of The Birdcage
⭐⭐⭐⭐ There’s something genuinely unsettling about Stranger by the Lake, and for me, it isn’t the murder itself — it’s how loneliness can so completely twist someone’s judgment. The most disturbing thing is watching someone, desperate for affection and connection, witness a murder and then choose to befriend the murderer just to avoid being alone. Alain Guiraudie, the director, sets his entire 2013 French film … Continue reading Stranger by the Lake (2013)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Parting Glances is one of those rare films that feels like a time capsule, capturing a specific moment in history while still feeling deeply personal and timeless. Set in 1980s New York City, the story spans 24 hours and follows Michael (Richard Ganoung) and Robert (John Bolger), a gay couple facing a major turning point. Robert is about to leave for a two-year work … Continue reading Parting Glances (1986)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tony Scott’s 1983 debut, The Hunger, is a visual feast — every shot feels deliberate, every shadow and beam of light perfectly placed. The editing is sharp and hypnotic, pulling you into a world that’s both beautiful and deeply unsettling. It’s the kind of film that stays in your mind long after it’s over. The story follows Miriam Blaylock (Catherine Deneuve), an ancient vampire … Continue reading The Hunger
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If I need to be uplifted, I re-watch The Birdcage for a good laugh. For me, it’s pure cinematic comfort food — a film that just never fails to put a smile on my face. There’s something infectious about the controlled chaos, the riot of color and character, and, underneath all the silliness, a kind of warmth and tenderness you can’t fake. Set in … Continue reading The Birdcage
by Frank Gaimari Tim Murray’s journey is as enchanting as his comedy. It begins in Sandusky, Ohio, a lakeside town better known for its amusement parks than for Queer culture or a vibrant comedy scene. Growing up as a closeted Gay kid in a conservative environment, Murray often felt like an outsider. Yet it was within the walls of his small-town home, surrounded by family … Continue reading From Sandusky to Stardom: The Rise of Tim Murray
⭐⭐⭐⭐ The film’s title, Pillion, can be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, it refers to the passenger seat on a motorcycle — a powerful symbol of vulnerability and reliance on the driver. On the other, it suggests being carried through life, dependent on the choices and control of others. In both interpretations, the meaning is clear: this film is about dominance and submission. … Continue reading Pillion
FRANK'S FILM REVIEW 