Watched in 2021
My fourth year in a row that I've challenged myself to watch at least one film a day.
From my Twitter thread here:
https://twitter.com/SeanMcGann98/status/1345507326808256515
From my Twitter thread here:
https://twitter.com/SeanMcGann98/status/1345507326808256515
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138 titles
- DirectorJonathan LynnStarsJoe PesciMarisa TomeiRalph MacchioTwo New Yorkers accused of murder in rural Alabama while on their way back to college call in the help of one of their cousins, a loudmouth lawyer with no trial experience.January 1: My Cousin Vinny (1992)
A very wordy, concise, methodical and all-around hilarious legal farce, punctuated by a surprisingly realistic but fun screenplay and excellent performances from Pesci, Tomei and Gwynne.
10/10 - DirectorMichael DowseStarsEd HelmsTaraji P. HensonTerrence Little GardenhighTwelve-year-old Kareem Manning hires a criminal to scare his mom's new boyfriend -police officer James Coffee - but it backfires, forcing Coffee and Kareem to team up in order to save themselves from Detroit's most ruthless drug kingpin.January 2: Coffee & Kareem (2020)
Absolutely bonkers. While it is a dumb sophomoric action comedy, it never pretends to be anything else, which is what makes it so remarkable and hysterical. It also helps to have a hard-hitting cast and tons of fun, gruesome action.
9/10 - DirectorFrank SimonStarsBernard GiquelJack DoroshowJim DineThe behind the scenes of a national drag queen contest in New York City, including the rehearsals leading up to the contest, the conversations in the dressing room and the jealousies that emerge before and after the competition.January 5: The Queen (1968)
The cinematography can range from lush to out-of-focus, but the editing and subject matter make this artifact from 60’s NYC gay culture something to truly appreciate and behold, even when it gets a little too dry.
8/10 - DirectorNicholas Zeig-OwensStarsTrixie MattelBenjamin PutnamCaldwell TidicueTrixie charmed audiences and judges as winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. But the grind of performing and the pressure of the title proves that heavy is the head that wears the tiara.January 5 (bonus): Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts (2019)
Trixie Mattel gets the Bob Dylan treatment in this riveting documentary, a hilarious yet heartbreaking portrait of the difficulties that come with being a niche entertainer. If you want to be an entertainer, watch this.
9/10 - DirectorBaz LuhrmannStarsLeonardo DiCaprioCarey MulliganJoel EdgertonA writer and wall street trader, Nick Carraway, finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his mysterious millionaire neighbor, Jay Gatsby, amid the riotous parties of the Jazz Age.January 11: The Great Gatsby (2013)
While the flashy production and costume design, daring soundtrack and DiCaprio’s splendid performance are mesmerizing, its wildly unfocused editing and boring third act keep Luhrmann’s earnest spectacle from being more than mindless fun.
6/10 - DirectorKeith MaitlandStarsMonty MuirViolett BeaneCole Bee WilsonAnimation, testimony, and archival footage combine to relate the events of August 1, 1966 when a gunman opened fire from the University of Texas clock tower, killing 16 people.January 13: Tower (2016)
The chaos and confusion of August 1, 1966 is uniquely and perfectly captured through the rotoscope animation’s frantic and experimental presence. Maitland creates human connection with this terrific and truly cinematic glimpse at history.
9/10 - DirectorFenton BaileyRandy BarbatoStarsRuPaulTammy Faye BakkerVirginia FairchildTwelve years after the dramatic collapse of the Christian empire of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, this documentary tells for the first time what really happened when they lost control of the first and most successful TV ministry of its kind.January 14: The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000)
Its length prevents it from going deeper into its subject matter, but Bailey and Barbato’s observational, hilarious love letter to a misjudged icon is a good reminder of the kindness people should have in their hearts.
8/10 - DirectorKaren ArthurStarsBernadette PetersKevin SpaceyRichard HerdBiographical film about televangelists Jim and Tammy Bakker chronicles their rise in the religious arena and their ultimate fall in 1987 after Jim's 1980 dalliance with Jessica Hahn which came to light and their mismanagement of funding of their PTL ministries.January 14 (bonus): Fall from Grace (1990)
Traaaaash. With below-average writing, a lack of empathy and a bizarre faux-Southern belle performance from The Bad Man, this Bakker biopic is movie-of-the-week mediocrity. At least Peters is adorable, if over-the-top.
5/10 - DirectorGeorge CukorStarsConstance BennettLowell ShermanNeil HamiltonThe career of a waitress takes off when she meets an amiable drunken Hollywood director.January 18: What Price Hollywood? (1932)
Despite its moments of misogyny and tacked-on happy ending, Cukor’s first version of A Star is Born is witty, engaging and even novel in regards to its editing; also supported by Bennett and Sherman’s great performances.
8/10 - DirectorWilliam A. WellmanJack ConwayVictor FlemingStarsJanet GaynorFredric MarchAdolphe MenjouA young woman comes to Hollywood with dreams of stardom, and achieves them only with the help of an alcoholic leading man whose best days are behind him.January 25: A Star is Born (1937)
It may not be as dark and gritty as its source material, but Wellman’s glamorous technicolor melodrama is fun, melancholic and detailed, with great writing, exquisite chemistry between March and Gaynor and a terrific supporting cast.
8/10 - DirectorLijo Jose PellisseryStarsAntony VargheseChemban Vinod JoseSabumon AbdusamadA portrait of a remote village where a buffalo escapes and causes a frenzy of ecstatic violence.January 27: Jallikattu (2019)
Bringing to mind cinematic classics like M and Children of Men, this intense, lively, funny and captivating thriller about man vs. beast is not to be missed with its exhilarating editing and cinematography and superb writing and direction.
10/10 - DirectorKarim AmerJehane NoujaimStarsBrittany KaiserDavid CarrollPaul-Olivier DehayeThe Cambridge Analytica scandal is examined through the roles of several affected persons.January 27 (bonus): The Great Hack (2019)
Its editing choices and sometimes impersonal presentation can cause some boredom, but this important, revealing look at Cambridge Analytica’s downfall is carried to greatness by its information, characters and visuals.
9/10 - DirectorJeff FowlerStarsBen SchwartzJames MarsdenJim CarreyAfter discovering a small, blue, fast hedgehog, a small-town police officer must help him defeat an evil genius who wants to do experiments on him.January 28: Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Yes, it’s formulaic, predictable, awkward and not groundbreaking whatsoever, but that doesn’t mean it’s not really, really fun with its hilarious and witty writing, pretty action and Carrey’s scene-stealing performance. Fortnite.
7/10 - DirectorJack Henry RobbinsStarsJake HeadChristopher MarbleChristian DrerupThis bizarre retro comedy shot entirely on VHS and Beta follows 12-year-old Ralph as he accidentally records home videos and his favorite late-night shows over his parents' wedding tape.January 31: VHYes (2019)
Robbins fancies himself a cult classic with this bizarre surrealist sketch film a la Amazon Women on the Moon. Even when some of the sketches fall flat, there’s a ton more that not only work, but are hysterical.
8/10 - DirectorAdam CurtisStarsGeorge BushGeorge W. BushJoanne HerringAn experimental documentary that explores Saudi Arabia's relationship with the U.S. and the role this has played in the war in Afghanistan.February 3: Bitter Lake (2015)
People suck, maaaaaan. It often feels like two separate movies, and the more observational film makes the overall film hard to follow. However, the second film, a hard-hitting look at Saudi Arabia’s rise to world dominance, is excellent.
8/10 - DirectorChloé ZhaoStarsJohn ReddyJashaun St. JohnIrene BedardWith an older brother in jail and living with their single mother on Pine Ridge Reservation, Johnny and his sister Jashuan's lives develop new challenges when their absentee cowboy father suddenly dies. The loss prompts Johnny to strike out for Los Angeles, but would mean leaving behind his beloved sister.February 7: Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015)
While the film is visually and sonically stunning, especially for a first film, the subject matter and how its handled and directed doesn’t help to differentiate from any other indie drama. The just okay acting doesn’t help.
7/10 - DirectorChloé ZhaoStarsBrady JandreauMooneyTim JandreauAfter suffering a near fatal head injury, a young cowboy undertakes a search for new identity and what it means to be a man in the heartland of America.February 8: The Rider (2017)
Zhao’s second effort is much more my speed; a meditative, engrossing character study with stellar performances and Brady and Lilly Jandreau, gorgeous cinematography and terrific editing, though a very familiar story.
10/10 - DirectorPetr KazdaTomás WeinrebStarsMichalina OlszanskaMartin PechlátKlára MelískováBased on the true life of Olga Hepnarová, a young Czech woman who became a rampage killer in 1973.February 12: I, Olga Hepnarova (2016)
The uninvolved direction fits the psyche of its main character, but its heavy-handed foreshadowing and sluggish pace can be too much. However, the writing, cinematography and Olszanska’s performance make this slow biopic interesting.
8/10 - DirectorSpike LeeStarsDamon WayansSavion GloverJada Pinkett SmithA frustrated African-American TV writer proposes a blackface minstrel show in protest, but to his chagrin, it becomes a hit.February 14: Bamboozled (2000)
Spike Lee creates a satire as dark as its makeup; a searing, uncomfortable and clever critique of pop culture and white supremacy, rounded out with a terrific ensemble cast, inspired and effective editing and a moving score.
9/10 - DirectorSiaStarsKate HudsonLeslie Odom Jr.Maddie ZieglerZu is newly sober when she receives news that she is to become the sole guardian of her half-sister named Music, a young girl on the autism spectrum. The film explores two of Sia's favorite themes: finding your voice and creating family.February 15: Music (2021)
Even ignoring the abhorrent ableism, offensive stereotyping and dangerous promotion of restraint, the film itself is just terrible, with a horrendously corny screenplay, little to no depth other than Oscar checkboxes and an awful score. Fuck Sia.
2/10 - DirectorBrandon TrostStarsSeth RogenSarah SnookMolly EvensenAn immigrant worker at a pickle factory is accidentally preserved for 100 years and wakes up in modern-day Brooklyn.February 20: An American Pickle (2020)
A wacky yet almost folksy comedy that plays out like a live-action Bugs Bunny cartoon. It’s downright silly while having dramatic resonance. Just an all-around fun time with its witty writing, quirky score and Rogen’s performances.
8/10 - DirectorGina Prince-BythewoodStarsCharlize TheronKiKi LayneMatthias SchoenaertsA covert team of immortal mercenaries is suddenly exposed and must now fight to keep their identity a secret just as an unexpected new member is discovered.February 21: The Old Guard (2020)
A cool concept is offset by an unimaginative presentation. While fun and even badass at times, the awful dialogue, poorly-edited action and awkward soundtrack are too distracting. Dumb fun that can’t save itself from being dumb.
5/10 - DirectorJason OrleyStarsGriffin GluckLarry John MeyersMichael DevineA suburban teenager comes of age under the destructive guidance of his best friend, an aimless college dropout.February 24: Big Time Adolescence (2019)
Insanely smart and fresh, Orley’s coming-of-age comedy is truly remarkable in how it accurately captures teenage immaturity and responsibility, with a brilliant screenplay and moving performances from Gluck and Davidson.
9/10 - DirectorMichael HoffmanStarsSally FieldKevin KlineCathy MoriartyAn ambitious television soap actress connives with her producer to scuttle the career of the show's long-time star, but nothing works as they plan.February 26: Soapdish (1991)
An uproarious, campy farce that holds onto you for dear life and doesn’t let go, with a superb ensemble (Field, Kline and Moriarty standing out most), a sharp screenplay, colorful production design and a lovely rhythmic score from Silvestri.
9/10 - DirectorSharon MaguireStarsJune SquibbJillian BellSonia ManzanoAn unskilled young fairy godmother ventures out on her own to prove her worth by tracking down a young girl whose request for help was ignored.February 27: Godmothered (2020)
Jillian Bell is no Amy Adams, but her chipper and endearing performance still carries this quaint yet charming Christmas movie. What it lacks in originality, it makes up for in sugary sweetness and funny quips.
7/10 - DirectorIsrael LunaStarsWillam BelliRichard D. CurtinKrystal SummersA miracle pill intended to save the world causes unforeseen side-effects forcing the surviving gays and bible thumpers in a small Texas town to join forces or fall prey to the flesh craving mutants.March 3: Dead Don’t in Dallas (2019)
Luna’s zombie B-movie throws it back to 70’s horror quite well through its cinematography, writing, makeup and stock music score, but the artificial grindhouse editing and bad pacing make things very obnoxious. Willam’s great, though!
5/10 - DirectorArnold LavenStarsEartha KittFrederick O'NealHenry ScottA young woman struggling with a sordid past finds that her biggest enemy had larger demons than she did.March 5: Anna Lucasta (1958)
At points its melodrama can become too over-the-top, but this is nevertheless a hip, striking and all-around terrific family drama, with impeccable editing, a cool jazzy score from Bernstein and commanding performances from Kitt and Davis Jr.
10/10 - DirectorJohn LandisStarsEddie MurphyPaul BatesGarcelle BeauvaisAn extremely pampered African prince travels to Queens, New York and goes undercover to find a wife that he can respect for her intelligence and strong will.March 6: Coming to America (1988)
An uproarious, beautiful farce. Murphy leads the charge and takes no prisoners with this charming and cleverly-written romantic comedy, supported by an excellent ensemble, visually-striking art direction and great direction.
10/10 - DirectorCraig BrewerStarsEddie MurphyArsenio HallShari HeadleyThe African monarch Akeem learns he has a long-lost son in the United States and must return to America to meet this unexpected heir and build a relationship with his son.March 6 (bonus): Coming 2 America (2021)
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t entertained. While its story is derivative and its humor isn’t quite the same as the first film, it still packs some hearty laughs thanks to its ensemble. Points off for an anti-climactic ending.
6/10 - DirectorD'Urville MartinStarsJohn PooleJeannie BellHarold NicholasFass Black, an accomplished black man in Los Angeles, is bullied to play another record labels music at his disco club, but continually refuses because it ain't groovy enough.March 14: Disco 9000 (1977)
Proof that Rudy Ray Moore was truly at the helm during Dolemite. D’urville Martin’s other film is woefully uninteresting save for its glitzy soundtrack, and its other memorable feature is its very, very stupid plot.
4/10 - DirectorCliff RoquemoreStarsRudy Ray MooreLady ReedJimmy LynchDolemite flees to California, where he helps Queen Bee and her Kung Fu prostitutes battle a local gangster.March 14 (bonus): The Human Tornado (1976)
The continuing adventures of a bad motherfucker. The second Dolemite film is brash, exciting, goofy and non-stop fun, with Moore continuing to dominate the screen and make films that excel at kicking ass on very little money.
10/10 - DirectorBen LewinStarsJohn HawkesHelen HuntWilliam H. MacyA man in an iron lung who wishes to lose his virginity contacts a professional sex surrogate with the help of his therapist and priest.March 15: The Sessions (2012)
Its flowery writing is balanced out by its dry humor and grit. Levin’s touching biopic is fresh, emotional and free of cliché, with great editing, beautiful writing, a lovely score and a enchanting ensemble, though Hawkes is on another level.
10/10 - DirectorDarius MarderStarsRiz AhmedOlivia CookePaul RaciA heavy metal drummer's life is turned upside down when he begins to lose his hearing and he must confront a future filled with silence.March 15 (bonus): Sound of Metal (2019)
A low-key stunner. Wielding a quiet yet furious presentation, Marder makes his debut and showcases tons of promise, with warm direction, unique and immersive sound design and engrossing performances from Ahmed and Cooke.
9/10 - DirectorGeorge C. WolfeStarsViola DavisChadwick BosemanGlynn TurmanTensions rise when trailblazing blues singer Ma Rainey and her band gather at a recording studio in Chicago in 1927.March 17: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Boseman goes out in a blaze of glory with his final performance in this brilliant meditation on jazz-era exploitation and being black in the 1920’s, supported by a cranky and gay Davis and terrific direction.
9/10 - DirectorDee ReesStarsQueen LatifahKamryn JohnsonRikki McKinneyThe story of legendary blues performer Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.March 18: Bessie (2015)
Queen Latifah is electrifying in Rees’s thrilling and uproarious love letter to Bessie Smith. Its seldom moments of corniness are buried by sheer badassery, as well as lovely visuals and direction, poignant writing and a stellar supporting cast.
9/10 - DirectorZoé WittockStarsNoémie MerlantEmmanuelle BercotBastien BouillonJeanne, a shy young woman, works in an amusement park. Fascinated with carousels, she still lives at home with her mother. That's when Jeanne meets Jumbo, the park's new flagship attraction.March 19: Jumbo (2020)
Wittock takes a concept that could easily be played for laughs and instead turns it into a miserable and depressing character study. While off-putting at times, the film’s writing and Merlant and Bercot’s acting help to make it endearing.
8/10 - DirectorRobin CampilloStarsNahuel Pérez BiscayartArnaud ValoisAdèle HaenelMembers of the advocacy group ACT UP Paris demand action by the government and pharmaceutical companies to combat the AIDS epidemic in the early 1990s.March 20: BPM (Beats Per Minute) (2017)
The running time leads to the third act feeling drawn out and weak, but Campillo’s ACT UP ensemble piece is still visually stunning and impactful, with gorgeous writing and stellar acting, Biscayart in particular standing out.
9/10 - DirectorEmerald FennellStarsCarey MulliganBo BurnhamAlison BrieNothing in Cassie's life is what it appears to be - she's wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she's living a secret double life. Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs from the past.March 21: Promising Young Woman (2020)
Guaranteed to send chills down your everything. Despite some plot holes, Fennell’s debut is a slick, intelligent critique of rape culture with clever writing, gorgeous cinematography and great performances from Mulligan and Burnham.
10/10 - DirectorGlendyn IvinStarsNaomi WattsGriffin Murray-JohnstonAndrew LincolnA family takes in an injured Magpie that makes a profound difference in their lives.March 23: Penguin Bloom (2020)
All-around inoffensive though occasionally annoying thanks to the noises of the titular penguin, Naomi Watts’ riveting performance helps to take an above-average family drama and make it worth watching.
7/10 - DirectorCliff RoquemoreStarsRudy Ray MooreJimmy LynchLeroy DanielsAfter being murdered by his rivals, Petey Wheatstraw is resurrected, in exchange for marrying the devil's daughter, the world's ugliest woman.April 3: Petey Wheatstraw (1977)
While never being as earth-shattering as the Dolemite films, Moore still remains undefeated in this hilarious, ridiculous blaxploitation classic filled with campy gags and hysterical action scenes.
9/10 - DirectorArthur MarksStarsYaphet KottoKirk CallowayThomas CarterA new highway threatens a Chicago neighborhood, so to protest the residents throw a block party.April 7: The Monkey Hustle (1976)
It’s a fast-talking blaxploitation comedy, but just become it’s fast-talking doesn’t make it witty. Not even Moore is enough to save this dull, generic 70’s flick from overstuffing itself with subplots and an uninteresting script.
5/10 - DirectorBoots RileyStarsLaKeith StanfieldTessa ThompsonJermaine FowlerIn an alternate present-day version of Oakland, telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success, propelling him into a universe of greed.April 10: Sorry to Bother You (2018)
An utterly demented and bizarre satire of capitalism, Boots Riley’s debut is a terrific combination of absurdist comedy and existential horror, manned by an excellent ensemble, nuanced writing and a funky score.
10/10 - DirectorShannon MurphyStarsEliza ScanlenMichelle LottersToby WallaceMilla, a seriously ill teenager, falls in love with a drug dealer, Moses, her parents' worst nightmare.April 12: Babyteeth (2019)
While often bathed in tropes from 2000’s twee indie dramedies, Murphy still directs an enjoyable, intense, beautifully-shot family drama held up by solid writing and great acting, especially Davis’ spellbinding performance.
8/10 - DirectorDavid DargPrice JamesStarsDavid ArquetteChristina McLarty ArquettePatricia ArquetteActor David Arquette attempts a rocky return to the sport that stalled his promising Hollywood career.April 13: You Cannot Kill David Arquette (2020)
You’ll be shocked by how heartwarming this is. Arquette never holds back in this unflinching, darkly comic and sometimes disturbing look at his return to wrestling, told through supremely great editing and vision.
10/10 - DirectorJoan TewkesburyStarsTalia ShireRichard JordanJohn BelushiWhen her marriage falls apart, a psychiatrist seeks out the former boyfriends who left the biggest impacts on her life, mostly in negative ways.April 15: Old Boyfriends (1979)
A very strange New Hollywood drama that soon turns psychological. Despite some strange, off-putting choices, the nuanced and grounded writing and great ensemble make this an interesting hidden gem.
8/10 - DirectorMatt WolfStarsKathelin GrayMarie HardingWilliam DempsterA look at the group of people who built the Biosphere 2, a giant replica of the earth's ecosystem, in 1991.April 16: Spaceship Earth (2020)
A remarkable documentary about the depths of creativity and vision that also tells a compelling underdog story to keep things interesting. The last 15 minutes will infuriate you, break your heart and leave you hoping for a better world.
9/10 - DirectorChris KochStarsChevy ChaseMark WebberSchuyler FiskWhen a school in upstate New York is snowed in, a group of students hi-jack a plow to keep the school closed.April 25: Snow Day (2000)
One of the more underrated Nickelodeon movies, this zany kids’ movie hits many familiar beats and tropes, but through its acting, dialogue and soundtrack, the amount of fun you’ll have will overshadow its flaws.
7/10 - DirectorSam FederStarsLaverne CoxBianca LeighJen RichardsAn in-depth look at Hollywood's depiction of transgender people and the impact of those stories on transgender lives and American culture.April 27: Disclosure (2020)
Even with a lack of a preferably cohesive structure, the information and analysis provided is so fascinating and necessary that Feder’s look at the history of trans representation is a masterpiece in showcasing history in perspectives.
10/10 - DirectorMatt KugelmanStarsRoy HaylockLola BothaGrayson Thorne KilpatrickA New York teacher, who moves to small town Texas where he's fired for being gay, returns disguised as a mean lady to get revenge on the nasty town.April 27 (bonus): Hurricane Bianca (2016)
Its low production quality and stilted editing make it feel like a John Waters movie without the tenacity. Nevertheless, the brash humor and Del Rio’s performance lead this to being a campy and fun farce.
7/10 - DirectorMatt KugelmanStarsRachel DratchSally Jessy RaphaelJason BelliniReleased from prison, statutory rapist ex-teacher Deborah Ward seeks revenge on cross-dressing co-worker Richard Martinez who put her there.April 28: Hurricane Bianca: From Russia with Hate (2018)
By taking itself less seriously, the film greatly improves upon its predecessor and becomes absolutely hilarious with better writing and added absurdity. Also Katya needs more movie roles, good God.
7/10 - DirectorRoger MichellStarsBen AffleckSamuel L. JacksonKim StauntonA young lawyer and a businessman share a small automobile accident, and their mutual road rage escalates into a feud.April 29: Changing Lanes (2002)
A fascinating thriller that trades in action for questions of ethics, yet never lets that hold it back from being intense; the brilliant writing, Arnold’s bold score and Affleck, Jackson and Peet’s performances help to make this a wild ride.
9/10 - DirectorMay el-ToukhyStarsTrine DyrholmGustav LindhMagnus KrepperA successful lawyer jeopardizes her career and threatens to tear her family apart after engaging in an affair with her teenage stepson.April 29 (bonus): Queen of Hearts (2019)
It struggles with its familiar, even generic writing and story beats, but through Dyrholm’s performance, gorgeous cinematography and eclectic score, this wicked tale of child abuse and corruption is far from forgettable.
8/10 - DirectorMichael RoweStarsMónica Del CarmenGustavo Sánchez ParraMarco ZapataLaura's personal life consists of one affair after another. She meets Arturo and the pair enter into an intense, violent sexual relationship. As days go by, Laura crosses out the days on a calendar, revealing her secret past to her lover.April 30: Leap Year (2010)
When it isn’t bleak and unnerving, it’s dull and unrewarding. Rowe’s debut benefits from beautiful natural lighting and a terrific performance from Del Carmen, but is deterred by a lack of purpose and creeping monotony.
6/10 - DirectorBrian FarmerStarsKatie LeclercAndrea SixtosBrian Tyler CohenHaylee, a local EMT suffering from PTSD, spends her days making split second decisions with lives that hang in the balance. One night on a routine call, she is faced with a moral decision, taking matters into her own hands and mercy kills a young woman. Her decision opens a pandora's box that leads Haylee to blur the lines of her job responsibilities and wanting to help those in need. Now, falling deeper and deeper into a rabbit hole, she gets caught up in a world of underground drugs and a sadistic killer who's made her his next victim.May 9: Blue Call (2021)
The actors are trying their damndest, but the direction is so bad that it can come off as bad; the writing is clichéd and rough, the camera work is mostly awful, and the film fully gives up on the plot by the third act.
4/10 - DirectorMarie KreutzerStarsValerie PachnerPia HierzeggerMavie HörbigerA high-powered business consultant struggles to keep her professional and personal lives from colliding after her schizophrenic sister attempts suicide.May 9 (bonus): The Ground Beneath My Feet (2019)
While its unique commentary on overworking and trauma doesn’t go far enough, this low-key drama is still tense and memorable with its clever writing and great performances from Pachner and Hierzegger.
8/10 - DirectorChloé ZhaoStarsFrances McDormandDavid StrathairnLinda MayA woman in her sixties, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.May 11: Nomadland (2020)
With strong New Hollywood sensibilities, Zhao crafts a subdued yet deeply emotional and empathetic portrait of the nomad life. McDormand is great, though she acts more as a conduit for the stellar supporting ensemble.
9/10 - DirectorBrett MorgenStarsKurt CobainWendy O'ConnorDon CobainAn authorized documentary on the late musician Kurt Cobain, from his early days in Aberdeen, Washington to his success and downfall with the grunge band Nirvana.May 14: Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)
Its methods of storytelling are all over the place, the interview audio is poorly mixed and it omits important details and lore. However, Morgen’s portrait of Kurt Cobain is still quite gorgeous, and full of unearthed media for fans.
8/10 - DirectorPolly DraperStarsNat WolffAlex WolffCooper PillotWhen a world famous band called The Silver Boulders break up, the bandleaders Nat and Alex Wolff go into a state of depression before reuniting as The Naked Brothers Band.May 16: The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie (2005)
Despite having Cool Cat levels of production quality, this is a very endearing kids’ movie with a lot of appeal, thanks to its superb writing, dry humor, uncynical interpretation of children and ridiculously catchy songs.
7/10 - DirectorPolly DraperStarsNat WolffAlex WolffPaulina SingerTwo brothers whose relationship is challenged when they find they are in love with the same girl, but it is also about the unshakable bond between them.May 17: Stella’s Last Weekend (2018)
There’s an ever-present and slightly obnoxious indie young adult twee-ness to the whole film, but Draper’s direction and vision is so warm and sharp that it’s very enjoyable, especially with its great writing and terrific cast.
8/10 - DirectorWalter MurchStarsFairuza BalkNicol WilliamsonJean MarshDorothy, saved from a psychiatric experiment by a mysterious girl, is somehow called back to Oz when a vain witch and the Nome King destroy everything that makes the magical land beautiful.May 21: Return to Oz (1985)
Balk’s first theatrical film is a grim, terrifying take on Oz that’s still very much a kid’s film. While its story can feel derivative, the writing and direction are at the same level as its magnificent art direction, score and cinematography.
9/10 - DirectorRobert YoungStarsDiana RiggCharlotte RaeTim CurryMildred Hubble (Fairuza Balk) is one of the young girls at a prestigious witch academy. She can't seem to do anything right and is picked on by classmates and teachers. The headmistress of the school, Miss Cackle (Charlotte Rae), has an evil twin sister (Agatha) who plans to destroy the school. Can Mildred foil the plan before the Grand Wizard (Tim Curry) comes to the Academy for the Halloween celebration you'll never forget?May 21 (bonus): The Worst Witch (1986)
So-pathetic-it’s-charming. The shoestring budget and callousness greatly detract from this children’s Halloween special, in spite of Rigg and Balk’s great performances. However, Tim Curry and his tambourine make everything worth it.
6/10 - DirectorJeff TremaineStarsJohnny KnoxvilleBam MargeraChris PontiusJohnny Knoxville and his band of maniacs perform a variety of stunts and gross-out gags on the big screen for the first time.May 28: Jackass: The Movie (2002)
Revel in the filth of existence as Knoxville and the Jackass crew reign anarchy upon our surreal American society with a primal punk-rock ethos. Even when some of the stunts and pranks are lame, these dudes never stop rocking.
8/10 - DirectorSeth PorgesChris Charles Scott IIIStarsJohn HodgmanFaith AndersonAlison BeckerA documentary that focuses on a dangerously legendary water park and its slew of injuries and crimes along with child safety concerns.June 7: Class Action Park (2020)
It spends most of its time on 80’s teenage debauchery and a rampant disregard for safety. While it limits how much can be talked about, it’s still a fun, darkly comic and morally ambiguous look at the infamous Action Park.
8/10 - DirectorBob DolmanStarsLuke BenwardHallie EisenbergAdam HicksDuring the first day of his new school year, a new kid in town squares off against a bully and winds up accepting a dare that could change the balance of power within his class.June 11: How to Eat Fried Worms (2006)
While benefitting from the Mothersbaughs’ score, endearing moments and a hot mom, this gross-out comedy lacks the freshness, humor and writing to be anything more than a juvenile bore.
5/10 - DirectorBob DolmanStarsSusan SarandonGoldie HawnGeoffrey RushLavinia and Suzette, former rock groupies and best friends, reconnect after twenty years; one is still as wild as ever, while the other has adopted a more conservative lifestyle.June 11 (bonus): The Banger Sisters (2002)
Goldie Hawn is absolutely exhilarating, though it’s not enough to save this raunchy indie comedy from too much familiarity and not being funny enough. The jokes that do land and Rush and Sarandon’s performances help out a lot.
7/10 - DirectorDavid ZuckerStarsTrey ParkerMatt StoneDian BacharTwo childhood friends are pro athletes of a national sport called BASEketball, a hybrid of baseball and basketball, and must deal with a greedy businessman scheming against their team.June 12: BASEketball (1998)
A non-stop barrage of absurd, hysterical gags only a Zucker could pull off; Parker and Stone keep the ball rolling with help from a great supporting cast and 90's goofiness to make this one unforgettable parody.
9/10 - DirectorStuart HagmannStarsBruce DavisonKim DarbyBud CortAn apolitical college student joins a group of campus protesters to meet girls but gets swept up in their cause and involved in a violent confrontation with police.June 13: The Strawberry Statement (1970)
Despite Taymor-esque levels of cheesy staging and theatricality uncommon for New Hollywood, this look at Sixties college protests is still able to be taken seriously through earnest politics, great editing and a solid ensemble.
8/10 - DirectorBilly FederighiStarsMichael SeaterEmily MeadeBo BurnhamA virgin finds himself in an awkward love triangle after he gets into the habit of loaning out his van to his friends for their sexual encounters.June 18: Adventures in the Sin Bin (2012)
It apes Rushmore’s aesthetic too much to stand on its own merits, the lines between homage and rip-off often blurring. At least they’re stealing from the best, giving this teen comedy some cute moments and pretty cinematography.
6/10 - DirectorGeorge CukorStarsKatharine HepburnCary GrantBrian AherneWhen her father decides to flee to England, young Sylvia Scarlett must become Sylvester Scarlett and protect her father every step of the way, with the questionable help of plenty others.June 19: Sylvia Scarlett (1935)
It’s marred by weird editing and framing choices, but it’s saved by the fact that it stars Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. The charisma of these two heavyweights makes this screwball-ish crossdressing dramedy a fun and queer delight.
8/10 - DirectorJacqueline AudryStarsEdwige FeuillèreSimone SimonMarie-Claire OliviaLate nineteenth century in a finishing school for young girls near in France, the principal, the fascinating Miss Julie, sows confusion in the heart of the newcomer, Olivia.June 19 (bonus): Olivia (1951)
This groundbreaking lesbian drama is always frilly and sometimes silly, but that only makes it all the more delightful, along with its swooning cinematography, lovingly on-the-nose writing and strong performances from Feuillère and Simon.
9/10 - DirectorRobert TowneStarsMariel HemingwayScott GlennPatrice DonnellyThe intertwined lives and loves of three highly ranked athletes striving for the national team; Chris bounces between the beds of male coach Terry and her female friend, competitor, and role model Tory.June 21: Personal Best (1982)
Despite Towne’s direction being in its infancy and his writing not being as sharp as usual (and much more forcibly edgy), this bi sports drama still entertains through its cinematography, editing, soundtrack and Glenn’s intense performance.
7/10 - DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsAl PacinoPaul SorvinoKaren AllenA police officer goes undercover in the underground S&M gay subculture of New York City to catch a serial killer who is preying on gay men.June 23: Cruising (1980)
Unnerving and disquieting, Friedkin gives a hardened, giallo-style look at pre-AIDS Greenwich Village gay nightlife in a cold yet accepting fashion, coupled with nail-biting tension, smart writing and direction and an effective ensemble.
10/10 - DirectorBasil DeardenStarsDirk BogardeSylvia SymsDennis PriceA closeted lawyer risks his career to bring a blackmailer to justice.June 26: Victim (1961)
Dearden directs this thrilling and snappy closet-case drama with sensitivity and grace, its message made all the more impactful by its cinematic excellence, helped by fierce writing and a terrific ensemble led by an incomparable Bogarde.
10/10 - DirectorTodd HaynesStarsEdith MeeksLarry MaxwellSusan NormanA boy shoots his father and flies out the window. A man falls in love with a fellow inmate in prison. A doctor accidentally ingests his experimental sex serum, wreaking havoc on the community.June 28: Poison (1991)
Brilliantly transgressive, Haynes’ feature debut is a bold and surreal statement against intolerance that works as well now as it did during the AIDS pandemic, with mesmerizing direction, poignant writing and beautiful cinematography and scoring.
10/10 - DirectorTodd HaynesStarsJulianne MooreXander BerkeleyDean NorrisAn affluent and unexceptional homemaker in the suburbs develops multiple chemical sensitivity.July 10: Safe (1995)
Haynes’ break into conventional cinema is anything but conventional, a slow, depressing psychological horror film that perfectly captures the Reagan era’s capitalist disconnect with breathtaking cinematography, a brooding score and Moore’s subtlety.
9/10 - DirectorCindy ShermanStarsFlorina RodovJason BrillEddie MalavarcaA mousy office worker accidentally kills one of her coworkers, then proceeds to bump off a few others.July 11: Office Killer (1997)
Despite some underdeveloped characters and Dorine’s motivation being unclear, these flaws actually fit the campy B-movie tone. Otherwise, Sherman has a stylish, slick black comedy with terrific, memorable performances from Kane and Ringwald.
8/10 - 20211h 58mPG-138.0 (14K)96MetascoreDirectorQuestloveStarsDorinda DrakeBarbara Bland-AcostaDarryl LewisDocumentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African-American music and culture and promoted Black pride and unity.July 13: Summer of Soul (2021)
You’re guaranteed to feel goosebumps on every inch of your body, the scenes are really that powerful. Questlove brilliantly reconstructs a lost moment in black history with exceptional editing, great direction and immersive sound.
10/10 - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsDaniel RadcliffeRupert GrintEmma WatsonAn orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.July 18: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The first entry in the legendary franchise is full of promise and wonder, and holds up against better entries through its gorgeous world-building, thrilling intrigue and Radcliffe and the cast truly crushing it.
8/10 - DirectorKevin SummerfieldStarsTimothy StultzErika AnnKen MitzkovitzA shy, bullied boy receives an ancient tome with the power to transport him to an enchanted forest, where the woodland inhabitants rely on him as their only hope for fending off an evil king and invaders.July 19: Max Magician and the Legend of the Rings (2002)
Even Suburban Knights had more dignity. It’s a laughably pathetic and unimaginative dud of a kid’s film that replaces the charm of HP and LOTR with atrocious editing, awful direction and an uninteresting story.
2/10 - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsDaniel RadcliffeRupert GrintEmma WatsonHarry Potter lives his second year at Hogwarts with Ron and Hermione when a message on the wall announces that the legendary Chamber of Secrets has been opened. The trio soon realize that, to save the school, it will take a lot of courage.July 19 (bonus): Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
It’s grander, it’s goofier and it’s darker. Columbus’s followup is a terrific balance of 50s B-movie-inspired mystery and horror with light-hearted family fun, benefiting from improved writing and effects.
10/10 - DirectorDavid AtkinsStarsSteve MartinHelena Bonham CarterChelcie RossA dentist finds himself a murder suspect after a sexy patient seduces him and steals all of the drugs from his practice.July 22: Novocaine (2001)
It has a really hard time finding balance between the neo-noir and black comedy, but it’s still funny and thrilling nonetheless, with Martin, Carter and especially Dern doing most of the heavy lifting.
7/10 - DirectorAlfonso CuarónStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry Potter, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their third year of study, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner who poses a dangerous threat to the young wizard.July 26: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Cuarón picks up where Columbus left off, turning the world into a campy cartoon, which can be tiresome at times. However, the breathtaking visuals and tremendous final hour help make this one of the franchise’s best.
8/10 - DirectorPeter HewittStarsJohn GoodmanJim BroadbentMark WilliamsA secret family of four-inch people living inside the walls of a house must save their home from an evil real estate developer.July 27: The Borrowers (1997)
A surprising treat; the impressive visual effects and immersion make this kid’s movie a fun and thrilling adventure, though the stiff child actors and predictable story keep me from truly calling this underrated.
7/10 - DirectorMike NewellStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry Potter finds himself competing in a hazardous tournament between rival schools of magic, but he is distracted by recurring nightmares.July 27 (bonus): Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
The colors are darker, Harry’s hair is longer, and everything feels way more British. Newell’s direction leaves much to be desired, underdeveloped characters aplenty, yet there’s enough magic to conjure thrills.
7/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintWith their warning about Lord Voldemort's return scoffed at, Harry and Dumbledore are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.July 28: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Yates gives the series the organic maturity it very much needed, perfectly mixing levity with a bleak, foreboding background and allowing for more character growth. The real star, however, is the maniacal Staunton.
8/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintAs Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts, he discovers an old book marked as "the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort's dark past.July 29: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Yates continues taking Harry Potter to new heights, mixing a hysterical teen rom-com with a thrilling, dark mystery, and showcasing some of the series’ best acting, writing, cinematography and visual effects.
9/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintAs Harry, Ron and Hermione race against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, they uncover the existence of the three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.July 30: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
The beginning of the end is a moody, suspenseful and exhilarating race against time. Being the most emotionally-driven chapter yet, along with its technical exquisiteness, help make this the second best HP film.
10/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry, Ron, and Hermione search for Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts.July 31: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
All’s well that ends well. Harry Potter concludes in an action-packed blaze of glory, tying up loose ends and crafting invigorating thrills and stand-offs mixed with teary-eyed, often effective sentimentality.
9/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsAlexander SkarsgårdRory J SaperChristian StevensTarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment.August 1: The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
Yates’s sensitivity, a great cast and anti-colonizer messages aren’t enough to help out this woefully mediocre corporate product and its bland story, questionable cinematography and really bad visual effects.
6/10 - DirectorDavid MirkinStarsMira SorvinoLisa KudrowJaneane GarofaloTwo dim-witted, inseparable friends hit the road for their ten-year high school reunion and concoct an elaborate lie about their lives in order to impress their classmates.August 5: Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Outrageously colorful and deftly shot, this hysterical buddy comedy is as sharp as it is goofy, with Sorvino and Kudrow’s chemistry elevating the already great screenplay to new heights.
10/10 - DirectorJim GillespieStarsJennifer Love HewittSarah Michelle GellarAnne HecheFour young friends bound by a tragic accident are reunited when they find themselves being stalked by a hook-wielding maniac in their small seaside town.August 6: I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
This retelling of the Man Door Hook Hand Car Door story is dumb cheese, but well-made dumb cheese. Acting hiccups and a disappointing ending are rescued by genuine terror, Williamson’s writing and Hewitt and Gellar’s acting.
8/10 - DirectorMartha CoolidgeStarsNicolas CageDeborah ForemanElizabeth DailyJulie, a girl from the valley, meets Randy, a punk from the city. They are from different worlds and find love. Somehow they need to stay together in spite of her trendy, shallow friends.August 7: Valley Girl (1983)
Cage is absolutely magnetic in his breakout role, so much so that the film turns dull whenever he’s not on screen. The writing and story are uninspired and boring, but the captured era and music also make it worth checking out.
6/10 - DirectorAndrew HaighStarsTom CullenChris NewJonathan RaceAfter a drunken house party with his straight mates, Russell heads out to a gay club. Just before closing time he picks up Glen but what's expected to be just a one-night stand becomes something else, something special.August 15: Weekend (2011)
A monumentally romantic and tender film that allows for necessary roughness; Haigh’s brilliant, thoughtful writing is fully realized through his distinct vision and the incredible performances of his lead actors. My heart is still melting.
10/10 - DirectorBob ClarkStarsDan MonahanMark HerrierWyatt KnightIn 1954, a group of Florida high-school guys try to help their buddy lose his virginity, which leads them to seek revenge on a sleazy nightclub owner and his redneck sheriff brother for harassing them.August 16: Porky’s (1981)
The original 80’s boner comedy is slightly less scummy than expected, in part due to its self-awareness and well-written characters. Sure, the main characters are assholes, but less so than the film’s imitators. It’s also super fucking funny.
8/10 - DirectorSteve AntinStarsCherChristina AguileraAlan CummingA small-town girl ventures to Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer.August 17: Burlesque (2010)
So stupid it’s fun! It hits every musical cliché and story beat possible to the point of outright stealing scenes from its contemporaries, resulting in a lovably campy piece of shit redeemed by its music and a cantankerous Cher.
5/10 - DirectorMarialy RivasStarsAlicia RodríguezAline KüppenheimMaría Gracia OmegnaDaniela, raised in the bosom of a strict Evangelical family and recently unmasked as a fornicator by her shocked parents, struggles to find her own path to spiritual harmony.August 17 (bonus): Young & Wild (2012)
Excruciatingly dry but very impactful, Rivas captures the intersection of religious devotion and teenage sexuality with irreverence, rawness, relatability and mounds of originality, backed by an enigmatic performance from Rodríguez.
8/10 - DirectorDanny CannonStarsJennifer Love HewittFreddie Prinze Jr.Brandy NorwoodThe murderous fisherman with a hook is back to once again stalk the two surviving teens, Julie and Ray, who had left him for dead, as well as cause even more murder and mayhem, this time at a posh island resort.August 21: I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)
Despite Hewitt’s great performance and an improved soundtrack, this sequel lacks the depth and wit of the original, instead opting for poorly-executed tropes, annoying characters and a dumber ending than the original.
5/10 - DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsDavid CarusoLinda FiorentinoChazz PalminteriA bright assistant D.A. investigates a gruesome hatchet murder and hides a clue he found at the crime scene. Under professional threats and an attempt on his life, he goes on heartbroken because evidence point to the woman he still loves.August 21 (bonus): Jade (1995)
God bless the 90’s erotic thriller. Friedkin’s take on the genre revels in its corrupt characters and trashy content, dignified by Eszterhas’s colorful writing, Horner’s dark score and one of the best car chase sequences of the 90’s.
8/10 - DirectorAlan ParkerStarsMickey RourkeRobert De NiroLisa BonetA private investigator is hired by a man who calls himself Louis Cyphre to track down a singer named Johnny Favorite. But the investigation takes an unexpected and somber turn.August 21 (bonus): Angel Heart (1987)
Mickey Rourke is mesmerizing in Parker’s bizarre and suspenseful mystery that only grows more insane by the minute, with brilliant writing, beautiful cinematography and an equally as good performance from De Niro.
9/10 - DirectorRob ReinerStarsRob ReinerMichael McKeanChristopher GuestSpinal Tap, one of England's loudest bands, is chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi on what proves to be a fateful tour.September 1: This is Spinal Tap (1984)
It’s an uproarious send-up of heavy metal and rock bands in general, making the most of its short running time with non-stop dry humor and absurdity. It wouldn’t work nearly as well if it didn’t also have soul.
10/11