As much as I liked Eliza Hittman’s last film, Beach Rats, I wrote at the time that despite having style to burn, I wasn’t convinced she had anything new to say. It came across as a Larry Clark/Terrence Malick/Andrea Arnold summit meeting. With her new film, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, she has truly found her... Continue Reading →
The beautiful thing about pop culture is that everyone has their opinions and everyone is right. I think Forrest Gump is the worst Best Picture Oscar winner of all time, whereas you may love its celebration of lowered standards! See? We’re both right! I say this to prepare you for my review of 15 Years,... Continue Reading →
By now, most people know that what gets presented on social media may often differ greatly from the harsh reality. We pose for multiple selfies until we get “the one”. We fill our feeds with fabulous vacations, scrumptious meals, breathtaking hikes, wondrous nights at the theatre, and more. Occasionally, someone may overshare about their misery... Continue Reading →
Growing up, I always had a soft spot for big budget American studio films. I subconsciously knew most lacked subtlety and sophistication, but man was it fun to watch Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase rappel down the side of a building in Foul Play or see Liza Minnelli, Gene Hackman and Burt Reynolds share the... Continue Reading →
My mother took me to my first concert when I was a young teen. Ever the stylish trailblazer, she wore a halter top, hot pants, go-go boots and a cape as she led me into a giant arena in Cleveland to see none other than Elton John. She stood and sang the whole time and... Continue Reading →
So many great films have come from the “Teens Hanging Out All Night” genre. From AMERICAN GRAFFITI to DAZED AND CONFUSED to SUPERBAD, they’ve careened from one crazy real time scenario to another and left us taking that ethereal walk of shame in the morning. Now, just in time to queer up this tradition, comes BOOKSMART, the feature directorial debut of actor Olivia Wilde, and written by a committee of women (Katie Silberman, Susanna Fogel, Emily Halpern, and Sarah Haskins), and it’s a hilarious, charming, slyly subversive addition to the canon.
