Quite frequently, new filmmakers will, as I like to say, chew off more than they can bite, trying to throw in every idea they’ve ever had over the 20+ years they’ve waited for their shot. They direct as if they’ll never get the chance to do so again, resulting in an excessive filmgoing experience. Damien... Continue Reading →
The very first film I critiqued for The Queer Review was Olivia Wilde’s wonderful feature directing debut, Booksmart. In it, she showed off her ability to generate an infectious energy, riotous humor and a refreshingly frank look at strong female characters. I couldn’t wait for her follow-up, and when the trailers for Don’t Worry Darling... Continue Reading →
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has chosen Olivia Wilde as its Wilde Artist of the Year for 2019, with a special tribute to the Booksmart filmmaker set for Sunday February 2nd 2020 at the national group’s 11th Dorian Awards Winners Toast in Los Angeles. The annual accolade, named for GALECA’s “patron saint” Oscar Wilde, goes... Continue Reading →
Have you ever loved a movie you know deep in your gut has problematic elements? Well, welcome to Clint Eastwood’s latest film, Richard Jewell, a compelling, empathetic look at a hero who morphed into a suspected villain after the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games bombing. Because of the current times we live in, and Eastwood’s perceived... 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.
