The new Anaconda doesn’t pretend to be a reinvention, a reboot, or even a particularly clever update. Instead, it leans fully into its absurdity, presenting itself as an intentionally silly, self-aware comedy that knows exactly how ridiculous its premise is—and occasionally dares the audience to keep up. Inspired by the so-called cinematic “classic” rather than… Continue reading Anaconda: leans fully into its absurdity, presenting itself as an intentionally silly
Author: Laurie Coker
Song Sung Blue: delivers exactly what it sets out to do with care and sincerity
Based on the documentary of the same name, Song Sung Blue: An Unbreakable Dream is a musical biopic rooted in the simple, deeply human idea that music and performance can bring real happiness—even when the songs belong to someone else. The film centers on Lightning & Thunder, a Neil Diamond tribute duo, and suggests that… Continue reading Song Sung Blue: delivers exactly what it sets out to do with care and sincerity
Song of My City: captures the emotional essence of 1970s New York
Song of My City, a 2025 short film directed by David C. Roberts, runs just under twenty minutes and captures the emotional essence of 1970s New York through a vibrant collage of archival B-roll. Instead of telling a traditional story, the film functions like a visual poem, blending images of neon signs, crowded sidewalks, smoky… Continue reading Song of My City: captures the emotional essence of 1970s New York
AFF 2025 – Hamnet: a haunting and heartfelt act of imagination
Having taught Shakespeare for thirty years, I approached Hamnet with both anticipation and caution. The life of William Shakespeare, as most scholars understand, can almost fit on a postage stamp—an extraordinary creative legacy paired with a frustratingly sparse historical record. So, when Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel premiered, I knew I wasn’t… Continue reading AFF 2025 – Hamnet: a haunting and heartfelt act of imagination
AFF 2025 – Rental Family: Fraser delivers a luminous, deeply grounded performance
Having visited Japan twice and fallen in love with its blend of quiet elegance and modern energy, I was instantly captivated by Rental Family—a film that explores both the poetry and contradictions of life in Tokyo. Director Hikari portrays the city not as a neon-lit spectacle, but as a deeply human landscape, full of small… Continue reading AFF 2025 – Rental Family: Fraser delivers a luminous, deeply grounded performance
You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine – a fitting tribute to a storyteller who never required the spotlight to shine
Watching You Got Gold felt like stepping into a room full of people who not only loved John Prine’s music but also truly understood his heart. I had the privilege of seeing Prine perform live years ago, and even then, what struck me most was his gift as a storyteller. He didn’t just sing songs;… Continue reading You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine – a fitting tribute to a storyteller who never required the spotlight to shine
SpongeBob SquarePants: a loud, empty echo of better times
I went into the latest SpongeBob SquarePants movie (2025) with a surprising amount of goodwill. This franchise has survived for decades because, at its best, it balances absurd humor with genuine wit and a kind of anarchic charm that works for kids while slyly entertaining adults. Unfortunately, this installment is not just a misstep—it’s easily… Continue reading SpongeBob SquarePants: a loud, empty echo of better times
Arrest the Midwife: stylistically steady and reflective
Watching Arrest the Midwife felt less like being swept into a dramatic crusade and more like being dropped into a complex situation that’s been developing for years. Director Elaine Epstein presents a case that’s emotional, yes, but also complicated — legally, culturally, and personally. The documentary follows three certified professional midwives in upstate New York… Continue reading Arrest the Midwife: stylistically steady and reflective
Sallywood: heartfelt and quietly memorable
Sallywood is a small film with a surprisingly lasting impact. Written and directed by Xaque Gruber and inspired by his own experience as an assistant to Oscar-nominated actress Sally Kirkland, the movie combines comedy, memoir, and gentle reflection into an understated Hollywood story that remains personal from start to finish. Tyler Steelman stars as Zack,… Continue reading Sallywood: heartfelt and quietly memorable
Now You See Me, Now You Don’t: light, charming, occasionally funny
Walking into Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, I didn’t expect much beyond flashy—and, of course, unbelievable—sleight-of-hand and a few smug grins from the returning Horsemen. What I got was pretty much that—but with enough charm, humor, and energy from the new cast to keep me more entertained than I expected, even if I… Continue reading Now You See Me, Now You Don’t: light, charming, occasionally funny