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A heartfelt coming-of-age drama about a teenager preparing for her first show while navigating the realities of her mother’s returning illness, Don’t Say Good Luck gradually builds its emotional weight through likable characters, genuine performances, and a deeply affecting musical backdrop. When the musical Waitress came out in 2016, it kind of went right past…
A drama about two unlikely best friends navigating the realities of a terminal illness, Paddleton is a slow-burning, quietly beautiful film that uses dry humor and an authentic friendship to tell a story that sneaks up on you emotionally. If you aren’t familiar with Duplass Brothers Productions, you might be surprised at some of the…
A fantastically campy musical sequel, Grease 2 is a cult classic that brings back the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies for another year at Rydell High, along with great songs, a talent show, and a lot of laughs. When I was a child, my brother and I would stay overnight at our dad’s house every…
A deeply emotional documentary about a young girl’s disputed medical condition and the family torn apart by the systems meant to protect her, Take Care Of Maya uses extensive recordings, interviews, and documentation to create an intimate picture of unimaginable trauma. I am a huge fan of documentaries. I have never been a reader of…
A music biopic following the rise of Queen and frontman Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody is a crowd-pleasing film with excellent performances, energetic musical montages, and songs that make the entire story feel alive. I have been a huge Queen fan for many decades now. When I first watched Wayne’s World in the movie theater in…
An animated family film about the toys adjusting to a changing world as Bonnie’s attention shifts toward new technology, Toy Story 5 is a sweet and engaging adventure that blends funny moments, heartfelt relationships, and a message that feels especially relevant today. When I heard there was a new Toy Story movie coming out, I…
An indie drama about friends completing a scavenger hunt left for them before a young woman’s death, Always, Lola is a thoughtful and emotionally honest film, with a gradual emotional build and a compassionately stark approach to mental illness, drug addiction, and grief. There are many great movies about mental illness, and most approach the…
An ambitious ensemble drama about a series of interconnected lives, Magnolia is beautifully paced, emotionally engaging, and unexpectedly bold. I have a curious relationship with Paul Thomas Anderson films. I absolutely love There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread, Boogie Nights and The Master are good, and I couldn’t stand Licorice Pizza. One Battle After…
A heartfelt dramedy about a widow working at an aquarium who forms an unusual connection with an observant octopus, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a warm film with a strong cast, beautiful marine life, and gentle, storybook-like charm. I read this book shortly after it was released in 2022, and I loved it. It takes you…
A subdued drama about a woman accused of her husband’s death, Anatomy Of A Fall is a pensive film where every word feels intentional, anchored by strong performances and spectacular cinematography. When I watched Project Hail Mary, I was struck by many things – it’s a fantastic film. One of them was Sandra Hüller, the…
An intense historical thriller, Judas And The Black Messiah, about a man infiltrating the Black Panther Party during a time of turmoil, is a gripping film that never lets up. There are certain movies out there that, as great as the picture is, you remember mostly because of a powerhouse performance. When you think of…
A quiet, slow-burning film about a father and son on a road trip to possibly collect a sweepstakes prize, Nebraska is understated and funny, with a tenderness that peeks through the cracks. I love June Squibb. If someone were to ask me to choose an emotional support animal from the list of actors that I…
