UNSTOPPABLE SHORTS BLOCK 1
Director Camille Wormser has a lot to say about mental illness, and uses that as a platform to stage what is such a funny, and unique comedy short. “Just Right” feels like one of those short films that could be transplanted in to a feature film, but for now, it works as a short form comedy about coping with mental illness and working with OCD as an element of life that stifles personal connection.
Subway Stops (2023) [Slamdance 2023]
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS BLOCK
The streets and subways of New York City are filled with a colorful variety of performers, panhandlers, and personalities, and there have been some films based around this environment. The whole ecosystem of New York City thrives on artistic expression and people performing, and it’s a shame that Joe Zakko’s documentary short feels like a missed opportunity.
Sammy Davis Jr. on the Big Screen
Sammy Davis Jr. was a larger-than-life personality who was a welcome presence on Broadway, in Las Vegas and on television for many years. His film work was somewhat spotty, yet he proved himself as both a musical star in “Porgy and Bess” and “Sweet Charity” and in serious dramatic roles in “Anna Lucasta” and “A Man Called Adam.” In this episode of “The Online Movie Show,” social media bon vivant Anthony “Kingfish” Vitamia returns to the podcast to celebrate Sammy’s distinctive place on the big screen.
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BAD MOVIE MONDAY: THE CHILLING (1989)
Do you like movies that look and feel like they were written during a weekend bender that might have included the sort of drugs that Rick James often used? Do you like movies that star actors whose fortunes have fallen so low that they’d have to rise up a few notches on the cinematic food chain in order to merely be considered “washed up”? Do you like movies made by people that seem to have seen a lot of movies but don’t seem to know how to make one themselves? Well, you’re in luck! Because today I’m reviewing THE CHILLING and it’s a Grade A quality turd.
The Bolero (1973)
The winner of the 1973 Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Live Action), Bill Fertik’s film essay offers a consideration of Maurice Ravel’s masterwork via a performance of the piece by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Much like the original, “Top Gun: Maverick” is a big jingoistic cartoon. But it’s a fun jingoistic cartoon. I say that as someone that didn’t like the original “Top Gun” so suffice to say I was hesitant going right in to it. After so many years left in film limbo, I was stunned it was so well received, as legacy sequels most of the time fall flat. While “Top Gun: Maverick” isn’t exactly a masterpiece, I could think of worse times to spend with an action movie; it’s definitely one of the better legacy sequels I’ve seen.
Sorry About the Demon (2023)
There’s a realty good film desperate to break free tom “Sorry About the Demon.” While it’s not what I’d call a bad movie, it’s a movie that director Emily Hagins kind of loses grip over in its final half. It’s overlong for such a paper thin premise, and most times it feels like the movie can never decide if it’s horror rom-com or rom-com with a touch of horror. It’s a shame because the ingredients are there, but “Sorry About the Demon” never adds up to much of a genre film.