As I sit here typing, we are three weeks out from Oscar Night, and somehow I still have 10 movies from 2023 to review. God I'm piling a lot of stuff on my plate! Eight of those 10 are Independent Spirit nominees. I successfully cast my ballot this past Monday, and I look forward to … Continue reading Back Row Thoughts – The Spirit Stragglers, Part Three
Like several other films this year, the debut feature from Elegance Bratton, The Inspection, is largely autobiographical, with character names being changed for dramatic license and/or legal protection. Unlike a lot of those other movies, this one is not about the magic of cinema itself. Instead, it's a deeply personal tale of pulling oneself up … Continue reading Marine Pride – The Inspection
In the trailers for Queen & Slim, the feature directorial debut for Melina Matsoukas (known for music videos until now), a character known as Uncle Earl (Bokeem Woodbine) refers to the two title characters as "The Black Bonnie & Clyde," a reference to the couple being on the run from the law. However, there's a big … Continue reading The Long Arm of Murphy’s Law – Queen & Slim
I Actually Paid To See This 