So's Reel Thoughts

It's been a while since a good werewolf film came out so you can understand my excitement after seeing the trailer for the upcoming Danish film, When Animals Dream. The film premiered at last year's Cannes Film Festival and made it's numerous festival rounds including the iconic genre festival, Fantastic Fest, so you already know the film's going to hit some nerves! A teenage girl's sexual awakening unleashes something primal within, (oh, does it ever!) revealing a dark family secret. On the run and in danger, she must embrace a century's old curse to survive. Oh man, let the madness begin!

When Animals Dream totally channels moods of Ginger Snaps and Let the Right One In! At first, I couldn't tell if it was a vampire or werewolf film but glad to know that the film involves werewolves because there isn't enough films about these nightly creatures with females in the forefront besides Ginger Snaps (recommendations are welcomed). Also gaze at the beautiful yet jarring poster! Two is always better than one and obviously I couldn't choose because these posters are absolutely stunning. RADiUS is just killin' it these days with horror films like It Follows and Goodnight Mommy under their belt already! I can't wait for this film to come out next week on August 18th on VOD!

Yorgos Lanthimos is leading the Greek Weird Wave Cinema movement with his genre-bending and provocative films like Dogtooth and Alps. The subject of identity is nothing new as seen in this video essay prepared as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival Critics Campus program. Conor Bateman looks at the way Lanthimos' narratives present the transformation of identity in three of his films-- Kinetta, Dogtooth, and Alps. Lanthimos dares to challenge not only his characters but the audience to face the absurdity of the society we live in. His next film The Lobster is executed in the same satirical themes and is sure to ignite some conversations about our society's orthodox perception of matrimonial status and true love. Take a gander below and if you haven't seen any of his films, be ready to have your mind-blown!

The trailer to Robert Eggers' magnificent directorial debut film, The Witch is here! I named the film as one of the best 5 films I saw at Sundance so I am so enthralled to know that A24 finally released a trailer despite it's release being in 2016! Eggers nabbed the Best Director award in the U.S. Narrative Competition at Sundance for The Witch and dare I say, it is a masterpiece. It is 1630 in New England, the lives of a devout Christian family living on the edge of wilderness with five children start to unravel after the mysterious disappearance of their newborn son. We've all seen stories of parents losing children but when it's the whole family that is a suspect especially, entangled in some ominous magical presence, it's a total different ball game!

This salem-esque story builds to suffocating heights of anxiety and fear as it shows a chilling portrait of a family surrounded by an inescapable evil which is accompanied by masterful camerawork and a powerful musical score. There is about to be some serious devilish shit going down! It's all what a horror film should be with jarring atmospheric tension, mystical figures, and innocent people going mad! The Witch is the one film that I've been telling all my friends about and so, I don't know how I will survive till 2016 for them to all see it! But by the looks of it, I know it's going to be totally worth it! Also, The Witch revived my love for witches and it honestly doesn't get better than that, my friend!

Don't just call The Keeping Room a Feminist Western because it is so much more than that! The film stars three of the most kickass women in the biz--Brit Marling, Hailee Steinfeld, and newcomer Muna Otaru. The story takes place during the dying days of the American Civil war where three Southern women--two sisters and one African-American slave--must defend their home and themselves against two strange soldiers. I got a chance to watch it and before I write my review, suffices it to say that you will sweating buckets from the pulsating intensity and panic from the film.

After a successful run in advertising and commercials, Director Daniel Barber went on to create an Oscar-nominated short film called The Tonto Woman before debuting his feature film, Harry Brown starring Michael Caine. It's hard to believe that the The Keeping Room is Julia Hart's first screenplay and Barber's sophomore feature because the film is executed with grade-A suspense. The trailer makes the film look fairly simple but this revisionist Western story packs a big punch. The Keeping Room opens on September 25.

Badass Femmes is a bi-weekly column that I write on Crome Yellow about all the Badass Females in pop culture that has shaped my life.

Thanks to her youthful roles in Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Reality Bites and of course, Heathers, Winona Ryder, our Princess of Darkness, will always have fans (and I) using the hashtag #Wino4Evaz on a daily basis. Out of all her films though, Heathers is the most sinister and darkest of all her younger years. As Veronica, Ryder was the fairest of them all, a sharp contrast to her shallow and soul-sucking companions – her angsty and aloof personality epitomized teen behavior in all of its cynical and nihilistic glory! To this day, the character is one that sticks out for standing her ground in a counter culture battle against the very people she once called her best friends. Though times have changed, high school remains a vicious battleground, and to make it out alive, you gotta play the game like Veronica did. Of course she saved the day by killing her ex-boyfriend and knocking her former besties off their throne, but that’s just high school drama to the next level y’all.

Continue reading on Crome Yellow...

Bradgelina are back & it seems like there is some trouble in paradise! It's been about 10 years since we saw the power couple fall in love on screen in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. And now in By the Sea, these two explore a marriage on the cusp of collapsing onto itself. Set in France during the 1970s, Vanessa, a former dancer and her husband, an American writer, travel the country together. They seem to be growing apart and when they linger in one small quaint seaside town, they become drawn to its more vibrant inhabitants. There hasn't been any heartwrenching dramas these days but this picturesque martial melodrama that's filled with sultry, uber dramatic, & all kinds of euro-vibes is just what I ordered! Can't wait to bawl some tears of my own with Angie when By the Sea comes out November 13th!

Todd Haynes' latest film Carol cause massive buzz at this year's Cannes Film Festival after it received critical acclaim and a Best Actress prize for Rooney Mara. You can bet that the film is going to become a major contender come this award season. Based on Patricia Highsmith's novel 'The Price of Salt,' the story follows one married wife (Cate Blanchett) and a lonely department store worker's (Rooney Mara) blossoming relationship in 1950's New York City. Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler and Jake Lacy also stars. I absolutely adore Haynes for his works featuring a wide range of stories of vulnerable, powerful, and versatile women. This teaser trailer is full of gorgeous and luscious imagery provided by Haynes' longtime DP Edward Lachman. I can't wait for Carol to come out November 20th!

Year: 2015
Director: Jake Schreier

Writer: John Green (author), Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber (screenplay)

Cinematographer: David Lanzenberg

Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Austin Abrams, Justice Smith, Halston Sage, Jaz Sinclair,

Country of Origin: USA

Rating: PG-13
Time: 109 mins.

If you know Arshad, you know that he is all about YA novel to film adaptations. So it's no surprise that we are reviewing John Green's latest book to film story, Paper Towns starring Nat Wolff and Cara Delevingne. Fans loved Green's The Fault in our Stars so obviously the studios hurried and planned to make two more films including this film and Looking for Alaska! We will be all well versed in Green's bibliography soon enough! Paper Town follows Quentin, a shy young man who embarks on a journey to find Margo, the rebellious and uninhibited girl next door of his dreams!

If you watch the trailer, you can definitely pick up some Manic Pixie Dream Girl vibes but make no mistake because John Green apparently wrote the story to dismantle the very detrimental notion that many kids have today. I know that when I was young, I had the same complex but with a boy which ultimately spiraled out of control! So, I am glad that Green didn't try to sugarcoat or feed our love starved fantasies with just another love story. Instead, he strikes our hearts with honesty and sincerity. If only the pacing and overall tone had more energy, the film would've been solid. But regardless, I think it's an important film that should be seen by all teens.

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There are times you witness a visual masterpiece that caters so exactly to you artistic palette, it makes you grimace that you didn't know who these people were before. That's exactly how I feel about Lorn's ethereal tunes and R113's magnificent work behind their Acid Rain music video. R113 is a Los Angeles based film collective that specializes in music videos, commercials, and films. Take a gander at this insanely dark and vibrant work of art that has everything I ever wanted (in life): zombie cheerleaders, neon-lite diners, and b0mbtastic dances! Did I mention the orgasmic jams by Lorn?! Ugh, this has been on repeat for a while now. Get ready to have your mind-bllooown!

What is the Girl Talk Series?

In the fourth episode of the Girl Talk Series, But That's Life, Right?, Grace & Bomy have a major heart to heart moment and share their own personal stories of loss especially being at such a young age. The topic of loss is one that I feel the most connected to especially transitioning from a young girl to a woman and just dealing with life. Grace & Bomy are the youngest girls featured in the Girl Talk Series and yet, they have experience hardship that many of us haven't even experienced entering our mid-twenties and on. As much as our young generation is inundated and ruled by the presence of digital media and technology, there are always moments of true connect and bond amongst our closest friends no matter how "connected" we feel in society through our hand-held gadgets. This is the most personal episode out of the entire series that will speak to many people as we peek into the emotions and hearts into real girls who share with us their most intimate feelings about loss.

Previous Episode // Ep. 5: It's a Love & Hate Relationship

Oh Mama! There's been a lot of buzz surrounding Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala's horror film, Goodnight Mommy after it premiered at Venice Film Festival last year. I even missed it when it was showing at AFI FEST so I am so happy that the trailer is finally here! I don't do well with horror films but after watching Jennifer Kent's The Babadook, I think I can watch anything. And by the looks of it, it seems that Goodnight Mommy would be on par with The Babadook in terms of providing jarring imagery, mommy issues, and psychological mind-fuckery. This trailer is bound to induce some blood-curdling yelps and come September 11th, we most likely will witness of one of the best horror films of this year!

What is the Girl Talk Series?

In the third episode of the Girl Talk Series, Motherhood is Serious Business, Becky & Rea talk about their contrasting views of motherhood, careers, and life when they discover that their friend Sophie is pregnant. Entering our mid-twenties, the ever so pressing topic of marriage and motherhood all while juggling a career always seems to be on our minds. Although we might want to do it all: have a successful career as well as build a family, sometimes it's just difficult to manage especially given our individual circumstances in life. We explore the vast spectrum of different women who feel innately tied to motherhood to those who feel that maybe the idea of maternal instinct is a social construct that they simply don't possess. Whatever their take on it is, it is important to show the various viewpoint so we can shatter the societal expectations of women and support each other's decision no matter what.

Previous Episode // Ep. 4: But That's Life, Right?

Our favorite grrrlz are back! Amy Poehler and Tina Fey reunite after doing Baby Mama with another hilarious and riotous ride in Sisters. As seen in most films, women get a bad rep for being complete party poopers but nope, not this time! This time Poehler and Fey bring the fire when playing two sisters who decided to have a last rendezvous at their parent's house. And boy, do they bring the noise! I'm so glad to finally see women letting loose in an obnoxious, unfiltered, and of course, hilarious way as we normally do! Directed by Pitch Perfect's Jason Moore and written by SNL veteran Paula Pell, this film is going to be a blast especially starring Maya Rudolph, John Leguizamo, Ike Barinholtz, John Cena, and more! Sisters comes out Christmas and you bet your ass I'll be the very few people watching it by myself if I have to!

Oh snapz! Our favorite hip and uber talented Quebecois auteur, Xavier Dolan is here once again with another film called Tom at the Farm! Granted he made this film before Mommy which I saw a year ago at AFI FEST it but finally got a U.S. trailer so here it is! After the sudden death of his lover, Guillaume, Tom played by Dolan travels to his home in the country for the funeral. It's a sexually charged, psychological thriller that climaxes to a twisty and deceptive conclusion.

Considering Tom at the Farm was the second film I've seen of his after Lawrence Anyways, I wasn't sure how to make of the film especially the ending. You can see my spoiler-filled review with Sales on Film here. In retrospect having seen most of his filmography now, I think I should revisit the film considering the film's Hitchcockian tones and feels is worth reanalyzing. Tom at the Farm opens on August 14.

What is the Girl Talk Series?

In this second episode, Let's Have a Body Party, Alisha & Camille discuss body issues after watching Lily Myer's slam poetry of "Shrinking Women." In the video, Myer proclaims that women have been taught to grow in while men have been taught to go out. In a culture where women constantly have to filter their thoughts and habits, it's important to focus and point out how talking about our bodies affect our self-esteem and our health. Especially when you mix culture and parents into it. This is a topic that needs to be discussed time and time again and most people just think that Asians are "naturally" petite which is on the contrary. Alisha & Camille touch on this subject of body issues within our culture to shed more light on the pressures to be thin, food habits, and the misconceptions of Asian body norms.

Previous Episode // Ep. 3: Motherhood is Serious Business

Badass Femmes is a bi-weekly column that I write on Crome Yellow about all the Badass Females in pop culture that has shaped my life.

Girls are constantly being told that they can’t do what boys can, simply because…. biology. Alright, we get it! Now, shut up! I understand that we are physically not built the same way. But while we sometimes might not be able to carry something really heavy or open an insanely air-tight mason jar, it doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to offer. This is why it’s so obviously infuriating to tell a woman, a person who can bring life into this world, that they can’t do and don’t have the same power as men. This idea is one of the central themes in Karyn Kusama’s breakthrough debut, Girlfight, starring then fresh-faced newcomer Michelle Rodriguez as Diana Guzman. As the role that catapulted the now, Fast & Furious star to fame, the role of her lifetime gave us an unapologetically fierce and downright in-your-face Diana, a woman who fights (literally) against gender discrimination both in her private and public life.

Continue reading on Crome Yellow...

After I saw Alex Ross Perry's third feature, Listen Up Philip last year, I was completely blown away by his idiosyncratic and refreshing cinematic voice which cemented his status as one of the best American filmmakers of our generation! That is a loaded statement but when you can read my Listen Up Philip review and you will know why! So it's no surprise why I would be excited to see what Ross does next especially starring the incredibly dynamic and powerful actress, Elisabeth Moss in Queen of Earth. The film centers around what happens when two childhood best friends reunite for the summer. Sounds so innocuous huh? But blending the memories of the past and present, we witness as Virginia (Moss) begins to spiral out of control as the her and her bestie's (Katherine Waterston) lives begin to intersect.

Written and directed by Perry, Queen of Earth has throwback feels to masterful psychological thrillers from the 70's (cough cough Hitchcock, who else!). While we saw Moss channel her paper-thin fragility in Philip, in Queen of Earth, it seems like she passes any coherent emotional state to soar straight into madness! The poster says it all with the manic stricken facial expressions that can send daggers into our hearts. Although the trailer is somewhat vague, I truly put full faith in Perry's ever so versatile vision that makes me believe in singularly unique cinematic voices once again! Queen of Earth comes out on August 26 & I cannot wait to descend down the rabbit hole with Moss!

Oh man, I wasn't expecting this trailer at all! The trailer to David Ayer's much anticipated Suicide Squad is here! Partially because after it premiered at Comic-Con, WB failed to upload the trailer right away which resulted in shitty pirated footage being uploaded! So here it is! I am so amazed by the collection of A-list powerhouses in a "Superhero/villain film that just elevates the excitement that much more! Can we also talk about Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn for a sec? I almost crapped my pants (poo emoji)!!! She seems like the centerpiece of this entire film & I couldn't be happier. Her manic, dazed, and whimsical spirit makes her being a villain that much more dangerous! The film can't come soon enough! Suicide Squad comes out August 5, 2016!

What is the Girl Talk Series?

In this first episode, It's About that Hustle, Baby, Anh & Ellen talk about the tribulations of being an artist and all the emotional turmoil that come with the role. This is a conversation piece that we've all talked about over and over again, so much to the point of dizzying proportions. We've reached our mid-twenties and now what? With a mountain of college debt, the struggle to achieve our dreams gets increasingly harder and lost in the mound of bills, jobs, and projects. The surplus of anxiety and doubt that come with being an artist is the most unexpected and difficult struggle we've all experienced. Anh & Ellen dive deep within and reflect on their own artistic careers and identities while navigating through adulthood.

Ep. 2: Let's Have a Body Party

Inspired by Jim Jarmusch's Coffee and Cigarettes, the Girl Talk Series is a showcase of two girls talking in the comfort of their own intimate space about topics that are most dear to them. Most of the work I do focuses on the representation of Asian American girls because I truly feel like we don't get our stories told without the filter of some outsider's perspective. I felt thirsty and famished to see our stories told and instead of waiting for someone else to tell them, I decided to do it myself.

The Girl Talk Series is a passion project wholly done by yours truly from producing, directing, shooting, and even editing. These are words and stories from real girls as they discuss topics like career choices, body image, motherhood, and even loss. I was very conscious about capturing female interaction and conversations in a casual and frank light that is a honest portrayal of how girls talk in their everyday lives. Stripped down and raw, it's a sneak peek into the sacred world of girlhood especially in the intimate space of their homes.

These stories aren't specifically related to being an Asian female but our culture and environment very much has shaped our opinions and lives. I felt it was vital to embrace our identity down to the core which propelled me to encompass every aspect of this filmmaking process with Asian-American females from behind the camera (me, duh) to the front and even down to the musical choices of each video. I hope these words resonant with you as much as they did with me. I am so proud of these girls who let me into their homes and lives. They are truly speaking for so many voiceless girls out there that just want their experience to be heard. Thank you for tuning in and I'll see you every Wednesday!

XOXOXO,

Anh & Ellen

Ep. 1: It's About that Hustle, Baby

Alisha & Camille

Ep. 2: Let's Have a Body Party

Becky & Rea

Ep.3: Motherhood is Serious Business

Grace & Bomy

Ep. 4: But That's Life, Right?

Adriana & Vish
Ep. 5: It's a Love & Hate Relationship

Holy shiiiiiiiit! The Simpsons are always killin it when it comes to doing homages to revered auteurs from everyone from Hayao Miyazaki to Guillermo del toro! And now, here is Bartkira! Barkira is a parody mash-up of the lauded 90's manga and film, Akira and obviously The Simpsons! This is probably the coolest homage I have ever seen! Transforming the original Akira trailer, shot by shot, through The Simpsons lens is incredible to see! No way is this officially associated with Fox Animation but it's so great to see it be made and out there! Based on the idea by Ryan Humphrey, he has been making comics way before this trailer through the Bartkira project, a comic collaboration of Simpsons fans which is curated by James Harvey! So freaking tight! Check out their site to see more of the Bartkira project! www.bartkira.com

Now, the Japanese trailer!

Year: 2015

Director: Sean Baker

Writer: Sean Baker & Chris Bergoch

Cinematographer: Sean Baker & Radium Cheung

Cast: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, Karren Karagulian, Mickey O'Hagan, James Ransone

Country of Origin: USA

Rating: R

Time: 88 mins.

I had the privilege of watching Sean Baker's Tangerine back in January at the Sundance Film Festival and named it one of the best films I saw there! Starring first-time transgender actresses and shooting on-location on the corners of Hollywood, specifically, Santa Monica Blvd--Tangerine is an explosive piece of cinema that pulsates with authenticity through their vibrant characters and riotous energy that has never been seen on screen quite like this before! The story follows two transgender sex workers, Sin-dee (Kiki Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Mya Taylor) on Christmas Eve. When Sin-dee finds out that her pimp has been cheating on her with another "fish" aka a real woman, "like with a vagina and everything," she rampages through town to seek revenge! Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Damn straight!

Tangerine caused a surplus of deafening buzz at Sundance after the screening because Baker revealed that the entire film was shot on the iPhone 5s. As incredible as that is, don't call this an iPhone film because it is so much more than that! Utilizing their ultra low-budget, Baker and his incredible team of long-time collaborators were able to make one of the most refreshing films of the year despite the budget due to their sheer brilliance and dedication to true filmmaking! You will not have a more fun time this summer than watching Tangerine on the big screen! I can't wait for the soundtrack and poster to be released so I can get my grubby hands on them!!! Tangerine comes out this week!

When you hear the word Creed, a Rocky spin-off film directed by Ryan Coogler doesn't jump right into mind but here it is! The sophomore feature by Coogler follows Adonis Creed, the son of Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa's former rival, Apollo Creed where he will be trained by Balboa himself in order to gain a title! With the skillful hands of Coogler, I suspect that this film will be more emotionally driven provided by a top-notch performance by Michael B. Jordan! Naturally Slyvester Stallone will be making an appearance and I like their chemistry from what I see. Watch my reaction below which also includes remarks relating to the "Creed-munity" that is outraged by the title of the film! Creed comes out November 25! I can already hear the Oscar buzz!

Year: 2015
Director: Gregory Jacobs

Writer: Reid Carolin

Cinematographer: Steven Soderbergh

Cast: Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Adam Rodriguez, Jada Pinkett Smith, Donald Glover, Gabriel Iglesias

Country of Origin: USA

Rating: R

Time: 115 mins.

You thought the first Magic Mike was good, wait till you see Magic Mike XXL! Taking over for Steven Soderbergh, his go to AD, Gregory Jacobs takes over and it is definitely bigger, badder, and a hell of a lot more fun! The most unexpected aspect of XXL is how much of the film is feminist as it is bromantic. Not only do we get to know the characters a little bit more but it's their individual characteristics that propel this film to be that much more touching and downright exhilarating! Their reinforcement of female empowerment was especially overwhelming as it was coupled with overflowing shots of the guy's chiseled bodies! As you can see Jenn and I freak out a little bit!

There is no better way to explain ever thought that conjured up in our heads while watching XXL better than this article right here! Although this film is empowering, it may lead many of the audiences to have unrealistic standards for men as these men are basically PERFECT--emotionally, physically, and spiritually! But who cares right?! Finally we have a film that caters to the female gaze and provides a narrative that is equally thoughtful and encouraging to the female sexual appetite! I anticipate that it will once again break records as this is one of the best summer films to watch! Hell, it might just be one of the best films to come out this year! Enjoiii!

Badass Femmes is a bi-weekly column that I write on Crome Yellow about all the Badass Females in pop culture that has shaped my life.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s hard being in any minority group in America. Being a woman is hard enough, but imagine being a black and queer as well – you can just imagine the sorts of challenges you might run into on a daily basis. Rarely have I seen that perspective painted as vibrantly as it is than in Alike (Adepero Oduye), the central character of Dee Rees’ semi auto-biographical first narrative feature, Pariah. The film is a gorgeously shot one, which takes us through this woman’s first loves, friendship, family and heartbreak, pulsating with authenticity and heart. Oduye as Alike gives us a nuanced, complex performance that resonates through every scene. As she reclaims her identity and sexuality amidst the vicious prejudice of her own family, we get to know a girl takes charge of her life and realizes that only she can make the choices that will make her happy.

Continue reading on Crome Yellow...

Gaspar Noê is not n00b to making shocking and controversial films like I Stand Alone, Irreversible, Enter the Void, and now, Love. Noê has stated that Love will make girls cry and give boys hard-ons and he may be right! Although the trailer shows graphic sex scenes, it is paired well with a melodic and sweet tone that shows that the story is just as much emotional as it is physical. It's essentially a love story that celebrates sex in a joyous way as it should and in 3D! There will be definitely people grabbing at the screens for this one! And I don't expect anyone to tackle this subject better than Noê can! The film debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May where Indiewire claimed that it was some of the "most hardcore onscreen sex ever screened at the festival!" Alchemy is distributing the film but has not set a release date! Hurry up, people!

French Canadian auteur Denis Villeneuve made his U.S. debut with Prisoners (see review) and then Enemy (see teaser) back to back in 2013! And now, he is coming out with Sicario starring Emily Blunt as Kate, a FBI agent who is enlisted by an elite government task force office to assist in the escalating war against drugs. The film premiere at this year's Cannes Film Festival where it was competing for the Palme d'Or. Villeneuve revealed that screenwriter Taylor Sheridan had been asked to change the gender of the lead role which is played by Blunt. Good thing they didn't because especially with a female in the forefront, it's so interesting to see a character as complex as Kate to give more texture and layers to a story as dense as this one.

Starring alongside Blunt is Hollywood powerhouses Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin. The trailer doesn't give much away but you can bet that it's going to put Blunt in the hot seat that will really propel her to give one of her best performances yet. I already hear oscar noms ringing! Cinematography is done by Roger Deakins who Villeneuve has collaborated with before in Prisoners so you already know it's going to look gorgeous! Ya'll know I have a soft spot for Villeneuve as I've done one of my Director Series on him where I list in order my favorite to least favorite film of his! Definitely watch it before this film comes out so you can be well versed in his filmography! Sicario comes out September 18th!

Motherfucker is the fourth short of the Takeaway Scenes series where it is made by Anonymous, a group of anonymous people who must follow strict guidelines (listed here), one of them being that they all need to be shot in one take. I love the concept and the ego-less of the whole project as literally no cast & crew gets credited in this series. Adapted from the play, The Motherfucker With The Hat by Stephen Adly Guirgis, Motherfucker follows a moment between lovers Veronica and Jackie after Jackie tells her that he got a job today. With most of these shorts, the story relies heavily on the actors as they have to carry the story on their shoulder but Veronica and Jackie succeeds effortlessly with their explosive energy and chemistry with one another. These Anonymous collaboration has the right idea about filmmaking that truly strips down the form to its bare bones that allows experimentation and story to be the main focus. I can't wait to see what they do next!

I have a weak spot for Noah Baumbach, always have & always will. Since he started collaborating with Greta Gerwig, his films undoubtedly has a more feminine touch which is always greatly appreciated and needed in this male-dominated landscape of cinema! Co-written and starring Gerwig, Mistress America follows Brooke, an adventurous, YOLO-type, New York transplant, who brightens the life of her soon-to-be step sister Tracy (Lola Kirke), a lonely college freshman. I always fear that Baumbach will turn into a Woody-Allenish type that incessantly self-indulges in their own petty, white, upper-class problems. But Baumbach has proved time and time again that even though his films are mostly about white people, his vision and stories transcends representation and continues to be inventive, witty, and undeniably charming enough that I keep coming back for more!

The trailer itself doesn't particularly make me want to watch the film but that's what I said about Frances Ha but I fell so madly in love with it! I'm hearing through the grapevines that Mistress America is unlike any of Baumbach's previous films and it is quite more humorous and playful than anything they've seen from him! That statement alone makes me more excited to watch it than this lackluster trailer did! And good thing Sundance's LA-based NEXT FEST is going to screen it with a special performance by Sky Ferreira! SwOoOoOn! I'll definitely keep you guys posted about the event! Mistress America comes out August 14th!

Badass Femmes is a bi-weekly column that I write on Crome Yellow about all the Badass Females in pop culture that has shaped my life.

Lesbians in film usually fall into common stereotypes feeding male fantasy. There are rarely any on-screen depictions with women naturally drawn to the same gender and not merely “experimenting.” I’d always wondered if going to college was suddenly going to awaken my desire to fall into this same stereotype, and how genuine it would be. To me, sexual preference never seemed like a concrete decision but more like fluctuating wave, something to be reevaluated as life’s ebb and flow took over. But I’m A Cheerleader’s Megan however, played by Natasha Lyonne, breaks the mold in queer representation, being a refreshing example of a teenage girl unconsciously attracted to women without knowing it. She’s also a girl who does what she wants and sticks to her guns.

Continue reading on Crome Yellow...

I normally don't do trailer reactions for horror films because I'm easily frightened by anything but when I heard that Guillermo del Toro was coming out with a new film, I knew I had to see what it was all about. And it's just my luck that Crimson Peak entails a ghost story which is my least favorite sub-genre within the horror genre! But with Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, and Charlie Hunnam taking the lead, no doubt will the film but thrilling in not only the content but the performances! A young author Edith Cushing (Wasikowska) discovers that her charming new husband Sir Thomas Sharpe (Hiddleston) is not who he appears to be! Oh, that bastard! Seems like it will be mysterious and jarring enough especially with all the visual effects and dark storyline. Crimson Peak comes out October 16 just in time for Halloween!

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