“Screamboat” is bloody & badly acted low budget fun
Director Steven LaMorte takes advantage of copyright expiring for an iconic character in his latest film, “Screamboat” from Sleight of Hands Productions. LaMorte pens the screenplay with Matthew Garcia-Dunn. Opening with a traditional slasher film kill, “Screamboat” introduces us to Selena (Allison Pittel), a tour guide from the Gopher state who has moved to the Big Apple to chase her fashion designer dreams.
“Your Friends & Neighbors” explores the dark side of trying to keep up with Joneses
After being fired in disgrace and still dealing with a messy divorce from his wife Mel (Amanda Peet), who cheated on him with his former best friend Nick Brandes (Mark Tallman), hedge fund manager Andrew Cooper (Hamm) resorts to stealing from his neighbors’ homes in the affluent Westmont Village, only to discover that the secrets hidden behind the wealthy facades might be more dangerous.
Second Listen Sunday: Amyth, The World Is Ours
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to travel back to 1999 and show some love to R&B group Amyth, which was initially signed to LL Cool J Rock the Bells Records. Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the group was formed in 1995 while the members were students at Southern University.
Slow Jam Saturday : Keith Martin, Never Find Someone Like You
As the weather warms up, I wanted to take a trip back to 1995 for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday and pay tribute to the late Keith Martin and his elegant ballad “Never Find Someone Like You.” The song initially appeared on the spring box office hit “Bad Boys” soundtrack and was written by Danny Sembello and Marty Sharron.
“The Friend” wisely avoids the typical pooch movie tropes
Typically, films resort to standard emotional triggers and endearing canine imagery, resulting in predictable tear-jerking experiences. However, “The Friend” successfully transcends these genre clichés, presenting a far more nuanced and rewarding narrative than merely depicting a woman’s life named Iris (portrayed by Naomi Watts) following her encounter with a dog.
“Freaky Tales” is a wild ride through Oakland
For their new Lionsgate film “Freaky Tales,” directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck revisit the 1980s. This visually stunning and narratively bold anthology immerses its viewers in the frenzied depths of 1987 Oakland through four linked crime and music stories of chaos. The pulsating soundtrack and the profound respect for the era’s cultural fabric make “Freaky Tales” an electrifying journey through unpredictable storytelling.
Second Listen Sunday: Stevie Wonder, “Characters”
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to revisit 1987 and highlight the incomparable Stevie Wonder’s twenty-first album, Characters. Released on November 6, 1987, the album features Mr. Wonder navigating topics such as love, politics, and spirituality with the passion that fans have come to know and love.
Slow Jam Saturday : Omarion, “I’m Tryna”
Twenty years ago, in the spring of 2005, R&B was in a good place. Usher had released what is arguably his magnum opus a year prior, rumors were rampant that Oscar winner Jamie Foxx was going to sign with J. Records, Mario was still basking in the success of his hit “Let Me Love You,” and former B2K frontman Omarion (this week’s Slow Jam Saturday artist) had just dropped his solo debut, O.
“Warfare” is one of the most gripping and realistic military films ever made
Iraq War Veteran Ray Mendoza reunites with director Alex Garland for another war film, Warfare, from A24. Mendoza and Garland also co-wrote the movie based on Mendoza’s experiences during the Iraq War as a former U.S. Navy SEAL. Set in 2006 and shot in real-time, Warfare follows a platoon of Navy SEALs on a mission through the insurgent territory.
“Bob Trevino Likes It” explores the power of friendship
Director Tracie Laymon examines the significance of friendship in her latest film, Bob Trevino Likes It, produced by Roadside Attractions. Laymon also authored the screenplay, which draws inspiration from a genuine friendship she cultivated with a stranger while conducting an online search for her father.
“Death of a Unicorn” is a fun take on the mystical creatures
Director Alex Scharfman delivers a unique film for his debut in Death of a Unicorn from A24. Elliot (Paul Ridd) is a lawyer headed to a weekend retreat looking to close a big deal for his billionaire bosses Odell (Richard E. Grant) and Belinda (Téa Leoni). Along for the ride is his college-aged daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega), with whom he’s looking to reconnect following the death of their matriarch and before she leaves for college.
“The Studio” is a witty take on the madhouse of Hollywood
Seth Rogen continues his successful relationship with Apple TV in his latest comedic series, “The Studio.” Rogen and his longtime collaborator, Evan Goldberg, direct all ten episodes and write three. Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez write the remaining episodes.