One Small Step film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Holt Boggs, Reese Arrington directed by Zachary Purcell. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS One Small Step Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Oct 18, 2021 Directed by: Zachary Purcell Written by: Zachary Purcell Starring: Holt Boggs, Reese Arrington A sci-fi thriller that involves the ability to manipulate time. This interesting short begins with a man named Collins (Boggs) recording himself leaving a message to his family, informing them that he has made an outstanding discovery, which is how to control time. Fast forward three years later and Collins along with an associate (Arrington) arrive at the house of a couple who are to be assassinated. Time has been frozen and the couple are both standing still, like statues. Everything is motionless, apart from the two men. The organisation that send the two of them there has stopped time so that the targets can be eliminated without complications. At first, everything seems to be going according to plan, however things eventually spiral out of control. There is plenty of tension and drama in this story, whose main focus is the effects that this time-influencing discovery has on Collins and his family. Collins comes across as a sensitive, well-meaning person, who cares deeply about his loved ones. On the other hand, his associate is ruthless and does not hesitate to take lives and even jokes as he carries out his sinister mission. The two protagonists have conflicting personalities and Collins is concerned that the company he works for plans to harm his family. Murders take place, there is arguing, betrayal and a desperate race against time. There are also emotional scenes as the audience learns how much Collins wants his family to be safe. Both Boggs and Arrington deliver great performances and the music is a strong feature here. Nick Shadel and Aaron Benson developed a score that is tense and sentimental and also includes electronic music. This short film is quite a ride. It follows a man's struggles to protect his family and it deals with time travelling, which is often an intriguing subject. The script is well written and contains interesting characters. This is an achievement that deserves recognition. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Master film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Regina Hall, Zoe Renee, Amber Gray directed by Mariama Diallo. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Master Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Mar 16, 2022 Directed by: Mariama Diallo Written by: Mariama Diallo Starring: Regina Hall, Zoe Renee, Amber Gray Filmmaker Mariama Diallo’s episodic and short film work has explored — in comedic and dramatic form — the impact of living within a culture of micro- and not-so-micro-aggression. Her feature debut Master dives deeper, taking themes in more horrific directions. Regina Hall plays Gail Bishop, the first Black residence hall “master” in the long and storied history of New England’s Ancaster College. In her first year on campus, she’ll meet another newcomer, freshman Jasmine (Zoe Renee), the only Black student in her dorm. Jasmine has the bad luck of being assigned to the dorm’s spookiest room, where a student haunted by campus’s legendary witch once killed herself. As freshman year progresses, both Jasmine and Gail begin seeing menace around every corner. Diallo sets up shop at the intersection of racism and misogyny. While her story tells of a history of racism that’s clearly alive and well, the filmmaker’s comment on institutional and historical contempt for women is more sly but ever-present. The result for this particular position in the crosshairs is a palpable, inescapable sense of loneliness. If there’s one thing Master communicates it’s the isolation and aloneness both Gail and Jasmine face at this institution and, more broadly, in this world. The effect is poignant and sincerely scary. It’s always great to see Hall at the center of a film. The veteran has provided reliable support, both comedic and dramatic, in films for ages. Her frustrating but sympathetic lead offers the perfect balance to Renee’s vulnerability. Amber Grey’s turn as confidant Liv Beckman is superbly brittle and narcissistic. Likewise, a sea of white faces (Talia Balsam, Will Hochman, Bruce Altman, D.C. Anderson) hit varying degrees of condescension and hostility to create a drowning pool with little chance of escape. Diallo struggles at times balancing allegory and horror story. On occasion, genre tropes become too obvious. At other times, the obviousness of political points overtakes cinematic narrative. But the underlying horror of reality ably depicted by Hall and a game cast make sure these minor issues remain minor. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release, Amazon Prime < All Reviews Next Film Review >

I Love My Dad film review by UK film critic Brandon Thomas. Starring James Morosini, Patton Oswalt, Claudia Sulewski directed by James Morosini. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS I Love My Dad Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Brandon Thomas | Posted on: Aug 2, 2022 Directed by: James Morosini Written by: James Morosini Starring: James Morosini, Patton Oswalt, Claudia Sulewski We live in an era where cringe-comedy reigns supreme. From HBO’s Eastbound and Down to the American remake of The Office (so many cringe-inducing episodes), modern comedy seems hellbent on making us uncomfortable. While these two examples and many others only tend to dabble in discomfort, the new film I Love My Dad uses it to full effect while going places many movies could only dream of. Chuck (Patton Oswalt of Ratatouille and Young Adult ) has a terrible relationship with his son, Franklin (I Love My Dad writer/director James Morosini). Chuck was an absentee father who missed birthdays, made empty promises, and disappointed his son every chance he could. After Franklin blocks his dad on social media and won’t take his calls, Chuck decides to “borrow” the online identity of Becca, a waitress at a local diner, to catfish his way back into his son’s life. The premise of I Love My Dad is enough to make most people go, “Wait, what?” The execution though? Well, that’s something even more anxiety-riddled. Morosini knows exactly what he’s doing with this subject matter and carries it out through the entire running time. I Love My Dad is like a cinematic car accident you can’t help looking at as you drive by. However, in this case, the car accident is a very well-made movie. Morosini cleverly brings to life the text conversations between Franklin and “Becca” by using the real actress (Claudia Sulewski) to act them out alongside him. It’s an impressive way to show how connected Franklin feels toward Becca and only helps ratchet up the tension. By the time the inevitable truth is revealed, even the audience feels invested in this fraudulent relationship that Chuck has conjured between him and his son. So much of the success of I Love My Dad hinges on the casting of Chuck. Make no mistake, Chuck is a scumbag of the highest order, but having someone as likable as Patton Oswalt play him sets up certain expectations. Even as Chuck digs himself deeper and deeper, it’s difficult to completely root against him. Oswalt’s naturally affable demeanor is hard to get past even when the character he’s playing is so deplorable. It’s perfect casting that makes you think, “Well if HE’S the bad guy, what else can happen?” The supporting cast is peppered with some fun faces. Lil Rel Howery (Get Out ) shows up as Chuck’s work friend who gives him the catfishing idea. And the always-on-fire Rachel Dratch (Saturday Night Live ) nearly walks away with the entire movie as Chuck’s very horny girlfriend. I Love My Dad explores some dark and taboo territory but still manages to wring out a lot of laughs along the way. Maybe don’t watch it with your parents, though. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Brandon Thomas Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Rumperbutts film review by UK film critic Matt Weiner. Starring Vanessa Ray, Josh Brener directed by Marc Brener. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Rumperbutts Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Matt Weiner | Posted on: Nov 18, 2021 Directed by: Marc Brener Written by: Marc Brener Starring: Vanessa Ray, Josh Brener It’s life imitating art for Rumperbutts , a musical comedy about a husband-wife indie band who have grown to hate their lucrative but creatively unfulfilling second act as a children’s entertainment group. Magical intervention grants the duo another chance at the music career and life they always wanted together. Rumperbutts , written and directed by Marc Brener, is getting a second chance of its own on digital after a brief release in 2015. Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, real-life married couple behind Mates of State, star as the fictional Rumperbutts, Bonnie and Jack. The band also wrote the songs and music for the movie. After a delirious opening performance reflecting to an audience of children where their career and marriage went off the rails, Bonnie and Jack receive a visit from Richie (Josh Brener). Part muse and part fairy godfather, Richie helps free the couple from their Rumperbutts job and sets them on the path to making music again. Why they couldn’t do both—or why it even matters when the Rumperbutts songs sound the same as their non-corporate songs—is the sort of logical leap we’re just supposed to accept, but it’s tough to ignore as the central premise. There’s a sweet core to the film, propped up by the band’s infectious pop and chemistry together. The flashbacks that slowly reveal Bonnie and Jack falling in and out of love stand well enough on their own without the magical framing to muddy the plot. But those flashbacks also bring up their own tantalizing regrets. Mainly, what could the movie have been without trying to force together Once and A Christmas Carol into the same concept? Rumperbutts is the ideal vehicle for its pop songs. The winsome earworms don’t go very deep, but just try and get through the movie without nodding along. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Matt Weiner Digital / DVD Release, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

My Old Ass film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza directed by Megan Park. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS My Old Ass Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Sep 26, 2024 Directed by: Megan Park Written by: Megan Park Starring: Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza If the assignment was to write a letter to your younger self, keeping in mind the painful mistakes you’d like to erase while illustrating John Lennon’s classic line “life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans” and peppering in some R-rated laughs, then writer/director Megan Park absolutely aced it. My Old Ass is all of that and more, a smart, funny and surprisingly emotional comedic fantasy that ranks with the best coming-of-age films of the last several years. In a breakout big screen debut, Maisy Stella (from TV’s Nashville ) is completely captivating as Elliot, a restless just-turned-18-year-old more than ready to leave her family’s cranberry farm in rural Canada for the University of Toronto in just 22 days. But after a wild and hazy birthday party with her besties, Elliot gets an unexpected visit from an old new friend: her 39 year-old self (Aubrey Plaza). It takes some unique convincing, but eventually Elliot has questions…and some weird requests. Her old ass has answers, thoughtful advice and one stern warning. “Avoid. Anyone. Named. Chad.” “Chad?” Enter Chad (Percy Hynes White). Three years removed from her standout filmmaking debut The Fallout , Park lightens the mood via a charmingly fantastical premise, but keeps the film grounded with a refreshing and authentic voice. There’s so much honesty here about appreciating the journey to finding yourself, and it’s all perfectly fleshed out by the contrast of Plaza’s jaded deadpans and Stella’s enthusiastic naiveté. Yes, life is about having the courage to make mistakes and find out what and who you really want, but it still wouldn’t hurt to be a little nicer to your brother. One day you’ll appreciate the memory. Not one moment of either performance feels false, a testament to Stella, Plaza and to the strength of Park’s script and directing vision. While none of the sentiments here may be new or even especially profound, give in to the slightly Twilight Zone setup and the way My Old Ass delivers its life lessons might just knock you on yours. And bring tissues. You’ll need them for more than just cushion when you land. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Dustlight film review by UK film critic Chris Buick. Starring Youlika Skafida, Evangelia Adreadaki directed by Chryssanthi Kouri. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Dustlight Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Chris Buick | Posted on: Mar 27, 2024 Directed by: Chryssanthi Kouri Written by: Chryssanthi Kouri Starring: Youlika Skafida, Evangelia Adreadaki Greek short drama Dustlight from writer/director Chryssanthi Kouri tells the story of Matina (Skafida), who arrives at the family summer house following the passing of her late mother to reflect and clear out her things while also attempting to come to terms with her immense loss and grief. Dustlight is a subtle film that respectfully focuses on the almost palpable heavy emotion of loss rather than trying to create any high drama from it. For some, the film might feel a little subdued and lingering, but by making that narrative choice, Kouri has given real authenticity and respect to not just a very touching story, but to a very universal part of the human experience. When we meet Matina her life is at something of a crossroads, suggestions of a stalled career and perhaps a failed past relationship are the only very subtle hints given as to who Matina is. But here, who she is as a person isn’t really relevant in the grand scheme of things, Kouri is more interested in showing what grief can do to all of us, regardless of anything else, which in turns makes for a highly commendable film that bravely does well to maintain its resolve in telling the story it wants to tell the way it wants to tell it. Kouri has a clear adroitness not just for emotive but also visual storytelling. There are a lot of powerful, well placed visual metaphors at play here, where all throughout the film but especially in the film’s opening and closing sequences (where light is seen to be piercing the literal darkness) the film’s clever use of light and dark speaks to a greater overall message of finding hope in despair. And in between those two endpoints which mirror each other brilliantly, through both Kouri’s skilful writing and a very controlled and emotive performance from Skafida, we are invited to follow Matina on her touching journey through each stage of grief along the way. And these well-crafted in-between moments are all part of what, at the end of it all, makes us fully feel the emotion and connection to Kouri’s story that we need to for it all to work. Matina is initially lacking in any real motivation to face the situation at all, instead opting to lie around the house in a general sense of apathy to everyone and everything, until the film begins to move on from that denial phase through towards acceptance, giving appropriate time and respect to the rest of the process along the way. Particular highlights that really exemplify this include a scene where Matina upon looking through her mother’s clothes, finds herself overtaken by the need to smell them all in one last desperate attempt to remember her, her grief finally becoming fully realised in that moment and subsequently released before finally embracing acceptance, a brilliantly poignant moment that because of how well the film does in the build-up to that moment, we feel in spades. Dustlight is a simple but elegantly told, universally understood story that many will enjoy and many more will find comfort in. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Chris Buick Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

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Shortcomings film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola directed by Randall Park. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Shortcomings Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Aug 1, 2023 Directed by: Randall Park Written by: Adrian Tomine Starring: Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola Shortcomings , the feature directorial debut from Randall Park, wants to know what you thought about Crazy Rich Asians. Did you celebrate it as a massive commercial and critical success that centered in every respect on Asians? Did you see it as a much-needed splash of representation? Or were you unable to see past its mediocre, formulaic fairy tale “money actually does fix everything” themes? Or could you just be happy that, although it was not a very good film, its massive success opened up opportunities that did not exist before for Asian artists? Ben (Justin H. Min, After Yang ) is the second (hated it). No surprise, Ben hates everything because Ben is an asshole. He offers withering opinions of everyone and everything, so his girlfriend Miko (Ally Maki) isn’t surprised when he decides not to accompany her to New York for her internship. Actually, she didn’t invite him. Park’s film, based on Adrian Tomine’s insightful adaptation of his own graphic novel, does the extraordinary – thanks in large part to Min’s spectacular lead performance. They center 90 minutes of our lives around a thoroughly unlikeable protagonist and make us enjoy it. Min haunted the liltingly lovely After Yang with a devastatingly tender performance. Ben is not Yang, and Min proves nimble with a character who has so little to offer and yet manages to compel interest throughout the tale, though he extends little energy to do it. A spot-on ensemble helps him out, perhaps because Min reveals Ben so thoughtfully through his interactions with these characters, and partly because the minor characters are so intriguing. Sherry Cola, hot off her hilarious turn in Joy Ride , is Alice, Ben’s equally acerbic best friend. Tavi Gevinson is inspired as the starving artist pixie Autumn adored by Ben and all the employees at the crumbling movie theater he manages. Sonoya Mizuno (Ex-Machina ) and Debby Ryan also pop in for a few scenes of excellent work, while Jacob Batalon (Pete’s best friend in the new Spider –Man movies) gets to make a funny line about Spider-Man while Timothy Simons is a stitch as Miko’s new beau. It’s smart humor, one that recognizes the defensiveness and fear at the heart of Ben’s disdain for anything that swings for the fences, and for anyone who puts themselves in the vulnerable position to try and fail. And without succumbing to schmaltz in any measure, Shortcomings asks whether Ben – whether any of us cynics – can just move from Crazy Rich Asians viewer #2 to #3. Not because it was good, but because it opened the door for Shortcomings. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Hairy film review by UK film critic William Hemingway. Starring Matt John-Hemmings, Erika Sviderskyte, Ryan Elliot directed by John Ferrer. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Hairy Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: Aug 19, 2022 Directed by: John Ferrer Written by: Harry Metcalfe Starring: Matt John-Hemmings, Erika Sviderskyte, Ryan Elliot You know what it's like – you look through the profiles on the app, find someone you like, you swipe right, meet up, have a good time and then you get invited in for a cup of coffee – then comes the bombshell that you've been waiting for all evening: her flatmate's a werewolf. David (John-Hemmings) is facing this exact predicament as he lingers on the doorstep of his new date Jess' (Sviderskyte) house. Naturally, he's not taking this rather vital information very seriously as he considers making the obvious biting jokes and the obligatory growling noises. Once inside the date starts to heat up and David and Jess are having a great time until David needs to head back downstairs to use the loo. His earlier nonchalance and refusal to heed warnings, however, has meant that Gary (Elliot), the flatmate/werewolf has escaped his room and is out on the prowl. What follows is a great mix of horror and comedy as David and Jess work together to rein Gary back in and get him safely back into his room before he can do any damage to them or anyone else. Writer, Harry Metcalfe keeps things sharp and funny as the cute couple formulate plans and strengthen their relationship while director, John Ferrer handles the horror brilliantly, keeping the beast in the shadows until he is ready to be properly revealed. The entire production of Hairy is a blast from start to finish. Right from the off the audience is rooting for this kooky couple and both main actors encapsulate the fun, adventurous nature of each of their characters wonderfully. Everything, from the cinematography, to the sound recording, to the editing, to the music and the end credits screams fun to the viewer and it's hard not to have a stupid wide grin on your face as you watch the antics play out on screen. Which is not to say that Hairy isn't scary when it needs to be, with the werewolf standing up to scrutiny even in the close-up shots. For eleven joyous minutes Hairy takes you on a wild ride that you're sure to want to go back to again and again. It's obvious just how much love went into the film and how much heart was put into getting everything just right. There is almost not a single misstep in the whole production save for maybe a slightly lengthy tug-of-war towards the end and a mildly laboured Stalin joke but even these can be overlooked as they fit in so well with the whole experience. Hairy is one of those rare beasts, a film that grabs you from the start and doesn't let go. To paraphrase a conversation from the beginning of the film – If it's a choice between the Hairy beast and the smooth shaven Prince – go for the beast every time. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic William Hemingway Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Respect film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker directed by Liesl Tommy. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Respect Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Aug 13, 2021 Directed by: Liesl Tommy Written by: Tracey Scott Wilson, Callie Khouri Starring: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker As cliched and formulaic as music biopics can get, they’ve always got a Get Out of Jail Free Card: the hits. They can turn a stale, overly safe narrative like Bohemian Rhapsody into an Oscar contender, and elevate a joyous risk-taker such as Rocketman into another exhilarating dimension. Respect certainly has some legendary music on its side, but the sublime cast and intimate perspective are plenty valuable as well. Is Aretha’s the single greatest voice popular music has ever known? She’s certainly in the team picture, which means Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson has a tough gig in bringing Ms. Franklin to life with more humanity than impersonation. She’s fantastic. A powerhouse vocalist herself, Hudson alters her phrasing only slightly, wisely channeling the breadth of Franklin’s gift over an unnecessary impersonation. But make no mistake, when Hudson starts digging into the Queen’s songbook, there will be goosebumps. Director Liesl Tommy and screenwriter Tracey Scott Wilson – both TV vets making their jump to the big screen – seem cognizant of the tired formula so brilliantly skewered nearly fifteen years ago by Walk Hard . They keep Respect focused on a twenty year period from ’52 to ’72, and the personal struggles that saw Aretha take control of her life and her music. Aretha battles to step out from the shadow of her father Rev. C.L. Franklin (Fo rest Whitaker), her husband/manager Ted White (Marlon Wayans) and record exec Jerry Wexler (Marc Maron), and Respect gives her story the feminist propers it deserves. Tommy keeps the grandness on the stage and in the studio, opting for an understated tone to the human drama that – one or two hiccups aside – gives it depth. The finale takes us to Aretha’s live recording session for her landmark gospel album, and the film ends as both a celebration of a legend and an invitation to visit (or re-visit) the transcendent experience that is the 2018 documentary Amazing Grace . Respect . Sock it to you. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Borrowed Time film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Olivia Donati Clarke, Helena Antonio, Suzanna Hamilton, Victoria Geppetti directed by Ginevra Gentili. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Borrowed Time Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Mar 15, 2022 Directed by: Ginevra Gentili Written by: Ginevra Gentili Starring: Olivia Donati Clarke, Helena Antonio, Suzanna Hamilton, Victoria Geppetti A woman and her daughter pay a visit to an ill and elderly relative. A young girl named Olivia (Clarke) arrives by train to the station where she meets her mother (Antonio), who will drive her to her grandparents. After some rather heavy drama during their journey through the countryside, they finally reach the house, where her grandfather is in bed, severely ill and unable to move or communicate. This short is a drama that is very heavy on emotions. Things begin with a minor argument, quickly moving on to a life-threatening event. After that, there is solace and then unbearable drama. The story has a great deal of sad events, including verbal confrontations, harsh words, a terrible accident, people crying and death. It is a painful experience, and at the same time it is beautiful, with moving moments of tenderness and support. It shows that sometimes life can be very hard and that with inner strength and the help of others, one can get through it all. The acting is superb. As the lead character, Clarke is emotional as a troubled teenager who is attached to her notebook and has an unstable relationship with her mother. Although she has her issues, deep down she is a caring individual. Antonio is equally great as her mother and the rest of the cast do a magnificent job. Director of photography Jackie Teboul develops wonderful cinematography and composer Kirsten Price creates beautiful piano music and the song Home by Christian Reindl, Lloren and Lucie Paradis closes the film effectively. Based on a true story, short is quite an emotional ride and it revolves around a young person and how she deals with harsh circumstances. The strong performances, dramatic sreenplay and powerful score make this achievement worthy of praise and recognition. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Jeon Jong-seo, Kate Hudson, Craig Robinson directed by Ana Lily Amirpour. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Sep 27, 2022 Directed by: Ana Lily Amirpour Written by: Ana Lily Amirpour Starring: Jeon Jong-seo, Kate Hudson, Craig Robinson In 2014, filmmaker Ana Lily Amirpour made her magnificence known with the lonesome, hip, bloody black and white treasure A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night . She followed that up in 2016 with the heady dystopian nightmare The Bad Batch . Both films busy themselves with the survival and camaraderie of outcasts. They have this in common with Amirpour’s latest, Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon . On the surface, it may appear that the vampire fable, post-apocalyptic yarn and Big Easy thriller lack any other unifying thread. Untrue. Each is about a singular female making surprising choices across an imaginative – if sometimes bloody – adventure. Though eventually awash in NOLA neon, Blood Moon ’s opening glides hypnotically through bayou waters, the night sky reflected so perfectly in the water you can’t tell up from down. Jeon Jong-seo (Burning ) is Mona Lisa Lee. For at least a decade she’s been nonresponsive in a facility for adolescents. (Is that so? Why the straight jacket, then?) But on this very night, as the moon rises red and round over the bayou, Mona taps into a strange power and the first of many flavors emerge in this strange gumbo. It appears we’ve stumbled into the origin story of some superhero – or super villain? Whichever, don’t get too comfortable because soon enough Amirpour’s aesthetic weaves together influences and notions from a broad and colorful menu. The next thing you know, you’re witnessing a side of Kate Hudson you wish more filmmakers had unveiled. Mona stumbles upon the Bourbon Street stripper in a late-night hamburger joint. One quick look at Mona’s talent and Bonnie Belle has dollar signs in her eyes. It’s a performance so brash and human that it grounds an otherwise fantasy tale in the stinky glitter of New Orleans. A welcome Craig Robinson gives the film the feel of a noir-ish mystery, while the delightful Ed Skrein steals scenes and hearts as dealer/dj Fuzz. Once Mona befriends Bonnie’s latchkey son (Evan Whitten), sentimentality becomes a worry. No need! Amirpour offsets every sweet moment with a surprise of brutality, every bloodletting with a bit of tenderness, all of it bathed in neon and EDM. It’s a dizzying mix, but that makes three for three for this filmmaker. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >