[image] haunt

By Kimberly Swetland

Horror/Mystery – Rated: R

Horror fans, this film is from 2019, but in case you missed it, it is now streaming on Amazon Prime. This film had a limited release in the US after it’s premier.

On Halloween, a group of friends encounter an extreme haunted house that promises to feed on their darkest fears. The night turns deadly as they come to the horrifying realization that some nightmares are real. Haunt is an American slasher film written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The film stars Katie Stevens, Will Brittain, and Lauryn McClain.

[image] haunt2

The movie starts off somewhat slow and predictable, but it builds in intensity as it goes along. Some aspects of the film are predictable tropes of the horror genre but the film still delivers a nice twist, though the scenes leading up to that could have been a little more ominous and further developed. You don’t really get too much backstory on the characters before their adventure begins, but that’s typical of most slasher films. Outside of Katie Stevens’ character Harper, there really isn’t much of a story line for each character. That aside, the haunted house and masked characters within bring enough of a fresh-take on old tropes. If you’re into slashers with some minor gore, this is one haunt you will enjoy going on.

Rating: 🍿🍿🍿🍿 (4/5)

[image] bridgerton1

By Kimberly Swetland

Genre: Regency-era Romance / TV-MA

Dearest Reader,

If you’re on Season 3 of Bridgerton you probably don’t need a show review to tell you it’s available and you need to go binge as soon as you can. Netflix dropped Part 1 of Season 3 onto it’s platform, which included 4 episodes of the much awaited return after a two year gap. Netflix has been utilizing this two-part release strategy for most of its biggest shows such as Stranger Things and The Witcher.

Some speculate that Netflix’s move to release more shows in two parts is a supply problem after the Hollywood strikes and COVID-19. There isn’t a lot of content banked downstream anymore, with the platform producing more hand-to-mouth than ever, so the two-part release of major shows can help to fill gaps in the platforms schedule even though it is releasing 5-10 new original titles every week.

This move to release in two parts can be seen as more of a strategy as streaming services play around with different models such as binge, weekly drops, and split seasons. The split seasons usually sit between two financial quarters and work best for established shows with dedicated audiences. This must be working for the platform’s viewership if they continue utilizing it for bigger show releases.

There are 8 episodes in total planned for this season of Bridgerton. The show is adopted from the bestselling book series by Julia Quinn, entitled Bridgerton. Season three is an adaptation of the bestselling novel, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, the 4th book in the Bridgerton series, skipping over Benedict’s story in book 3, An Offer from A Gentleman. Jess Brownell told Entertainment Weekly that they decided to skip Benedict’s story in favor of Colin. They simply wanted to give Benedict more to do in the background of the show before having him commit to marriage. The Showrunners opted for The Book 4 romance between Colin and Pen as their season 3 choice after releasing Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton story last May, which takes place between season 2 and season 3.

[image] bridgerton2

For those who are not yet watching the show, it is set in the early 1800s and follows the scandals and triumphs of different noble families as young nobles make their way onto the marriage market. The world that Bridgerton exists in is “fiction inspired by fact” and a re-imagining of the Great Experiment, which didn’t happen in England, of what a world could look like if society embraced differences in diversity.

In season three, Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton return as Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. The storyline focuses on Penelope's quest for a husband to free herself from family, while Colin, newly returned from Paris, uses his newfound swagger to charm his way into the hearts of several debutantes. Following a plea for help, Colin decides to help Penelope in her pursuit of finding a husband.

Season 3 introduces several new characters who work their way into the ever-evolving storyline. I will not spoil the introductions as this is part of the fun of the show, but Hannah Dodd takes on the role of Francesca Bridgerton as Ruby Stokes left the show to go onto other projects, as her character takes on a larger focus as she steps out for her first season of marriageability.

Without giving too many spoilers here, I will say that the show saves a lot of the real drama for Part 2, and a lot more revealing moments between Colin and Pen, which is set to drop on Netflix on June 13.

The way in which Colin and Pen’s romance begins to unfold on screen in Season 3 does not feel as tightly written as other romantic plots nor do her antics in attempting to find a suitor, but with the shuffling around of so many characters I feel like that was one weak point in the story, at least for me. The show writers always manage to do well on character depth and variation which gives plenty of leverage to conceal anything lacking. The grand displays of Bridgerton fashion and whimsical historic settings also do much to uphold the series, and let’s not forget the classical lineup of Bridgerton’s pop music covers. There is still enough drama in Part 1 to appease fans of the show, this one feels like a climber, and most of the deeper-cutting and more suspenseful scenes are hopefully stashed away in Part 2.

Rating: 🍿🍿🍿🍿 (4/5)

By Elizabeth Mulloy

Chasing Time // Directed by Sarah Keo and Jeff Orlowski-Yang

[image] chasing time

After bringing some of the first and most striking visual evidence of our changing planet to the fore through the groundbreaking study of melting glaciers, photographer James Balog returns to Iceland to close the last chapter of his life’s work.

Chasing Time sadly feels like another climate change documentary where climate activists scream how we must stop climate change but propose no solutions as to how. It is a personal pet-peeve I have with these documentaries and sadly this peeve plagued my viewing of Chasing Time. The film's gorgeous cinematography and important message about climate change and age sadly can’t save this shallow documentary. If you are going to make a documentary about climate change and scream about how it needs to be stopped at least take the time to educate the audience on how it can be reversed. Don’t just scream at the clouds like this documentary does.

My Rating: C

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Love Machina // Directed by Peter Sillen

[image] love machina

Futurists Martine and Bina Rothblatt commission an advanced humanoid AI named Bina48 to transfer Bina’s consciousness from a human to a robot in an attempt to continue their once-in-a-galaxy love affair for the rest of time.

Love Machina is unintentionally one of the most disturbing documentaries I have seen in my life. It feels like a brainwashing video that cults will show to recruit new members. Love Machina follows two bored billionaires trying to achieve immortality by creating an AI version of themselves. Yes, you read that correctly, and trust me it gets worse. The two subjects have the most blatantly obvious fake-nice personalities you can imagine and make for an incredibly painful viewing experience as the two constantly express their profound love for one another and their quest to achieve immortality, whether through AI or cryogenics. This is unintentionally unsettling and disturbing. It felt like I was watching a horror movie.

If the documentary had focused on the computer wizards behind Bina48, it would have been somewhat interesting, albeit creepy. But sadly, this documentary focuses on the billionaires funding the project and their personal lives, rather than the tech bros making it happen. So please skip this documentary and save yourself from the pain of it.

My Rating: D

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Rainier: A Beer Odyssey // Directed by Isaac Olsen

[image] Rainier

Crack open a cold one with the epic story of Rainier Beer and the world-famous 1970s advertising campaign—designed by a small, up-and-coming agency with everything to prove—that put the Seattle-based brewing company on the map.

As someone who did not grow up in the Pacific Northwest, I did not know a single thing about Rainier Beer. Within moments of my arrival, I was plastered with advertisements about the brewer, from its funny and unique commercials to the iconic red R on every street, it is hard not to see the importance of this beer in the Pacific Northwest. Even though the beer is like every other fast-food beer like Budweiser and Bud Light, its unique marketing campaign back in the 1970s through the 1990s made it an iconic staple of the region.

Rainier: A Beer Odyssey is not about the beer but about the team behind the perfect marketing campaign. Within the opening minutes, the documentary highlights the ingenuities of these short-film advertisements. From the creative team behind them to the absurdity of them, it is hard not to acknowledge the profound impact these advertisements had on the region. If you are from the PNW, this documentary is essential.

My Rating: A

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Merchant Ivory // Directed by Stephen Soucy

[image] merchant ivory

Merchant Ivory is the longest-running partnership in the history of cinema. As a film production entity, Merchant Ivory was founded in 1961 by producer Ismail Merchant (1936–2005) and director James Ivory (b. 1928). Merchant and Ivory were life and business partners from 1961 until Merchant’s death in 2005. During their time together they made 43 films.

I am going to make a little confession. When I first read the title of this documentary, I thought it was going to be about Ivory merchants and the criminal world of selling ivory. But later when I read the synopsis, I could not have been more wrong. Merchant Ivory is about the production company of the same name and the relationship between the two founders Ismail Merchant and James Ivory that spans nearly half a century.

If you are unfamiliar with this production company like I was, this documentary is an excellent introduction. It gives a wonderful overview of their project and the experiences that the cast and crew had during filming. However, this overview is also the documentary’s greatest weakness as it feels very surface level with its subject matter.

The documentary doesn’t dive too deeply into their relationship and just feels like a summary. So if you are unfamiliar with Merchant Ivory, then this is a great introduction, but if you are well versed with them, then this documentary is nothing new for you.

My Rating: B

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Sono Lino // Directed by Jecob Patrick

[image] sono lino

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve likely seen the work of Lino Tagliapietra, one of the world’s greatest glass blowers. Now facing the end of his career, learn the history of this Italian master, his luminous protégés, his time working in Seattle, and how his legacy will live on.

Lino Tagliapietra is one of the most influential glassblowers of recent history and in the Pacific Northwest his artwork is everywhere. So as someone who was not familiar with his work to see an engaging, even sometimes thrilling documentary about a legend in his industry coming to terms with his age, yet still pushing through to make his art is powerful and uplifting. The documentary is surprisingly exhilarating through breathtaking visuals and an amazing soundtrack. It is a perfect documentary to honor a legend in the industry.

My Rating: A

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Black Box Diaries // Directed by Shiori Ito

[image] black box

Journalist Shiori Itō embarks on a courageous investigation of her own sexual assault in an improbable attempt to prosecute her high-profile offender. Her quest becomes a landmark case in Japan, exposing the country’s outdated judicial and societal systems.

Black Box Dairies is a powerful documentary that tragically highlights the struggles of sexual assault victims in Japan's patriarchal judicial system. Shiori Ito is courageous and powerful as she documents and shares her investigation into her sexual assault to get justice. To watch her stand her ground and face a system that is trying to silence her, and other victims of sexual assault is powerful and moving. Yet the documentary is also tragic, as it must highlight the struggles of sexual assault survivors to be taken seriously by police and to get justice from a screwed judicial system. It is an important documentary that should hopefully bring change to the justice system and bring justice to victims of sexual assault.

My Rating: A

[image] glow

Horror/Drama | Rated: PG-13 | Now in Theaters

By: Elizabeth Mulloy

Two teenagers bond over their love of a supernatural TV show, but it is mysteriously canceled.

After several days, I am still trying to wrap my head around Jane Schoenbrun's latest feature, I Saw the TV Glow. It is unlike anything that I have seen before in the coming-of-age drama and it will certainly not be for everyone. It has a unique arthouse horror aesthetic, that will turn off many audience members. I am usually turned off by this aesthetic, but this was not the case for I Saw the TV Glow. I found myself awoken by this film as it perfectly portrays how terrifying it is to grow up and the struggles of figuring out who you are while life is moving too quickly.

We follow Owen (Justice Smith) as he becomes infatuated with the TV show, The Pink Opaque, through his new friend Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine). As the years go by, Owen struggles with reality and his identity as the audience is plunged into a coming-of-age nightmare. The film offers a refreshingly honest portrayal of growing up as coming-of-age is a melancholy-laced fever dream. From the obsession with belonging to using fandom as a coping mechanism to escape, I Saw the TV Glow vividly captures the struggles of adolescence. The film acknowledges the awkwardness, agony, and trauma of youth through stunning, yet terrifying, acidic-laced visuals Coupled with a killer 90s soundtrack, it will make an experience that you won’t forget, for better or worse.

[image] glow2

Each performance in I Saw the TV Glow is monotone and wooden, which will turn away many audience members. Typically, these performances turn me away, but here it is not the case. I found myself fascinated with these performances from Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine. The pair has a unique awkward chemistry that perfectly captures the struggles of friendship and adolescence. Smith is particularly interesting here. Even though he does need to break away from these types of characters, his performance shines as he layers years of trauma and identity into this performance. His struggle to accept who he is or just to keep his head down and go with the flow, is fascinating, albeit, not for everyone. While Lundy-Paine equally gives a unique performance as they perfectly capture the emo persona. While also layering self-acceptance into their monotone performance.

Overall, the unconventional storytelling and performances in I Saw the TV Glow are not for everyone. However, if you are a fan of this kind of genre, then this movie is for you. Or if you are looking for an introduction to arthouse horror, then this might be the perfect film. Ultimately it all comes down to how much weird and unconventional horror you can take.

My Rating: B+