Lesbian Space Princess

Courtesy of Peccadillo Pictures

The animated space is far too often predominantly aimed at a younger audience, or is automatically assumed to be more for children. But thankfully the animators out there that make animated content aimed at adults or exploring subjects that are more for an adult audience are doing excellent work. The latest names to be added to this group, writer-directors Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese have created what should be the newest obsession for fans of animated films and comedic entertainment. Lesbian Space Princess is a hilarious, relatable sci-fi adventure, with a fun appealing style that feels right at home amongst the likes of Adventure Time, Tuca and Bertie and Final Space.

Introverted Princess of Clitopolos Saira, is devastated when her girlfriend, Kik the Destroyer dumps her right before the Lesbian Ball, especially as she was looking forward to not attending alone this year. Saira already feel inadequate and overshadowed by the Queens, her moms who are very popular. But when Kiki is kidnapped by the Straight White Maliens, Saira has to make the dangerous journey to save her, and then maybe this will convince her ex to take her back.

Hough Hobbs and Varghese have created such a fun world with a very entertaining variety of characters, all while exploring the themes of self worth and of course, self discovery. The LGBTQ+ themes that runs throughout are also very much appreciated. The jokes are on point, whether they are subtle or absolutely in your face, with great voice performances from a fantastically assembled comedic and dramatic cast. The setting of space doesn’t dilute any of the themes or topics and is frankly, a refreshing science fiction adventure. There is very little to fault Lesbian Space Princess, except maybe some parts of the story are rushed through and not given the proper time they deserve, mainly when some important information comes to light about why Saira may be so shy, anxious and lonely. But maybe this could be explored further in a follow up adventure? Here’s hoping there may be more to explore.

The Wedding Banquet - BFI Flare

Remakes, or a reimagining, can be construed as long overdue, unnecessary or a welcome addition. Based on Ang Lee’s 1993 film, The Wedding Banquet, directed by Andrew Ahn of Fire Island fame, fits very comfortably in the ‘welcome addition’ category. With a truly fantastic cast taking the reigns on this new version, rather than updated, the comedy hits and the emotions flow and for anyone who loves a romantic comedy, this one is most definitely for you.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

My Old Ass

 

Circumventing the typical coming of age cliches is a difficult task, the key is creating fun, refreshing characters and My Old Ass succeeds all round. Not only do we have a lead character on the brink of leaving for college, but she also has an existential meeting with her older self which throws curve balls in her plans she never would have expected.

Meeting your older self could be seen as one massive spoiler, but Elliott the younger is still able to have the same experiences as her older counterpart, most likely made richer after taking advice from Elliott the elder. Her rollercoaster of emotions and discovery, in such a short space of time, feels condensed and maybe too much is meant to happen, but in retrospect a lot can happen and change your life in just a few weeks. A strange dream like scenario, as who wouldn’t want to talk to their older selves, Elliott faces this truth and accepts the situation very quickly, a trait, she points out, that is of the young. As always Aubrey Plaza, as older Elliott, is a gift on screen and even though she is only on screen (voice for the most part) for a short time, she leaves a lasting impression. But this story belongs to Maisy Stella, who plays the younger Elliott and she displays a panache for the dramedy. Encapsulating the fun carefree side of Elliott but still able to display wisdom that her older self could also learn from, the balance is maintained.

My Old Ass, is a light hearted, unexpected twist on the coming-of-age genre with a little bit of something extra thrown in. Supposedly science fiction, but who knows!

I Saw the TV Glow - Sundance London

 

Nostalgia is a powerful tool in film, a homage or mention to something you experienced or even just knew about when you were younger makes you feel as if you’re part of the story on screen. I Saw the TV Glow weaves together a nostalgia driven plot with a personal journey, showing us what it feels and looks like to both deny one’s true self and feel the pull for what we needed when we were younger. It’s a delicate mix of genres that director Jane Schoenbrun, calling upon the sci-fi fantasy dramas of the 90s, especially those aimed at teenagers. I Saw the TV Glow is rather let down at times but narrative choices and the constant bleak overtone. However, its unique style and fascinating TV show within a film makes it unlike anything made in recent years.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Femme

 

Revenge stories always have an intriguing angle, whether we see it from the victim or the perpetrator or from somewhere in between. There is always a new angle to take and Femme delivers us something that we haven't seen in a while, an actual British thriller that has on the edge of our seats throughout. Based on the short film by writers and directors, Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, the feature film is tense emotional revenge story that feels relentless. So brilliantly executed, razor sharp characters and compelling performances from Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George Mackay.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

Bottoms

 

With very little fanfare, despite the buzz the film has created since its release in the US earlier this year, Bottoms, is finally in UK cinemas. Touted as a queer high school comedy about two loser who try and win over their crushes through a female only fight club is one that doesn’t really raise eyebrows. The premise is just like any other teen comedy, it’s ridiculous, funny and problematic but its very enjoyable. It’s been a while since a comedy such as this has appeared on the big screen (not streaming) in a while.

Our two so called losers, PJ, the ever-charismatic Rachel Sennott and Josie, everyone’s favourite from The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri, just want to get with hot cheerleaders. But of course, they try and do this is the most ridiculous way. The female fight club could have had its own story to be honest, but add in horny teens and the stakes get higher, ridiculously so. So rare is it to see horny teenage girls on screen, for when they do appear, there is a bit of shock. The fact that girls can be just as manipulative as boys is a lesson well learned. But girls learning how to fight for their own protection (ultimately) AND getting to defend the poor helpless boys is beyond satisfying. 

There is some genuinely moving and somewhat serious moments, that are immediately followed by amusing and crass dialogue. But, its in there, just enough to ground the characters and the journey they all go on. Bottoms is that film you’ve wanted to see but didn’t know you needed, we were all due this ridiculous teen comedy.

Jess Plus None - BFI Flare

 

When old and close friends are gathered together for an important occasion in an unusual location, chaos, intrigue and revelations are bound to be happen. Jess Plus None has exactly the right mix and perfectly uncomfortable setting; a wedding in the woods involving camping, to create a romantic comedy that follows the same genre beats but has an entertaining group of characters that gives the film a boost above ordinary.

Jess Plus None screened at BFI Flare 2023

Full review at Filmhounds HERE.

Egghead & Twinkie - BFI Flare

 
Egghead & Twinkie is nothing ground breaking, we’ve seen these characters many times before and seen this story play out with both tragic and happy endings. However, there is something very charming and blissfully idealistic about the two best friends’ journey. But this is primarily Twinkie’s story, despite the title suggesting otherwise. Wanting to meet the girl she’s been talking to online for months, Twinkie convinces her best friend Egghead, who may still harbour feelings for her, to come with her on a last-minute road trip. Along the way truths are shared, feelings are hurt and new friends found. A ‘classic’ road trip film for the Gen Z crowd.

Egghead & Twinkie will have it's International Premiere at BFI Flare 2023.  

Full review at Filmhounds HERE. 

Blue Jean - BFI London Film Festival

 

There have been stories told about life in the 80s and queer stories covering all subjects, but Blue Jean has that spark of brilliance that you long to see when sifting through all the films at the festivals in a year. Georgia Oakley’s debut feature is a fiercely emotional and at times painful frustrating story yet its so beautifully told.

Read more in the latest issue of Filmhounds HERE.

Please Baby Please - Fantasia Film Festival

 

If you’re going to immerse yourself in a world that Amanda Kramer has created, you will need to accept everything that is happening on screen if you’re going to survive until the end. Kramer has the ability to suck you in to her strange universe, whether you choose to stay and indulge in the fantasies in front of you is up to you. It may not be a fast-paced thriller but the intermittent musical dance numbers and eccentric ‘guests’ that appear along the way do break up the time. The surrealist fantasy of this visual queer manifesto won’t be for everyone, especially if you don’t enjoy repetition of questions and discussions, but it is fascinating to witness. Kramer’s work fits easily into Fantasia’s programme, along with her other film also being screened at the festival this year, Give Me Pity.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Swan Song

 

Having once been the stylist extraordinaire to the high society members in Sandusky, Ohio, Pat, now spends his days in a dull lifeless nursing home. But opportunity for escape comes in the form of a dying wish from a former client who wants him to style her hair one last time. The journey takes Pat down memory lane, remembering ghosts from the past, his once thriving business, his loves and his greatest losses, all while gathering together the items he needs to perform his duty.

Full review on Filmhounds HERE

Benedetta

 
Controversy and Paul Verhoeven are familiar with each other, whether it’s for a reveal in a shot that is talked about for years later, or for one of the most loved ‘so bad its good’ films made or for his subject matters of his later films. His latest, Benedetta, didn’t escape controversy when the film was selected for a festival in the US and the local Catholic group protested it. Even before all of this excitement, the premise alone attracted speculation and if we’re all being honest, titillation. But as always Verhoeven tricks us with this smoke screen of expectation that there will be something to shock us when in fact he delivers a thrilling story that happens to involve a lesbian nun who claimed to have visions of Jesus.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 

Nico - BFI Flare

 

Understated stories where the plot is minimal, the characters are few but the message and heart of the film speaks volumes don’t tend to get as much attention. A story like Nico is one that has probably happened to many people and to see it on screen portrayed in such a way is heart-breaking but it is a story that needs to be told. 

 

Nico is a free-spirited geriatric nurse living in Berlin. She spends her free time drinking and partying with her best friend Rosa. One night, after attending a party in the park, Nico is victim to a brutal xenophobic attack, leaving her unconscious and later hospitalised. Once back on her feet she is determined to not be left in that position again so she takes up karate lessons. But as she becomes more involved with learning this new art, she distances herself from Rosa and even her clients notice she is not the same happy and cheerful as woman anymore.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE. 

Cop Secret - BFI Flare

We all know the genre action thriller featuring two cops or agents, working together to bring down the powerful violent criminal wreaking havoc through a city. We know it so well from years of Hollywood spinning out these stories time over time. Rarely do we get a taste from outside the studios and from around the globe. Iceland may seem like an unlikely location for such a film, usually exporting low key comedies and art house films. But Cop Secret, based on a fake trailer, directed by an ex-Footballer, is a hilarious brilliantly underplayed action-comedy romance.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

The Novice - BFI Flare

 
Alex is in her freshman year at college, she works hard to be the best. When she decides to sign up for the college rowing team, she becomes determined to become the best novice and make the varsity team. Alex likes a challenge, having majored in a subject she doesn’t initially excel in, she soon lets her rowing obsession take over. Her friends and girlfriend, even her school work is left behind as she propels herself further into her obsessive and damaging behaviour to the point, she can’t think of anything else. 

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE

Boulevard! A Hollywood Story - BFI Flare

 

Sunset Boulevard was one of the stories that Hollywood told about itself, not hiding the fact about how difficult it was to make it in the business and how it was when you were no longer in the spotlight. Gloria Swanson was perfectly cast as the forgotten film star, Norma Desmond, who falls in love with the younger screenwriter Joe who she hires to edit the script for the film that would be her return. The role was also very much close home for Swanson for she had been a famous silent film star and had seen roles dry up over the years as she aged. Sunset Boulevard should have been her grand come back. But after the release, the roles just weren’t there. In another part of town, actor Richard Stapley had had enough with bit parts and along with his partner Dickie Hughes, had started work on a musical. Thinking Swanson would be perfect they reached out to her but instead of wanting to do something new, she proposed a musical version of Sunset Boulevard.

Full review is on Filmhounds HERE.

The Bold Type

 

I don’t usually write about TV shows but here goes.

 

Having noticed the show pop up on Amazon years ago (no exaggeration) I watched the trailer and just felt that it was just another show about women navigating love, life and work in New York at a women’s magazine. This would have appealed to me back when I was teenager but now in my thirties, I really don’t have time for this, what with all the murder mystery documentaries, Schitts Creek rewatches and weird sci-fi in between. I had been craving a show about friendship, particular female friendship for ages and sorry but Sex and the City is no longer for me either. I tried Firefly Lane and hated the format and got very bored with the characters. So, one night, I accidentally pressed play on The Bold Type which is now on Netflix. This was accidental as I’m still getting to grips with my new TV (generously donated to me by a friend). Admittedly I was hooked by the first episode and ended up watching 3 episodes before crawling into bed. And then I came back for more. A short time later, I am now mid-season 3, so the show must have something that keeps me coming back right? Yes and no is the complicated answer.

 

Just to give context to what the show is about, it follows three best friends, Sutton, Kat and Jane who are all in their mid-twenties and met as assistants at Scarlet magazine (a stand in name for Cosmopolitan). The show begins with Kat, now the director of social media, Sutton, assistant to the executive editor and Jane starting her first day as one of the writers. They all have particular quirks and distinctive personalities that unfold as the seasons go on. Jacqueline Carlyle, is editor-in-chief of Scarlet magazine, a woman all the main characters look up to. Carlyle is actually based on Joanna Coles who was the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan. The show is also inspired by her and she has an executive producer credit, so guessing there was a little influence there with how this character is represented.

 

The show focuses a lot on ‘hot topic’ issues of the moment and of our current times. Many things that are brought up each episode, not always the main focus, are relevant now, despite premiering in 2017. Some shows suffer as times goes on, topics become old and irrelevant. Global pandemic aside, nearly every single episode could have been made yesterday. Subjects about discovering your sexuality, body positivity, breast cancer awareness, sexual harassment, bullying in the workplace, whether having children in your twenties is right for you, putting your career before your love life, journalistic integrity, these are just a few covered.

 

The show makes a huge emphasis on the characters being millennials which, may put some people off BUT this is actually more accurate representation than I’ve seen in a long while and although I don’t work in fashion or publishing, there are many situations that I can relate to, topics I wish came up far more often in shows (especially in the UK). With my age, I am of the millennial generation, no way to avoid it and you can either embrace this fact or brush it off with little regard or appreciation with how much extra work our generation has had to endure. As much as the Gen-Zers like to think they run the world, millennials paved the way for them. Without going on a generation rant, The Bold Type was surprising, to me, at how much it covered in just the first season. Of course, there are scenarios that would never happen in real day to day life, but this is a TV show so you have to expect that.

 

There are quite a few moments during an episode where I roll my eyes a dozen times but in between all that I get the essence of what the show is trying to do. In all honesty I really don’t think the main characters are relatable, although the show tries to cover all bases with the three of them. I also don’t feel wholly invested in them personally. I much prefer the discussions of the topics of the episode. They are in fact, quite bland, which the expectation of Sutton in various episodes who seems to go through the ringer when it comes to her career (I can definitely relate there). The friendship between the main characters is fun to watch but I really don’t relate to this part either. They seem to have a go through each other for permission or debate on absolutely everything, to the point of co-dependency. The supporting characters in the show are however more interesting, such as Jacqueline Carlyle and her input always makes a great scene. Alex, the only male writer at the magazine, again, has great insight and offers sound advice to the main three. The various other characters that pop up from time to time too, they make the show worth watching.

 

I’ll continue watching the show as I’d like to see what is discussed next. I recommend this show for the same reasons I watch it, but also if you’re missing your friendship fix. Despite it being set at a magazine, don’t be expecting anything like Ugly Betty or Sex & the City as this is not that show.

Dramarama - BFI Flare

 

Coming out stories can vary from film to film, but when they are of the teenage variety, there is usually drama to be found. Dramarama is not a fresh take on this momentous moment in a queer person’s life but it is a familiar set up with a fun and sometimes playful story with cookie cutter characters. The group of friends feel stagnated but also comforting to watch, a throwback to being young and ambitious and when a time when everything felt like a huge step. This story is ultimately not about someone coming out to their friends but rather a last hurrah to teenage-dom and a farewell, for now, to friends.

 

On the eve before Rose leaves for college, she hosts a murder mystery party for her friends to enjoy. All into drama, musicals, literature and theatricals; Claire, Ally, Oscar and Gene, lepat the chance to play one last game before they too leave for college. Being close friends, knowing each other better than themselves, there is of course the fights, the secrets revealed and the religious discussions. All the while Gene struggles without how to come out to his friends unsure how they will take this news.

Set over one night, five very close friends spend the evening and night hashing out everything they’ve kept bottled up as well as remembering the good times, including games they played, quoting films they love and just having or trying to have fun. The group all have very clear-cut personalities which is laid out so meanly by JD, the only outsider to feature in the film. Seen as the cool drop out by some, sad and pathetic by others. Rose, the party host is the uptight one, needing to control everything. Claire is the innocent prude who is happily going off to Christian college. Oscar is the blowhard who tries to impress others but really doesn’t know what he’s doing and hasn’t quite admitted to himself who he is. Ally is the straight talking honest one, out of everyone, she is open minded. Then there’s Gene, who is going to community college and just doesn’t know how to come out to his surprisingly narrow-minded friends. At least, they are narrow minded when it comes to religion which comes quite frequently throughout. At times its uncomfortable to hear their views, especially when they play a game where they pretend to be gay and re-enact tableau of gay couples getting caught in a flashlight. Really bizarre. Maybe there is some pent up energy that the group doesn’t want to admit to, at least that is most likely the case with Oscar.

 

The better moments are when the friends are in twos, those are when they open up to each other, sometimes tentatively, but these are still the more intimate and realistic moments. No drama, just being honest with each other. It’s clear this group of friends are going to miss one another out in the world alone so it’s nice to see that arguments are not left hanging and bad words aren’t exchanged towards the end. There is an optimistic feel to the end of the film that these friends will see each other again.

 

 

Tove - BFI Flare

 

Tove Jansson is struggling painter, deciding to find her own way in life outside her sculptor father’s studio. Taking a run-down apartment during World War two, she begins her life as a wild and care free artist. Her world is turned upside down when she meets the upper-class theatre director Vivica Bandler, whom she falls desperately in love with. Opening her up to new experiences and opportunity, Tove finds out how painful unrequited love can be, channelling her emotions into her art and into her most famous creations, The Moomins.

 

Full review can be read over at Filmhounds HERE.

 

 

Sweetheart - BFI FLare

 

Having been forced to go on holiday, 17-year-old April, but insists on being called AJ, is in a permanent state of annoyed as she made to spend quality time with her mum, her little sister Dayna, her older pregnant sister Lucy and her boyfriend Steve, whom is the only one AJ actually gets along with. But things start to look up when AJ meets Isla, one of the lifeguards at the holiday park. She starts to have a bit of fun, opening up to the possibility that the holiday might be better than she anticipated.  

 

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.