FlixChatter Review: A Little Prayer (2025) – David Strathairn is exquisite in this quiet but profound Southern family drama

A Little Prayer is one of those films that seems simple at first glance, but it's actually quite complex and emotionally profound. The title hints at the heavy emotional burden of things left unsaid. Bill (David Strathairn) is a man in his 70s who tends to keep to himself, struggling with feelings of helplessness while …

Continue reading FlixChatter Review: A Little Prayer (2025) – David Strathairn is exquisite in this quiet but profound Southern family drama

FlixChatter Review: Bob Trevino Likes It (2025) – an indie gem about the profound joy of unexpected friendship

This is a movie I immediately gravitated towards based on the title alone. The film draws inspiration from the personal experiences of its writer/director Tracie Laymon. It opens with Lily (Barbie Ferreira) crying over a recent breakup, but her dad (French Stewart) practically ignores her. She turns to Facebook in the hope of connecting with …

Continue reading FlixChatter Review: Bob Trevino Likes It (2025) – an indie gem about the profound joy of unexpected friendship

FlixChatter Review: MARMALADE (2024) – a Minnesota-made, romantic heist flick brimming with manic energy

When I first saw the title, I immediately thought of Paddington’s favorite orange jam, but no, this one has nothing to do with the movie about a talking bear. The movie is written and directed by Aussie-American, actor-turned-director Keir O'Donnell (who I remember from The Dry) in his debut feature, and it’s based on his …

Continue reading FlixChatter Review: MARMALADE (2024) – a Minnesota-made, romantic heist flick brimming with manic energy

Indie Film Review: The Year Of The Dog (2023) – a story about pulling through that’s as heartwarming as it is uplifting

It's Easter weekend and today I'm highlighting an independent film that speaks about hope and redemption. The Year of the Dog tells a story of two strays who somehow find their way to each other and transform both their lives. The opening scene shows Matt, a loner alcoholic who’s hit rock bottom. Flashbacks show Matt …

Continue reading Indie Film Review: The Year Of The Dog (2023) – a story about pulling through that’s as heartwarming as it is uplifting

Guest Post: The Little Things (2021)

Set in the early 1990s, The Little Things centers around Joe "Deke" Deacon (Denzel Washington), a deputy sheriff in Bakersfield, California. One day he is suddenly called to Los Angeles to retrieve a piece of evidence. It quickly becomes clear he has a deep and troubled past with the LAPD. When the evidence is withheld …

Continue reading Guest Post: The Little Things (2021)

Guest Post: MINARI (2020)

Editor (Ruth)'s note: This is a guest review from my friend and fellow movie lover Jessie Zumeta, who saw this at Sundance Film Festival last January.  A charming exploration of what holds people together, Minari is a semi autobiographical story of a Korean American family trying to sustain their farm in rural Arkansas. Written and …

Continue reading Guest Post: MINARI (2020)

TCFF19 Review: LAST CALL (2019)

Last Call is a technical feat. It is a continuous shot film made doubly impressive by the fact that it is a split screen for the entire movie. That’s right. Last Call is a continuous shot film twice over. One screen is entirely devoted to single working mother Beth (Sarah Booth). The other features Scott …

Continue reading TCFF19 Review: LAST CALL (2019)