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“Don’t kid yourself: you’re never more than 10 feet away from a transvestite.”

Or a queer person! Chiwetel’s singing voice in this sounds just like Tim Curry’s!!

The lesson here is how we’d all be a lot happier if we stopped catering to and enabling the toxic people in our lives.

The opening sequence alone makes this worth a watch. And no, lead actor Guillermo Diaz is not (publicly) a drag queen or trans but at least he’s queer! As are Dwight Ewell and Duane Boutte! (Also delighted at the two “Sopranos” actors that popped up) Plenty of cute campy moments - the musical interludes! Stonewall walked so To Wong Foo could sprint in heels! 

While there are certainly historical inaccuracies (“Judy stays.”) and omissions (where’s Marsha?) I did learn that liquor licenses were partially responsible for the riots thanks to this film. Whenever the cops raided the bar to hassle the patrons I kept thinking of our modern bathroom investigations. This is what American right wing conservatives want. Too bad for them we won’t go back.

Agnès Varda does horror. Happy birthday, Ms. Varda. You would have loved Midsommar.

Cute! Predictable and definitely leans more drama than comedy but it’s perfectly fine! Gladstone and Yang are fantastic. Side note: not to brag, but I was just a few feet away from Joan Chen when she came through town for the Denver Film Festival and can confirm that she is still as radiantly gorgeous as ever!

“My name is Mr. Knife!!” 

Goofy as hell. The things I do for 30 seconds of Pam Grier like being forced to see Lucy Liu grab Russell Crowe’s junk. This was very “Kung Fu but make it an extended music video,” and overall was too MCU-ish for me.

The Yellow Door club would have absolutely loved Vulcan Video in Austin! Imagine if they’d had access to a video store with a deep collection like that?? 🥲 Film clubs are so important.

Why are Bong’s “American” films never as enjoyable as his Korean ones?? Starting to think he’s doing this on purpose. This is definitely one of his weirdest yet.

The audacity of these white men! Leave her alone and let her rule! 🐚  And for the last time, give Hawaii back to native Hawaiians!!!

Fathers really don’t understand the effect they have on their loved ones. Everyone in this aches and all because of one man.

Grandmothers everywhere deserve better 💔

Melancholy cinema. Reminded me of the shitty relationships from one’s early 20’s. Next time you want to rewatch a Sofia Coppola t choose this instead (complimentary).

This is supposed to be a comedy?? Feel like I got pranked since this was definitely a horror film! Obviously I checked this out for the Yorgos remake and yeah, this is definitely in his zone. Also wild that Leonardo DiCaprio was a partial inspiration for this story.

Would it have killed them to make sure there weren’t movies in the video store from the years 2000 - 2003?? Seriously, sourcing the VHS tapes for that would have been a dream job for me!

Otherwise, obviously very nostalgic, weird and cute - I expect nothing less from Kyle Mooney. Sisqo’s “Thong Song” bumped it up half a star for me. That track drove our parents crazy back in the day.

Grief can certainly make people do crazy things 😳 This was relentless! Extremely brutal visually and emotionally and that Sally Hawkins really can do it all.

Very cute and that Sammy is one hilarious little shit 😆

You can tell that this was absolutely a ion project for Patel and that he has a deep love for action films as well. A really great directorial debut with lots of personal touches and references to some great action films. Hope he keeps telling stories about India.

Happy Muther’s Day 🏴‍☠️

Awwwww, makes me wanna go hug my younger brothers. Another entry in the “Junior high is literally hell” cannon.

Just thinking about the LA Riots pisses me off so much due to the tragedy and injustice that led to it. Couldn’t stop thinking about Latasha Harlins while watching this, who is often an afterthought when discussing this major event. This film’s story was impactful but also made me wish we could get more true stories from and about the people who were really there.

“Sometimes stereotypes are wrong.”
“They’re always wrong.”

I need all of Jenny’s outfits in my closet and I need Anne on my trivia team!

“First contemplate the ramen. Carefully observe the entire bowl while savoring the aroma.” 🍜 

Watching this while eating a delicious bowl of ramen was absolute bliss. Had I known how delightfully strange this film is I would have watched it years ago! Also glad to see Tampopo at the top of so many food porn lists as well.

Hirayama is so me - I also still listen to cassette tapes in my little car! We really don’t talk enough about out how a janitor is one of the most important jobs in society. While their presence is often unnoticed their absence always is.

The orange idiot currently running/ruining the U.S. “eliminated federal recognition” of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (typical) but we’re still going to celebrate it every year, obviously.

If you know any history about the Hawaiian Islands or pay attention to the news then Kea’s story will come as little surprise but this is still an important film that shows the consequences of white tourism and gentrification displacing Pacific Islanders and making it next to impossible for them to obtain and maintain affordable housing. I am constantly disappointed by non-native friends who still choose to go visit Hawaii despite the locals repeatedly asking them to stop. Knock that shit off. Your vacation is not more important than their livelihood and culture. Give Hawaii back to the Pacific Islanders!!

Diamond looks like Japanese Eddie Vedder! I love that he’s also in Lost in Translation which feels like a spiritual sequel to this fun little rom-com. Japan has always been at the top of my travel bucket list and I’m still dying to visit!!

Oh no, she’s different! Throw her into a mental hospital and give her shock treatment! 🙄 Typical.

Demme understood that a dream date is going out dancing and then getting a foot massage after while “Goodbye Horses” plays softly in the background…

Watched for Pfeiffer’s birthday who looks incredible even in spite of the extremely 1980’s hair and wardrobe. She wears it well.

Uma snorting drugs in a movie with Sam Jackson? Close enough, welcome back Pulp Fiction. Overall, this was kinda cute! Can’t believe this is the only time Uma has worked with her kid (so far). Wish they had more screen time together.

As a society we really do need more films like this that show men being the catty gossipers that they secretly are. While the subject matter is timely I mainly showed up for the stacked cast and anyone complaining that this political thriller was too slow simply do not appreciate Fiennes and Tucci! I’d watch either of them be ants or do literally any other boring gig. Lithgow is almost too good at playing villains and I loved Isabella Rossellini, of course. The fact that she received her first Oscar nom this late in her career is a goddamn crime.

Imagine shooting a gorgeous fantasy adventure epic in over 20 countries for four years using only existing locations with zero CGI and it flops because Harvey Weinstein sabotaged the film’s distribution!! May he rot in prison until his last breath.

This dreamy film is a 10 out of a possible 10 googlys not only because every frame looks like a painting but they also somehow managed to cast a child who gives an authentic performance without being irritating. I am so glad that Mubi acquired this for streaming (finally!) but I am still begging for a Blu-ray re-release ASAP for this criminally under-seen classic so I can rewatch it forever.

Shout out once again to Beyond Video in Baltimore for having a copy for me to rent.

I’ve always found surrogacy fascinating and I like that this film explored how emotional and complex it can be for everyone involved and still made me laugh a lot. As a comedy nerd I also enjoyed this cast being mostly comedians, especially Tig who also had children through a surrogate IRL.

I got so caught up in the story of these brothers opening a juke t that I completely forgot about the vampires plot until they showed up. Need a spinoff about the Choctaw vampire hunters! If more horror films were this well written maybe critics would finally take the genre seriously.

Anotha one for John Waters’ birthday today and it’s so much fun! Kicking myself for not seeing this sooner! Also “Female Trouble” is a jam. Have enjoyed this cover by Those Darlins for years now.

Pretty rad that I got to rent this from a video store in Baltimore in the year 2025.

Even on grainy 16mm film you can tell that Divine is a fucking star ⭐️ Watching this on Easter Monday felt appropriate since it was directed by one of the most famous Catholic filmmakers.

There has to be a better timeline where this is the stoner comedy classic that everyone rewatches on 4/20! The cast is insane and Anna Faris is such an underrated comedy queen.

“Meet Henry the jaguar!”
“Not today.”

I’ve had literal nightmares like the sequence where they’re running through the house and the lions are breaking down the doors and walls! Also I know it smelled crazy in there. Hands down the most irresponsible film I’ve ever seen - leave wild animals alone!!! The ending only makes sense if all of the characters died.

Shout out to Beyond Video in Baltimore for having a copy to rent so I could finally watch this.

Would give anything to hang out with Alia Shawkat in Greece! Seriously, I’d be her tour guide assistant for free.

“Did this come from Uranus, this matter that I hold in my hand?”

A campy, low-budget 80’s sci-fi comedy starring, you guessed it: Frank Stallone. Needed at least 50 percent more Pink Chiquitas and way better lighting.

A black and white indie film about the service industry?
Starring Rooney Mara?
With a realistic depiction of service workers?! 

I am literally that Vince McMahon meme right now as a fan of “The Bear” and a recovering service industry worker myself. Extremely relatable on a personal level and also serves as a reminder that capitalism is indeed killing us all!

Might be one of the most unnecessary prequels of all time but at least now I can see why Madonna cast Garner in her biopic.

The Michaels weaponizing therapy-speak on each other was pretty hilarious. I have a good friend who does this exact same shit to me when I ask her if she’s doing ok. Could have been funnier overall but you could tell that a lot of care went into this and I love that K Stew showed up for her pal’s project.

See Samantha’s best friend from Sixteen Candles go from saddie to baddie!

Also features:
Female-on-male violence!
a Joan Jett-style makeover! 
Rambo Nuns with guns!
Bobby from Twin Peaks!
a reanimated lobster! 🦞 
Deadly demon sex!

A stupid fun 80’s romp that I wish was more readily available on physical media and streaming (shoutout Video Vortex in Raleigh for having a copy to rent).

Didn’t expect Irish queen Saiorse and Kate Winslet to actually go down on each other in this - must be that Portrait of a Lady on Fire effect (complimentary). Similarly, this period drama also shows that women are much happier when they are left alone by the sea without men! Let them live!!

As always I wish a story like this was directed by a woman instead of a man but at least it was directed by a gay man this time.

Shades of “Black Mirror” but I am a sucker for an ambitious sci-fi romance. Confirms that I’ll pretty much watch anything with these two leads as well. Might try watching it again on edibles sometime.

Still didn’t make me care about Bob Dylan, I fear. Pleasant enough viewing on an airplane, though.

It’s the three white ladies from “The White Lotus” season 3 in about 20 years. I just kept wishing they were doing a heist together the entire runtime.

Bored housewife in Michigan - a fate worse than death. I, too, would risk it for Gael (who wouldn’t?). Too predictable and definitely not my favorite Kidman flick plus I was hoping for more Rachel Sennot!

“Hey, baggy pants: lemme crawl into those pants with you!”

Christopher! I recognized Imperioli’s voice before the camera even panned over to him 😂 Had to check out this hard to find film since it was screening at my local Alamo for one night only but half “The Sopranos” cast being all over Lili was a hilarious surprise for me.

Twisted! Bleak! Mainly watched for Chastain but Hathaway was hamming it up! She needs to go dark and scary more often. Also Delhomme shot the hell out of this but probably shouldn’t have pulled double duty directing as well.

Fun viewing with a group and not bad for a low budget slasher. Could’ve pushed the envelope further and needed more scarecrow murder overall.

All of the 📼 that I currently own!

• *batteries not included
• 10 Things I Hate About You
• 200 Cigarettes
• 36 Hours to Die
• 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain
• 8 Million Ways to Die
• The Abyss
• The Accidental Tourist
• Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
• Action Jackson

...plus 906 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

All of the films on DVD and Blu-ray that I currently own.
JUDGE AWAY!

• Bringing Up Baby
• Häxan
• His Girl Friday
• Fantasia
• The Letter
• Mildred Pierce
• The Big Sleep
• The Red Shoes
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
• Roman Holiday

...plus 453 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Just a very silly time with low to zero stakes 🪿

• Spice World
• Evil Dead II
• Army of Darkness
• Elvira: Mistress of the Dark
• UHF
• Weird: The Al Yankovic Story
• Wet Hot American Summer
• Wayne's World
• Top Secret!
• Idle Hands

...plus 38 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

White girl rage! Whiiite girrrl raaage! 💕 

• Ms .45
• The Witches of Eastwick
• Always Shine
• Single White Female
• Girl, Interrupted
• Fatal Attraction
• Swimfan
• New Year, New You
• Carrie
• The Rage: Carrie 2

...plus 101 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

In no particular order. Take a little trip, take a little trip, take a little trip with me...

• Thelma & Louise
• Wristcutters: A Love Story
• Poetic Justice
• Almost Famous
• Wild at Heart
• To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
• Natural Born Killers
• The Doom Generation
• The Fundamentals of Caring
• When Harry Met Sally...

...plus 30 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Welcome to Bitch Planet, an Image comics series from writer Kelly Sue DeConnick that follows the stories of women sentenced to spend the rest of their lives on an “Auxiliary Compliance Outpost” in the not too distant future.

Bitch Planet updates 1970’s pulpy women-in-prison films with a modern feminist bent. This is a list of films that directly inspired the comic as well as films that are reminiscent of the themes and storylines throughout. ⛓

“If you go back and watch those films, they’re deeply problematic from a feminist perspective. It was a challenge to myself to see if there was a way that I could play with some of these tropes that I so enjoyed—the angry woman revenge tale—without some of the parts of it that make my skin crawl. There’s a thing that we do a lot in comics that’s done in those films, too, with no apology or subtlety whatsoever: to set up salacious, demoralizing situations for these women where we’re forced to identify with their tormenters. We set it up in a way that’s deliberately salacious or provocative, then on the page-turn, figure out a way to wag our fingers at it. That is exploitation.“ 
- Kelly Sue DeConnick

• Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701
• Caged Heat
• The Arena
• RoboCop
• Death Race 2000
• Star Slammer
• Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!
• The Running Man
• Black Mama, White Mama
• Women in Cages

...plus 14 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Every film that we screened at Vulcan Video (RIP) after I became the store’s Marketing & Events Manager 🎞 📼

• Night of the Juggler

  VHS screening on 6/8/19

• Mister Frost

  VHS screening on 6/15/2019

• Club Life

  VHS screening on 6/22/2019

• Bloodlust!

  16mm screening co-hosted with Bat City Cinema on 6/29/2019

• Back in Action

  VHS screening on 7/6/2019

• Manson

  VHS screening on 7/13/2019

• Death Hunt

  16mm screening co-hosted with Bat City Cinema on 7/27/2019

• The Ladies Club

  VHS screening on 8/3/2019

• Kill Squad

  VHS screening on 8/10/2019

• Out of the Dark

  VHS screening on 8/17/2019

...plus 28 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

My first LB challenge! For more info:
letterboxd.conexionsite.com/lise/list/march-around-the-world-2020-brazil/

• Portrait of a Lady on Fire
• Roma
• Dragon Inn
• All the Colors of the Dark
• Four Lions
• Mother
• For Sama
• Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701
• Luz
• All About My Mother

...plus 20 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.