In 2011, Mickey Chen wrote an autobiography about his torn-apart family and his life as the gay eldest son. Since he passed away in December 2018, this documentary film of the same name was left unfinished but shows enough promise and paints a heartbreaking portrait of his troubled family.
One of the reasons I love watching movies is that, much like books, they serve as windows into other times and different places. Productions from around the world offer valuable insights into the history and culture of their respective countries. And just like literature, cinema can help us understand the present by showing us the past.
As this critic continues to look back at some of this Summer's films I have taken in, I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of the most overall unsettling trends in Hollywood over the last several years.....sequels, reboots, and remakes. Look, I am all for seeing more than one film for certain originals that made a splash, ie: "Jurassic Park", "Pirates of the Caribbean", "Transformers", etc.
Behind all the action, 'Space Sweepers' is a surprisingly heartfelt and progressive story about building community.
The plot could’ve really been interesting if the elements of lycanthropy was integrated with perhaps the struggle of identity of being LGBTQ+. It's an experience for so many that as they’re starting to realizing their true selves, they feel like a monster, especially if they come from unsupportive homes or communities. Instead, the horror and transformation elements seem thrown in without contemplation of how this could deepen the narrative.
'Bros' is a must-watch for October's LGBTQIA+ History Month and it's as good a rom-com as any! Don't let box office numbers or misguided reviews deter you from this great film.
'Legally Blonde' remains a standard of feminist filmmaking over two decades after its release, although its poor treatment of racial and sexual minorities make it a product of its time.
