JUNE 2, 2023 —
Ted Lasso (2023)
Episode 312: “So Long, Farewell”
The Ted Lasso series goes out with a bang. It’s hard to see it go so soon, but I am glad they told the story they wanted to tell and then exited. It will remain one of the most upbeat pieces of media I’ve ever seen, and I am genuinely glad I gave this a chance.
Directed by Declan Lowney
Original Release Date: May 31, 2023
Apple TV+ | Streamed on Apple TV+ | First-time Viewing
The Boogeyman (2023)
Based on a short story by Stephen King, this had plenty of well-earned scares, and whatever it lacked in depth, Sophie Thatcher made up for it with an impressive performance.
Directed by Rob Savage
Original Release Date: June 2, 2023
20th Century Studios | Regal Canyon Country | First-time Viewing
JUNE 3, 2023 —
Dave (2023)
Episode 310: “Looking for Love”
The fact that Brad Pitt was pivotal in this finale was hilarious. Although the episode felt like it veered off from the entire season, it still had some great moments and didn’t end up where you thought it was going.
Directed by Kitao Sakurai
Original Release Date: May 31, 2023
FXX | Streamed on Hulu | First-time Viewing
Yellowjackets (2023)
Episode 207: “Burial”
Christina Ricci’s Misty is one of the reasons I continue watching Season 2 of Yellowjackets. Elijah Wood is also an excellent addition, but Misty’s erratic behavior keeps everything interesting. The other adult characters, as well as the flashbacks, are all severely underwhelming.
Directed by Anya Adams
Original Release Date: May 14, 2023
Showtime | Streamed on Prime Video | First-time Viewing
Yellowjackets (2023)
Episode 208: “It Chooses”
The penultimate episode of Yellowjackets Season 2 falls back into doing everything that works with the show. The show starts firing on all cylinders when the young characters give in to their animalistic sides. A group member gets picked as the next meal, and they take off running from the group, only for a different person to end up dying and becoming the sacrifice.
Directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer
Original Release Date: May 21, 2023
Showtime | Streamed on Prime Video | First-time Viewing
Yellowjackets (2023)
Episode 209: “Storytelling”
Very few of the grown-up storylines of Season 2 are interesting. Elijah Wood is the exception, as he adds a flair of unexpectedness to the whole endeavor. The flashbacks also inject new stakes for the third season, removing any semblance of security.
Directed by Karyn Kusama
Original Release Date: May 28, 2023
Showtime | Streamed on Prime Video | First-time Viewing
The Meg (2018)
Laughably over the top, the one thing that saves The Meg is everyone’s ability to embrace the tongue-in-cheek while also playing everything seriously. Jason Statham is consistently fantastic; because of that, you can stomach the audacious and silly nature of the entire film.
Directed by Jon Turteltaub
Original Release Date: August 10, 2018
Warner Bros. Pictures | Streamed on Prime Video | First-time Viewing
JUNE 4, 2023 —
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Besides some sound issues in our screening, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse is just as innovative and captivating as the first installment. Upping the stakes by bringing Miles into the multiverse and meeting infinite amounts of Spider-Men, it’s the bombshell they drop about what Miles means to the universe he’s in that turns everything you think you know about the Spider-Man story on its head. However, I don’t feel like the film stands on its own because of the abrupt cliffhanger ending.
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson
Original Release Date: June 2, 2023
Columbia Pictures | Regal Valencia | First-time Viewing
Transformers (2007)
The first Michael Bay Transformers film will always be one of the best action films. Capturing what makes these characters so enthralling, Bay takes the toys we played with as kids and puts them on the big screen in such an awe-inspiring and satisfying way. The humor may sometimes be juvenile, but the soundtrack and performances from Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox are legendary.
Directed by Michael Bay
Original Release Date: July 3, 2007
Paramount Pictures | Streamed on Vudu | 10th Viewing
JUNE 5, 2023 —
You People (2023)
You People surprised me. Jonah Hill has such a distinct voice, and it’s delivered here in a fun way. Eddie Murphy also brings a refreshingly toned-down performance. Not all the jokes land and most of the film is not that funny. But it delivers a nice, new take on the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner trope.
Directed by Kenya Barris
Original Release Date: January 20, 2023
Netflix | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
JUNE 6, 2023 —
The Idol (2023)
Episode 101: “Pop Tarts & Rat Tales”
Critics are having a field day with the new HBO series The Idol. With primarily negative thoughts about it, I can only say the show is never dull, and I enjoy the boundaries they’re willing to push. I find Lily-Rose Depp riveting, and The Weeknd brings just enough scumminess to his role to create a complex villain.
Directed by Sam Levinson
Original Release Date: June 4, 2023
HBO | Streamed on Max | First-time Viewing
JUNE 8, 2023 —
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts (2023)
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is another fun excursion into the world of Autobots and Decepticons. The human-robot dynamic is changed a bit, jumping back to the Nineties for this story, where Optimus Prime is not a defender of the humans yet. There’s a bit too much Pete Davidson in the film, and they just did Unicron as the big bad in Transformers: The Last Knight, but overall, they hit all the right notes, and I’m excited by where they could be going from here.
Directed by Steven Caple Jr.
Original Release Date: June 9, 2023
Paramount Pictures | Regal Valencia IMAX | First-time Viewing
JUNE 9, 2023 —
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
Michael Bay continues almost precisely where he left off with the first Transformers, combining stellar effects and action sequences with slightly shoddy humor and unneeded side characters. Shia and Megan bring an entirely new dynamic to their relationship in the film, and more profound sincerity drives the film along.
Directed by Michael Bay
Original Release Date: June 24, 2009
Paramount Pictures | Streamed on Vudu | 5th Viewing
JUNE 10, 2023 —
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
Like the title, Dark of the Moon, suggests, the film takes a darker turn, and I love how it gives a glimpse of Cybertron enslaving humans. Shockwave and his giant worm Driller are some of the most fantastic villains to come out of this series, and the imagery of the humans trying to survive their attack on the high-rises is iconic.
Directed by Michael Bay
Original Release Date: June 29, 2011
Paramount Pictures | Streamed on Vudu | 5th Viewing
JUNE 11, 2023 —
Beef (2023)
Episodes 101: “The Birds Don’t Sing, They Screech in Pain”
The premise of Beef immediately grabs you. Steven Yeun gives such a heartfelt performance from the first scene he’s in, and you can’t help but wonder what trajectory this whole story has. Essentially a one-up game of who can destroy the other person’s life, the first episode starts things off so strong.
Directed by Hikari
Original Release Date: April 6, 2023
A24 | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
Beef (2023)
Episodes 102: “The Rapture of Being Alive”
Episode Two of Beef introduces Amy catfishing Danny’s brother, which isn’t the most incredible storyline. However, Amy vandalizing Danny’s truck elevates the rivalry perfectly.
Directed by Jake Schreier
Original Release Date: April 6, 2023
A24 | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
Beef (2023)
Episodes 103: “I Am Inhabited by a Cry”
The scenes in Episode Three of Danny visiting the church and having an emotional response added much-needed character development to the series. It’s not just about two people getting each other back; it has more profound layers. Besides Yeun, David Choe has to be the stand-out of this entire series, playing the role of the crazy cousin.
Directed by Jake Schreier
Original Release Date: April 6, 2023
A24 | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
Beef (2023)
Episodes 104: “Just Not All at the Same Time”
The stuff between Amy and Paul is all just too unbelievable for me to enjoy. Plus, Paul is sort of the innocent party getting mixed up in all this, and it’s less fun watching these people destroy each other’s lives when innocent people get involved. I teeter-totter between really enjoying this show and not liking any of the characters.
Directed by Hikari
Original Release Date: April 6, 2023
A24 | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
Beef (2023)
Episodes 105: “Such Inward Secret Creatures”
My general disdain for these characters continues in Episode 5, with Danny making friends with Amy’s husband, another innocent. Amy and Paul have a falling out after having sex, and there’s no one to care about.
Directed by Hikari
Original Release Date: April 6, 2023
A24 | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
Beef (2023)
Episodes 106: “We Draw a Magic Circle”
Even when he’s doing despicable things, it’s easy to root for Steven Yeun, and that continues in this episode, which highlights an intense and often funny church basketball tournament that sees the balance of power shift between Danny and Edwin.
Directed by Jake Schreier
Original Release Date: April 6, 2023
A24 | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
Beef (2023)
Episodes 107: “I Am a Cage”
Usually, when a series makes a giant leap forward in time, it can feel off-putting. The writers could have often told more stories in the time they skipped. But, the jump in time in “I Am A Cage” was much appreciated, allowing us to see where these characters ended up eight months later. In this case, it helped keep the show fresh and allowed for some new complications to reinvigorate my enjoyment of the show.
Directed by Jake Schreier
Original Release Date: April 6, 2023
A24 | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
JUNE 12, 2023 —
Beef (2023)
Episodes 108: “The Drama of Original Choice”
A massive escalation happens in “The Drama of Original Choice,” Amy comes clean to her husband and Danny, who finds out what happened with the fire at the house he built and decides to frame Amy for it. This episode is a point of no return, as irrevocable things happen, and from here on out, the show starts to feel unlike what it began as.
Directed by Jake Schreier
Original Release Date: April 6, 2023
A24 | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
Beef (2023)
Episodes 109: “The Great Fabricator”
“The Great Fabricator” has so much style and delivers one of the most perfect episodes of this series. Having Isaac (David Choe) turn villain was an excellent choice, giving the audience the character they can root for in Danny. Just as the previous episode escalates the situation, this penultimate episode is a beautiful payoff and continues the heightened elements satisfyingly.
Directed by Jake Schreier
Original Release Date: April 6, 2023
A24 | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
Beef (2023)
Episodes 110: “Figures of Light”
For a final episode, “Figures of Light” leaves much to be desired. The dark humor is in full effect, and I understand why you’d need to get these characters to bond in a profound and meaningful way, but having these characters stuck in the wilderness, tripping out of their minds, and eventually coming to terms with one another is not where one would imagine this would go.
Directed by Lee Sung Jin
Original Release Date: April 6, 2023
A24 | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
John Mulaney: Baby J (2023)
John Mulaney returns with a brutal honesty that carries his comedy to another level. Diving into the last few years of his life, including an invention and a stint in rehab, Mulaney looks at the lighter side of the situation, capping things off with a deep dive into a high-profile, published interview he did while on drugs.
Directed by Alex Timbers
Original Release Date: April 25, 2023
Netflix | Streamed on Netflix | First-time Viewing
The Idol (2023)
Episodes 102: “Double Fantasy”
This show may be slightly batshit, but it’s fun to watch. Lily-Rose Depp sells the hell out of her character, and even if the supporting cast is not entirely on the same level, there’s something admirable about this whole endeavor.
Directed by Sam Levinson
Original Release Date: June 11, 2023
HBO | Streamed on Max | First-time Viewing
JUNE 14, 2023 —
Maggie Moore(s) (2023)
Jon Hamm (reuniting with John Slattery, who’s behind the camera) and Nick Mohammed are so likable they make “Maggie Moore(s),” a shallow and goofy dark comedy, surprisingly more engaging. Reminiscent of films like “Election” or “The Details,” this film contains nothing close to ground-breaking but is a perfect example of an actor’s commitment to elevating an otherwise outlandish endeavor.
Directed by John Slattery
Original Release Date: June 16, 2023
Screen Media Films | Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
JUNE 15, 2023 —
Silo (2023)
Episodes 101: “Freedom Day”
As a pilot for Silo, “Freedom Day” sets the bar high for where the rest of the series needs to go. I wanted to like Rashida Jones’ character more, as most of the focus remains on her throughout the episode, but on the contrary, David Oyelowo shines. Besides the series’s intriguing sci-fi premise, the promise of more Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Robbins has me ready to commit to the first season.
Directed by Morten Tyldum
Original Release Date: May 5, 2023
Apple TV+ | Streamed on Apple TV+ | First-time Viewing
The Flash (2023)
Michael Keaton and Sasha Calle are scene stealers in “The Flash,” and are ultimately underutilized. All personal drama aside, Ezra Miller is serviceable as the title character, but his delivery wears out its welcome almost immediately. Having seen Grant Gustin as such a capable Barry Allen for nearly a decade, it is hard to commit to Miller. I could nitpick the movie, especially regarding the atrocious CGI, but in general, it’s one of the best things Warner Bros has done with the DC universe.
Directed by Andy Muschietti
Original Release Date: June 16, 2023
Warner Bros. Pictures | AMC Burbank 16 | First-time Viewing
JUNE 18, 2023 —
Carl’s Date (2023)
After a decade-long absence, getting to check in on the Up characters with the short film “Carl’s Date” was a real treat. With Ed Asner’s passing a few years back, it was also lovely to hear his voice again, and know that this will likely be one of the last new things we get from him.
Directed by Bob Peterson
Original Release Date: June 16, 2023
Pixar Animation | AMC Burbank 16 | First-time Viewing
Elemental (2023)
When it comes to the animation style of Pixar’s Elemental, there are very few that can match it. But the stories Pixar has been telling over the past few years have started to feel repetitive. Young adults not living up to their parent’s expectations is the running theme with all of them, and even if the characters and voice change, the film’s overall structure and story stay the same.
Directed by Peter Sohn
Original Release Date: June 16, 2023
Pixar Animation | AMC Burbank 16 | First-time Viewing
JUNE 19, 2023 —
Break The Game (2023)
“Break The Game” delves into the life of streamer Narcissa Wright, who, after becoming a world-famous gamer, comes out as trans and faces the backlash in real-time, in front of her webcam. There’s no real moral to the documentary; it simply offers a front-row seat to some time in the life of Narcissa as she struggles with mental health and the toxicity of the internet.
Directed by Jane M. Wagner
Original Release Date: June 10, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
The Idol
Episodes 103: “Daybreak”
The element of “The Idol” that I don’t think many understand is that The Weeknd’s character is supposed to be a headcase. He says words wrong because, unlike how he wants to be perceived, he’s a poser with a rat-tail. He’s almost like a Charles Manson-type, except instead of driving people to murder, he’s using them to feed his persona.
Directed by Sam Levinson
Original Release Date: June 18, 2023
HBO | Streamed on Max | First-time Viewing
The Line (2023)
A reasonably straight drama, “The Line” dives into fraternity hazing and young men who get pushed too far. Alex Wolff and Halle Bailey are the film’s highlights, and I wish their relationship were more the focus. The film focuses on the feud between a senior frat brother and a pledge and the fallout that comes from their rivalry.
Directed by Ethan Berger
Original Release Date: June 9, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
JUNE 20, 2023 —
Smoking Tigers (2023)
Smoking Tigers is a quiet and thoughtful film about a young Korean-American girl navigating the pitfalls of her parents separating and starting at a new school.
Directed by So Young Shelly Yo
Original Release Date: June 10, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
Hey Viktor! (2023)
The concept of Hey Viktor! is commendable, with real-life child actor Cody Lightning playing a fictionalized version of himself as he tries to reunite his fellow castmates from the film Smoke Signals to make a sequel. Unfortunately, the jokes never quite land, and the speaking-to-the-camera element never appeals to me.
Directed by Cody Lightning
Original Release Date: June 8, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
JUNE 21, 2023 —
The Space Race (2023)
“The Space Race” is an informative, firsthand account documentary about America’s first Black astronauts.
Directed by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza & Lisa Cortés
Original Release Date: June 12, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
It’s Basic (2023)
Perhaps it’s because I don’t tune in for most national news programs, but “It’s Basic” opened my eyes to the fact that there are politicians in the country lobbying for Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) and are implementing it in different households around the country. The documentary interviews these politicians and some of the participants in the program, showing just how valuable a program it is and how attainable it could be.
Directed by Marc Levin
Original Release Date: June 12, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
JUNE 23, 2023 —
No Hard Feelings (2023)
Jennifer Lawrence is a force. She elevates this raunchy comedy, a genre it feels like they don’t make very often anymore, and adds a level of sophistication and heart. There were moments where it felt like had another actress been in the role, it would have felt shallow and fake, and even when Lawrence shows moments of that, she grounds it with a realness.
Directed by Gene Stupnitsky
Original Release Date: June 23, 2023
Columbia Pictures | Regal Valencia | First-time Viewing
Asteroid City (2023)
The way Wes Anderson creates vastly different films, thematically and aesthetically, yet sticks to the cinematic elements he is known for, is awe-inspiring. Jason Schwartzman and Scarlett Johansson lead this enormous ensemble cast brilliantly, offering some of the best work of an Anderson film (save for maybe Ralph Fiennes in The Grand Budapest Hotel). The young actors shine as well, grasping the Anderson-isms with zeal. Asteroid City ranks in my top four Wes Anderson movies.
Directed by Wes Anderson
Original Release Date: June 16, 2023
Focus Features | Regal Valencia | First-time Viewing
The Bear
Episodes 201: “Beef”
Season 2 of The Bear kicks off strong, with the team hitting the ground running in creating their new restaurant. There’s a vicariousness to the whole process, anchored by central solid performances from Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri.
Directed by Christopher Storer
Original Release Date: June 22, 2023
Hulu | Streamed on Hulu | First-time Viewing
JUNE 24, 2023 —
Past Lives (2023)
Past Lives is a crash course in chemistry, not only with the two leads, Greta Lee and Teo Yoo but with those actors and their chemistry with the audience. You care about these characters almost instantaneously, and how they emote their enormous feelings toward one another in each stage of their connections is incredibly powerful. The hype for this movie was immense, and it lives up to most of it.
Directed by Celine Song
Original Release Date: June 2, 2023
A24 | Regal Canyon Country | First-time Viewing
Blood For Dust (2023)
Boasting a cast of Scoot McNairy, Kit Harington, and Josh Lucas, Blood For Dust feels a bit hollow, with a lack of why we should care about these people, and ultimately leaves that impressive cast flailing.
Directed by Rod Blackhurst
Original Release Date: June 11, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
Chasing Chasing Amy (2023)
Sav Rodgers sets the bar for transparency in sharing his life and transitioning in the documentary Chasing Chasing Amy. It’s a refreshingly honest glimpse into Sav’s origin story, with Kevin Smith proving again that he’s probably the nicest guy in Hollywood.
Directed by Sav Rodgers
Original Release Date: June 8, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
JUNE 25, 2023 —
Boca Chica (2023)
One of my favorite films out of this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, “Boca Chica,” was a simple yet rich coming-of-age story about a young Dominican girl who pushes against the socio-norms of her family and dreams of becoming a famous singer.
Directed by Gabriella A. Moses
Original Release Date: June 11, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
A Goofy Movie (1995)
There are very few films that capture coming of age in a better way than A Goofy Movie, especially the father-son dynamic. With a fantastic voice cast and catchy songs, this is an often unsung Walt Disney classic.
Directed by Kevin Lima
Original Release Date: April 7, 1995
Walt Disney Pictures | Streamed on Disney+ | 3rd Viewing
JUNE 26, 2023 —
Against All Enemies (2023)
“Against All Enemies” genuinely scared the shit out of me regarding the trajectory of this country. Hearing some of the veterans speak with such blind conviction, seeing some of the politicians disappear in this world of radicalized militant groups, and understanding that our country has not progressed much since the first Civil War, leaves me beside myself in how we will ever find common ground in the U.S.
Directed by Charlie Sadoff
Original Release Date: June 8, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
JUNE 27, 2023 —
All Up in the Biz (2023)
All Up In The Biz is an enlightening and thorough retrospective of the life of rapper Biz Markie. The bits set in the hospital with his wife and the puppet felt a little self-serving and unnecessary, but the firsthand accounts from his friends and loved ones make up for it.
Directed by Sacha Jenkins
Original Release Date: June 17, 2023
Streamed on Tribeca At Home | First-time Viewing
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Indiana Jones becomes iconic almost the moment Harrison Ford first graces the screen. He has so much instant charisma I’m hard-pressed to pick another character that demands a series of films as quickly as Jones does. Mixing action with archeology is a perfect marriage, with Spielberg never falling into James Bond tropes, delivering a grittier, less idyllic character.
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Original Release Date: June 12, 1981
Paramount Pictures | Streamed on Disney+ | 4th Viewing
JUNE 30, 2023 —
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
The latest Indiana Jones film is serviceable. You’re reminded what you loved about the originals, yet realize nothing can ever quite live up to them. Harrison Ford looks excellent for 80 years old, and I’m among those who wished they’d have cast someone for young Indy instead of going the CGI route, which has never looked convincing. Phoebe Waller-Bridge brings her unique style to the table, and Mads Mikkelsen is again a great villain.
Directed by James Mangold
Original Release Date: May 31, 2023
Walt Disney Pictures | Regal Valencia Screen-X | First-time Viewing
