Category Archives: Film reviews

Film reviews

Cassandro Review

Leave a comment

Cassandro is the true story of a wrestler with a difficult background, including having to hide his sexuality. Directed by Roger Ross Williams, Cassandro is witty and surprisingly positive. Gael Garcia Bernal Is the star of the film and he delivers one of the most monumental performances of his career. Cassandro is simply irresistible, and it may very well be one of the best foreign language films of 2023.

Saul Armendariz (played by Bernal) is the central character. Cassandro is his stage name when he is wrestling. Saul lives a quiet life with his mother, Yocasta (played by Perla De La Rosa). He works wrestling gigs and hopes to make it his career. He trains with Sabrina (played by Roberta Colindrez). She believes that Saul has the ability and ambition to make it to a high level in the wrestling ranks. But Saul has a secret that causes some hesitancy in his life. He is gay. Saul finds the courage to come out of the closet and he finds that his life is mostly full of love and support, but he does experience some hatred. He fights on, though, and he doesn’t let what others think stop him from pursuing his dream.

When Saul is in his wrestling character as “Cassandro the exotic” his sexuality is his trademark in the ring, and that is where he finds his fame. One of the things that makes the film invigorating is that it’s about someone finding where they belong and what they are passionate about. Saul very much wants to be a wrestler, and he also wants to make his mom happy. As his career and life take off life he sees his income grow, and he has new adventures and meets new people. There is some risqué behavior and, to an extent, Saul sees growth in some aspects of his life and turmoil in other aspects. The turmoil involves issues with being gay and getting into a secret relationship with another man, Gerardo (played by Raul Castillo).

The big wrestling event that Saul is working with Sabrina to get to is called the Lucha Libre. They keep climbing the ladder together, but can Saul make it to the big event? Saul has some challenges and important choices to make before getting there.

Cassandro is simply a triumph. It is a story of despair turned into hope. The writing and cinematography are superb, the cultural vibes are there, and audiences will find themselves pulling for Saul and hoping he is able to keep going in a positive direction. Gael Garcia Bernal has always been very talented and versatile, but this may his best film yet. He is definitely the key to the film’s brilliance. Thanks to Bernal, Cassandro takes the cake. Four out of four stars for Cassandro.

Film reviews

Stop Making Sense (2023 Re-release) Review

Leave a comment

Stop Making Sense, a concert film directed by Jonathan Demme in 1984, is unequivocally the best concert movie of all time. Filmed at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater over three days in December, this cinematic masterpiece features Talking Heads, with David Byrne at the helm, as well as Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steve Scales, Lynn Mabry, and Edna Holt. This incredible film is an immersive and unforgettable experience that showcases many of The Talking Heads’ greatest hits. It’s no wonder audiences around the world were completely blown away by this exceptional concert film.

I saw David Byrne live in concert in 2018 at the Auditorium Theatre in downtown Chicago. My Mom was fortunate to see Talking Heads perform in 1982 at the Civic Center in Des Moines, Iowa, and it remains one of her all-time favorite concerts. Seeing Stop Making Sensemade me feel like I was revisiting the concert experience my mom had back in the 1980s. Seeing this film in the IMAX experience felt like a journey back in time. This group has a reputation for magical music and their songs are still magical today thanks to the artistic genius of David Byrne and his band.

As soon as the film started, the song “Psycho Killer” captured my attention. David Byrne always knows how to set the tone for his music and concerts. He has the moves, voice, and style that make his performances grand. Throughout Stop Making Sense, there are many uplifting moments that make you want to dance. These segments exude positive vibes and are extremely enjoyable.

The re-release of this concert feels authentic and immersive. The film, as well as the concert itself, are captivating and mesmerizing, showcasing Byrne’s imaginative world of wonders. The songs are infused with cultural significance and are brilliant in their direction. Stop Making Sense is a treasure trove of a concert experience that will awaken nostalgic memories for many and create a special experience for those who are witnessing it for the first time. The concert features many of Talking Heads’ great hits, including “Slippery People,” “Once in a Lifetime,” “Heaven,” and many more.

One song that always lifts my mood and restores my positivity is “This Must Be the Place”. It’s a song about acceptance, finding the positive aspects of life, and facing reality head-on. The performance of this song in Stop Making Sense is truly remarkable due to the incredible energy flowing from the artists, the audience, and those watching the film. “This Must Be the Place” has been an uplifting anthem for fans worldwide for many years, including myself.

The grandeur of Byrne’s artistry is demonstrated by his giant, oversized suit which evokes a feeling of enchantment. Once Byrne puts that suit on, the world of Stop Making Sense takes on its own amazing dimension where Byrne is the master of culture. His empowering lyrics round out the incredible concert experience of Stop Making Sense.

Fans of David Byrne and Talking Heads simply cannot afford to miss this incredible opportunity to see this film on the big screen. Even if you’ve had the pleasure of witnessing it before, it is worth revisiting, now that A24 has obtained the rights. So, go ahead and grab your oversized suits and get ready to dance to the music, because Stop Making Sense is a definite four-star experience.

CUFF 2023, Film reviews

You Can’t Stay Here Review: A Psychologically Haunting Ride with The Chicago Underground Film Festival

Leave a comment

With the conclusion of The Chicago Underground Film Festival, I felt many of the film experiences required a lot of tolerance tohandle. The invigorating part of this phenomenon is that filmmakers are putting their art to the test. I felt that many of the films went in-depth into worlds that are unknown. Specifically, I mean there were films that explore addiction, politics, and various challenging subject matter. The film that haunted me the most is You Can’t Stay Here, a film in which a mistake made in the wrong setting takes a turn for the worse.

You Can’t Stay Here is directed by Todd Verow. The film’s opening delivers that noir feeling which sends shivers down its audience spine. It is a film that takes place in the 1990s around New York City. The vibe during that time period on the east coast provides a setting of realistic suspense that only grows more haunting. You Can’t Stay Here feels eerie based on the perception of how the mind feels when anxiety is provoked. It is also a film in which safety is questioned sporadically throughout due to experimental filmmaking and writing.

The plot of the film is geared on a photographer, Rick (played by Guillermo Diaz). He strolls through New York’s Central Park focused on his photography. Rick’s whole world is turned upside down when he is the witness of a homicide situation. The murderer is Adam (played by Justin Ivan Brown) and he puts Rick into a life-threatening scenario. Adam has feelings for Rick and Rick has feelings for Adam. With their eerie bond, Rick’s situation can threaten his life if he reveals evidence to the authorities about Adam. Because Rick tends to be a man of solitude already, there is a feeling of intense loneliness that only causes his desire to grow throughout You Can’t Stay Here.

The film is an experience of anxiety which is built upon the audience’s increasing concerns about Rick. His thoughts and Adam’s presence continuously haunts him. Adam also shows up into Rick’s dreams. It is a bizarre experience and has dazzling sensations. The realism of the dangers impacting Rick’s life arewhat causes ongoing anxiety and suspense during You Can’t Stay Here.

There is a line in the film that goes, “Lose yourself in my eyes.” Rick is in a place where he is completely beside himself. Adam is always in his head and on his mind. The horrific event where Rick chose not to do anything only opens the door to his reality being altered. The state of mind throughout You Can’t Stay Hereis a continuous blur of emotions. It is a ride which starts with aneerie event that simply does not leave Rick or the film’s audience. You Can’t Stay Here is an experience that is unforgettable, but hard to revisit. You Can’t Stay Here is a film that requires an open mind. Three stars for You Can’t Stay Here.