Now Presenting: Moviejawn's Summer 2020 Issue

August 11, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in zine, rosalie kicks, fiona underhill, liz locke, ryan silberstein, benjamin leonard, zoe crombie, nikkolas nelson, judson cade pedigo, stacey osbeck, suze l. cima, hunter bush, anthony glassman, Matthew Crump, ashley jane davis

by Benjamin Leonard, Best Boy

Greetings movie friends! As I’m sure most of you know, in addition to our website which mostly covers new movie reviews, we also make a quarterly print zine. I thought it’d be fun to give everyone a quick glance at all the films that are covered in our most recent issue (which focuses on circuses, carnivals and fairs) and where you can find them. Step right up! to follow the links for the titles and it’ll take you to a listing of where it can be found (mostly powered by JustWatch.com).

Radioactive

July 24, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in reviews, rosalie kicks

Directed by Marjane Satrapi
Written by Jack Thone, based on the book by Lauren Redniss
Starring Rosamund Pike, Sam Riley and Yvette Feuer
Running time: 1 hour and 49 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, disturbing images, brief nudity and a scene of sensuality

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“I am interested in all science that confronts prevailing attitudes.”

Did you ever love something despite the fact that it is killing you? In a nutshell, this is how I would describe the relationship Marie Curie (Rosamund Pike) had with science. I mean, when you’re sleeping with radium under your pillow, there is no question about it… it’s love.

Relic

July 10, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in film fest, reviews, rosalie kicks, sundance

Written and Directed by Natalie Erika James
Starring Emily Mortimer, Robyn Nevin and Bella Heathcote
Running time: 1 hour and 29 minutes
MPAA Rating: R for some horror violence/disturbing images, and language

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“I wish I could bury myself so it can’t get at me.”

Over the span of my close to twelve year marriage to my partner in crime Benjamin, he has become quite familiar with my morbid remarks. One of my regular lines being, “I am dyinggggg” in which he typically quips back, “Rosalie, we are all dying.”

Year of the Rabbit

June 25, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in reviews, television, benjamin leonard, rosalie kicks

Written by Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley
Directed by Ben Taylor
Starring Matt Berry, Freddie Fox and Susan Wokoma
Running time: Six episodes totaling about 2 hours and 20 minutes
Content warning: swears and occasional gory, gross imagery

by Benjamin Leonard, Best Boy and Rosalie Kicks!, Old Sport

Best Boy (BB): When asked if I wanted to review Year of the Rabbit, one of Matt Berry’s many, recent vehicles, my answer was “Of course!” Some of you will know Matt as Lasszlo from the recent TV series What We Do in the Shadows, but I’ve been a fan since I stumbled across videos of him online from the show Snuffbox (with Rich Fulcher) in 2006. Matt has quite a bit of skill at playing a loud-mouth, know-it-all, misogynistic douchebag that manages to get more laughs than outrage. While his characters (and occasionally many other elements from the shows he is in) can be problematic, the viewer feels comfortable to laugh at how terrible it is because they are constantly being proven wrong and knocked down a peg.

My Darling Vivian

June 18, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in reviews, rosalie kicks

Directed by Matt Riddlehoover
Running time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“Please ask your wife to stop calling our daughters her children.”

I saw James Mangold’s Walk The Line (2005) “biopic” on musical legend Johnny Cash twice in the theater. At the age of twenty-two, this was my introduction to the country singer and I was enthralled. After my initial viewing, I purchased a Johnny Cash album and decided that my mother was wrong about having an all-black wardrobe. I also left the theater thinking,“Man his first wife was such a b*%t#h.”

Judy & Punch

June 05, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in reviews, rosalie kicks

Written and Directed by Mirrah Foulkes
Starring Mia Wasikowska, Damon Herriman and Benedict Hardie
Running Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Not rated

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“Does that punchie guy always win?”

Lately I have been experiencing a lot of coincidences. Nothing major. Just tiny, little, happy accidents. Take, for example, like when I recently watched Pickup on South Street for Moviejawn’s advice pod. After Pickup on South Street wrapped, Ben and I followed up the flick with Niagara, which happens to feature the same lead actor, Jean Peters and cinematographer, Joseph MacDonald. This wasn’t planned, it just happened. Much like when I watched the movie, Dolls (1987) and was introduced to the notorious Punch, just a mere two days before viewing Mirrah Foulkes’s Judy & Punch.

Shirley

June 02, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in reviews, film fest, sundance, rosalie kicks

Directed by Josephine Decker
Written by Sarah Gubbins (screenplay), based on the novel by Susan Scarf Merrell
Starring Elisabeth Moss, Odessa Young and Michael Stuhlbarg
Running time: 1 hour and 47 minutes
MPAA rating: R for for sexual content, nudity, language and brief disturbing images

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“A little novella, I’m calling None of Your Goddamn Business.”

It really took until this whole pandemic thing for me to realize the true introvert that I am. I have been on lock-down for eighty-two days and I have yet to feel the pining for human interaction. Much as Elizabeth Moss playing the renowned recluse horror writer, Shirley Jackson – I too find comfort in my projects or, as I refer to them, experiments. It is only when my well runs dry that I truly experience the feeling of loneliness.

Showgirls Shakedown

May 26, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in mini-dissertations, benjamin leonard, nikkolas nelson, rosalie kicks

by Benjamin Leonard, Best Boy, Nikk Nelson and Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

With You Don't Nomi (a documentary discussing Showgirls and its impact on the world) about to be released, there is no better time than now to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with Showgirls. MJ’s Best Boy introduced Old Sport to Showgirls a few years back and it seemed only fitting to continue this tradition with fellow MJers. Late one Saturday night, Nikk Nelson’s world was rocked when he agreed to watch the flick with Best Boy and Old Sport. Fortunately for you, our dear MJ readers we documented our experience to share with you our thoughts of varying perspectives on the notorious (yet acclaimed in our opinion) Paul Verhoeven (master)piece in this special article we have deemed… SHOWGIRLS SHAKEDOWN.

Hot Takes: Say Hello to My Little Remake

May 21, 2020 by Guest User in hot takes, jaime davis, rosalie kicks

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport and Jaime Davis, The Fixer

Welcome to the latest edition of Hot Takes, in which MJ’s Rosalie and Jaime shout into the void about the latest movie thing that’s got them all in a tizzy. Today’s topic: hey, you fucking cockaroach, another Scarface remake is in the works. You wanna fuck with this movie or no, pendejo?

Tingle Monsters

May 19, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in reviews, short films, rosalie kicks

Written and Directed by Alexandra Serio
Starring Alexandra Serio and Kareem Rahma
Running time 11 minutes

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

When I started my podcast Cinematic Crypt last year, my goal was to share my love of films often forgotten or are left uncovered. In listening to my first episode, my partner in crime (MJ’s Best Boy, Ben Leonard) remarked, “you’re going to have a lot of ASMR fans.”I had no idea what he was talking about. Was this a good thing? A bad thing? A kinky thing? I cautiously turned to the google and found Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) to be defined as, “A tingling sensation that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine.”

Hot Takes: Film Festivals Go Digital

May 07, 2020 by Guest User in hot takes, jaime davis, rosalie kicks

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport and Jaime Davis, The Fixer

Welcome to the latest edition of Hot Takes, in which MJ’s Rosalie and Jaime shout into the void about the latest movie thing that’s got them all in a tizzy. Today’s topic: with continued uncertainty in the wake of COVID-19, many film festivals explore moving online. Will you log on or tune out?

Hot Takes: Development Heaven and Hell

April 16, 2020 by Guest User in hot takes, jaime davis, rosalie kicks

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport and Jaime Davis, Fixer

Welcome to round two of Hot Takes, in which MJ’s Rosalie and Jaime shout into the void about the latest movie thang that’s got them all in a tizzy. Today’s topic: Hollywood’s development frenzy amidst COVID-19 - are we so totally loving it or so totally over it?

Hot Takes: Theatrical Windows in the Time of COVID-19

April 02, 2020 by Guest User in hot takes, jaime davis, rosalie kicks

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport and Jaime Davis, Fixer

Welcome to the first installment of Hot Takes, in which MJ’s Rosalie and Jaime shout into the void about the latest movie thang that’s got them all in a tizzy. Today’s topic: the disappearing theatrical windows in the wake of COVID-19. Are we here for it or absolutely against it? Will movie theaters survive after this is all over with?

Never Rarely Sometimes Always

March 10, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in film fest, sundance, reviews, rosalie kicks

Written and Directed by Eliza Hittman
Starring Sidney Flanigan, Talia Ryder and Ryan Eggold
Running time: 1 hour and 41 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for disturbing/mature thematic content, language, some sexual references and teen drinking

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“If it is positive - any way that it could be negative?”

When it comes to the subject of abortion, no matter what your stance may be, I believe it is safe to say there is a lot we do not know or understand on the subject. By no fault of our own, the information is not readily available, nor is it a topic that is spoken about freely. The discourse on this subject seems to be rampant, but what exactly is the truth - what are the facts? To me, in Eliza Hittman’s (Beach Rats) film Never Rarely Sometimes Always, one thing is clear: our government doesn’t give a damn about women’s health. This is confirmed by the lack of funding, minimal information that is dispensed on the issue and the inadequate access afforded to those in need.

Swallow

March 06, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in film fest, philly film fest, reviews, rosalie kicks

Written and Directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis
Starring Haley Bennett, Austin Stowell and Denis O’Hare
Running time: 1 hour and 34 minutes
MPAA rating: R for language, some sexuality and disturbing behavior

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“So what did you do for money before you met my son?”

Carlo Mirabella-Davis’s beautifully and mesmerizingly shot feature debut, Swallow tells the story of a woman that is lost within herself. Like a ghost, she floats through life, almost non-existent. If someone were to peer into her literal glass encased home, it would be logical to surmise that Hunter Conrad (Haley Bennett) is living her best life. From the outside, everything from her magazine ready home down to her trendy threads seems perfect. Unfortunately, everything is a facade for the truth, much like the shell that Hunter lives in.

The Way Back

March 05, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in reviews, rosalie kicks

Directed by Gavin O’Connor
Written by Brad Ingelsby and Gavin O’Connor
Starring Ben Affleck, Janina Gavankar, Al Madrigal and Michaela Watkins
Running Time: 1 hour and 48 minutes
MPAA Rating: R for language throughout including some sexual references

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“I’m fine. I appreciate it, I’m fine.”

When I graduated from film school my plan was gutsy, but simple: I would move to Los Angeles, California, assume a minimal lifestyle and become a film director. In order to accomplish this, prior to my expedition to the left coast I rid myself of all non-movie related paraphernalia. My wardrobe would be limited to polka dot shirts and striped pants… I was hoping this would be a diversion tactic of sorts when I pitched my zillion dollar evil dollz epic to Spoolberg. How could a producer worry about a budget when they are more concerned with the conflicting patterns of stripes and dots? I wasn’t willing to do anything to get my movie made, but I was willing to sleep on a lawn chair if need be. There is nothing more important than the picture, not even sleep. Rest and relaxation shall come when I am dead. Unfortunately, the dead part almost became a reality. Similar to the character Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck) in The Way Back, I almost found myself with a one way ticket to coffin comfort via alcohol.

Extra Ordinary

March 04, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in film fest, philly film fest, reviews, rosalie kicks

Directed by Mike Ahern and Edna Loughman
Written by Mike Ahern, Edna Loughman with additional writing by Demian Fox and Maeve Higgins
Starring Maeve Higgins, Barry Ward, Will Forte and Claudia O’Doherty
Running time 1 hour and 34minutes
MPAA rating for language, sexual content and some horror violence

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“Do ghosts have feelings?”

When it comes to my future life as a ghost, I have a lot of questions.

The Invisible Man

February 28, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in reviews, rosalie kicks

Written and Directed by Leigh Whannell
Starring Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid and Oliver Jackson-Cohen
MPAA Rating R for some strong bloody violence and language
Running time 2 hours and 4 minutes

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“I’m just a suburban girl that stumbled into your life at a party.”

Some of the scariest things in life are those that can’t be seen.

Possessor

February 21, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in film fest, sundance, reviews, rosalie kicks

Written and Directed by Brandon Cronenberg
Starring Jennifer Jason Leigh, Andrea Riseborough, Christopher Abbott and Tuppence Middleton
Running time 1 hour and 42 minutes

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“I think I know you from somewhere.”

Have you ever watched the silent flick, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari? If not, no worries - but you really should check it out. In the film, one of the characters emulates the former Dr. Caligari after finding some of the grand doctor’s writings. The character takes on Dr. Caligari’s persona, which is very much in the way that I can describe the moments when I become my father. There is something that grabs a hold of me and I lose all control. My dad’s characteristics emerge and my mannerisms morph. I start speaking loudly (think Jolly Green Giant) to command the attention of those around me, flailing my arms about to articulate my pertinent points, all sense of regard to those around me is shut off and selective hearing is enacted. I am still me, but as him.

The Night Clerk

February 18, 2020 by Rosalie Leonard in reviews, rosalie kicks

Written and Directed by Michael Cristofer
Starring Ana de Armas, Tye Sheridan, Helen Hunt and John Leguizamo
Running Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
MPAA Rating: R for language, some sexual references, brief nudity and violent images

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport

“I am socially awkward.”

I love hotels. It doesn’t matter the locale, whether it is Manhattan or in the sticks of Pennsylvania, spending a night in a hotel makes me feel like I am on an exotic adventure.