There’s a delicate magic to road trip films when they’re done right—a blend of personal introspection, unexpected humor, and the unspoken beauty of landscapes rolling by just outside the window. Sacramento, the sophomore directorial effort from Michael Angarano, taps into this magic with sincerity and warmth, delivering what might just be one of the most genuine road trip movies in recent memory. Michael Angarano stars as Rickey, a high-energy, free-spirited man still clinging to his carefree past.
Read MoreShameless: The Complete Series (2025)
Shameless is one of those shows that’s lived rent-free in pop culture for over a decade—loved passionately by its fans and side-eyed by those of us who never quite bought the hype. For years, I avoided diving headfirst into the series—not because it didn’t seem compelling, but because the sheer volume of noise from the fanbase was frankly... a little much. There’s something about obsessive fandoms that can make even the best shows feel exhausting before you hit play.
Read MoreHell of a Summer (2023)
Hell of a Summer, directed by Billy Bryk and Finn Wolfhard, offers a familiar blend of slasher horror and comedy with a modern twist. The film centers on Jason Hochberg, a 24-year-old camp counselor who feels out of sync with his younger colleagues at Camp Pineway. However, his sense of disconnection soon takes a backseat when a masked killer starts picking off the counselors, leading to a tense, bloody showdown in the woods.
Read MoreFreaky Tales (2024)
Set in the vibrant yet gritty landscape of 1987 Oakland, Freaky Tales is an anthology film that blends nostalgia, chaos, and urban folklore into a genre-bending experience. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the film delivers four interconnected narratives—teen punks defending their turf against Nazi skinheads, a rap duo fighting for hip-hop immortality, a weary henchman on a quest for redemption, and an NBA All-Star seeking retribution. With its eclectic mix of action, humor, and heart, the film is as much a love letter to the Bay Area as it is a cinematic mixtape of underdog stories.
Read MoreBorderline (2025)
Jimmy Warden’s Borderline kicks off with an electrifying introduction that sets the stage for the chaotic and often surreal thriller to follow. Much like Warden’s previous work, Borderline thrives on blending horror, comedy, and an almost dreamlike absurdity, creating an experience that feels as unpredictable as it is entertaining. From the outset, the film exudes a strong early Coen Brothers vibe—simple yet effective, weird yet compelling.
Read MoreConveyance (2024)
House hunting is terrifying enough without supernatural interference, but Conveyance—a sharp and engaging short film from writer-director Gemma Creagh—adds an extra layer of dread to the process. This well-crafted horror-comedy follows young couple Brian and Suzanne as they finally land their dream home after a string of disappointments. The catch?
Read MoreM*A*S*H: Pilot (1972) #RetroReview
The pilot episode of M*A*S*H, which first aired on September 17, 1972, lays the foundation for what would become one of television’s most beloved and enduring series. Written by Larry Gelbart and directed by Gene Reynolds, the episode immediately establishes the show’s unique blend of sharp humor, satire, and heartfelt moments. With a premise centered around the antics of doctors and nurses at a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War, the series introduces a colorful cast of characters who set the stage for years of clever storytelling.
Read MoreWhere Are You Really From? (2024)
Keshav Shree’s Where Are You Really From? is a sharp, engaging, and refreshingly original comedy that dives deep into the complexities of cultural identity, assimilation, and the unspoken weight of accents in defining who we are. With an inventive premise—a successful Indian managing director in London suddenly losing his British accent after a stroke—the film balances humor and introspection, making for a compelling watch. Shree, who also wrote and directed the film, proves himself to be a multi-talented force.
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