'Last Man Standing' Review: The Last "Real" Jewish Gangster
Last Man Standing: The Chronicles of Myron Sugerman is a heartwarming retrospective of the life of Myron Sugerman, the last "real" Jewish gangster. Listening to Myron, who is 83 years young at the time of production, is like witnessing your grandpa tell tales from his childhood in colorful detail. Last Man Standing is a bit of a slow-burn but that only reaffirms director Jonny Caplan's commitment to methodical storytelling and giving space to let Myron tell his story in his own words.
The Last "Real" Jewish Gangster
Myron was born in the 1930s in Newark, New Jersey. His father, Barney "Sugie" Sugerman, was involved in the mob scene, yet was also regarded as a respectable figure in that community. Despite being in a gang, his father was not a gangster, and Myron differentiates between the two labels. Regardless of his father's actual involvement, one thing is clear. Myron was born into a life of crime, but he chose to exercise his influence by following in his father's footsteps. Taking on the family business, Myron sold and operated slot machines, jukeboxes, and more for over 50 years.
From Mobster to Family Man
Dealing with the machinery wasn't all fun and games. In this line of work, Myron did business with top-ranking gang members. They included the Gambino crime family, the Colombian Cali Cartel, and the Japanese organized crime syndicate called the Yakuza, among others. Myron recounts his life as an outlaw living outside the law, traveling worldwide, and making business deals with dangerous men. He even talks about helping a famous Nazi hunter track down the Angel of Death, Josef Mengele, in Paraguay. His exciting life has since been tamed as a now-married father of three, with Myron humbly reflecting on his riskier moments. He has no complaints and few regrets, he admits towards the end of the film. One thing is for certain, Myron Sugerman led a fascinating life.
Takeaway
Director Jonny Caplan doesn't stray far from the traditional interview-style documentary in Last Man Standing. The archival images are abundant and the modern-day footage, which shows Myron attending weekly lunches with his old gang pals at an Italian restaurant or Jewish deli, is intimate and heartwarming. As he's matured, Myron candidly speaks about his contributions to history. And despite his questions about the relevance of his legacy, Myron's contribution of sharing his story with the world is an incredible gift. The film had its World Premiere at the Miami Jewish Film Festival.
'5.7 Seconds' Review: Women Beware, Danger Lurks Everywhere
The opening shot of the short film 5.7 Seconds goes from 0 - 60 in an instant. Crafted to look like a Michael Bay action trailer, the intensity of the full-bodied music score combined with the apocalyptic color saturation lends itself to a thrilling watch. Writers and directors Shane Cibella and Tim Aslin’s 14-minute horror film is a thought-provoking exploration of humanity and will leave viewers questioning whether the devil we know is truly better than the devil we don’t.
Nowadays, Danger Lurks Everywhere
Jane (Shante DeLoach) frantically finds refuge in an abandoned car during a moment of sheer panic. We can’t see exactly what she's trying to escape from but her demeanor makes it clear that evil lurks nearby. Just as she’s beginning to feel safe in her hideaway spot, a stranger appears in the car's backseat.
Upon the realization that she is not alone, the camera glides around the claustrophobic environment of the SUV. Seeing the mysterious man forces Jane to make an impulse decision. Does she attempt to work together with this man to fight the threats looming outside? As she contemplates this scenario, Jane makes a horrifying discovery that jeopardizes her life. This man isn’t a friend and definitely isn’t safe. She's horrified by the thought that she may have been better off fighting the demons outside than the one next to her.
Fed Up with Toxic Masculinity
Evoking a similar uneasiness as 28 Days Later, 5.7 Seconds doesn’t shy away from darker themes of assault and stalking. The protagonist is a woman pushed to the edge and fed up with toxic masculinity. Her entrapment, both literally and figuratively, is a feeling that many women have experienced. It’s incredibly rewarding to see her in action, taking a stand against her abuser.
Takeaway
5.7 Seconds feels like it’s just a snippet of a larger story. Given the narrative restraints that inevitably come with a short film, more character development and environmental context would have been a great touch. Perhaps the filmmakers will have the opportunity to adapt this into a feature and if they do, I’ll enthusiastically buy a ticket for opening night. 5.7 Seconds premiered at the 2024 LA International Short Film Festival.
'Flatters' Review: Oops, I Married a Conspiracy Theorist
An unsuspecting man finds out that his newlywed bride is a worrying shade of kooky in the dark comedy Flatters. Directed by Dennis Flippin, this 12-minute short film is a humorous look at relationship icks and the consequences of accidentally marrying a conspiracy theorist.
Who the F did I marry!?
Lenny (Doug Wyckoff) is a single, middle-aged cat man who lives a simple life in an airstream next to the river. In a voiceover that lasts nearly the entire first half of the film, Lenny explains that he is interested in exploring the world of online dating. Turning to Craigslist (a major red flag), he hopes to find a love connection. He quickly matches with Georgia and the two hit it off immediately. Fast forward to the near future, Lenny and his Craigslist lover are married and cohabitating in his trailer. Things seem all good in Lenny's world. That is, until Georgia reveals a side of herself that leaves Lenny truly befuddled.
Georgia, an author, excitedly shares her new book with Lenny, titled Flatters: The Truth About Our Flat Earth. Dumbfounded, Lenny clarifies what he already knows to be true... does Georgia really believe the Earth is flat? As she begins spewing nonsense about how the moon landing was staged, and how NASA has been guarding the edge of the Earth this entire time, Lenny begins to panic. Who the F did he marry!?
Flatters the feature film, coming soon
Flatters is a thoroughly engaging film that offers lead actor Doug Wyckoff a solid vehicle to stretch his comedic muscles. Visually, the film has the color palette of a soap opera but the action of a cable network comedy. Director Dennis Flippin leans into the obscure, especially during the film's final moments. He isn't afraid to be bold in achieving his vision. Now with the 12-minute short film under his belt, Flippin plans to turn Flatters into a feature.
Takeaway
Making its World Premiere at the LA Shorts International Film Festival, Flatters is lighthearted fare that pokes fun at the consequences of rushing into relationships, especially if they were conceived through Craigslist.
'Hollywoodgate' Review: Exploring Newfound Taliban Territory
Hollywoodgate is a film that exists by pure luck and delusion. Harnessing a bravery last seen in the Academy Award-winning documentary 20 Days in Mariupol, Hollywoodgate offers viewers a first-hand account of the inner workings of never-before-seen Taliban territory. Filmmaker Ibrahim Nash'at risks his life by documenting this historic moment in time, just days after the United States hurriedly pulled out of Afghanistan, subsequently leaving billions of dollars worth of military equipment and technology in the hands of terrorists.
The Taliban takes over an abandoned U.S. intelligence base
After the horror of 9/11, US and NATO forces invaded Afghanistan to help overthrow the Taliban for their role in safeguarding Al Qaeda. On August 31, 2021, nearly three years ago, the Taliban reclaimed Kabul. Hollywoodgate is an exposé on the sequence of events that happened once the last American soldier was removed from the CIA base camp, and the resulting threat to humanity that continues to lay in wait today.
Watch the Hollywoodgate trailer here.
The footage that Ibrahim Nash'at, an Egyptian journalist, captures from the base camp is displayed in starkly intimate detail. His access is unparalleled and truly astounding. In an early voiceover, Ibrahim explains that he negotiated an arrangement with the Taliban. His assimilation into their community would not only grant him limited access to the abandoned US airbase, but to the men themselves. Specifically, he would be documenting Malawi Mansour, a novice Air Force commander, and M.J. Mukhtar, a psychologically tortured young lieutenant. Armed with one translator and one camera, Ibrahim Nash'at bravely documents the Taliban's exploration of the former CIA base, and the beginning of their transition into a military regime. "If his intentions are bad he will die soon," one of the men says regarding Ibrahim's presence.
Recreating American defense weapons... to use against America
Ibrahim is slow and steady with his camera movements as he trails behind the men exploring the army base. His actions are very methodical and observational, one wrong move could be a death sentence. One of the film's more humorous moments (if you can call it that) occurs when one Taliban member opens an abandoned refrigerator to find leftover Fireball and Jaggermeister. They curiously inspect the bottles, perhaps tempted to take a sip. The more shocking discoveries are enough to send a chill down your spine. They discover endless bottles of medicine, tech equipment, and defective aircrafts, prompting the men to realize that these leftovers haven't been properly destroyed as the US made their rapid escape, and can now be rebuilt. And that is what they set out to do: recreate American defense weapons to use against America.
The tone of Hollywoodgate is suspenseful with an air of mystery surrounding it. The chilling score by the German composer Volker Bertelmann perfectly complements the intimacy and riskiness of the production. For his part as director, cinematographer, and co-writer, Ibrahim Nash'at delivers a staggering, once-in-a-lifetime documentary.
Takeaway
Making its World Premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, Hollywoodgate is an urgent and required viewing. As if the film wasn't worrisome enough, it ends with a sobering fact that is hard to forget. According to the Pentagon, the US left over $7 Billion worth of our military resources in Afghanistan when we abruptly pulled out. To the world's horror, this equipment is now considered operational and could likely be in the hands of unknown Taliban members.
'And Now I Lay Me Down' Review: A Dark Comedy on Aging and Existential Dread
For an aging actress, father time is a cruel reality. The roles dry up, the phone stops ringing, and, perhaps worst of all, the public starts to forget your name. A fragile ego can only take so much. Add a looming divorce to the equation and what you have feels much like a death sentence. This downward spiral into obscurity is stylishly portrayed in writer/director Rani DeMuth's short dark comedy, And Now I Lay Me Down.
The (Not So) Fabulous Life of Celia Dalvi
Absorbed by existential dread, the luxurious but lonely Celia Dalvi (Jane Kaczmarek) can't take it anymore. Her pending divorce seems to have been the last straw in a series of unfortunate events for Celia. The non-existent audition callbacks and growing estrangement from her daughter are all too much. This is when Celia makes a decision: she wants to be remembered for who she was, not who she is. Celia sends her staff home for the day and attempts to make it through her self-appointed "last day" on her own. No chef, no handyman, and no personal assistant... She has truly hit rock bottom.
Up to this point, the film pokes fun at its protagonist and has a cheeky air to it. It's not until Celia calls her estranged daughter and leaves her a heartfelt message that we truly begin to sympathize with her. The film captures this moment with beautiful composition and framing, allowing the scene to stand out from the rest. After making her peace, Celia puts on her most glamorous gown and jumps from the second story of her home. On her descent toward the ground, which is captured in artful slow motion, she experiences flashbacks and fantastical daydreams. It's best not to assume how the film will end because director Rani DeMuth's proven comedic timing makes for one satisfactory ending.
Fantastic Character
The story has an element of seriousness to it given the subject matter, yet overall, And Now I Lay Me Down is a lighthearted and witty film that bursts with color and glam. The character of Celia is an onscreen delight. She is the type of woman to have 20 different shades of pink nail polish while keeping her Cheetos in a locked cupboard to avoid overindulging. She is fabulous and even if she doesn't feel good, she will at least look good.
Takeaway
Backed by a beautiful score by Brad Oberhofer, And Now I Lay Me Down is the aesthetic equivalent of a modern-day Edward Scissorhands. Through her charismatically charming performance, Jane Kaczmarek reinforces her reputation as a screen icon. And from concept to execution, director Rani DeMuth proves why she is a filmmaker to keep on your radar.
'Meeting You, Meeting Me' Review: A Love Letter to Female Friendship
A peek into the complexities and camaraderie of female friendship is seen through the eyes of Lina Suh in her directorial debut Meeting You, Meeting Me. Selected to screen at the 2024 CAAMFest, this buddy dramedy tells the story of an unlikely friendship that develops between two women. Call it fate or call it luck, the women happen to enter each other's lives when each needs companionship most. They soon discover that, despite their differences, they've each made a true friend for life.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Backpack
Twenty-something-year-old Sav (Annika Foster) arrives at a house in the suburbs to pick up a travel backpack that she bought from an online marketplace. This is where she meets the seller, Simone (Sam Yim). Simone is a newly single woman who is still reeling from the effects of a divorce, and eager to get rid of the belongings that remind her of her ex-husband. Sav's bubbly personality and Simone's more morose demeanor seem like oil and water, but despite their differences, they form a sincere connection rather quickly.
After an unexpected event causes Sav to miss her transport to the airport, Simone seemingly reaches out of her comfort zone and invites Sav to stay with her until she has to leave to board an international flight. Over the next 12 or so hours, Sav and Simone experience the highs and lows of a budding friendship.
Relationship Strength isn't Measured by Length
Layered with flashbacks and time-jumping, Meeting You, Meeting Me is an honest portrait of two women at similar stages of their life, both figuring it out together. The phrase "opposites attract" seems appropriate here, although the more time we spend with Sav and Simone, the more obvious it is that they are much more similar than initially assumed. Yet, the sisterhood bond they quickly establish is tested when a misunderstanding threatens to derail their friendship. Using empathy as a vehicle for understanding both characters' actions and reactions, director Lina Suh shows how communication is the bedrock of any solid relationship.
The film touches upon the butterfly effect, in that the world is deeply interconnected, as well as the theme of meeting and moving on. The NEON film Robot Dreams also comes to mind when discussing how one person's influence can change the trajectory of your life forever. Sometimes the most impactful relationships don't necessarily have the most history.
Takeaway
Produced by Sharon Park, Meeting You, Meeting Me is a love letter to friendship, sisterhood, and the bonds made between like-minded women. The film ends with a special dedication from the director, which summarizes the film's ethos in one succinct statement: "For all the friends and sisters who carry us through our lives".
'Sing Sing' Review: An Achingly Beautiful Portrait of Rehabilitation
When I walked out of the theater after watching Sing Sing, I knew I had just witnessed the best film of 2024. All but guaranteed to be an early Oscar contender, Sing Sing is a quiet powerhouse of a film that rings loud with authenticity and heart. Based on a true story of incarcerated inmates who find purpose through a prison theater program, director Greg Kwedar crafts an incredibly absorbing and beautiful portrait that will leave you smiling through tears, much like the symbolic tragedy and comedy masks the theatre is represented by.
Dealing with Trauma Through Performing Arts
Sing Sing tells a powerful story of brotherhood set within the titular Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in New York. Based on the real-life program Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) and the people who experienced it firsthand, most of Sing Sing's cast includes formerly incarcerated actors and alumni of the program. Colman Domingo gives a rousing performance as "Divine G", a former ballet dancer serving a sentence for a crime he didn't commit. Despite his wrongful conviction, Divine G stands tall as a man of grace and goodwill. His inspirational outlook benefits the other men within the program, who learn to process their trauma through performances on stage.
The group dynamic shifts when a newcomer to the program joins the troupe. Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin (played by the real Clarence Maclin) is skeptical about the program's decision to perform dramatic material consistently. Life in prison is dramatic enough, he eloquently and brutally states. Despite Divine G's initial hesitation to change course, the program's director Brent Buell (Paul Raci) agrees that maybe a little comedy would be good for the soul. The group works together to create an original production called "Breakin' The Mummy's Code" which ends up being a mash-up of comedy, Shakespeare, historical drama, and Freddy Krueger. The rest of the film follows the men's lead-up to their opening night performance, including emotional highs and lows, and an unexpected tragedy.
A Stunning Ensemble Cast of (Mostly) Formerly Incarcerated Actors
There are many moments throughout Sing Sing that deserve a standing ovation. It took everything in me not to start clapping in the theater. The definition of a true ensemble cast, every single person who graces the screen gives a phenomenal performance. Colman Domingo's ability to suck the air out of the room with his monologue delivery leaves the audience utterly gobsmacked. His rendition of Hamlet's famous "To Be or Not To Be" sent chills through my whole body. Equally as stunning is Clarence Maclin, who uses his background as a formerly incarcerated person to bring real-life experience to the part.
Complimenting the onscreen performances is the angelic score by composer Bryce Dessner (The National) and the London Contemporary Orchestra. The music weaves in and out of scenes so beautifully and without forcing an emotional reaction. Captured by cinematographer Pat Scola (Pig, A Quiet Place: Day 1) in stunning detail, the world of Sing Sing explodes from the screen into our hearts. Its impact resonates long after the credits stop rolling.
Takeaway
More than just a movie, Sing Sing is a testament to the transformative power of art and humanity. The message conveyed here is a universal one: healing through art isn't just possible but essential. The proof is obvious, just look at the cast of the film (85% of whom were formerly incarcerated at Sing Sing). "This wasn’t just a philosophical choice," says director Greg Kwedar, "it was a recognition of the immense talent and pathos of the alumni from RTA." Unforgettable in a myriad of ways, Sing Sing is an achingly beautiful portrait of rehabilitation.
'Longlegs' Review: An Unforgettable Living Nightmare
You know the feeling of walking into a spiderweb? The invisible strings that stick to your body immediately cause you to tense up and leave you feeling unsettled. This is the same sensation I had when watching writer/director Osgood Perkins's eerie horror film Longlegs. It's a film that is easy to get wrapped up in, offering little solace from the absolute mayhem that descends into chaos on screen. Backed by an unforgettable performance by Nicolas Cage, Longlegs stands to be the killer breakout film this summer.
Capturing a Satanic Serial Killer
Maika Monroe plays Lee Harker, a young FBI agent who has just been assigned the case of the century. It's one that has been unsolved for decades: the Satanic Longlegs murders. Lee may be new to this position but her instincts rival that of a seasoned professional. Assigned to investigate the ongoing serial killer case along with her is veteran Agent Carter (Blair Underwood). His protectiveness and trust only encourage Lee to double down on her unique investigative methods.
In every Longlegs crime scene, a note is left, written in an abstract code that the FBI has been attempting and failing to crack. Lee notices there is a bizarre lack of additional evidence that should be left behind, including fingerprints, DNA, and entry and exit points. There is no physical evidence at all. Using this as a launching point, Lee pivots her search less toward the predictable and more toward the surreal. This is when she starts to sense the presence of the killer, who is both everywhere and nowhere. Like the aforementioned spiderweb, she becomes entangled in Longlegs' web which leads to a disturbing realization that changes the trajectory of the case.
Nicolas Cage Will Haunt Your Nightmares
The less you know about Longlegs before going into it, the better. What sets this film apart from other horror films are the subconscious ways Osgood Perkins injects suspense into every scene. The frenetic score incorporates minor string notes in conjunction with more organic sounds, like mic feedback and heartbeat pulses. The diegetic sounds crafted by the sound design team include eerie footsteps and environmental cues. Combined, they expertly build intensity throughout the film. The untraditional way in which the film was shot leans toward more arthouse horror. Jumping between aspect ratios and unconventional framing feels fresh and gives Longlegs a memorable visual aesthetic.
Now, a movie is only as good as the lead performances. In the case of Longlegs, Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage sensationally embody the characters to make the film truly haunting. Maika's cool and calm demeanor offers a perfect juxtaposition to Nic's unhinged and unrecognizable character. Not one to shy away from a challenging or weird role, Nicolas Cage reaches a new achievement in his career as Longlegs. It is exaggerated and creepy all at once. Don't be surprised if Longlegs appears in your nightmares following the film, it's practically unavoidable.
Takeaway
Drawing inspiration from some of the greatest thrillers of modern times like Silence of the Lambs and Zodiac, Longlegs offers audiences a fresh perspective on the genre. NEON's marketing campaign–while impressive–may slightly oversell the scare factor and over-hypes the film in general but Longlegs is still a solid movie worth watching in theaters over a VOD experience. Whether or not it has the legs to be named the scariest film of the year has yet to be seen.