Raul and Brad kick off their annual theme where they examine a filmmaker’s filmography that they have either never heard of or have a small amount of knowledge on. They usually spend this month with their fellow friend, Ayden Byrnes. Sadly, Ayden will be unable to join them this month but he is still there in spirit. This month they decided to cover one of Japan’s most acclaimed filmmakers, Yasujiro Ozu. They begin the month with a discussion on his film, Floating Weeds.
IMDb Synopsis: The head of a Japanese theatre troupe returns to a small coastal town where he left a son who thinks he is his uncle and tries to make up for the lost time, but his current mistress grows jealous.
Mike Mills’ newest directorial effort is an impressive strong examination of city life and familial dynamics.
CREDIT: A24
5/5
My last in-person screening at the Houston Cinema Arts Festival was a treat that I will remember forever. First and foremost, I would like to point out and shout out the amazing people at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas. MFAH has one of if not the best screen and projector that my eyes have ever graced the opportunity to watch cinema on. It was a match made in cinema heaven to be able to watch this beautiful film in their theater. I was reminded once again why I love the theatrical experience so much and how streaming will never replicate this communal feeling ever. I walked into my first ever Mike Mills film and I can tell you that this has shot up into one of my favorite films of this year.
C’mon C’mon is written and directed by Mike Mills (Beginners, 20th Century Women) and stars Joaquin Phoenix, Gabby Hoffmann, Scoot McNairy, Molly Webster, Jaboukie Young-White, and Woody Norman. The film is exquisitely shot by Robbie Ryan and is being distributed by A24. The film follows Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) as he takes care of Jesse (Woody Norman) because Jesse’s mom, Viv (Gaby Hoffmann), needs to take care of her husband who is in mental distress. We watch a beautiful familial relationship between Johnny and Jesse unfold as they spend more time with each other. Johnny is a podcaster who interviews children about their views about life and the future that awaits them.
C’mon C’mon is beautiful in every sense of the word. Its moments of sweet tenderness brought me to tears as I watched this charming story unfold. Filled with its bright light inside of an atmosphere of uncertainty, we find ourselves changing alongside the protagonists of the film. Mike Mills crafts one of the best films of the year that finds its way into your heart and holds it throughout the runtime. The performances are one of its strongest aspects especially that of the newcomer, Woody Norman. Its musical choices and score help create the atmosphere of the film that keeps your atttention. You are going to want to watch this film that contains one of Joaquin Phoenix’s best performances. I really can’t stop thinking about this magnificent film and hope that you all watch it soon.
This resilient documentary shines a light on the fight inside and outside of the ring for these incredible luchadoras.
Courtesy of Houston Cinema Arts Society
3.5/5
When skimming the festival program for the Houston Cinema Arts Festival, a lot of films caught my eye. Some that were really anticipated and some that were unknown to me like this film. I read up on this beautiful documentary about some badass powerful women who are not just maneuvering the ring but life in Mexico. I arrived dressed for the occasion with my Jay White Grand Slam NJPW shirt like the massive fan of pro wrestling I am. I knew that this would not be a documentary completely concentrating on professional wrestling, but this mixed two of my biggest passions and delivered way past expectations.
Luchadoras looks at the lives of female professional wrestlers living in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico as they navigate the challenges of living in Mexico and the target placed on their gender identity. It is not breaking news to know that Mexico has been dealing with a long period of feminicide. It is already difficult to navigate the culture as a woman and those who live there must fight against a constant target placed on them. The documentary is directed by Paola Calvo and Patrick Jasim who also serve as writers alongside Phillip Kaminiak. Throughout the film, we follow the lives of Lady Candy, Mini Sinerita, Baby Star, and Little Star as they compete inside of the ring and outside of it to exist as women in Mexico. The film is also expertly shot and woven together by a beautiful and important story about female empowerment.
Pro wrestling is the perfect place to highlight these women since the squared circle is the only space where these women can showcase not just their physical strength but their emotional strength too. We are constantly looking at both sides of the border and how different it is to live on either side. Luchadoras is magnificent and a strong outing from a very talented crew of artists. The performances always feel real and it raises important conversations to be had. I am dying to be able to rewatch this film sometime soon. Please seek this out as soon as it is available to the public.
Watch Luchadoras as it continues its festival run.
Sean Baker returns to the big screen with his new film starring Simon Rex as a washed-up porn star seeking redemption in all the wrong places.
CREDIT: A24
3.5/5
I had the pleasure of attending the Houston Cinema Arts Festival on behalf of The Nerd Corps as press to cover the films shown during its run in Houston, Texas. I want to thank the wonderful people at the Houston Cinema Arts Society for allowing me and Luis to experience so much beautiful cinema in a city we both love and adore. The opening night treated us to a screening of Red Rocket, the newest film from Tangerine, and The Florida Project director, Sean Baker. The screening was followed by a Q&A session including director Sean Baker along with some of his cast like Bree Elrod, Brittany Rodriguez, and Ethan Darbone. Was magic struck once again in Sean Baker’s newest directorial effort?
Red Rocket is directed by Sean Baker, written by Baker and Chris Bergoch, and stars Simon Rex, Bree Elrod, and Suzanna Son. The film which Baker has been planning since one of his first films, Starlet. Of course, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic allowed for the film to get fast-tracked as Baker could not work on an upcoming project due to quarantine protocols. Thus, with a minimal crew and a devoted cast of non-professional actors, Red Rocket was completed in various locations in Southeast Texas. The film marks the return of Simon Rex to the film industry after a long absence.
Sean Baker crafts a wonderful film that once again puts eyes on his growing stellar filmography. Simon Rex plays a “suitcase pimp” chasing redemption but blinded by greed and his selfish desires with vigor and nuance. Bree Elrod especially delivers a fantastic performance as Mikey’s ex-wife and ex-co-star, Lexi. The rest of the cast of non-professional actors steal the light and showcase their growing abilities. I was especially blown away by Brittany Rodriguez who plays the enforcer to a very important drug supplier in Texas City. This time Baker teams up with cinematographer Drew Daniels who expertly crafts the visual language of the film.
The film struggles at times to keep its footing introducing bits and pieces about characters that are abandoned or made minuscule in retrospect to the story at hand. Even though there are moments we can truly grasp the situation at hand, the film is lacking a stable pace that can let some of these moments breathe. I found myself liking the first half a lot more than the second half even though I had a great time with the film. Sean Baker once again knows how to bring out laughs from the audience and the performers turn in a great job selling the comedy in here. Even though there are faults within the film it is still a fantastic flick and another strong outing by one of the most interesting directors working today.
Watch Red Rocket in theaters and on streaming/VOD until next year.
The nerds conclude their month on Denis Villeneuve with one more review. They come together to talk about his science fiction film, Arrival. One of Villeneuve’s most acclaimed works. What did they think about this film? Where does it stack up against the other films discussed this month?
IMDb Synopsis: A linguist works with the military to communicate with alien lifeforms after twelve mysterious spacecraft appear around the world.
The Nerd Corps 