Star80

A writer chasing perfection with urgency, assertiveness, and impatience.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

ANGEL DOWN by Daniel Kraus is not a horror novel that won a Pulitzer, but a novel with war horrors that is written with consideration and literary ambitions, taking the prize. There’s a lot to like, but I was not lifted to the high holy heavens by it.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Things THE END OF OAK STREET gets right: a plot surprise, special effects that more or less sell the premise, and Anne Hathaway is good at looking scared.

As for what’s wrong, basic X limits the characters for a post, and, if I started listing where things go wrong, I’d run ou…

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Geysers of blood, painted backdrops, goofy humor, and plenty of horror references — director/writer Jane Schoenbrun packs TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA with a lot to ponder, but ideas does slow death in a second half that’s weaker than the first.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Allie Rowbottom’s novel LOVERS XXX, which begins in the world of ’80s adult entertainment in L.A., is neither cheap nor trashy. It’s a thoughtful examination of a system and friendship through the female gaze with a cheeky VHS-inspired cover. @soho_press

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

The new novel by Dave Eggers CONTRAPPOSTO is more conventional than his best works, resulting in a comforting read vs. an instantly distinct one.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

The Anthony Bourdain biopic TONY examines a thin slice of his final teenage year, cutting the muscle from a complex man’s story and serving closer to a shell of his existence over the meaty parts of his history and cultural impact. Some savor the approach, so tastes vary.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Andrew Patterson’s debut film THE VAST OF NIGHT was special. His follow up THE RIVALS OF AMZIAH KING is not.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY opened to boffo box office, and I contributed to Saturday cume. While I’m thrilled attendance is up, the film does little to restore my faith in the MCU and the value it brings to screens with average tickets costing about $23 in L.A. Paid to doze off.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Clever enough to keep me engaged but whacky enough to turn my brain off for a hour and a half, GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS is suitable for a Friday night at the movies. Comedic. Bloody. And a brisk OTT wicked Ozian farce.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

So, this is the trailer for OTHER MOMMY that supposedly had people jumping out of their seats in the theatre before THE ODYSSEY? What do you think? https://t.co/qX5PtiRHad

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

THE ODYSSEY is the grandest cinematic achievement of the year and unlikely to be challenged on that front. It’s gonna be an Oscar juggernaut in the crafts categories. The question is will another picture surpass it in terms of emotional reaction and passions for the story told?

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

I LOVE BOOSTERS stole two hours of my time.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Steven Spielberg and his gifted group of collaborators are too skilled to make an outright bad movie. With DISCLOSURE DAY. though, they have made an anti-climactic, unsatisfying one.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Woody and the gang are starting to get old in TOY STORY 5. The point is one that the filmmakers, themselves, point out.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Rob Delaney’s memoir A HEART THAT WORKS is its own conduit to emotion — deep with pain, joy, grace, and humor. It brings Henry, his young cancer-stricken son, into the reader’s soul.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

The prose is strong in Douglas Stuart’s JOHN OF JOHN, but, when the story ventures into questionable areas, my interest dipped, along with the pacing. Oprah loved it I liked it.

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Forget about waiting to get asked. Crash the party and see THE INVITE in theatres soon. You’ll be glad you attended. @A24

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

@chrisminion3 Thanks, buddy!

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Do you remember when you joined X? I do! #MyXAnniversary

[Star80 @TypeATweet]

Using mustard-yellow to paint walls is truly horrifying. BACKROOMS has evocative production design, for sure. My reaction to the script, however, is more muted.