FIASCO delivers an emotional rollercoaster, blending satire with the unpredictability inherent in the art of film direction. This French Netflix series, the brainchild of the innovative Igor Gotesman and brought to life by the charismatic Pierre Niney as Raphaël Valande, plunges viewers into the tumultuous world of film production and all the craziness that comes with it. With its thought-provoking script, the series navigates the complexities of creating cinema, providing entertainment and food for thought.

Cue the stage lights on a Texas stage in 1999, where Foghat, the quintessential rock powerhouse, lit up the night with a performance that resonated deep into the echelons of rock history. FOGHAT - SLOW RIDE: LIVE IN CONCERT, captured just before the passing of their magnetic and original frontman Dave Peverett in 2000, stands as a testament to their enduring charisma and sheer musical force. This concert is a treasure trove for listeners, packed with the vibrant energy of a band that somehow remained timeless.

Stepping back into the turbulent era of early 19th-century Berlin, Jessica Hausner's AMOUR FOU explores love teetering on the brink of despair. This film not only captures the tragic narrative of Heinrich (Christian Friedel) but also ties in a profoundly moving love story set against the stark realities of its time. Right from the start, Hausner hooks us with a narrative that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally stirring. While this is another solid out from Hausner, it’s probably my least favorite (with only one film to go.)

From the eerie expanses of Lake Tahoe’s forests comes a riveting tale of horror created from a micro-budget but packed with undiluted suspense. TAHOE JOE and its follow-up TAHOE JOE 2: THE SIERRA NEVADA BIGFOOT CONSPIRACY prove that blockbuster bucks aren’t required to forge tales of mystery and intrigue. Directors Dillon Brown and Michael Rock turn financial limitations into a showcase of innovation and a raw, gripping narrative. Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first; many people will look at the ratings and assume these are “bad” films, and they’re not. Sure, they show the signs of indie horror, but there are also a lot of positives to take away.

DANCING VILLAGE: THE CURSE BEGINS stands out by offering a solid visual and auditory experience that sets new standards for Indonesian cinema. Under the direction of Kimo Stamboel and an impressive ensemble cast, this prequel to KKN DI DESA PENARI aims to outshine its predecessor, which was the highest-grossing Indonesian film in history when it was released in 2022.

Long story short, the unjust hatred for VELMA’s first season, all because it wasn’t people’s “Scooby-Doo” they remembered, absolutely backfired for them. All of their hate-watching and triggered review bombing ended up giving season one the honor of being Max’s most streamed title as of its release. VELMA: SEASON 2 picks right back up where the first season left off and drives straight into the depths of contemporary and societal issues. Mindy Kaling delivers another season, proving that Velma is more than her history ever let her be. She transforms Velma into a character who is not only relatable to today's diverse audiences but also provocatively complex. Say goodbye to the simple ghost chases in the Mystery Machine—this Velma is dealing with real monsters of societal expectations and personal identity, exploring what it means to be a bisexual South Asian American detective in a world that might not be ready for her.

This film isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s a voyage into the realm of the taboo and controversial. GRAPHIC SEXUAL HORROR presents an unfiltered gaze into the past operations of Insex, a website notorious for its boundary-pushing adult content. Directed by Barbara Bell and Anna Lorentzon, the documentary is an incisive probe into the ethical dilemmas of adult entertainment interlaced with financial gains and human desires.

This film offers a look into a time before current events, and the film captivates viewers with its portrayal of the struggles and awakenings of Palestinian youth under Israeli occupation. In his first major outing as a director, Firas Khoury crafts a narrative as rich in personal drama as it is in political discourse. Through the eyes of Tamer, brought to life by Mahmoud Bakri, we dive into a world where everyday school life is punctuated by actions of defiance and desires for normalcy that seem just out of reach. Just typing that sentence makes my heart ache. Seeing this world and the struggles those who lived in it faced before and knowing that they’ve only been amplified breaks me down in a way I wasn’t expecting.

EAST BAY immediately engages viewers with its portrayal of Jack Lee's (Daniel Yoon) life, a 39-year-old who dreams of bigger things but is stuck in a dead-end job. The film balances humor and drama with a delicate touch, creating an intriguing narrative that draws the audience deep into the emotional landscape of its protagonist.

Some subjects are so complex and vital that they warrant a certain level of finesse and production value to do them justice. Unfortunately, I AM GITMO, while an ambitious indie film, falters in this regard. Directed by Philippe Diaz, this drama attempts to unpack the notorious and controversial subject of Guantanamo Bay and its detainees. Although Diaz's intention to shed light on this dark corner of American history is clear and commendable, the film’s execution does not live up to the seriousness of its theme.

From the start, Sébastien Vaníček's INFESTED grabs your attention as it veers off the beaten path of typical horror films. More than just a spider scare-fest, this film explores deep into the cracks of societal breakdowns, all within the confines of a Parisian apartment. Here, Kaleb, portrayed by Théo Christine, navigates through a life mired in family conflict and an unusual obsession with exotic animals, turning his birthday into an unforgettable experience.

Paramount+ has unleashed a thrilling new addition to the Sonic franchise with KNUCKLES, bringing Idris Elba back as the voice of the charismatic red echidna. Set in between Sonic 2 and 3 in the timeline, this series plunges viewers into an exhilarating journey as Knuckles (Idris Elba) learns what it takes to help Wade Whipple (Adam Pally) face his challenges in life and as a “true warrior,” in the ancient arts of Echidna combat. This fresh spin on the series is loaded with action-packed sequences and the same well-rounded humor we’ve expected from the movies. I am thrilled with their direction here; this could have been one of those knock-off CGI-animated spin-offs that used to be so popular. Instead, the same level of detail and artistry was given to a story that genuinely feels like it's in the same universe.

Kim Noonan’s first foray into directing, NYCTOPHOBIA, shows some growing pains while trying a somewhat fresh take on the horror genre by incorporating traditional chills with contemporary thrills. It turns a typical high school graduation celebration into a fight for survival against spectral foes amidst a mysterious blackout. The clever use of smartphones as lifelines punctuates our dependency on tech and adds a unique flavor to the terror unfolding on screen.

ALIGNED takes you from the kinetic energy of New York City to the historic grace of Athens, weaving a compelling tale of self-discovery through the medium of dance. Directed by Apollo Bakopoulos, this film combines artistry with deep emotional narratives, bringing a fresh perspective to the dance genre. While it navigates through some familiar themes, the fresh approach and vivid aesthetics infuse it with a distinctive charm.

Crack open a book and a cold glass of your favorite beverage as we enter the world of BOOKS & DRINKS (a fitting and slightly odd name.) It draws viewers into its Caribbean setting with the promise of an intriguing mix of romance and humor. The film charts the journey of David (Jackson Rathbone,) a New Yorker who unexpectedly becomes the owner of a grand estate in the Dominican Republic, setting the stage for a story of self-discovery and heartfelt connections.

INTERPRETERS WANTED captivates with its intense and intimate portrayal of the lives of Saifullah and Ismail Haqmal, Afghan brothers who navigate the world of war-torn Afghanistan. Director Robert Ham guides this documentary, crafting a narrative about the transcendent bonds formed across cultural divides in times of war.

Late into the evening at the 24-hour sandwich shop Subclub, what should have been a routine sandwich order transforms into a compelling, emotionally charged dialogue. This simple encounter between Roger, your not-so-ordinary customer, and Lenny, the night worker, escalates into an intense unraveling of Roger's pent-up frustrations and hidden pains. In TWO CENTS & A FOOTLONG, directed by Kanin Guntzelman, the shop becomes more than just a backdrop; profound human truths are laid bare, and lives can change in moments.

A BINDING TRUTH opens a doorway to the past, where personal anecdotes and memories fuse with history. Director Louise Woehrle unearths the intersecting stories of Jimmie and De, two classmates from 1965 whose pasts and paths through the racial tensions at Myers Park High now provide a poignant blueprint for examining America’s complex racial landscape.

SPARE KEYS dives into the bittersweet symphony of adolescence with a narrative zest that captures the eye and soothes the heart. Set against the backdrops of Nancy, a city in France, the film charts the journey of Fifi, portrayed by Céleste Brunnquell with a passion and heart that brings her character to life. She confronts the turbulent waters of norms and identity forced upon her throughout a summer of transformation.

THE SCARFACE MOB, with its roots as a made-for-TV pilot, brings us a compelling narrative that captures the gritty essence of 1929 Chicago. Under Phil Karlson's direction, the film emerges as a standout exploration of a noir vision, weaving through the lives of iconic figures such as Eliot Ness and Al Capone. It's a striking journey through the world of crime and morality during one of America's most infamous eras.

THE MOON & BACK pulls you into its beautifully melancholic world, where the impacts of loss and the power of creative redemption intertwine. This film offers a fresh take on the classic coming-of-age narrative through the eyes of Lydia, who channels her grief into making a film written by her late father. Isabel May’s portrayal of Lydia blends a palpable sense of loss with a fierce determination to connect with her father's legacy, setting the tone for a uniquely touching story.

Anne de Carbuccia crafts EARTH PROTECTORS as a film and an urgent call to action wrapped in stunning visual storytelling with a confident and creative purpose. This documentary immerses its audience in remote yet critically endangered parts of our world, showing their natural splendor and the threats they face from ongoing human overreach.

Diego Vicentini’s SIMÓN catapults viewers into the intense and drama-filled world of Simón, a young Venezuelan activist grappling with the aftermath of his actions against an oppressive regime. The film interlaces personal anguish with broader political themes, presenting a narrative ripe with emotional resonance. Christian McGaffney shines in his portrayal of a man caught in the restlessness of adjusting to a safer yet unfamiliar life in the U.S. while still feeling the pull of the conflict back home.

From the start, CREATING A CULTURE OF REPAIR grips you with its powerful and insightful exploration into some of the vital steps needed for racial equity and healing in America. Robert Turner skillfully navigates through a narrative that doubles as both a scholarly resource and a motivational summons, rendering the intricate subject of reparations both understandable and captivating. The only thing that keeps the book from being a 5/5 for me is that it occasionally drifts into some more religious teaching aspects, which I don’t take issue with as author Robert Turner is a pastor. My concern is that it feels like he’s occasionally putting the control of these methods in the hands of “god.” While at its core, that doesn’t harm, I feel it lessens the impact of some of his points.

When eerie shadows loom large and whispers fill the air in an old mansion, THE CAT AND THE CANARY plunge you into the heart of classic horror. This pivotal piece from the early days of cinema, directed by the talented German filmmaker Paul Leni, combines the eerie aesthetics of German Expressionism with Hollywood's rich narrative style to offer more than just chills—it captures the imagination.