Pillion (2026)

I think what struck me about Pillion, in the context of queer cinema, was how it is reminiscent of the sort of gay films popularized in the 80s in how it explores something the audience and the broader world within the story may be uncomfortable with. But in this case, where in the older films it would have been the same sex relationship itself, here that is not the element that is subversive, it isn't the shock value. In this case its the dom/sub relationship, how those around Colin react to it and are uncomfortable. It isn't a man on man kiss that is transgressive, but the scenes of  domination which make the write ups about the film titillating. 

In Pillion Colin's gayness is supported in a very wholesome way by his family and community. Audiences are used to seeing men be affectionate on film together and no one blinks an eye. It is the commands, the power dynamics, which illicit giggles and squirming. Pillion's strength is in how it brings this to the fore and presents it so that you can feel understand the relationship between Ray and Colin. The film throws a few shock value sex scenes in to push boundaries (not as strongly as I thought they might) but it remains all simulated. Pillion is a solid R not an NC-17. 

By the end it is the scenes of gentle connection which becomes shocking and bring on the real reaction.  In this way it circles back to the queer cinema of the last century. A cuddle in the bed brings gasps, hand holding becomes transgressive, a kiss at the film's climax is monumental. And like so much of the 2SLGBTQ+ cannon there is loss. Colin's journey points towards him finding his way but this isn't the happily ever after story. Pillion feels like it is part of some grand tradition but in ways one wouldn't expect. 

I love it when a new film maker debuts with an exciting feature. Pillion is an example of that, the kind of film that makes you sit up and take notice. Lighton has made something impressive and shows a lot of potential. I'm going to be watching what he does next.

Pillion

Starring: Harry Melling, Alexander Skarsgård, Jake Shears

Writer/Director: Harry Lighton

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2026)

How does one begin to describe Nirvanna the Band, the Show, the Movie, an absurdist adaptation of an absurdist TV series inspired by an absurdist web series? From the twisted brilliance of Johnson and McCarrol who reached super success with their film BlackBerry, they return to their roots in this passion project bringing bigger ideas and a bigger budget to the loveable fictional versions of the themselves. While it's hard to represent what this movie experience is like (other than saying it is a damn good time) I will say that this is a good example of how you do take a TV project and bring it to the big screen. 

They have taken what works from their seed of a TV show, a couple of lovable losers in their endless quest to get a gig at the Rivoli, and brought it to new heights... literally! In this case the CN Tower. Throw in some time travel, sky diving, and a lot of Back to the Future love and you have what may be the silliest but the most fun movie you'll see in a long time. 

I don't want to say more except just see it. It's nonsense and it isn't logical but it's got heart and a lot of laughs. 

Nirvana the Band the Show the Movie

Written by, Directed by, and Starring: Matt Johnson, Jay McCarrol

Arco (2025)

I wish Hollywood made more hand drawn animation. Thank goodness it's still prevalent in other parts of the world. The gorgeous French film Arco is an example of why the push towards GCI in mainstream western animation is such a loss. Arco is a true thing of beauty, capturing a visual story telling style that CGI just cannot touch. 

It may call to mind Studio Ghibli films or even the Iron Giant. Arco is the story of being lost through time and finding connection. The story is bittersweet and will literally make you cry. It is a reminder of the power of fantastic story telling and all it can accomplish. 

But I can't get over just how beautiful it is to watch and how much I want more of this sort of animation. Arco is best seen on a big screen but can be fully appreciated at home as well. It is the sort of story that is accessible for almost all ages offering something rich to whomever approaches it.

Arco

Starring: Romy Fay, Juliano Krue Valdi, Mark Ruffalo, Natalie Portman, Will Farrell, Andy Samberg, America Ferrera, Flea

Director: Ugo Bienvenu

Writers: Félix de Givry, Ugo Bienvenu

The Voice of Hind Rijab (2025)

Director Kaouther Ben Hania has taken the audio from a real distress call to the Red Crescent, as well as some social media video of the responders taking the call, and crafted a film dramatization of the event. It is harrowing and powerful because of its literalness. What we are watching is actors playing real responders in a moment of real crisis. We even sometimes hear their voices. The one voice we really do hear is that of a little girl named Hind Rijab. 

Film has been a medium to very effectively bring to light the horrors of war and The Voice of Hind Rajab joins a long legacy of powerful indictments of political violence. This is the story of just one family killed at the alter of armed conflict and yet it in many ways is the story of all. 

It is also the story of those trying to save lives. What we watch in this film is the experience of those attempting to intervene to rescue those caught in the middle. They are heroes and they often fail. The Voice of Hind Rajab is not only a testament to the dead but to those who attempt to keep as many people alive as possible.  

The Voice of Hind Rajab is heartbreaking yet in its way inspiring, as it brings into focus those real heroes of war. The helpers.

The Voice of Hind Rijab

Writer/Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Send Help (2026)

Raimi has made a bonkers survivalist/revenge comedy and it is a lot of fun. Sometimes it pulls back from the edge a little too much for my tastes. The film pushes some boundaries visually but plays it somewhat safe psychologically. I kinda wished he had gone all in. 

But McAdams and O'Brien are both incredible bringing deranged performances to real life. McAdams especially handles things well, bringing a grounding to her bizarro character as she makes the tonal shifts mostly work. O'Brien creates a very realistic douchiness so that his Bradley is truly reprehensible while also being human. The characters could have been far more one note than they are but the two of them together nail it. 

My only disappintment is the film doesn't quite go as transgressive and I would have liked. It pulls its punches. But even in doing so it's funny and gripping with just a slight bit of unease thrown in for good measure. It is a fun watch.

Send Help

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Dylan O'Brien, Denis Haysbert, Edyll Ismail, Bruce Campbell

Director: Sam Raimi

Writers: Damian Shannon, Mark Swift

The Wrecking Crew (2026)

Soto knows how to make really fun films. The Wrecking Crew is another that is far more fun than it should be. The action is on point, the script is smart enough to support its story, and the chemistry between its stars is off the charts. It all comes together to make a really watchable film. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Bautista is the best actor to come from the world of wrestling and even when he is in something like this, less dramatic and more action comedy, he gives a strong performance. And Momoa has proven he can light up screen with his charm and is a good enough actor to deliver on the more dramatic moments. What really makes it work is how well they work together. They play off each other wonderfully.

I'm not saying The Wrecking Crew is anything more than it tries to be. It is a fun action comedy with some compelling leads. I do think it shows more films should be shot in Honolulu, a great city with far more story telling potential than has been exploited. 

The Wrecking Crew

Starring: Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Claes Bang, Temuera Morrison, Jacob Batalon, Frankie Adams, Miyavi, Stephen Root, Morena Baccarin 

Director: Ángel Manuel Soto

Writer: Jonathan Tropper

Back to the Future (1985) TOP 100

Few movies are perfect but this might be one of them. I saw this film as a kid in a cinema one afternoon and loved it so much I convinced my family to all go see it again that evening! It's the only time I have watched a movie twice in the cinema on the same day. I have no regrets. 

The script is such a masterful piece of keeping all the balls in the air. Like the mechanics of a ticking clock all working in synch, the way each little piece, even down to small details in the background, all work together to tell this story... and what a story... it is one of the most intricate pieces of film making I have witnessed and knowing more about how this film was made makes that even more remarkable. The fact almost half the film was reshot after the main character was recast, that it was filmed mostly at night since Fox was shooting his day job TV series at the same time. There are many stories of masterpieces being cobbled together as they went along (Casablanca) and Back to the Future is one of those masterpieces. It's a bit of a miracle this film exists. 

The film remains, after all these years, genuinely funny and satisfying. Marty is a charming everyman who both learns to be a better person through seeing his parents as people, and inspires them to be the best of themselves. I've come to see this is about growing up and entering into that adult to adult relationship we reach with our parents and our children as we/they come of age. It is letting go of seeing them in their roles and seeing them for the humans beings, the individuals, they are and love them. It is about how things change and how things stay the same. It is also about having agency and becoming who we want to be.

Each time I watch the film I am still on the edge of my seat during the remarkably filmed set pieces. Marty's making it back to 1985 is filmed so perfectly you can't help but hold your breath, even when you know how it all turns out. The jokes still make me laugh. And the film is just filled with great big heart overflowing from the characters and story. It is one of those films that is just so damn hard not to love. And love it I do time after time.

Back to the Future

Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson, Claudia Wells, Marc McClure, Wendie Jo Sperber, George DiCenzo, Frances Lee McCain, Jason Hervey, Billy Zane, Harry Waters Jr., James Tolkan, Huey Lewis 

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Writers: Bob Gale, Roberts Zemeckis