Big Screen Insights, Austin, TX (2025)

04/26/2025

🎬 Dick Tracy (1990): A Comic-Strip Fever Dream

Detective Dick Tracy (Warren Beatty) battles mobster Big Boy Caprice (Al Pacino) in a vibrant, 1930s-inspired city. With his yellow trench coat and two-way radio, Tracy navigates a world of colorful villains and a sultry singer, Breathless Mahoney (Madonna). Beatty’s passion project is a visual marvel, blending comic-book aesthetics with noir grit. It’s bold and bizarre.

Pacino’s over-the-top performance dominates, while Beatty’s stoic hero and Madonna’s femme fatale add flair. The film’s art direction—vivid colors, exaggerated sets—earned Oscars, but the convoluted plot and uneven pacing can feel like a misfire. Still, Stephen Sondheim’s songs and the retro vibe keep you hooked.

Dick Tracy is a stylish gamble that doesn’t always pay off but dazzles with ambition. It’s a time capsule of 90s experimentation, perfect for fans of the eccentric. Step into this pulpy world and savor the spectacle.

04/26/2025

🎬 The Prince of Egypt: An Epic Tapestry of Faith and Freedom
Behold the grandeur of The Prince of Egypt (1998), DreamWorks’ animated masterpiece that reimagines the Exodus story with breathtaking visuals and soul-stirring music. This isn’t just a cartoon—it’s a profound journey of Moses, a prince torn between privilege and destiny, voiced by Val Kilmer.
From the Nile’s banks to the Red Sea’s parting, the film balances spectacle with intimacy, exploring themes of identity, sacrifice, and liberation. Sandra Bullock’s Miriam and Ralph Fiennes’ menacing Ramses add emotional depth, while songs like “When You Believe” soar to spiritual heights.
What sets it apart is its bold respect for the source material, blending reverence with universal appeal. It’s a visual symphony that inspires awe and reflection, perfect for all ages. Let it sweep you away to ancient sands.

04/26/2025

🎬 Super Troopers: Cops Gone Wild
The Broken Lizard comedy troupe brings the laughs in Super Troopers, a raucous tale of Vermont highway patrolmen more interested in pranks than policing. Led by the mustachioed Thorny (Jay Chandrasekhar), the crew faces budget cuts and rival cops with absurd stunts, like chugging syrup and pulling over stoners for “liter-al” speeding. It’s lowbrow done right.
The film’s quotable lines—“Meow!”—and over-the-top gags, like a psychedelic drug bust, have earned it a cult following. The ensemble’s commitment to the ridiculous, from Farva’s rage to Foster’s romance, makes every scene a riot. It’s a masterclass in deadpan delivery and chaotic teamwork.
This 2001 comedy is a gloriously unhinged tribute to slacker cops and the art of not taking life too seriously. Super Troopers is a wild ride that’s always ready to pull you over for fun.

04/26/2025

🎬 Skateboard Souls: Mid90s (2018)

Jonah Hill’s directorial debut, Mid90s, is a gritty, nostalgic love letter to 90s skate culture. Following Stevie, a 13-year-old seeking escape from his troubled home, the film captures the raw freedom of youth. Sunny Suljic shines as Stevie, with a skate crew that feels like family.

Shot on 16mm, the film oozes authenticity, from its lo-fi visuals to its era-perfect soundtrack. Hill nails the camaraderie and rebellion of adolescence, blending humor with poignant moments of vulnerability. The skatepark becomes a sanctuary, where Stevie finds belonging amid the chaos.

Though the story treads familiar ground, Mid90s’ heart and Hill’s confident direction make it soar. It’s a vivid snapshot of growing up, scraping knees, and chasing dreams on four wheels.

04/25/2025

🎬 Showing Up (2022) - Art’s Messy, Beautiful Struggle
Kelly Reichardt’s Showing Up follows Lizzy, a sculptor juggling creativity and life’s chaos in Portland’s art scene. Michelle Williams delivers a subtle, lived-in performance, capturing the quiet frustration of an artist on the edge. The film’s understated humor and warmth make it a quintessential Reichardt gem.

The setting—a scrappy art school and quirky community—feels alive, with every detail adding to Lizzy’s world. Reichardt’s direction is patient, letting mundane moments reveal profound truths about ambition and resilience. The ensemble, including Hong Chau, adds vibrant texture to this intimate portrait.

Showing Up is a love letter to artists who keep going despite the mess. It’s funny, poignant, and deeply human, reminding us that creation is both struggle and salvation. This is indie cinema at its finest.

04/25/2025

🎬 Thelma (2024)
A Senior’s Swagger in a Comedic Caper
Thelma is a delightful comedy starring June Squibb as a 93-year-old grandmother on a mission to reclaim her scammed savings. Directed by Josh Margolin, the film blends humor and heart, with Squibb’s feisty performance stealing the show. It’s a refreshing take on aging with attitude.

Thelma’s adventure through Los Angeles, aided by her reluctant friend (Richard Roundtree), is packed with witty banter and surprising action. The film balances laughs with tender moments, exploring independence and family bonds. Its lighthearted tone never feels patronizing, celebrating resilience at any age.

This is a feel-good gem that proves heroes come in all ages. Thelma is a crowd-pleaser with charm to spare, perfect for a cozy movie night. Squibb is a national treasure.

04/25/2025

🎬 Anora (2024) - A Wild Ride Through Love and Hustle
Anora is a frenetic dramedy about a Brooklyn stripper (Mikey Madison) who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, sparking a chaotic clash of cultures and motives. Director Sean Baker delivers a raw, exhilarating tale of ambition and heartbreak. It’s a rollercoaster worth riding.

Madison’s electrifying performance anchors the film, blending vulnerability with fierce determination. The neon-soaked visuals and fast-paced editing capture the gritty pulse of New York’s underbelly. Supporting performances, especially from Yura Borisov, add layers to the film’s darkly comic tone.

While the runtime feels slightly indulgent, Anora thrives on its bold energy and unflinching honesty. It’s a standout for fans of character-driven stories with an edge. Baker cements his place as a master of modern Americana.

04/25/2025

🎬 Brave the Dark (2023):
A Glimmer of Hope in a Broken World
Brave the Dark is a raw, intimate drama that shines a light on the bond between a troubled teen, Nate (Jared Harris), and a teacher, Stan (Nicholas Hoult), who refuses to give up on him. Inspired by true events, the film explores themes of redemption and resilience against a backdrop of addiction and despair. Hoult’s understated performance carries the emotional weight, while Harris brings a volatile energy that keeps you on edge. The gritty realism of the urban setting amplifies the stakes, making every small victory feel monumental.

The narrative unfolds with quiet intensity, but its nonlinear structure can feel disjointed, occasionally disrupting the emotional flow. Some supporting characters, like Nate’s mother, are underdeveloped, leaving gaps in the story’s heart. Yet, the film’s strength lies in its refusal to sugarcoat hardship—Stan’s own flaws mirror Nate’s, creating a messy, authentic connection that avoids clichés of the “savior” trope.

This indie gem doesn’t aim for grandeur but hits hard with its sincerity. It’s a slow burn that rewards patience, reminding us that hope can flicker even in the darkest corners. For those who appreciate character-driven stories, Brave the Dark is a poignant, if imperfect, journey worth taking.

04/24/2025

🎬 Rugrats in Paris: The Movie: A Toddler’s Parisian Adventure
Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000), directed by Stig Bergqvist and Paul Demeyer, is a delightful animated sequel that takes the beloved Nickelodeon babies to the City of Light. When Chuckie’s dad joins a theme park project in Paris, the Rugrats tag along, sparking a whimsical quest for Chuckie to find a new mom. The film’s colorful chaos is pure fun.

The babies’ antics—sneaking through a high-tech amusement park, battling a robotic dinosaur—deliver laughs, while Chuckie’s longing for family adds surprising depth. Voiced by Christine Cavanaugh, his earnestness tugs at the heart. Though aimed at kids, the humor and pop-culture nods keep adults entertained, despite a predictable plot.

This is a nostalgic treat for Rugrats fans, blending silly escapades with a touch of sweetness. It’s proof that even toddlers can steal the show on a global stage.

04/24/2025

🎬 With a Friend Like Harry: A Creepy Ode to Obsession
Dominik Moll’s With a Friend Like Harry is a French thriller that slithers into your psyche with chilling precision. Michel, a harried family man, encounters Harry, a charismatic old schoolmate who’s oddly fixated on his life. Sergi López’s unnerving performance as Harry turns a chance reunion into a dark game of manipulation.

The film builds suspense through subtle unease, with Harry’s charm masking a sinister edge. Moll’s direction keeps you off-balance, blending domestic normalcy with creeping dread. While the climax veers into melodrama, the psychological cat-and-mouse game remains gripping throughout.

This is a thriller that thrives on ambiguity, questioning loyalty and identity in a way that lingers. With a Friend Like Harry is a must for fans of Hitchcockian suspense. Watch it, but don’t trust anyone named Harry.

04/24/2025

🎬 Girlfight: A Knockout Tale of Grit
Karyn Kusama’s Girlfight (2000) is a fierce indie drama about Diana, a Brooklyn teen who channels her anger into boxing. Michelle Rodriguez’s debut performance is electric, capturing raw defiance and vulnerability. The film’s gritty realism sets it apart.

The boxing scenes, shot with visceral intensity, mirror Diana’s inner battles against sexism and family strife. Kusama’s direction emphasizes her growth, from outsider to empowered fighter. The supporting cast, including Jaime Tirelli as her coach, adds heart to the underdog story.

Girlfight is an inspiring, no-frills triumph about resilience and identity. Rodriguez’s star-making turn makes it unforgettable. For fans of sports dramas with soul, this film packs a powerful punch.

04/24/2025

🎬 Holland, Michigan: A Suburban Conspiracy Unraveled
Holland, Michigan (2025) is a darkly comic thriller that unearths secrets in small-town America. Nicole Kidman plays a teacher whose suspicions about her husband’s infidelity lead to a chilling discovery of murder and deception. The idyllic Holland, Michigan, setting hides a twisted underbelly.

Director Mimi Cave infuses the film with a Coen-esque blend of humor and menace, while Kidman’s nuanced performance captures a woman unraveling under paranoia and resolve. The supporting cast, including GaTa and Billy Magnussen, adds quirky depth to the spiraling mystery. The snowy Midwest visuals enhance the eerie tone.

Though its pacing occasionally stumbles, Holland, Michigan is a gripping, offbeat tale of betrayal. It’s a fresh spin on domestic suspense.

04/23/2025

🎬 North by Northwest (1959): A Thrilling Chase Across America

Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest is a dazzling cocktail of suspense and charm. Ad man Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant) is mistaken for a spy, sparking a cross-country pursuit by ruthless agents. From the crop-duster chase to the Mount Rushmore climax, every setpiece is a masterclass in tension.

Grant’s suave wit and Eva Marie Saint’s enigmatic allure make their chemistry electric. Hitchcock blends humor, romance, and danger with effortless flair, while Bernard Herrmann’s score drives the pulse. The film’s iconic visuals—like that dizzying cornfield sprint—are etched in cinema history.

North by Northwest is pure entertainment, a rollercoaster that never slows down. It’s Hitchcock at his most playful and polished, perfect for thriller fans. Buckle up for the ride!

04/23/2025

🎬 March of Courage: Selma’s Unyielding Spirit

Selma (2014) is a powerful historical drama chronicling Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1965 voting rights campaign. David Oyelowo’s riveting performance captures King’s resolve and humanity, while Ava DuVernay’s direction grounds the civil rights struggle in visceral reality. The Edmund Pettus Bridge march is a heart-stopping centerpiece.
The film doesn’t shy from King’s flaws or the movement’s internal conflicts, making its triumphs feel earned. Supporting performances, like Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King, add emotional depth. DuVernay’s lens highlights both systemic injustice and the resilience of those who fought it.
Selma is a stirring call to action, celebrating courage while exposing ongoing struggles. It’s history brought to life with urgency and grace, urging viewers to reflect on justice and equality. This is filmmaking that inspires and challenges.

04/23/2025

🎬 Cabinet of Curiosities: A Haunting Anthology

Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities is a chilling Netflix anthology that unearths eight unique horror tales. Each episode, crafted by visionary directors, ranges from gothic nightmares to cosmic terrors, showcasing del Toro’s knack for the macabre. The production design is a feast for the eyes, dripping with eerie atmosphere.

Stories vary from a haunted storage unit to a grotesque art obsession, blending psychological dread with supernatural scares. Standout episodes like “The Autopsy” and “Lot 36” deliver unforgettable chills, with stellar casts including Tim Blake Nelson and Andrew Lincoln. Every tale feels distinct yet cohesive under del Toro’s curation.

This series is a love letter to horror fans, offering a mix of suspense, gore, and mystery. Perfect for late-night binges, Cabinet of Curiosities will keep you on edge. Unlock the cabinet and dive into the unknown!

04/23/2025

🎬 Shoplifters (2018): A Tender Thief of Hearts

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Shoplifters explores a makeshift family of petty thieves in Tokyo, bound by love rather than blood. The ensemble cast, led by Lily Franky and Sakura Ando, delivers performances so natural they feel lived-in. Kore-eda’s direction is warm yet unflinching.
The film questions what makes a family, revealing its characters’ secrets with gentle precision. Its slow build leads to a gut-punch climax, though some may crave more resolution. Every frame brims with humanity.
Shoplifters is a delicate masterpiece, celebrating connection in a harsh world. It’s a story that stays with you.

04/22/2025

🎬 Paddington 2 (2017): A Bear-y Delightful Adventure
Paddington 2 sees the lovable Peruvian bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) wrongfully imprisoned after a marmalade-fueled mishap. His quest to clear his name unfolds with heartwarming humor and vibrant visuals. This sequel outshines its predecessor with sheer joy.

The Brown family’s support and Paddington’s knack for spreading kindness turn even hardened convicts into allies. Hugh Grant’s villainous actor Phoenix Buchanan steals scenes with campy flair. The film’s whimsical tone occasionally skirts overly sentimental, but its sincerity wins you over.

The climactic train chase is pure cinematic magic, blending thrills and laughs. Paddington 2 is a family-friendly masterpiece that radiates warmth and charm.

04/22/2025

🎬 Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy: Love, Life, and Laughs Redux

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy (2025) brings Renée Zellweger back as everyone’s favorite hot mess, now navigating her 50s with wine, wit, and new romances. Based on Helen Fielding’s novel, this fourth film sees Bridget as a single mom diving into modern dating apps and unexpected love with a younger man (Leo Woodall). Directed by Michael Morris, it’s a nostalgic yet fresh chapter of chaos and charm.

Zellweger’s Bridget remains endearingly flawed, juggling parenting, career blunders, and steamy flings while reconnecting with old flames like Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver. The film leans into modern dilemmas—think Tinder swipes and social media gaffes—while keeping the rom-com heart that made the series iconic. Emma Thompson’s sharp script and cameo add extra sparkle to this comedy of errors.

Hitting theaters in February 2025, this film is a love letter to starting over, proving Bridget’s still got it. It’s a hilarious, heartfelt romp for fans old and new, with enough diary entries to keep you giggling.

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