Archives for : Susan Kamyab Stephens
Documentary Explores Legendary Dancer Who Ignited Flames of the 1960s
Sexual Revolution; Dallas’s Top Burlesque Dancers With Minxe Mimieux As The Lead Dancer Will Perform Live Revue at Select Opening Weekend Shows
Picturehouse’s CAROL DODA TOPLESS AT THE CONDOR, exploring the history and impact of the legendary topless dancer who ignited the 1960s sexual revolution, will open in Dallas exclusively at the Angelika Film Center (5321 E Mockingbird Ln #230) on Friday, April 19.
Opening weekend audiences will experience a special live pre-show revue, “Doda-esque Burlesque,” featuring a bevy of Dallas’s own top burlesque dancers with Minxe Mimieux as the lead dancer in a spectacular tribute to Carol Doda’s with a special post screening Q&A.
As the lights go down…experience a special live pre-show performance of “Doda-esque Burlesque!” A spectacular tribute to Carol Doda featuring a bevy of enchanting local burlesque performers. Sit back and enjoy as the divas of today pay tribute to the ultimate diva of yesterday. Come early! Taking place prior to the film, this live performance will have NO NUDITY, and promises to be an exciting and teasing good time!
Click here to get your tickets!
Directed by: Marlo Mckenzie, Jonathan Parker
Written by: Marlo McKenzie, Jonathan Parker
Cast: Carol Doda, Dina Moore, Charles North
Rated: R for nudity/graphic nudity throughout, some sexual material, language and drug content
Synopsis Against the backdrop of the 1964 Republican Convention, a San Francisco cocktail waitress became one of the city’s most popular entertainers after making her debut as America’s first topless dancer. The new documentary feature Carol Doda Topless at the Condor tells the story of the fresh-faced girl next door who defied convention and the law by gyrating atop a white baby grand piano and turning a North Beach nightclub into the city’s second-most-popular tourist attraction after the Golden Gate Bridge. Meanwhile, Doda’s very public use of silicone to enhance her breasts launched a new industry. Directors Marlo McKenzie and Jonathan Parker share an unprecedented look at Doda’s life and legacy, as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the vibrant, sometimes outrageous and always entertaining world of North Beach.
When there’s something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? It’s the newest sequel to an 80’s classic, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”. This week I review the adventure comedy and share my thoughts on how it compares to the most recent sequel.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” opens in theaters March 22, 2024.
“When the love of Maddie’s life gets engaged to her best friend, she puts her feelings aside to be a bridesmaid at their wedding in Ireland.” Netflix continues to revive the romcom genre! “Irish Wish” is the feel-good love story we all need this spring.
I had the honor of speaking with Lindsay Lohan, Ayesha Curry, and Ed Speleers about the film, when they started putting themselves first, wedding compromises, what makes them feel confident, and more!
Check out the full interview and be sure watch “Irish Wish” when it streams on Netflix March 15!
“A one-hit-wonder band from the ’90s gets a second shot at fame when a young rapper samples their song.” “Girls5eva” is back for Season 3!
I can confidently say this show just gets better and better. I had the opportunity to speak with the hilarious and extremely talented cast about the new season, fame, their childhood posters, and more!
Watch the full interview and binge watch the entire series, including the new season when it streams on Netflix March 14!
This week I review the highly anticipated sequel to the action/adventure, “Dune: Part Two”. Did I like it more than the first movie? Watch my full review to find out.
“Dune: Part Two” is currently playing in theaters.
“Chad” is a comedy series that that follows a Persian teenage boy during high school as he desperately tries to fit in, cope with his mother’s dating life and reconcile his cultural identity.
In this bucket list interview, I get to chat with the multi-talented Nasim Pedrad. She’s the creator and star of “Chad”. We discuss the second season of the series that has found a new home at Roku! In the interview we talk about some our favorite storylines in the new season, trying to fit in during High School, the much need relatable Persian representation, and so much more in the fun conversation!
All episodes of “Chad” are currently streaming on Roku! Be sure to watch both seasons and the full interview below!
Sometimes you can get lucky at a wedding and sometimes you can get lucky in love. For Jane (Lucy Hale) and Will (Nat Wolff), the jury is still out. The two have an immediate spark at a friend’s wedding and almost hook up in a coat closet. Instead of jumping straight to bed with each other, they decide to pump the brakes and open up about their past relationships. Recipe for disaster? Once everything is revealed, it’s certainly doesn’t come without its challenges for the potentially new couple.
“Which Brings Me to You” starts out in a cliche boy meets girl manner. And though, the film never really goes anywhere that original, Lucy Hale and Nat Wolff’s chemistry revives a tired formula.
Hale and Wolff’s onscreen presence pulls you in. It’s clear they both have something dark in their past and you’re intrigued as to why they are both still single. The two bring an authentic portrayal to their characters. Neither one is over the top unrealistic. Will is not some extra, douche bag player type, whose changing his ways for the good girl. And Jane isn’t really the “good girl”. Both are flawed in understandable ways, but they have been trying to change their ways even before they met. They are not trying to become better people for each other, they are becoming better people for themselves. This is a much-needed narrative in the romance genre.
Notice I said “romance” genre and not “romantic comedy”. That’s because this is not a comedy. It lacks humor and it’s not advertised as a comedy. But I could see how one may expect laughs given the premise and trailer clips. “Which Brings Me to You” is more of a thoughtful conversation and character study of two people who are still healing from their past scars.
The film’s biggest weak spot is failing to flesh out their protagonists and their former lovers. Certain flashbacks of their previous romances are rushed, and their exes end up feeling more like props than humans. This creates too many unanswered questions, and ultimately, that holds back the film’s full potential.
“Which Brings Me to You” won’t stand out among other romances, but it tells a sweet enough story that’s enhanced through the effortless performances by Lucy Hale and Nat Wolff.
Rating: B-
“Which Brings Me to You” opens in theaters January 19, 2024.
“Emma (Kaley Cuoco) has a wonderful husband and two kids in the suburbs of New Jersey. She also has a secret life as an assassin for hire, a secret that her husband Dave (David Oyelowo) discovers when the couple decide to spice up their marriage with a little role play.”
I got a chance to speak with the amazingly talented and super fun Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo about their new action comedy, “Role Play”. Before the interview started Kaley gave me the best compliment and from there it was just lots of laughs. But there’s even more hilarity in their new movie.
Be sure to watch “Role Play” when it’s available to stream on Prime Video January 12.
10. The Persian Version
Director/writer Maryam Keshavarz pulls from her personal life to tell the story of an Iranian American woman, who has a strained relationship with her mom, until her unexpected pregnancy stirs up the past and reveals a big family secret. The film beautifully shows the strength, wisdom, and humor of Iranian women; while providing a compelling and entertaining portrayal of Persian culture.
9. Maestro
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this film, but it surprisingly hooked me from the start. Bradley Cooper directs, writes, and stars in the engaging love story of conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. Cooper pours his heart and soul into this project and Carey Mulligan leaves you breathless. Watch this one with no distractions and let yourself get fully immersed in this beautiful film.
8. Saltburn
Director/Writer Emerald Fennell won her first Oscar for my favorite film of 2020, the mystery and drama “Promising Young Woman”. Now she brings us another unique thriller; this time about a lower-class outsider, desperate to fit in with his rich classmates. “Saltburn” is not going to be for everyone. If you have a weak stomach, this probably isn’t the film for you. However, if you’re a fan of WTF moments, dry humor, and unpredictable twists and turns, you’ll love this film as much as I did.
7. The Holdovers
Quite possibly Alexander Payne’s best film yet. Paul Giamatti plays a cranky history teacher at a remote prep school who is forced to stay on campus over the holidays with troubled students who have nowhere to go. The biggest standout here is Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s performance as the witty cafeteria lady who’s still grieving the loss of her son. If she doesn’t win Best Supporting Actress this year I will riot! Giamatti is at his best and Dominic Sessa is a talent to watch out for. “The Holdovers” is a touching, bittersweet tale of complex and opposite characters who find family within each other.
6. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Based on Judy Blume’s best-selling novel, the film follows Margaret Simon, an 11 year-old going 12, who begins to learn more about herself as a friend, daughter, and grand-daughter. This film brilliantly stays wholesome and inclusive, while not shying away from sensitive subject matters like religion, racism, or sexual education. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a funny and charming, feel-good, coming of age movie the whole family can watch.
5. Barbie
Director/Writer/Actress Greta Gerwig is a force to be reckon with. Barbie broke box office records and held the #1 spot at the movies for weeks this past summer. Not only is the screenplay unbelievably clever but it’s hilarious, heartwarming, and shines an important light on gender roles in our society. Barbies were made to make women feel like they could do anything, and Ken’s were just their arm candy; but the same can’t be said for men and women in the real world. “Barbie” also features a brilliant production design, a scene stealing performance by Ryan Gosling, and an unforgettable monologue by America Ferrera.
4. American Fiction
Jeffry Wright plays a novelist who is fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment and to prove his point, he uses a pen name to write a book that frustratingly becomes a success. Director/Writer Cord Jefferson’s script is hilarious, timely, and authentic. Wright outdoes himself in a comical yet emotional role we have yet to see from him. “American Fiction” is a smart and inventive story about the idea of selling out while touching on issues of racisms. It’s sarcastic and painfully awkward at times, but I loved it.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” centers around the team working together to save Rocket and the world from a villain who’s looking to create what he defines as the “perfect” society. Out of all the Marvel characters, this group has always felt the most like family because they are each other’s chosen one. That bond is beautifully showcased in volume 3. We get to see Rocket’s backstory, which explains his attitude and why his family with the Guardians means so much. The entire cast lands the comedy and conveys the heart of the story exceptionally. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is a visually stunning perfect blend of humor, emotion, and fun!
2. May December
“May December” follows a married couple 20 years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, and an actress shows up to do research for a film about their past. This shocking plot is based on a true scandal where a 34-year-old teacher, who was married with kids had an affair with her 12-year-old student. Cringing, I know! I love how this film unpacks more of the psychology of this scandal and how those involved would be affected years later; while also digging into how a method actress would approach the role. The film is campy, uncomfortable, seductive, and haunting. Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore are of course great in this, but it’s Charles Melton who stands out with his breakthrough performance that should win Best Supporting Actor.
1. Air
This should come as no surprise since I haven’t been able to stop talking about my love for this movie. I don’t get why this isn’t showing up on more Best Picture lists or nominations. A big part of the reason why “Air” soars is because of the film’s authenticity. Ben Affleck wanted to do this story right. He met with Michael Jordan and made sure he approved of the facts, and what they would be portraying. Jordan’s only request was that Viola Davis play his mom. And who can blame him? She’s fantastic. Affleck continues to prove himself as a skilled director with his excellent focus and passion for storytelling. The film is an entertaining crowd-pleaser that moves quickly. It’s hilarious and has an inspiring message about following your instincts and taking risks. EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH!
The Rest of the Best:
11. You Are So Not Invited to my Bat Mitzvah
12. M3GAN
13. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
14. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
15. Past Lives
16. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
17. Nimona
18. Priscilla
19. Talk to Me
20. Quiz Lady
21. Somebody I Used to Know
Top 5 Worst Films of 2023
5. You People – The fact that they had to CGI a kiss between the leads lets us know it must have been just as bad behind the scenes.
4. Maybe I Do – BORING!!!
3. What Happens Later – An underwhelming return for Meg Ryan, who lacked any chemistry with David Duchovny.
2. Paint- About as entertaining as watching paint dry.
1. Ferrari – How was this film approved to been seen by any human ever? To say this crashed & burned is an understatement.