Movie Reviews

Qmmunity: Holigay Movie Review

Published

2 years ago

December 21, 2023

Dan Levy and Kristen Stewart as gay BFFs in Happiest Season

Holiday movies? Tired. Holigay movies? Wired! Your trusty editor James audited four ho-ho-homosexual movies, graded on quality and seasonal spirit, that’ll be a great way to avoid family for at least an hour and a half.

Happiest Season (Hulu) – Writer/director Clea DuVall (But I’m a Cheerleader) may have created the most controversial lesbian Christmas film of all time; just check the Letterboxd reviews. Yet this tale of closeted shenanigans gets a lift from a fun script (co-written by comedian Mary Holland, who also knocks out her role as quirky sister Jane) and a great secondary character cast.

Quality: 3 out of 5 drinks shared with gay Aubrey Plaza.

Seasonal spirit: 10 out of 10 white elephant gifts.

Scrooge & Marley (Tubi, Freevee, Vudu) – The mark of a great gay film is when you can only find it on free-with-ads services. This Christmas Carol-style story of a miserly gay bar owner has a low budget but a lot of heart – and poppers references! Even with a slight drag in the middle, a 90-minute run time can’t be beat. Scroll on your phone as much as you please. Quality: 2 out of 5 depressing sofa beds in Scrooge’s studio apartment.

Seasonal spirit: 6 out of 10 original Christmas songs belted by women in blouses.

Eileen (in theatres) – Not exactly the Carol follow-up many wished it to be, but this nasty Christmas-set film hits my favorite story theme: an evil coming-of-age tale. The titular Eileen, played by full-time waif Thomasin McKenzie, has a horny holidays with blonde Anne Hathaway, bloodthirst, and a sliding Massachusetts accent.

Quality: 4 out of 5 smoke-filled Dodge Coronets.

Seasonal spirit: 3 out of 10 prisoner-disrupted Christmas pageants.

The Magical Christmas Tree (Tubi, Philo) – A movie so terrible that I add it to this list as a CHALLENGE only. All that I can recommend it for is having two nonbinary actors in lead roles, one of whom is named Socks. Bad jokes, a boring office holiday party subplot, and really fake-looking elf ears: This movie deserves a bag of coal.

Quality: 1 out of 5 stock footage shots of a longhorn.

Seasonal spirit: 5 out of 10 perfect Christmas fir trees in a Los Angeles city park.

Q’d Up

Queer Film Theory 101 Four queer film “professors” present on why their fave films belong in the queer canon, with a different theme every month. December’s theme is “Chosen Family.” Third Thursdays, 7:30pm. Barrel O’ Fun, 1911 Aldrich Ste. 120-B. fb.com/queerfilmtheory101.

Naughty List Only Local Queer ATX and Gay.Do512 throw a holiday party for everyone with coal in their stockings. Featuring headliner Brigitte Bandit, a Santa photo op with Gothess Jasmine, flash tattoos, dancing, and a vendor market. Thu., Dec. 21, 8pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River. $5 presale; $10 at the door. instagram.com/localqueeratx.

Mx Deep Dickens CupCake and Bubu present a competition to find this year’s “Holiday Hoe” on Christmas Eve eve, with a crown and prizes totaling over $500 on the line. Categories include a Santa lap dance, poetry remixes of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and talent. Sat., Dec. 23. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River. instagram.com/shesyourbubu.

Xmas Underwear Auction An underwear auction hosted by Nadine Hughes that benefits your eyes

and local nonprofit Project Transitions. Sat., Dec. 23, 8-11pm. The Austin Eagle, 8201 Cross Park Dr. Ste. B-2. instagram.com/theaustineagle.

Santa Bearby Have a bear-y merry Christmas and possibly win $100 at the midnight Best Belly competition. Sat., Dec. 23, 9pm. The Iron Bear, 301 W. Sixth. instagram.com/theironbearaustin.

Mariah Carey HolyGay Extravaganza Have a holiday hurrah with Brigitte Bandit and her babies Owie and Lawrie Bird, as well as special family guests Noodles and Honey Baby. Plus: DJ Scam Likely, a Christmas market, and more. Sat., Dec. 23, 10pm. Empire Control Room & Garage, 606 E. Seventh. $10. resoundpresents.com.

Roxy Castillo She’s here, she’s queer, and Roxy Castillo is headlining Cap City. Thu., Dec. 28, 8:15pm. Cap City Comedy Club, 11506 Century Oaks Ste. B-100. $20. instagram.com/roxycastillocomedy.

Extra! Extra!

Bike Pals Organizing Meeting Join this local queer biking group at Hank’s as they discuss strategies for community building, inclusivity, communication, and more. Even if you’ve not ridden with ’em before, you’re welcome. Thu., Dec. 21, 6:30pm. Hank’s, 5811 Berkman #100. instagram.com/bikepalsatx.

Mariah Careyoke If all you want for Christmas is to belt pop royalty, Quack’s got ya covered with a Mariah Carey-themed karaoke party. Thu., Dec. 21, 7-10pm. Captain Quackenbush’s, 5326 Menchaca Rd. $5. quacksbakery.com.

The Real House Queens of Wiggle Room Make your res for the hottest new reality show, with host Xtra, queens Eileen Dover and Maxine LaQueene, and music by TJ the DJ. Special guest: Basüra. First and third Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm. Wiggle Room, 612 Nueces. Reservations via email. events@wiggleroomatx.com, instagram.com/soo_xtra.

Riot Fair Join the riot hosted by Riotgirl and featuring cast members Venus Rising and Titty Androgynous. Plus: DJ Boyfriend spins. Thursdays, 8pm. Oilcan’s, 211 W. Fourth. 18+, $10; 21+, free. instagram.com/oilcansatx.

Laboratory Thursdays A night of queer DJ experimentation with a rotating roster as well as dancing. A kink & trans safe space. Thursdays, 10pm. The Austin Eagle, 8201 Cross Park Dr. Ste. B-2. instagram.com/theaustineagle.

Spank Bank An all-trans and sex positive showcase hosted by Iggy Bank that digs into “the world of sex and kink, all with style and grace.” Thursdays, 12mid. Oilcan’s, 211 W. Fourth. 18+, $10; 21+, free. instagram.com/oilcansatx.

Christmas Eve Weekend Party “Slay” bells ring all weekend long at Rain with go-go boys, music, drinks, and more. Fri.-Sun., Dec. 22-24, 4pm-2am. Rain on 4th, 217 W. Fourth. rainon4th.com.

Fairyoke DJ Fairy Aries hosts this all-night karaoke party. Fri., Dec. 22, 8pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River. instagram.com/cheerupcharlies.

Pink Friday: A Nicki Minaj Tribute Night Host Diamond Dior Davenport brings the Barbs what they want: a Nicki Minaj tribute with performances by Leia Sakura Dior, Mehgan Iman Dlux, Ms. Girl6, Monica Davenport, and many more. Fri., Dec. 22, 10pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River. instagram.com/cheerupcharlies.

Full Gallop Presents: Tammie Brown’s Holiday Sparkle Join RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Tammie Brown for her holiday show featuring original music, holiday classics, and storytelling from this sensational drag queen. Fri.-Sat., Dec. 22-23, 9pm. The Vortex, 2307 Manor Rd. $20-50. vortexrep.org.

OutFitness Run Club Get on your feet for a Saturday stroll with one of three groups: a 1-to-2-mile walk, a 3-mile run/walk, or a 5-mile jog. All groups end in a JuiceLand meetup. Fourth Saturdays, 9am. The Rock at Town Lake, 2102-2104 Stephen F. Austin Dr. outfitnessatx.com.

TGQ Social 2 A social gathering for gender diverse folks where you can meet new people and relax among friends. Fourth Saturdays, 5-8pm. SLAB BBQ & Beer, 9012 Research. fb.com/tgqsocial.

Ugly Sweater Party DJ Tony Castro spins at this ugly sweater party, where the worst knitwear gets a $200 Sir Rat Leather & Gear gift card. Sat., Dec. 23, 10pm. The Austin Eagle, 8201 Cross Park Dr. Ste. B-2. instagram.com/theaustineagle.

The Best Drag Show Ever Join host Ritzy Bitz for a night you won’t forget, with cast members like Justice, Casady Milan, DeeGee Rey, Celia Light, Emerald Van Cartier, and Evah Destruction. Remember: “Flash Photography is strictly MANDATORY and drinking is fundamental!” Saturdays, 9pm. Oilcan’s, 211 W. Fourth. Free but RSVP. fb.com/oilcanharrys.

Barnaby’s Boys and Brunch Presented by the Foundry, this “boylesque” brunch serves up sexy burlesque boys with host Bobby Barnaby and the talents of Blaise Ricin, Miss Good, and special guests. Enjoy the Eagle’s offerings of cocktails & mocktails and brunch plates by Chef Gabby. Sun., Dec. 24, 1-4pm. The Austin Eagle, 8201 Cross Park Dr. Ste. B-2. Standing room, free; tables, $15. theaustineagle.com.

Cuff It BabiBoi and Diamond Dior Davenport invite you to a world of slow and sexy R&B at this drag show/party for queer POC. Sun., Dec. 24, 10:30pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River. instagram.com/babiboibitch.

B.Y.O.T. aka Bring Your Own Talent Basüra hosts an open mic for all entertainers to strut their stuff in a space of encouragement and uplift. Applications open a week before. Fourth Tuesdays, 10pm. Rain on 4th, 217 W. Fourth. $10. instagram.com/rainon4th.

TuezGayz It’s good music; it’s queer vibes; you know what it is, babe: It’s TuezGayz! Tuesdays, 10pm. Barbarella, 611 Red River. $5 after 10:30. instagram.com/barbarella_atx.

Round Rock Rage Practice Join a rugby team made by and for queer folks in Round Rock and the surrounding areas. Show up with water, workout clothes, and cleats or tennis shoes, and the team’ll help ya with the rest. Mon. & Wed., 7-9pm. Rock Field, 217 Commerce Blvd., Round Rock. instagram.com/roundrockragerfc.

Divina: Noche Drag Latinx Hostess Tatiana Cholula and special guests serve an evening of Latinx queerness. Every other Wednesday, 9-11pm. Oilcan’s, 211 W. Fourth. fb.com/divinaaustintx.

“The Sands of Crime”: A Burlesque Murder Mystery The Jigglewatts give Austin one last thrill before the year’s out in their dazzling yet dangerous murder mystery set in a tropical resort. Featuring cast members Ruby Joule, Jolie Goodnight, Selma Bawdy, Something Blue, and Alexander the Great, and special guests Hibiscus Bloom and Lily Faye. Thu., Dec. 28, 7pm. The Ballroom, 2906 Fruth. $30. thejigglewattsburlesque.com.

Mochi Mochi: A Cosplay Drag Show Leia Sakura, Louisianna Purchase, and Tatiana Cholula present this costumed coterie of anime-inspired performances. Last Thursdays, 10pm. Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River. instagram.com/cheerupcharlies.

Related Topics:holigay movies LGBTQ Qmmunity

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Movie Reviews

Movie Review: ‘Roofman’ offers great acting, comic relief and a true story

Published

2 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Press Room

Movie Review: ‘Roofman’ offers great acting, comic relief and a true story

Of all the crazy things to happen in 2025 so far, was anybody expecting two filmmakers with reputations for being melodramatic– Darren Aronofsky and Derek Cianfrance — to branch out of their comfort zones and direct light-hearted films set in the late 1990s with a lot of comic relief?

Last month it was Aronofsky with Caught Stealing, and now Cianfrance gives us Roofman. Inspired by real incidents throughout North Carolina, Roofman is now one of my favorite movies of the year.

In late 1998, Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum) is a divorced dad with a military background who is unemployed and can barely afford his kids’ birthday presents. Despite his failures, Jeff is very good on his feet and can come up with a plan and execute it very quickly — such as breaking into McDonald’s and stealing from the register to make up for his mistakes to his family.

But when he’s busted for a kidnapping along with a robbery and sent to prison, Jeff successfully breaks out and secretly begins living in the ceiling of a Toys “R” Us outside Charlotte, NC. Things take an unexpected turn when he becomes friendly with one of the store’s employees, single mom Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), who is active in the choir and toy drive of the town’s Presbyterian church.

LaKeith Stanfield, Peter Dinklage, Emory Cohen, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Ben Mendelsohn and Jimmy O. Yang are some of the recognizable faces in the supporting cast. Roofman was co-written by Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn, and is the director’s return to the big screen following his HBO mini-series “I Know This Much is True” (2020).

Besides being an funny and charming comedy-drama, the new picture also counters Kogonada’s A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey in reminding us that product placement incorporated into a plot can be easily forgiven, or at least less distracting, if the story and final product are good enough. Though lighter in tone than his usual projects, Roofman does still have the cinematic DNA Cianfrance is known for, and it works well with a fairly modest story.

Tatum remains one of the best leading men of his generation and Dunst, a lifelong favorite actress of mine, delivers the best performance in the movie, even making me cry during a scene near the end. If spooky films aren’t your thing during October, Roofman gets a recommendation from me this month.

Movie Reviews

Movie Review: ‘Shelby Oaks’ is A Truly Unsettling Horror Film Not to Be Missed – HorrorFuel.com: Reviews, Ratings and Where to Watch the Best Horror Movies & TV Shows

Published

21 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Press Room

Movie Review: ‘Shelby Oaks’ is A Truly Unsettling Horror Film Not to Be Missed – HorrorFuel.com: Reviews, Ratings and Where to Watch the Best Horror Movies & TV Shows

The wait is over! October 24th brought the release of the highly anticipated psychological horror film, Shelby Oaks, and the answer is a resounding “Yes”—you absolutely need to see this movie. Shelby Oaks is a tense film that will keep you guessing right up to its terrifying final moments.

Shelby Oaks grips you from the start, chronicling a desperate search that morphs into a dangerous obsession. When the police dismiss her sister’s disappearance, Mia, played with determined resolve by Camille Sullivan, embarks on a solo mission to find her missing sister, Riley. A mysterious tape leads Mia to crucial new clues, pushing her deeper into an investigation of her own. She must ultimately confront a horrifying possibility: that something chillingly supernatural is at play.

The emotional weight of the film rests squarely on its two leads, and they carry it magnificently. Camille Sullivan delivers an intense, compelling performance as Mia, exuding a steely confidence and unshakable resolve that grounds the desperate search.

Equally fantastic is Sarah Durn, who plays Riley, the missing sister. Durn powerfully conveys trauma, fear, and deep-seated horror, giving the viewer a visceral connection to the character. Both actresses perform amazingly well, making their characters feel honest and deeply sympathetic. Their passionate intensity drives the entire narrative.

Shelby Oaks marks the feature directorial debut of Chris Stuckmann, and we applaud his accomplishment. Stuckmann crafts a film defined by intense tension, a uniquely fascinating story, and multiple twists you won’t see coming. The pacing is a prime example of great timing, carefully unfolding the story to maximize the impact of every revelation.

The film’s atmosphere is palpable. The cinematography beautifully captures a sense of darkness and decay, often showing scenes choked by mold, rot, and general ‘ick.’ While the majority of the special effects look incredibly well done, a few minor CGI elements involving dogs, unfortunately, stood out as slightly disappointing. However, the rest of the film’s visual design is fantastic, contributing heavily to its unsettling tone.

Shelby Oaks keeps the audience on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. It’s a terrifying, thought-provoking film. It lingers long after the credits roll, forcing you to think about the unsettling reality of families searching for lost loved ones and those who have been forgotten.

I highly recommend seeing Shelby Oaks; luckily, you can watch it now on the big screen. Be sure to watch our interview with star Sarah Durn (Riley), who gives us insight into the film and her role.

Movie Reviews

Dhruv Vikram’s Bison Movie Review and Rating, Anupama

Published

3 days ago

October 24, 2025

Press Room

Dhruv Vikram’s Bison Movie Review and Rating, Anupama

Movie Name : Bison

Release Date : Oct 24, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Dhruv Vikram, Anupama Parameswaran, Rajisha Vijayan, Pasupathy
Ameer
Director : Mari Selvaraj
Producers : Sameer Nair, Deepak Seigal, Pa. Ranjith, Aditi Anand
Music Director : Nivas K. Prasanna
Cinematographer : Ezhil Arasu K.
Editor : Sakthi Thiru

Related Links : Trailer

Dhruv Vikram’s Bison Kaalamaadan (simply Bison) released in Tamil during Diwali, and its Telugu version hit the screens today, a week later. Directed by Mari Selvaraj, the film blends sports and social commentary and check out the review to know how it is.

Story:

Set in the 1990s, Bison follows Kittayya (Dhruv Vikram), a student who dreams of excelling in kabaddi. His father Velusamy (Pasupathy) disapproves, fearing for his son’s future. Their village is divided by caste, and Kittayya’s family belongs to a marginalised community that has endured oppression for generations. Despite resistance, he pursues kabaddi but faces harsh challenges at every step. Whether he achieves his dream and breaks these barriers forms the crux of the story.

Plus Points:

Mari Selvaraj once again explores oppression and social inequality, this time with kabaddi as the backdrop. He narrates it effectively, depicting inequality from local playgrounds to the national stage.

Dhruv Vikram puts his blood and sweat into the role. His physical transformation and emotional depth stand out, marking him as a promising talent.

Pasupathy is equally impressive, portraying a father torn between fear and affection. The bond between him and Dhruv forms the film’s emotional core.

Among others, Lal, Ameer, and Rajisha Vijayan perform well. Anupama Parameswaran, however, appears for less than 15 minutes and has little scope to perform.

Minus Points:

Bison draws inspiration from the life of Arjuna Award–winning kabaddi player Manathi Ganesan, balancing realism and emotion. While the discrimination is portrayed effectively, many scenes feel overstretched.

The emotional impact of Mari Selvaraj’s earlier works, such as Karnan and Pariyerum Perumal, is missing in Bison. Its length, repetitive sequences, and predictable narrative weaken the film’s overall grip.

The sports drama angle feels underused, with kabaddi serving more as a metaphor for social inequality than as a dramatic core.

In the Telugu dubbed version, poor localisation hurts the experience. Tamil signboards, newspapers, and tattoos remain untranslated, leaving viewers puzzled. It’s a clear case of negligence. The raw violence might also alienate family audiences.

Technical Aspects:

As a writer and director, Mari Selvaraj delivers a decent outing but not one matching the power of his earlier films. Bison struggles with uneven pacing and repetition. Ezhil Arasu K’s cinematography beautifully captures the rural backdrop and kabaddi action.

Nivas K. Prasanna’s music is decent but occasionally mismatched and loud. Sakthi Thiru’s editing could have been sharper, as trimming repetitive portions would have made it tighter. Production values are fine overall.

Verdict:

On the whole, Bison Kaalamaadan is a sports drama that addresses oppression and inequality. It works to an extent, largely due to Dhruv Vikram’s dedication and Pasupathy’s heartfelt performance. However, Mari Selvaraj’s narration lacks the sharpness and emotional impact of his earlier works. The prolonged runtime, predictable writing, and uneven emotional flow make Bison a below average flick. The film may not appeal to everyone, especially given its raw tone, but if you’re curious, watch it with modest expectations.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team