l9rae Reviews

Trantasia (2006)

Good movie but needed more.

[6/10 · 11 September 2008]

I just finished watching this film and it was quite good for a documentary. I was very impressed by the range of the women in the pageant, and very impressed with the level that they competed at. They were like Miss America contestants.

Some were run of the mill drag show queens, then there were serious performers and even novices. Clearly they didn't turn many girls away from the competition.

It's interesting that someone commented that they didn't see anyone being discriminated against in the film; naturally they aren't going to show the dark underbellies of the pageant world. But it's pretty common in competitions that feature white and black contestants. That is why they have all black pageants, so women of color have a chance to win. When the winner was a blond haired, blue eyed, size 4 Barbie doll; I wasn't shocked--but I felt the hurt up there on that stage. There were women who were intensely beautiful that didn't even place. I know it was a slap in the face, but welcome to womanhood ladies! Overall it was informative and interesting. Worth seeing.

ATL (2006)

Surprisingly Good!

[9/10 · 5 February 2007]

I went in thinking this was another hood movie, when actually it's a very emotional and artistic coming of age story. It captures southern culture without fixating on the violence and poverty of it. T.I. was very impressive as Rashan, a strong silent type with much talent and dreams to boot. Evan Ross makes his debut as Ant the mouthy little brother, and has a surprising presence for a first timer. My favorites were Veda and Star the twins, totally straight from the block chicks down to the colored streaks in the hair to match every outfit. The story was well written by Antoine Fisher and the characters very entertaining and well developed. The skating very well filmed and great to watch. This movie is definitely worth seeing! I only gave it a 9 because I didn't want it to be over at the end. I hope there is an ATL 2.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

Easily One of the Best films of the Year

[21 August 2001]

I have just come back from my third viewing of Hedwig, and I seriously dig this movie! I still got chills at the end and felt as moved as I did the first time I saw it. I think Hewdig gives validation to so many struggles, The Rock Band Struggle, the Drag Queen struggle, the Trannie Struggle, the struggle of love, the struggle of making it in a world that tells you to f**k off all the time. Hedwig is (to me) about not giving up. Believing when nobody else does, and accepting what is and moving on. John Cameron Mitchell is a hero, a magnificent writer and a 'Diva' to behold.

Who Killed Pixote? (1996)

Who Killed Pixote is a film that breaks your heart into a million pieces..

[16 November 2000]

I saw the original film 'Pixote' and felt kicked in the stomach after it was over. Life in Brazil seems so hopeless for small children. And seeing the follow up makes it even more devastating to know that this young mans life amounted to not much. The fact that this story is true makes it that much harder to watch, translation: brilliant. The only thing was that there was no real cinematic composition, and that would have really made the film that much more moving. But, it's a great film all the same.

John Leguizamo: Freak (1998 TV Special)

Is a performance piece that rivals Whoopi Goldberg's first..

[3 November 2000]

This is a concert film done in a linear fashion, and John talks about this upbringing and his journey to be accepted by his father. His family members come alive in his story telling, and I am amazed at how clear his ideas are. This film kicks the c**p out of his first film Mambo Mouth. See it see it see it. Did I say see it?

Dead Presidents (1995)

Dead Presidents is a most accurate account of a black man returning to post Vietnam New York..

[3 November 2000]

I loved this film because it was so accurate in it's smallest details. The war scenes were some to rival, Full Metal and Hamburger Hill. The violence is very intense and the story runs very smoothly. I was very connected to these characters. This film will be in my personal collection for years to come.

Bamboozled (2000)

A film that makes you mad but for all the right reasons.

[24 October 2000]

I went to see Bamboozled on it's opening nationwide weekend, and couldn't believe how blunt the language in this film was. That there are people in this day and age that are this confused about their place history therefore cannot have the integrity not to add to the problem. As an African American I found this film raw and electrifying in it's truths. It was difficult to watch at times, but that's it's point. This is definitely an important film for our age, and couldn't have come out at a better time.

Fear Anxiety Depression (1989)

Is a Woody Allen like film for the 90's set

[28 August 2000]

The lead character played by Soldonz is a cross between Woody Allen and Carrot Top, in mannerisim as well as looks. He's a loser dude with nothing coming who falls for the local performace artist chic who happens to be incredibly unavailable (big shock) The film is complex like Allen, but has the grit of all those sweet New York Greenwich art rock movies of the 80's (Liquid Sky, Mondo New York, Slaves of New York, After Hours) which I'm a real sucker for. I liked the pathetic details, and the way Soldonz doesn't gloss over the painful details. It's plain and gritty, but it works for me.

Fear Anxiety Depression (1989)

Is a Woody Allen like film for the 90's set

[28 August 2000]

The lead character played by Soldonz is a cross between Woody Allen and Carrot Top, in mannerisim as well as looks. He's a loser dude with nothing coming who falls for the local performance artist chic who happens to be incredibly unavailable (big shock) The film is complex like Allen, but has the grit of all those sweet New York Greenwich art rock movies of the 80's (Liquid Sky, Mondo New York, Slaves of New York, After Hours) which I'm a real sucker for. I liked the pathetic details, and the way Soldonz doesn't gloss over the painful details. It's plain and gritty, but it works for me.

Morgan's Ferry (2001 Video)

Is a sweet story about moving on

[15 August 2000]

I thought this movie would be like a lot of the other escaped convict takes a hostage movies. Except it wasn't McGillis' character was never intimidated by these men and actually felt a little responsible for them. I love Billy Zane and he has such an untameable personality and smoldering sensuality that even as a dirty old con, he comes through as a sweet sensitive nice guy and you end up really wanting the best for this guy. I liked it, and it's a good date flic.

This World, Then the Fireworks (1997)

This isn't everyones cup o tea

[15 August 2000]

This is an exceptional type of film. Strange and moody, bizarre in parts. It is a sort of Film Noir in color and very easy to watch. I love Billy Zane, and his performances always have a sprinkle of him in them. There are some odd twists and turns and the cinematograpy and costumes and very right on! If you are into 50's mysteries then this one may grab you.