Review by Sean Boelman

Javier Polo’s documentary The Mystery of the Pink Flamingo is seemingly designed to challenge the audience’s preconceptions, and the result is enormously entertaining. And while the film is manic and disorganized, this overwhelming energy is fitting given the quirky world into which the movie dives.

The film follows a sound designer who, becoming frustrated with the mundanities of his reserved life, embarks on a deep dive into the culture of kitsch and the icons that have come to represent it. The movie aims big, as the topic of kitsch is very expansive and encompasses a lot of ideas involving counterculture at large, but Polo’s wacky approach is mostly effective.

In trying to balance the different sides of this story, Polo weaves a complex narrative that doesn’t always come together. However, as the film moves along, it becomes clear how his journey of self-discovery and his investigation of kitsch overlap, resulting in a lot of very funny and occasionally even some surprisingly resonant moments.

There have been plenty of documentaries exploring different subcultures, and admittedly, this doesn’t add much new in terms of themes. Still, as an ode to self-expression and embracing one’s own weirdness, it’s quite good. And of course, the movie is fittingly idiosyncratic, living up to the unabashed zaniness of the people it depicts.

The film’s subject, Rigo Pex, is developed unusually. There’s obviously a certain level of self-awareness to the movie, as voiceover narration to what seems to be moderately-staged reenactments make up much of the story, but the change that he experiences feels very authentic and moving.

Additionally, the film features interviews with a variety of people involved in kitsch, from collectors who have a passion for the eponymous symbol to famous figures who are known for their work in the movement, like John Waters and Allee Willis. These interviews offer some interesting insight into something that people wouldn’t even think about.

There is a particular vitality to the movie that is quite infectious. The visuals of the film feature some great animation in addition to the brightly-colored cinematography that creates the atmosphere. Additionally, since the movie is so fundamentally tied to sound, it features some really interesting sound design, from sound effects to a gloriously weird soundtrack.

The Mystery of the Pink Flamingo takes an unusual topic and develops it in a way that is satisfyingly unique. On paper, it’s a story that you wouldn’t expect to be particularly cinematic, but director Javier Polo does a great job of making something fascinating.

The Mystery of the Pink Flamingo hits VOD on December 1.

Rating: 4/5

Review by Sean Boelman

It seems unlikely that any movie musical fans are clamoring for a cheap-looking Newsies knock-off, but that is exactly what Robert Adetuyi made. The utterly forgettable Stand! features mediocre musical numbers, scant characterization, and weak commentary, making it a frustrating waste of the genre’s magic.

The film is a Romeo and Juliet story set against the background of a labor movement that sees workers going on strike in an attempt to secure better working conditions. The issue comes in with the fact that both this premise and these themes have been done more effectively before. But unlike Newsies, the movie lacks an emotional connection, and unlike West Side Story, its message doesn’t feel particularly fitting to the trope

The pacing of this film is an absolute nightmare. The movie stretches on for what seems like forever, even though it is only an hour and fifty minutes long, a runtime which isn’t beyond normal. The musical numbers are spaced out with spoken dialogue scenes that struggle to keep up the rhythm, much less create an investment in the story.

Perhaps even more damning is the fact that the songs can’t seem to settle on a particular tone. Although there have been some recent musicals that have had success incorporating other styles of music into their soundtrack, the songs in this often feel like show tunes that desperately want to be something more than they are.

And while independent musicals aren’t necessarily a bad thing, they are best when they realize that they are made on a shoestring budget. Adetuyi obviously wants to do something more ambitious despite his limited resources, and while he should definitely be given props for trying to do something interesting, it rarely ever pays off.

Based on the (even more generically-titled) stage musical Strike!, itself based on a true story, one can’t help but feel like Adetuyi’s film is too toothless to have much of an impact. This little-known story had the potential to become something exceptional, but is weighed down by familiar beats, trapping it in a box of its own genericism.

The movie also struggles with its character development. Such a large ensemble may work better on stage, but in a film, it is important to have an emotional bond with the characters. For the stage-to-screen adaptation, it would have been beneficial for the writers to hone in their story on the perspective of one or two of the heroes.

Stand! is an altogether unpleasant movie musical. The songs are passable at best and laughable at worst, it misses all of its emotional beats, and worst of all, it simply isn’t entertaining.

Stand! screens in theaters for one night only on December 1.

Rating: 2/5

Review by Sean Boelman

Mexican comedy films are a particular taste, and while these movies do have their detractors, they consistently manage to bring their audience in with a pitch-perfect balance of laughs and hearts. Luke Greenfield’s Half Brothers may be an Americanization of these ideas, but it will serve as a solid entry point for those unfamiliar with the style.

The film follows a wealthy Mexican businessman who learns that he has an American half-brother when they are sent on a cross-country road trip inspired by their father’s emigration to the United States. Yet even though the movie mostly deals in tried-and-true tropes, it brings a refreshing perspective to the table.

As is the case with most films of this style, the first two thirds are largely goofy and comedic, and then the third act brings it home with a sentimental (but not quite sappy) redemption story. It’s obvious how the movie shoots for the easy emotional targets, but it’s not hard to fall for its heartwarming charms.

If the film does come up significantly short in one regard, it is the fact that all the elements are there for this to be an intriguing commentary on immigration. Every time it seems like the movie is going to hit hard on this important issue, it pulls back on its punch, as if it is afraid of alienating white audiences.

The dynamic that is built between the two brothers is charming but doesn’t have much in the way of substance. It’s a pretty basic uptight stickler/loose cannon pairing in which the former must learn to let go of his ways and enjoy life. It’s a sympathetic arc, but far from the most original that the writers could have used.

Perhaps the biggest thing working in the favor of the film is the chemistry between stars Luis Gerardo Méndez and Connor Del Rio. Both are funny on their own, but the scenes that the two share together are frequently hilarious. Some of the best moments come when they are in the car together and bounce off of each other’s personalities.

Admittedly, the movie is missing a bit of slapstick comedy to bring the laughs home, but there are a few really funny gags. But as is the case with most of the rest of the movie, the gags that are most successful are those which involve both of the actors, not just one of them trying to carry a comedic moment alone.

Half Brothers definitely plays it safe more often than it takes a risk, but for a straightforward comedy, it has enough laughs and heart to be lovable. Luis Gerardo Méndez and Connor Del Rio make a great comedic pair, and it would be awesome to see them do something together again.

Half Brothers hits theaters on December 4.

Rating: 3/5

Review by Adam Donato

Another aspect of the show that is polarizing is the songs. If someone thinks the humor is too obnoxious and they don’t like the songs, then it’s easy to see why they wouldn’t like the show. The songs usually hit, but this season feels as if there are less and they are lacking. Some ancillary characters are given solos and it’s nice to see them have their moment, but besides that, the songs are few and far between, not to mention lacking in comedy. Still, it’s just nice to have a show that features random musical numbers.

Season three’s cliffhanger is handled very well. Going to summer camp was a great idea for this show from the start. It would be great to see the gang return to camp after they finish eighth grade because there is so much that can be done there. Not to mention, the season starts with a musical number akin to the Valentine’s Day episode, which is great for the big fans of the show. When they sing to the audience, as if to say “we know how excited you are”, is such a joy. Next season, it will be interesting to see where they go with everyone as most of the cast leaves the season off in a state of resolve. 

If one already does not like Big Mouth, this season is more of the same. For returning fans, it’s no better or worse than any season preceding. Filled with plenty of laughs and much to say about the trials of the pubescent experience, Big Mouth season four continues its’ crude legacy. Don’t have anxiety about what’s going to happen to your favorite group of middle schoolers because you can check out the newest season of Big Mouth on Netflix this December.

Big Mouth streams on Netflix beginning December 4. All ten episodes reviewed.

Rating: 5/5

Review by Dan Skip Allen

McQueen keeps the camera moving like it was dancing along to all the music he has set at the forefront of this film. As the characters move around we start to see their motivations and character development before our eyes. This party is a respite from their hard lives in London. It only takes them away from the truth of who they are for a little while. Their truths are always permeating the surface just waiting to explode and overflow. As this happens, the film revs up along with the music and dancing. Things start to heat up!

Romance can pop up at any time in life and you have to seize the opportunity when it arises. Even though this romance is a short one, the viewer can feel the love between the two main characters. McQueen guides the viewers through this little moment in 1980's London with grace and the terrific sounds of island music. This anthology has tapped into some interesting aspects of the West Indies culture in London so far. I can't wait to see what aspect he explores next.

Lovers Rock is now streaming on Amazon Prime. New installments of Small Axe release on Fridays.

Rating: 3.5/5