Cinema Axis

1 week ago | cinemaaxis.com | Courtney Small

War films serve many purposes depending on who the target audience is. They can be tools of propaganda that push a certain ideology, an entertaining feature length commercial designed to boost military recruitment numbers, a reframing of historical events through the lens of hindsight; or, as many of the best ones often do, offer a sobering meditation on what happens when mankind loses its sense of humanity. The common linkage between all is that they are often made by civilians for civilians.

2 weeks ago | cinemaaxis.com | Courtney Small

First dates can be a special brand of horror for those embarking on them. Everything from choosing the right outfit to opening up to someone new can cause great anxiety. It is this sense of fear and vulnerability that director Christopher Landon’s latest film Drop attempts to exploit for thrills. Primarily set within the confines of a fancy restaurant, Drop follows single mother Violet (Meghann Fahy) as she endures what turns out to be the date from hell.

3 weeks ago | cinemaaxis.com | Courtney Small

Over at Exclaim!, I reviewed Can I Get a Witness?. The film is a minimalist science fiction fable set in a not-so-distant future where all the ills of society are cured but no one can live past 50. You can read my full thoughts on the film via the link below:Can I Get a Witness?

1 month ago | cinemaaxis.com | Courtney Small

In this episode, Frameline wraps up its 2025 Sundance Film Festival coverage with reviews of Ricky; Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears); The Things You Kill; DJ Ahmet; Move Ya Body: The Birth of House; Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius); Middletown; Khartoum; Andre is an Idiot; Coexistence, My Ass; Cutting Through Rock; Come See Me in the Good Light..

2 months ago | cinemaaxis.com | Courtney Small

Over at That Shelf, I reviewed the short films Sweet Talkin’ Guy, Somebody Cares, and We’re Not Done Yet which screened at Sundance 2025. These were just a few of the films that played in the festival’s various shorts programs.