“Minions: The Rise of Gru” Movie Review

If you would have told me a few months back that the latest Minions movie, “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” would be a fun delightful surprise of the year, I wouldn’t have believed you. While I enjoyed the first two films, the third one wasn’t the greatest and the 2015 “Minions” was bad. So my…

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“Hotel Transylvania: Transformania” Movie Review

The “Hotel Transylvania” franchise is regularly viewed in my household as my kids habitually watch the films during the spooky season. They’ve become attached to some of the beloved characters. One can easily look at these films and conclude their audience is for young people based on the type of jokes and overall tones in…

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“West Side Story” Movie Review

Right off the bat, I have to admit that I’m not a fan of the original film “West Side Story” (1961) for obvious reasons, but I do admire the choreography. I understand it’s a product of its time, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to ignore its problematic depictions of Latinos. Therefore, I didn’t have…

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Rosa’s 20 favorite films featured on Latinx Lens

It’s Latino Heritage Month and it’s our time to shine! Here at Latinx Lens, we celebrate Latinos year-round, but we are joining everyone else in highlighting Latinos and providing them their well-deserved recognition. Since we celebrate our contribution and representation in film this month, I’ve decided to focus on Latino-centric and -created movies. The following…

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TIFF Reviews (Part 3)

Here is the last of my coverage of TIFF. You can read the first two parts of my reviews here: (Part 1) (Part 2) “Charlotte,” directed by Eric Warin & Tahir Rana, is an animated drama that brings to life the remarkable true story of Charlotte Salomon, an enigmatic young German Jewish painter who created…

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Episode 40: Emmanuel Lubezki

In this episode, Rosa and Cat discuss the Mexican cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki and three of his films: THE BIRDCAGE (1996) A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée’s right-wing moralistic parents. THE TREE OF LIFE (2011)…

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Episode 36: Janicza Bravo

After reviewing ZOLA (2021) in Episode 32, Rosa and Cat needed to see more of writer/director Janicza Bravo work. In this episode, they dive into her filmography: LEMON (2017), available on streaming platforms Four short films that can be watched on the Criterion Collection: GREGORY GO BOOM (2013) PAULINE ALONE (2014) WOMAN IN DEEP (2016)…

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Episode 22: “Yes Day,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Godzilla vs. Kong,” and “Howard Original”

In this episode, Cat and Rosa review Yes Day, Raya and the Last Dragon, Godzilla vs. Kong and Howard Original from Natalie Rodriguez. 

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Episode 19: Alfonso Cuarón

In this episode of Latinx Lens Catherine and Rosa look at three films directed by Alfonso Cuarón. “Great Expectations” (1998) This second Hollywood directed film is an adaptation of Charles Dicken’s classic story. Although it’s his least critically acclaimed film, there seems to be some early signs of his unique filmmaking style.  “Y Tu Mamá…

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Episode 18: Latinx representation in TV

In this episode, Rosa and Cat discuss three Netflix television shows that represent a variety of Latinx representation that is not only universal, but also hits  close to home.  “Rompan todo: La historia del rock en América Latina” (2020) Soda Stereo, Café Tacvba, Aterciopelados and other rock bands are featured in this chronicle of 50…

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