Stanford‘s Hometown News Site

RAVING REVIEW: The documentary SPACE HAPPY takes a close look at the life and legacy of a legendary musical innovator. Through its examination of their unique music videos, the film paints a picture of a true maverick who continues to captivate and inspire audiences to this day.

RAVING REVIEW: MAHOGANY DRIVE is a film that pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a comedy. This provocative satire delves into the experiences of three African American friends as they navigate the complexities of a society plagued by race and gender biases.

RAVING REVIEW: SWEETHEART DEAL is a film that offers an unflinching and raw look into the lives of individuals who have fallen outside of traditional society and are struggling with addiction. The film follows a central figure, which provides a makeshift shelter in a motorhome, and a group of individuals striving to put their lives back together. However, their progress is met with a devastating betrayal that threatens to undo all their hard work. But instead of giving up, they find the band strength together and fight back against their circumstances. The film's style provides an immersive and candid view of the characters' struggles, perseverance, and resilience.

RAVING REVIEW: WHO'S ANNIE? is a refreshing and entertaining look into the world of acting and the entertainment industry. The series, masterfully crafted by its creator and director, Sophia Peer, explores the real-life inspirations behind the protagonist, Annie, played by Annie Pisapia, and a chance encounter with a down-on-her-luck director, Sophia, played by Peer herself, at a fast-food establishment in Queens. The story follows Annie’s journey, a woman in her mid-50s, as she reignites her passion for the craft after a series of personal and professional setbacks.

RAVING REVIEW: Indie cinema has a reputation for pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional themes, and JUST RIGHT, written and directed by Camille Wormser, is no exception. The film takes on the challenging topic of mental health, specifically OCD, and presents it uniquely and refreshingly.

RAVING REVIEW: The animated feature, UNICORN BOY, is a visually stunning film that delves into the complexities of self-discovery and growth. The film tells the story of a young person who, like the creator, is going through a difficult time in life. The protagonist, a struggling artist, is transported to a magical land where they must team up with a new friend to defeat a mighty enemy and bring peace to the kingdom.

RAVING REVIEW: A thought-provoking debut film that delves into the complexities of young adulthood, WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE presents a relatable portrait of anxieties and insecurities that offer a glimpse into the psyche of today's youth. Director Linh Tran expertly captures the pressure of everyday interactions and societal expectations. The film is skillfully crafted and meticulously constructed, showcasing confidence in the refreshingly gifted cast.

RAVING REVIEW: I had a hard time fully grasping this film, not because it was bad but because it was a different experience than I can ever remember having while watching a documentary. As a whole, the film was a silent movie, outside of conversational dialogue in the background. That intrigued me; somehow, the film gave me this powerful experience without telling me how to feel about anything.

RAVING REVIEW: This film displays many of modern society's issues with how “men” are viewed and their expectations of them. At the same time, the film hides these themes within that of a young man just now coming into his own and learning what it takes to be one.

RAVING REVIEW: THE MAD WRITER is a striking and personal portrayal of an artist's tumultuous journey through uncertainty and doubt. This debut feature from Zach Kashkett delves into the struggles of a rising musician as he grapples with a potentially life-altering medical condition. The film offers a raw and intimate look into the mind of an artist, illuminating how creativity and adversity intersect.

RAVING REVIEW: CISCO KID is a striking directorial debut from Emily Kaye Allen. It presents a compelling story of an independent soul who seeks to find their place in the world. The film is a powerful representation of modern queer cinema that is becoming increasingly prominent in the film industry. This writer can’t wait for the day when that becomes the norm instead of the exception.

RAVING REVIEW: In a world” where Hallmark meets its foil, we get the ultimate parody that will leave you chuckling from start to finish. LOVE DUMP is a cunning and clever parody that expertly subverts the conventions of the romantic comedy genre.

RAVING REVIEW: Just how much impact can an 11-minute film have? You’re about to find out with this exceptional film about love, loss, and understanding in a society that makes it hard for you to change the norm. This film could almost have been entirely silent and still pull the same emotional heartstrings.

RAVING REVIEW: This is one of those films that will instantly get you rooting for the team; from the moment we were introduced to Moorea Howson and her parents, I was instantly hooked. "Moorea was born with Williams Syndrome, an incurable disease that causes cardiovascular issues, developmental delays, and learning challenges."

RAVING REVIEW: My favorite part of film criticism is constant education; I learn something new every day. It doesn’t matter if the focus is on the entire world or a single person (as is the case here.) I have a prominent soft spot for documentaries because, most of the time, they get to explore subjects that I would never know about.

RAVING REVIEW: Sometimes, the most simple stories will leave the longest-lasting impressions on you. This film has had me thinking almost constantly from the first scene. The way I was pulled into the film's narrative felt almost surreal.