Author: Carrie Kahn

Moving from the arthouse to the multiplex with grace, ease, and only the occasional eye roll. Proud member of the San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle.

Film Review: “Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass”

Screwball comedy delivers exuberant laughs 

 Gail (Zoey Deutch), John Slattery (l.), Caleb (Ben Wang), Otto (Miles Gutierrez-Riley), and Vincent (Ken Marino) undertake a unique mission.

Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is a tough movie to review because all its best bits–the wackiest, most laugh-out-loud, incredulous moments that I’d love to discuss–are best kept under wraps so viewers can revel in the surprises. So here’s a two second review: this film is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, in all the best ways. If you want a goofy, absurdist good time at the movies, go see this film. Continue reading “Film Review: “Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass””

Film Review: “The Invite”

Smart, funny SF-set dramedy skewers long-term relationships

Joe (Seth Rogen, l.) and his wife Angela (Olivia Wilde, l.) invite their neighbors Piña (Penélope Cruz) and Hawk (Edward Norton) over for dinner.

That actress/director Olivia Wilde’s new film The Invite feels like a stage play is not a coincidence. With the help of comedy screenwriters Will McCormack and Rashida Jones (2012’s Celeste and Jesse Forever), Wilde has remade a 2020 Spanish film called The People Upstairs, which itself is based on a play of the same name. Even if you don’t know that source material, Wilde’s picture might remind you of a more classic American play: Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Equally as uncomfortable, but infinitely more funny, The Invite is a terrific showcase for its four leads. Continue reading “Film Review: “The Invite””

Film Review: “Disclosure Day”

Spielberg’s newest is summer cinema at its best

Margaret (Emily Blunt) and Daniel (Josh O’Connor) are on the run.

After spending some time ruminating on his past with the autobiographical The Fablemans, Steven Spielberg returns to summer blockbuster mode with Disclosure Day. Like E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and War of the Worlds before it, Disclosure Day mines Spielberg’s favorite topic: are we alone in the universe? But fear not: the new film is not so much a retread of old themes, but a fresh updating that’s more than a little relevant to our chaotic, uncertain times. With Disclosure Day, Spielberg has created the best kind of old-fashioned summer cinematic fare, giving us a film as action-packed as it is philosophical. Continue reading “Film Review: “Disclosure Day””

Film Review: “Obsession”

Want a clever, scary movie? Your wish is this pic’s command

Nikki (Inde Navarrette) unexpectedly comes back out to talk to Bear (Michael Johnston).

Imagine the beloved Tom Hanks film Big crossed with an evil-possession movie like last year’s hit Weapons, and you’ll have a decent idea of what Obsession is about. Unhinged, but in a fun way, Obsession made a splash at both the Toronto Film Festival last year, where it was first runner-up in the People’s Choice Midnight Madness category, and at this year’s SXSW, where it was nominated for the Festival Favorite Audience Award. That the film garnered such crowd-pleasing accolades is understandable. This is a picture tailor made to watch with an audience ready for jump scares and “ewwww!” moments. Up until its somewhat predictable and weak ending, Obsession is clever and engaging, and actually features some surprisingly high-quality performances, considering its low-budget, horror movie status.

Continue reading “Film Review: “Obsession””

Film Review: “The Devil Wears Prada 2”

The Devil falls flat in glossy but listless sequel

Andy (Anne Hathaway) receives some fashion help from Nigel (Stanley Tucci).

Did we need a sequel to the 2006 hit The Devil Wears Prada? The original movie was a box office success and garnered a slew of awards, including an Oscar nomination for Meryl Streep, but the cast reportedly was hesitant to star in a follow-up. That a second film, with the rather uninspired title The Devil Wears Prada 2, was green lit, and that its stars agreed to reprise their roles, means they thought the story was worth revisiting. Or maybe everyone involved saw the potential for a built-in audience and an easy cash grab. Unfortunately, with Hollywood’s penchant for recycling old IP, I think the situation here is the latter. 

Continue reading “Film Review: “The Devil Wears Prada 2””

Film Feature: 69th SFFILM Festival Preview #3

It’s finally here! The 69th SFFILM Festival starts TOMORROW, Friday, April 24th! Running through Monday, May 4th, this year’s Fest features over 100 films from more than 40 countries. The SFFILM Festival FAQ website will quickly answer all your questions about programs, tickets, and venues. And be sure to review our two previous preview posts (#2 and #1) for more Spinning Platters-approved Festival highlights!

Below we highlight an additional two documentaries and two features that are worth a look. See you at the Fest!  

1.) WHO MOVES AMERICA
(USA, 2026. 87 min.)

A real-life drama about the power of unions in the vein of Norma Rae and Pride, this inspiring documentary will leave you cheering. Focusing on the 340,000 UPS Teamster members and their 2023 contract negotiations and potential strike, documentarian Yael Bridges crafts a portrait of union struggle and solidarity that is as thoughtful as it is rousing. Bridges turns her camera on local chapters in New York, southern California, Kentucky, and New Jersey, and the stories of the workers profiled are insightful and engrossing. UPS doesn’t come off well, and its executives can’t be happy about this film. But that just makes this truth-to-power story all the more affecting. Union yes!  .

Screenings (click here for tickets):
– Mon., Apr 27th, 6:15 pm PT @ Marina Theatre
– Mon., Apr 27th, 8:45 pm PT @ Marina Theatre
– Fri., May 1st, 3:45 pm PT @ Marina Theatre
 Continue reading “Film Feature: 69th SFFILM Festival Preview #3”

Film Review: “The Drama”

Zendaya and Pattinson create worthy Drama

Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson) have an eye-opening conversation with friends.

This review will be shorter than usual, because writing about The Drama without giving any spoilers is nearly impossible. There is so much to say about this provocative and highly original film, but the less you know going into it, the more you’ll be able to enjoy its surprises. Suffice to say that I’ve already short-listed the movie for my 2026 Top 10. If you love unexpected, immensely creative, and thought-provoking films, you owe it to yourself to see The Drama. 

Continue reading “Film Review: “The Drama””

Film Review: “Tow”

Byrne shines in maddening story of bureaucracy gone wrong 

Tow company employee Cliff (Simon Rex) speaks with the stubborn Amanda (Rose Byrne).

Rose Byrne may have lost the Best Actress Oscar race last Sunday, but I’m guessing she’ll have another chance a year from now. She delivers a similarly fierce and exceptional performance in Tow, and the movie itself is already shortlisted for my 2026 Top Ten.

Continue reading “Film Review: “Tow””

Film Feature: Carrie and Chad Pick the 2026 Oscars

Film critics Carrie and Chad on who will – and who should – win the 98th Academy Awards

The 98th Academy Awards air tomorrow, Sunday, March 15th, live on ABC and Hulu at 4:00 pm PST, with comedian Conan O’Brien returning to host for the second year in a row. As always, our Spinning Platters film critics Carrie Kahn and Chad Liffmann make their major category predictions in the hopes of Oscar pool glory. Try your own luck here, and may the best film fan win!

Continue reading “Film Feature: Carrie and Chad Pick the 2026 Oscars”

Film Review: “Undertone”

Clever premise can’t save underwhelming Undertone

Evy (Nina Kiri) hears strange sounds as she records her podcast.

Undertone, the first feature film from Canadian filmmaker Ian Tuason, first made a splash after it won the top prize in the the Best Canadian Feature competition at the Fantasia International Film Festival last year. The indie film’s success at the horror/fantasy showcase earned it a spot in the always intriguing Midnight section at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. A24, the studio responsible for such acclaimed horror fare as Hereditary, Midsommar, and The Witch snapped up the picture, and it’s now in wide release. Unfortunately, A24 may have made a bad bet, as a few festival accolades do not always bestow instant prestige horror film status. While Undertone delivers a few legit creepy thrills, they’re not enough to make up for the picture’s overall inert tone.

Continue reading “Film Review: “Undertone””