“Backrooms” – uncomfortably excellent

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Denise

“I opened the window. I won’t be coming back.”

Story: In 1990, a man named Clark is losing everything. His wife, his home, and soon his business. Meanwhile, his therapist Mary is still battling demons from her past. And Mark Duplass Phil? He’s around. Because this story is creepy AF; of course a Duplass is in the mix. Ready to walk through the wall of Clark’s basement? Oh, I wouldn’t if I were you.

Genre I’d put it in: Dreamy Horrors
Release Date: 2026
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on the YouTube channel web series The Backrooms, also helmed by Kane Parsons. Which is, in turn, based on the 4chan location/creepypasta of the same name.

Gotta say: “What – and I cannot stress this enough – the FUCK was that.” That was my final note I jotted down about this mind bending slice of psychological horror. For folks l me who apparently aren’t as terminally online as we’d thought? Backrooms is a confusing, yet strangely satisfying journey. Emphasis on strange. Yet as weirdly off-putting as it is, it’s also strangely comforting, or at least known. We’ve all had that empty dream you can’t stop moving through. That “this place is empty, yet I need to keep walking for some reason” kind of dream? You know the one.

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In Queue Review – “We Bury the Dead”

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Denise



“Is it true, what they’re saying?” 

Genre: Meditative Apocalypses
Release Date: 2026 (streaming/wide) 2024 (SXSW)
Where I Watched: Hulu

Gist: An “accidental deployment” of a strange new American weapon causes the southern areas of Tasmania to be destroyed, and the rest of the population are rendered brain dead. But soon the military is saying that some of the dead are coming “back online”, but that shouldn’t be a problem for the cleanup crew volunteers. One volunteer in particular, Ava, comes from America to help, and to try to find her husband. But he was in the main blast zone. So she’s out of luck, right? Of course. Of COURSE.

Gotta say: This one was marketed as a zombie movie. But to be more specific? Dead is a tragic drama that happens to have zombies in it. That doesn’t make it less spooky, but be prepared for more grief, and less gore.

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“The Devil Wears Prada 2” fits fans perfectly

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Denise


“Ah, fate. An ever winding road that leads you to me.”

Story: It’s been twenty years since fresh faced journalism grad Andy Sachs did time in the mines of Runway magazine, serving as director Miranda Priestly’s assistant. Since then, Andy has made a name for herself in investigative journalism, garnering respect, and a slew of awards. But when print media starts to crumble, where can Andy go? Well…strike a pose, darling!

Genre I’d put it in: Gorgeous Sequels That Give You What You Want
Release Date: 2026
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Sequel to the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada. Based on characters from the novel by Lauren Weisberger.

Gotta say: Hot take: the OG Prada is okay. It’s fine. We just believe it’s better than it was because the performers are so incredible, and the world they live in so fascinating. It’s not bad, don’t get it twisted. It’s just not incredible. The same thing can be said of many of the touchstone films of the aughts. 2, like it’s predecessor, relies heavily on it’s stellar cast and jaw-dropping locations (ciao, Milano) to do the heavy lifting. And while the themes are father reaching than the original?  It’s a look at Our Gang twenty years later that doesn’t reach too far, aiming for comfort and nostalgia rather than reinvention. And I enjoyed the hell out of it.

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“Michael” – emotionally effective storytelling

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Denise

“This is your life. You ready to fight for it?”

Story: A young group of talented boys begin a singing career in Gary, Indiana. As they become more popular, the Jackson 5 hit stardom, with youngest member Michael standing out for his one-of-a-kind voice and charisma. But breaking free from an overbearing father can be harder than stardom could ever be…

Genre I’d put it in: Emotionally Effective Biopics
Release Date: 2026
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Gotta say: Before I get into things, I think I need to address a few things. One, I was in high school when Michael was at his peak. Off The Wall was a staple through those years, and Thriller was an absolute juggernaut that blew me and my friends away. I still remember a friend running up to me shouting “I GOT THE TAPE! I GOT THE TAPE! YOU’RE COMING TO MY HOUSE AND WE’RE WATCHING IT!” And then we jumped up and down screaming. I cannot overstate what a pivotal moment in history this was for me, and so many others. Two, I love the work of director Antoine Fuqua, so I’m pre-disposed to be stoked about anything he’s got his fingers in. Three, I’m not even gonna address The Allegations. Everyone has their opinions, everyone has their ideas, and so do I. But I’m leaving deep dives for others more scholarly than I. Me, I’m looking at this movie. And as a biopic, Michael is an emotionally satisfying treat, though it may leave many fans (and casuals) wanting more.

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza – “Michael”!

Posted on April 16, 2026 by Denise

Wanna be starting something? Me too! So let’s do this. Synopsis!

MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.

Ready? Let’s go!

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“You, Me & Tuscany” – a balm for the romantic’s soul

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Denise

“You gonna be the Italy Get Out!”

Story: “Professional house-sitter” and CINY dropout Anna has had her latest gig canceled on her. So, with no place to go, she hits a hotel bar and meets Matteo, an equally free spirit…with an empty villa in Tuscany just lying around doing nothing. Anna has a ticket to Tuscany, thanks to plans made by her recently deceased mom. Why not visit Tuscany? It’s not like she’ll meet Matteo’s family and fall in love with Tuscany (and his adopted brother Michael). Or will she do just that?

Genre I’d put it in: Sweet Travel Rom-coms
Release Date: 2026
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Original, with hints of While You Were Sleeping and Under the Tuscan Sun.

Gotta say: Tuscany is exactly what you think it’s gonna be, and exactly what I needed. The pairing of Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page, and gorgeous Tuscan locations soothed this savage beast. If you too are suffering from all the *waves hands around despondently* that’s been going on of late? Please let this film take you away from all that, and into a lovely fairy tale.

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza – “You, Me & Tuscany”!

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Denise

Longing to travel somewhere beautiful? I’ve got the next best thing; passes to this beautiful film! Synopsis!

Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid, The Color Purple) stars as Anna, a young woman who has abandoned her dreams of becoming a chef and is now drifting through her twenties with a series of bad choices. When Anna loses her house-sitting job (and housing) in one fell swoop, a chance encounter with Matteo—a handsome Italian who happens to have a villa sitting empty in Tuscany—will inspire her to jet off for Italy, against the advice of her always-honest bestie, Claire (Home Before Dark’s Aziza Scott). But Anna’s plan to crash at Matteo’s villa, without permission, just for one night, falls apart when Matteo’s mother, Gabriella (Italian film icon Isabella Ferrari) shows up at the house unexpectedly. In a panic, Anna allows Gabriella to believe that she is Matteo’s fiancée.

Ready? Let’s go!

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In Queue Review – “Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere”

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Denise

“A lot of people that were in that space are now in politics.”

Genre: Fascinating Documentaries About Icky People
Release Date: 2026
Where I Watched: Netflix

Gist: Award winning documentarian Louis Theroux takes a look at the Manosphere, and several of the men leading this controversial movement.

Gotta say: Yes, Theroux is a respected documentarian. But my favorite thing about him is this song. Which absolutely SLAPS. His ability to plant his tongue firmly in cheek, while slyly commenting on our world without actually saying anything specific is a brand of journalistic humor I enjoy the hell out of. But Manosphere was too much for me. Not because the documentarian didn’t do a good job, but because he may have been too good; I walked away from this film nauseated, and sad for the state of our world today.

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“Vampires of the Velvet Lounge” – messy monsters

Posted on March 21, 2026 by Denise

“This night’s gonna get good, babydoll.” [No, no it’s not.]

Story: Vampire hunter Cora finds herself in Savannah, GA in order to kill one of the “highest count” serial killers ever known, Elizabeth Bathory. But things take a turn when Cora becomes entranced by the vampire beauty. Oh noes – the solar eclipse!

Genre I’d put it in: Good Ideas Bad Executions
Release Date: 2026
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Original

Gotta say: This film had me in it’s grip the moment I saw that gorgeously retro poster. The vibes are Hammer Horror and Robert Rodriguez meets Killing Eve, and I had to check it out. But while there are moments of bloody fun? If you’re down for lower budget horror, Lounge isn’t particularly bad, it’s just disappointing.

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“Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” – Families are hell

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Denise

“Crazy night LOL 💀💀💀”

Story: The continuing adventures of newly married/newly separated/newly widowed Grace, and her quest for a cigarette. This time? It’s more than one family. Plus her younger sister. Where TF can a gal get a light around here?

Genre I’d put it in: Successful Sequels
Release Date: 2026
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on, and a sequel to, Ready or Not.

Gotta say: I adored the original Ready or Not. It was surprisingly engaging, delightfully gruesome, and proved Samara Weaving is one of the horror greats. This sequel, as per Randy’s Rules, amps things up, with more blood, more action, and even a cute goat. Y’know what? It works. It absolutely rocks.

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