Atomic Fangirl

“She was so much more than a stripper, a go-go dancer…there was just something different about her.”

Story: In the early 1960s, times were a’changin’. In the Broadway area of North Beach, San Francisco, competition was fierce for patrons. So when the owners of The Condor Club decided to have their most popular dancer dance topless? Everyone took notice.

Genre I’d put it in: Groovy Documentaries
Release Date: 2024
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on the book “Three Nights at The Condor” by Benita Mattioli. And, of course, the life of Carol Doda.

Gotta say: Mid-20th century aesthetics seems to have gotten quite the revival. For at least a decade, folks have clamored for all sorts of stuff from the 50s through 80s, from clothes to furniture, music to strange recipes. (Li’l tip from me though; stay away from anything in a lime jello mold…) Burlesque has also gotten quite the come-up in our new century, with performers bringing back the grace and style of the art form. Y’know, back when it was about grace, talent, and fun. Instead of just a reason to enforce a two-drink minimum. Carol takes a look at what feels like the mid-century genesis of the art form, along with how her freethinking attitude echoed several other progressive changes in San Francisco and beyond.

“He’s afraid of the fundamentalists. And he should be.”

Story: Now that the young Paul Atreides has met the Fremen, and been taken into their mountain home. But does he have what it takes to become one of them? Meanwhile, his Bene Gesserit mother Jessica is heralded as a seer by the Fremen, which could help Paul achieve his dream of revenge on the corrupt House Harkonnen. But once Paul’s visions show him that his quest could cause destruction on a galactic scale, he begins to rethink his path. Can his new Fremen love, Chani, help him forge his own way? Can anyone?

Genre I’d put it in: Blockbusters With Deep Thoughts And Stuff
Release Date: 2024
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on the book of the same name, and the Dune Chronicles.

Gotta say: I really, really wanted to title this review DUNC 2: SPICE BOOGALOO. But one, I’m sure The Boogaloo will be done to death in other reviews. And two, this sequel is too much of a gorgeous existential think-piece of a film to be saddled with that kind of silliness. Part blockbuster, part surrealistic art piece, this two hour and forty-six minute (yep) film gives you a feast for your eyes, and themes to ponder once your popcorn bucket is empty. And if you managed to snag one of those popcorn buckets? I am outrageously jealous. Post pics and tag my no-bucket having tuchas.