Streaming Roulette, August: Serenity, Red Sea Diving Resort, and two major 1981 classics

As is our practice we've selected a handful of titles and frozen the films at utterly random moments without cheating (whatever comes up comes up!). It's our way of previewing new titles streaming each month. So what should you queue up for AUGUST 2019 ?(★ means we recommend catching them.) Please do let us know if you're dying to discuss any of the films and maybe we'll write about one or two of 'em  You rarely tell us but we'll try if you do.

[COUGHING]

Jackie Brown (1997) ★  on Netflix
Is De Niro coughing to distract you from Once Upon a Time ...  in Hollywood for a minute? He's got a new trailer out and that would like a little attention, too. On the couch is Bridget Fonda giving what is easily one of her top two performances (the other one is in a little seen 80s movie called Scandal). We should probably see this particular Quentin Tarantino flick again. Beyond Fonda's perpetually baked surfer girl I don't personally remember much about it except for that  Rashomon inspired scene in the mall, and Pam Grier and Robert Forster being a fine match in the two central roles.

[HEAVY BREATHING]

Body Heat (1981) ★  on HBO
Nice wedding ring shot. That ain't her husband...

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The 72 Greatest Gowns of the 72nd Cannes Festival (Part 2)

by Nathaniel R

Look, Andie MacDowell (with Ellen von Unwerth and Izabel Goulart) at a party in Cannes is illustrating for us exactly how we feel like watching actresses work the red carpets at Cannes: drunk, giddy, silly, happy and greedy. 

So let's finish up that list of our favourite gowns at this year's Cannes but before we do that we should note that we purposely didn't include any pants outfits though there were more women in slacks this year than has been the norm. Of those our favourite looks belonged to Margot Robbie and Li Yuchun. Like so...

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25th Anniversary: "Four Weddings and a Funeral"

by Deborah Lipp

Four Weddings and a Funeral turns 25 today. This is probably not also the number of times I’ve seen it, but it might be. I’m sure if you add the times Professor Spouse and I have each seen it, we exceed that number.  To say, therefore, that this is a beloved movie is a ridiculous understatement.

Here’s what we’re going to cover after the jump to celebrate its birthday...

• Four Weddings is highly quotable
• It features the best use of "fuck," and its variations, this side of Get Shorty
• Screenwriter Richard Curtis excels at movies that are kind-heartd and generous
• Four Weddings isn't perfect, but I will teach you the trick of making it perfect

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RuPaul's Drag Race S9E11 - Category Is: GAY

by Chris Feil

Happy Pride Month, everyone!! This week’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race was perfectly timed to the start of Pride season with gay extravaganza ball on the runway, and lots of streamers, glitter, and puppets! Andie MacDowell giving us Magic Mike XXL white wine realness!

But like Alexis Michelle’s bowl of Beautiful Turquoise Embellishments, this episode became a miss with lots of unfulfilled promise, particularly on the runway. Some queens had a significant misstep on the runway and others lacked the wow factor we expect from a top five competitor. Meanwhile in the workroom, we got a lot of dismissive interview quotes to amp up an air of contentiousness that wasn’t really there. Less an extravaganza than a passable week. Some of that manufactured cattiness probably comes down to a group of queens that genuinely get along, and the eased frustrations in the room now that Nina Bo’nina Brown was sent packing.

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One Week 'Til "Drag Race" Returns!

Chris here. We're only one week away from the return of RuPaul's Drag Race on March 24, one of our favorite shows here at The Film Experience! As if the news of Lady Gaga guest judging and a stellar interview in Vanity Fair with Mama Ru herself weren't enough to bring our anticipation to a fever pitch, we just got our first extended look at the coming season!

And while Gaga may bring the masses, the full guest judge lineup is built to produce a chorus of gay gasps in perfect harmony. Lisa Kudrow is our most gagworthy guest and hopefully giving us all the Valerie Cherish we need to survive on her episode (though I'm the slightest bit bummed she doesn't share her episode with Mira Sorvino). The B-52s will hopefully be there for a singing challenge or "Love Shack" lipsync. However, I'm most excited and intrigued for Andie MacDowell's appearance - feel free to revive that Magic Mike XXL character, Andie!

But don't get sidetracked by the star wattage as the show's popularity continues to increase (seriously: name any other show that has steadily built its fanbase in its ninth season). The show is for the queens! And the contestants this season already promise to bring a range of fresh talents and plentiful drama. From the Meet the Queens interviews, my heart already belongs to Nina Bo'Nina Brown and Sasha Velour, even if my instincts tell me they'll be the type of queens that we adore before a contoversial elimination. Check out the new trailer and tell us in the comments what queens and guest judges have you most excited!

RuPaul's Drag Race