Review: Adam Sandler's SAG-nominated ‘Hustle’

By Abe Friedtanzer

Twenty long years ago, popular comedian Adam Sandler was in serious awards conversation for the first time for his dramatic collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson in Punch-Drunk Love. Three years ago, a handful of prominent citations and an Independent Spirit Award for Uncut Gems looked like it might finally help him breakthrough to a first Oscar nomination (it did not). Now, Sandler is somewhat unexpectedly making an awards play (sports reference?) again thanks to a surprise SAG nomination for his basketball drama Hustle, which is streaming on Netflix.

Sandler stars as Stanley Sugerman, a scout for the Philadelphia 76ers who becomes tired of missing his daughter’s birthdays each year while he’s traveling throughout Europe or somewhere else in search of the next great talent...

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TIFF: "The Swimmers"

by Matt St Clair

In an early sequence from The Swimmers, we see both sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini jamming to “Titanium” by Sia. As they’re happily move on the dance floor in slow motion, the camera pans over to the escalating warfare happening in the background. That one scene is perfectly emblematic of the movie’s overall point of view. We watch these two real-life sisters persevere and maintained hope no matter the crises surrounding them... 

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Tribeca 2022: Gender Identity and Austrian Hockey in 'Breaking the Ice'

By Abe Friedtanzer

Sports have historically created gendered environments defined by competition. As a result, they aren't always welcoming to those who don't fit fit neatly into the player mold. Clara Stern's Breaking the Ice is a fascinating exploration of what it means to be able to truly express yourself as the captain of a women's hockey team in Austria...

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AFI World Premiere: Halle Berry's "Bruised"

by Eurocheese

Bruised gives us Halle Berry behind and in front of the camera, telling the story of a former MMA fighter who has been down on her luck for some time. When her life is complicated by the return of her son, she is forced to get her priorities in order and address the demons of her past. Berry spoke about revamping the script – originally written with a young white protagonist in mind – to reflect her own vision with the writer’s assistance, and it’s clear this was a passion project for her.

Does that passion translate to the screen? Yes, but this can be both a curse and a blessing...

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Would you rather?

happy Virgo season from Keke PalmerWould you rather...

• kiss puppies w/ Simu Liu
• hang on the sidewalk w/ Timothée Chalamet
• discuss the Virgos you know w/ Keke Palmer
• play a new card game "where do we begin?" w/ Marisa Tomei
• learn to bowl w/ Anya Taylor Joy
• hold your breath w/ Paul Bettany
• go axe throwing or clay pigeon shooting w/ Naomie Harris
• have a martini w/ Ten Tosatid
• fit a harness w/ Connor Jessup
• serve your guests margaritas w/ Jennifer Coolidge?
• walk the runway w/ Molly Shannon
• ...or have your calls ignored by Laura Dern? 

Pictures are after the jump to help you decide...

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