Tag: 1960s

Flashback Friday: LBJ (2016)

We all have struggles. Most of us are lucky enough to keep them within ourselves and our intimate circles. Those who are in the public eye may have their turmoil laid out for the public to view and comment on.

LBJ was originally released into theaters in 2016. It starts with the assassination of John F. Kennedy (Jeffrey Donovan). The new President (Woody Harrelson) has multiple challenges: the legacy of his immediate predecessor, the politics of the era, and the fight for Civil Rights. Though he relies on his all-male cabinet, the person to whom he turns for advice is FLOTUS, Lady Bird Johnson (Jennifer Jason Leigh).

Directed by the late Rob Reiner, this is exactly what a biopic should be. It goes microscopic on its main character, presenting him as a person who had the weight of the world on his shoulders. As someone who was born years after LBJ’s time in office, it provides clarity on the larger image of the time and the man himself.

The makeup is fantastic, as are the performances. What I found to be most interesting is that he was looked down on by the Kennedys, before and after JFK’s death.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

LBJ is available for streaming on Netflix.

Don’t Breathe a Word Book Review

Secrets have power. The longer we hold onto them, the more power they hold over us.

Don’t Breathe a Word, by Jordyn Taylor, was published in 2021. In our era, Eva is an unhappy teenage girl who has been shipped from her home in New York City to Hardwick Preparatory Academy, a private boarding school in upstate New York. When she finally starts making friends and is invited to join the Fives, Eva jumps at the chance. But she begins to wonder about what they might be hiding.

In 1962, Connie is one of six students chosen to test Hardwick’s new nuclear fallout shelter. Her reasons, like many a young person, are about the romance. Specifically, Craig Allenby, who is a favorite of both students and staff. When the experiment goes wrong and one ends up dead, the consensus is to keep the truth hidden. If it gets out, the consequences could be far-reaching.

I enjoyed this novel. Like her previous works, the pacing kept me engaged, and the characters were well drawn. By the time I put it all together, it made perfect sense.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Don’t Breathe a Word is available wherever books are sold.

No One Saw Us Leave Review

When a marriage falls apart, and there are minor children, I would hope that the adults put their animosity aside long enough to remember that little ears are listening and little eyes are watching.

No One Saw Us Leave/Nadie nos vio partir was released on Netflix last fall. It is based on the book of the same name by Tamara Trottner. In 1968, Leo Salzman (Emiliano Zurita) had secreted his children away from his wife, Valaria (Tessa Ia). Their time as a couple is coming to an end. As their Mexican Jewish families vie for sympathy and power in the community, the only thing that Valaria wants is her babies.

A former Mossad agent is hired to locate them and bring them home to Mexico.

This is a heart-stopping, true crime drama. I felt for Leo and Valaria. They only wanted what was best for their offspring. The problem is the expectations of their relationship vs the reality of what is in front of them.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

No One Saw Us Leave is available for streaming on Netflix.

New Randy Rainbow Video: Lyin’ and Spinnin’ (and Cheatin’ and Hidin’) – A Randy Rainbow Song Parody

P.S. I don’t know what’s worse about the current administration: POTUS or those around him. Either they have drunk the Kool-Aid, or they have turned a blind eye just to stay in power.

The Interpreter of Silence Mini-Series Review

In the face of hate and discrimination, silence screams through the proverbial void.

The Interpreter of Silence was originally released two years ago. In 1963, Eva Bruhns (Katharina Stark) is a young translator who has been hired as a translator for the Frankfurt Auschwitz trials. Her parents, who own a local restaurant, and her wealthy fiancé are not pleased that she has taken the job.

As the trial wears on, it becomes clear that fate has led Eva to this moment. Secrets are revealed that change the perspective of everything and everyone she holds dear.

On paper, this mini-series should have pulled me and put me through the ringer as a viewer. As our protagonist, Eva is a compelling young woman. Her arc should have been enough to keep me watching.

I had to stop after three episodes. The promises that the trailer makes are skin deep and do not translate to the final product.

Do I recommend it? No.

The Interpreter of Silence is available on Hulu/DisneyPlus in both German and English.

P.S. Today and tomorrow are the anniversary of Kristallnacht. A part of me wants to believe that, as a culture, we have learned our lesson. We clearly have not.

Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness Book Review

There are multiple ways to fight oppression. One can lead or be part of a public protest, meet with our representatives in government, etc. Or, it can be a subtle cultural push towards equality.

Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness, by Michael Koresky, was published in June. During old Hollywood‘s heyday (the 1930s to the 1960s), the Hays Code was the proverbial law of the land. Among other rules, homosexuality of any kind was banned from the silver screen.

The author uses three references to show how queerness subversively found its way to audiences: Vito Russo‘s 1981 book The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies, and the plays Tea and Sympathy and The Children’s Hour.

I enjoyed this book. The author writes in a way that makes the reader feel as if they have gone back in time. My favorite part of the text was the spotlight on queer artists (i.e., Dorothy Arzner) whose life, legacy, and work have been largely forgotten.

As a queer woman living in 2025, it is a reminder of how far we have come in less than a century.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness is available wherever books are sold.

Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan Documentary Review

Every generation of television viewers has its own version of must see TV.

From the 1950s to the 1970s, Ed Sullivan‘s titular variety show, The Ed Sullivan Show,  was appointment viewing. The new Netflix documentary Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan highlights the Black musicians that Sullivan purposefully booked on his show. Despite the backlash he received from parts of the country, he believed and (in his own way) fought for the equality that we sometimes take for granted today.

For obvious reasons, Sullivan is a TV legend and an icon. The film itself is a remarkable reminder of what can happen when we see each other’s humanity first and foremost. This is a medium that, when used for good, can change the world for the better.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan is available for streaming on Netflix.

An Education in Malice Book Review

There is something about living forever that feels appealing.

An Education in Malice, by S.T. Gibson, was published last year. It is the second title in the Vampire Companion series. It is based on the novel Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu. 1960s college student Laura Sheridan has just started her freshman year at Saint Perpetua’s College in Massachusetts. It is not your average university.

Upon meeting classmate Carmilla, the girls start an intense game of academic one-upmanship. Their poetry Professor, De Lafontaine, ups the ante in dark and unexpected ways. She ultimately forces both of her students to ask difficult questions that require not so black and white answers.

An Education in Malice does not hold up to its promises. While A Dowry of Blood shines, its successor peters out about halfway through the novel. I wanted to enjoy the book, but I couldn’t. I had to put it down and move on.

Do I recommend it? No.

An Education in Malice is available wherever books are sold.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Movie Review

There are two streams of thought when it comes to a comic book superhero film. The first starts with an origin story to introduce new fans to the characters and narrative. The second gives a brief overview of our protagonist’s biography before jumping straight into the story.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps was released into theaters on Friday. In a futuristic 1960s New York City, the Fantastic Four are national treasures. Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) are revered for saving the world.

Then a new threat makes itself known. Galactus (voiced by Ralph Ineson) has sent his messenger, Shalla-Bal/Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), to warn Earth’s residents. Their time is growing short. Upon seeing that Sue Storm is in the family way, Galactus strikes a deal. He will find another planet to eat, but only if they give up the child.

If this is where Marvel is going, I highly approve. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is entertaining, human, funny, and a well-made film. The lead actors have incredible chemistry. I believed that they were a real family from the get-go. The screenwriters nicely balanced the relationship between the characters and the action.

My favorite part was Ben Grimm/The Thing’s return to the old neighborhood and reconnecting to his Jewish faith. He also brings home black and white cookies, which are a forever favorite in my book. It also helps that Moss-Bachrach is MOT.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely. I would not be surprised if it was on my top ten list of movies in December.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently in theaters.

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started