I tend to watch a lot of movies. Contributor at Next Best Picture and AwardsWatch. Member of the Chicago Film Critics Association. Massive James Bond fan and Ben Whishaw fanatic. (he/him)https://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mz4le62lls2hI hardly ever hear classic Bond songs in the wild, but I was in the grocery store the other day and they were playing Duran Duran’s A View to a Kill. That was nice.30 Oct 2026 20:06 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz4le62lls2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mz2edqbgvk2vI miss having Jonathan Bailey on my movie and tv screens29 Oct 2026 22:55 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz2edqbgvk2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mz23ikpcxc2e😢29 Oct 2026 20:17 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mz23ikpcxc2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myzwualgn22eDrop a HORROR HOTTIE. [contains quote post or other embedded content]29 Oct 2026 18:54 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myzwualgn22ehttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myxnq6uipc2cHave I mentioned how much I really want Sam Forstag to win his election?28 Oct 2026 21:05 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myxnq6uipc2chttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myvm2dhqok2tWhew28 Oct 2026 01:30 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myvm2dhqok2thttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myuhxa67os27At a loss for words right now27 Oct 2026 14:44 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myuhxa67os27https://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myqhglaqac2fMINOTAUR successfully blends an engrossing Hitchcockian thriller with a sobering commentary on the corrupt systems that use chaos as a means of control. Zvyagintsev has a cold, calculating perspective that’s riveting to watch unfold. An unsettling tale that’s expertly crafted.26 Oct 2026 00:24 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myqhglaqac2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myq3ohn6g22fIRON BOY utilizes its distinct animation style to create an endearing coming-of-age portrait. It may indulge in some familiar conflicts, but the characters and artistry make the narrative compelling. An effortlessly charming work that’s a delightful watch.25 Oct 2026 20:53 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myq3ohn6g22fhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mypqn43uk22sFinal day of the Chicago International Film Festival. Let’s hope we end on a high note!25 Oct 2026 17:36 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mypqn43uk22shttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myluy4wcns24Filled with many thoughts right now24 Oct 2026 04:43 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myluy4wcns24https://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myliecofsc2rCaught up with Wicker and found it utterly delightful. Colman gives a great performance, not only funny but also tragic and compelling. Very impressive crafts all around. Even more fun when seen with a crowd.24 Oct 2026 00:57 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myliecofsc2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myjao56dzc2xWILDWOOD attempts to pack a lot of lore into its runtime, which sometimes leaves its narrative muddled and the characters flat. But it’s hard not to be completely swept up by the incredible artistry. The scope and ambition of the animation is dazzling. Thoroughly engrossing.23 Oct 2026 03:34 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myjao56dzc2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myieto3jcs26THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK is a fairly breezy excursion that gives John Turtutro an endearing lead role that’s captivating. The narrative isn’t the most complex, but a nice ensemble and jazzy score keeps things engaging. Hot take: Buscemi’s superior 2026 performance.22 Oct 2026 19:16 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myieto3jcs26https://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myi2dcngmk2mLove Josh O’Connor so much, but he should not be James Bond.22 Oct 2026 16:08 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myi2dcngmk2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mygfsrbt3k2pI do still want to rewatch La Bola Negra22 Oct 2026 00:28 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mygfsrbt3k2phttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myfrfn3ak22hJulianne Moore is great in The Debut. I'm still on Team Olivia Wilde.21 Oct 2026 18:23 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myfrfn3ak22hhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mydypd42dc2qTHE DEBUT is a hilarious and engaging look at the creative process that is both humorous and insightful. Moore’s dedicated performance is one you can’t look away from, and Giamatti is endearing as well. Eisenberg’s quirky, slightly surrealist vision makes for his best work yet.21 Oct 2026 01:28 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mydypd42dc2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mydhbez2js2kTHE LIBERATION trades in familiar territory when it comes to exposing the manipulative evils around cults, making the narrative have a broad commentary. But Carrie Coon’s performance is masterful and compelling. Lily James is also great in a role full of charm and darkness.20 Oct 2026 20:16 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mydhbez2js2khttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myanuev7gs2fTHE MAN I LOVE is another compelling work from Ira Sachs that tracks the thorny creatives that struggled during the AIDS crisis. He creates a captivating environment, and Malek is an engrossing lead. But the ensemble players shine brighter. Sturridge, Ford and Hall are fantastic.19 Oct 2026 17:36 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myanuev7gs2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3myaefbdpis2bTen years ago today, I saw a tiny Mexican indie at the Chicago film festival called I Promise You Anarchy. There was an actor who immediately popped on my radar, and it was Diego Calva. He may have broken out with Babylon, but I was there before. Very happy to see him gain so much success since then19 Oct 2026 14:47 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3myaefbdpis2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3my6k45harc2pRAY GUNN creates an inventive world that’s full of stylish aesthetics, a wonderful showcase of futuristic noir in its production design. The narrative follows familiar twists and turns, which can eventually get tedious. A nice voice cast rounds out this entertaining spectacle.18 Oct 2026 21:24 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3my6k45harc2phttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3my4inecbls2kCLUB KID has a narrative that coats a youthful sheen over a familiar structure but does so with much heart and soul to keep it thoroughly endearing. Firstman creates a sweet portrait, aided by Reggie Absolom’s charming screen presence. Calva is hot and needed to be in it more.18 Oct 2026 01:52 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3my4inecbls2khttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3my444ufvt22qLA GRADIVA is a somber and meditative exploration of the complex emotional terrain of youth, rendered beautifully through Marine Atlan’s textured aesthetics. The momentum is a bit inconsistent, but the performances are always compelling. Colas Quignard is the incredible standout.17 Oct 2026 22:08 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3my444ufvt22qhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3my3cjxzrnc24ROSE is an intriguing showcase that’s built around Sandra Hüller’s brilliant performance, full of engrossing interiority, and the moody setting is effectively captured by the stark black-and-white cinematography. The short runtime does make one yearn for even deeper examinations.17 Oct 2026 14:30 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3my3cjxzrnc24https://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mxz54t3zbk25ELSINORE is meant to be a showcase of Andrew Scott’s brilliant performance, a captivating and devastating portrayal. On its own, the narrative finds some effective emotionality, but the structure often cuts away from the most impactful moments. But Scott more than compensates.16 Oct 2026 17:48 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mxz54t3zbk25https://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mxx5toiies2nTANGLES is a deeply moving portrait of a family’s journey through an Alzheimer’s diagnosis that is tragic, profound and captivating. The storytelling can sometimes play to the broad emotions a bit too much, but the animation renders the narrative with an absorbing presence.15 Oct 2026 22:55 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mxx5toiies2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mxwvjawohc2nFATHERLAND is yet another example of Pawlikowski’s meticulous filmmaking creating an engrossing portrait of simmering emotions. The imagery is once again artfully composed, and Hüller’s performance is an effective anchor. Not as impactful as his previous works but still engaging.15 Oct 2026 20:26 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mxwvjawohc2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mxwmguqbks25BEHEMOTH! finds moments that present an engaging portrait of an artist struggling with emotional turmoil but often struggles to be consistently compelling. Pascal delivers fine work, as does Wilde and Arnett is scene stealing supporting roles. The playful score is delightful.15 Oct 2026 17:44 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mxwmguqbks25https://bsky.app/profile/jrparham.bsky.social/post/3mxucqjj42s23ALL OF A SUDDEN is another power portrait of humanity from Hamaguchi. The tender narrative explores the joys, tragedies and frustrations in life that collide in a beautiful expression. Efira and Okamoto both give moving performances. Absolutely one of the best films of the year.14 Oct 2026 19:45 +0000at://did:plc:b27juckiakphas5n3t3grdos/app.bsky.feed.post/3mxucqjj42s23