That Shelf

Maddie’s Secret Review: Gets Lost in the Sauce
John Early pays homage to campy flicks and TV movies with Maddie's Secret, but casting himself as the leading lady is a passé one-note joke that overwhelms the film.

https://thatshelf.com/maddies-secret-review-gets-lost-in-the-sauce

Hayley Kiyoko expands her beloved “Girls Like Girls” story from music video to feature film, delivering a heartfelt coming-of-age romance rooted in self-discovery, trust, and first love.

Set against a nostalgic mid-2000s backdrop, the film follows Coley as she navigates grief, family, and a growing connection with Sonya during a transformative summer. While some character arcs and relationship beats feel underdeveloped, Kiyoko brings sincerity and personal experience to a story that celebrates q***r love, communication, and acceptance.

For longtime fans of the song and a new generation of viewers alike, Girls Like Girls offers an emotional and affirming look at finding the courage to be yourself.

📝 Full review by Andrew Roberts now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).

Leviticus Review: A Visionary Tale of Fatal Attraction
Leviticus is a haunting tale of fatal attraction and a fable about living in a community that teaches you to associate love with fear.

https://thatshelf.com/leviticus-review-a-visionary-tale-of-fatal-attraction

The Furious may rely on familiar action-thriller tropes, but it more than makes up for them with relentless energy and spectacular martial arts choreography.

When a father searching for his kidnapped daughter crosses paths with a journalist investigating a trafficking network, the two are forced into an increasingly brutal fight against a corrupt criminal organization. While the story and character development often take a backseat, the film excels where it matters most: delivering inventive, high-impact action sequences that continually raise the stakes.

Packed with bone-crunching fights, dynamic stunt work, and standout performances from Xie Miao and Joe Taslim, The Furious is a crowd-pleasing showcase of martial arts action at its most kinetic.

📝 Full review by Mel Valentin now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).

AKI Review: A Wordless Documentary that Speaks Volumes
Darlene Naponse's documentary AKI captures the seasons and soul of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek.

https://thatshelf.com/aki-review-a-wordless-documentary-that-speaks-volumes

The Furious Review: A Thrilling Feat in Martial Arts Filmmaking
The Furious delivers a deliriously entertaining feat in martial arts filmmaking.

https://thatshelf.com/the-furious-review-a-thrilling-feat-in-martial-arts-filmmaking

Disclosure Day blends blockbuster spectacle with a thoughtful story about truth, trust, and the power of journalism.

As mysterious alien contact begins to unravel across the globe, a weather reporter and a researcher find themselves at the centre of a race to uncover hidden evidence and reveal it to the world. Along the way, the film delivers massive action sequences, compelling performances, and a surprisingly timely exploration of media, misinformation, and the importance of verifiable facts.

Balancing thrilling sci-fi adventure with human emotion and social commentary, Disclosure Day proves that Steven Spielberg still knows how to make audiences think while keeping them on the edge of their seats.

📝 Full review by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).

Blue Film Review: We Like to Watch
Kieron Moore electrifies as a camboy who understands the pleasure of being watched in Blue Film, Elliot Tuttle's provocative feature debut.

https://thatshelf.com/blue-film-review-we-like-to-watch

Disclosure Day Review: Hollywood Escapism at Its Biggest and Best
Steven Spielberg reaffirms his status as Hollywood's king of blockbusters with Disclosure Day, an exhilarating feat of big screen escapism.

https://thatshelf.com/disclosure-day-review-hollywood-escapism-at-its-biggest-and-best

Adam Shankman Talks STOP! THAT! TRAIN! and Going Off the Rails
An interview with STOP! THAT! TRAIN! director Adam Shankman on bringing the joy of drag to the big screen and having fun going off the rails.

https://thatshelf.com/adam-shankman-talks-stop-that-train-and-going-off-the-rails