Michael Varrati

Even a glimpse of this lobby makes me want a plate of pickles.

Cynthia Rothrock in a film still from YES MADAM. She clutches a staff with her right hand while reaching out with her left.

In honor of her birthday, I've been thinking about the absolute cult icon that is Cynthia Rothrock. One of the coolest action stars to ever to do the damn thing, she's had an enviable international career in cinema. If you prefer high-octane idol worship, her oeuvre is the movie marathon you need.

Okay, I'm obsessed with this poster.

Never have napkins been more seductive.

Pop. Six. Squish. Uh-Oh. Cicero. Jessica Lang.

I want to use a brief moment of International Women's Day to shout-out the likes of Doris Wishman, Roberta Findlay, Jackie Kong, Stephanie Rothman, and Eloyce Gist...filmmakers of the underground, drive-in, and grindhouse eras whose work blazed an amazing, potent, transgressive trail.

It’s International Women’s Day! I don’t need to leave the masthead of Fango to celebrate amazing international women! Our co-publisher lives in Ireland! Our Senior Editor is in Germany! Our News Editor is in the UK! I’m certain I’ve hired various Canadians to write for us! Hooray!

Did we do it? Did we save Daylight?

Find out if Jeffrey Reddick was the one who did that. I saw him lurking by the cupcakes.

I was literally JUST saying that Kasi Lemmons has an unimpeachable resume and that there's never a bad time to watch EVE'S BAYOU.

Love this movie.

Molto Bene!

Alternatively, when me and the gang get together to make movies...we'll add MORE gay elements if we don't feel there's enough. Love that establishing shot of the neighborhood? Guess what? It's gay now.

I love WITCHBOARD and Tawny (and am a sucker for Ami Dolenz in WITCHBOARD 2) - I'd say Malefeitor is a 7 on the Kurgan scale.

I've always said that mileage may vary on those sequels. haha

For years, a friend of mine and I had what we basically referred to as the "Kurgan test," because we considered him the standard for screen villainy and would compare all other baddies to him. "Where on the Kurgan scale does this character fall?"

Also, this movie was directed by an iconic, out queer director! Which you know I am here to CELEBRATE.

The poster for 1986's Highlander, featuring the title character played by Christopher Lambert in the foreground, eyes closed and sword clutched high. Behind him, the looming figure of Clancy Brown as the Kurgan looks on. A tagline reads: "From another time comes a man of great power. A man of incredible strength. An immortal about to face his greatest challenge..." The title appears in red font: HIGHLANDER. With the tagline: "There can be only one."

Not many people know that one of my first true cult movie obsessions was HIGHLANDER, which opened 40 years ago today. The immortal drama. The Queen soundtrack. Clancy Brown serving grandiose villainy. My love of this film was formative and my admiration for its unapologetic audacity still runs deep.

The can-do punk power of indie filmmaking is unparalleled.

...but we're having coffee in the pro lounge, right?

Far too kind! Thank you! That's an amazing compliment, especially coming from someone with such marvelous taste as yourself!

Great commentary tracks on this disc, I hear.

I mean, I was referring to the creature monster...but, yes, I do suppose this one fits the descriptor. Oof.

The monster at the end of Howard the Duck is next level.

Does anybody else get what I mean when I say that Maura Higgins gives lost Spice Girl energy? (Complimentary)

I largely only remember his turn in DUNE. That's not necessarily an endorsement.

I LOVE KATT SHEA.

I'm very pro-Maggie!

A still from 1985's THE BRIDE, featuring Sting in a glitter dusted tuxedo standing next to Jennifer Beals in a similarly sparkly cloak and collar.

With the recent celebration of Maggie Gyllenhaal's new film, I was reflecting on another movie with the same name: What's your relationship with 1985's THE BRIDE feat. Jennifer Beals in the titular role, Sting as Frankenstein, and Clancy Brown as the Monster? Do you know this gothic ripper?

THIS IS AMAZING