Josh Hornbeck
@joshhornbeck.bsky.social
Writer and director. Critic and podcaster. Communications professional. Host of the Criterion Channel Surfing podcast. Engaging with the art of cinema at www.cinemacocktail.com.
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #29
I ended my third day at the Sundance Film Festival with Gala del Sol's RAINS OVER BABEL. This was another film that felt like it would be tailor-made for me, but instead left me more frustrated with the choices it ended up making. 1/
I ended my third day at the Sundance Film Festival with Gala del Sol's RAINS OVER BABEL. This was another film that felt like it would be tailor-made for me, but instead left me more frustrated with the choices it ended up making. 1/
April 7, 2025 at 1:49 AM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #29
I ended my third day at the Sundance Film Festival with Gala del Sol's RAINS OVER BABEL. This was another film that felt like it would be tailor-made for me, but instead left me more frustrated with the choices it ended up making. 1/
I ended my third day at the Sundance Film Festival with Gala del Sol's RAINS OVER BABEL. This was another film that felt like it would be tailor-made for me, but instead left me more frustrated with the choices it ended up making. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #28
Next up in my Sundance shorts was Stephen Irwin's A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR DEATH. I can be hit-or-miss with some of these more abstract, macabre works of animation, but this one ultimately worked for me. 1/
Next up in my Sundance shorts was Stephen Irwin's A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR DEATH. I can be hit-or-miss with some of these more abstract, macabre works of animation, but this one ultimately worked for me. 1/
April 7, 2025 at 1:27 AM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #28
Next up in my Sundance shorts was Stephen Irwin's A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR DEATH. I can be hit-or-miss with some of these more abstract, macabre works of animation, but this one ultimately worked for me. 1/
Next up in my Sundance shorts was Stephen Irwin's A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR DEATH. I can be hit-or-miss with some of these more abstract, macabre works of animation, but this one ultimately worked for me. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #27
My next short film at Sundance was Daisy Friedman's UNHOLY. This is such a gut-wrenching and hilarious look at the ways families treat and react and respond to members with newly acquired disabilities. 1/
My next short film at Sundance was Daisy Friedman's UNHOLY. This is such a gut-wrenching and hilarious look at the ways families treat and react and respond to members with newly acquired disabilities. 1/
April 4, 2025 at 7:17 PM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #27
My next short film at Sundance was Daisy Friedman's UNHOLY. This is such a gut-wrenching and hilarious look at the ways families treat and react and respond to members with newly acquired disabilities. 1/
My next short film at Sundance was Daisy Friedman's UNHOLY. This is such a gut-wrenching and hilarious look at the ways families treat and react and respond to members with newly acquired disabilities. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #26
My second short at Sundance with Glenn Kaino's HOOPS, HOPES & DREAMS. There's some great history presented here, and I appreciate learning more about both King and Obama's use of basketball as a tool for outreach. 1/
My second short at Sundance with Glenn Kaino's HOOPS, HOPES & DREAMS. There's some great history presented here, and I appreciate learning more about both King and Obama's use of basketball as a tool for outreach. 1/
April 3, 2025 at 4:16 AM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #26
My second short at Sundance with Glenn Kaino's HOOPS, HOPES & DREAMS. There's some great history presented here, and I appreciate learning more about both King and Obama's use of basketball as a tool for outreach. 1/
My second short at Sundance with Glenn Kaino's HOOPS, HOPES & DREAMS. There's some great history presented here, and I appreciate learning more about both King and Obama's use of basketball as a tool for outreach. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #25
My first short film from Sundance this year was Alex Heller's DEBATERS. This is really well-made, wonderfully performed, and slickly directed. 1/
My first short film from Sundance this year was Alex Heller's DEBATERS. This is really well-made, wonderfully performed, and slickly directed. 1/
April 2, 2025 at 4:31 AM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #25
My first short film from Sundance this year was Alex Heller's DEBATERS. This is really well-made, wonderfully performed, and slickly directed. 1/
My first short film from Sundance this year was Alex Heller's DEBATERS. This is really well-made, wonderfully performed, and slickly directed. 1/
For this month's Patreon-only bonus episode of The Criterion Channel Surfing Podcast, Michael Hutchins and I discussed the upcoming April releases on the Criterion Channel and explored the channel's upcoming sixth anniversary. Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/posts/criter...
www.patreon.com/posts/criter...
April 1, 2025 at 3:14 AM
For this month's Patreon-only bonus episode of The Criterion Channel Surfing Podcast, Michael Hutchins and I discussed the upcoming April releases on the Criterion Channel and explored the channel's upcoming sixth anniversary. Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/posts/criter...
www.patreon.com/posts/criter...
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #24
Next up on my third day at Sundance was Eva Victor's stunning SORRY, BABY. This was such a phenomenal film - so beautifully written, directed, and performed. 1/
Next up on my third day at Sundance was Eva Victor's stunning SORRY, BABY. This was such a phenomenal film - so beautifully written, directed, and performed. 1/
March 31, 2025 at 4:04 AM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #24
Next up on my third day at Sundance was Eva Victor's stunning SORRY, BABY. This was such a phenomenal film - so beautifully written, directed, and performed. 1/
Next up on my third day at Sundance was Eva Victor's stunning SORRY, BABY. This was such a phenomenal film - so beautifully written, directed, and performed. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #23
I started off my third day at Sundance with Cole Webley's feature film debut - OMAHA. I almost really loved this film. It has so much going for it - really beautiful performances and a quiet and nuanced story about what it means to struggle in America today. 1/
I started off my third day at Sundance with Cole Webley's feature film debut - OMAHA. I almost really loved this film. It has so much going for it - really beautiful performances and a quiet and nuanced story about what it means to struggle in America today. 1/
March 31, 2025 at 3:42 AM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #23
I started off my third day at Sundance with Cole Webley's feature film debut - OMAHA. I almost really loved this film. It has so much going for it - really beautiful performances and a quiet and nuanced story about what it means to struggle in America today. 1/
I started off my third day at Sundance with Cole Webley's feature film debut - OMAHA. I almost really loved this film. It has so much going for it - really beautiful performances and a quiet and nuanced story about what it means to struggle in America today. 1/
Film Viewing Diary: #22
I ended my second day at this year's virtual Sundance with Pasqual Gutierrez and Ben Mullinkosson's charming work of auto-fiction, SERIOUS PEOPLE. 1/
I ended my second day at this year's virtual Sundance with Pasqual Gutierrez and Ben Mullinkosson's charming work of auto-fiction, SERIOUS PEOPLE. 1/
March 31, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Film Viewing Diary: #22
I ended my second day at this year's virtual Sundance with Pasqual Gutierrez and Ben Mullinkosson's charming work of auto-fiction, SERIOUS PEOPLE. 1/
I ended my second day at this year's virtual Sundance with Pasqual Gutierrez and Ben Mullinkosson's charming work of auto-fiction, SERIOUS PEOPLE. 1/
Film Viewing Diary: #21
The next film on my second day of Sundance was Rashad Frett’s incarceration drama, RICKY. This is an incredibly moving and gut-wrenching film about the struggles of a young Black man to reintegrate back into his community after being released from prison. 1/
The next film on my second day of Sundance was Rashad Frett’s incarceration drama, RICKY. This is an incredibly moving and gut-wrenching film about the struggles of a young Black man to reintegrate back into his community after being released from prison. 1/
March 24, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Film Viewing Diary: #21
The next film on my second day of Sundance was Rashad Frett’s incarceration drama, RICKY. This is an incredibly moving and gut-wrenching film about the struggles of a young Black man to reintegrate back into his community after being released from prison. 1/
The next film on my second day of Sundance was Rashad Frett’s incarceration drama, RICKY. This is an incredibly moving and gut-wrenching film about the struggles of a young Black man to reintegrate back into his community after being released from prison. 1/
Film Viewing Diary: #20
I started my second day at Sundance with another one of my favorite films of the festival, Charlie Shackleton's ZODIAC KILLER PROJECT. Under the guise of a true crime documentary, Shackleton hit my sweet spot for experimental and deconstructionist documentary filmmaking. 1/
I started my second day at Sundance with another one of my favorite films of the festival, Charlie Shackleton's ZODIAC KILLER PROJECT. Under the guise of a true crime documentary, Shackleton hit my sweet spot for experimental and deconstructionist documentary filmmaking. 1/
March 24, 2025 at 3:23 AM
Film Viewing Diary: #20
I started my second day at Sundance with another one of my favorite films of the festival, Charlie Shackleton's ZODIAC KILLER PROJECT. Under the guise of a true crime documentary, Shackleton hit my sweet spot for experimental and deconstructionist documentary filmmaking. 1/
I started my second day at Sundance with another one of my favorite films of the festival, Charlie Shackleton's ZODIAC KILLER PROJECT. Under the guise of a true crime documentary, Shackleton hit my sweet spot for experimental and deconstructionist documentary filmmaking. 1/
Film View Diary: #19
After a few weeks of medical appointments and a full workload, I'm back to catching up on posting film reviews. I ended my first day at Sundance with Evan Twohy's BUBBLE & SQUEAK. This was my first true disappointment of the festival. 1/
After a few weeks of medical appointments and a full workload, I'm back to catching up on posting film reviews. I ended my first day at Sundance with Evan Twohy's BUBBLE & SQUEAK. This was my first true disappointment of the festival. 1/
March 24, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Film View Diary: #19
After a few weeks of medical appointments and a full workload, I'm back to catching up on posting film reviews. I ended my first day at Sundance with Evan Twohy's BUBBLE & SQUEAK. This was my first true disappointment of the festival. 1/
After a few weeks of medical appointments and a full workload, I'm back to catching up on posting film reviews. I ended my first day at Sundance with Evan Twohy's BUBBLE & SQUEAK. This was my first true disappointment of the festival. 1/
It's Oscar night, so that means it's time to post my annual reflection on this year's nominees, including my list of predictions and preferences, as well as possible spoilers and snubs!
cinemacocktail.com/2025-oscar-p...
cinemacocktail.com/2025-oscar-p...
Cinema Cocktail | 2025 Oscar Predictions and Preferences, Spoilers and Snubs
Josh shares his reflections on the 2025 Academy Awards, including his predictions and preferences, as well as possible spoilers and snubs.
cinemacocktail.com
March 2, 2025 at 11:15 PM
It's Oscar night, so that means it's time to post my annual reflection on this year's nominees, including my list of predictions and preferences, as well as possible spoilers and snubs!
cinemacocktail.com/2025-oscar-p...
cinemacocktail.com/2025-oscar-p...
The latest bonus episode of The Criterion Channel Surfing Podcast is live for Patreon supporters! Michael Hutchins and I discuss the March Criterion Channel releases, Criterion disc announcements, and our picks and predictions for the Oscars. Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/posts/criter...
www.patreon.com/posts/criter...
February 28, 2025 at 11:47 PM
The latest bonus episode of The Criterion Channel Surfing Podcast is live for Patreon supporters! Michael Hutchins and I discuss the March Criterion Channel releases, Criterion disc announcements, and our picks and predictions for the Oscars. Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/posts/criter...
www.patreon.com/posts/criter...
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #18
My second feature at this year's Online Sundance Film Festival was Hailey Gates's ATROPIA. There was so much promise to this film. 1/
My second feature at this year's Online Sundance Film Festival was Hailey Gates's ATROPIA. There was so much promise to this film. 1/
February 26, 2025 at 7:37 PM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #18
My second feature at this year's Online Sundance Film Festival was Hailey Gates's ATROPIA. There was so much promise to this film. 1/
My second feature at this year's Online Sundance Film Festival was Hailey Gates's ATROPIA. There was so much promise to this film. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #17
I kicked off my 2025 Sundance viewing with what ended up being my favorite film of the festival - Amanda Kramer's BY DESIGN. I know this film won't work for everyone, but I found myself completely on its wavelength. 1/
I kicked off my 2025 Sundance viewing with what ended up being my favorite film of the festival - Amanda Kramer's BY DESIGN. I know this film won't work for everyone, but I found myself completely on its wavelength. 1/
February 26, 2025 at 5:45 PM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #17
I kicked off my 2025 Sundance viewing with what ended up being my favorite film of the festival - Amanda Kramer's BY DESIGN. I know this film won't work for everyone, but I found myself completely on its wavelength. 1/
I kicked off my 2025 Sundance viewing with what ended up being my favorite film of the festival - Amanda Kramer's BY DESIGN. I know this film won't work for everyone, but I found myself completely on its wavelength. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #16
Toward the end of January, I caught up with another Spirit Award film, the incredibly compelling immigration documentary HUMMINGBIRDS, directed by Silvia Del Carmen Castaños and Estefanía Contreras. 1/
Toward the end of January, I caught up with another Spirit Award film, the incredibly compelling immigration documentary HUMMINGBIRDS, directed by Silvia Del Carmen Castaños and Estefanía Contreras. 1/
February 25, 2025 at 12:16 AM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #16
Toward the end of January, I caught up with another Spirit Award film, the incredibly compelling immigration documentary HUMMINGBIRDS, directed by Silvia Del Carmen Castaños and Estefanía Contreras. 1/
Toward the end of January, I caught up with another Spirit Award film, the incredibly compelling immigration documentary HUMMINGBIRDS, directed by Silvia Del Carmen Castaños and Estefanía Contreras. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #15
Next up in my Spirit Awards Viewing was Tim Fehlbaum's SEPTEMBER 5. On a pure craft level, there are a few impressive sequences here. 1/
Next up in my Spirit Awards Viewing was Tim Fehlbaum's SEPTEMBER 5. On a pure craft level, there are a few impressive sequences here. 1/
February 24, 2025 at 11:20 PM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #15
Next up in my Spirit Awards Viewing was Tim Fehlbaum's SEPTEMBER 5. On a pure craft level, there are a few impressive sequences here. 1/
Next up in my Spirit Awards Viewing was Tim Fehlbaum's SEPTEMBER 5. On a pure craft level, there are a few impressive sequences here. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #14
Next up for my Spirit Award viewing was Marielle Heller's adaptation of the novel NIGHTBITCH. Due to all of the dismissive reviews, I really wasn't looking forward to the film, so I was completely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. 1/
Next up for my Spirit Award viewing was Marielle Heller's adaptation of the novel NIGHTBITCH. Due to all of the dismissive reviews, I really wasn't looking forward to the film, so I was completely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. 1/
February 22, 2025 at 12:23 AM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #14
Next up for my Spirit Award viewing was Marielle Heller's adaptation of the novel NIGHTBITCH. Due to all of the dismissive reviews, I really wasn't looking forward to the film, so I was completely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. 1/
Next up for my Spirit Award viewing was Marielle Heller's adaptation of the novel NIGHTBITCH. Due to all of the dismissive reviews, I really wasn't looking forward to the film, so I was completely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #13
As part of my Spirit Award viewing at the end of January, I also caught up with Morrisa Maltz's exceptional coming-of-age film JAZZY. This is such a vibrant, lovely film. 1/
As part of my Spirit Award viewing at the end of January, I also caught up with Morrisa Maltz's exceptional coming-of-age film JAZZY. This is such a vibrant, lovely film. 1/
February 21, 2025 at 10:35 PM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #13
As part of my Spirit Award viewing at the end of January, I also caught up with Morrisa Maltz's exceptional coming-of-age film JAZZY. This is such a vibrant, lovely film. 1/
As part of my Spirit Award viewing at the end of January, I also caught up with Morrisa Maltz's exceptional coming-of-age film JAZZY. This is such a vibrant, lovely film. 1/
2025 TV Viewing Diary: #8
At the end of January, Melanie and I also finished watching the first season of Sharon Horgan, Brett Baer, and Dave Finkel's BAD SISTERS. This is such a funny, delightful, and intelligently written series. 1/
At the end of January, Melanie and I also finished watching the first season of Sharon Horgan, Brett Baer, and Dave Finkel's BAD SISTERS. This is such a funny, delightful, and intelligently written series. 1/
February 21, 2025 at 9:08 PM
2025 TV Viewing Diary: #8
At the end of January, Melanie and I also finished watching the first season of Sharon Horgan, Brett Baer, and Dave Finkel's BAD SISTERS. This is such a funny, delightful, and intelligently written series. 1/
At the end of January, Melanie and I also finished watching the first season of Sharon Horgan, Brett Baer, and Dave Finkel's BAD SISTERS. This is such a funny, delightful, and intelligently written series. 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #12
Toward the end of January, I continued my Indie Spirit viewing with Alonso Ruizpalacios's immigration/kitchen dramedy, LA COCINA. I really wanted to love this. There are so many elements that could have made this a film that I would absolutely adore. 1/
Toward the end of January, I continued my Indie Spirit viewing with Alonso Ruizpalacios's immigration/kitchen dramedy, LA COCINA. I really wanted to love this. There are so many elements that could have made this a film that I would absolutely adore. 1/
February 19, 2025 at 7:20 PM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #12
Toward the end of January, I continued my Indie Spirit viewing with Alonso Ruizpalacios's immigration/kitchen dramedy, LA COCINA. I really wanted to love this. There are so many elements that could have made this a film that I would absolutely adore. 1/
Toward the end of January, I continued my Indie Spirit viewing with Alonso Ruizpalacios's immigration/kitchen dramedy, LA COCINA. I really wanted to love this. There are so many elements that could have made this a film that I would absolutely adore. 1/
Over at @cinemacocktail.bsky.social, I've reviewed and ranked all of this year's nominees for animated, documentary, and live action short films!
cinemacocktail.com/the-oscar-no...
cinemacocktail.com/the-oscar-no...
The Oscar Nominated Short Films Ranks | Cinema Cocktail
Josh reviews and ranks the nominees in this year's categories for animated, documentary, and live action short films.
cinemacocktail.com
February 18, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Over at @cinemacocktail.bsky.social, I've reviewed and ranked all of this year's nominees for animated, documentary, and live action short films!
cinemacocktail.com/the-oscar-no...
cinemacocktail.com/the-oscar-no...
2025 TV Show Viewing Diary: #7
Melanie and I recently finished the second season of Mike White’s brilliant HBO series, THE WHITE LOTUS. While it doesn’t have the same emphasis on power and privilege… 1/
Melanie and I recently finished the second season of Mike White’s brilliant HBO series, THE WHITE LOTUS. While it doesn’t have the same emphasis on power and privilege… 1/
February 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM
2025 TV Show Viewing Diary: #7
Melanie and I recently finished the second season of Mike White’s brilliant HBO series, THE WHITE LOTUS. While it doesn’t have the same emphasis on power and privilege… 1/
Melanie and I recently finished the second season of Mike White’s brilliant HBO series, THE WHITE LOTUS. While it doesn’t have the same emphasis on power and privilege… 1/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #11
It was back to my Film Independent viewing with one of the documentary nominees, Gregory Kershaw and Michael Dweck’s GAUCHO GAUCHO. This is a gorgeously shot documentary chronicling the Argentine gauchos and their vanishing way of life in the face of modernization. 1/
It was back to my Film Independent viewing with one of the documentary nominees, Gregory Kershaw and Michael Dweck’s GAUCHO GAUCHO. This is a gorgeously shot documentary chronicling the Argentine gauchos and their vanishing way of life in the face of modernization. 1/
February 14, 2025 at 6:01 PM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #11
It was back to my Film Independent viewing with one of the documentary nominees, Gregory Kershaw and Michael Dweck’s GAUCHO GAUCHO. This is a gorgeously shot documentary chronicling the Argentine gauchos and their vanishing way of life in the face of modernization. 1/
It was back to my Film Independent viewing with one of the documentary nominees, Gregory Kershaw and Michael Dweck’s GAUCHO GAUCHO. This is a gorgeously shot documentary chronicling the Argentine gauchos and their vanishing way of life in the face of modernization. 1/