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/
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/
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/
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #10
For her birthday last month, Melanie and I rented Jon M. Chu’s surprisingly delightful adaptation of the first act of WICKED. 1/
For her birthday last month, Melanie and I rented Jon M. Chu’s surprisingly delightful adaptation of the first act of WICKED. 1/
February 13, 2025 at 6:42 PM
2025 Film Viewing Diary: #10
For her birthday last month, Melanie and I rented Jon M. Chu’s surprisingly delightful adaptation of the first act of WICKED. 1/
For her birthday last month, Melanie and I rented Jon M. Chu’s surprisingly delightful adaptation of the first act of WICKED. 1/
2025 TV Viewing Diary: #6
Looking for something a bit lighter to unwind with in the evenings, I decided to finally give Eric Kripke's SUPERNATURAL a try and recently finished the first season. 1/
Looking for something a bit lighter to unwind with in the evenings, I decided to finally give Eric Kripke's SUPERNATURAL a try and recently finished the first season. 1/
February 11, 2025 at 7:59 PM
2025 TV Viewing Diary: #6
Looking for something a bit lighter to unwind with in the evenings, I decided to finally give Eric Kripke's SUPERNATURAL a try and recently finished the first season. 1/
Looking for something a bit lighter to unwind with in the evenings, I decided to finally give Eric Kripke's SUPERNATURAL a try and recently finished the first season. 1/