Month: July 2020

THE BIG UGLY

By Laurie Coker Rating: D The Big Ugly has promise with its solid testosterone-driven cast, but it falls short in plot, creativity, and character. Writer/director Scott Wiper works hard, or so it seems, to create a film with thematic substance, but instead offers up a carbon-copy of dozens of revenge-based movies with no heart. While… Continue reading THE BIG UGLY

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) To be completely honest and transparent, I feel the need to preface this review. I have known the film’s writer/director, Daniel Tucker, for several years now. He is a good friend and overall great person. Before pursuing a career as a filmmaker, Daniel used to review… Continue reading NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD

THE SECRET: DARE TO DREAM

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2 (Out of 4 Stars) Based on the ideas and principles of Rhonda Byrne’s 2006 self-help book, The Secret, this “romantic” drama from director Andy Tennant comes across like a saccharine feel-good movie-of-the week often found on the Hallmark channel. Now for some, this might be a major selling point, but… Continue reading THE SECRET: DARE TO DREAM

WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES

Sena Nakajima, Keita Ninomiya, Mondo Okumura and Satoshi Mizuno appear in We Are Little Zombies by Makoto Nagahisa, an official selection of the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute. All photos are copyrighted and may be used by press only for the purpose of news or editorial coverage of Sundance Institute programs. Photos must be accompanied by a credit to the photographer and/or 'Courtesy of Sundance Institute.' Unauthorized use, alteration, reproduction or sale of logos and/or photos is strictly prohibited.

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Japanese filmmaker Magato Nagahisa makes his feature film debut with a movie that deals with grief and disappointment through the eyes and minds of children. That opening sentence might make this film sound like a dour and depressing affair, but Nagahisa channels his inner child well… Continue reading WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES