The newest movie from acclaimed filmmaker Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman) was one of several secret screenings at this year’s Fantastic Fest. It was also the opening night movie of 2023’s Austin Film Festival. Those who watched Fennell’s previous film should expect a bold and provocative new entry from this exciting and creative filmmaker. While… Continue reading AFF 2023: SALTBURN
Month: November 2023
TROLLS BAND TOGETHER Delivers More Family Fun
The Trolls animated franchise has consistently provided family audiences with amiable and amusing musical fun. There is not a lot of depth to these stories, but the colorful animation, the entertaining characters, and the enjoyable musical numbers succeed in what the filmmakers aim for. The same goes for the latest installment in this movie series.… Continue reading TROLLS BAND TOGETHER Delivers More Family Fun
Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story Streaming on Prime Video
Tyler Perry has been a household name to some people since he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” in 1992 (and continued staging it later). Other people may only have learned about the writer/actor once he became a filmmaker with his character, Madea, in movies in the early 2000s and subsequent films.… Continue reading Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story Streaming on Prime Video
AFF 2023: BOLT FROM THE BLUE
Writer/director Jack Martin brings audiences a thrilling and entertaining throwback to the science-fiction movies of the 1980s, such as Explorers and Back to the Future. Though this film is an indie feature, it could easily sport the iconic Amblin Entertainment title card. That is how good this movie is. It has a pleasant, winning spirit… Continue reading AFF 2023: BOLT FROM THE BLUE
AFF 2023: ALL THE WRONG INGREDIENTS
This Austin Film Festival entry addresses the struggles that often go into the creative process of all art but focuses on that challenge through the art of dessert making. Written and directed by Nicholas Livanos, All The Wrong Ingredients shows this system’s darker side in very imaginative and creative ways. The result is a very… Continue reading AFF 2023: ALL THE WRONG INGREDIENTS
Helen’s Dead Now Available On Demand is a Murder Mystery NOT from Agatha Christie
Directed by K. Asher Levin from a script he co-wrote with Amy Brown Carver, Helen’s Dead is not entirely original as it features a home where a dinner party is being planned, one person is presumed dead within the house, and all the guests are suspects. I looked forward to viewing this film when I… Continue reading Helen’s Dead Now Available On Demand is a Murder Mystery NOT from Agatha Christie
AFF 2023: SOWETO BLAZE
Most American cinephiles have watched stoner comedies, but I can guarantee they haven’t seen one like this hilarious and charming entry from South Africa. The movie may have had a meager budget, and it most definitely shows. However, the creativity and the can-do spirit that went into this enjoyable film are ever-present. The positive aspects… Continue reading AFF 2023: SOWETO BLAZE
AFF 2023: THE HIDDEN WEB
One of my favorite films of this year’s Austin Film Festival was an intense, nail-biter of a thriller from Poland. The Hidden Web follows journalist Julita Wójcicka as she investigates the strange death of a beloved celebrity, whose untimely demise gets labeled as an accident by the local police. However, Julita’s instincts detect foul play,… Continue reading AFF 2023: THE HIDDEN WEB
THE MARVELS Doesn’t Save The MCU, But Still Delivers Cinematic Fun
Marvel Studios has been under much scrutiny from fans and critics alike. Perhaps I am lenient with comic book movies, but I usually temper my expectations for these types of movies. I want to have fun when it comes to this brand of cinema. It is always a wonderful surprise when a comic book-inspired film… Continue reading THE MARVELS Doesn’t Save The MCU, But Still Delivers Cinematic Fun
Your Lucky Day Film and Soundtrack Available after debut at Fantastic Fest
Well Go USA Entertainment’s action-packed thriller, Your Lucky Day, written/directed by Emmy-nominated Daniel (Dan) Brown, had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in September. About: In Your Lucky Day, after a dispute over a winning lottery ticket turns into a deadly hostage situation, the witnesses must decide exactly how far they’ll go—and how much blood… Continue reading Your Lucky Day Film and Soundtrack Available after debut at Fantastic Fest