In the world of legal dramas, ‘Burial’ stands out as an interesting tale of justice with a David versus Goliath spin. At the forefront is the tenacity of an ostentatious personal injury attorney. Directed by Maggie Betts and available on Prime Video, this based-on-a-true-story film brings to life the courtroom battle between a small-town funeral… Continue reading The Burial: Foxx Shines in David and Goliath Legal Drama
Author: Laurie Coker
Fantastic Fest: Totally Killer – Totally Fun
Featured as the closing film of Fantastic Fest 2023, ‘Totally Killer’ director Nahnatchka Khan decently combines two fun genres into one delightful Halloween-appropriate movie. Feeling at times like ‘Back to the Future’ and at others, ‘Scream,’ ‘Totally Killer’ is exciting enough for adults and mild enough for older teens. Perhaps missing is a better soundtrack… Continue reading Fantastic Fest: Totally Killer – Totally Fun
‘Reptile’ – A Tense Thriller That Slithers Away from Its Promise
The opening moments of “Reptile” are undeniably riveting, setting the stage for an enticing murder mystery anchored by Benicio del Toro’s character, Detective Tom Nichols. However, before we delve into the film’s merits and drawbacks, it’s necessary to dispel any initial misconceptions about the “reptilian” title. Contrary to what one might assume, ‘Reptile’ is not… Continue reading ‘Reptile’ – A Tense Thriller That Slithers Away from Its Promise
Fantastic Fest 2023 Pet Sematary: Bloodlines – the Idea Should have Stayed Buried
Fans of Stephen King’s eerie novel ‘Pet Sematary’ and those who remember the chilling 1989 adaptation might have once wished for a sequel or a remake. Hollywood granted those wishes, but the results were mixed. Too often, Hollywood attempts to create equally successful prequels or sequels and fails. And we now have ‘Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,’… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023 Pet Sematary: Bloodlines – the Idea Should have Stayed Buried
Fantastic Fest: The Creator – Intense and Awe-inspiring
Gareth Edwards delivers an epic sci-fi fantasy film at Fantastic Fest 2023 and in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 29th. The Rogue One director has given us an impressively stunning, visually exciting take on AI and humankind in the future with a clear and timely message. Surprisingly, he doesn’t put the United States at the… Continue reading Fantastic Fest: The Creator – Intense and Awe-inspiring
Fantastic Fest: Strange Darling – a Thriller filled with Surprises
True crime, murder porn (as some call it), and serial killers, like train wrecks, mesmerize many. People seem fascinated by podcasts, shows like Dateline and Cold Case Files, and movies depicting the likes of Ted Bundy and Son of Sam and all those who came before and after. In line with public appeal, Strange Darling… Continue reading Fantastic Fest: Strange Darling – a Thriller filled with Surprises
Fantastic Fest: Last Stop in Yuma County – Not a Typical Western
Gems pop up unexpectedly at festivals. Sometimes more than anticipated. This year’s Fantastic Fest has several. My favorite so far is The Last Stop in Yuma County, starring Jim Cummings, for its quirky western (not a western) feel and well-crafted scenarios and characters. Writer/director Francis Galluppi creates a clever, crisp, and crafty situation that builds,… Continue reading Fantastic Fest: Last Stop in Yuma County – Not a Typical Western
A Million Miles Away – Shoots for the Stars
We never forget certain things, like when Kennedy was shot, towers went down, and each of the NASA Space shuttles exploded. Events such as these stay in our collective memories, and we pass those memories on to our children. A Million Miles Away doesn’t follow one of these ill-fated events; rather, it reminds us of… Continue reading A Million Miles Away – Shoots for the Stars
A Haunting in Venice – Not True to Christie, but Close
I first fell in love with mysteries as a child with The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, but Agatha Christie lit the fire that keeps me reading, watching, and writing mysteries. It is a passion I used to share with my mom. Director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Michael Green adapt (changing many aspects of the… Continue reading A Haunting in Venice – Not True to Christie, but Close
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3: Unnecessary but CUTE
When a film does decently at the box office, filmmakers often consider sequels. Sometimes, the sequel pays off, and other times not. If a second film bombs, it’s best to let the series lie, but despite abysmal reviews, for number two, the makers of the My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise have made a third… Continue reading My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3: Unnecessary but CUTE