I don’t make comparisons between films often, but when a movie like Are You There, God, It’s Me Margaret does such an amazing job as a coming-of-age story, those that follow have a high bar to reach. Despite its excellent ensemble cast, Wildflower does not rise to the same level. Based on a true story,… Continue reading Wildflower: Coming of Age With Intellectually Challenged Parents
Author: Laurie Coker
SXSW – Raging Grace – a tepid thriller
I love mystery thrillers, so I was drawn to Raging Grace, a film touted as just that, and yet, I was not thrilled, and I found the mystery transparent. Regardless, director Paris Zarcilla manages, with the help of a solid cast, a creepy, slightly suspenseful flick. She pulls out all the necessary elements – crazed… Continue reading SXSW – Raging Grace – a tepid thriller
SXSW: A Small Light – Disney’s WWII Drama shines Brilliantly
Having had the opportunity to attend a few SXSW screenings with my granddaughter was a real treat, but when we ventured into the screening of A Small Light, it wasn’t until an abrupt non-end to the story that I realized we were seeing a TV series preview. A Small Light is a somber, engaging retelling… Continue reading SXSW: A Small Light – Disney’s WWII Drama shines Brilliantly
Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret: Sure to become a TIMELESS CLASSIC
Adapting beloved books to the screen can daunt many. While there are some apparent successes, few please all of the people all of the time. Are you there, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume has touched the lives of many young girls since its first edition in the 1970s. Blume’s novel is one of… Continue reading Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret: Sure to become a TIMELESS CLASSIC
SISU: Grit and Determination Don’t Describe it!
SISU is a Finnish word that doesn’t have an exact translation. After watching writer/director Jalmari Helander’s film SISU, I can see why it’s difficult to pinpoint what the word actually means – grit, guts, courage, strength (and the like) – don’t sum it up. A great deal is to be said about determination and grit… Continue reading SISU: Grit and Determination Don’t Describe it!
SXSW: The Long Game – A Hole in One
Who would think an underdog sports story about golf would entertain and excite an audience of over a thousand? The Long Game, starring Jay Hernandez and Dennis Quaid, did just that at SXSW 2023. Director Jose Quintana, who attended the screening, has created a perfect period piece and a reflection of the times for Latino… Continue reading SXSW: The Long Game – A Hole in One
SXSW – Hypnotic and Air Special Screenings and Affleck Shines
It’s always a treat when SXSW announces its secret or surprise screenings. This year both included Ben Affleck. The first, Hypnotic, is an edge-of-your-seat thriller from director Robert Rodriquez and the other, Air, is a fact-based drama about Nike and the Michael Jordan line of “Air Jordan” sneakers. While Affleck wasn’t in attendance for Hypnotic,… Continue reading SXSW – Hypnotic and Air Special Screenings and Affleck Shines
Lo-tech Sci-Fi Rules at SXSW 2023 – If You Were the Last
Space-themed love stories aren’t unique. Like most rom-coms (sci-fi or otherwise), regardless of the setting, most play out like every other. Director Kristian Mercado delivers one of the best films of SXSW 2023. Like another SXSW offering, Molli and Max in the Future, If You Were the Last, starring Anthony Mackie and Zoe Chao, proves… Continue reading Lo-tech Sci-Fi Rules at SXSW 2023 – If You Were the Last
SXSW -Painting the History of Tetris as a Thriller. Who knew?
No one would ever imagine that the simple and highly addicting video game TETRIS’ global release and subsequent popularity stemmed from a spy-like story involving international company wars and the Russian government. Such is the case, and director Jon S. Baird and screenwriter Noah Pink share the remarkable story of one man’s effort to bring… Continue reading SXSW -Painting the History of Tetris as a Thriller. Who knew?
Scrap – A Character-driven Tale that Takes on Timely Themes
Purely character-driven tales can challenge even the most astute directors. Without relying on action sequences, CGI, or special effects, a director must trust their cast to engage and connect with the audience. Writer-director and star Vivian Kerr’s feature film, Scrap, touches on a variety of relationship issues as it explores a bond between a sister… Continue reading Scrap – A Character-driven Tale that Takes on Timely Themes