We have come to expect high-dollar special effects, vivid computer-generated imagery, and wild action in movies these days, especially science fiction. Molli and Max in the Future, which screened at SXSW 2023, from writer/director Michael Lukk Litwak, stays focused on the leads’ quirky chemistry and not on special effects, offering up an out-of-this-world rom-com filled… Continue reading SXSW: Low-Tech Surprises Coupled with Charm Make Molli and Max in the Future FUN
Author: Laurie Coker
SXSW- Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie Inspires Audiences
I grew up with Michael J. Fox. Not literally, but certainly, I have followed his career since his early days, from sitcom phenom to full-fledged movie star. I watched and cried when he announced his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and hoped with all others that he would and could somehow beat the odds. Still: A… Continue reading SXSW- Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie Inspires Audiences
Shazam! Sequel Almost Measures up – Shazam! : Fury of the Gods
Shazam! And POOF! Billy Batson turns into a superhero. Batson became Shazam back in 2019, and it was a hit, especially with younger audiences. Sequels are tough, especially when the first film pleasantly engages audiences – creating a solid fan base. Shazam! : Fury of the Gods successfully builds on the original story, but the… Continue reading Shazam! Sequel Almost Measures up – Shazam! : Fury of the Gods
SXSW: Self-Reliance Not All It Could Be
The story of a man in a mess in more ways than one dropped film on day two of the festival. Written, produced, directed by, and starring Jake Johnson, Self Reliance screened at SXSW in a packed Paramount Theatre. Johnson’s effort is gallant and decently paced, but his final act falters with disjointed events and missing pieces. Again,… Continue reading SXSW: Self-Reliance Not All It Could Be
SXSW: Going Varsity in Mariachi – a winning documentary
I grew up in South Texas in a blend of cultures – my home and my mostly Hispanic community. I went to pachangas, attended quinceaneras, and had pinatas at birthday parties, and we listened to mariachis almost as much as rock n roll. Not really, but for sure, I am almost as familiar with the… Continue reading SXSW: Going Varsity in Mariachi – a winning documentary
CHANG CAN DUNK
Teenage angst, ahh, how it rears its confusing head, happens to pretty much every kid on the planet. Some might argue that the transition between freshman year and sophomore is the pinnacle of coming of age. Director/writer Jingyi Shao focuses on one teen’s plight to go from a nobody band geek to a popular student.… Continue reading CHANG CAN DUNK
MARLOWE
I grew up reading mystery and detective novels. Raymond Chandler and Agatha Christie’s works were commonplace on my bookshelf. I was weaned on these books by my mother, which led to my love for all things “who-done-it.” Liam Neeson takes on the role of Philip Marlowe in Marlowe, where the down-on-his-luck detective takes on the… Continue reading MARLOWE
SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW
Dave Franco typically performs in front of the camera, but his sophomore directorial effort brings audiences a quirky rom/com starring Alison Bree and Jay Elis. Somebody I Used to Know, written by husband and wife team Franco and Bree, is a fun, thoughtful film about self-discovery and love. Franco has a keen eye behind… Continue reading SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW
OCEAN BOY
Surfing appeals to me, and I gravitate to films where surfing is a focus. Ocean Boy, starring Luke Hemsworth and young pro surfer Rasmus King, isn’t about surfing, but King shows off his prowess in the waves. The story by director Tyler Atkins (along with Drue Metz) isn’t as engaging or fluid as King’s (and… Continue reading OCEAN BOY
THE STALKING FIELDS
Our military is invaluable – preserving our rights, protecting our freedoms, and keeping us safe. The soldiers who volunteer to put themselves in harm’s way deserve our respect. We know the stories of the horrors of war, even if we don’t personally experience them, and we have become more keenly aware of the reassimilation issues,… Continue reading THE STALKING FIELDS