SWSW 2023 was a bit different this year. Since the festival’s cancelation in 2020, organizers have worked to keep the event relevant and engaging. I wouldn’t say I liked the entirely virtual event, although there are benefits to watching screenings at home. Last year’s hybrid festival was a blur because of my health, but there… Continue reading SXSW 2023: My Recap
Author: Laurie Coker
SWSX: Americana Offers a Twist on Traditional Western Crime Dramas
When I learned I could have an attendant accompany me to screenings at SXSW because I am ADA qualified, I enlisted my granddaughter. With her help, I would not have to carry bags or endure the pain associated with doing certain things myself. I had pre-set my schedule, so off to the movies, we went.… Continue reading SWSX: Americana Offers a Twist on Traditional Western Crime Dramas
SXSW -Flamin’ Hot More Sugary than Spicy, but FUN Nonetheless
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos! I grew up in South Texas, and I love super-spicy food. I, along with countless others, loved it when Frito-Lay launched its “Flamin’ Hot” line of products. Eva Longoria, who grew up in Corpus Christ, not as far south as I decided to make her directorial debut with the story (a version)… Continue reading SXSW -Flamin’ Hot More Sugary than Spicy, but FUN Nonetheless
SXSW: Low-Tech Surprises Coupled with Charm Make Molli and Max in the Future FUN
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
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