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
Author: Laurie Coker
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
SXSW 2023: My Recap
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
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