SXSW 2024: Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie – revealing and honest

Photo by Laurie Coker

Screening at SXSW 2024, ‘Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie’ is a documentary that offers a comprehensive and revealing look into the iconic comedy duo’s journey from obscurity to stardom and the bumps along the way. Directed by David Bushell, this documentary navigates through the highs and lows of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong’s legendary partnership,… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie – revealing and honest

SXSW 2024: Sing Sing -a profoundly empathetic film

At the center of the SXSW 2024’s buzz screenings came ‘Sing Sing,’ a film that defies conventional storytelling to offer a profoundly empathetic and authentic exploration of hope amidst adversity. Director Greg Kwedar masterfully weaves together a narrative inspired by real-life events, immersing viewers in the poignant journey of Colman Domingo’s Divine G and his… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Sing Sing -a profoundly empathetic film

SXSW 2024: We are all Going to Die – an inventive take on the sci-fi romance genre

‘We Are All Going to Die’ made its world premiere at SXSW 2024, offering audiences a fresh and inventive take on the sci-fi genre. Directed and co-written by Freddie Wong and Matthew Arnold, the film introduces viewers to a near-future world where an enigmatic alien spike looms ominously in the sky, leaving destruction in its… Continue reading SXSW 2024: We are all Going to Die – an inventive take on the sci-fi romance genre

SXSW 2024: ‘The Idea of You’- A Refreshing Take on Love and Life’s Unexpected Turns

Photo by Laurie Coker

In Michael Showalter’s ‘The Idea of You,’ Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine shine in a captivating tale of love, age, and the complexities of modern relationships. Anchored by palpable chemistry between its leads, the film offers a poignant exploration of romance and self-discovery. At the heart of the story is Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old… Continue reading SXSW 2024: ‘The Idea of You’- A Refreshing Take on Love and Life’s Unexpected Turns

SXSW 2024: Ghostlight-A Journey of Healing Through Unexpected Stages

Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s ‘Ghostlight,’ which screened at SXSW 2024, illuminates the human experience with a poignant blend of humor and heartache. This masterfully crafted film offers a tender exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the healing power of art. Set against the backdrop of a suburban community, Ghostlight delves into the lives of… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Ghostlight-A Journey of Healing Through Unexpected Stages

SXSW 2024: My Dead Friend Zoe: A Haunting Tale of Resilience and Redemption

Photo by Laurie Coker

What better person could there be to tell a complicated story about veterans than a veteran himself? That’s one of the reasons co-writer and director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes’ ‘My Dead Friend Zoe’ works so well. A decorated former Staff Sgt. who served in the Army’s Airborne Infantry, Hausmann-Stokes adapted the story from his own experiences, which… Continue reading SXSW 2024: My Dead Friend Zoe: A Haunting Tale of Resilience and Redemption

SXSW 2024: Magpie – the final twist makes it GOOD

Photo by Laurie Coker

“Magpie” enters the cinematic landscape with a narrative as old as time, exploring the intricate web of a toxic marriage. While the film showcases moments of brilliance, its narrative execution ultimately leaves a few questions unanswered. Directed by Sam Yates and written by Tom Bateman, this slow-burn gothic noir premiered at SXSW, promising an exploration… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Magpie – the final twist makes it GOOD

SWSW 2024: Civil War – a visceral attack on the soul

Photo by Laurie Coker

Premiering to thunderous applause and sparking insightful discussions at the SXSW 2024 festival, Alex Garland’s Civil War is a tour de force in contemporary cinema. It weaves a gripping narrative against the backdrop of a dystopian America ravaged by internal conflict. Set in an alternate universe where civil strife has torn the nation apart, the… Continue reading SWSW 2024: Civil War – a visceral attack on the soul

SXSW 2024: I Wish You All the Best – Wondeful filmmaking

Tommy Dorfman’s SXSW 2024 directorial debut, ‘I Wish You All the Best,’ presents a poignant and groundbreaking narrative within LGBTQ+ cinema. Adapted from Mason Deaver’s novel, the film follows Ben DeBacker, portrayed with depth by Corey Fogelmanis, a nonbinary teenager grappling with the complexities of identity and family acceptance. The film opens with a gripping… Continue reading SXSW 2024: I Wish You All the Best – Wondeful filmmaking

SXSW 2024: Switch Up – Drowns in Silliness

‘Switch Up,’ the romantic comedy that premiered at SXSW 2024, attempts to deliver a heartwarming story but falls short due to its overly contrived plot. Despite the cast’s apparent enthusiasm and chemistry, evidenced in the film and by their comments during the Q&A session after the film, the movie struggles to rise above its shortcomings.… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Switch Up – Drowns in Silliness