Author: Laurie Coker

Project Hail Mary: humor, tension, and a surprising amount of warmth

Ryan Gosling in 'Project Hail Mary.' Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios

I skipped the closing film at SXSW this year and instead attended the screening of Project Hail Mary. Honestly, I was skeptical at first—how could a story about one guy and a rock-like alien carry an entire movie without becoming boring or losing its heart? It seemed like the kind of idea that might look… Continue reading Project Hail Mary: humor, tension, and a surprising amount of warmth

SXSW 2026: that’s a wrap

Now that SXSW 2026 has wrapped, the overall experience felt both familiar and noticeably different. I went in expecting some changes, but the shortened schedule and the absence of the Austin Convention Center shaped the festival’s rhythm more than I anticipated. The core of SXSW—film, creativity, and discovery—was still very much there, but the way… Continue reading SXSW 2026: that’s a wrap

SXSW 2026 – Sender: a wild mental ride

I saw Sender at its world premiere during SXSW 2026, and it’s the kind of film that immediately pulls you in with a sharp, unsettling premise. Directed by Russell Goldman, the story follows Julia, played by Britt Lower, who is newly sober and newly unemployed, trying to rebuild her life in a quiet suburban rental.… Continue reading SXSW 2026 – Sender: a wild mental ride

SXSW 2026 – Chili Finger: bold, strange, and undeniably fun

I saw Chili Finger at its world premiere during SXSW 2026, and it’s one of those films that makes me laugh, wince, and then think a little longer than I expected. Directed by Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad, the movie takes a bizarre real-life premise and pushes it into dark, chaotic, and surprisingly thoughtful territory.… Continue reading SXSW 2026 – Chili Finger: bold, strange, and undeniably fun

SXSW 2026-Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come fully embraces the chaos that made the first film memorable, and for better or worse, that same energy drives this sequel. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the film plunges Samara Weaving’s Grace back into another deadly game, and it wastes no time getting started. The production… Continue reading SXSW 2026-Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

SXSW 2026 – I Love Boosters: too chaotic to land solidly

With his SXSW 2026 opening night film, Boots Riley’s latest swings big — and I found myself both admiring aspects of it and shaking my head in equal measure. From the beginning, it’s clearly a Boots Riley film: bold, highly stylized, and full of color. The imagery is vivid and creative, almost intoxicating at times,… Continue reading SXSW 2026 – I Love Boosters: too chaotic to land solidly

SXSW 2026: Anticipation

Opening day at SXSW always carries a certain electricity—an energy that hums through Austin before the first panel begins or the first note is played. There’s the familiar ritual of scanning the lineup, mapping out impossible schedules, and wondering how it will all come together. This year, though, that anticipation feels slightly different. SXSW 2026… Continue reading SXSW 2026: Anticipation

FANTASTIC FEST 2025: Sirāt – draws you in and refuses to let go

Some films don’t just unfold before you — they draw you in and refuse to let go. Premiering at Fantastic Fest 2025, Sirāt, the latest from director Óliver Laxe, is one of those rare, compelling cinematic experiences. Shot with hypnotic beauty by cinematographer Mauro Herce, the film follows Luis (Sergi López, in one of his… Continue reading FANTASTIC FEST 2025: Sirāt – draws you in and refuses to let go

Wuthering Heights: visually sumptuous, boldly acted, yet deeply disappointing

As a retired literature teacher who read and later introduced students to Emily Brontë’s only novel, I approached the 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights with anticipation—and, I admit, protectiveness. Directed and written by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the adaptation is visually sumptuous and boldly acted. Yet… Continue reading Wuthering Heights: visually sumptuous, boldly acted, yet deeply disappointing

Solo Mio: warm, funny, sad, and uplifting all at once

I didn’t expect to fall for Solo Mio, but I did. Kevin James is the first reason—it’s hard not to carry the shadow of Paul Blart, and yet he’s fully human, fully charming, and quietly heartbreaking. He plays Matt, a grade school art teacher whose carefully planned wedding in Rome… well, let’s just say life… Continue reading Solo Mio: warm, funny, sad, and uplifting all at once