Author: Laurie Coker

I walked into Slanted with curiosity and an open mind, genuinely intrigued by what I thought might be a bold, satirical take on race, identity, and belonging in the age of cosmetic extremes. The premise—a Chinese-American teenager electing to undergo an experimental ethnic modification surgery to fit in—promised something provocative, maybe even daringly surreal. Unfortunately,… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: SLANTED

I watched the documentary Flight 149: Hostage of War, directed by Jenny Ash, during its screening at SXSW 2025, and I walked away both stunned and deeply moved. Going in, I was only vaguely aware of the events surrounding British Airways Flight 149. I certainly didn’t expect to be as affected as I was. The… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: FLIGHT 149: HOSTAGE OF WAR

Watching Selena y Los Dinos, directed by Isabel Castro, at SXSW 2025 was a memorable experience. The documentary offers an intimate and thoughtful look into Selena Quintanilla’s life and legacy. With never-before-seen archival footage, personal photographs, and candid interviews, the film traces her evolution from performing at local events in Corpus Christi to becoming the… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: SELENA Y LOS DINOS

This documentary is an exuberant, unapologetic celebration of a cultural revolution that has not only redefined theater and film but has also provided a lifelong sanctuary for those who dared to dream differently. With unprecedented access to the creative genius of Richard O’Brien and candid insights from legends such as Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Lou… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror: A Timeless Tapestry of Transgression, Transformation, and Triumph

At SXSW, The Rivals of Amziah King proved to be a delightful surprise—a film that blends the quirky charm of rural Oklahoma with an unexpectedly involved and poignant narrative. In this narrative feature, director Andrew Patterson delivers a well-crafted exploration of ambition, family, and rivalry, all set against the backdrop of an unconventional honey-making enterprise.… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: THE RIVALS OF AMZIAH KING

The world premiere of Uvalde Mom at the SXSW Film Festival was a profoundly emotional experience, made even more poignant by the presence of the film’s subject, Angeli Rose Gomez, and several other cast members. Given the documentary’s heavy nature, the festival ensured counselors were in attendance, underscoring the lasting trauma of the Robb Elementary… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: Uvalde Mom—A Powerful Portrait of Courage and Consequence

‘Death of a Unicorn’, directed and written by Alex Scharfman, is a quirky blend of creature feature and satirical commentary on big pharma that never hesitates to wear its inspirations on its sleeves. The film, which showcases the comedic talents of Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, revolves around a father-daughter duo, Elliot and Ridley, who… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Film Review: Death of a Unicorn –  a quirky blend of creature feature and satirical commentary on big pharma

In The Surfer, director Lorcan Finnegan attempts to craft a psychological thriller infused with elements of horror, but the result feels convoluted and unfocused. The film stars Nicolas Cage as a surfer hoping to settle down in the idyllic Luna Bay, only to find himself embroiled in a nightmarish confrontation with a group of hostile… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review – The Surfer: a onvoluted and unfocused mess

Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) has a knack for unraveling complex problems, and in ‘The Accountant 2’, he finds himself embroiled in an intense mystery that pulls him back into a world of danger. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to “find the accountant,” Wolff’s curiosity is piqued, leading him to… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Review – The Accountant 2: a decent if not flawed sequel

At SXSW 2025, ‘The Baltimorons’ charms audiences with its clever and warm comedic tone, making it a festival favorite and a delightful film. Directed by Jay Duplass, this romantic comedy follows a newly sober man’s unexpected Christmas Eve adventure through Baltimore, igniting a blossoming romance with his emergency dentist, Didi, played by the fantastic Liz… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Review – The Baltimorons: a clever, warm comedy