Author: Laurie Coker

SXSW 2025 Movie Review – The Surfer: a onvoluted and unfocused mess

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

SXSW 2025 Review – The Accountant 2: a decent if not flawed sequel

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

SXSW 2025 Review – The Baltimorons: a clever, warm comedy

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

SXSW 2025 Review – O’Dessa: an audacious rock opera

‘O’Dessa,’ directed by Geremy Jasper, is an audacious rock opera set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop that blends music, love, and adventure. The story follows a determined farm girl on a quest to recover a cherished family heirloom, leading her to a perilous city where she discovers her true love. This ambitious film is filled with… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Review – O’Dessa: an audacious rock opera

The SXSWEdu 2025 Expo Experience in Review

The SXSWEdu Expo serves as a vibrant hub for innovations in learning, bringing together a diverse array of exhibitors that represent the cutting edge of education technology and transformative teaching methods. This year’s event showcased an impressive lineup of industry leaders, nonprofits, and emerging edtech companies, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about the… Continue reading The SXSWEdu 2025 Expo Experience in Review

Novocain: an exhilarating ride that combines pulse-pounding action with a unique premise

‘Novocain’ is an exhilarating ride that combines pulse-pounding action with a unique premise. Directed with flair, the film follows Nate, played by Jack Quaid, an everyman whose life takes a dark turn when the girl of his dreams, portrayed by Amber Midthunder, is kidnapped. What makes Nate stand out is his extraordinary inability to feel… Continue reading Novocain: an exhilarating ride that combines pulse-pounding action with a unique premise

Review: Breaking the Masking Cycle: A Thought-Provoking SXSW EDU 2025 Panel

I had the opportunity to attend the panel on “masking” in autistic individuals at SXSW EDU 2025, and it left me reflecting deeply on the subject. As a grandparent of a child on the autism spectrum, I was especially interested in how masking affects mental health and how we can more meaningfully support neurodiverse individuals.… Continue reading Review: Breaking the Masking Cycle: A Thought-Provoking SXSW EDU 2025 Panel

Commentary: SXSW EDU 2025: Accessibility, Books, and Bites

ADA Accommodations & Support Staff SXSW EDU 2025 made meaningful efforts to create an accessible and inclusive environment for all attendees. The ADA accommodations were thoughtfully designed and genuinely helpful. Noise-canceling headsets were available for those needing a break from the constant buzz of activity, offering a simple yet effective way to manage sensory input.… Continue reading Commentary: SXSW EDU 2025: Accessibility, Books, and Bites

SXSW 2025 Movie Review: The Accountant 2 – made exciting by the audience reactions

The screening of “The Accountant 2” at the legendary Paramount Theater during SXSW 2025 was an engaging experience, greatly enhanced by the vibrant festival atmosphere and the excitement of a packed house. This sequel, which premiered in theaters on March 9, 2025, continues the story from its predecessor but shifts the focus away from action… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: The Accountant 2 – made exciting by the audience reactions