Author: Mark Saldana

Based on the novel of the same name by Don Winslow, Crime 101 comes across as a Michael Mann crime thriller copycat. It is not a bad imitation, but it doesn’t achieve the same level of quality in storytelling and filmmaking that makes its inspirations, like Mann’s Heat, seminal classics. Writer/director Bart Layton and team… Continue reading CRIME 101: A Solid And Often Intriguing Crime Thriller

In an alternate earth where anthropomorphic animals thrive, a skilled, athletic goat aspires to take the sports world by storm, allowing other smaller-statured athletes to prove themselves. I often enjoy a good underdog story, but the problem is that there have been so many others that have preceded it, with varying degrees of success. This… Continue reading GOAT: An Animated Underdog Story That Has Visual Flash, But Is Lacking In The Humor Department

Most cinephiles know, more or less, what to expect from a more traditional Sam Raimi movie. Now, it is possible that Raimi’s trademarks and go-to style choices are not everyone’s cup of tea. It is also possible that anyone has already grown tired of the director’s signature choices. However, if you are like me, you… Continue reading SEND HELP Is Pure Raimi Craziness In All of His More Enjoyable Ways

Have we as audiences seen this type of movie? Yes! Is it still entertaining? The answer is, without a single doubt. Director Ric Roman Waugh and writer Ward Parry have created an action-thriller that is mostly compelling and fun, offering audiences an escape from the troubles of real life. Did I eat it all up?… Continue reading SHELTER Is Escapist Action Cinema That Is Solid Entertainment

Look, I like what Chris Pratt has brought to comedic performances, especially in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, but the actor cannot do serious drama. This fact is so starkly evident in a film already plagued by bad writing and direction, but it would have been a lead role that could have been so… Continue reading MERCY Is Not Only A Dollar Store MINORITY REPORT, It is so Lame and Imbecilic

Last year’s 28 Years Later was a bit of a mixed bag for me. There are parts of the film I really liked, but I felt the film ended on a tonal shift that didn’t quite work for me. Nevertheless, I was quite intrigued with how the next installment would play out. With Nia DaCosta… Continue reading 28 YEARS LATER: Is An Entertaining Mix of Shock and Fun

The new movie by director Bradley Cooper focuses on a man dealing with divorce, depression, and his struggles to find happiness in his life. After his marriage seems to fall apart, the man initially finds himself lost and aimless, but eventually discovers an outlet not only to express himself but also to learn more about… Continue reading IS THIS THING ON? Shows The Healing Power Of Art