Author: Mark Saldana

Movie Review: WICKED Gives Movie Audiences A Remarkable Movie Musical

To be completely transparent, I have never experienced a stage presentation of the acclaimed and celebratory musical play that has taken the world by storm. I have heard so much about the original stage play, which fueled my excitement and anticipation for a cinematic treatment. That said, I went into this film with much zeal… Continue reading Movie Review: WICKED Gives Movie Audiences A Remarkable Movie Musical

Movie Review: GLADIATOR II Gives Us An Unnecessary Sequel

There are plenty of Gladiator fans. I was never a huge fan of Ridley Scott’s first film. It is fine. It is entertaining, and Scott and his crew utilized modern technology (of the time) to deliver a fun and exciting cinematic romp. For some reason, Scott and other “creative” minds decided that cinema needed a… Continue reading Movie Review: GLADIATOR II Gives Us An Unnecessary Sequel

AFF 2024: NIGHTBITCH Is Very Different, But Delivers A Valid Message

People often take their mothers for granted. We usually desire to fulfill our needs, and considering that our moms will always be there for us, we frequently forget what they are going through personally. Author Rachel Yoder considers this perspective and addresses this problem with her novel of the same name. Writer/director Marielle Heller adapts… Continue reading AFF 2024: NIGHTBITCH Is Very Different, But Delivers A Valid Message

AFF 2024: THE LAST SHOWGIRL Shows That Pamela Anderson Is Genuinely Talented

Call it the effects of nepotism, but I could not resist seeing what a Coppola offspring has to offer cinema. As I perused the schedule of this year’s festival, I saw the name Gia Coppola and knew that I had to see what Francis’ granddaughter had to offer to the medium of film. Though this… Continue reading AFF 2024: THE LAST SHOWGIRL Shows That Pamela Anderson Is Genuinely Talented

AFF 2024: PARTY PEOPLE Has A Familiar Premise, But Is Nevertheless Fun And Amusing

It is only fitting that the Austin Film Festival accepts an entry from Austin filmmakers who conceived and shot a film in Austin. This town usually nurtures artists, particularly movie writers and directors. Though the city has changed a lot through the years, it is refreshing to see that movie artists still toil to express… Continue reading AFF 2024: PARTY PEOPLE Has A Familiar Premise, But Is Nevertheless Fun And Amusing

AFF 2024 Review: *smiles and kisses you* Delivers A Stranger Than Fiction Portrait

Due to familial obligations and other responsibilities, my coverage of this year’s film festival was limited. I did make it a point to watch this intriguing documentary, which reveals a relationship between a charming but lonely man and the combination of a love doll/artificial intelligence. Though the idea sounds disturbing and unnerving, I was nevertheless… Continue reading AFF 2024 Review: *smiles and kisses you* Delivers A Stranger Than Fiction Portrait

Fantastic Fest 2024 Review: ANORA Is Not Only My Favorite Of The Fest, It Is One Of The Top Films Of The Year

When Fantastic Fest announced that Anora would get screened at this year’s festival, I knew I had to attend. Not only did the film’s trailer hook me, but I also had to be there because this is Sean Baker’s latest work (Tangerine, The Florida Project, Red Rocket). This fantastic film lives up to my anticipation.… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024 Review: ANORA Is Not Only My Favorite Of The Fest, It Is One Of The Top Films Of The Year

WE LIVE IN TIME Delivers A Relationship Drama That Feels Genuine And True

For cinephiles with soft spots in their hearts for romantic dramas like Love Story, We Live In Time is definitely for you. The film depicts an initially charming relationship between a man and woman whose meeting begins rather disturbingly. I will let my readers discover that on their own, but once the two connect, the… Continue reading WE LIVE IN TIME Delivers A Relationship Drama That Feels Genuine And True