By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) From India, but not from “Bollywood,” comes an outstanding achievement in direction, cinematography, editing and sound that has a simple story with astute political connotations. This film, by director Lijo Jose Pellissery and writers R. Jayakumar and Hareesh S., challenges people’s perceptions of strength and valor… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: JALLIKATTU
Author: Mark Saldana
Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: AMIGO
By Liz Lopez Rating: B+ This Spanish language feature film from Spain peeked my interest from the initial description I read, however, I was not prepared for all the levels of drama that happen between the two main characters, David (David Pareja) and Javi (Javier Botet). They have been lifelong friends, or so it appears… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: AMIGO
Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: IN THE TALL GRASS
By Liz Lopez Rating: B+ “In the Tall Grass” is directed by Vicenzo Natali and the screenplay is one her adapted from the novella written Stephen King and his son Joe Hill. I have never liked stepping into or walking in overgrown grass, much less grass that is taller than I am, so watching this… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: IN THE TALL GRASS
Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: COLOR OUT OF SPACE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) After taking an extended break from narrative feature filmmaking, director Richard Stanley is back with an adaptation of an H.P. Lovecraft short story, The Color Out of Space. Stanley is no stranger to Fantastic Fest, as he attended the festival in 2014 in support of the… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: COLOR OUT OF SPACE
FANTASTIC FEST 2019 News: Takashi Miike’s “First Love” (Hatsukoi) Plays Opening Night Of The 15th Annual Genre Festival
By Liz Lopez Takashi Miike received the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Fantastic Fest after the screening of his film, “First Love,” that had a World Premiere at Cannes 2019 (Directors’ Fortnight) and a North American Premiere at TIFF this year as well. He has directed more than 100 features between the late 90s… Continue reading FANTASTIC FEST 2019 News: Takashi Miike’s “First Love” (Hatsukoi) Plays Opening Night Of The 15th Annual Genre Festival
Review: AD ASTRA
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Writer/director James Gray’s new film visits the near future, but doesn’t cime close to conquering new territory. Ad Astra comes across as a cerebral science fiction movie, but does not have a whole lot to say stylistically or thematically. While it vies to be a successor… Continue reading Review: AD ASTRA
Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: JOJO RABBIT
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) The 15th annual Fantastic Fest genre film festival began with a glorious new entry from New Zealand director Taika Waititi. The opening night film, Jojo Rabbit takes on hate and nationalism and takes no prisoners in the process. The movie offers a wonderful mix of comedy,… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: JOJO RABBIT
Austin Local News: Bronze Community Band Project to Explore the History and Influences on Music by Mexican American Musicians
By Liz Lopez The Austin Public Library’s Hispanic Heritage Month activities feature The Bronze Community Band Project that presents “Tribute To La Musica Chicana, The History and Influences on Music by Mexican American Musicians,” the second of a series with a music performance art piece that chronicles the influence and history on the Mexican American… Continue reading Austin Local News: Bronze Community Band Project to Explore the History and Influences on Music by Mexican American Musicians
Critica De Cine: HUSTLERS
Por Liz Lopez Rating: B+ Si se hace una incuesta a diferentes individuos sobre el tema de personas que trabajan en el mundo de baile exotico, se puede recibir una cantidad de respuestas en pro o contra del empleo. En el nuevo largometraje “Hustlers” no solo vemos lo que sucede enfrente de cliente, pero tambien… Continue reading Critica De Cine: HUSTLERS
Review: HUSTLERS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Loosely based on the New York magazine article by Jessica Pressler, The Hustlers at Scores, Hustlers the film follows an all too familiar formula when it comes to a true crime story. To its benefit, though, the story is an interesting one, and one that keeps… Continue reading Review: HUSTLERS