By Jan Hamilton Synopsis Source: SXSW Participants When Cynthia & Mary (Jillian Bell & Michaela Watkins) show up to collect Cynthia’s inheritance from her deceased grandfather, the only item she’s received is an antique sword that was believed by her grandfather to be proof that the South won the Civil War. The two attempt to… Continue reading SXSW 2019 Review: SWORD OF TRUST
Author: Mark Saldana
Review: MA
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Not too long after another psychological thriller hit theaters (The Intruder) another one arrives at the ready to take its place. To its credit, Ma does have a compelling and interesting story to offer, but this doesn’t quite prevent the filmmakers from retreading some all-too-familiar territory.… Continue reading Review: MA
Review: ALL IS TRUE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) From director Kenneth Branagh, an obvious fan of Shakespeare and his works, comes this fictionalized take on “The Bard’s” retirement and the aftermath of a life dedicated to one’s passionate career. Though poignant and interesting at times, the film often meanders and waxes a bit too… Continue reading Review: ALL IS TRUE
SXSW 2019 Review: LA MALA NOCHE (THE LONGEST NIGHT)
By Mark Saldana Rating 4 (Out of 4 Stars) From Ecuador, comes this riveting and disturbingly visceral thriller that offers an insightful glimpse into the lives of sex workers and the victims of human trafficking in Latin America. Nöelle Schönwald stars as “Dana,” a seemingly high class escort/prostitute working for ruthless pimp, human trafficker, and… Continue reading SXSW 2019 Review: LA MALA NOCHE (THE LONGEST NIGHT)
SXSW 2019 Review: THE BEACH BUM
By Jan Hamilton Synopsis Source: SXSW The Beach Bum follows the hilarious misadventures of Moondog (Matthew McConaughey), a rebellious rogue who always lives life by his own rules. Co-starring Snoop Dog, Zac Efron, and Isla Fisher, The Beach Bum is a refreshingly original and subversive new comedy from director Harmony Korine (Kids, Spring Breakers).
SXSW 2019 Review: THEM THAT FOLLOW
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) From writer/directors Britt Poulson and Dan Madison Savage comes this unnerving and frightening portrait of insanely fanatical Christians who test their faith in God by handling poisonous snakes. Kaitlin Dever stars as Dilly, a sweet and intelligent teen whose father Lemuel (Walton Goggins serves as pastor… Continue reading SXSW 2019 Review: THEM THAT FOLLOW
SXSW 2019 Review: LEAVE THE BUS THROUGH THE BROKEN WINDOW
By Jan Hamilton Synopsis Source: SXSW An American expat arrives in Hong Kong to make a documentary about an international art fair but finds himself out of his depth. He turns the camera on himself and the film becomes a deeply personal and unexpectedly comedic story about authenticity, heartbreak and that time he got lost… Continue reading SXSW 2019 Review: LEAVE THE BUS THROUGH THE BROKEN WINDOW
SXSW 2019 Review: THE RIVER AND THE WALL
SXSW “The River and the Wall” Award Winning Documentary Now On Demand / Digital By Liz Lopez Rating: A This year while I attended the SXSW Film Festival, I found myself viewing many documentaries and the most outstanding one for me (and many other viewers) is “The River and the Wall” from award-winning director Ben… Continue reading SXSW 2019 Review: THE RIVER AND THE WALL
SXSW 2019 Review: GO BACK TO CHINA.
By Jan Hamilton Synopsis Source: SXSW The semi-autobiographical film follows spoiled rich girl Sasha Li (Anna Akana), who after blowing through most of her trust fund, is forced by her father (Richard Ng) to go back to China and work for the family toy business. What begins simply as a way to regain financial support… Continue reading SXSW 2019 Review: GO BACK TO CHINA.
SXSW 2019 Review: MICKEY AND THE BEAR
By Jan Hamilton Synopsis Source: SXSW It’s April in Anaconda, Montana,and headstrong teenager Mickey Peck (Camila Morrone) is doing what she can to keep her single, veteran father (James Badge Dale) afloat, navigating his mercurial moods, opioid addiction, and grief over the loss of his wife. Secretly, Mickey fantasizes of going to college on the… Continue reading SXSW 2019 Review: MICKEY AND THE BEAR