Author: Mark Saldana

NEXT GOAL WINS Is a Lovable Crowd Pleaser

Filmmaker Taika Waititi has received a lot of flack after delivering comedic takes on MCU’s Thor (Ragnarok, Love and Thunder). I honestly don’t understand it. I found both movies highly entertaining and loads of fun. Well, Waititi is back with a non-MCU film based on an inspirational sports story involving The American Samoa soccer team.… Continue reading NEXT GOAL WINS Is a Lovable Crowd Pleaser

AFF 2023: SALTBURN

The newest movie from acclaimed filmmaker Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman) was one of several secret screenings at this year’s Fantastic Fest. It was also the opening night movie of 2023’s Austin Film Festival. Those who watched Fennell’s previous film should expect a bold and provocative new entry from this exciting and creative filmmaker. While… Continue reading AFF 2023: SALTBURN

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER Delivers More Family Fun

The Trolls animated franchise has consistently provided family audiences with amiable and amusing musical fun. There is not a lot of depth to these stories, but the colorful animation, the entertaining characters, and the enjoyable musical numbers succeed in what the filmmakers aim for. The same goes for the latest installment in this movie series.… Continue reading TROLLS BAND TOGETHER Delivers More Family Fun

AFF 2023: BOLT FROM THE BLUE

Writer/director Jack Martin brings audiences a thrilling and entertaining throwback to the science-fiction movies of the 1980s, such as Explorers and Back to the Future. Though this film is an indie feature, it could easily sport the iconic Amblin Entertainment title card. That is how good this movie is. It has a pleasant, winning spirit… Continue reading AFF 2023: BOLT FROM THE BLUE

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AFF 2023: SOWETO BLAZE

Most American cinephiles have watched stoner comedies, but I can guarantee they haven’t seen one like this hilarious and charming entry from South Africa. The movie may have had a meager budget, and it most definitely shows. However, the creativity and the can-do spirit that went into this enjoyable film are ever-present. The positive aspects… Continue reading AFF 2023: SOWETO BLAZE

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AFF 2023: THE HIDDEN WEB

One of my favorite films of this year’s Austin Film Festival was an intense, nail-biter of a thriller from Poland. The Hidden Web follows journalist Julita Wójcicka as she investigates the strange death of a beloved celebrity, whose untimely demise gets labeled as an accident by the local police. However, Julita’s instincts detect foul play,… Continue reading AFF 2023: THE HIDDEN WEB

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THE MARVELS Doesn’t Save The MCU, But Still Delivers Cinematic Fun

Marvel Studios has been under much scrutiny from fans and critics alike. Perhaps I am lenient with comic book movies, but I usually temper my expectations for these types of movies. I want to have fun when it comes to this brand of cinema. It is always a wonderful surprise when a comic book-inspired film… Continue reading THE MARVELS Doesn’t Save The MCU, But Still Delivers Cinematic Fun

AFF 2023: AUTUMN

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” This quote from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off describes perfectly what this poignant film from Portugal is all about. Autumn is a misnomer. The movie actually takes place from one Autumn to the next in the life… Continue reading AFF 2023: AUTUMN

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THE HOLDOVERS Is Alexander Payne’s Love Letter to 1970s Cinema

After filmmaker Alexander Payne successfully worked with actor Paul Giamatti in the critically acclaimed Sideways, it was inevitable that this pairing would reunite at some point. Well, that time has finally arrived, and cinephiles are all the better for it. With Payne’s latest movie, The Holdovers, casting Giamatti proves to be a no-brainer, as this… Continue reading THE HOLDOVERS Is Alexander Payne’s Love Letter to 1970s Cinema