Author: Mark Saldana

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

SMILE 2 Is Actually More Entertaining Than Its Predecessor

Naomi Scott stars in Paramount Pictures Presents A Temple Hill Production A Parker Finn FIlm "SMILE 2"

I went into this film thinking this sequel would be another dour and sad extension of the first installment. Thankfully, that is not the case. Writer/director Parker Finn now has a sense of humor about his franchise, making this next chapter a more entertaining and fun experience, despite the film’s dark elements. Finn also wants… Continue reading SMILE 2 Is Actually More Entertaining Than Its Predecessor

Fantastic Fest 2024: MR. CROCKET

For the closing night film of this year’s Fantastic Fest, the programmers have chosen an unusual horror flick that offers up the premise, what if Mr. Rogers was a psychotic killer that preyed upon the parents of his most ardent fans, children? Writer/director Brandon Espy and co-writer Carl Reid have concocted an imaginative nightmare for… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024: MR. CROCKET