The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer is a rather complex one. On the one hand, he was one of the most brilliant physicists of our time, but he is also the primary person responsible for the invention of nuclear weapons. Based on the Oppenheimer biography, “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer,”… Continue reading OPPENHEIMER Is Christopher Nolan’s Masterpiece
Author: Mark Saldana
BARBIE Offers Social Commentary Within a Lovable and Colorful Film
The history of the intellectual property of Barbie and all of its toy merchandise has, in recent decades, raised many conversations about women and their status in our world. While on the one hand, the Barbie lore elevates women and honors all they have to offer, the reality is our world spins very differently, as… Continue reading BARBIE Offers Social Commentary Within a Lovable and Colorful Film
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE
Tom Cruise/Ethan Hunt is back, and he is attempting to save the cinematic experience during a time when streaming, CGI, and AI are all trying to derail it. Say what you will about Cruise. Even his contemporaries, such as actor Christian Bale, have said that the man lacks a soul. The latest installment in his… Continue reading MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE
ONCE UPON A TIME IN UGANDA
One of my most treasured moments was experiencing my first exposure to Wakaliwood. It was during one of several attendances at Austin’s Fantastic Fests. I sat through what would typically be another low-budget action film with lousy action sequences, barely acceptable acting, and a plot that would put most Hollywood movies to shame. That experience… Continue reading ONCE UPON A TIME IN UGANDA
JOY RIDE Delivers Both Raunchy Comedy and Representation of Asian Culture
I missed this particular film at this year’s SXSW. That was a common theme for me at the festival this year. I had to miss several films due to familial obligations. Still, I must applaud the promotion from Austn’s locally-based PR group for offering many opportunities for me to enjoy this hilarious comedy very early.… Continue reading JOY RIDE Delivers Both Raunchy Comedy and Representation of Asian Culture
EVERY BODY Reveals a Dark and Disturbing History For Intersex People
In the current climate where LGBTQ rights continue to be a heated topic for Americans, this new documentary film from director Julie Cohen offers an insightful, educating, and heartfelt look into the lives of a specific subset of the LGBTQ community–intersex people. Intersex people are humans born with the organs of both males and females.… Continue reading EVERY BODY Reveals a Dark and Disturbing History For Intersex People
INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY Made Me Miss Steven Spielberg
From the sound of that headline and looking at my low rating, one would think I didn’t like the new Indiana Jones adventure. That could not be any further from the truth. I had fun watching what is supposedly the final outing for our beloved archeologist/adventurer. Director James Mangold and his screenwriting team made a… Continue reading INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY Made Me Miss Steven Spielberg
RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN Has Imagination, But Ultimately Treads Familiar Territory
The new computer-animated feature film from Dreamworks offers an inventive spin on sea creature lore but is a typical coming-of-age story. This weakness may matter little to the young children begging their parents to bring them to this movie, but these adults have already seen this plot. Featuring vividly colorful animation, enough heart, and fun… Continue reading RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN Has Imagination, But Ultimately Treads Familiar Territory
ASTEROID CITY Offers More Than Meets The Eye
That headline sounds more appropriate for a Transformers movie, but I couldn’t think of a better way to lead into my review. As I am usually excited about Wes Anderson movies, I made it a point to watch the main trailer for this film when it first dropped. Usually, I avoid some trailers because I… Continue reading ASTEROID CITY Offers More Than Meets The Eye
NO HARD FEELINGS Is Actually Heartwarming
As someone who grew up during the 1980s and watched my share of sex comedies (for better or worse), I went into this screening with much curiosity and some trepidation. In our current climate, sex comedies involving teens are a dangerous territory to tread, as they probably should be. However, after watching and enjoying this… Continue reading NO HARD FEELINGS Is Actually Heartwarming