There have been a lot of mixed feelings from movie fans regarding their reactions to Ghostbusters: Afterlife. While it lacked the witty comedic approach the first movies had, this movie had more depth and emotion, and I loved that installment for it. It is now time to examine the latest installment, and I get the… Continue reading GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE Is Good Fun, But Lacks Depth
Author: Mark Saldana
LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL: A Fantastic Mix of Possession and Found Footage Horror
Somehow, I missed the opportunity to watch this highly anticipated horror film at SXSW, where it premiered and impacted its audiences. Before the festival, however, I was aware of this movie and highly anticipated its release. Thankfully, I was allowed to review the film through a digital screener and can honestly attest that Late Night… Continue reading LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL: A Fantastic Mix of Possession and Found Footage Horror
SXSW 2024: IMMACULATE Has Atmosphere Galore, But Relies Too Much On Jump Scares
When it comes to horror, I don’t mind jump scares, but only if they are well-executed and not at all predictable. Sadly, with all of the positive aspects going for Immaculate, I feel its overreliance on obvious jump frights held this movie back for me. The movie’s aesthetics are gorgeous and remarkable. The lighting, cinematography,… Continue reading SXSW 2024: IMMACULATE Has Atmosphere Galore, But Relies Too Much On Jump Scares
SXSW 2024: CLEMENTE Tells An Inspiring True Story About A Sports Trailblazer
At this year’s SXSW Film & TV festival, I didn’t get to watch many documentaries, but my absolute favorite is Clemente, which tells the story of MLB superstar Roberto Clemente. Writer/director David Altrogge and co-writer Elise Andert present the life and career of the Puerto Rican baseball player who captured the hearts of baseball fans… Continue reading SXSW 2024: CLEMENTE Tells An Inspiring True Story About A Sports Trailblazer
SXSW 2024: Y2K
Anyone aware of what happened in 1999, particularly on New Year’s Eve, probably knows that the transition to 2000 was mostly uneventful. This movie presents the scenario where things go haywire when the New Year begins! Written and directed by Kyle Mooney, who co-wrote the script with Evan Winter, Y2K shows a very different experience… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Y2K
SXSW 2024: BABES
As a fan of Pamela Adlon and Iliana Glazer, attending this headliner screening was a no-brainer. Adlon makes her directorial debut with a heartfelt comedy that pulls no punches regarding marriage, relationships, and pregnancies. Glazer co-wrote the film’s screenplay with Josh Rabinowitz, and co-star Michelle Buteau deliver performances with all-time comedic greatness. This film will… Continue reading SXSW 2024: BABES
LOVE LIES BLEEDING: Steroids and Lust Prove To Be A Volatile Mix
Even when I thought I had seen this type of story before (Bound), writer/director Rose Glass proves that this isn’t a formulaic type of movie. Love Lies Bleeding has no real heroes or villains. In fact, everyone in this story is flawed, and even the love story is far from perfect. Nevertheless, Glass’s great storytelling… Continue reading LOVE LIES BLEEDING: Steroids and Lust Prove To Be A Volatile Mix
ARTHUR THE KING Tells an Interesting True Story, But is a Bit Heavy-Handed
Based on the non-fiction book Arthur – The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home, Arthur The King tells the story of an adventure racing team that encounters a stray dog during their competition, which eventually becomes their mascot and inspiration. The movie is of the feel-good variety, and though I have not… Continue reading ARTHUR THE KING Tells an Interesting True Story, But is a Bit Heavy-Handed
DUNE: PART TWO – With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
With this second installment of the Dune saga, Denis Villeneuve gives his audience a further glimpse into the life of Paul Atreides, the protagonist of the Dune story. When Villeneuve’s first film concluded, we witnessed Paul (TimothĂ©e Chalamet) and the beginnings of his adaptation to the life of the Fremen on the planet of Arrakis… Continue reading DUNE: PART TWO – With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
PERFECT DAYS Celebrates The Joys of A Simple Life
From Wim Wenders (Paris, Texas, Wings of Desire) and collaborator Takuma Takasaki comes a beautiful film about a quiet, unassuming public toilet cleaner in Tokyo, Japan, who enjoys simple pleasures and has the time, heart, and mind to appreciate beauty in this world in various forms. Writer/director Wenders and co-writer Takasaki do an excellent job… Continue reading PERFECT DAYS Celebrates The Joys of A Simple Life