Written and directed by Genki Kawamura, who co-wrote the screenplay with Kentaro Hirase, Exit 8 is a Japanese psychological thriller based on the video game by Kotake Create. The story of both the game and the movie follows a “Lost Man” as he navigates major changes in his life. He receives a call from his… Continue reading EXIT 8 Has Some Great Ideas And Concepts, But Needs More To Hit Its Landing
Author: Mark Saldana
THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE Gives Video Game Fans An Easter Basket of Nintendo References
When a lot of people are heading into the Easter holiday weekend, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opens in theaters, and it just happens, to have its share of Easter eggs. Now, I don’t mean the traditional variety, but those of the metaphorical kind. Much like the first installment, this sequel has loads of visual… Continue reading THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE Gives Video Game Fans An Easter Basket of Nintendo References
SXSW 2026: PIZZA MOVIE Turns Ordering A Pizza Into An Absurd Affair
Two college roommates decide to get high and order a pizza. Sounds simple enough, but when they get high on an experimental hallucinogen, this turns a simple plan into a bizarre, absurd quest. Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) and Sean Giambrone star as Jack and Montgomery, two college misfits frustrated by their social status. While Montgomery… Continue reading SXSW 2026: PIZZA MOVIE Turns Ordering A Pizza Into An Absurd Affair
THE AI DOC: OR HOW I BECAME I BECAME AN APOCALOPTIMIST – Is Compelling And Insightful
In current events, a lot has been said about artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity. This documentary by Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell explores the ongoing debate: some fear AI will cause humanity’s downfall, while others see it as a path to vastly improved lives. The film examines both the benefits and risks of… Continue reading THE AI DOC: OR HOW I BECAME I BECAME AN APOCALOPTIMIST – Is Compelling And Insightful
SXSW 2026: PRETTY LETHAL Is Gruesome, Bloody Fun, Even If It Doesn’t Make Sense
Violent carnage reigned at SXSW this year, so it is fitting that a movie about a ballet troupe in peril would turn its protagonists into action heroes. Writer Kate Freund and director Vicky Jewson offer an imaginative, creatively realized film that celebrates the strength and athleticism of ballet dancers without sacrificing the grace and beauty… Continue reading SXSW 2026: PRETTY LETHAL Is Gruesome, Bloody Fun, Even If It Doesn’t Make Sense
SXSW 2026: READY OR NOT 2: HERE I COME – A Fun Sequel That Expands on The Lore Of The First Installment
On the second night of the 2026 SXSW Film & TV festival, the programmers scheduled and screened the highly anticipated sequel to Ready or Not, directed by the respected Radio Silence collective (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett). The movie delivers more of what fans of the first film enjoyed, along with some expansion of the… Continue reading SXSW 2026: READY OR NOT 2: HERE I COME – A Fun Sequel That Expands on The Lore Of The First Installment
THE BRIDE! Takes An Ambitious Approach To The Bride of Frankenstein Lore.
It is possible that I am in the minority, but I actually enjoyed Maggie Gyllenhaal’s approach to reimagining The Bride of Frankenstein. Is the movie a bit messy? Yes. However, I applaud the filmmaker’s creativity, and Gyllenhaal takes a fresh, inventive approach to the material that stands out among previous adaptations. Topped with excellent performances… Continue reading THE BRIDE! Takes An Ambitious Approach To The Bride of Frankenstein Lore.
Fantastic Fest 2025: Sirāt Delivers Breathtaking Tension
I was not at all prepared for this movie. I was offered a guaranteed ticket and reserved seat, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to experience a film that would absolutely blow my mind. Though I read the synopsis offered by Fantastic Fest, I had no idea what kind of experience I would have.… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2025: Sirāt Delivers Breathtaking Tension
HOW TO MAKE A KILLING Has A Wickedly Fun Premise That Lacks Swagger And Attitude
A dark comedy featuring gallows humor is totally my jam, and after reading the synopsis of How to Make a Killing, I was excited for a wild, possibly absurd ride. Inspired by the film, Kind Hearts and Coronets, which is based on the novel Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal by Roy Horniman, writer/director John… Continue reading HOW TO MAKE A KILLING Has A Wickedly Fun Premise That Lacks Swagger And Attitude
WUTHERING HEIGHTS: This Is Not Your Mother’s, Grandmother’s, Or Great-Grandmother’s Adaptation
Ever since Emily Brontë’s novel was published in 1847, there have been multiple adaptations of the story. Provocative filmmaker Emerald Fennell (Saltburn, Promising Young Woman) now takes a turn with a version of the “love story” that is bold, passionate, and also hilarious and quite naughty. I have watched only the 1939 version starring Laurence… Continue reading WUTHERING HEIGHTS: This Is Not Your Mother’s, Grandmother’s, Or Great-Grandmother’s Adaptation