Author: Mark Saldana

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

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 (Timothée 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

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE Never Completely Stirs Up Passion For Its Subject

To borrow a hilarious quote from the musical artist’s biopic spoof, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, “Dewey Cox has to think about his entire life before he plays.” Well, apparently, so did Bob Marley, or at least that is how this cinematic biopic of the legendary Reggae artist portrays it. To clarify why I… Continue reading BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE Never Completely Stirs Up Passion For Its Subject

LISA FRANKENSTEIN Amuses, But Its More Excessive Elements Tend to Grate

Zelda Williams makes her feature film directorial debut with a movie that delivers some fun but feels a bit forced regarding its dark humor. As I experienced this movie, I smiled often and laughed heartily at one joke. However, the movie’s tendency to resort to over-the-top antics doesn’t always work and sometimes irritated me. Nevertheless,… Continue reading LISA FRANKENSTEIN Amuses, But Its More Excessive Elements Tend to Grate