Author: Mark Saldana

MUSICA Offers an Inventive Spin On The Rom-Com

When it comes to romantic comedies, I often have mixed feelings. They tackle familiar territory, sometimes in a rather clumsy way. However, Musica took me by surprise. It presents the mostly true story of an artist, Rudy Mancuso, who interprets life’s sounds in a unique way. The movie delivers this experience in a manner that… Continue reading MUSICA Offers an Inventive Spin On The Rom-Com

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE Is Good Fun, But Lacks Depth

Phoebe Spengler (Mckenna Grace) in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE.

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

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

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