2022 and 2023 have been tough years for Disney movies. People have talked about how the world’s biggest studio has recently failed to create magical cinema. Whether they are discussing and critiquing Disney Animation Studios, Disney/Pixar, or Marvel Studios, it has been challenging for the “House of the Mouse” to score hugely with mass audiences.… Continue reading WISH May Not Be The Answer To Disney’s Wishes, But Is Still Fun
Author: Mark Saldana
DREAM SCENARIO Gives Nicolas Cage The Chance To Shine
One of the movies I most regretted missing at this year’s Fantastic Fest was one of the festival’s secret screenings, which just happened to be the latest film featuring Nicolas Cage. Dream Scenario allows Cage to shine in ways not previously attempted in his previous films. The actor portrays a very modest and unassuming college… Continue reading DREAM SCENARIO Gives Nicolas Cage The Chance To Shine
Eli Roth’s THANKSGIVING Has Finally Arrived
Sixteen years after Eli Roth contributed his fake trailer to Grindhouse, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s throwback double feature, Thanksgiving, the actual feature-length movie is finally in theaters. The result is an often hilarious but thrilling slasher flick that should please the fans of the fake trailer who have clamored for this movie since 2007.… Continue reading Eli Roth’s THANKSGIVING Has Finally Arrived
NEXT GOAL WINS Is a Lovable Crowd Pleaser
Filmmaker Taika Waititi has received a lot of flack after delivering comedic takes on MCU’s Thor (Ragnarok, Love and Thunder). I honestly don’t understand it. I found both movies highly entertaining and loads of fun. Well, Waititi is back with a non-MCU film based on an inspirational sports story involving The American Samoa soccer team.… Continue reading NEXT GOAL WINS Is a Lovable Crowd Pleaser
AFF 2023: SALTBURN
The newest movie from acclaimed filmmaker Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman) was one of several secret screenings at this year’s Fantastic Fest. It was also the opening night movie of 2023’s Austin Film Festival. Those who watched Fennell’s previous film should expect a bold and provocative new entry from this exciting and creative filmmaker. While… Continue reading AFF 2023: SALTBURN
TROLLS BAND TOGETHER Delivers More Family Fun
The Trolls animated franchise has consistently provided family audiences with amiable and amusing musical fun. There is not a lot of depth to these stories, but the colorful animation, the entertaining characters, and the enjoyable musical numbers succeed in what the filmmakers aim for. The same goes for the latest installment in this movie series.… Continue reading TROLLS BAND TOGETHER Delivers More Family Fun
AFF 2023: BOLT FROM THE BLUE
Writer/director Jack Martin brings audiences a thrilling and entertaining throwback to the science-fiction movies of the 1980s, such as Explorers and Back to the Future. Though this film is an indie feature, it could easily sport the iconic Amblin Entertainment title card. That is how good this movie is. It has a pleasant, winning spirit… Continue reading AFF 2023: BOLT FROM THE BLUE
AFF 2023: ALL THE WRONG INGREDIENTS
This Austin Film Festival entry addresses the struggles that often go into the creative process of all art but focuses on that challenge through the art of dessert making. Written and directed by Nicholas Livanos, All The Wrong Ingredients shows this system’s darker side in very imaginative and creative ways. The result is a very… Continue reading AFF 2023: ALL THE WRONG INGREDIENTS
AFF 2023: SOWETO BLAZE
Most American cinephiles have watched stoner comedies, but I can guarantee they haven’t seen one like this hilarious and charming entry from South Africa. The movie may have had a meager budget, and it most definitely shows. However, the creativity and the can-do spirit that went into this enjoyable film are ever-present. The positive aspects… Continue reading AFF 2023: SOWETO BLAZE
AFF 2023: THE HIDDEN WEB
One of my favorite films of this year’s Austin Film Festival was an intense, nail-biter of a thriller from Poland. The Hidden Web follows journalist Julita Wójcicka as she investigates the strange death of a beloved celebrity, whose untimely demise gets labeled as an accident by the local police. However, Julita’s instincts detect foul play,… Continue reading AFF 2023: THE HIDDEN WEB