The year 2023 was a very interesting one in film. It marked a turning point for comic-book superhero movies. While I liked and enjoyed some of the offerings from both Marvel Studios and Warner Bros/DC, most other critics did not feel the same way. I am not saying I completely adored all these movies and… Continue reading Mark’s Review of Cinema in 2023
Author: Mark Saldana
FERRARI Depicts Both the Enigmatic Genius and Weaknesses of the Legendary Car Designer
From acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann (Thief, Heat, The Insider) comes a fascinating character study of Enzo Ferrari, a former race car driver-turned-car designer/entrepreneur. Not a comprehensive biopic, Ferrari follows Enzo in 1957 as he obsesses over remaining a viable and competitive brand in the racing circuit while attempting to juggle his business problems and personal… Continue reading FERRARI Depicts Both the Enigmatic Genius and Weaknesses of the Legendary Car Designer
THE COLOR PURPLE Turns A Wonderful Story Into A Rousing Musical
To this day, I have not read Alice Walker’s novel, The Color Purple. It is one of my more regrettable literary blindspots. Since first experiencing Steven Spielberg’s phenomenal movie adaptation many years ago, I have desired to read the source material. Another new film adaptation of Walker’s story is now in theaters. Director Blitz Bazawule… Continue reading THE COLOR PURPLE Turns A Wonderful Story Into A Rousing Musical
THE IRON CLAW Tells the Tragic True Story of the Von Erich Family
During the 1980s, I was introduced to Texas wrestling by older teenage cousins. They were big fans of two late-night wrestling shows aired on Fridays and Saturdays. The Saturday night program was the Dallas-based World Class Championship Wrestling. It was on this show that I first witnessed the wrestling matches of the Von Erichs. The… Continue reading THE IRON CLAW Tells the Tragic True Story of the Von Erich Family
AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM IS MORE FUN AND ADVENTUROUS THAN THE FIRST FILM
Warner Bros’ DCEU concludes with the second installment of the Aquaman saga. I have mixed feelings about the DCEU and felt disappointed by James Wan’s initial Aquaman film. So, I went into this movie with low expectations and hoped it would be fun. Thankfully, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is not only a fun movie,… Continue reading AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM IS MORE FUN AND ADVENTUROUS THAN THE FIRST FILM
REBEL MOON Lacks Originality On So Many Levels
Filmmaker Zach Snyder pitched his ideas for a Star Wars movie to Lucasfilm, and their response came back with a resounding, “No, Thank you.” With that knowledge in mind, I tried very hard to keep an open mind when going into this screening. However, after watching this film on the big screen, I can see… Continue reading REBEL MOON Lacks Originality On So Many Levels
MAESTRO Is Yet Another Example of How Multitalented Bradley Cooper Is.
Bradley Cooper has already displayed his talents as both an actor and voice-over talent with his various contributions to cinema. In addition, Cooper has also proven that he is a competent and skilled filmmaker with his acclaimed remake of A Star is Born. Cooper’s newest passion project is a biographical movie about the career and… Continue reading MAESTRO Is Yet Another Example of How Multitalented Bradley Cooper Is.
Austin Film Festival 2023: AMERICAN FICTION Depicts The Real Struggles of Finding One’s Impactful Voice
This fascinating and relevant entry from this year’s Austin Film Festival examines the struggles of Black artists who hope their work can impact their culture. Through the eyes and mind of one particular writer, the protagonist struggles to remain a viable and successful artist, expressing his experience while also feeling the weight of his own… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2023: AMERICAN FICTION Depicts The Real Struggles of Finding One’s Impactful Voice
WONKA Provides Light and Wholehearted Entertainment For Families
From filmmaker Paul King, the acclaimed director who helmed the movies Paddington and Paddington 2, comes a movie musical that envisions the humble beginnings of literature’s and cinema’s most celebrated Candy Man. Working with Simon Farnaby on the screenplay, King delivers a movie which beautifully captures the lovable and magical spirit of the Willy Wonka… Continue reading WONKA Provides Light and Wholehearted Entertainment For Families
CHICKEN RUN: DAWN OF THE NUGGET Is Entertaining But Not Quite As Brilliant As Its Predecessor
It has been twenty-three years since the original Chicken Run hit theaters and won people’s hearts worldwide. There seems to be no good reason why it took so long for movie audiences to get a sequel, but it is finally here. However, this new installment will not open in theaters; it is limited to Netflix… Continue reading CHICKEN RUN: DAWN OF THE NUGGET Is Entertaining But Not Quite As Brilliant As Its Predecessor