Review: JUPITER ASCENDING

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2  (Out of 4 Stars) Though this movie has some cool conceptual ideas for a universe, the plot and its characters feel all too familiar and embrace the typical tropes of swashbuckling space operas. Jupiter Ascending has the damsel in distress, the roguish warrior protecting her, and the greedy and power… Continue reading Review: JUPITER ASCENDING

Review: SEVENTH SON

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) This week I watched two films which attempt to offer audiences fun and exciting popcorn entertainment.  While both lack depth and feature character cliches, Seventh Son actually works as a whole. With Jeff Bridges in a delightful and lovable role, and Julianne Moore hamming it up… Continue reading Review: SEVENTH SON

Local Movie News: SXSW FILM 2015 FEATURES LINEUP

Austin, Texas – February 3, 2015 – Marking its 22nd year, the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival announced the features lineup for this year’s event, running March 13 – 21, 2015 in Austin, Texas. The 2015 slate showcases independent discoveries from emerging directors, auteur-driven comedies and works by master filmmakers. During the… Continue reading Local Movie News: SXSW FILM 2015 FEATURES LINEUP

Review: BLACK OR WHITE

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) For a film about some heavy topics as race relations, addiction, and child custody battles, I was rather perplexed that Mike Binder would choose a hackneyed climax that comes unexpectedly (not in a good way) and is so unnecessary and out of place.  As for the… Continue reading Review: BLACK OR WHITE

Review: A MOST VIOLENT YEAR

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Written and directed by J.C. Chandor, this slow simmering period piece had me engaged and engrossed for almost all of the film’s run time.  Then, in the last act of the story, it takes a serious “WTF?” moment that pretty much negates all of the drama… Continue reading Review: A MOST VIOLENT YEAR