I went into this film thinking this sequel would be another dour and sad extension of the first installment. Thankfully, that is not the case. Writer/director Parker Finn now has a sense of humor about his franchise, making this next chapter a more entertaining and fun experience, despite the film’s dark elements. Finn also wants… Continue reading SMILE 2 Is Actually More Entertaining Than Its Predecessor
Author: Mark Saldana
Fantastic Fest 2024: MR. CROCKET
For the closing night film of this year’s Fantastic Fest, the programmers have chosen an unusual horror flick that offers up the premise, what if Mr. Rogers was a psychotic killer that preyed upon the parents of his most ardent fans, children? Writer/director Brandon Espy and co-writer Carl Reid have concocted an imaginative nightmare for… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024: MR. CROCKET
Movie Review: PIECE BY PIECE Takes An Inventive Approach To Documentary/Biopic Filmmaking
Pharrell Williams has made a name for himself as a musical artist in his own right. Still, he is also a significant contributor to the advancement of the careers of other musical artists. His story is worth telling through film, and the artist himself wishes to reveal his story. However, Williams wants to tell his… Continue reading Movie Review: PIECE BY PIECE Takes An Inventive Approach To Documentary/Biopic Filmmaking
Fantastic Fest 2024 Movie Review: SATURDAY NIGHT
The programmers of this year’s film festival decided to up the ante by scheduling a record number of “Secret Screenings.” In past years, the festival usually only offered two or three of these mystery offerings, but this year, four was the magic number. The first of these was the new film by Jason Reitman, Saturday… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024 Movie Review: SATURDAY NIGHT
Fantastic Fest 2024: TEACUP
In recent years, Fantastic Fest has opened its lineup to include television series that fall under its genre label. This year, I attended screenings for two TV shows, one of which was Teacup. One thing that caught my attention about Teacup was that one of the executive producers is James Wan (Saw, Insidious, The Conjuring).… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024: TEACUP
Movie Review: JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX
I was never a big fan of the first Joker film. At the same time, it has a compelling story and a fantastic performance by Joaquin Phoenix. The sequel comes across a wild-haired idea to capitalize on the previous success of other comic-book-inspired movies, while attempting a darker, more exciting approach to a villain’s backstory.… Continue reading Movie Review: JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX
Fantastic Fest 2024 Review: WILL & HARPER
Comedian/actor Will Ferrell met writer Andrew Steele when he got his big break as a performer on Saturday Night Live. The two entertainers not only became creative partners, but they also became the best of friends. This relationship would endure the tests of time and a major change that Andrew undertakes with his life. Andrew… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024 Review: WILL & HARPER
Fantastic Fest 2024: Overall Review
What is arguably the most popular genre film festival returned to Austin, Texas, during the last two weeks of September. Hosted by the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar (in Austin, Texas), Fantastic Fest 2024 treated its attendants to a diverse array of films and tantalizing teases of television programs that are due to be released soon,… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024: Overall Review
Movie Review: THE SUBSTANCE Is Currently My Favorite Horror Film Of The Year
I know we’ve only begun the Halloween movie season, but thus far, The Substance has risen above all the other horror flicks I have enjoyed this year. 2024 has been a great year for scary and wicked fare. Among my other favorites are The First Omen, Late Night With The Devil, Abigail, Longlegs, and Strange… Continue reading Movie Review: THE SUBSTANCE Is Currently My Favorite Horror Film Of The Year
Movie Review: HIS THREE DAUGHTERS Officially Kicks Off Awards Season
For Austin film critics, a press screening in a theater for a Netflix release means it is awards season. For most of the year, if an Austin critic is assigned a Netflix movie or chooses to review it, the streaming service provides a digital screener. However, when Netflix wants us to consider a feature for… Continue reading Movie Review: HIS THREE DAUGHTERS Officially Kicks Off Awards Season