Author: Mark Saldana

SHORTCOMINGS: CATCHER IN THE RYE meets Relationship Comedy

A still from Shortcomings by Randall Park, an official selection of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute

Even though it has been over seventy years since J.D. Salinger’s novel was first published, The Catcher in the Rye continues to influence multiple types of entertainment media today. In the case of Shortcomings, the iconic book has had a noticeable impact on both the comic book of the same name and its film adaptation.… Continue reading SHORTCOMINGS: CATCHER IN THE RYE meets Relationship Comedy

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM Offers Fans of the Franchise Great Fun

There is quite a variety of TMNT adaptations in cinema and television. However, only some of these interpretations have entirely captured the heart and spirit of the property. That is, until now. Writers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, and writer/director Jeff Rowe have come up with a thoroughly entertaining and exciting animated… Continue reading TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM Offers Fans of the Franchise Great Fun

TALK TO ME Is the Australian Horror Sensation of the Year

It is safe to say that during their teenage years, most people have toyed with horror at parties and social gatherings, whether it is a house party or a campfire. For whatever reason, kids love to scare each other and test the courage of one another. This exciting Australian horror import attempts to frighten audiences… Continue reading TALK TO ME Is the Australian Horror Sensation of the Year

HAUNTED MANSION Attempts To Offer Audiences Something Deeper

Based on the attractions at Walt Disney parks, Haunted Mansion is not the first attempt at adapting the theme park “ride” for cinema. In 2003, Disney released a movie called The Haunted Mansion, which is moderately entertaining and somewhat fun but needs more great storytelling. Disney has decided to develop and create a reboot with… Continue reading HAUNTED MANSION Attempts To Offer Audiences Something Deeper

OPPENHEIMER Is Christopher Nolan’s Masterpiece

The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer is a rather complex one. On the one hand, he was one of the most brilliant physicists of our time, but he is also the primary person responsible for the invention of nuclear weapons. Based on the Oppenheimer biography, “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer,”… Continue reading OPPENHEIMER Is Christopher Nolan’s Masterpiece

BARBIE Offers Social Commentary Within a Lovable and Colorful Film

The history of the intellectual property of Barbie and all of its toy merchandise has, in recent decades, raised many conversations about women and their status in our world. While on the one hand, the Barbie lore elevates women and honors all they have to offer, the reality is our world spins very differently, as… Continue reading BARBIE Offers Social Commentary Within a Lovable and Colorful Film

ONCE UPON A TIME IN UGANDA

One of my most treasured moments was experiencing my first exposure to Wakaliwood. It was during one of several attendances at Austin’s Fantastic Fests. I sat through what would typically be another low-budget action film with lousy action sequences, barely acceptable acting, and a plot that would put most Hollywood movies to shame. That experience… Continue reading ONCE UPON A TIME IN UGANDA

JOY RIDE Delivers Both Raunchy Comedy and Representation of Asian Culture

I missed this particular film at this year’s SXSW. That was a common theme for me at the festival this year. I had to miss several films due to familial obligations. Still, I must applaud the promotion from Austn’s locally-based PR group for offering many opportunities for me to enjoy this hilarious comedy very early.… Continue reading JOY RIDE Delivers Both Raunchy Comedy and Representation of Asian Culture