From director Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World) comes a moving and powerful film that examines an estranged family reuniting for the first time in years and striving to make some semblance of peace despite past traumas. I first watched this trailer at the movies about two months ago, and I knew instantly… Continue reading SENTIMENTAL VALUE Is A Heartfelt Story Of A Family Coming To Terms With The Past
Author: Mark Saldana
THE RUNNING MAN: Edgar Wright Offers A Take On Stephen King’s Story A Little Too Faithful To The Source Material
That headline might sound like I didn’t like the movie, but I actually did enjoy it. When I first heard that filmmaker Edgar Wright was developing a new film adaptation of Stephen King’s story, my ears perked up with excitement. I am a big fan of Wright’s filmmaking, and I went into this screening thinking… Continue reading THE RUNNING MAN: Edgar Wright Offers A Take On Stephen King’s Story A Little Too Faithful To The Source Material
PREDATOR: BADLANDS Is A Fun and Entertaining Buddy Movie
Director Dan Trachtenberg earned his place in the franchise with Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers. If you haven’t watched these films, I highly recommend them. I went into his latest installment, which thankfully is getting a theatrical release, and I was not disappointed. Trachtenberg, working with co-writer Patrick Aison, takes the Predator franchise into… Continue reading PREDATOR: BADLANDS Is A Fun and Entertaining Buddy Movie
DIE MY LOVE: An Exploration Of Post-Partum Depression Taken To The Extreme
From director Lynne Ramsay (We Need to Talk About Kevin) comes a film that gives its audiences an intimate look at the meltdown of a new mother as she unravels due to post-partum depression. I can definitely appreciate a movie that explores the psychology of women navigating both the demands of motherhood and the hormonal… Continue reading DIE MY LOVE: An Exploration Of Post-Partum Depression Taken To The Extreme
Fantastic Fest 2025: BUGONIA – A Hilarious Exercise In Absurdity
The second secret screening of the festival this year was the newest film by Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos. In previous years, Fantastic Fest featured the director’s previous films, The Lobster and The Killing of A Sacred Deer, both of which became fan favorites. So, it came as little surprise that Bugonia would get programmed this… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2025: BUGONIA – A Hilarious Exercise In Absurdity
NOUVELLE VAGUE: Richard Linklater Recreates The 1959 French New Wave Scene
From 1958 to the 1960s, a film movement in France, known as the Nouvelle Vague (French New Wave), had a significant impact on the world of cinema, forever influencing arthouse and independent film. One particular filmmaker who was greatly affected by the movies of this movement is Richard Linklater. Some of the filmmaker’s dialogue-driven, “hang-out”… Continue reading NOUVELLE VAGUE: Richard Linklater Recreates The 1959 French New Wave Scene
FRANKENSTEIN: Guillermo Del Toro Brings His Beautiful Visual Style To A Timeless Classic
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is arguably the most influential work in literature, pop culture, and cinema. It has inspired creative works in movies, comic books, horror stories, and television. Though many filmmakers have adapted elements of the story, perhaps it was time for a visionary director to present it through his unique perspective. Guillermo Del Toro’s… Continue reading FRANKENSTEIN: Guillermo Del Toro Brings His Beautiful Visual Style To A Timeless Classic
AFF 2025: GREGG ALLMAN: THE MUSIC OF MY SOUL
As an audiophile and one who particularly enjoys musical artist documentaries, this is a film I could not miss at the festival. During the 1970s, The Allman Brothers Band made their mark in the history of rock ‘n roll with their undeniable musical talent that earned them loads of fans and much respect. Director James… Continue reading AFF 2025: GREGG ALLMAN: THE MUSIC OF MY SOUL
AFF 2025: YOU’RE DATING A NARCISSIST!
Since I couldn’t attend every screening at the film festival, I watched a few films at home instead. The first was You’re Dating A Narcissist!, whose realistic humor I enjoyed in a comfortable setting. It worked well outside the festival context, with amusing, relatable writing and performances. This small indie comedy resonates with anyone familiar… Continue reading AFF 2025: YOU’RE DATING A NARCISSIST!
SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE – A Meditative Examination Of The Making Of The Nebraska Album That Feels Incomplete
I am a solid fan of Bruce Springsteen. I have grown to appreciate his songwriting as I have matured and have come to appreciate his artistry, along with the tremendous talents of his backing musicians. So, I was naturally stoked to see a cinematic take on Bruce. I was sold with the casting, because, even… Continue reading SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE – A Meditative Examination Of The Making Of The Nebraska Album That Feels Incomplete