After taking a little break from movies, filmmaker David O. Russell is back. During the 90s and early aughts, Russell made a name for himself as an indie filmaker darling with movies such as Spanking the Monkey and Flirting with Disaster, and went on to make bigger movies such as Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees,… Continue reading AMSTERDAM
Author: Mark Saldana
LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE
Based on the popular children’s books, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile and The House on 88th St., this movie musical hopes to just as successfully win the hearts of children and their parents. While the story is charming enough, I feel that the writing lacks the genuine emotional power needed to win both kids and grownups. As… Continue reading LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE
Fantastic Fest 2022: HELLRAISER
Fantastic Fest’s second secret screening was an actual feature film that serves as a reboot to the Hellraiser franchise. Now, this was one particular rumor that rang true, and going into this movie, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. While I pride myself as a film critic who has seen a lot of movies,… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2022: HELLRAISER
Fantastic Fest 2022: WEREWOLF BY NIGHT
Every year, Fantastic Fest has two secret screenings. Every attendee aims for those tickets, because one doesn’t know exactly what to expect. Now, there are plenty of rumors going around during the days leading up to these screenings, some of which have been right on the money. However, this year, no one expected the presence… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2022: WEREWOLF BY NIGHT
Fantastic Fest 2022: SMILE
The opening night feature of this year’s Fantastic Fest was the world premiere of the horror movie Smile. Thanks to the trailers, promos, and other creepy stunts used to promote the film, there is much anticipation among horror fans for what they hope is a thoroughly frightening experience. So, does Smile live up to all… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2022: SMILE
BLONDE
For those looking for a romanticized, rose-tinted portrait of Marilyn Monroe, then Andrew Dominik’s Blonde is not for you. Based on the fictional novel by Joyce Carol Oates, the movie presents the life and career of Norma Jean Mortenson/Marilyn Monroe as a dark and disturbing tragedy. Much like Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, Blonde has a very… Continue reading BLONDE
SIDNEY
Actor and filmmaker Sidney Poitier was a legend. As a trailblazing thespian, he paved the way for so many Black actors and filmmakers by proving that Black Americans have so much to offer cinema, either despite or because of their tumultuous experiences facing racism and prejudice in our country. From producer Oprah Winfrey and director… Continue reading SIDNEY
FANTASTIC FEST IS BACK!
After going mostly virtual in 2020, and having a “soft re-opening” in 2021, Austin’s favorite genre film festival has a “grand re-opening” planned for this Thursday night. With close to 100 films promised, and plenty of wildly fun events planned, this year’s Fantastic Fest claims to be a return to form. As someone who has… Continue reading FANTASTIC FEST IS BACK!
THE WOMAN KING
If anyone thinks the trailer for The Woman King is great, then wait until one actually sees the whole movie. While I was watching and marveling at the awesomeness of this film, I couldn’t help, but think how, in a lot of ways, this story feels like Marvel’s Black Panther. However, I mean that, obviously,… Continue reading THE WOMAN KING
PEARL
Earlier this year, director Ti West delivered a wild, but fun 70s horror throwback with X. As audiences underwent this flash-to-the-past journey they would eventually discover that West has a bigger picture to offer them. At the end of X, another film gets teased, promising a more complete portrait on the character of Pearl. A… Continue reading PEARL