Since Stephen King’s novel, Firestarter, was first published in 1980, the acclaimed and popular story inspired one cinematic adaptation in 1984, and a straight-to-television sequel in 2002. Though I have never watched the sequel, I do recall getting frightened and disturbed by the first movie version which stars E.T.’s Drew Barrymore. Of course, at the… Continue reading FIRESTARTER
Author: Mark Saldana
DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS
When it comes to MCU films, there exists an undeniable compromise between the vision of the director, and the overall vision of the producers of the franchise. Sometimes, that “bigger picture” prevents directors from making an impact that sings their individual, signature styles. Thankfully, that is not the case when it comes to Sam Raimi’s… Continue reading DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS
RANDY RHOADS: REFLECTIONS OF A GUITAR ICON
In the late 1970s and early 1980s a young guitarist made an impact on the world of hard rock and heavy metal that would outlast his life. Randall William Rhoads was born in Santa Monica, California in 1956. His love of both hard rock and classical music would influence his style of playing, and would… Continue reading RANDY RHOADS: REFLECTIONS OF A GUITAR ICON
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER: NEW ORLEANS
In 2014, director Martin Shore took audiences on a journey, exploring the rich musical culture of Memphis, Tennessee. Seven years later, Shore has returned with another damn fine musical documentary which honors and celebrates the also rich musical tradition of New Orleans, Louisiana. Narrated by New Orleans resident, John Goodman, the film not only serves… Continue reading TAKE ME TO THE RIVER: NEW ORLEANS
MEMORY
The casting of the wrong actor in the lead role will most definitely affect the overall quality of a movie, regardless of how compelling or intriguing the story’s premise or concept is. Now, I know that might seem like an obvious fact, but in the case of the crime drama Memory, the casting of actor… Continue reading MEMORY
THE NORTHMAN
From Robert Eggers, the incredible filmmaker behind The Witch and The Lighthouse, comes a different kind of movie that displays more of what makes Eggers an impressive auteur. Based on the Viking tale of Amleth, a story which later inspired Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, The Northman is definitely a theatrical experience that goes to dark places… Continue reading THE NORTHMAN
SXSW 2022: THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT
When it was announced that the programmers of this year’s SXSW had selected this new action-comedy starring Nicolas Cage, I was beyond excited. Since I first heard about this film, I simply could not wait to watch it, and seeing it at Austin’s Paramount Theater at the film festival, with the filmmakers and lead actors… Continue reading SXSW 2022: THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT
STANLEYVILLE
From Oscilloscope Laboratories, the strange, independent studio that is known for their often intriguing and bizarre films, comes an offering this is certain to perplex and bewilder audiences. Of course, this should come as no surprise anyone familiar with the label. However, this new entry definitely raises more questions and never really answers them. Though… Continue reading STANLEYVILLE
THE BAD GUYS
Based on the popular children’s book series of the same name, Dreamworks’ adaptation of The Bad Guys is guaranteed to entertain audiences of all ages, regardless of their familiarity with the source material. With a mix of classic cartoonish silliness, physical gags, smartly written comedy, and thrilling action, this movie delivers laughs and excitement galore.… Continue reading THE BAD GUYS
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, movie audiences would have to wait four years for this sequel to Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. While I am not a massive fan of the “Wizarding World” franchise, I feel that I actually benefitted greatly from this longer-than-expected break for this next installment. With its flaws and problems,… Continue reading FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE