Author: Mark Saldana

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Now available for viewing via AppleTV + is a film that gives its audiences an astute, critical look at U.S. politics through the ambitious eyes of our youth. The documentary focuses on a long-running program run by The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary. In… Continue reading BOYS STATE

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) In 1958, photographer Bert Stein filmed segments of The Newport Jazz Festival, some footage behind the scenes, along with some coverage of the 1958 America’s Cup Yacht Races. The resulting feature, Jazz On A Summer’s Day, premiered at the 1959 Venice Film Festival and has been… Continue reading JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) To be completely honest and transparent, I feel the need to preface this review. I have known the film’s writer/director, Daniel Tucker, for several years now. He is a good friend and overall great person. Before pursuing a career as a filmmaker, Daniel used to review… Continue reading NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Japanese filmmaker Magato Nagahisa makes his feature film debut with a movie that deals with grief and disappointment through the eyes and minds of children. That opening sentence might make this film sound like a dour and depressing affair, but Nagahisa channels his inner child well… Continue reading WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Prior to viewing this documentary, my knowledge about Suzi Quatro was mostly limited to the small series of appearances she made on television’s Happy Days durting the 1970s. I was also aware that she was a rock musician and singer, but I honestly had no idea… Continue reading SUZI Q

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) “Just when you thought it was safer to take a flight,” could have easily been a corny tagline for this hijacking movie. It would’ve been appropriately corny, given that there have been plenty of entries already in this thriller subgenre. Still, I have to give some… Continue reading 7500

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Retro sci fi meets indie, character/dialogue-driven drama in this exciting and riveting thriller. Though that might sound like an unusual mix to some people, cinephiles and science fiction enthusiasts should already know that some of the best genre movies and shows have exceptional writing and compelling… Continue reading THE VAST OF NIGHT

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Filmmaking and videography has become a family tradition in Sasha Joseph Neulinger’s family for a few decades now. It began with Sasha’s father Henry who has a career as a film producer/videographer. At home, Henry definitely bought into home video movement when he purchased his first… Continue reading REWIND