Author: Mark Saldana

SXSW 2025 Movie Review: MAKE IT LOOK REAL, A Fascinating Look At The Work Of An Intimacy Coordinator

When making a movie or television show, there are many essential jobs, as these art forms and sources of entertainment are collaborative efforts. In recent years, a new crew member has risen in the ranks of importance to guarantee the comfort and safety of actors performing. That role is that of the intimacy coordinator. For… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: MAKE IT LOOK REAL, A Fascinating Look At The Work Of An Intimacy Coordinator

SXSW 2025 Review: GOVERNMENT CHEESE, A New Comedy Series on AppleTV+

During this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival, I attended a screening of the first two episodes of a new AppleTV+ series titled Government Cheese. Starring David Oyelowo, the show follows the life of Hampton Chambers, a recently released ex-con hoping to reconnect with his family and start a new life as a legitimate inventor/entrepreneur.… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Review: GOVERNMENT CHEESE, A New Comedy Series on AppleTV+

SXSW 2025 Movie Review: NEW JACK FURY

The filmmakers behind New Jack Fury wanted to recreate the experience of watching late-night, trashy B-movies on ’80s/’90s cable television. Anyone who has ever watched USA Up All Night or any show by Joe Bob Briggs knows what I am talking about. New Jack Fury offers just that, complete with ridiculously hilarious commercials that are… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: NEW JACK FURY

SXSW 2025 Movie Review: THE MAKINGS OF CURTIS MAYFIELD

Musical artist Curtis Mayfield first hit my radar when I finally watched the film Superfly, and ever since, I have relished his incredible soundtrack for the movie. Besides that contribution, I didn’t know much about his other contributions to music or his life and background. I made it a point to watch this documentary because… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: THE MAKINGS OF CURTIS MAYFIELD

Movie Review: WARFARE Is Possibly The Closest One Can Get To Witnessing Real Combat On The Big Screen

From writer/director Ray Mendoza (an actual war veteran) and Alex Garland (Civil War) comes an incredible film that offers the audience an immersive experience of what it feels like to be in wartime battle. This movie is not feel-good, patriotic, or jingoist material. The film gives its audience a realistic glimpse into the harrowing experience… Continue reading Movie Review: WARFARE Is Possibly The Closest One Can Get To Witnessing Real Combat On The Big Screen

Movie Review: THE AMATEUR Is A Decent Revenge Flick That Would’ve Benefitted From A Better Lead Actor

Based on the 1981 novel of the same name by Robert Littell, the film adaptation of The Amateur has plenty of solid storytelling and assured writing and direction, but the casting of Rami Malek as the titular character fails to give this movie the necessary gravity it needs. It isn’t that Malek is horrible in… Continue reading Movie Review: THE AMATEUR Is A Decent Revenge Flick That Would’ve Benefitted From A Better Lead Actor

SXSW 2025 Movie Review: THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND Is A Lovable Slice Of Comedic Indie Cinema

As it was challenging to get into the big headliners of this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival, I focused on some of the more low-key films the fest had to offer. One delightful surprise is a film that shows how fandom can sometimes be a positive thing for musical artists coping with their own… Continue reading SXSW 2025 Movie Review: THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND Is A Lovable Slice Of Comedic Indie Cinema