By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) From Andrew Bujaski, the writer/director of Funny Ha Ha and Computer Chess comes this sometimes smart and acerbic comedy about a handful of people who are unhappy for various reasons, but hope to soon discover their happiness while attempting to remain physically fit. Though not as… Continue reading SXSW Film 2015 Review: RESULTS
Category: Festivals
SXSW Film 2015 Review: TWINSTERS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This lovely and adorable documentary tells the story of how two twins, separated at birth, reunited and became the close siblings they were meant to be. American actress Samantha Futerman and French fashion student Anais Bordier were both originally born in Korea, but were eventually adopted… Continue reading SXSW Film 2015 Review: TWINSTERS
SXSW Film/Fantastic Fest 2015 Review: THE INVITATION
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Written by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi and directed by Karyn Kusama, this taut thriller had me on the edge of my seat trying to guess the truth behind all of the characters and the frightening scenario they experience. Still in pain, some time after the… Continue reading SXSW Film/Fantastic Fest 2015 Review: THE INVITATION
SXSW 2015 Review: KRISHA
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Written and directed by Trey Edward Shults, this devastating, but outstanding film deserves worldwide attention for its superb writing and direction, and for its superb performances by the cast, particularly Krisha Fairchild who stars in the title role. Loosely based on real experiences, the film tackles… Continue reading SXSW 2015 Review: KRISHA
SXSW Film 2015 Review: TURBO KID
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) If Menahem Golan were still alive and he and Cannon partner Yoram Globus had collaborated with Lloyd Kaufman of Troma and director George Miller, Turbo Kid would be their movie love child. After watching this fun, endearing, and soon to be cult-favorited flick, one can easily… Continue reading SXSW Film 2015 Review: TURBO KID
SXSW Film 2015 Review: HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Sally Field has already established herself as a seminal and consistent talent in Hollywood. He wonderfully charming personality and disarming screen presence has made me a long time admirer of her work. It came as no surprise that her latest performance in this SXSW headliner comedy… Continue reading SXSW Film 2015 Review: HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS
SXSW Film 2015 Review: WE ARE STILL HERE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) My second Midnighter film of the festival played on the same night as the special secret screening of Furious 7. Knowing that I would most certainly have a chance to view that major title later, I decided to take a chance on what I thought might… Continue reading SXSW Film 2015 Review: WE ARE STILL HERE
Review: EX MACHINA (SXSW)
By Laurie Coker Rating: C+/B- Having spent several blocks having my students demonstrate their analysis of setting, theme and character for a novel using Minecraftedu, and watching a friend of mine take a graduate class in part inside a virtual world called Second Life, I looked forward to seeing Ex Machina at SWSX. I watched… Continue reading Review: EX MACHINA (SXSW)
SXSW Film 2015 Review/Interview: A SPACE PROGRAM
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) I must say that this film is unlike any other film I watched during the festival. Director Van Neistadt’s movie is not really a documentary or narrative film. This is more like an abridged presentation of the work of artist Tom Sachs and his crew that… Continue reading SXSW Film 2015 Review/Interview: A SPACE PROGRAM
SXSW Film 2015 Review: EXCESS FLESH
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Occasionally, films come along which absolutely turn people’s stomachs, make audiences uncomfortable and just leave some feeling miserable. However, a filmmaker can justify eliciting these responses from an audience if that is the intended effect. Films, whether well or poorly made can have these effects on… Continue reading SXSW Film 2015 Review: EXCESS FLESH