Category: Festivals

SXSW: EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE

I like whacky films as much as the next guy. Cowriters/directors Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert take on familiar themes at a breakneck pace, taking the best advantage of their impressive cast. Plot twists, action, weirdness, bizarre, asinine, silly, riotous – sign me up. Everything, Everywhere, All at Once goes beyond these descriptors and offers… Continue reading SXSW: EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE

Fantastic Fest 2021 Review: SILENT NIGHT

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Leave it to Fantastic Fest to conclude their film extravaganza with a Christmas movie. Of course, this is not the typical, feel-good holiday fare one comes to expect from the season. What is served up is a pitch-black comedy that takes place during Christmas, but during… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2021 Review: SILENT NIGHT

Fantasia Film Review 2021: IDA RED

Rating: B-/C+ The new crime thriller written and directed by John Swab (Body Brokers), Ida Red, may not be the most original in story, but I did find it entertaining and a good switch from the other films I was viewing virtually during the Fantasia International Film Festival. I have viewed many films that star… Continue reading Fantasia Film Review 2021: IDA RED

Fantastic Fest 2021 Review/News: THE BETA TEST

Rating: B Jim Cummings is back as co-director and star in this pitch – black film biz satire. Cummings revels in the full spectrum of bad behavior, leaving you laughing and gasping in equal measure. Cummings stars as a married Hollywood agent who receives a mysterious letter for an anonymous sexual encounter. After deciding to… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2021 Review/News: THE BETA TEST

Film Review and News: THE BIG BEND

Rating: B+ The Big Bend is the latest feature film from writer/director Brett Wagner (The Hidden, Chief) and it had the World Premiere at the Austin Film Festival. The premiere had a sold-out theater and probably the same for the second screening during the festival. It was so popular it was a Buzz Screening selection… Continue reading Film Review and News: THE BIG BEND

Fantastic Fest Film 2021 Review: DEAD & BEAUTIFUL

Rating: B – When someone mentions a vampire film, some horror fans will jump right in and be ready to watch, while others may think it is a tired theme. Dead & Beautiful is written and directed by David Verbeek (R U There, How to Describe a Cloud, Full Contact) and his story shows the audience what… Continue reading Fantastic Fest Film 2021 Review: DEAD & BEAUTIFUL

Cinejoy Film Festival 2021 Review: WOMAN ALIVE

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) From November 4 through 14, Cinejoy, a virtual film festival component of the Cinequest Film Festival, will bring films from all over the world to the homes of movie enthusiasts. This year I had the privilege of screening and reviewing a rather impressive entry from Israel.… Continue reading Cinejoy Film Festival 2021 Review: WOMAN ALIVE

Fantastic Fest 2021 Review: LAST NIGHT IN SOHO

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) In choosing my preferred films for this year’s Fantastic Fest, I was definitely blessed in that I was able to receive access to all of my choices. For those unfamiliar with their system, the people in charge of Fantastic Fest utilize a lottery system for seating… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2021 Review: LAST NIGHT IN SOHO