Category: Festivals

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

Austin Film Festival 2021 Review and News: HOLIDAYS AT ALL COST

Rating: A The French comedy, Holidays At All Cost, world premiered at Dances With Films 24 in Los Angeles, followed by screenings at festivals in New York City, Montreal and Germany, and recently won awards in Marbella (Best Story), Edmonton (Jury Award for Best International Feature – Dramatic) and Austria (Best Feature – Austrian Indie… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2021 Review and News: HOLIDAYS AT ALL COST

Austin Film Festival 2021 Review: TIME NOW

Rating: B – Writer/director Spencer King’s Time Now is one of the major marquee titles premiering at the Austin Film Festival. The new mystery-thriller stars Eleanor Lambert (daughter of acclaimed actors Diane Lane and Christopher Lambert) and Claudia Black (“Farscape”, “The Nevers”). Lambert stars as Jenny, who grew up in Detroit, but is married and… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2021 Review: TIME NOW

Austin Film Festival 2020 Review: THE FRENCH DISPATCH

Rating: B+ From the very beginning, The French Dispatch is obviously very much a Wes Anderson film. Fans of the New Yorker Magazine will certainly see how Anderson’s film is a tribute to the publication. The French Dispatch is a special supplement in a fictional Kansas newspaper in the imagined town of Ennui-Sur-Blasé. The proprietor… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2020 Review: THE FRENCH DISPATCH

Film News: Austin Film Festival and Conference Kicks Off

The 28th annual Austin Film Festival returns to multiple venues, both downtown and at the Galaxy Theaters until October 28th.  There is plenty to experience with both the conference and the films, so here is a quick peek at some films and updates on the conference. Conference – the Austin Film Festival staff and special… Continue reading Film News: Austin Film Festival and Conference Kicks Off

Fantastic Fest 2021: KNOCKING

By Liz Lopez Rating: B The Swedish film Knocking started its festival run at Sundance early this year and continued to multiple film festivals internationally before arriving at Fantastic Fest. I found the film very intriguing, despite having viewed stories that feature a woman who is trying very hard to have people believe her about… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2021: KNOCKING