Category: Festivals

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Going into this movie, I knew almost nothing about Bo Burnham as a comedian and noticed that this is his first and only narrative feature film so far.  After experiencing this absolutely wonderful and poignant movie, I could only ponder why this talented new filmmaker had… Continue reading SXSW 2018 Review: EIGHTH GRADE

“Boundaries” Shines with stars Vera Farmiga and Christopher Plummer   By Liz Lopez Rating: B Writer-director Shana Feste (“Country Strong,” “Endless Love”) has created a father-daughter road movie that has both the drama and comedy that is found in most families, but with the characters in this family, what may be a pretty standard story… Continue reading Review: BOUNDARIES

By Mark Saldana  Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) There is no such thing as a perfect family.  Though some families suffer from greater dysfunctions than others,  every family has its share of problems and troubled relationships.  This delightful headliner by writer/director Shana Feste tells a fictionalized version of her problematic relationship with her father… Continue reading SXSW 2018 Review/Interview: BOUNDARIES

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Filmmakers Spike Jonze, Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry have definitely made their indelible marks in absurd, surreal fantasy, but now with his amazing feature film debut, Boots Riley can proudly join this list of contemporary mad geniuses.  Sorry to Bother You is a bizarre and hilarious… Continue reading Review: SORRY TO BOTHER YOU

“Sorry to Bother You” Blends Genres and Features a Unique and Humorous Script   By Liz Lopez Rating: B+ Boots Riley makes his theatrical directorial debut with “Sorry to Bother You,” based on the script he wrote, as well as songs featured in the film. Riley’s “Sorry to Bother You” has taken the sci-fi, fantasy… Continue reading Review: SORRY TO BOTHER YOU

By Mark Saldana  Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) On December 17, 2004, four childhood friends attempted to steal several highly valuable books from the Transylvania University Library.  This story and the events prior to and after the theft form the basis of this true crime film directed by Bart Layton.  Layton intercuts his dramatic… Continue reading Review: AMERICAN ANIMALS

By Mark Saldana  Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Between 1963 and 2001, Fred Rogers entertained and educated via his television programs which not only instructed children about the world around them, but also fueled their imagination and creativity.    Morgan Neville’s documentary goes behind the scenes to reveal the real Fred Rogers, a humble… Continue reading Review: WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?

Film Review: “American Animals” is an Unbelievable True Story You May have Missed – Watch Now!   By Liz Lopez Rating: A Often times, we read that a movie is “based on” some real events and so it is to be anticipated that some of the events/action is a dramatization. From the very beginning of… Continue reading Review: AMERICAN ANIMALS

Leigh Whannell’s Award Winning “Upgrade” Hits Theaters.   By Liz Lopez Rating: B+ Filmmaker Leigh Whannell (D: “Insidious: Chapter 3” and writer/actor of the “Saw” and “Insidious” franchises) wrote and directed “Upgrade” and made the World Premiere at the SXSW Film Festival this past March. The Alamo Drafthouse Ritz Theater was packed to the gills… Continue reading SXSW 2018 Review/Interview: UPGRADE

By Mark Saldana  Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) I went into this South by “Midnighter”with high hopes, but restrained expectations. Writer/director/actor Leigh Whannell had previously impressed me with his work on the Saw, Insidious, and Conjuring franchises, but my instincts told me that this foray into pulpy science fiction could be something really special. … Continue reading SXSW 2018 Review/Interview: UPGRADE