By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This midnighter has a bit of an uneven mix of cheese and thrills. The suspense and tension and some of the jump scares work really well, but when the cheesiness takes over, it has a cringe effect. Taking place in a retirement community, Late Phases has… Continue reading SXSW 2014 Review: LATE PHASES
Category: Festivals
SXSW 2014 Review: 13 SINS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) I found it to be a strange coincidence that my first midnighter of this year’s festival is very similar to midnighter that began my festival last year. Last year I was treated to the shock and awe of Cheap Thrills which I still applaud to this… Continue reading SXSW 2014 Review: 13 SINS
SXSW 2014 Review: WICKER KITTENS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) New to SXSW this year is SXsports which includes panels, showcases and films about various athletic activities and sports of different varieties. Included in the film lineup is a funny and interesting look at competitive jigsaw puzzling called Wicker Kittens. This documentary by director Amy C. Elliott… Continue reading SXSW 2014 Review: WICKER KITTENS
SXSW 2014 Review: THE MEND
By Nikki May Rating: D The premise is perfectly fine — two brothers, seemingly different people, manage to figure out they’re more simliar than they thought. Just from that description alone, you would think it would be interesting, though not incredibly original. It has room to wiggle, room for some uniqueness in a rather known… Continue reading SXSW 2014 Review: THE MEND
Review: CHEF (2014 SXSW)
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) After directing summer popcorn fare in Iron Man, Iron Man 2 and Cowboys and Aliens, Jon Favreau has decided to return to his roots in a smaller indie project. Chosen as the opening night film for SXSW 2014, Chef brought my SXSW Film to a delightful… Continue reading Review: CHEF (2014 SXSW)
SXSW 2014 Review/Interview: IMPOSSIBLE LIGHT
By Mark Saldana Film Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This documentary selection epitomizes independent film. Starting with no budget, but with a fascination with his subject and the inspiration to tell this story, director Jeremy Ambers, and his story in making this film a reality, serves as an inspiration to first time filmmakers afraid… Continue reading SXSW 2014 Review/Interview: IMPOSSIBLE LIGHT
SXSW: It’s Hump Daaaaay!
By Laurie Coker As always, the face of downtown changes as the music festival kicks off and throngs of fans and bands flood into the city. Parking prices sky rocket, lines grow, fashion changes significantly and film badge holders grow a tad grumpier. Still we plug on, hopefully of catching a gem in film, weary… Continue reading SXSW: It’s Hump Daaaaay!
SXSW: New Experience, Old Resident
By: Nikki May You’re taught a few things when you’re born and raised in Austin: Music is life, breakfast tacos can be eaten at any time of day, and SXSW means that downtown should be avoided if you want any chance of keeping your sanity and patience. Rightfully so. It wasn’t until I was older… Continue reading SXSW: New Experience, Old Resident
SXSW: Days Two and Three
By Laurie Coker SXSW, typically a bit of a zoo, never ceases to amaze me. While I get used to the whole nature of things changing downtown mid week, with the music folks coming in, it appears that crazy, wildly dressed and plain outlandish is still the order of the day on Sixth street. Since… Continue reading SXSW: Days Two and Three
SXSW: First Day – First LOOK!
By Laurie Coker SXSW went into full swing yesterday afternoon and after interviewing the gracious cast of Premature, including Alan Tudyk, intern Nikki May and I grabbed pizza slices on the run and headed to the red carpet to meet the cast and crew of Chef, a delightful, funny and yes, super cute and fun… Continue reading SXSW: First Day – First LOOK!