By Mark Saldana Rating 3 (Out of 4 Stars) When it comes to promoting their films during awards season, Netflix has to be the master of the “hard sell.” The film production and streaming service seriously goes “HAM” with special screenings, physical screeners, coffee table books and other promotional items during the “for your consideration”… Continue reading THE HARDER THEY FALL
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THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN
Rating: A Benedict Cumberbatch produced the film and stars as Louis Wain, a late 19th and early 20th century English illustrator in the new Amazon Studios film “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain.” I honestly did not really know what to expect when I quickly read a brief synopsis of the film about a man,… Continue reading THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN
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
HELL HATH NO FURY
By Laurie Coker Rating: D+/C- It is true, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” With these words comes an image of a woman bent on revenge and the victim or victims in her wake. ‘Hell Hath No Fury’s’ title evokes a similar representation, but director Jesse V. Johnson and writer Katharine Lee McEwan… Continue reading HELL HATH NO FURY
ETERNALS
By Mark Saldana Rating 3 (Out of 4 Stars) As a movie critic living and working in the age of social media dominance, it is sometimes difficult to avoid spoilers and reviews from other critics and film analysts. This is especially true when it comes to major studio tentpoles that thrive on Rotten Tomatoes scores.… Continue reading ETERNALS
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
ANTLERS
Rating: B+ This is a horror film. Perhaps not so much because of the creature itself, but what the two elementary school aged boys endure in the film. It could give parents and/or grandparents nightmares. To be very honest, in the first five minutes of the film (or so) when I saw the younger child… Continue reading ANTLERS
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