By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) From India, but not from “Bollywood,” comes an outstanding achievement in direction, cinematography, editing and sound that has a simple story with astute political connotations. This film, by director Lijo Jose Pellissery and writers R. Jayakumar and Hareesh S., challenges people’s perceptions of strength and valor… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: JALLIKATTU
Category: Banner
Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: AMIGO
By Liz Lopez Rating: B+ This Spanish language feature film from Spain peeked my interest from the initial description I read, however, I was not prepared for all the levels of drama that happen between the two main characters, David (David Pareja) and Javi (Javier Botet). They have been lifelong friends, or so it appears… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: AMIGO
Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: IN THE TALL GRASS
By Liz Lopez Rating: B+ “In the Tall Grass” is directed by Vicenzo Natali and the screenplay is one her adapted from the novella written Stephen King and his son Joe Hill. I have never liked stepping into or walking in overgrown grass, much less grass that is taller than I am, so watching this… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: IN THE TALL GRASS
Review: HUSTLERS
By Laurie Coker Rating: A Everyone hustles – for a job, to care for the kids, to win a race or earn a promotion, but no one hustles like actress Jennifer Lopez in her latest film Hustlers. Writer-director, Lorene Scafaria brings out the best in her cast and Lopez uses every gift that nature gave… Continue reading Review: HUSTLERS
Review: AUGGIE
By Laurie Coker Rating: B What if someone could read your mind? And what if that someone came in the guise of a life-like AI image? Such is the case in Auggie, an Indy film co-written and directed by writer-director Matt Kane and Marc Underhill. Starring Richard Kind, Auggie plods along much like its lead… Continue reading Review: AUGGIE
Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: COLOR OUT OF SPACE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) After taking an extended break from narrative feature filmmaking, director Richard Stanley is back with an adaptation of an H.P. Lovecraft short story, The Color Out of Space. Stanley is no stranger to Fantastic Fest, as he attended the festival in 2014 in support of the… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: COLOR OUT OF SPACE
FANTASTIC FEST 2019 News: Takashi Miike’s “First Love” (Hatsukoi) Plays Opening Night Of The 15th Annual Genre Festival
By Liz Lopez Takashi Miike received the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Fantastic Fest after the screening of his film, “First Love,” that had a World Premiere at Cannes 2019 (Directors’ Fortnight) and a North American Premiere at TIFF this year as well. He has directed more than 100 features between the late 90s… Continue reading FANTASTIC FEST 2019 News: Takashi Miike’s “First Love” (Hatsukoi) Plays Opening Night Of The 15th Annual Genre Festival
Review: AD ASTRA
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Writer/director James Gray’s new film visits the near future, but doesn’t cime close to conquering new territory. Ad Astra comes across as a cerebral science fiction movie, but does not have a whole lot to say stylistically or thematically. While it vies to be a successor… Continue reading Review: AD ASTRA
Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: JOJO RABBIT
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) The 15th annual Fantastic Fest genre film festival began with a glorious new entry from New Zealand director Taika Waititi. The opening night film, Jojo Rabbit takes on hate and nationalism and takes no prisoners in the process. The movie offers a wonderful mix of comedy,… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2019 Review: JOJO RABBIT
Review: AD ASTRA
By Renee’ C.Rating: 5 (Out of 5 Reels) Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) undertakes a mission across an unforgiving solar system to uncover the truth about his missing father (Tommy Lee Jones) and his doomed expedition that now, 30 years later, threatens the universe (IMDB). This is a spectacularly written, made and acted film. It… Continue reading Review: AD ASTRA