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Movie Review: FLOW – A Lovely Animated Film of Unity and Survival
The animated feature film by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis (Away, 2019) is dialogue-free. Why, may you ask? There are no humans in this film, and the story’s star is a black cat who seems to have been living with humans in a lovely home. What remains is what they left behind. Zilbalodis co-wrote the script… Continue reading Movie Review: FLOW – A Lovely Animated Film of Unity and Survival
Movie Review: Get Away – Nick Frost Writes and Stars in this Horror Comedy via IFC Films
Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Attack the Block, The World’s End) is the solo writer of this feature comedy/horror film. The world premiere was here in Austin, TX, at Fantastic Fest in September, and it was among my favorite films from the fest. I had not seen the filmmaker here in Austin with a… Continue reading Movie Review: Get Away – Nick Frost Writes and Stars in this Horror Comedy via IFC Films
AFF Movie Review: Unstoppable – A Sports Biopic About Determination and Perseverance
William Goldenberg, an award-winning editor for Argo, makes his directorial debut with the feature film Unstoppable, about the real life of wrestler Anthony Robles (portrayed by Jharrel Jerome in his first lead role in a feature). Robles, born with only one leg, has had the love and support of his mother, Judy (portrayed by Jennifer… Continue reading AFF Movie Review: Unstoppable – A Sports Biopic About Determination and Perseverance
Moana 2: while lacking is a visual and auditory triumph
“Moana 2” sets sail into the world of its predecessor with dazzling animation and standout voice performances, yet its narrative struggles to capture the magic and emotional depth of the original film. Despite its uneven story, the sequel remains a visual and auditory triumph, with a talented cast that brings the characters to life, especially Auli’i… Continue reading Moana 2: while lacking is a visual and auditory triumph
Movie Review: GLADIATOR II Gives Us An Unnecessary Sequel
There are plenty of Gladiator fans. I was never a huge fan of Ridley Scott’s first film. It is fine. It is entertaining, and Scott and his crew utilized modern technology (of the time) to deliver a fun and exciting cinematic romp. For some reason, Scott and other “creative” minds decided that cinema needed a… Continue reading Movie Review: GLADIATOR II Gives Us An Unnecessary Sequel
Bonhoeffer: a compelling character study and a timely moral parable
Todd Komarnicki’s ‘Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin’ brings the extraordinary life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—a theologian who took a dangerous stand against Adolf Hitler—to the big screen. While the film wrestles with moments of uneven pacing and biographical tropes, it ultimately succeeds as a compelling character study and a timely moral parable. Set against the backdrop of… Continue reading Bonhoeffer: a compelling character study and a timely moral parable
Wicked:Soars Beyond Expectations
Seeing Wicked’s original Broadway cast in 2004 from the front-row center was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and this film adaptation remarkably captures that magic. Director Jon M. Chu, despite some uneven choices, delivers a stunning, immersive take that lives up to the musical’s legacy, thanks largely to its phenomenal leads and a dazzling ensemble cast. Cynthia Erivo… Continue reading Wicked:Soars Beyond Expectations
Movie Review: GLAFF offered Award Winning film La Arriera by Director Isabel Cristina Fregoso
The 2024 Guadalajara International Film Festival held in Los Angeles earlier this month featured the from the Festival Internacional de Cine en Guadalajara (FICG), “La Arriera,” (the muleteer), which earned Isabel Cristina Fregoso a Best Director award. Since June, after the world premiere, the film has become an official selection in various film festivals across… Continue reading Movie Review: GLAFF offered Award Winning film La Arriera by Director Isabel Cristina Fregoso
Movie News: GuadaLAjara Film Festival in Los Angeles Featured Dynamic and Interesting Films
The GuadaLAjara Film Festival (GLAFF) returned to Los Angeles for its 14th edition earlier this month. I attended this festival virtually two years ago, and this year’s festival featured an array of short and feature films from a variety of filmmakers, both local and international. The festival opened with “Sujo,” Mexico’s official submission for the… Continue reading Movie News: GuadaLAjara Film Festival in Los Angeles Featured Dynamic and Interesting Films