NIGHT SWIM Delivers Scares and Thrills, But Left Me Wanting More

People, particularly those who do not know how to swim, often fear water. Whether it is a fear of drowning within a natural body of water or in a swimming pool, this particular type of death has fueled the fears of people for centuries. This new horror film by Bryce McGuire, in his feature directorial… Continue reading NIGHT SWIM Delivers Scares and Thrills, But Left Me Wanting More

Mark’s Review of Cinema in 2023

L to R: Benny Safdie is Edward Teller and Cillian Murphy is J. Robert Oppenheimer in OPPENHEIMER, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.

The year 2023 was a very interesting one in film. It marked a turning point for comic-book superhero movies. While I liked and enjoyed some of the offerings from both Marvel Studios and Warner Bros/DC, most other critics did not feel the same way. I am not saying I completely adored all these movies and… Continue reading Mark’s Review of Cinema in 2023

FERRARI Depicts Both the Enigmatic Genius and Weaknesses of the Legendary Car Designer

From acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann (Thief, Heat, The Insider) comes a fascinating character study of Enzo Ferrari, a former race car driver-turned-car designer/entrepreneur. Not a comprehensive biopic, Ferrari follows Enzo in 1957 as he obsesses over remaining a viable and competitive brand in the racing circuit while attempting to juggle his business problems and personal… Continue reading FERRARI Depicts Both the Enigmatic Genius and Weaknesses of the Legendary Car Designer

The Boys in the Boat: A Nostalgic Voyage Back to Old-Fashioned Filmmaking

Photo credit: Laurie Sparham © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

In an era dominated by flashy blockbusters and CGI-laden spectacles, George Clooney’s latest directorial venture, ‘The Boys in the Boat,’ takes a bold stroke against the tide of modern cinematic trends. Bravely venturing into the waters of old-fashioned storytelling, Clooney crafts a fact-based underdog sports saga set against the backdrop of the 1936 summer Olympics… Continue reading The Boys in the Boat: A Nostalgic Voyage Back to Old-Fashioned Filmmaking

The Color Purple: A Dazzling Cinematic Symphony of Resilience and Redemption

Blitz Bazawule’s rendition of ‘The Color Purple is a mesmerizing journey that skillfully blends earthy, naturalistic imagery, soul-stirring musical numbers, and captivating performances, bringing to life Alice Walker’s 1982 novel on the big screen. The narrative, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Georgia, explores the trials and triumphs of Celie, portrayed with poignant sincerity… Continue reading The Color Purple: A Dazzling Cinematic Symphony of Resilience and Redemption

THE IRON CLAW Tells the Tragic True Story of the Von Erich Family

During the 1980s, I was introduced to Texas wrestling by older teenage cousins. They were big fans of two late-night wrestling shows aired on Fridays and Saturdays. The Saturday night program was the Dallas-based World Class Championship Wrestling. It was on this show that I first witnessed the wrestling matches of the Von Erichs. The… Continue reading THE IRON CLAW Tells the Tragic True Story of the Von Erich Family

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM IS MORE FUN AND ADVENTUROUS THAN THE FIRST FILM

Warner Bros’ DCEU concludes with the second installment of the Aquaman saga. I have mixed feelings about the DCEU and felt disappointed by James Wan’s initial Aquaman film. So, I went into this movie with low expectations and hoped it would be fun. Thankfully, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is not only a fun movie,… Continue reading AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM IS MORE FUN AND ADVENTUROUS THAN THE FIRST FILM

Migration: A Whimsical Journey of Quacking Adventure

Deciphering the secret formula for animated film success might be as tricky as herding ducks. Still, if past hits like ‘Toy Story,’ ‘Finding Nemo,’ and ‘Despicable Me’ are any indication, the ingredients involve a dash of humor, a pinch of originality, and a dollop of flawless animation, which makes it a great deal of fun… Continue reading Migration: A Whimsical Journey of Quacking Adventure

MAESTRO Is Yet Another Example of How Multitalented Bradley Cooper Is.

Bradley Cooper has already displayed his talents as both an actor and voice-over talent with his various contributions to cinema. In addition, Cooper has also proven that he is a competent and skilled filmmaker with his acclaimed remake of A Star is Born. Cooper’s newest passion project is a biographical movie about the career and… Continue reading MAESTRO Is Yet Another Example of How Multitalented Bradley Cooper Is.