Emerald Fennell, renowned for her Oscar-winning debut, “Promising Young Woman,” unveils her sophomore film, ‘Saltburn,’ a captivating exploration of the British aristocracy’s intricacies. The film boldly defies the tendency in cinema to relegate the upper class to a relic of the past, offering a compelling portrayal of their contemporary existence. Set against the backdrop of… Continue reading ‘Saltburn’: Navigating the Complex Tapestry of Aristocratic Opulence and Dark Manipulation
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Who We Become
Filipino-American filmmaker PJ Raval (Call her Ganda, Come & Take It, Before You Know It, Trinidad) is a well-known name in Austin, with five of his films (features, shorts, music videos) nominated for awards at the SXSW Film & Television Festival since 2010, according to IMDb. I have attended the SXSW festivals in Austin since… Continue reading Who We Become
It’s a Wonderful Knife Horror Film available on Shudder on AMC+
Directed by Tyler MacIntyre (Tragedy Girls, V/H/S/99) and written by Michael Kennedy (Freaky), It’s a Wonderful Knife is a horror film where gentrification and the high-end life is taking over established homes (even historic) and declining the offer to sell is not an option. Although some viewers have expressed similarities to the 1946 film, It’s… Continue reading It’s a Wonderful Knife Horror Film available on Shudder on AMC+
Candy Cane Lane: Lacks the Holiday Sparkle
Eddie Murphy, in ‘Candy Cane Lane,’ takes on a role that feels akin to driving a sportscar to the local supermarket—an unnecessary extravagance for a holiday movie aimed at family-friendly audiences on Amazon Prime. With full-on-flashy-smile charisma, Murphy tries to compensate for the film’s lackluster energy but often appears to sleepwalk through the festivities, contrasting… Continue reading Candy Cane Lane: Lacks the Holiday Sparkle
AJFF Film Review: Only in Theaters has the Austin Premiere at the Austin Jewish Film Festival
The 2023 Austin Jewish Film Festival has concluded this year, offering in-person and virtual options. Many features and short films were provided, with many (but not all) movies available online through November 19th. One film offered in-person and via the virtual festival is the 2022 documentary/biography, Only in Theaters, a movie by actor/director Raphael Sbarge… Continue reading AJFF Film Review: Only in Theaters has the Austin Premiere at the Austin Jewish Film Festival
NAPOLEON
An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (Joaquin Phoenix) and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine (Vanessa Kirby) (IMDB). The detailed and graphic war scenes are not suitable for younger kids. We see an intense and intimate… Continue reading NAPOLEON
Wish: A Nostalgic Misstep
Disney’s centennial celebration takes an unexpected turn with ‘Wish,’ a lackluster animation that leans heavily on nostalgia but falls short of capturing the magic of its predecessors. While the film introduces a promising premise in the magical kingdom of Rosas, ruled by the enigmatic King Magnifico (Chris Pine), it ultimately succumbs to a formulaic plot,… Continue reading Wish: A Nostalgic Misstep
Frybread Face and Me in Select Theaters and Netflix after SXSW World Premiere
Frybread Face and Me follow two adolescent Navajo cousins from different worlds as they bond during a summer on their grandmother’s Arizona ranch, learning more about their family’s past and themselves. The dramedy had its world premiere at this year’s SXSW Film Festival, its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, and… Continue reading Frybread Face and Me in Select Theaters and Netflix after SXSW World Premiere
Run Nixon Urban Action Thriller in Select AMC Theaters
Run Nixon is directed and edited by Sky Directs (“The Shot Series” TV series) based on the thriller/drama script co-written with Michelle Vital. The story is about a couple, Dre (Lil’ Fizz) and Stacy (Sicily Cameron), who work and do their best to provide for their son, Nixon (Emperor Kaioyus), who loves basketball. One day,… Continue reading Run Nixon Urban Action Thriller in Select AMC Theaters
America’s Family in Limited Theaters, Then available On Demand starting 12.5.23 on Multiple Platforms
Director/writer/actress and producer Anike Tourse stars in America’s Family, her debut feature with the production company CHIRLA Liberty Film. It was made in partnership with professional artists, activists, and community members and produced by CHIRLA. The film has a limited theatrical release in several markets across the United States through Thursday, November 30. Angelica Salas,… Continue reading America’s Family in Limited Theaters, Then available On Demand starting 12.5.23 on Multiple Platforms