Wildflower: Coming of Age With Intellectually Challenged Parents

I don’t make comparisons between films often, but when a movie like Are You There, God, It’s Me Margaret does such an amazing job as a coming-of-age story, those that follow have a high bar to reach. Despite its excellent ensemble cast, Wildflower does not rise to the same level.  Based on a true story,… Continue reading Wildflower: Coming of Age With Intellectually Challenged Parents

THE SECRET KINGDOM

Writer/director Matt Drummond has served in the same capacities in his previous films, My Pet Dinosaur and Dinosaur Island, and has many credits working in Visual Effects. The Secret Kingdom is a fantasy/adventure this filmmaker has created with excellent visual effects that remind me (in a couple of scenes) of the clocks seen in the… Continue reading THE SECRET KINGDOM

ELEMENTAL Is Wonderfully Imaginative, Romantic and Beautiful

The new Disney/Pixar feature film was an absolute joy to review. With its vividly gorgeous and colorful animation, brilliant world-building, and intense emotional impact, I was genuinely impressed with Elemental. It has been three years since a Disney/Pixar film moved me in many ways. That previous movie was Soul, and Elemental has loads of heart,… Continue reading ELEMENTAL Is Wonderfully Imaginative, Romantic and Beautiful

THE FLASH has much heart, and is one of the DCEU’s better movies.

Regarding DCEU movies, The Flash is the most anticipated one for various reasons. Despite lead actor Ezra Miller’s recent disturbing allegations, most people can agree that their portrayal of Barry Allen/The Flash is one of the brighter moments in both versions of Justice League. It is mainly for this reason that people were initially jazzed… Continue reading THE FLASH has much heart, and is one of the DCEU’s better movies.

THE BLACKENING takes on Black Pop Culture within the horror genre.

For some reason, the trailer for this film rubbed me the wrong way. Though this preview had funny moments, I wasn’t convinced it would deliver genuine laughs and thrills and be as entertaining as I would find it. After watching this movie, I discovered that my trepidations were primarily unfounded, and I enjoyed this exercise… Continue reading THE BLACKENING takes on Black Pop Culture within the horror genre.

MERCY

The action thriller Mercy, directed by Tony Dean Smith (Volition, The Killer Downstairs), features Dr. Michelle (Leah Gibson, “Batwoman,” “Manifest” TV series) about to end a shift at Mercy Hospital to take her pre-teen son, Bobby (Anthony Bolognese, Alter, Christmas Under the Stars) for a birthday celebration. There is a last-minute emergency that delays the… Continue reading MERCY

CLAIFF 25: FLAMIN’ HOT

Eva Longoria’s directorial debut, Flamin’ Hot, had its world premiere at this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival. Unfortunately, I had to miss this screening, as I had a family event to attend. Right before its release on Hulu, the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival had the movie as its opening night feature. Since… Continue reading CLAIFF 25: FLAMIN’ HOT

PAST LIVES: A Powerful and Moving Cinematic Experience

Writer/director Celine Song makes her feature film debut with an outstanding film that makes its audience reflect upon the various paths we have taken in life and those we didn’t. The movie focuses on the relationship between two former childhood friends who had the potential for romantic involvement, but life had other plans for them.… Continue reading PAST LIVES: A Powerful and Moving Cinematic Experience