SXSW 2024: ‘Monkey Man’ – Unleashes Dev Patel’s Action-Fueled Directorial Debut

Photo by Laurie Coker

In the gritty underworld of Mumbai’s underground fight clubs, a masked figure known only as Kid, portrayed with intensity by Dev Patel, endures a brutal existence as a human punching bag. Inspired by the legendary strength of Hanuman, Kid harbors a childhood trauma that fuels his relentless quest for vengeance against those who wronged him.… Continue reading SXSW 2024: ‘Monkey Man’ – Unleashes Dev Patel’s Action-Fueled Directorial Debut

SXSW 2024: Never Look Away – Documentaries Like These Are What Really Educate Society

Lucy Lawless (of ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ fame) makes an astounding arrival with her directorial debut of ‘Never Look Away’, which gives viewers a heartbreaking glimpse into the life of courageous combat camerawoman Margaret Moth and her adventures under gunfire in the 90s… her backstory, and her days in the field with CNN.  Lucy Lawless has… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Never Look Away – Documentaries Like These Are What Really Educate Society

SXSW 2024 Short: LULLABY – forgettable and a little sleepy

Director Chi THAI MIDNIGHT SHORT COMPETITION 2023 – Run Time 14 minutes Horror, Drama Language: Vietnamese UNITED KINGDOM This short offers a glimpse into the life of a female refugee stuck in her unlivable servitude as a seamstress, where she is haunted menacingly by visions of her deceased child who drowned.  The film lacks that… Continue reading SXSW 2024 Short: LULLABY – forgettable and a little sleepy

SXSW 2024: The Moogai – A Haunting Tale of Maternal Terror

Screened at SXSW 2024, Jon Bell’s debut feature, ‘The Moogai, delves into the chilling realm of Aboriginal folklore and maternal paranoia, offering a unique blend of psychological horror and cultural exploration. Set against the backdrop of modern-day Australia, the film follows Sarah and Fergus, a young Aboriginal couple, as they navigate the complexities of parenthood… Continue reading SXSW 2024: The Moogai – A Haunting Tale of Maternal Terror

Fantastic Fest Feature, Riddle of Fire, Arrives in Theaters

The neo-fairytale, set in Wyoming, USA, follows three mischievous children as they embark on an odyssey when their mother, Julie (Danielle Hoetmer), asks them to run an errand. On the hunt to obtain her favorite blueberry pie, the children are kidnapped by poachers, battle a witch, outwit a huntsman, befriend a fairy, and bond together… Continue reading Fantastic Fest Feature, Riddle of Fire, Arrives in Theaters

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE Is Good Fun, But Lacks Depth

Phoebe Spengler (Mckenna Grace) in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE.

There have been a lot of mixed feelings from movie fans regarding their reactions to Ghostbusters: Afterlife. While it lacked the witty comedic approach the first movies had, this movie had more depth and emotion, and I loved that installment for it. It is now time to examine the latest installment, and I get the… Continue reading GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE Is Good Fun, But Lacks Depth

LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL: A Fantastic Mix of Possession and Found Footage Horror

Somehow, I missed the opportunity to watch this highly anticipated horror film at SXSW, where it premiered and impacted its audiences. Before the festival, however, I was aware of this movie and highly anticipated its release. Thankfully, I was allowed to review the film through a digital screener and can honestly attest that Late Night… Continue reading LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL: A Fantastic Mix of Possession and Found Footage Horror

SXSW 2024: IMMACULATE Has Atmosphere Galore, But Relies Too Much On Jump Scares

When it comes to horror, I don’t mind jump scares, but only if they are well-executed and not at all predictable. Sadly, with all of the positive aspects going for Immaculate, I feel its overreliance on obvious jump frights held this movie back for me. The movie’s aesthetics are gorgeous and remarkable. The lighting, cinematography,… Continue reading SXSW 2024: IMMACULATE Has Atmosphere Galore, But Relies Too Much On Jump Scares

SXSW 2024: CLEMENTE Tells An Inspiring True Story About A Sports Trailblazer

At this year’s SXSW Film & TV festival, I didn’t get to watch many documentaries, but my absolute favorite is Clemente, which tells the story of MLB superstar Roberto Clemente. Writer/director David Altrogge and co-writer Elise Andert present the life and career of the Puerto Rican baseball player who captured the hearts of baseball fans… Continue reading SXSW 2024: CLEMENTE Tells An Inspiring True Story About A Sports Trailblazer

SXSW 2024: 3 Body Problem – landmark television

The ‘3 Body Problem’ screening at SXSW 2024 offered a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be a groundbreaking television series. Directed by the talented Derek Tsang, this Netflix original weaves together a mesmerizing tale that spans decades and dimensions, blending science fiction, drama, and mystery seamlessly. At its core, ‘3 Body Problem’ is a… Continue reading SXSW 2024: 3 Body Problem – landmark television