Flamin’ Hot Cheetos! I grew up in South Texas, and I love super-spicy food. I, along with countless others, loved it when Frito-Lay launched its “Flamin’ Hot” line of products. Eva Longoria, who grew up in Corpus Christ, not as far south as I decided to make her directorial debut with the story (a version)… Continue reading SXSW -Flamin’ Hot More Sugary than Spicy, but FUN Nonetheless
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SXSW: Low-Tech Surprises Coupled with Charm Make Molli and Max in the Future FUN
We have come to expect high-dollar special effects, vivid computer-generated imagery, and wild action in movies these days, especially science fiction. Molli and Max in the Future, which screened at SXSW 2023, from writer/director Michael Lukk Litwak, stays focused on the leads’ quirky chemistry and not on special effects, offering up an out-of-this-world rom-com filled… Continue reading SXSW: Low-Tech Surprises Coupled with Charm Make Molli and Max in the Future FUN
SXSW- Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie Inspires Audiences
I grew up with Michael J. Fox. Not literally, but certainly, I have followed his career since his early days, from sitcom phenom to full-fledged movie star. I watched and cried when he announced his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and hoped with all others that he would and could somehow beat the odds. Still: A… Continue reading SXSW- Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie Inspires Audiences
Shazam! Sequel Almost Measures up – Shazam! : Fury of the Gods
Shazam! And POOF! Billy Batson turns into a superhero. Batson became Shazam back in 2019, and it was a hit, especially with younger audiences. Sequels are tough, especially when the first film pleasantly engages audiences – creating a solid fan base. Shazam! : Fury of the Gods successfully builds on the original story, but the… Continue reading Shazam! Sequel Almost Measures up – Shazam! : Fury of the Gods
SCREAM VI
I have been a very loving fan since Scream took the world by storm. I will never forget the time I finally watched the first film and its impact on me. I watched the movie two times in the theater and many more times at home. While I have various feelings about the franchise, I… Continue reading SCREAM VI
CHAMPIONS
Based on a Spanish film of the same name, writer Mark Rizzo and director Bobby Farelly have adapted the movie for American/English-speaking audiences. Now, I usually have previously watched the source movie. Still, in this case, I have never seen Campeones, which has earned some critical acclaim and achieved enough praise for Spain to select… Continue reading CHAMPIONS
CHANG CAN DUNK
Teenage angst, ahh, how it rears its confusing head, happens to pretty much every kid on the planet. Some might argue that the transition between freshman year and sophomore is the pinnacle of coming of age. Director/writer Jingyi Shao focuses on one teen’s plight to go from a nobody band geek to a popular student.… Continue reading CHANG CAN DUNK
CREED III
Creed I and Creed II will forever get labeled as Rocky spin-offs. While nothing is necessarily wrong with that label, the main character of Adonis Creed deserves to stand on his own, out of the shadow of Rocky. Well, the beloved character gets that opportunity with this third installment of the spin-off series. Though I… Continue reading CREED III
RAQUEL 1:1
Raquel 1:1 had a World Premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in 2022. The film went on to screen at other festivals and is now available on VOD/digital platforms. Synopsis: From director Mariana Bastos, RAQUEL 1:1 follows Raquel, a religious teenager who moves with her father to a small town in search of a new… Continue reading RAQUEL 1:1
COCAINE BEAR
What you see is what you get. I cannot think of a better summary of this movie than that. However, that is what made this movie all the more disappointing. With all of the hype and joyful excitement surrounding this film, I wanted a lot more. Maybe I set my expectations way too high, but… Continue reading COCAINE BEAR