JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) In 1958, photographer Bert Stein filmed segments of The Newport Jazz Festival, some footage behind the scenes, along with some coverage of the 1958 America’s Cup Yacht Races. The resulting feature, Jazz On A Summer’s Day, premiered at the 1959 Venice Film Festival and has been… Continue reading JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY

BOYS STATE

Steven Garza appears in Boys State by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, an official selection of the U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Thorsten Thielow. All photos are copyrighted and may be used by press only for the purpose of news or editorial coverage of Sundance Institute programs. Photos must be accompanied by a credit to the photographer and/or 'Courtesy of Sundance Institute.' Unauthorized use, alteration, reproduction or sale of logos and/or photos is strictly prohibited.

By Laurie Coker Rating: B- Some people are born natural leaders, while others are fine tuned into leaders and Boys State, a documentary by Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss highlights the roots of some of our most prominent leaders. The pair chronicles the experiences of a thousand 17-year-old boys from across Texas as they gather… Continue reading BOYS STATE

Creem: America’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll Magazine

Courtesy Greenwich Entertainment

By Laurie Coker Rating: B+ Like so many others, music played a huge role in my life growing up. Important milestones, memories, and miseries are measured by the bands and singers who topped the charts and made their way into our world. I perhaps remember magazines like Rolling Stone and Billboard best, but CREEM, published… Continue reading Creem: America’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll Magazine

THE SECRET GARDEN

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”] By Renee’ C. Rating: 4.5 (Out of 5 Reels) An orphaned girl (Dixie Egerickx) discovers a magical garden hidden at her strict uncle’s (Colin Firth) estate (IMDB). The Secret Garden was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett and… Continue reading THE SECRET GARDEN

THE BIG UGLY

By Laurie Coker Rating: D The Big Ugly has promise with its solid testosterone-driven cast, but it falls short in plot, creativity, and character. Writer/director Scott Wiper works hard, or so it seems, to create a film with thematic substance, but instead offers up a carbon-copy of dozens of revenge-based movies with no heart. While… Continue reading THE BIG UGLY

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) To be completely honest and transparent, I feel the need to preface this review. I have known the film’s writer/director, Daniel Tucker, for several years now. He is a good friend and overall great person. Before pursuing a career as a filmmaker, Daniel used to review… Continue reading NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD

WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES

Sena Nakajima, Keita Ninomiya, Mondo Okumura and Satoshi Mizuno appear in We Are Little Zombies by Makoto Nagahisa, an official selection of the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute. All photos are copyrighted and may be used by press only for the purpose of news or editorial coverage of Sundance Institute programs. Photos must be accompanied by a credit to the photographer and/or 'Courtesy of Sundance Institute.' Unauthorized use, alteration, reproduction or sale of logos and/or photos is strictly prohibited.

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Japanese filmmaker Magato Nagahisa makes his feature film debut with a movie that deals with grief and disappointment through the eyes and minds of children. That opening sentence might make this film sound like a dour and depressing affair, but Nagahisa channels his inner child well… Continue reading WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES

SUZI Q

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Prior to viewing this documentary, my knowledge about Suzi Quatro was mostly limited to the small series of appearances she made on television’s Happy Days durting the 1970s. I was also aware that she was a rock musician and singer, but I honestly had no idea… Continue reading SUZI Q

7500

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) “Just when you thought it was safer to take a flight,” could have easily been a corny tagline for this hijacking movie. It would’ve been appropriately corny, given that there have been plenty of entries already in this thriller subgenre. Still, I have to give some… Continue reading 7500

THE VAST OF NIGHT

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Retro sci fi meets indie, character/dialogue-driven drama in this exciting and riveting thriller. Though that might sound like an unusual mix to some people, cinephiles and science fiction enthusiasts should already know that some of the best genre movies and shows have exceptional writing and compelling… Continue reading THE VAST OF NIGHT