Category: MAIN

BLACK WIDOW

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) After a year delay thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marvel Studios’ Black Widow is finally in theaters. The movie serves as both an origin story for the beloved MCU character Natasha Romanoff, but also fills in a gap that takes place between Captain America: Civil War… Continue reading BLACK WIDOW

SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED)

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) In 1969, during the same exact summer that the legendary Woodstock Music Festival made its mark on human history, another music festival was already taking place in New York and had an indelible impact on the culture of Black America. That was the Harlem Cultural Festival,… Continue reading SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED)

THE TOMORROW WAR

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) As I watched this screener at home, I couldn’t help, but think that the visuals in this, originally intended for theatrical release, feature probably looks fantastic on a massive movie screen. Well, anyone who has been anticipating this science fiction action film is already feeling disappointment… Continue reading THE TOMORROW WAR

@ZOLA

Riley Keough and Taylour Paige appear in Zola by Janicza Bravo, an official selection of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Anna Kooris. 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) In 2015, Aziah “Zola” King hit Twitter with a 148-tweet post recounting a wild story about her experiences on a trip with a stripper named Stefani. This massive post caught the attention of Rolling Stone’s David Kushner whose subsequent piece gained further notoriety and attention from… Continue reading @ZOLA

Cine Las Americas 23 Review: MISSING IN BROOKS COUNTY

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Another documentary that focuses on the issues and problems with the immigration system in the United States is the Hecho En Tejas spotlight film Missing In Brooks County. The Hecho En Tejas category highlights films made in Texas, and this particular film is probably the best… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 23 Review: MISSING IN BROOKS COUNTY

Cine Las Americas 23 Review: AT THE READY

By Mark Saldana Rating 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This engrossing and affecting documentary officially kicked of my virtual Cine Las Americas 23. Just from reading the premise, I had a strong feeling that the timely themes and issues it addresses would make for a very compelling and revelatory film. Director Maisie Crow follows a… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 23 Review: AT THE READY

F9: THE FAST SAGA

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) After twenty years and nine previous movies, the Fast & Furious family are back again with yet another crazy adventure. It is pretty wild, when one thinks about it, how a simple and silly crime story about thieving street racers has been developed and reinvigorated into… Continue reading F9: THE FAST SAGA

LUCA

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about a boy and his newfound best friend experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. But their fun is threatened by a secret: they are sea monsters from another world. “Luca” is directed by Enrico Casarosa (“La Luna”) and produced by Andrea Warren (“Lava,” “Cars 3”). © 2021 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Now available for streaming via Disney+ is a remarkable animated film from Disney/Pixar which celebrates the Italian culture experienced by director Enrico Casarosa, based on his childhood as an Italian native. Even though Luca never achieves the heights of fantasy and brilliance that other Disney/Pixar films… Continue reading LUCA

GAIA

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) “Nature finds a way.” is the key message of message of this horror film. And even though I am quoting from Jurassic Park, this message rings especially true in this movie about the negative impact the human race has had on our planet. From South America,… Continue reading GAIA