By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) The Grimm fairy tale, Hansel & Gretel, has inpired multiple adaptations in various media. Often comedic or juvenile, most film adaptations have failed to explore the dark undertones that the Brothers Grimm brought to their bewitching story. Writer/director Oz Perkins and co-writer Rob Hayes have made… Continue reading Review: GRETEL & HANSEL
Category: Reviews
Review: THE GENTLEMEN
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) After dabbling in various kinds of projects, including last year’s Disney live-action adaptation of Aladdin, Guy Ritchie is back with a low down , nasty and violent thriller–the familar type of criminal affair that made him famous. With The Gentlemen, Ritchie makes a much-needed return to… Continue reading Review: THE GENTLEMEN
Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: AMERICAN MUSLIM
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Writer/director Adam Zucker offers a revealing, unsightful and positive documentary that focuses on five Muslim-american citizens. These people work hard and passionately to eliminate ignorance and dispel myths about their beloved religion and the cultures that practice it. Galvanized by the current Muslim immigration ban by… Continue reading Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: AMERICAN MUSLIM
Review: THE GENTLEMEN
By Renee’ C.Rating: 5 (Out of 5 Reels) A British drug lord (Matthew McConaughey) tries to sell off his highly profitable empire to a dynasty of Oklahoma billionaires (IMDB). McConaughey as Mickey Pearson is genus because his portrayal is cool, calculated and nuanced. There is not doubt of his sincerity in his role as the… Continue reading Review: THE GENTLEMEN
Review: TROOP ZERO
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Great performances by the adult cast, vibrant and exciting performances by the kids, and an undeniably sincere heart elevate this otherwise all-too-familiar band of misfits/underdogs movie. Most adult movie goers of different generations have already seen this formula. For my generation, it is The Bad News… Continue reading Review: TROOP ZERO
Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: ALWAYS IN SEASON
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) For my second film of the festival, I chose this highly recommended documentary which not only details some of the history of lynching, but also questions whether or not this horrific practice still occurs. Written and directed by Jaqueline Olive (who co-wrote with Don Bernier), Always… Continue reading Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: ALWAYS IN SEASON
Review: BAD BOYS FOR LIFE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) The “Boys” are back, but this time they are battling age and some ghosts from the past. Seventeen years have passed since audiences last rode with detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. And even though they lack the stamina of their younger versions, the dynamic cop… Continue reading Review: BAD BOYS FOR LIFE
Review: DOLITTLE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Now that Robert Downey, Jr has “officially” retired the role of Tony Stark, the gifted and charismatic thespian is free to tackle just about any role that pleases him. For his first post-MCU outing, RDJ has chosen the mad eccentricity if Dr. Dolittle, the man who… Continue reading Review: DOLITTLE
Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: ALL RISE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) In addition to the many services and resources the Marlene Meyereson JCC Manhattan offers, the community center has maintained a solid arts and film program including multiple Israeli film festivals. New this year to the JCC Manhattan is a film festival which honors and celebrates movies… Continue reading Cinematters: NY Social Justice Film Festival 2020 Review: ALL RISE
Review: LIKE A BOSS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) There are plenty of “bromances” out there, but there seems to be a shortage when it comes to “womances.” That is the void that Like a Boss aims to fill, and it does so with some solid comedy. The downside, however, is that the movie fails… Continue reading Review: LIKE A BOSS