By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) After writing and directing two artistically ambitious, but not completely satisfying science fiction films (Love, The Signal) William Eubanks has decided to go with what probably initially seemed like a safe bet. Pretty much an an underwater, Alien knock-off, Underwater is not only a murky mess… Continue reading Review: UNDERWATER
Category: Reviews
Review: INVISIBLE LIFE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Brazil’s entry for Oscar’s Best International Feature is a powerful and tragic glimpse at human history. Because our world has been mostly male-dominated, there are many stories out there concerning this impact on the lives of women. Though this particular story is fictional, it definitely rings… Continue reading Review: INVISIBLE LIFE
Mark’s Best of 2019
By Mark Saldana We have reached both the end of 2019, as well as the end of another decade. I have now watched my final screeners and attended my last screening of the year. 2019 got off to a bit of a slow start with most of the top films saved for the end. The… Continue reading Mark’s Best of 2019
Review: UNCUT GEMS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) From the Safdie Brothers, the talented filmmakers behind Good Time, comes another gem of a movie that literally recreates the stress, fear, and adrenaline rush of gambling. Their main character Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) lives his life by the seat of pants and constantly on the… Continue reading Review: UNCUT GEMS
Review: 1917
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) To be quite honest director Sam Mendes uses a gimmick to tell this story. However, it is a gimmick/trick that is used so tremendously well that it’s rather difficult to begrudge him for its use. 1917 is a World War I movie which focuses on two… Continue reading Review: 1917
Review: LITTLE WOMEN
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) What can I say? Louisa May Alcott’s novel and all of the previous cinematic adaptations have somehow managed to escape me. Though the book was on my recommended reading lists in school, I never once read it, nor have I ever watched a single movie version… Continue reading Review: LITTLE WOMEN
Review: SPIES IN DISGUISE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This charming and amusing family film offers an inventive, breath of fresh air to the otherwise old-fashioned genre of espionage thrillers. Based on Lucas Martell’s animated short, Pigeon: Impossible, Spies in Disguise offers family-friendly entertainment with some modern and progressive messages. Actors Will Smith and Tom… Continue reading Review: SPIES IN DISGUISE
Review: BOMBSHELL
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) In 2016, former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit charging sexual harassment against Fox CEO Roger Ailes. Not too long afterward, several other women, including Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly came forward and made claims of their own. A new movie from director Jay… Continue reading Review: BOMBSHELL
Review: CATS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 1.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Cats is the name. The characters look insane. But if schlock’s your game, then there’s Cats. Tom Hooper’s adaptation of the popular Broadway musical is a bizarre mess. However, if one happens to be a fan of said musical, then my review will probably fall on… Continue reading Review: CATS
Austin Film Festival 2019 Review: A HIDDEN LIFE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) From writer/director Terrence Malick, comes this beautiful and moving film that not only serves as an antiwar piece, but as a work that derides any form of prejudice and hate. Malick utilizes his artistic sensibilities well to deliver an emotionally affecting and powerful movie that is… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2019 Review: A HIDDEN LIFE