Category: Reviews

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

Austin Film Festival 2019 Review: THE TWO POPES

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Written by Andrew McCarten (based on his play, The Pope), and directed by Fernando Meirelles, this occasionally comedic drama is currently playing in select theaters and will be available for viewing on Netflix, Friday, December 20, 2019. I had the pleasure of enjoying this profound examination… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2019 Review: THE TWO POPES

Review: LITTLE WOMEN

By Laurie Coker Rating: A+ Director Gretta Gerwig has a knack for capturing the essence of women – beyond femininity and frills. In Little Women, the beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott, the titular women are vivid and beautiful, and their story has seen many film adaptations. Gerwig’s version has a current feel and while… Continue reading Review: LITTLE WOMEN