Category: Reviews

SXSW 2024: Arcadian – a tight, somewhat flawed monster thriller

Photo by Laurie Coker

Benjamin Brewer’s post-apocalyptic thriller, ‘ Arcadian, ‘ is a decently captivating tale of survival and familial bonds in a world ravaged by unknown horrors. Premiering to a packed house at SXSW 2024, the film immerses audiences in a haunting landscape where the familiar sounds of nature signal both safety and danger. At its core, ‘Arcadian’… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Arcadian – a tight, somewhat flawed monster thriller

Lost Angel: The Genius of Judee Sill – A Documentary of Who She Was and Her Talent

I have heard music almost all my life and, at first, would remember either the title of the song I liked or, if not, who the musicians played that song. I don’t recall learning at a young age that the artist who sang a song did not necessarily write it. Later, I also learned that… Continue reading Lost Angel: The Genius of Judee Sill – A Documentary of Who She Was and Her Talent

SXSW 2024: ARCADIAN: Nicolas Cage and Cast Live in a Post-Apocalyptic World

The feature film Arcadian had the World Premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film & Television Festival in the Narrative Spotlight category and is now available in theaters. SYNOPSIS: A father and his twin teenage sons fight to survive in a remote farmhouse at the end of the end of the world. Directed by Benjamin Brewer… Continue reading SXSW 2024: ARCADIAN: Nicolas Cage and Cast Live in a Post-Apocalyptic World

Civil War: a nightmarish vision of a war-torn America

Kirsten Dunst plays a veteran war photographer who makes her way across the wartorn country.A24

Alex Garland’s ‘Civil War’ is a gripping and immersive cinematic experience that plunges viewers into a nightmarish vision of a war-torn America. Set against the backdrop of a second Civil War, pitting citizens against each other based on state allegiances, the film follows a group of journalists led by veteran photojournalist Lee, portrayed with haunting… Continue reading Civil War: a nightmarish vision of a war-torn America

‘The Long Game’: A Hole-in-One Triumph

The Long Game at SXSW (Photo by Laurie Coker)

Back at SXSW 2023, ‘The Long Game’ teed off to an unexpected hole-in-one, captivating a Paramount Theater-filled audience with its underdog sports narrative set against the backdrop of 1950s West Texas. Directed by Jose Quintana, the film paints a poignant portrait of Latino students navigating the challenges of the era, all through the lens of… Continue reading ‘The Long Game’: A Hole-in-One Triumph

SXSW 2024: SASQUATCH SUNSET Is Both Mesmerizing and Moving

If someone were to tell me that I would adore a faux documentary about a family of Sasquatch, I would think that person was either lying or trying to trick me. When I first read the synopsis of this movie on the SXSW website, as I was planning my schedule, I initially dismissed it. However,… Continue reading SXSW 2024: SASQUATCH SUNSET Is Both Mesmerizing and Moving

CIVIL WAR Displays Exceptional Filmmaking, But Its Story Lacks Bite

Alex Garland’s Civil War is a technical marvel, a testament to the art of filmmaking. It plunges the audience into the chaotic depths of war, a feat achieved through masterful cinematography, impeccable editing, breathtaking effects, and immersive sound design. However, the script leaves something to be desired. Garland’s story feels underdeveloped and not fully realized,… Continue reading CIVIL WAR Displays Exceptional Filmmaking, But Its Story Lacks Bite

Resistance: They Fought Back: a revealing documentary that shatters misconceptions

RESISTANCE – They Fought Back.’ (photo credit: Jerusalem Jewish Film Week)

‘Resistance: They Fought Back’ is an essential, illuminating, and captivating documentary that shatters misconceptions about Jewish passivity during the Holocaust. We’ve all heard of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, but most people have no idea how widespread and prevalent Jewish resistance to Nazi barbarism was. Instead, it’s widely believed “Jews went to their deaths like sheep… Continue reading Resistance: They Fought Back: a revealing documentary that shatters misconceptions

Scoop: Netflix misses the mark

Gillian Anderson and Rufus Sewell as Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew in ‘Scoop' Netflix

‘Scoop,’ Netflix’s take on the BBC’s interview with Prince Andrew, endeavors to capture the essence of one of the most pivotal moments in recent journalistic history. With meticulous attention to detail, the film recreates the interview with striking accuracy, from Prince Andrew’s awkward defenses to Emily Maitlis’s unflinching questioning. Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of Maitlis is… Continue reading Scoop: Netflix misses the mark