By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) In 1991, professional boxer Vincenzo Pazienza, aka “Vinny Paz,” not long after winning the junior middleweight world title, suffered a severe neck injury in an automobile accident. Told by doctors that he would never completely recover and box again, Vinny thumbed his nose at his prognossis… Continue reading Review: BLEED FOR THIS
Category: Reviews
Austin Film Festival 2016 Review and Interview: THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN
By Liz Lopez Rating: B There are many teen movies that have been created in the past couple of decades, some more memorable than others. The young stars go on to have extended careers for their performances, as well as those of the adults who star alongside the young leads in each film. Many of… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2016 Review and Interview: THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN
Review: NOCTURNAL ANIMALS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Writers and other artists have various purposes and agendas for their works. Typically, these messages are very personal and reflect ideals or emotions felt due to past experiences or trauma in their lives. The new movie by writer/director Tom Ford (A Single Man) tells an intriguing… Continue reading Review: NOCTURNAL ANIMALS
Review: GIMME DANGER
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) In 1967, Ann Arbor, Michigan, The Stooges made their bid to take the music world by storm. Singer James Newell Osterberg, Jr., a man who would eventually earn both fame and infamy under the stage name Iggy Pop, and his band of visionary musical misfits hoped… Continue reading Review: GIMME DANGER
Review: ARRIVAL
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Though not as ambitious nor extravagant in its presentation as Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, director Denis Villeneuve’s (Prisoners, Sicario) Arrival still manages to accomplish more by succeeding where Nolan falters–in the more emotional beats of the story. Based on the short story, “The Story of Your Life,”… Continue reading Review: ARRIVAL
Review: LOVING
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) On June 12, 1967, the United States Supreme Court ruled that any laws prohibiting interracial marriage would be invalid and unconstitutional. This historical decision became not only a milestone for anyone wishing to marry outside of one’s race or ethnicity, but also gave Richard and Mildred… Continue reading Review: LOVING
Review: ARRIVAL
By Renee’ Collins Rating: 3.5 (Out of 5 Reels) A linguist (Amy Adams) is recruited by the military to assist in translating alien communications (IMDB). Being a science fiction junkie is definitely a plus while watching this film but it also is for the everyday person due to the topic. Imagine what would or will happen… Continue reading Review: ARRIVAL
Review: ARRIVAL
By Laurie Coker Rating: C+ After this bizarre election year, nothing should surprise us, not even the arrival of aliens from another planet. While communication and unity seem to be eluding us of late, Arrival, starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, plays on these premises that we, flawed humans, need to stop, look within and must… Continue reading Review: ARRIVAL
Review: THE PICKLE RECIPE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Occasionally I am offered the opportunity to review independent films released in markets other than Austin. Indie movies need much more support than major releases, and I am always willing to help little films find audiences, if they do meet certain standards of course. Opening on… Continue reading Review: THE PICKLE RECIPE
Review: TROLLS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) In an age of cynicism and pessimism, it is often refreshing to see a film brimming with themes of optimism and happiness. With all of the ugliness and hate in the world, people of all ages need cheerful messages of love, and reminders that the world… Continue reading Review: TROLLS