Indie filmmaker Crystal Moselle (The Wolfpack, 2015) had her latest feature, The Black Sea, world premiere at this month’s 2024 SXSW Film & Television Festival. The film is co-directed by Derrick B. Harden, who also stars as Khalid, a Black man from Brownsville (a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York). As the film begins, a woman… Continue reading SXSW 2024: The Black Sea World Premiered in the Narrative Feature Competition
Category: Reviews
SXSW 2024: ‘Monkey Man’ – Unleashes Dev Patel’s Action-Fueled Directorial Debut
In the gritty underworld of Mumbai’s underground fight clubs, a masked figure known only as Kid, portrayed with intensity by Dev Patel, endures a brutal existence as a human punching bag. Inspired by the legendary strength of Hanuman, Kid harbors a childhood trauma that fuels his relentless quest for vengeance against those who wronged him.… Continue reading SXSW 2024: ‘Monkey Man’ – Unleashes Dev Patel’s Action-Fueled Directorial Debut
SXSW 2024: Ghostlight – A Triumphant Drama
‘Ghostlight’ is a full length featured comedy/drama written and directed by Kelly O’Sullivan with director support from Alex Thompson. It is an exceptionally smart film exploring the themes of suicide, loss and grief, and how participation in performance art can lift a grieving family out of its despair and provide a shining light in a… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Ghostlight – A Triumphant Drama
SXSW 2024: The Moogai – A Haunting Tale of Maternal Terror
Screened at SXSW 2024, Jon Bell’s debut feature, ‘The Moogai, delves into the chilling realm of Aboriginal folklore and maternal paranoia, offering a unique blend of psychological horror and cultural exploration. Set against the backdrop of modern-day Australia, the film follows Sarah and Fergus, a young Aboriginal couple, as they navigate the complexities of parenthood… Continue reading SXSW 2024: The Moogai – A Haunting Tale of Maternal Terror
Fantastic Fest Feature, Riddle of Fire, Arrives in Theaters
The neo-fairytale, set in Wyoming, USA, follows three mischievous children as they embark on an odyssey when their mother, Julie (Danielle Hoetmer), asks them to run an errand. On the hunt to obtain her favorite blueberry pie, the children are kidnapped by poachers, battle a witch, outwit a huntsman, befriend a fairy, and bond together… Continue reading Fantastic Fest Feature, Riddle of Fire, Arrives in Theaters
SXSW 2024 Short: TOSSERS – Uncontrollable belly laughs, anyone?
Directors: Bryce VAN LEUVEN, Chase BLOCK SXSW 2024 INDEPENDENT TV PILOT COMPETITION 2023 – 33 minutes Comedy, TV Series Hold the phone, stop everything… this comedy tv series was so much fun and the characters so instantly lovable that it simply MUST be green-lit for a full series offering! Everyone from Bryce Van Leuven (who… Continue reading SXSW 2024 Short: TOSSERS – Uncontrollable belly laughs, anyone?
GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE Is Good Fun, But Lacks Depth
There have been a lot of mixed feelings from movie fans regarding their reactions to Ghostbusters: Afterlife. While it lacked the witty comedic approach the first movies had, this movie had more depth and emotion, and I loved that installment for it. It is now time to examine the latest installment, and I get the… Continue reading GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE Is Good Fun, But Lacks Depth
LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL: A Fantastic Mix of Possession and Found Footage Horror
Somehow, I missed the opportunity to watch this highly anticipated horror film at SXSW, where it premiered and impacted its audiences. Before the festival, however, I was aware of this movie and highly anticipated its release. Thankfully, I was allowed to review the film through a digital screener and can honestly attest that Late Night… Continue reading LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL: A Fantastic Mix of Possession and Found Footage Horror
SXSW 2024: IMMACULATE Has Atmosphere Galore, But Relies Too Much On Jump Scares
When it comes to horror, I don’t mind jump scares, but only if they are well-executed and not at all predictable. Sadly, with all of the positive aspects going for Immaculate, I feel its overreliance on obvious jump frights held this movie back for me. The movie’s aesthetics are gorgeous and remarkable. The lighting, cinematography,… Continue reading SXSW 2024: IMMACULATE Has Atmosphere Galore, But Relies Too Much On Jump Scares
SXSW 2024: CLEMENTE Tells An Inspiring True Story About A Sports Trailblazer
At this year’s SXSW Film & TV festival, I didn’t get to watch many documentaries, but my absolute favorite is Clemente, which tells the story of MLB superstar Roberto Clemente. Writer/director David Altrogge and co-writer Elise Andert present the life and career of the Puerto Rican baseball player who captured the hearts of baseball fans… Continue reading SXSW 2024: CLEMENTE Tells An Inspiring True Story About A Sports Trailblazer