Category: Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) In 1945, President Harry S. Truman presented Army medic Desmond Doss with the Congressional Medal of Honor for going above and beyond the call of duty and rescuing 75 infantrymen during the near-catastrophic Battle of Okinawa in World War II.  That is tremendously amazing for a… Continue reading Review: HACKSAW RIDGE

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) “At some point you’ve got to decide for yourself who you gonna be. And let nobody make that decision.”  Although that advice (as delivered by one of the characters in Moonlight) seems simple and true enough, life has a way of making this path a challenge.  This… Continue reading Review: MOONLIGHT