Category: Reviews

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Typically, the expression “ugh” comes to mind when I think about reviewing romantic comedies.  There really is only so much one can do with such a story without wearing out the usual cliches and tropes.  Still, I tried to view this movie with an open mind… Continue reading Review: TREADING WATER

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) I went into this film thinking, “Great, another Taken knock-off”. I left the theater thinking, “That actually was better than I was expecting.”  This latest Liam Neeson movie feels like a modern knock-off of Road to Perdition, but still engaging and interesting.” Run All Night will… Continue reading Review: RUN ALL NIGHT

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2 (Out of 4 Stars) After watching Vince Vaughn deliver nearly the same kind of performance for several films, I used to complain that his shtick was growing stale and tiresome. Now that he has toned down his acting for his last film (The Delivery Man) and this latest comedy, I… Continue reading Review: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2 (Out of 4 Stars) From Frankenstein to Re-Animator and Flatliners (among others), movie writers and filmmakers have enjoyed telling stories of ambitious scientists attempting to bring the dead back to life. However, perhaps too many of these filmmakers have tread along the same familiar paths, telling similar stories with similar or… Continue reading Review: THE LAZARUS EFFECT

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) As someone who liked the first film, I had no idea if the filmmakers could actually pull off the rare feat of making a superior sequel, or at least could make a movie that is just as good as the first installment. Considering that actor John… Continue reading Review: HOT TUB TIME MACHINE 2

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Despite the fact that this film embraces just about every sports movie cliche and trope known to film buffs, it wears its heart proudly on its sleeve and does so genuinely. Based on actual inspiring events, McFarland, USA doesn’t reinvent the triumphant sports story. However, it… Continue reading Review: MCFARLAND, USA

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2 (Out of 4 Stars) Based on the best selling novel by E.L. James, Fifty Shades, the movie, feels rather tame considering all the hubbub the book has received.  Make no mistake; the movie does earn its R-rating. However,  at the same time, I couldn’t help, but wonder what was cut… Continue reading Review: FIFTY SHADES OF GREY

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) As the closing credits to this film concluded, I thought to myself, “It’s too early in the year for a movie this good.”  My thought refers to the fact that the months of January and February are the dumping grounds for Hollywood’s mediocre and worst films.… Continue reading Review: KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE