By Laurie Coker Rating: A+ I have a list of people I’d like to meet and SXSW has often afforded me the opportunity to check names off my “Bucket List.” Sitting in on a press conference with Nicolas Cage, might not seem the same as meeting him, but it works for me. He and Tye… Continue reading SXSW Review: JOE
Category: Reviews
Review: JOE (SXSW 2014)
By Mark Saldana Rating 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) I have said it before, and I will continue to make this statement about Nicolas Cage movies. Usually going into a Nicolas Cage movie is a gamble. Cage has become the film world’s box of assorted chocolates. One never knows what they’re going to get, but… Continue reading Review: JOE (SXSW 2014)
Review: DRAFT DAY
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) One doesn’t have to be a big NFL football fan or be somewhat savvy with the draft process to enjoy this film. In fact, perhaps knowing too much about the actual process in which NFL teams recruit talent from the collegiate level might reveal a few… Continue reading Review: DRAFT DAY
Review: RIO 2
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Colorful, visually gorgeous and fun, this sequel to the 2011 family movie doesn’t have anything fresh to offer story-wise. However, because of its upbeat, endearing and amusing characters and moderately funny humor, Rio 2 should make for a fun family trip to the cinema. I actually… Continue reading Review: RIO 2
2014 SXSW Review: THE WINDING STREAM
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) As a fan of Johnny Cash and his music, and perhaps an even bigger fan of the movie Walk the Line, I knew a documentary about his famous in-laws, the Carter Family, was something I shouldn’t miss. In the 1920s, the Carters began a career in… Continue reading 2014 SXSW Review: THE WINDING STREAM
2014 SXSW Review: QUE CARAMBA ES LA VIDA
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Another entry in the SXSW 24 Beats per Second category, this music documentary follows the lives of mariachis in Mexico. These are not just any mariachis, though. These are ladies who have struggled and faced some adversity in a music world dominated by men. Mariachi songs… Continue reading 2014 SXSW Review: QUE CARAMBA ES LA VIDA
2014 SXSW Review: FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK THE STORY OF RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Every year that I attend SXSW Film, I try to see films under the 24 Beats Per Second music category. As an ardent fan of music, I enjoy learning more about artists whose music I enjoy, or discovering acts about whom I know nothing. I cannot… Continue reading 2014 SXSW Review: FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK THE STORY OF RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
2014 SXSW Review: OPEN WINDOWS
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) From writer/director Nacho Vigalondo (Time Crimes, Extraterrestrial), comes this modern day take on a story similar to Hitchcock’s Rear Window. Elijah Wood stars as Nick Chambers, a starry-eyed movie fan who happens to be the lucky winner of a dream date with movie starlet Jill Goddard… Continue reading 2014 SXSW Review: OPEN WINDOWS
2014 SXSW Review: AMONG THE LIVING
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) My two favorite midnighter films of the festival involved slashers. One takes a comedic approach (Stage Fright) while the other, titled Among the Living is dead serious. Even though this movie doesn’t really offer that much originality with the story and plot, I must say I… Continue reading 2014 SXSW Review: AMONG THE LIVING
2014 SXSW Review: STAGE FRIGHT
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) If one loves slasher horror, comedic musicals, and is quite alright with a movie that spoofs the genres, then this movie is not one to miss. Written and directed by Jerome Sable, and co-written by Eli Batalion, Stage Fright takes place at a musical theater summer… Continue reading 2014 SXSW Review: STAGE FRIGHT