Category: Reviews

Cine Las Americas 18 Review: LA VOZ EN OFF/VOICE OVER

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This Chilean entry by writer/director Cristian Jimenez and co-writer Daniel Castro proved to be highly amusing and entertaining.  Jimenez and Castro have put a funny spin on familial dysfunctionality and the drive people have to maintain familial ties despite the problems.  Recently divorced, Sofia (Ingrid Insensee) is… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 18 Review: LA VOZ EN OFF/VOICE OVER

Cine Las Americas 18 Review: FERIADO/HOLIDAY

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) This Ecuadorean/Argentinian production is an engaging coming-of-age story that almost succeeds, except for the abrupt and unsatisfactory ending.  Written and directed by Diego Araujo, Holiday examines an eventful holiday amidst an economic crisis in Ecuador.  Young Juan Pablo (Juan Arregui) and his mother join his aunt,… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 18 Review: FERIADO/HOLIDAY

Cine Las Americas 18 Review: O ULTIMO CINE DRIVE-IN/THE LAST DRIVE-IN THEATER

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This particular entry from Brazil caught my attention right away as I perused the film line-up.  Any film which celebrates a love for cinema will instantly get my attention.  Because this film not only celebrates the passion and joy for movies, but also examines life and… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 18 Review: O ULTIMO CINE DRIVE-IN/THE LAST DRIVE-IN THEATER

Review: MAD MAX FURY ROAD

By Renee’ Collins Rating: 4.0 (Out of 5 Reels) In a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, two rebels just might be able to restore order: Max (Tom Hardy), a man of action and of few words, and Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a woman of action who is looking to make it back to her… Continue reading Review: MAD MAX FURY ROAD

Review: FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

By Renee’ Collins Rating: 4.5 (Out of 5 Reels) In Victorian England, the independent and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak (Mattias Schoenaerts), a sheep farmer; Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor (IMDB). Fans of period pieces will… Continue reading Review: FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

Review: HOT PURSUIT

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2 (Out of 4 Stars) I am quite surprised that a movie like this one didn’t get released in either January or February.  During those months, if a film is not an award contender, it usually is among the worst movies studios have to offer.  I’m thinking the producers of this… Continue reading Review: HOT PURSUIT

Review: THE D TRAIN

By Mark Saldana Rating: 1.5 (Out of 4 Stars) I am a big fan of the multi-talented Jack Black and  have enjoyed the great performances of his co-star James Marsden.  Yet, my love for their talents could not prevent me from giving this movie at least a two star review.  I admire their strong commitment… Continue reading Review: THE D TRAIN

Review: CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) If superheroes and robotic violence is not one’s cup of tea this weekend, then perhaps an art film showcasing some sublime performances is in order. Starring Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, and Chloe Grace Moretz, Clouds of Sils Maria would actually serve well as a more serious… Continue reading Review: CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA