By Renee’ Collins Rating: 5 (Out of 5 Reels) This film depicts the life story of Italian violinist and composer, Niccolò Paganini, who rose to fame as a virtuoso in the early 19th Century (IMDB). Those who like period pieces will find themselves completely drawn into this wonderful film which delves into the life of… Continue reading Review: THE DEVIL’S VIOLINIST
Category: Reviews
Review: BLACK OR WHITE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) For a film about some heavy topics as race relations, addiction, and child custody battles, I was rather perplexed that Mike Binder would choose a hackneyed climax that comes unexpectedly (not in a good way) and is so unnecessary and out of place. As for the… Continue reading Review: BLACK OR WHITE
Review: A MOST VIOLENT YEAR
By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Written and directed by J.C. Chandor, this slow simmering period piece had me engaged and engrossed for almost all of the film’s run time. Then, in the last act of the story, it takes a serious “WTF?” moment that pretty much negates all of the drama… Continue reading Review: A MOST VIOLENT YEAR
Review: MORTDECAI
By Mark Saldana Rating: 1 (Out of 4 Stars) I am grateful to have been one of the few Austin press members allowed to see this film early; however, my gratitude comes from not having to waste my money to do so. I have not read the novels which inspired this terrible movie, but if… Continue reading Review: MORTDECAI
Review: THE BOY NEXT DOOR
By Mark Saldana Rating: 1.5 (Out of 4 Stars) For those who have already seen various films about stalkers or obsessive admirers (particularly the 1996 film Fear), have pretty much already seen The Boy Next Door. This latest version embraces just about every stalker movie cliche available and has very few surprises to offer. Though… Continue reading Review: THE BOY NEXT DOOR
Review: MR. TURNER
By Laurie Coker Rating: A Timothy Spall finds his niche in Mr. Turner a strangely mesmerizing, meandering movie about a lonely man, who moves lethargically through an extraordinary life – the life of British artist Joseph Turner, whose art is as significant and fascinating as the man. Director Mike Leigh and Spall manage pull us… Continue reading Review: MR. TURNER
A Non-Review: MORTDECAI
By Laurie Coker Rating: N/A A great deal can be said about a film that isn’t screened for the press. Perhaps the filmmakers believe it will draw audiences with its star power, as a sequel to a previously successful film, or as I am guessing is the case of Mordecai, starring Johnny Depp and Gwyneth… Continue reading A Non-Review: MORTDECAI
Review: THE WEDDING RINGER
By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) The best thing about this comedy movie is that stars Kevin Hart and Josh Gad do offer charming and often funny performances. The problem is The Wedding Ringer is basically a hybrid of Wedding Crashers and I Love You, Man. For those who haven’t seen those… Continue reading Review: THE WEDDING RINGER
Review: INHERENT VICE
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) This movie actually left me with a lot of mixed feelings when it concluded. However, while I watched the crazy characters and the crazy events unfold on the big screen, I laughed often and heartily. I found it rather difficult to make sense of exactly what… Continue reading Review: INHERENT VICE
Review: AMERICAN SNIPER
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) The true story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is definitely the story of a courageous American patriot. Written by Jason Hall (based on Chris Kyle’s book of the same name) and directed by Clint Eastwood, American Sniper may honor the work of Kyle, a heroic military… Continue reading Review: AMERICAN SNIPER