Category: Film Reviews

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) In a year where police brutality is a hot topic on the evening news (and internet) and explosive rioting has taken its toll in the urban sprawl, this movie couldn’t have arrived at a more relevant time.  The incendiary rap group, N.W.A. emerged from the inner… Continue reading Review: STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) On September 12, 2008, acclaimed author David Foster Wallace died as a result of suicide.  Though he wasn’t exactly a household name, the influence of his work is undeniable.  Fifteen of his works (both fiction and non-fiction) were published, both during his lifetime and post-humously.  The… Continue reading Review: THE END OF THE TOUR

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) The Man From U.N.C.L.E. television series first aired between 1964 and 1968, before I was even born.  Even though the show probably was aired again in syndication, I somehow never watched it.  So, I went into this movie screening knowing only the premise, and after having… Continue reading Review: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.

By Liz Lopez Rating: B+ The mere mention of a Woody Allen film can either elicit excitement or thumbs down by film fans. The story he has written and directed for Irrational Man is one that I think will win over viewers who may be on the fence about his work. Much of the pull… Continue reading Review: AN IRRATIONAL MAN

By Liz Lopez Rating: B+ I am among the many fans of three time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep’s work and of the varied characters she has portrayed over her 40 year career. In her latest feature film, Ricki and The Flash, she takes the stage as a rock-and-roll band leader, looking mighty fine in… Continue reading Review: RICKI AND THE FLASH

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2 (Out of 4 Stars) I’m not quite sure what it is about the Fantastic Four that seems to confuse filmmakers.  The comics are pretty straightforward, but it seems that with every attempt to make it more modern and inventive, the movies get screwed up in the process.  The last two… Continue reading Review: FANTASTIC FOUR

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) I was rather disappointed to get the news that this satisfactory mystery drama would not be getting a theatrical release because I feel the theater experience really adds to the mood of this dark and compelling movie.  Now available on DirecTV VOD though, Dark Places is… Continue reading Review: DARK PLACES

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) The Gift is definitely a treat for movie audiences craving a good, old fashioned, Hitchcockesque psychological thriller.  Written, directed by and starring Joel Edgerton, who makes his directorial debut here, this edgy, nail-biter of a flick oozes with creepiness, builds up tension and suspense to where… Continue reading Review: THE GIFT

By Liz Lopez Rating: B+ Immigration, wars, death and poverty are frequent topics found in media outlets and are often hot topics on social media that generate many comments. A younger generation or someone unfamiliar with U. S. or World History may think these are “trending” or “current” topics, but it is far from correct.… Continue reading Review: JIMMY’S HALL