Category: Reviews

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) This sometimes thrilling and engaging remake of the 1974 movie does have some interesting differences from the original film.  It has some bewildering changes as well.  The 1974 Gambler movie, which stars James Caan, was written by James Toback who based the story on his experiences… Continue reading Review: THE GAMBLER

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) For certain, Louis Lamperini’s story is a compelling, moving, and inspiring one.  However, as a fascinating a story it is, the film adaptation of Lamperini’s experiences before and during World War II covers material that is all too familiar and does so working all of the… Continue reading Review: UNBROKEN

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5  (Out of 4 Stars) It’s not usually in Tim Burton’s nature to be subtle with the visuals in his films.  In his cinematic universe, colors, characters and set designs often get exaggerated for better or worse. What makes his latest film so refreshing is the fact that he has decided… Continue reading Review: BIG EYES

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Rob Marshall is definitely the go-to director for movie musical adaptations.  With TV musicals such as Cinderella and Annie and theatrical films Chicago and Nine, Marshall has proven that he can present stage shows beautifully and with much flair and style.  His latest adaptation is Stephen… Continue reading Review: INTO THE WOODS

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Based on the true story of Alan Turing and his top secret work for the British government during World War II, this extraordinary film not only gives audiences insight into the brilliant mind of Turing, but also reveals his tormented personal life.  Adapted from Andrew Hodges’… Continue reading Review: THE IMITATION GAME

By Renee’ Collins Rating: 4 (Out of 5 Reels) Bilbo and Company are forced to engage in a war against an array of combatants and keep the terrifying Smaug from acquiring a kingdom of treasure and obliterating all of Middle-Earth (IMDB). Having seen the 1978 animated version of The Lord of the Rings many including… Continue reading Review: THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) The bizarre murder of Dave Schultz by John du Pont shook the world in 1996 and has now been made into a feature film by writers E. Max Frye, Dan Futterman, and director Bennett Miller.  This movie features some of the best performances of the year… Continue reading Review: FOXCATCHER

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2 (Out of 4 Stars) I was nine years-old when my mother and sister dragged me to go see John Huston’s adaptation of Annie in 1982. They dragged me because I had no interest in what I perceived to be a very “girlie” musical.  Though I was partially correct in my… Continue reading Review: ANNIE