Category: Reviews

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) I have to say that this is one of the more difficult reviews I have written, and perhaps have yet to write. The controversial subject matter of the film, along with my personal beliefs on said material must be set aside to objectively critique the film. … Continue reading Review: OBVIOUS CHILD

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) How much character development should a movie provide for its audience so that they care about said characters?  This is a question I pondered after leaving William Eubank’s film The Signal.  I have my screening guest to thank for making me take this subject under consideration.  As… Continue reading Review: THE SIGNAL

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Every summer movie season has its expected share of sequels.  So far, Amazing Spider-Man 2 wasn’t so amazing, while X-Men: Days of Future Past revitalized a long running franchise that has had its share of ups and downs.  In 2010, DreamWorks Animation started a potentially successful… Continue reading Review: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)  22 Jump Street is one of two very different sequels ( the other being How to Train Your Dragon 2) opening this week. Still, these two follow-ups do have something  in common with each other.  They are both well done second installments that more than satisfy, but don’t outshine their predecessors. Directors Phil… Continue reading Review: 22 JUMP STREET

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2 (Out of 4 Stars) This country fried noir of a film features a superb cast delivering remarkable performances, but has little else to offer. Well, to be fair, the movie does have some lovely tense, edge-of-the-seat moments, but the reasons why the characters are in these situations and their motivations… Continue reading Review: COLD IN JULY

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Love Story, A Walk to Remember, Forrest Gump, and countless other movies feature love stories where a character dies from a terminal illness. The Fault in our Stars is the latest entry in this sort of depressing genre. I’m sure plenty of people, unfamiliar with the… Continue reading Review: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Though this movie will not score any points for originality of premise or even in the design of its futuristic tech, it does have enough going for it to make a fine entertainment piece for the movie goers who enjoy summer blockbuster fare.  Director Doug Liman… Continue reading Review: EDGE OF TOMORROW

By Renee’ Collins Rating: 5 (Out of 5 Reels) Some would say seeing yet another Tom Cruise testosterone fest movie was not the best choice but he is unwittingly gaining my respect more and more by his choices of late.  An officer finds himself caught in a time loop in a war with an alien… Continue reading Review: EDGE OF TOMORROW

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Two polar opposite teachers dealing with personal demons and disadvantages form a heated rivalry which fires up the passions of their students and helps the teachers deal with their personal troubles.  I know that film synopsis sounds a bit contrived.  However,  with talented actors Clive Owen… Continue reading Review: WORDS AND PICTURES

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Though it never tops the intelligent, witty, and zany western comedy classic Blazing Saddles, A Million Ways to Die in the West does offer a decent share of funny comedic moments of the raunchy variety. I emphasize raunchy, simply because I know some movie goers despise… Continue reading Review: A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST