By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Originally titled, The F Word, What If is a typical, but charming romantic comedy that answers the question, “What if close friends gamble with their relationship and become more than friends?” While the process of discovering the answers (within the context of this story and characters),… Continue reading Review: WHAT IF
Category: Reviews
Review: CALVARY
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) The main theme of this near pitch black comedy can be summed up in one popular Christian adage: “What would Jesus do?” One doesn’t have to be a devout Christian, or a Christian at all for that matter, to have a general understanding of Jesus’ story… Continue reading Review: CALVARY
Review: INTO THE STORM
By Laurie Coker Rating: D+/C- Anyone who has ever been in or near a tornado should avoid Into the Storm, because its creators offer impressively realistic storm sequences demonstrating the dramatic destruction of these unpredictable weather phenomena. I have only seen one in my life and have viewed these storms’ devastation. While watching director Steven… Continue reading Review: INTO THE STORM
Review: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
By Mark Saldana Rating: 2 (Out of 4 Stars) I went into this latest cinematic version of TMNT expecting something silly, but hopefully fun. Though this update on the Mutant Turtle mythos has its fun moments and a handful of amusing one-liners, these positive traits are outnumbered by the multitude of unfunny attempts at comedy and nonsensical… Continue reading Review: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Review: THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) If brash space warriors, street-wise, fighting turtles, or any of the usual, big-budget summer fare doesn’t tickle your fancy, perhaps this charming, understated film about cultures coming together over a passion for cuisine is the right ticket to purchase this weekend. Based on the book by Richard… Continue reading Review: THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY
Review: INTO THE STORM
By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) In 1996, director Jan de Bont served movie audiences an awe-inspiring, visual and aural cinematic experience called Twister. The film which stars Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman made for a fun and exciting trip to theaters, but certain has its share… Continue reading Review: INTO THE STORM
Review: THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY
By Laurie Coker Rating B- Academy awarding winning actress Helen Mirren’s body of work scans decades and she has moved from sultry seductress and sinister schemers to stern, pinch-mouthed nitpickers and as played everything in between. She has remarkable talent for melding into a variety of unique and interesting characters and this she does in… Continue reading Review: THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY
Review: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
By Laurie Coker Rating: C Like every sensible person should do, I took Ninja Turtle fans, 10-year-olds, to the screening of the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. They loved it! I, on the other hand, was so distracted by the mouth-breathing Megan Fox (among other things) that I could hardly pay attention. Director Jonathan… Continue reading Review: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Review: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) I would love for Disney to sign writer/director James Gunn for one of the upcoming Star Wars spin-off movies, but definitely after he works his magic on another Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Disney and Marvel Studios have a talented filmmaker in their employ and I… Continue reading Review: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Review: GET ON UP
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) While not all biopics about musical artists are the same, they often share some common story elements. Let’s face it; especially in the rock ‘n roll business, the artists often fall prey to the usual trappings of success: sex, drugs, and hubris. Most rock ‘n roll fans… Continue reading Review: GET ON UP