By Mark Saldana Rating: 2 (Out of 4 Stars) This directorial debut for cinematographer Wally Pfister definitely disappoints, but this is mainly due to a script that has dull characters and sends multiple unclear messages. Considering that Pfister is quite the accomplished and talented cinematographer, the look of the film is gorgeous, but the overall… Continue reading Review: TRANSCENDENCE
Category: Reviews
Review: CUBAN FURY
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) All people, great or small, can dance and should not be ashamed to flaunt it. This is the message that the adorably sweet, but also cliche and formulaic, Cuban Fury delivers. Edgar Wright regular, Nick Frost, stars as Bruce Garrett, a man who, due to a… Continue reading Review: CUBAN FURY
Review: DRAFT DAY
By Laurie Coker Rating: D+ Kevin Costner looks amazing. After staying back a bit, he returns to another sports film, this time football, in Draft Day, a movie about the day every football player dreams of. I don’t like football, but I have been known to enjoy films about football. With that said – directed… Continue reading Review: DRAFT DAY
SXSW Review: JOE
By Laurie Coker Rating: A+ I have a list of people I’d like to meet and SXSW has often afforded me the opportunity to check names off my “Bucket List.” Sitting in on a press conference with Nicolas Cage, might not seem the same as meeting him, but it works for me. He and Tye… Continue reading SXSW Review: JOE
Review: JOE (SXSW 2014)
By Mark Saldana Rating 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) I have said it before, and I will continue to make this statement about Nicolas Cage movies. Usually going into a Nicolas Cage movie is a gamble. Cage has become the film world’s box of assorted chocolates. One never knows what they’re going to get, but… Continue reading Review: JOE (SXSW 2014)
Review: DRAFT DAY
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) One doesn’t have to be a big NFL football fan or be somewhat savvy with the draft process to enjoy this film. In fact, perhaps knowing too much about the actual process in which NFL teams recruit talent from the collegiate level might reveal a few… Continue reading Review: DRAFT DAY
Review: RIO 2
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Colorful, visually gorgeous and fun, this sequel to the 2011 family movie doesn’t have anything fresh to offer story-wise. However, because of its upbeat, endearing and amusing characters and moderately funny humor, Rio 2 should make for a fun family trip to the cinema. I actually… Continue reading Review: RIO 2
2014 SXSW Review: THE WINDING STREAM
By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) As a fan of Johnny Cash and his music, and perhaps an even bigger fan of the movie Walk the Line, I knew a documentary about his famous in-laws, the Carter Family, was something I shouldn’t miss. In the 1920s, the Carters began a career in… Continue reading 2014 SXSW Review: THE WINDING STREAM
2014 SXSW Review: QUE CARAMBA ES LA VIDA
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Another entry in the SXSW 24 Beats per Second category, this music documentary follows the lives of mariachis in Mexico. These are not just any mariachis, though. These are ladies who have struggled and faced some adversity in a music world dominated by men. Mariachi songs… Continue reading 2014 SXSW Review: QUE CARAMBA ES LA VIDA
2014 SXSW Review: FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK THE STORY OF RODRIGO Y GABRIELA
By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Every year that I attend SXSW Film, I try to see films under the 24 Beats Per Second music category. As an ardent fan of music, I enjoy learning more about artists whose music I enjoy, or discovering acts about whom I know nothing. I cannot… Continue reading 2014 SXSW Review: FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK THE STORY OF RODRIGO Y GABRIELA