Category: Film Reviews

By Liz Lopez Rating: B- Many times when film fans read about a new movie with an inspirational, family friendly story, there is a tendency to turn and select other options at the theater. I was a tad skeptical about how the true story of a young athlete would unfold, and if it would hold… Continue reading Review: 23 BLAST

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Like one of Tony Stark’s Jericho missiles, the new film by writer/director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu  (Babel, Amores Perros) launches a razor-sharp satire that splits up and decimates all of its intended targets.  That is not to say that there is no love involved in this film. Iñárritu dishes… Continue reading Review: BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)

By Mark Saldana Rating: 1.5 (Out of 4 Stars) For adults, watching Ouija the movie is as much a waste of time as is playing with the  “mystifying oracle”.  I can honestly see (and actually did see at the screening) young teens eating this up, cringing in fright, and screaming at the mostly lame jump… Continue reading Review: OUIJA

By Renee’ Collins Rating: 4 (Out of 5 Reels) A washed-up actor named Riggan (Michael Keaton), who once played an iconic superhero, must overcome his ego and family trouble as he mounts a Broadway play in a bid to reclaim his past glory (IMDB). To say this movie is different is an understatement.  At its… Continue reading Review: BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Writer/director David Ayer and his crew bring an impressive visual style and outstanding editing and visual effects to Fury, but unfortunately has a script with some questionable writing.  This dark, gritty, and sometimes horrific war film has some truly impressive battle scenes, but the problems become… Continue reading Review: FURY

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) St. Vincent is a movie which treads familiar territory, but it is one whose heart is undeniable.  The process of revealing that heart is often a hilarious one. Bill Murray stars in the title role of an old curmudgeon who eventually finds some new joy in… Continue reading Review: ST. VINCENT

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) From producer Guillermo Del Toro, this fun and delightful animated family movie comes just in time for Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican and Hispanic holiday which honors loved ones who have passed away.  This vibrant film incorporates a love… Continue reading Review: THE BOOK OF LIFE

By Mark Saldana Rating: 1.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Of all of the Nicholas Sparks film adaptations, The Notebook still remains the best. Since then, all others that have followed have ranged from good/mediocre to terrible.  The Best of Me falls into the terrible range.  As I sat through this contrivance of a romance with… Continue reading Review: THE BEST OF ME