Category: Film 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: 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