When it comes to romantic comedies, I often have mixed feelings. They tackle familiar territory, sometimes in a rather clumsy way. However, Musica took me by surprise. It presents the mostly true story of an artist, Rudy Mancuso, who interprets life’s sounds in a unique way. The movie delivers this experience in a manner that… Continue reading MUSICA Offers an Inventive Spin On The Rom-Com
Category: Reviews
Musica: a delightful blend of humor, romance, and innovation
I missed seeing ‘Musica’ at SXSW 2024 but caught it on Amazon Prime. Rudy Mancuso’s film is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and innovation. Mancuso’s freshman effort is a surprising breath of fresh air, complete with a delightful cast and puppets. Currently streaming on Amazon Prime, this cinematic gem offers a fresh perspective on… Continue reading Musica: a delightful blend of humor, romance, and innovation
Fantastic Fest 2023: DOGMAN
One of the secret screenings at Fantastic Fest 2023 was the latest film by Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, Leon: The Professional). DogMan is a wild and exciting film at times, but when reflecting upon all that it has to offer, it is a rather messy affair. Besson, who also wrote the screenplay, delivers a… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: DOGMAN
STEVE! (MARTIN): A DOCUMENTARY IN TWO PIECES
Steve Martin is a comedy icon. There is no other way to express this sentiment. From his standup performances to his career in cinema, Martin has had a significant impact on the comedy world. A new documentary by director Morgan Neville celebrates the career and influence of Steve Martin while also revealing the real person… Continue reading STEVE! (MARTIN): A DOCUMENTARY IN TWO PIECES
Lousy Carter in theaters and digital after 2023 Locarno Film Festival Premiere
“Lousy” is a name given to the film’s lead character, Lousy Carter (David Krumholtz, Oppenheimer, “The Deuce” TV series), a literature professor who has an animated (side) project he has not completed in 13 years. His class focuses entirely on “The Great Gatsby” and is limited to a few students. As the film opens in… Continue reading Lousy Carter in theaters and digital after 2023 Locarno Film Festival Premiere
SXSW 2024: ‘Omni Loop’ -Unraveling Time and Emotions
Mary-Louise Parker delivers a standout performance in ‘Omni Loop’ as Zoya Lowe, a woman with a terminal diagnosis that leads her down a path of existential reflection. Directed by Bernardo Britto and screened at SXSW 2024, the film takes audiences on a thought-provoking journey through themes of mortality, regret, and the intricacies of human connection.… Continue reading SXSW 2024: ‘Omni Loop’ -Unraveling Time and Emotions
SXSW 2024: The Black Sea World Premiered in the Narrative Feature Competition
Indie filmmaker Crystal Moselle (The Wolfpack, 2015) had her latest feature, The Black Sea, world premiere at this month’s 2024 SXSW Film & Television Festival. The film is co-directed by Derrick B. Harden, who also stars as Khalid, a Black man from Brownsville (a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York). As the film begins, a woman… Continue reading SXSW 2024: The Black Sea World Premiered in the Narrative Feature Competition
SXSW 2024: ‘Monkey Man’ – Unleashes Dev Patel’s Action-Fueled Directorial Debut
In the gritty underworld of Mumbai’s underground fight clubs, a masked figure known only as Kid, portrayed with intensity by Dev Patel, endures a brutal existence as a human punching bag. Inspired by the legendary strength of Hanuman, Kid harbors a childhood trauma that fuels his relentless quest for vengeance against those who wronged him.… Continue reading SXSW 2024: ‘Monkey Man’ – Unleashes Dev Patel’s Action-Fueled Directorial Debut
SXSW 2024: Ghostlight – A Triumphant Drama
‘Ghostlight’ is a full length featured comedy/drama written and directed by Kelly O’Sullivan with director support from Alex Thompson. It is an exceptionally smart film exploring the themes of suicide, loss and grief, and how participation in performance art can lift a grieving family out of its despair and provide a shining light in a… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Ghostlight – A Triumphant Drama
SXSW 2024: The Moogai – A Haunting Tale of Maternal Terror
Screened at SXSW 2024, Jon Bell’s debut feature, ‘The Moogai, delves into the chilling realm of Aboriginal folklore and maternal paranoia, offering a unique blend of psychological horror and cultural exploration. Set against the backdrop of modern-day Australia, the film follows Sarah and Fergus, a young Aboriginal couple, as they navigate the complexities of parenthood… Continue reading SXSW 2024: The Moogai – A Haunting Tale of Maternal Terror