Category: Reviews

SMILE 2 Is Actually More Entertaining Than Its Predecessor

Naomi Scott stars in Paramount Pictures Presents A Temple Hill Production A Parker Finn FIlm "SMILE 2"

I went into this film thinking this sequel would be another dour and sad extension of the first installment. Thankfully, that is not the case. Writer/director Parker Finn now has a sense of humor about his franchise, making this next chapter a more entertaining and fun experience, despite the film’s dark elements. Finn also wants… Continue reading SMILE 2 Is Actually More Entertaining Than Its Predecessor

Fantastic Fest 2024: MR. CROCKET

For the closing night film of this year’s Fantastic Fest, the programmers have chosen an unusual horror flick that offers up the premise, what if Mr. Rogers was a psychotic killer that preyed upon the parents of his most ardent fans, children? Writer/director Brandon Espy and co-writer Carl Reid have concocted an imaginative nightmare for… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024: MR. CROCKET

Movie Review: The Convert – A History of the Indigenous Māori and British Colonists: Drama and Action

The Convert is directed by Lee Tamahori (Next, xXx: State of the Nation, Once Were Warriors, Die Another Day). The film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, screened in several countries, and now has a digital release. The director co-wrote the screenplay with Shane Danielson (The World Made Straight, Errors of the Human… Continue reading Movie Review: The Convert – A History of the Indigenous Māori and British Colonists: Drama and Action

Movie Review: PIECE BY PIECE Takes An Inventive Approach To Documentary/Biopic Filmmaking

Pharrell Williams has made a name for himself as a musical artist in his own right. Still, he is also a significant contributor to the advancement of the careers of other musical artists. His story is worth telling through film, and the artist himself wishes to reveal his story. However, Williams wants to tell his… Continue reading Movie Review: PIECE BY PIECE Takes An Inventive Approach To Documentary/Biopic Filmmaking

Fantastic Fest ‘24 Review: The Apprentice

Stan’s impression is a ginormous character smear The Apprentice is a biographical drama based in the 70s and depicts the rise of a young Donald Trump from under his father’s wing and into the commerce limelight of New York City. Releasing just in time for the November election, it is clear the creators of this… Continue reading Fantastic Fest ‘24 Review: The Apprentice

Fantastic Fest 2024 Movie Review: SATURDAY NIGHT

The programmers of this year’s film festival decided to up the ante by scheduling a record number of “Secret Screenings.” In past years, the festival usually only offered two or three of these mystery offerings, but this year, four was the magic number. The first of these was the new film by Jason Reitman, Saturday… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024 Movie Review: SATURDAY NIGHT

Fantastic Fest 2024: TEACUP

TEACUP -- "Think About the Bubbles" Episode 101 -- Pictured: (l-r) Luciano Leroux as Nicholas Shanley, Emilie Bierre as Meryl Chenoweth— (Photo by: Mark Hill/Peacock)

In recent years, Fantastic Fest has opened its lineup to include television series that fall under its genre label. This year, I attended screenings for two TV shows, one of which was Teacup. One thing that caught my attention about Teacup was that one of the executive producers is James Wan (Saw, Insidious, The Conjuring).… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2024: TEACUP

Fantestic Fest 2024: Planet B

Planet B, the second feature film from French director Aude Léa Rapin, made its mark at Fantastic Fest 2024 but left audiences with mixed feelings. A dystopian sci-fi thriller, the film explores timely themes of state control, virtual prisons, and resistance. While it boasts a compelling premise, strong performances, and striking visuals, “Planet B” ultimately… Continue reading Fantestic Fest 2024: Planet B

Fantastic Fest Film Review: The Remarkable Life of Ibelin

Credit: Netflix

I am Immensely Thankful that I got to see this Documentary At Fantastic Fest this year, I was standing in the Fons PR ticket office on Day 5 when I helped a man through the door with his luggage. It turned out to be the director of ‘Parvulos’, who personally asked me to watch his film that morning. That… Continue reading Fantastic Fest Film Review: The Remarkable Life of Ibelin