Sam Haye’s directorial debut feature, Pools, is the 2024 SXSW Sydney Audience Award Winner and had the North American Premiere at TIFF Next Wave. Pools had a sold-out screening at the festival that features a breakout performance from Odessa A’zion (Until Dawn, “Ghosts” TV series, Sitting in Bars with Cake, Hellraiser, “Nashville” TV series) as… Continue reading Pools – TIFF Next Wave/ SXSW Sydney Film Now in Theaters
Category: Reviews
TWINLESS: A Poignant, And Often Hilarious Film
James Sweeney is a filmmaker with whom I am not at all familiar. However, after watching Twinless, I would love to see what this talented filmmaker and actor have to offer. This movie boldly combines awkward, dark humor with just the right amount of humanity, examining how some people can connect in profound ways, despite… Continue reading TWINLESS: A Poignant, And Often Hilarious Film
Filmmaker Oanh-Nhi Nguyen has Two Standout Films at the Hollyshorts Film Festival
The Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival recently wrapped this month, and two films that I viewed from filmmaker Oanh-Nhi Nguyen are awe-inspiring. She is an AFI Conservatory MFA graduate. Both of her films were screened at the TCL Chinese Theater earlier this month. With the actions seen in the news and on social media platforms regarding… Continue reading Filmmaker Oanh-Nhi Nguyen has Two Standout Films at the Hollyshorts Film Festival
Checkpoint Zoo – a tribute to human bravery, compassion, and sacrifice amid chaos
As a lifelong animal lover and advocate for their protection, I found Joshua Zeman’s Checkpoint Zoo to be one of the most impactful documentaries I’ve watched in years. The film highlights the incredible efforts of Feldman Ecopark’s owner, staff, and volunteers to rescue nearly 5,000 animals trapped in Kharkiv, Ukraine, when the Russian invasion turned… Continue reading Checkpoint Zoo – a tribute to human bravery, compassion, and sacrifice amid chaos
CAUGHT STEALING: A Movie That Brings Back Late 1990s And Early 2000s Pulp Cinema
Even though filmmaker Darren Aronofsky achieved recognition during the late 1990s and early 2000s as a movie director, he never attempted to capitalize on the success of pulpy criminal films that resulted from the pop cultural impact of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, which often permeated cinema during this era. However, in 2025, Aronofsky, captivated by… Continue reading CAUGHT STEALING: A Movie That Brings Back Late 1990s And Early 2000s Pulp Cinema
Almost Popular – Another Coming of Age Film with Some Good Scenes
A film regarded as a “coming of age” story can be perceived in a couple of ways. Some people may want to pass on viewing it because it may be formulaic and predictable. I try not to set expectations and am open to seeing what the filmmakers offer. How creative is it when it comes… Continue reading Almost Popular – Another Coming of Age Film with Some Good Scenes
Movie Review: The Fantastic Golem Affairs – Fantastic Fest Presents Spanish Sci-fi Comedy
From writers/directors Juan González and Nando Martínez comes The Fantastic Golem Affairs, an absurdist Spanish sci-fi comedy that was showcased internationally at the 2023 film festivals, including Fantasia and Fantastic Fest (Austin, TX), among others. The film explores friendship and relationships, particularly those between parents, but in a manner that diverges from the conventional portrayal… Continue reading Movie Review: The Fantastic Golem Affairs – Fantastic Fest Presents Spanish Sci-fi Comedy
NE ZHA 2 Is A Sequel With A Tad Too Much Ambition
Before receiving the invitation to this screening, I had never heard of the Chinese animated movie Ne Zha. However, after reading the synopsis of the film, I was definitely intrigued. One day before the Ne Zha 2 screening, I watched Ne Zha, the first installment of this Chinese fantasy saga, and fell in love. The… Continue reading NE ZHA 2 Is A Sequel With A Tad Too Much Ambition
HONEY, DON’T! Begs For Better Writing
Some filmmaking pairs need both members to be present to pull off great work. The perfect example of this is the Coen Brothers. For whatever reason, the Coen Brothers have decided to part ways and make movies on their own. However, Joel and Ethan Coen have yet to deliver something exciting and remarkable individually, despite… Continue reading HONEY, DON’T! Begs For Better Writing
Eden – This Survivalist Thriller is Based on A True Story
Eden unravels the shocking true story of a German doctor and his partner who have left Germany to live a distinct life from that of World War I. They reside on an island in the Galapagos and write letters “back home” about how they are satisfied and at peace. Those letters are printed in the… Continue reading Eden – This Survivalist Thriller is Based on A True Story