Tag: AFF 2017

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) Based on his real life experiences under the caring guidance of his late teacher Tim Moellering, Santiago Rizzo brings his inspiring and emotional true story to film.  Rizzo grew up in an abusive living situation and often took to the streets to avoid the pain and… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2017 Review/Interview: QUEST

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) My second film of AFF 2017 was the hilarious romantic comedy Wild Honey. Sweet, charming and a little bit risque, this movie aims for crowd-pleasing status and succeeds without being overly saccharine.  Written and directed by Francis Stokes, the film realistically deals with the issues associated with… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2017 Review: WILD HONEY

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) From writer/director Pat Mills comes this joyous, inventive and hysterical teen underdog movie which features a wonderful breakout performance by Michelle McLeod.  There have been several great teen comedies dealing with similar protagonists, but not one quite like this, nor quite as entertaining as McLeod’s Irene. … Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2017 Review: DON’T TALK TO IRENE

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) Two years ago at AFF, I had the distinct pleasure of reviewing a phenomenal documentary titled A Single Frame and enjoyed meeting and interviewing its Austin-based director Brandon Dickerson.  An AFF regular, Dickerson has screened some of his films at the festival and brings his latest… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2017 Review: AMANDA & JACK GO GLAMPING

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Actress Greta Gerwig makes her directorial debut with a film that is sure to get some serious attention during awards season.  Often uproarious, sometimes poignant, and always full of heart, Lady Bird tells the story of an intelligent, strong-willed, and downright lovable teenage girl. The movie… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2017 Review: LADY BIRD

By Mark Saldana Rating: 2.5 (Out of 4 Stars) In the tradition of Hal Needham (Smokey and the Bandit) and more recently, Chad Staheski and David Leitch (John Wick), stunt coordinator-turned- director Brian Smrz helms this intense, visceral and violent action flick which stars Ethan Hawke.  Hawke stars as Travis Conrad, a former elite soldier… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2017 Review: 24 HOURS TO LIVE

By Mark Saldana In 1990, the sketch comedy series In Living Color aired on the Fox Network and took America and the world by storm.  Actor/comedian/filmmaker Keenen Ivory Wayans wanted to offer television audiences a new alternative to Saturday Night Live that gave African-American comedians a stronger voice and place to show their talents.  Despite the… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2017 Review: IN LIVING COLOR (1990-1994)-Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2, Presented By Keenen Ivory Wayans