Murder and infidelity make interesting bedfellows. The confluence of the two have made for excellent film and television. How we position ourselves in relation to these crimes will always fascinate us. In the case of Love & Death, the story of the other woman-on-woman crime boils to a head. While the series features an outstanding … Continue reading TV: ‘Love & Death’ – A Christian Tragedy in the Aftermath of an Affair
TV: ‘Barry’ Returns with Hader’s Most Harrowing and Personal Season
Bill Hader surprised the world with Barry when it first premiered. Known for his sketch comedy background, the actor had found some success in independent film. Yet even performances that drew raves, like The Skeleton Twins and Trainwreck, showed nothing like Barry. The dark comedy became one of the most compelling shows of a generation … Continue reading TV: ‘Barry’ Returns with Hader’s Most Harrowing and Personal Season
TV Review: ‘Waco: American Apocalypse’ Misses the Moment
The events that occurred in Waco, Texas in 1993 stunned the world. A group known as the Branch Davidians had come into a standoff against American law enforcement. After an extremely bloody skirmish, the next forty-plus days resulted in an unprecedented siege. It ended in a fire and death, with more than eighty deaths. For … Continue reading TV Review: ‘Waco: American Apocalypse’ Misses the Moment
SXSW 2023: ‘Only the Good Survive’ Will Knock Your Socks Off
Every so often, a gift of genre mashups lands in our laps. This SXSW, that film is Only the Good Survive, which quickly draws you into the intriguing premise. A mix between hard boiled crime, Scott Pilgrim ADHD energy, and a caper gone wrong, Only the Good Survive is a triumph of vision. Director Dutch … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Only the Good Survive’ Will Knock Your Socks Off
Review: ‘Marlowe’ – The Only Mystery is How So Much Talent is Wasted
When a film baring the caliber of talent – both in front of and behind the camera – that Marlowe has, one has to wonder how it can go so wrong. Director Neil Jordan reunites with Liam Neeson for the first time since Breakfast on Pluto for their third collaboration. Adding stars Jessica Lange, Diane … Continue reading Review: ‘Marlowe’ – The Only Mystery is How So Much Talent is Wasted
Review: ‘Irréversible: The Straight Cut’ Barely Adds Sympathy to an Already Cruel Story
Few films have ever inspired genuine shock like Irréversible when it released over twenty years ago. Director Gaspar Noé was mostly unknown outside of cinephile until Irréversible landed at Cannes. Upon its release, the story of a woman's rape and the lengths her boyfriend and ex-lover would go to avenge her became wildly controversial. While … Continue reading Review: ‘Irréversible: The Straight Cut’ Barely Adds Sympathy to an Already Cruel Story
Sundance 2023: ‘The Accidental Getaway Driver’ Stuns with Hiệp Trần Nghĩa Masterful Performance
The emergence of breakthrough actors has long helped Sundance build popularity. Many performers find their first starring role at the festival and gain important exposure for their future. Seeing a masterful performance can hit the audience like a lightning bolt. Despite decades in the industry, Hiệp Trần Nghĩa has rarely been given the opportunity to … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ‘The Accidental Getaway Driver’ Stuns with Hiệp Trần Nghĩa Masterful Performance
We Miss VHS: ‘Strange Days’ Stuns as the Best Dystopian Nightmare Since ‘Blade Runner’
For decades, audiences have been transported by Sci-Fi futurism, only to be trapped in dystopias. While movies like Total Recall and Blade Runner have jumped decades, others chose to set themselves in near-future nightmares. Strange Days, from director Kathryn Bigelow, captures Y2K anxiety, fears of surveillance, distrust in police, and simmering racism to craft a … Continue reading We Miss VHS: ‘Strange Days’ Stuns as the Best Dystopian Nightmare Since ‘Blade Runner’
Sundance 2023: ‘Murder in Big Horn’ Asks Hard Questions About the Epidemic of Violence Against Indigenous Women
Across America, there are issues of hate crimes and violence against non-white citizens. For indigenous communities, there has been a full epidemic of violence against women. A new documentary series, Murder in Big Horn seeks to draw attention to rising rates of death and disappearance in Big Horn County, Montana. From directors Razelle Benally and … Continue reading Sundance 2023: ‘Murder in Big Horn’ Asks Hard Questions About the Epidemic of Violence Against Indigenous Women
Sundance 2023 – Shorts: ‘The Family Circus’ Asks How Far Will You Go For Family
The holiday season puts most people in a good mood. However, being in too good of a mood causes trouble. Director Andrew Fitzgerald uses the pressures of the season, ethnicity, and morality to craft a surprisingly effective short thriller. His ability to build and diffuse tension, as well as a very talented cast, helps The … Continue reading Sundance 2023 – Shorts: ‘The Family Circus’ Asks How Far Will You Go For Family