Serial killers have long been a subject ripe for picking for dark yet intriguing Hollywood productions. Done right, they expose the dark side of human nature and the perseverance of the human condition. The protagonist often isn't fighting to survive, they are fighting for what's right, for the truth. In the case of true crime … Continue reading Review: ‘Boston Strangler’ – A Solid Film That Fails to Make the Headlines
Review: ‘Shazam! Fury Of The Gods’ – A Sequel That Doesn’t Strike Twice
The gang is back in taking second servings for DC's more family-friendly comic book film, Shazam! Fury of the Gods. That is if you can define this as "family-friendly." Considering the content is slightly darker than the first film, I doubt you can. As children-turned-muscular adult bodies, Billy Batts (Asher Angel/Zachary Levi) and company find … Continue reading Review: ‘Shazam! Fury Of The Gods’ – A Sequel That Doesn’t Strike Twice
SXSW 2023: ‘I Used to Be Funny’ – A Rachel Sennott Dramatic Vehicle
There were not many stars minted at SXSW in the last few years. However, after the release of Shiva Baby, Bodies Bodies Bodies and Bottoms, it's clear that Rachel Sennott pulled it off. The actress showed range over the three films, highlighting her comedic timing and dramatic skillset. Yet I Used to Be Funny serves … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘I Used to Be Funny’ – A Rachel Sennott Dramatic Vehicle
Review: ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’
It's hard to believe that it has already been nine years since Keanu Reeves took on the titular character and stormed through multiple chapters as the hitman who took on everyone. Yet, here we are, the fourth (and possibly final) film with director Chad Stahelski and the movie at its longest, a full 169 minutes … Continue reading Review: ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’
Review: ‘Bill Russell: Legend’ – A Hero On and Off the Court
Emmy winner Sam Pollard has made a career of crafting carefully thought-out documentaries. His subjects have included Martin Luther King Jr., Sammy Davis Jr., and Arthur Ashe among others. Basketball great Bill Russell is the latest figure Pollard focuses on for Netflix’s Bill Russell: Legend. Bill Russell has the distinction of being the ultimate winner … Continue reading Review: ‘Bill Russell: Legend’ – A Hero On and Off the Court
Sarasota Film Festival 2023 – The Full Slate for 25th Anniversary
Our hometown film festival returns for its 25th anniversary this year. The new festival begins on March 25th, 2023, and closes on April 2nd, 2023. The festival is set to open with Dawn Porter's Cirque Du Soleil: Without a Net on March 25th. The closing night film is On a Wing and Prayer from director … Continue reading Sarasota Film Festival 2023 – The Full Slate for 25th Anniversary
SXSW 2023: ‘The Herricanes’ is a Triumphant Sport Documentary
Bringing a sports story to life, especially those focused on women, has rarely been easy. Sadly, most women's sports never feature the record keeping of men's sports. In the case of The Herricanes, the process seemed even more difficult than normal. Yet director Olivia Kuan connected with the material more than the regular documentarian. For … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘The Herricanes’ is a Triumphant Sport Documentary
SXSW 2023: ‘Raging Grace’ Tells an Immigrant Story In a Haunted House
The immigrant and low SES horror film continues to gain traction in recent years. In the past few years, Nanny and His House were among the best films of the year, and struck to the heart of anxiety of moving to a new world. Director Paris Zarcilla shows a ton of potential with Raging Grace. … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Raging Grace’ Tells an Immigrant Story In a Haunted House
SXSW 2023: ‘Problemista’ – Hilarious and Heartfelt Film About Life in the Arts
Julio Torres already proved to Hollywood he possesses a unique voice. He consistently showed off his vision and clever insights as writer on SNL and co-creator of Los Espookys. Now, A24 provided Torres an opportunity to direct his first feature. Problemista instantly connects, becoming one of the most confident debuts of the year. The very … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Problemista’ – Hilarious and Heartfelt Film About Life in the Arts
SXSW 2023: ‘Appendage’ Literalizes the Monster Inside Us All
Those who struggle with negative self-talk know that it's difficult to overcome. Simply saying nice things about oneself can help. Yet, even that process feels impossible if you are inclined to beat yourself up. Writer/Director Anna Zlokovic brings this struggle into the real world. In Appendage, a young woman is forced to confront the monster … Continue reading SXSW 2023: ‘Appendage’ Literalizes the Monster Inside Us All