While Paul Schrader wrote many great movies about abandoned men looking for a purpose, he has edged into self-parody. His latest pseudo-trilogy pushes audiences to develop empathy for troubled men. However, even a war criminal and an eco-terrorist priest have nothing on the Joel Edgerton-led Master Gardener. Schrader's latest film lays on heavy commentary about … Continue reading Review: ‘Master Gardener’ – Paul Schrader Courts Outrage Once Again
Review: ‘Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie’ – A Tribute to an Icon
Few actors stand as tall in Hollywood as Michael J. Fox. The iconic actor broke into the industry at a young age and seemingly never looked back. Not only did he become a legendary TV Performer, but Back to the Future remains a testament to his talent. The iconoclast shocked the world with news of … Continue reading Review: ‘Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie’ – A Tribute to an Icon
Fantaspoa 2023: ‘Abruptio’ – Puppets and Horror Blend to Create a Nightmarish Reality
The limits of unique mediums open doors for creative filmmakers. The use of puppets is not new on film, but marionettes rarely get the same opportunities. Director Evan Marlowe creates a horrific vision of life through lifelike puppets. Combining live-action footage with absurdist horror, Abruptio frightens. The body horror and surrealist imagery result in a … Continue reading Fantaspoa 2023: ‘Abruptio’ – Puppets and Horror Blend to Create a Nightmarish Reality
Fantasia 2023: ‘Meltdown: A Nuclear Family’s Ascension Into Madness’
Despite notions that the 1950s were the image of idyllic Americana, the gears of change were churning. Women had entered the workforce during World War II. The roots of the Civil Rights movement continued to grow. Divorce became a more viable option. Drug culture started to grow. It’s within the waves of this changing world … Continue reading Fantasia 2023: ‘Meltdown: A Nuclear Family’s Ascension Into Madness’
2023 Florida Film Festival: ‘Unicorn Boy’ Presents a Trippy Restart to Life
After a breakup, we often need a moment of reinvention. However, getting transported to a mythical world is not usually in the cards. Unicorn Boy, a new animated feature from Matt Kiel, pushes its protagonist into chasing a new life. Using themselves as a model for its protagonist, Kiel pushes the visual envelope while maintaining … Continue reading 2023 Florida Film Festival: ‘Unicorn Boy’ Presents a Trippy Restart to Life
2023 Florida Film Festival: ‘My Love Affair with Marriage’ – A Post-Modern Attempt to Understand
Exploring the ways that men try to dominate women continually makes for fertile storytelling. Decades of gaslighting and generational violence warp the sensibilities of how humans should treat each other. Yet, in some cases, men will not accept their partner as an equal. Instead, they believe their domination should be inherent in the relationship. Director … Continue reading 2023 Florida Film Festival: ‘My Love Affair with Marriage’ – A Post-Modern Attempt to Understand
Review: ‘Somewhere in Queens’ – Ray Romano Explores Complicated Sports Parents
As a comedian, Ray Romano already conquered the world. Everybody Loves Raymond earned its place as one of the comedies of its era. His standup earned him acclaim and regular appearances on The Late Show. Now, he’s stepped into the director's chair to open a new chapter. His directorial debut Somewhere in Queens plays on … Continue reading Review: ‘Somewhere in Queens’ – Ray Romano Explores Complicated Sports Parents
2023 Florida Film Festival: ‘DID I?’ Struggles With Storytelling, Despite Incredible Style
Emotional trauma has become the backbone of visual storytelling in recent years. Explorations of characters struggling with the fallout of horror have popped in every medium, from short films to long-form television. On the one hand, this has resulted in increased attention to mental health. However, sometimes the tropes become a dangerous subject matter to … Continue reading 2023 Florida Film Festival: ‘DID I?’ Struggles With Storytelling, Despite Incredible Style
2023 Florida Film Festival: ‘Out There: A National Parks Story’ Explores Beauty and Devotion
Traveling to the National Parks in 2020 became a highlight of my time in lockdown. Trips to Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Zion, and the Grand Canyon will stay with me forever. For the centennial celebration of the Parks Service in 2016, Director Brendan Hall traversed nearly 10,000 miles of the American landscape. With his childhood … Continue reading 2023 Florida Film Festival: ‘Out There: A National Parks Story’ Explores Beauty and Devotion
2023 Florida Film Festival – Shorts: ‘Sulam (Ladder)’ Examines the Difficult Moments for Mothers and Daughters
Every family struggles when parents and children do not see eye to eye. Yet, for immigrant families, seeing eye to eye tends to lead to intercultural misunderstandings. As a result, many children of immigrant parents attempt to assimilate to "be normal," unaware that their cultural upbringing will be far more important in the long term. … Continue reading 2023 Florida Film Festival – Shorts: ‘Sulam (Ladder)’ Examines the Difficult Moments for Mothers and Daughters