Turning a camera on oneself can become an uncomfortable task. Yet these explorations yield many of our most intimate and stirring documentaries. Three filmmakers, Richard Linklater, Alex Stapleton, and Iliana Sosa, examine their Texas hometowns and how they relate to several of the state's most controversial aspects. Together, they paint a vivid picture of dissent … Continue reading Review: GOD SAVE TEXAS – Linklater, Stapleton, and Sosa Explore the Dark Corners of Their Hometowns
Review: ‘A Revolution on Canvas’ – An Intricate History Lesson and Celebration of Iranian Art
It's rare for non-Western art to receive its due in cultural circles. Yet that makes the arrival of stories about these artists even more critical. Like any art form, the painting imbues meaning to those seeking it. Yet, for Nickzad Nodjoumi, it's impossible to see his art. In fact, ever since the Iranian Revolution, they've … Continue reading Review: ‘A Revolution on Canvas’ – An Intricate History Lesson and Celebration of Iranian Art
Review: ‘Blue Beetle’ – DC’s Latest Film Looks to Correct Course
After suffering from lackluster blockbuster gains, Blue Beetle has hit streaming service MAX with the power of a locomotive train. Several factors may contribute to superhero movies no longer breaking box office records, including the promise of an eventual streaming service release. In the case of the DC extended universe, these poor box office results … Continue reading Review: ‘Blue Beetle’ – DC’s Latest Film Looks to Correct Course
Review: ‘BS High’ – A Stunning Vision of Greed In Youth Athletics
After a series of scam documentaries took the world by storm, the "Scam Culture" genre was born. With successful shows like The Dropout, Super Pumped, and WeCrashed, many tried to find the next big story. Oscar-winning directors Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe circled the sad tale of Bishop Sycamore. The fake high school, whose … Continue reading Review: ‘BS High’ – A Stunning Vision of Greed In Youth Athletics
TV Review: In Season 3, ‘How to With John Wilson’ Remains as Funny and Weird as Ever
The small absurd oddities of life often go unremarked upon. Yet some find ways to turn the seemingly banal into an artistic endeavor. No one in entertainment seems as great at bringing this to life quite like John Wilson. While some audiences are aware of the incredible How to With John Wilson, the series has … Continue reading TV Review: In Season 3, ‘How to With John Wilson’ Remains as Funny and Weird as Ever
Review: HBO Doc ‘After the Bite’ Depicts a Town Struggling with Its Future
In a film like Jaws, filmmakers must balance genuine tragedy with excitement. However, even a story that fascinates audiences does not compare to the real-world impact of these events. Sharks have long been the subject of filmmakers, both for conservation and cultural impact. After the Bite, a new documentary from director Ivy Meeropol, examines the … Continue reading Review: HBO Doc ‘After the Bite’ Depicts a Town Struggling with Its Future
TV Review: ‘Full Circle’ Ed Solomon and Steven Soderbergh Craft a Meticulous Crime Fiction
Few directors can balance an ensemble quite like Steven Soderbergh. The director behind Ocean's Eleven, Logan Lucky, and Traffic loves to let stars excel with big performances. Yet he's at his best when he turns down the temperature, allowing actors to embrace their subtle differences within a larger team. Working off screenplays from creator Ed … Continue reading TV Review: ‘Full Circle’ Ed Solomon and Steven Soderbergh Craft a Meticulous Crime Fiction
The Idol – Episode 1 – “Pop Tarts & Rat Tales” Recap
The controversial Sam Levinson and Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. “The Weeknd,” feel like a match made in heaven. They both love Hollywood glitz. They often explore the darker sides of sex and pleasure. Neither hits 100% with their target audiences. You would argue they often alienate their fans. Yet at the same time, both find ways … Continue reading The Idol – Episode 1 – “Pop Tarts & Rat Tales” Recap
TV Review: ‘How to Create a Sex Scandal’ Relies on Shock Over Substance
True crime can occasionally lean into salacious details over the stronger substance available. In the case of How to Create a Sex Scandal, one of the first official shows in the Max era, the material appears focused on generating as much shock value as possible. The intent of the documentary appears to place blame on … Continue reading TV Review: ‘How to Create a Sex Scandal’ Relies on Shock Over Substance