PALM SPRINGS SHORTFEST 2024 REVIEW! Grieving for a spouse should be a sacred experience, but prejudice knows no bounds. Director/writer Ward Kamel’s short film If I Die in America is about a young man named Manuel Reyes, aka Manny (Gil…
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The Big Picture A solid “Sharksploitation” concept provides a necessary hook for audiences. The underwater sets come with an inherent eeriness and dread. Sadly, the characters and shark designs are as forgettable as most fin flicks of the last few…
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The Big Picture Starve Acre embraces Gothic horror with haunting visuals and an atmospheric setting. The film stumbles storytelling-wise by leaning too heavily into supernatural elements. Morfydd Clark and Matt Smith deliver strong performances, but the characters lack depth and…
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NOW IN THEATERS! In post-strike Hollywood, comic-book fans have been desperately waiting for a good superhero film…hell, a great superhero film…for a very long time. Does Deadpool & Wolverine deliver? Let’s find out. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is dead, as told…
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The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Catholic faith. Catholics believe that the bread and wine truly become the body and blood of Jesus Christ, yet a Pew Research poll in 2019 showed that 70% of US Catholics…
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Mom can’t be taking care of the kids all day. In P. Patrick Hogan’s short film Quiet! Mom’s Working, even mom has to have her hobbies. Quiet! Mom’s Working opens with Mom (Ana Krista Johnson) seeking solace in the family…
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The Big Picture Netflix's adaptation of The Decameron is a pandemic show well-suited to our present moment, highlighting themes of repression and isolation. The ensemble cast is packed with comedy heavyweights, with Zosia Mamet, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Tanya Reynolds, and Tony…
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The Big Picture The Silent Planet lacks subtlety and originality, instead relying on clunky dialogue and stiff writing. The film falls short of higher quality sci-fi productions, despite strong performances from the cast. Lack of attention to detail and immersion,…
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In Joseph McGovern’s short film Is This The Bed We Lie In? he captures a moment in time for a troubled couple. Robert and Jennifer are seemingly a loving couple, but Jennifer finds herself unfulfilled and satisfied and wants to…
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Summary The Beast Within is a layered werewolf story told through the eyes of a young girl, exploring themes of familial abuse and trauma. The film boasts a rich gothic aesthetic and captures the eerie English landscape with well-crafted shots…
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Opening with a proverb concerning two wolves “at war with each other,” The Beast Within is a moody, atmospheric film. This slow-burner is the first genre film from Alexander J. Farrell. The co-writer/director has previously helmed two feature documentaries, a…
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Summary Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman shine as superheroes with great comedic chemistry. Exciting action scenes & multiverse references cater to all types of fans. Weak character development and one-note villains may deter some viewers. Marvel Studios' Deadpool & Wolverine…
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