Summary Soulful, present performances from Clara & Ewan McGregor Some standout scenes & an emotionally resonant climax Script over-relies on expository devices When it comes to film style, I don't have a strong preference for either a heavy hand or…
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NOW ON VOD! A cosmic powerhouse goes a concept too far in writer/director Dana Kippel’s spiritual sci-fi shindig Reflect. Summer (Dana Kippel) needs to get away from it all, in this case, Los Angeles and her cocky boyfriend James (Corey…
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Anthologies can express a theme or give different directors a chance to tell a story within a larger framework. Enter at your peril into the gore-soaked transgressive film Mexico Barbaro II. The horror anthology tells eight stories of Mexican horror without…
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In the ever-expanding universe of superhero films, Sony’s attempt to further enrich its Spider-Man Universe (SSU) brings us Madame Web, a film that dances on the edge of innovation but struggles to find its footing. Directed by S. J. Clarkson…
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Launch At Paradise is an intriguing science-fiction film. If you enjoy films like Tenet and Edge of Tomorrow, then director Carrie Ann Quinn and star-screenwriter Daniel Mitura’s multi-layered storyline will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It asks interesting questions about the…
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Suncoast is a coming-of-age drama film that marks the directorial debut of Laura Chinn, who draws upon her personal life experiences from the early 2000s for the screenplay, a project that notably made it to the 2020 Black List—an annual…
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While nobody knows the exact origins of chicken-fried steak, we have a pretty good idea that its roots trace back to West European immigrants bringing their recipes to Texas in the 1800s. Likely a variant of the German wiener schnitzel…
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SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2024 REVIEW! Dandelions is a brave and deeply personal documentary from writer-director Basil Mironer. What do you do if you have a family you never knew about in a different country? This question propels the filmmaker…
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Lisa Frankenstein is an explosive mixture of hilarity, spookiness, and uncanny allure. The film impressively weaves an absorbing storyline of odd friendship and exploration of personal identity. As an alluring twist on the conventional Frankenstein narrative, it stylishly stands out…
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This is one of the rare times where the grave spits back at you in the superior suspense thriller Stranger In The Woods. It was directed by Adam Newacheck, who edited it with his brother, producer Kyle Newacheck. Holly Kenney…
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The Big Picture Each episode of The Vince Staples Show is self-contained and unpredictable, providing plenty of laughs. The series successfully balances social commentary without overshadowing the humor. Vince Staples isn't afraid to be self-deprecating, echoing shows like Atlanta and…
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While it may seem Loss Of Essence is in response to the Rust tragedy, it was shot before that unfortunate incident took place. The comedic thriller is Jonathan Breaux’s feature-length debut. The writer-director populates his tale with a handful of…
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