‘BuyBust’ Review: Manila Set Thriller Powered By Anne Curtis Performance And Unrelenting Action

As a film enthusiast and Asian American (I'm part Filipino), I'm ashamed to admit that BuyBust is the first film I've seen from the Philippines. But there's a first for everything, and this unrelenting and gritty action thriller exceeded all of my expectations. Nina Manigan (Anne Curtis) is part of a top flight narcotics outfit … Continue reading ‘BuyBust’ Review: Manila Set Thriller Powered By Anne Curtis Performance And Unrelenting Action

‘Never Goin’ Back’ Review: Summer Tale Shines With Maia Mitchell And Camila Morrone Pairing

Landing at a trim 85 minutes, Never Goin’ Back is nonetheless a meaty narrative about two girls who whether their storms with aplomb, bringing a healthy share of mayhem in the process. Directed and penned by Augustine Frizzell, the flick is powered by standout work from leads Maia Mitchell and Camila Morrone. The balls out … Continue reading ‘Never Goin’ Back’ Review: Summer Tale Shines With Maia Mitchell And Camila Morrone Pairing

‘Spoiled Cinema’ Spotlight: ‘Harold and Maude’

As discussed on our CinemAddicts podcast, Anderson Cowan and I are building on our cinephile universe with Spoiled Cinema. First movie up is Harold and Maude, one of Cowan's favorite movies. Details below! Every movie on Spoiled Cinema will have an "open ticket," as the biggest goal for us is to keep each of these … Continue reading ‘Spoiled Cinema’ Spotlight: ‘Harold and Maude’

‘Hot Summer Nights’ Review: Timothée Chalamet Headlines Visually Arresting Coming Of Age Flick

There will be a ton of style versus substance arguments with Hot Summer Nights, director/writer Elijah Bynum’s visually hypnotic and balls out homage to such features as Goodfellas and Boogie Nights. Is this movie more than a series of beautifully composed shots and a wonderfully curated soundtrack (kudos for the use of The Outfield’s “Your … Continue reading ‘Hot Summer Nights’ Review: Timothée Chalamet Headlines Visually Arresting Coming Of Age Flick

‘Izzy Gets The F**K Across Town’ Review: Mackenzie Davis Anchors Memorable L.A. Story

I've lived in Culver City, worked at Miracle Mile, and have traversed the somewhat tony confines of Los Feliz, and these areas are among the locales spotlighted in director Christian Papierniak's seductively beguiling Izzy Gets The F**k Of Town. But neither the director or Los Angeles are the stars of the show. The Queen Bee … Continue reading ‘Izzy Gets The F**K Across Town’ Review: Mackenzie Davis Anchors Memorable L.A. Story

Review: ‘Damsel’ Is A Western of the Highest Order

There’s a ton of things to say about Damsel, but the less you know the better. Toplined by Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska, Damsel is a Western of the highest order. Skip reviews and just see this movie, but if you must read a bit more, here’s some non-spoiler stuff . . . Directed and … Continue reading Review: ‘Damsel’ Is A Western of the Highest Order

‘Hearts Beat Loud’ Review: Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons Are A Perfect Team In Brooklyn Set Tale

There will be naysayers who won’t buy writer/director Brett Haley’s bittersweet yet ultimately sentimental Hearts Beat Loud, but don’t be deterred. Open hearted to the core, and blessed with lived in performances from Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons, Hearts Beat Loud is a total charmer. Frank (Nick Offerman) owns a soon to be closed … Continue reading ‘Hearts Beat Loud’ Review: Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons Are A Perfect Team In Brooklyn Set Tale

‘Backstabbing For Beginners’ Review: Et Tu Ben Kingsley?

Based on Michael Soussan's memoir, Backstabbing for Beginners tries to mix a heavy dose of truth and sprinkle it with thriller elements. For the most part it succeeds thanks to another standout performance from Ben Kingsley. The disclaimer behind Backstabbing for Beginners is that it is inspired by Michael Soussan's experience as a U.N. official … Continue reading ‘Backstabbing For Beginners’ Review: Et Tu Ben Kingsley?

‘The House of Tomorrow’ Review: Coming-of-Age Drama Has A Great Future

Discovering movies that are absolute gems is a personal fixation, and one film that continues to resonate is The House of Tomorrow. It hits select Los Angeles and New York theaters today, and if you're into perceptively written coming-of-age stories, this narrative should be worth your time and effort . . . Sebastian Prendergast (Asa … Continue reading ‘The House of Tomorrow’ Review: Coming-of-Age Drama Has A Great Future

‘I Kill Giants’ Review: Madison Wolfe Powers Memorable And Enriching Tale

I Kill Giants, based on the comic book limited series from Joe Kelly and J.M. Ken Niimura, is a dark fantasy/coming-of-age drama that refuses to pull any punches, delivering a knockout story in the process. Spotlighting under the radar films is always a joy, and I Kill Giants snugly fits into that category. Barbara Thorson … Continue reading ‘I Kill Giants’ Review: Madison Wolfe Powers Memorable And Enriching Tale