SLUG Contributor Limelight
April 21, 2008
Contributor Limelight: Jimmy Martin
With a double major from the University of Utah and a masters from Westminester in Film Communications, this guy brings his educated approach to the mags film and video reviews. When he is not busy slaving away at his main gig as the grant writer for the Utah Symphony & Opera, Jimmy lends his own hand to filmmaking. Winning last year's 48 HR Film Festival in several categories including Best Editing, Directing, Movie and the coveted Audience Award, Jimmy's winning drama Klaus can be found on YouTube. But don't be mistaken, Mr. Martin doesn't lurk in dark theaters, you can find him and his trendy sidekick, DJ Ryan Powers, at local karaoke bars on any given night singing his self procliamed anthem, Mr. Roboto!
Articles by contributor
Film Review: Alice Through the Looking Glass
Six years ago, I found it quite surprising that this film’s predecessor made more than a billion dollars at the box office. Granted, 67 percent of that was from foreign countries, but it still made me cock my head to the side and ponder … read more
Movie Review: The Nice Guys
On the other hand, The Nice Guys stumbles quite a bit on deciding what type of genre it actually is attempting to be. Is it a buffoon comedy spoofing on the 1970s or a cold-hearted drama depicting actual consequences of our actions? … read more
Movie Review: Dark Horse
Dark Horse was released two years ago at the Sundance Film Festival, and as I’ve said in the past, if that festival has proven anything, they know a well-crafted documentary more than anyone else in the business. … read more
Film Review: X-Men: Apocalypse
After igniting the comic book movie genre in 2000 and delivering the most solid X-Men film to date in 2003, fans were excited to have director Bryan Singer return to the franchise two years ago for Days of Future Past. … read more
Film Review: Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Godzilla: King of the Monsters is definitely a movie that needs to be seen on the big screen to experience that grandiose level of destruction and to hear that ear-blasting roar of victory. … read more
Film Review: Brightburn
Did you ever wonder to yourself, “what if, one day, the Man of Steel decided not to be a good guy?” That question is definitely answered in Brightburn. … read more
Film Review: Aladdin
It’s been 27 years since Disney’s first iteration of Aladdin, but to imagine Guy Ritchie as the one to helm its creation is something on a different level. … read more
Moonboots and Large Talons: Napoleon Dynamite 15 Years Later
This year marks the film’s 15th anniversary, and to celebrate, the Utah Film Center is hosting a special screening on May 3 at East High School in Salt Lake City with the cast and crew for a special Q&A after the film. … read more
Film Review: The Curse of La Llorona
With The Curse of La Llorona set in the Conjuring universe, this urban legend based in Mexican culture is the focal point of Michael Chaves’ latest. … read more
Film Review: Long Shot
Long Shot features the archetypical drug-infused shenanigans that come with Rogen’s presence, but Jonathan Levine adds a much-needed sense of authenticity. … read more
Shazam!
Director David F. Sandberg has taken a relatively unknown character and made him engaging, enjoyable and enlightening with Shazam. … read more
Film Review: Captain Marvel
The greatest aspect of Captain Marvel is young girls now have another superhero they can look up to and identify with, which can only be positive. … read more
Aquaman
Aquaman is fun, but as I’ve said in the past, you have to modify your brain to sleep mode and enjoy the silliness, as it can be preposterously idiotic at others. No one walking into the theater should expect anything more than underwater soldiers riding sharks, seahorses and whales while engaged in heavy combat. … read more
Film Review: Roma
Whether it’s a grand-scale production like Gravity or a fly-on-the-wall observatory project like Roma, the creativity and passion that flows on the screen is undeniable. The raw emotion packs a punch that’ll leave audiences with something to ponder on the drive home. … read more
Film Review: Robin Hood
While there are still many similarities to the previous productions of Robin Hood (honestly, how could it not?), the modernization comes in the form of Bathurst’s intense action sequences, which come across more like a current military operation rather than medieval combat. … read more
Film Review: Halloween
The level of violence that is considered acceptable nowadays has certainly been heightened. If ultraviolent killings make you squeamish, you may want to sit the new Halloween movie out. … read more
Film Review: Beautiful Boy
Beautiful Boy is a great advocate for people dealing with dependences and for their supportive family members and friends. Hope is the ultimate goal of this account. … read more
Film Review: Crazy Rich Asians
Crazy Rich Asians is based on a bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan. Native New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is dating Singaporean Nick Young (Henry Golding), having no clue about how loaded his family really is. … read more
Film Review: The Meg
There is nothing worth remembering in this disaster of an action flick, but I don’t think anyone is walking into the theater expecting much more than a Jason Statham movie. … read more
Film Review: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
As with all of the Jurassic films beyond the original, you need an enormous popcorn bucket so that once your brain is turned off, you can drool right into it. A T-Rex could jump through the plot holes that are left scattered throughout this endeavor. … read more
Film Review: Ocean’s 8
A good heist movie should have viewers roaring as the credits roll, knowing the criminals won, but Ocean’s 8 just had me roaring for the credits to roll so I could leave. … read more
Film Review: Upgrade
Everything from the lighting and the cinematography to the comedic beats and over-the-top violence makes Upgrade stand out among the 2018 releases so far. It has been a long time since a film has made me scream out in horror multiple times from the display of sheer viciousness on the screen. … read more
Film Review: Deadpool 2
The formation of the X-Force is one of the greatest sights to be seen, and I will never look at another parachuting sequence in the same light for the rest of my life. Sorry, Point Break, Deadpool 2 has you beat dead to rights. … read more
Film Review: Solo: A Star Wars Story
Coming from veteran director Ron Howard, Solo: A Star Wars Story comes across as safe without any significant directorial uniqueness. Essentially, anyone could have made this sci-fi adventure. … read more
Film Review: Isle of Dogs
Isle of Dogs is set in the not-too-distant future Japan. The overpopulation of sickly canines has become virtually unbearable. Rather than seeking a cure for the illnesses, the ghastly mayor banishes all dogs to Trash Island, and that includes his nephew Atari’s pet, Spots (voiced by Liev Schreiber). … read more
Film Review: You Were Never Really Here
Along with Thomas Townend’s captivating cinematography that enters a realm of gorgeous chaos, Ramsay’s You Were Never Really Here delivers a tumultuous story with a less-is-more sensibility. … read more
Film Review: Ready Player One
Steven Spielberg’s latest project, Ready Player One (based on the 2011 novel by Ernest Cline, who also co-wrote the screenplay), is essentially a modern-day tale of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with references to video games, movies and television shows. … read more
Film Review: Tomb Raider
While there have already been two mediocre productions developed for the Tomb Raider series starring Angelina Jolie, this reboot, now starring Alicia Vikander, closely follows the revamped video games’ storyline created in 2014. Rather than being objectified with skimpy clothing and cartoonish body characteristics, the new Lara Croft is more about survival and becoming a strong, leading-woman hero. … read more
Film Review: Black Panther
As a geek, I am always accused of giving the superhero genre a pass with less critical reviews. To that accusation, I say: Show me a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie that flopped horribly. I’ll save you the time, because one hasn’t yet, and Black Panther continues the untainted legacy. … read more
Film Review: Game Night
As a connoisseur of trivia nights and game shows, this critic loved every second. I want to see Game Night again to hear the multiple jokes that were drowned out with my laughter. … read more
Film Review: I, Tonya
I, Tonya offers a dark humor to the tragic experiences between all the interactions and frequently breaks the fourth wall to acknowledge the ridiculousness. Robbie and Stan are marvelous in their respective performances, but it’s Janney who steals the show. Talk about a coldhearted performance, though definitely award-worthy. … read more
Film Review: Hostiles
Along with the acting, everything from the captivating cinematography to the sensational score makes Hostiles one of the films you will most likely see being nominated in the ongoing award season. Congratulations to director Cooper for bringing his greatest cinematic achievement to the screen. … read more
Film Review: Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the type of film that needs to be seen on the big screen for those multiple “ooh” and “ahh” sequences. … read more
Film Review: Father Figures
The majority of Father Figures’ jokes that do connect mainly work because of the undeniable chemistry that Wilson and Helms have with each other on-screen. … read more
Film Review: Coco
Rather than waiting till the end I’m going to go ahead and get it out of the way: Coco is by far the greatest animated movie of 2017. … read more
Film Review: Justice League
While the majority of critics across the globe have been quite harsh with DC’s cinematic interpretations of their comic book–superhero films, this critic found them to be more enjoyable than not. … read more
Film Review: Tyler Perry’s Boo 2! A Madea Halloween
I truly tip my hat to Tyler Perry. The man has changed the way the film industry operates. With that said, he relies on quantity rather than quality. … read more
Film Review: Only the Brave
Only the Brave tells the heroic tale of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, firefighters who laid everything on the line to protect thousands of civilians. … read more
Film Review: Geostorm
Those looking for skyscrapers collapsing and airlines falling out of the sky will be entertained, as Geostorm is more of a mystery thriller. … read more
Film Review: Kingsman: The Golden Circle
It’s been a little more than two and a half years since we saw Eggsy (Taron Egerton) transform into an elite member of the underground intelligence agency known as the Kingsman. … read more
Film Review: Brad’s Status
There is nothing about Brad’s Status that will be remembered a week after witnessing it. It’s difficult to sympathize with the emotions Stiller delivers. … read more
Film Review: Wind River
Wind River does suffer from multiple-ending syndrome, but that’s really the only negative aspect of this fantastic piece of cinema. … read more
Film Review: The Hitman’s Bodyguard
If it’s done correctly (like in Deadpool), it can be one of the best films of the year. However, when a script just wants to be dirty to be dirty, there’s nothing imaginative about it. This is easily one of the biggest disappoints of 2017. … read more
Film Review: War for the Planet of the Apes
War for the Planet of the Apes is a great, yet not perfect, end to the journey. It needs to be 30 minutes shorter, so get ready for a long theater visit. … read more
Film Review: Spider-Man: Homecoming
On the Peter Parker side, Spider-Man: Homecoming is a comical and lighthearted adventure we’ve seen 30 years ago in the John Hughes era of filmmaking. … read more
Movie Review: Norman
There is nothing more pathetic or obnoxious in this world than a bullshit artist who claims to have everything at arm’s reach, but in reality, doesn’t have a pot to piss in. … read more
Movie Review: Free Fire
I’m ever in New York City, I can tell you right now that I wouldn’t be shocked to see tickets for free fire available in the heart of Times Square for a bloody good time. … read more
Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Gunn revealed a storyline that only a small percentage of geeks were aware existed, and made it a household name. … read more
Film Review: Kong: Skull Island
Jordan Vogt-Roberts’ reasoning behind making a larger version of Kong was to have a monster battle of epic proportions in the coming years, but in order to get the ball rolling, we need a new origin story. … read more
Movie Review: Power Rangers
In desiring to capture the wave of skyrocketing superhero-franchise box-office numbers, Lionsgate is crossing its fingers that a new generation of Power Rangers, along with the series’ original fanbase, will cling to the five chosen adolescents. … read more
Movie Review: The Founder
While the acting from the entire cast of The Founder works together, an actual documentary may have been the more appropriate approach for this story. … read more
Movie Review: Jackie
In Jackie, Natalie Portman stars as Jackie Kennedy enduring the loss of her husband and transitioning from being at his side to becoming a widow. … read more
Movie Review: Manchester By the Sea
In Manchester By the Sea, Director Kenneth Lonergan tells a heartbreaking tale of loss and recovery that is lead by a wonderful performance by Affleck. … read more
Movie Review: Rogue One
In Rogue One, Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is the daughter of Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen), who happens to be the lead weapons developer for the Death Star. … read more
Movie Review: La La Land
While La La Land pays respect to films from 60 years ago, it remains planted in modern times and also refrains from being a predictable studio production. … read more
Movie Review: Moana
The animation in Moana is gorgeous and represents the tropical region flawlessly, but what makes this adventure stand out above the rest is the music. … read more
Movie Review: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
I was uninspired as the lights dimmed for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which takes place 70 years earlier in the wizarding world. … read more
Movie Review: Blair Witch
The original Blair Witch felt like it could be found footage, but, in this venture, there are so many cameras, Go-Pros and drones that it feels just like a low-budget Hollywood movie. Read more about the review here. … read more
Movie Review: Deepwater Horizon
In April 2010, the largest oil disaster in the history of the United States occurred 40 miles off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. In “Deepwater Horizon,” you’ll witness the catastrophic event of this massive explosion which killed 11 and duped more than 250 million gallons of oil into the waters. … read more
Movie Review: Sully
On Jan. 15, 2009, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) made the decision to land his aircraft on the Hudson River after a massive bird strike took out both engines only 2,000 feet above New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Witness his heroic feat, which saved 155 lives, turn into an intense interrogation. Read our review on “Sully” here. … read more
Movie Review: War Dogs
The advertisements make this project look like a fraternity bro’s wet dream, and, while some of that is true, the story itself is absolutely incredible. … read more
Movie Review: Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters Director: Paul Feig Sony In Theaters: 07.15 It was disgusting to witness certain people’s reaction when Sony announced a Ghostbusters reboot with four women taking the leads. Why would anyone care? You’ve got director Paul Feig and a gathering of the funniest individuals working in Hollywood today. In this edition, which is a completely separate
Movie Review: Lights Out
Lights Out Director: David F. Sandberg Warner Bros. In Theaters: 07.22 Of all the genres in cinema, it seems that horror films have suffered the most in terms of execution as time progresses. The cheapness of the found-footage subcategory definitely delivered the heaviest blow, but there’s something about the PG-13 productions that instantly mark the project
Movie Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles :Out of the Shadows
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was one of my favorite franchises during my childhood. … read more
Review: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
It may not be perfection, but Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice certainly does its job in bringing the entertainment. —SLUG Mag … read more
Review: The Boss
In The Boss, Michelle Darnell (McCarthy) is one of the wealthiest females in America. Picture Oprah with a dash of Martha Stewart. … read more
Review: Captain America: Civil War
The Russo Brothers proved themselves after releasing a 1970s conspiracy thriller in the form of Captain America: The Winter Soldier back in 2014, and, in Marvel-movie fashion, they have not dropped the ball with this latest installment. … read more
Review: 10 Cloverfield Lane
In 2008, the world was introduced to Cloverfield, a first-person, found-footage production that set viewers in the middle of a monster attack. Now, producer J.J. Abrams suggests that we revisit the cinematic universe in a different location. … read more
Review: The Bronze
If you’ve ever wondered what the world would be like if Olympic champion gymnast Mary Lou Retton returned to her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia, and acted like an egotistical maniac for years after her career was finished, then director Bryan Buckley and married writing team Melissa and Winston Rauch have the filthy dark comedy you’ve been craving. … read more
Review: London Has Fallen
Three years ago, director Antoine Fuqua and Gerard Butler surprised the masses with Olympus Has Fallen, so this critic was excited about the follow-up. However, once it was revealed that Fuqua refused to direct this sequel because he didn’t like the script, director Fredrik Bond left due to creative differences, and the original release date was in October 2015, my critic sense started tingling, and my hopes diminished. My instincts were correct. … read more
Film Review: Deadpool
It’s been 10 years in the making to get the foul-mouthed mercenary on the screen in appropriate form with a correlating R-rating. After “leaking” the script and test footage, 20th Century Fox finally gave into screaming fans’ demands, but with an unusually low budget for a superhero film. As I type these words, the film has already grossed more than $280 million in four days. Obviously, we’ll be seeing a sequel. … read more
Review: Eddie the Eagle
Since he was a child, the thick-glasses-wearing, socially awkward Edwards (Taron Egerton) always wanted to be an Olympian. However, it wasn’t until his teenage years that he focused on skiing and the Winter Olympics. It would be quite difficult to walk out of this movie without a smile across your face. It’s that charming and motivating. … read more
Review: Jurassic World
It’s hard to believe that it’s been exactly 22 years since the original Jurassic Park attempted to open its doors, but that’s where Jurassic World begins. Now that John Hammond’s idea has become a reality and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) is doing everything she can to run a successful theme park, the notion of creating new dinosaur breeds by splicing various DNA strands together is the latest attraction. … read more
Review: San Andreas
There’s not much to say about a film entirely about earthquakes, but let’s do it anyway. I must admit, my theater experience tilted the judgment scale on this one, since I witnessed this disaster-porn epic in 4DX. … read more
Review: Spy
You can never judge a book by its cover, and you can never judge a movie by its trailer. Those are words to live by, especially in the case of this next coupling of Melissa McCarthy and Paul Feig. Every time the pair has been together, they have been an unstoppable force of hilarity. … read more
Review: 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
There was a time, not so long ago, when this movie buff would get excited for a new Michael Bay movie. Sure, I was 13 years old, but there was nothing better than explosions, car chases and fire fights on the big screen. For the next 10 years, things were mostly decent (sorry, Pearl Harbor), but then Bay got his hands on the Transformers franchise, and everything went to hell. … read more
Review: Punk’s Dead: SLC Punk 2
Before I moved to the Beehive State in the fall of 2000, one of my only references to this fascinating city was an independent movie titled SLC Punk. I watched it more times than I can remember and enjoyed every viewing for its exciting acting, energetic soundtrack and local resonance. It’s been 18 years since its release with multiple rumors that a sequel was on the horizon. As much as I enjoyed the first installment, I questioned whether or not it required or deserved another engagement. … read more
Review: The Danish Girl
Director Tom Hooper beautifully captures the true story of Einar and Gerda Wegener’s marriage as the former begins to discover and unearth her true identity and the ramifications it has on the couple and their future. … read more
Review: The Hateful Eight
Everything from the cinematography shot on gorgeous 70-mm. film to the mesmerizing score written by the legendary Ennio Morricone, Tarantino transports the audience to a different decade of filmmaking with dialogue only the man himself can produce. … read more
Review: The Revenant
Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, this tale, inspired by true events, follows fur trapper Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) and his team as they work in treacherous territories to make a living. … read more
Review: Listen To Me Marlon
While Marlon Brando may be considered one of the greatest actors of all time, he was also known for being an egotistic maniac and almost unbearable to work with on set. … read more
Review: Magic Mike XXL
Well, because my wife and every other squealing theater attendee loved the Kings of Tampa so much three years ago, Hollywood has decided to get the troop back together for one more round of grinding crotches. … read more
Review: Terminator: Genisys
To be honest, we haven’t had a great Terminator film in 14 years. Salvation was decent but still lacking, and don’t even get me started on the train wreck that was Rise of the Machines. … read more
Review: Fantastic Four
What a joyless turd. I guess the fourth time isn’t the charm either for these characters. Seriously, I was sincerely excited when it was announced that Chronicle director Josh Trank was going to be given the opportunity to FINALLY make a decent Fantastic Four film. … read more
Review: The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
In this rendition of The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Napoleon Solo is the CIA’s top agent, and Illya Kuryakin is the KGB’s most efficient operative. … read more
Review: Pixels
How I miss the days when I would walk into a theater with a beaming smile to see an Adam Sandler movie—Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer. … read more
Review: Straight Outta Compton
It’s been nearly 30 years since Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella and MC Ren banded together and created N.W.A and became one of the greatest rap groups to date. … read more
Review: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
My first experience in a movie theater was for a screening of Return of the Jedi. The original trilogy regularly played on my television, I wore a different Star Wars shirt to school every day for weeks and obsessively collected the action figures. So, you can imagine my reaction to the first prequel in 1999 as not being favorable, but let’s not get into that. … read more
Review: Cooties
At times, I can’t tell whether Cooties directors Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion were offering a raunchy black comedy or a serious zombie flick. … read more
Review: Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
The Scorch Trials begins exactly where the last one ended, and Thomas and friends find themselves in an eerie lockdown fortress where something is amiss. … read more
Review: The Perfect Guy
You could see that last one coming a mile away. That’s it. Everything about this production screams amateur hour. … read more
Review: The Visit
The film is only 94 minutes long, but, aside from a few cheap scare tactics, nothing really happens for the initial 80 minutes. … read more
Review: The 33
Anyone alive in 2010 most likely remembers the mining accident that occurred on Aug. 5, 2010, which buried 33 miners 2,300 feet underground and trapped them down there for 69 days. … read more
Review: The Night Before
In the vein of cult favorites like Bad Santa and A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas, Jonathan Levine’s holiday adventure lets the children sleep all snug in their beds while the adults drink, smoke weed and get all screwed up in their heads. … read more
Review: The Peanuts Movie
Ever since the trailer for The Peanuts Movie was released, I have been dying to see the late Charles M. Schulz’s creations in 3D animation on the big screen. … read more
Review: Trumbo
Refusing to succumb to peer pressure, Trumbo and the Hollywood 10 were sentenced to prison, but they fired back by working underground under pseudonyms. … read more
Review: Crimson Peak
Crimson Peak Director: Guillermo del Toro Universal In Theaters: 10.16 In a time where horror films have ultimately resulted in the umpteenth found-footage night-vision recording where nothing really happens, it’s a delight to have the opportunity to enjoy a well-crafted thriller developed by a skillful director. Guillermo del Toro transports viewers to the past and engulfs
Film Review: The Martian
The Martian Director: Ridley Scott 20th Century Fox In Theaters: 10.02 Whenever the two elements of Ridley Scott and science-fiction merge together, we are bound to endure something truly engaging. From Blade Runner and Alien to Prometheus and, now, The Martian, Scott has entertained audiences with his brilliant style of filmmaking that brings the genre
Review: Pan
Every single time I told someone another Peter Pan movie was coming out, I received the same reaction: “Why?” The twist to this tale is that it’s the prequel to the legendary classic, so again, I ask the same question: “Why?” … read more
Review: Brooklyn
Movie reviews for Brooklyn, Hot Girls Wanted, Crimson Peak, The Martian and Pan. … read more
Review: Being Evel
Director Daniel Junge helms Being Evel that operates in the same entertaining fashion as previous hip Sundance films … read more
Review: Bound to Vengeance (a.k.a. Reversal)
Rather than spending the running time chained to the wall, though, Eve immediately smashes a brick across Phil’s face and frees herself. … read more
Review: Ant-Man
The fact that I’m sitting here writing a review for a big-budget Ant-Man movie makes my inner geek giddy with joy! … read more
Dare – Review
Dare Sundance Film Festival Director: Adam Salky Alexa (Emmy Rossum) is the typical over-achieving high school brown-noser who wants to be a Broadway star, but once she’s told she has no future in the business because she’s still a child, she transforms herself into the stereotypical “bad girl”. As she lusts after Johnny Drake (Zach
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy – Review
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy Sundance Film Festival Director: Robert Townsend What a perfect and appropriate film to witness as President Obama was sworn into office just hours before. Robert Townsend’s documentary, based on Darryl Littleton’s novel, recounts the harsh and tragic history of African Americans in the United States told through
Lymelife – Review
Lymelife Sundance Film Festival Director: Derick Martini Director Derick Martini grants the audience access to significant moments of his personal life in this coming-of-age drama about first loves, failed marriages, and Lyme disease. It’s the 1970s and Scott Bartlett (Rory Culkin) is the class punching bag, secretly in love with his neighbor Adrianna (Emma Roberts),
Nollywood Babylon – Review
Nollywood Babylon Sundance Film Festival Directors: Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal With a population of 14 million, Lagos, Nigeria is the third largest film producing country in the world, trailing only the United States and India. Each year, approximately 2,500 films are produced with a budget under $15,000, but with only three movie theatres in
World’s Greatest Dad – Review
World’s Greatest Dad Sundance Film Festival Director: Bob Goldthwait It’s seems that it will become a tradition at Sundance that whenever you see Bob Goldthwait listed as director, you know you’re in for a darkly sinister treat of perverse delight. Returning to the Festival after his 2006 K-9 escapade, Stay (a.k.a. Sleeping Dogs Lie), Goldthwait
Five Minutes of Heaven – Review
Five Minutes of Heaven Sundance Film Festival Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel Unbeknownst to me, the comedic screening of Manure was switched to Oliver Hirschbiegel’s drama of murder, revenge, justice, and forgiveness in the Emerald Isle. That sounds just dandy to me. In civil war torn Ireland, violence and death was an everyday occurrence. In the 1970s,
Punching the Clown – Review
Punching the Clown Slamdance Film Festival Director: Gregori Viens Musical comedian, Henry Phillips, stars in this twisted comedy as…a musical comedian named Henry Phillips. Ok, so it’s not the most original idea, but this satirical observation of the Hollywood dream and those who control it from behind the curtains is funny enough to pass inspections.
Dead Snow – Review
Dead Snow (Død snø) Sundance Film Festival Director: Tommy Wirkola Straight out of Norway comes the greatest resurrection to a genre since sliced bread…wait, that doesn’t even make sense…fuck it…Nazi Zombies!!! When eight college medical students, four horny males and four sexy females, decide to spend their Easter vacation in an isolated cabin in the
Get Low – Review
The opening shot of Oscar-winning director Aaron Schneider’s Get Low reveals a house bursting with fire. … read more
7 Days – Review
It’s a tragedy when a parent must bury their child from the result of an accident, but when the death is the product of a predator’s sadistic fantasy, no form of justice seems fit for the crime. … read more
Daddy Longlegs – Review
From the start, Lenny is depicted as a carefree thirtysomething New Yorker with no direction or responsibility in life.
… read more
Homewrecker – Review
There’s nothing more annoying than a jealous lover who constantly runs on the assumption that their significant other is cheating on them. … read more
Winter’s Bone – Review
Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) is a 17-year-old with more responsibilities than most adults living in the Ozark Mountains. … read more
Double Take – Review
Johan Grimonprez’s second documentary is the epitome of the Sundance Film Festival’s core foundation. … read more
Kick in Iran – Review
Abdollahyan’s documentary provides a glimpse into the restricted lives of women in Iran, but also details the unique bond between a female Olympic athlete and her perfectionist coach. … read more
One Too Many Mornings – Review
First impressions can instantly make or break a relationship. Meet Fischer (Stephen Hale), an alcoholic handyman who lives rent-free inside a church. … read more
Day 3: Sunday January 20, 2008
Ah, the sight of overfilled parking lots, the roars of PETA members, and the incessant chatter of individuals’ hatred toward Paris Hilton. This can only mean one thing…the 2008 Sundance Film Festival is in full effect! First stop, the Rock the Vote party at the House of Hype. With vintage Stevie Wonder classics filling the
New Low – Review
From the moment the film begins, it’s abundantly clear Wendell is a neurotic social coward always determined to harp on the negative aspects of himself and others, especially his girlfriends.
… read more
Obselidia – Review
As technology renders objects obsolete with increasing speed, we realize more quickly that nothing lasts forever. George, an introverted yet studious librarian, spends his off-hours documenting all things archaic. … read more
Day 4: Monday, January 21, 2008
What’s that thing that people have where they perform various tasks and in exchange are rewarded with some type of currency? Oh yeah, a job! Since I had prior obligations with mine, Monday was quite a slow day at Sundance for me. I managed to make it to a screening in the wonderful construction nightmare
His & Hers – Review
In an attempt to create a cohesive story by using a group of random females and the men in their lives, director Ken Wardrop chronologically profiles 70 different Irish women in various stages of life. … read more
Day 6: Wednesday, January 23, 2008
After a refreshing nights sleep up in Park City, I was ready to hit the town early to take in some films. First up, Wesley Willis’ Joyride at Slamdance (see writer Jimmy Martin’s review); the film was phenomenally done, documenting the life and art of Wesley Willis through extensive footage, interviews, and photographs. An idiot
Day 8: Friday, January 25, 2008
Ahh…you know that feeling when you haven’t slept well in days, but you finally get in bed, sink into the mattress, pass out in under a minute, and remain lifeless for at least 10 hours? That’s what life’s all about. I woke up with just enough time to piss and put on my shoes, and
Day 9: Saturday, January 26, 2008
I can’t believe it’s almost over. Everyone gets excited in November for Sundance, and the next thing you know, it’s February. Shit, where did the time go? As I rode the shuttle to the Racquet Club for the Awards Ceremony, I thought of all the films I had recently seen and loved; Anvil!, Gonzo, Sunshine
The Red Chapel – Review
Under the leadership of General Kim Jong-il (a.k.a. the Dear Leader), North Koreass citizens have endured an unprecedented storm of fear and oppression. … read more
Day One – Sneak Preview and Open Bars
Day One July 23, 2008 Whoever had the idea that Comic-Con is just a gigantic nerd fest gathering was…well, right, but it’s so much more than that…so much more. These people are not fucking around. With an attendance number almost three times that of the Sundance Film Festival, San Diego is flooded with the
Vegetarian – Review
For some, it’s the crusade for animal rights or the desire to eat healthier when deciding to become vegetarian, but for Yeong-hye (Chea Min-Seo) all it took was a dream. … read more
Day Two – Let the Insanity Begin…
After showering off the would be hangover courtesy of Sony Entertainment’s generosity, we made our way back to a San Diego Convention Center filled with wannabe Ghostbusters, ill-fitting Batman costumes, and custom built hoverboards…ok, that last one was badass. First up, a demo of the upcoming Ghostbusters video game scheduled to release this October. What
Day Three – Long Lines, Longer Lines, and Freddy
Day three kicked off with a roundtable interview with Robert Englund (A Nightmare On Elm Street’s Freddy Krueger)in his penthouse suite. His enthusiasm for horror and underground cinema was as impressive as was his knowledge of foreign horror and comic book history. Along with promoting his new blood, sex, and fears-filled film, Zombie Strippers, starring
Day Four – Who Reads Anyway? TV Takes over
The fourth day of Comic Con brings an influx of television into the previous read only format of a comic book festival. Two prominent series, Heroes and Lost kick off the panel schedules. Heroes stuns the audience with a screening of the entire first episode of the new third season. The new season begins with
Day Five – Practical Horror and Comics
The last day of Comic Con allowed for a bit more exploring on the convention floor, and some exploration of the comics, sci-fi props, and artwork available for sale. Some of the most rare works are on display but available only for auction – such as Batman #1 (est. $60,000), assorted Star Wars movie props
Cyrus – Review
The Duplass brothers return to Sundance with Cyrus, starring John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill and Marisa Tomei. … read more
Lucky – Review
Director Jeffery Blitz’s documentary humorously examines five past lottery winners and one hopeful, whose lives have been altered, in both good and bad ways. … read more
Zombie Girl – Review
Zombie Girl: The Movie Slamdance Film Festival Directors: Justin Johnson, Aaron Marshall, Erik Mauck Most adults would shake their heads and roll their eyes after hearing a kid mutter, “I like wanna make movies when I grow up.? In the case of Austin, Texas’ Emily Hagins, she’s already converted the non-believers…at the age of 12.
Lovers of Hate – Review
Sibling rivalry can rip a family apart. Just ask aspiring author Rudy (Chris Doubek). … read more
Mary and Max – Review
Mary and Max Sundance Film Festival Director: Adam Elliot How refreshing to see a simple yet visually stunning claymation feature open the largest film festival in the country. Adam Elliot’s tale of loneliness, mental illness, and friendship was the booster shot Sundance needed to start their silver anniversary off in the right direction. Mary is
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil – Review
Redneck best friends Tucker and Dale are on their way to spend a relaxing vacation in the the woods, but they cross paths with a group of vengeful college kids. … read more
Harry O’s, Slamdance Opening Party, Le Castlevania
The early pre-party scene of Sundance was split amongst a few different scenes – check the gallery – After the first and only screening of Thursday, it was time to examine the other, wilder side of Sundance’s offerings… Main Street’s club and bar scene. It’s always a pleasant experience when the local establishments don’t forget
Star Bar Housewarming Party
The Star Bar knew how to welcome back their good friends at the Slamdance Film Festival with an intimate Housewarming Party complete with complimentary drink tickets and performances from The McMickle Brothers, Mackintosh Braun, The Woes, and Pseudo Slang. The funny thing about people drinking at these festivals is that anyone will take the sponsored
Queer Lounge, Yes Men, Chefdance, Green Party
Friday seemed to focus almost entirely on the party scene – as the few worthwhile screenings of the day were sold out and the other films lacked any sense of urgency. First up was TGIF (Thank GLAAD It’s Friday) event at the Absolut Queer Lounge. Known as THE spot for featuring queer film and art
Spring Breakdown – Review
Spring Breakdown Sundance Film Festival Director: Ryan Shiraki You would think that Saturday Night Live veterans Amy Poehler and Rachel Dratch and indie film queen Parker Posey would be the perfect ingredients for a film spewing comedic laughs, but you’d be wrong. Best friend trio, Judy, Betty, and Gale have never been the popular girls
Food, Food, and more Food
While the streets may run with liquor and beer in the p.m. hours, Sundance’s daylight is spent devoted to filling patrons’ bellies with glorified burgers and salads. After the nightmare of bread and muffins at the Queer Lounge’s Outfest, the House of Hype’s devotion to the Eagle’s NFC Championship Game came stocked with every breakfast
Graphic Sexual Horror – Review
Graphic Sexual Horror Slamdance Film Festival Directors: Barbara Bell, Anna Lorentzon Is it porn or is it art? Are they models or are they courtesans? Is it real or is it all a show? These are the questions that arise as directors Barbara Bell and Anna Lorentzon examine the 35,000 member strong controversial sadomasochist website
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work – Review
Over the past 40 years, Joan Rivers has overcome monumental obstacles and continues to lead the fight for female comedians worldwide. … read more
A Quiet Little Marriage – Review
A Quiet Little Marriage Slamdance Film Festival Director: Mo Perkins One of the amusing aspects of filmmaking is having the pleasure to work with your friends and family and collectively create something beautiful. Director Mo Perkins along with long-time friends Mary Elizabeth Ellis and Cy Carter have most certainly achieved this task with their dramatic
Myspace Cafe
Nestled in Park City Ski Resort’s lift lodge, the Myspace Cafe housed an all day breakfast and lunch diner – free of charge. A welcome break from shitty ‘lounges’ with terrible music, toxic hors d’oeuvres, and inconsistent lists – the Myspace Cafe crafted a great working environment with actually good food and a totally chill
Big Fan – Review
Big Fan Sundance Film Festival Director: Robert D. Siegel What do you do when your life’s passion betrays you? Paul Aufiero (Patton Oswalt) is obsessed about the New York Giants. Actually, “obsessed? isn’t the right word. Try fucking nuts. His room, located in his mother’s house, is decorated with NFL bed sheets and posters of
The Cove – Review
The Cove Sundance Film Festival Director: Louie Psihoyos In the 1960s, Ric O’Barry helped create the family friendly television program, Flipper. Forty years later, he’s one of the most well-known activists spending every waking minute of his life to rescue captivated dolphins. His biggest challenge lies in the remote location of Taiji, Japan, where each
The Chaos is Brewing
If you listen closely, you can hear the faint sound of moans and groans of San Diego’s local residents as hoards of costumed basement avengers and their parental supervisors waddle their way toward the San Diego Convention Center. In the next wee … read more
RED Trailer
Based on the DC Comic series created by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner, RED (Retired Extremely Dangerous) follows a team of former government agents who have been targeted for termination due to the secrets that came with their ex-employer. … read more
Cleanflix
Whenever residents of Utah make headlines, 9 times out of 10 it’s for some reality series where our favorite local is announced the runner-up in the season finale. However, in the last decade, a Utah-based business caused such a national media fr … read more
August 2009 Cinemagraph
SLUG and Jimmy Martin have the lowdown on August’s big theatrical and DVD releases. … read more
X Games 3D Movie Review
X Games 3D in theaters for 1 week only!
… read more
SLUG Breaks Hi-Tech Ground @ E3
In times of economic woes, the world wants–scratch that–demands entertainment. Communities require something that allows them to escape the horrors of everyday life, and the endless rows of E3 exhibitors and vendors were eager to showcase their future products to satisfy those incessant cravings. … read more
Movie Awards a Go-Go
The past two months have been bursting with award shows, but the two biggest polar opposite events, the Razzie Awards (March 6th) & the Academy Awards (March 7th) have yet to commence. Here are the nominees (and winners) as foretold to me in my dream by Pee-wee’s Playhouse’s Jambi the Genie. Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Hiney Ho bitches! … read more
Miyazaki Mayhem!
As soon as Walt Disney cryogenically froze himself beneath Cinderella’s Castle inside Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom theme park in 1966, the world of animation lacked a leader capable of shattering the limits of children’s fantasies. On the other side of the globe, in Tokyo, Japan, a young animator by the name of Hayao Miyazaki was already creating a social stir with his never-ending creativeness with conceptual drawings and story ideas.
The Death of Brendan Fraser’s Career
As I sit here and ponder about the career that could have been, I can only hope Brendan Fraser’s career can be seen as an example to the next generation of aspiring actors so its death is not in vain. However, a sensation of joy fills my body when I look toward the sky, because I know in my heart it’s up there gossiping with the careers of Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Kevin Costner and John Travolta. … read more
An Upsetting New Nightmare
The producing team behind the surprisingly entertaining Friday the 13th re-envisioning has snatched up yet another iconic horror franchise in order to give it a modern-day facelift. They may want to consult another physician before considering a sequel with the same director though. … read more
Delicious Double Feature Deals
It seems these days it’s every man, woman and child for themselves when it comes to saving cash. It’s Thunderdome out there, folks, and everyone wants a bargain! Although, is saving money by purchasing expired food really the way to go? Not if you don’t mind the stomach cramps and endless diarrhea. To make matters worse, the world of home entertainment is waving bye-bye to DVDs and welcoming high-def adventures on Blu-rays, which could take even more moolah out of your wallet. … read more
TRON!
Being the TRON freak that I am (only 105 days remaining until the sequel, “TRON: Legacy”, is in theaters), I get as giddy as a school girl when anything is released regarding Steven Lisberger’s original creation. With Disney’s upcoming release, the amount of TRON merchandise gearing up to hit the streets is surging, and my anticipation is bursting through the seams of my plaid skirt. … read more
Halo: Reach review
This latest and greatest installment of the Halo series takes gamers to the beginning of the franchise’s dramatic saga and traces the battles and missions of six Spartan super soldiers known as the Noble Team. … read more
The 2010 Chrismahanukwanzakah (Thanks Virgin Mobile) Gift Guide
Now that we’ve stuffed our faces full with the souls of bloated poultry (Tofurky if you’re a hippie, Wild Turkey if you’re a lush), it’s time to start thinking about the holidays and how you’re going to spend your hard earned cash on shit you probably don’t need, but certainly love to have in your possession. Let the consumerism begin! … read more
Project Nim
The creative team behind the 2009 Academy Award-winning documentary “Man on Wire” offers their distinctive blended style of filmmaking to the tale of a chimpanzee, Nim, who was raised from birth in the same fashion as one would raise a human child for a scientific experiment…
… read more
The Guard
Past writer (2003’s “Ned Kelly”) and now first-time director John Michael McDonagh serves up a delicious plate of dark comedy with a side of moving drama in the Irish cop dramedy, “The Guard”. Brendan Gleeson (known mostly for his representation of Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody in the Harry Potter series) stars as an offensive and selfish Irish police sergeant who doesn’t mind partaking in the finer delicacies of life such as drugs and Dublin prostitutes. … read more
Bellflower
The initial premise for Evan Glodell’s first feature film appears creative enough to be intriguing and engaging all at once. Woodrow (Glodell) and Aiden (Tyler Dawson) are two friends who spend their days preparing for the Apocalypse by constructing flamethrowers and muscle cars that spit fire in preparation for their two-man gang, Mother Medusa, to take over the community once chaos rains over the land. … read more
KNUCKLE
When you walk out of a film like “KNUCKLE”, you truly question your masculinity and what you’re willing to risk physically defending you and your family’s reputation. For over ten years, director Ian Palmer has documented an ongoing feud between a handful of traveler families (think Brad Pitt’s character in Guy Ritchie’s “Snatch”) in Ireland. … read more
Tyrannosaur
Within the first five minutes of Paddy Considine’s dramatic thriller, it’s blatantly clear the male lead is one of the most soulless characters to reach the screen in ages. Joseph (Peter Mullan) is an alcoholic with a gambling problem whose temper instigates unbelievably callous acts of violence. … read more
Terri
The idea of an overweight high school student who’s teased by his peers as he swoons over the most popular girl is nothing new, but Azazel Jacobs attempts to change up the clichéd concept by adding a whacky assistant principal who attempts to win students’ affection with mixed results. … read more
Red State
The publicity swirling around Kevin Smith’s religious thriller is nothing short of astonishing. The Sundance alum’s latest creation even ignited a protest from members of the Westboro Baptist Church during his premiere screening. … read more
Hobo With A Shotgun
As soon as the bold vintage yellow font appears on the screen with Darius Holbert and Russ Howard III’s traditional 70s score playing in the background, it’s apparent director Jason Eisener has methodically examined the exploitation genre and adapted to fit today’s appreciation for the over-the-top filmmaking style. … read more
Life In A Day
Executive producers/brothers Ridley and Tony Scott and director Kevin MacDonald invited the world to participate in a global video project that has become a poignant testament to the human condition. Anyone willing to participate was asked to submit a video of whatever was occurring in their life as long as it was captured on July 24th, 2010. … read more
Miss Representation
The debate regarding the objectification of women in the media has been an ongoing issue for decades. In fact, it was the same topic discussed in Jean Kilbourne’s 1979 documentary short, “Killing Us Softly”. In an effort to reexamine and expand the research, director Jennifer Siebel Newsom has reopened the dialogue to investigate how far America has progressed in the past 32 years. Sadly, the result is still disheartening. … read more
Crime After Crime
It’s sickening to think of a world where battered women who fight back against their abusers can be locked up for simply defending themselves. Yes, nowadays victims can seek shelters, but such was not the case in the late 1970s and that fact is exactly why Deborah Peagler was incarcerated and sentenced to 25 years to life for the murder of her boyfriend, Oliver Wilson. … read more
Homework
This may be Gavin Wiesen’s feature debut as a director, but it’s blatantly clear he’s been watching and studying Sundance entries for the past 20 years, because nothing contained in his teenage love drama is remotely innovative. George (Freddie Highmore) is your typical independent film protagonist who attends a private school, is provided with an affluent lifestyle and calls his parents and teachers by their first name (how hip of him). … read more
Hot Coffee
We’ve all heard the tale about the elderly woman, Stella Liebeck, who spilt McDonald’s coffee in her lap while driving and was awarded over $2 million in compensation from the subsequent lawsuit. It was immortalized on “Seinfeld” with the character Kramer enduring a similar accident, which is exactly how “Hot Coffee” opens. … read more
The Woman
When a director stands before an audience and warns them of the forthcoming controversial material and recollects about previous screenings’ walkouts, you know you’re in for a memorable experience one way or another. To their wealthy neighbors and friends, the Cleek family appears to be the stereotypical American family, but the sinister truth behind their lifestyles would make even the toughest a tad squeamish. … read more
SLUG Offers Its Two Tokens at E3
E3 is one of the world’s largest dog-and-pony shows for the video games industry’s finest to showcase their latest and greatest developments. This year, I scheduled a strict agenda that allowed me to test, observe, judge and dismiss more games on the floor than ever before. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the “Good News” and “Bad News” of every game I got my grubby mitts on. … read more
Wish You Were Here
While on holiday in Cambodia, two couples, Dave and Alice Flannery and Steph McKinney and Jeremy King, partake in all the traditional tourist attractions the impoverished country has to offer, but after attending an underground dance party, Jeremy unexpectedly disappears and a dark secret is buried within the circle of friends.
… read more
The Queen of Versailles
Rather than going the been-there-done-that route of a rags to riches story, director Lauren Greenfield accidently (yet exquisitely) delivers a riches to rags tale with the intimate glimpse into the wealthy lives of David and Jackie Siegel.
West of Memphis
In 1993, three young boys were found viciously beaten and murdered in the small town of West Memphis, Arkansas. Less than a year later, Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, Jr. and Jason Baldwin were convicted of the crime, even though the prosecutions’ evidence was feeble and speculative. Almost 18 years later, the three wrongfully convicted men still claim their innocence and fight to overturn the injustices that have destroyed the larger part of their lives.
Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie
Fans of Eric Wareheim and Tim Heidecker’s bizarre comedic styles know their fandom resides in the cult territory and that’s perfectly fine with them, but their dedication of the forum may come into question after witnessing the duo’s first attempt at a feature-length film. … read more
The Ambassador
Mads Brügger returns to the world of documentary filmmaking with another voyeuristic hidden camera journey that transports viewers into more undesirable territories. His latest secretive expedition covertly places audiences in the middle of the Central African Republic while Brügger poses as a foreign business diplomat attempting to set up a faux organization in order to leave with a briefcase full of diamonds.
The Words
“The Words” is a fascinating multi-layered drama that sets one story upon another upon another, forcing viewers to question their own morals and the amount of compassion we can share with those who have made terrible mistakes. … read more
The Raid
Rama is the latest addition to an Indonesian SWAT team. They have been given an order overtake a 30-story building complex owned by a legendary gangster and housing the city’s worst criminals. With hundreds of henchmen prepared to die for their supplier, Rama is about to put his policing skills to the ultimate test. … read more
About Face
Portrait photographer turned director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders points a video camera instead of his usual photography setup at a group of the most celebrated models in “About Face” to discuss the history of the profession.
China Heavyweight
In 1959, Chinese President Mao banned the sport of boxing for being too violent and American. Thirty years later, the ban was lifted and the communist country has embraced the sport in a fashion that can develop young children into proud representatives of their culture.
Teddy Bear
As a professional body builder, you would think Dennis Petersen wouldn’t be afraid of anything, but once you place him near a member of the opposite sex, he shuts down and his social anxiety surfaces. To make matters worse, he lives with his overbearing mother who becomes physically distraught at the thought of Dennis having another woman in his life, which is why he lies about his attempts at dating.
Red Hook Summer
A spoiled teenage vegan from Atlanta, who goes by the alias Flik, is dropped off at the doorstep with his estranged preacher grandfather, Enoch, so he can spend the summer receiving guidance at his local church. … read more
The First Time
A serendipitous encounter between two teenagers forces the pair to reevaluate their current relationships as they both find an undiscovered spark in one another they can’t seem to ignore. … read more
Indie Game: The Movie
Directors Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky follow multiple independent game developers as they feverishly work in their home offices to meet demanding deadlines set by large gaming distributors.
Room 237
Room 237 is Rodney Ascher’s experimental cinematic exploration into the mysterious theories and underlying messages buried within Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror film, The Shining. … read more
Black Rock
When three childhood friends who’ve grown apart over the years decide to spend a weekend camping together on a remote wooded island, it would appear their lives may have taken a turn for the better. But when an accident results in the death of a random acquaintance, the girls find themselves fighting for their lives far away from civilization. … read more
V/H/S
A group of pranksters who document their lives are hired via email to break into a home and steal a much desired VHS tape. Not ones to shy away from filming their illegal antics, the crew bring the audience along to witness the crime. However, upon arrival, a scattered collection of tapes are found, so, in order to locate the correct item, the criminals (and the members of the audience) must watch one horrifying tape after another. … read more
The D Word: Understanding Dyslexia
Director James Redford explores the myths and facts revolving around dyslexia in this enlightening documentary. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Muscle Shoals
You may have never heard of the rural village known as Muscles Shoals, Alabama, but I can guarantee you’ve heard countless tracks of the magnetic musical masterpieces that have surfaced from the wetland region. Pressed up against the Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals was the birthplace of Rick Hall’s legendary FAME record studios. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Sound City
Foo Fighters front man and former drummer of Nirvana, Dave Grohl, takes audiences on a wild journey of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll as he energetically recounts the origins of one of the most influential recording studios of all time. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Dirty Wars
Director Richard Rowley shadows investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill into the secretive world of covert military operations in the Middle East as the United States attempts to win the war on terror no matter the means or consequences. It is a documentary about “the seen and the unseen” according to Scahill’s monotone and dreary narration. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Halley
Beto (Alberto Trujillo) is a security guard for a gym in Mexico who has an unusual health condition that forces him to resign from his post, even at the discretion of his flirtatious employer (Luly Trueba). Unbeknownst to her, Beto’s illness causes his skin and physical abilities to deteriorate to a gruesome degree unless he injects himself with an embalming fluid concoction. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Virtually Heroes
In the fashion of Disney’s “Wreck-It-Ralph”, G. J. Echternkamp’s “Virtually Heroes” trails a video game character who begins to question his pre-programmed lifestyle, but, unlike the children’s animated feature, gamers can find vulgar pop culture references embedded throughout this R-rated live-action creation. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Valentine Road
In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the issue of firearms and classrooms has sadly become a daily topic of discussion. When you add the element of a hate crime to these unspeakable acts, it only adds fuel to the vicious fire. … read more
Sundance Film Review: In a World…
The concept to immerse a film in the competitive world of movie trailer voice-over gigs is certainly an original notion. Lake Bell, who makes her directorial debut, has molded a hilarious well-rounded romantic comedy that is filled with heart, soul and a handful of delightfully awkward moments. … read more
Sundance Film Review: MANHUNT
Before you jump to the conclusion that “MANHUNT” is only the documentary version of “Zero Dark Thirty” (and you’d be partially correct), Greg Barker’s accounting of the hunt for Osama bin Laden takes a further step back into history and recalls the actions of “The Sisterhood”, a group of C.I.A. analysts who were responsible for uncovering the existence of the terrorist network al-Qaeda. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Animation Spotlight
In the 12 years I have been coming to Sundance, I have never seen the Animation Spotlight program contain such risqué subject matter, which is fully embraced by this film critic. It’s nice to enjoy some lewd material with a sold-out theater of guests. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Houston
The idea of following the occupational responsibilities of an alcoholic German headhunter whose marriage is on the rocks is about as appealing as it sounds. When Clemens Trunschka (Ulrich Tukur) is given the task to locate and make contact with an American CEO for a large German organization, the task takes our leading man to the Lone Star state where his life continues to sink deeper into despair with every passing moment. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Prince Avalanche
Director David Gordon Green returns to his independent origins at the Sundance Film Festival after helming a handful of raunchy Hollywood comedies (Pineapple Express, Your Highness and The Sitter) and attempts to reignite a sense of grounded and heartfelt substance, but the result is a lingering nature video that neglects its actor’s potential with copious amounts of silence. … read more
Sundance Film Review: The World According to Dick Cheney
No matter whether you admire or despise him, former Vice President Dick Cheney has unquestionably left a permanent mark on our nation’s political history. Directors R. J. Cutler and Greg Finton gain impressive and intimate access with Cheney and explore the politician’s staggering transformation as a screw-up from Wyoming who flunked out of Yale (twice) and was arrested for multiple D.U.I.s to one of the most powerful and influential men in our nation’s capitol. … read more
Something Old, Something New and Something Borrowed, Something Askew
In a state most well known for Mormonism and meth addictions, it’s mildly surprising that we are also home of the Sundance Film Festival. … read more
Patton Oswalt: Breaking Out of the Shell
As he marches along the frontlines with an arsenal of ingenious wit, eclectic comedian, Patton Oswalt, stands out among the masses with his droll pop-culture references and uncanny dedication to all aspects of the art form. … read more
Jimmy Martin’s Oscar and Razzie Picks
It’s the month of February and you know what means – a plethora of ribbon-wearing celebrities venturing down red carpets bragging about their Vera Wang and Versace nightmares pretending to give a shit about the environment. But, hey, that’s show business, baby! On February 22nd, the 81st Annual Academy Awards will broadcast live from the
Room For One More: The Salt Lake City Film Festival
Forget freezing your ass off in Park City while hoping to snag a peek of Paris Hilton at some exclusive screening that you probably won’t be getting into. On August 14, 15 and 16 Chris Bradshaw, Matt Whittaker and the rest of their nine-person staff are bringing a brand new film fest to Salt Lake––the Salt Lake City Film Festival.
… read more
Covering the Con
Thirty-nine years ago, the greatest gathering of sci-fi nerdary and fantastical dreams known as Comic Con International: San Diego only attracted 145 comic book enthusiasts. Fast-forward to present day, and the once humble congregation has exploded into the largest convention of its kind with over 125,000 attendees … read more
Movie Reviews – September 2009
Recent theatrical releases District 9, Inglourious Basterds, Funny People, Ponyo and more are reviewed, plus DVD reviews and “You Should’ve Worn a Condom!” … read more
Movie Reviews – October 2009
Reviews of recently released films, including 9, Big Fan, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Extract, The Informant and Jennifer’s Body, as well as DVD and Blu-Ray reviews. … read more
Video Game Reviews – November 2009
Video Game reviews this month include Halo 3: ODST, Need For Speed: Shift, Scribblenauts, Wet and Zombie Apocalypse. Nerd out. … read more
Movie Reviews – November 2009
Movie reviews this month include Adventures of Power, Paranormal Activity, Where the Wild Things Are, Whip It, Zombieland and more! … read more
Battling H8
It’s only been 14 months since Proposition 8 (a.k.a. the California Marriage Protection Act) sought and garnered enough voters to concur that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California” thereby abolishing same-sex marriage and voiding previously conducted nuptials. Director Reed Cowan’s new film, 8: The Mormon Proposition, chronicles the Mormon Church’s involvement and will premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. … read more
Movie Reviews – January 2010
This month we feature reviews of A Single Man, Avatar, Did You Hear About the Morgans?, Invictus, It’s Complicated, The Lovely Bones, Nine, The Road, Up In the Air and The Princess and The Frog. … read more
Movie Reviews – May 2010
This month SLUG features reviews of Date Night, Death at a Funeral, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Human Centipede, The Joneses, Kick-Ass, The Runaways and Babies. … read more
Movie Reviews – June 2010
This month Jimmy Martin gives you the scoop on Exit Through the Gift Shop, The Good The Bad & The Weird, Iron Man 2, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work, MacGruber, Mega Man, Robin Hood, Shrek 4, The Secret in Their Eyes and Sex In the City 2. … read more
Movie Reviews – July 2010
This month we review The A-Team, Cyrus, Get Him to the Greek, The Karate Kid, Knight & Day, Marmaduke, Splice, Toy Story 3 and Winter’s Bone. … read more
Top 5 Movies – 2010
SLUG Mag’s film critic Jimmy Martin gives the run down of his top 5 favorites, least favorites, heroes, villains, best and worst actors and actresses and many many more. … read more
Fake It Till You Make It
Instead of seeking funds for films based upon 30-page treatments and vocal pitches, the concept of presenting a trailer for a film that doesn’t exist yet has been picking up momentum. In 2007, Robert Rodriguez hosted an international competition at SXSW inviting anyone willing to develop their own fake trailers to participate. Over 2,600 miles away, up-and-coming filmmaker, Jason Eisener and his friends had been forming an idea that was perfect for the contest. … read more
Movie Reviews – January 2011
Reviews of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Fighter, Little Fockers, Gulliver’s Travels, I Love You Phillip Morris, Somewhere, The Tourist, TRON: Legacy, True Grit and The Warrior’s Way. … read more
Movie Reviews – February 2011
Reviews of Country Strong, The Dilemma, The Green Hornet, No Strings Attached and Season of the Witch. … read more
Movie Reviews
Reviews of The Adjustment Bureau, I Am Number Four, The Eagle, Just Go With It and Sanctum are featured. … read more
Movie Reviews
Battle: Los Angeles, I Saw the Devil, Kaboom, Limitless, Mars Needs Moms, Paul, Red Riding Hood, Source Code and The Lincoln Lawyer are reviewed this month. … read more
Movie Reviews
Reviews of The Beaver, Pirates of the Caribbean, Priest, Something Borrowed, and Thor. … read more
Movie Reviews
50/50, Bellflower, The Guard, Terri and Tucker & Dale vs. Evil are reviewed. … read more
Movie Reviews
What do you mean it’s time to do another batch of Top 5s for the end of the year?!? Where in the hell did 2011 go? While we still have time before the one-year countdown to the end of the world commences (thank you very much, Mayans), here’s the list of 2011’s best and worst movie offerings … so far! … read more
Think of the Children! Tumbleweeds Joins Forces With Sundance
With the Tumbleweeds Film Festival, now in its fourth year, already making waves with its age-appropriate programming with locals, the efforts of Patrick Hubley and his colleagues were noticed by an even larger organization, the Sundance Film Festival. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Cooties
With a fantastic intro reminiscent and eerily similar to the first season of “American Horror Story,” my hopes for this zombie black comedy starring Elijah Wood were high. After a child ingests a rotten chicken nugget in a school cafeteria in the small town of Fort Chicken, a rabid virus soon spreads through the hallways infecting only the pre-pubescent attendees.
… read more
Sundance Film Review: Ivory Tower
Is the price of higher education really worth it? Director Andrew Rossi asks this question, and many others, in this overwhelming look at the direction of colleges and universities in the United States. Rather than focusing on one area, Rossi jumps from subject matter to subject matter to address every angle of the debate—from the fact that 68% of American students do not graduate in four years, which increases their vast student debt, to multiple schools that offer free tuition to its students. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Web Junkie
I’m a gamer. I’ve caught myself playing for hours on end with titles like “Grand Theft Auto 5” and “Halo: Reach,” but, after a session of that magnitude, my brain chimes in with, “Hey, jackass, go do something productive.” For others who enjoy the thrill of virtual adventures, such is not the case. China has become the first country to deem “internet addiction” as an official clinical disorder. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Cold in July
Director Jim Mickle returns to the Sundance Film Festival after terrifying people last year with his cannibalistic horror “We Are What We Are.” This time around, we’re transported to 1989 in a small town in East Texas. After hearing a window break in the middle of the night in his home, Richard Dane (Michael C. Hall) shoots and kills the intruder. Upon hearing the invader’s father (Sam Shepard) has just been released from prison, it doesn’t take long for the parolee to bring his own wave of revenge to the Dane’s home. However, just when you think Mickle’s tale is about two fathers fighting against each other, a cyclone of mysteries, twists and turns band the adversaries for a greater purpose. … read more
Sundance Film Review: The Skeleton Twins
The tone is set in Craig Johnson’s dramedy immediately as we’re introduced to twins Maggie (Kristen Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader). As Milo lies in a blood-soaked bathtub with two slit wrists, Maggie, on the other side of the country, is questioning whether or not to take a handful of pills, but a call informing her of her brother’s situation makes her think otherwise. However, all is not fine when the pair is reunited and Milo moves in with his estranged sister and her overtly courteous husband, Lance (Luke Wilson). Johnson takes on an array of taboo topics including suicide, infidelity, molestation and successfully walks a fine line between dark realities and comic relief. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Happy Valley
If you haven’t heard about the sexual abuse scandal erupting from the Penn State University football program, then that rock you live under must be mighty hefty. Director Amir Bar-Lev embedded himself within a town that was once revered as a wholesome community until tragedy stuck due to the multiple sexual molestation charges brought up against the Penn State University’s Assistant Coach, Jerry Sandusky. Bar-Lev lightly touches on Sandusky’s case and verdict, but the primary focus is set upon the head coach, Joe Paterno. Records indicate Paterno was made aware of an incident with Sandusky and a minor and emailed his superiors, but nothing ever came of his report. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Life Itself
If you were a film critic or essentially anyone in the film industry on April 4, 2013, you took a minute to pause and respect the memory of film critic, Roger Ebert. I know I did. As the first film critic to ever win a Pulitzer, Roger Ebert became the face of movie criticism, but his smiling demeanor had a history of mesmerizing tales, personal anguish and laughable escapades. Director Steve James was granted access by Ebert himself to capture what would be the last five months of the icon’s life. … read more
Sundance Film Reviews: The Overnighters
Due to the process of fracking in the Bakken Shale region of Western North Dakota, oil drilling has exploded and garnered the attention of desperate men across the country looking to find work in an economy that is not offering much. In the small town city of Williston, North Dakota, Pastor Jay Reinke of the Concordia Lutheran Church has opened the doors to his facility to new arrivals that have nowhere to sleep with “The Overnighters” program. While this act of kindness appears to be the methods of his religion, he did so without the approval of his congregation or community, and not everyone is pleased with the results. … read more
Sundance Film Reviews: I Origins
It’s extremely rare when a science-fiction film comes along and makes you ponder as you walk out of the exit, “What if that really happened?” Such is the case with director Mike Cahill’s chilling exploration into the existence of the human species. When Dr. Ian Gray (Michael Pitt) becomes infatuated with the mysterious Sofi (Astrid Bergès-Frisbey) after a one-night-stand, the two randomly find each other and become a couple. … read more
Sundance Film Review: The Signal
As they drive across the country to California, friends and computer whizzes Nick (Brenton Thwaites), Jonah (Beau Knapp) and Haley (Olivia Cooke) make a stop in the Nevada desert to track down the notorious hacker, Nomad. As they search an abandoned shack, they suddenly encounter an unfathomable abduction. … read more
Sundance Film Review: The Sleepwalker
You know there is an issue with a film when you realize nothing significant has happened after an hour and it’s only 92 minutes long. Such is the case with Mona Fastvold’s monotonous entry, “The Sleepwalker.” As Kaia (Gitte Witt) and Andrew (Christopher Abbott) work on remodeling her childhood home, they are unexpectedly interrupted by the arrival of Kaia’s sister, Christine (Stephanie Ellis). … read more
Sundance Film Review: Happiness
More than a decade ago, King Jigme Wangchuck approved the utilization of television and Internet in the Kingdom of Bhutan. With the modernization process coming to an end, the small village of Layla is the last to be updated. Inside this rural region is 8-year-old Peyangki whose single mother has decided to send him to a monastery to become a monk. … read more
Sundance Film Festival: Nick Offerman: American Ham
On March 2, 2013, in the renowned Town Hall Theatre in New York, celebrated television star and coveted “man’s man,” Nick Offerman, graces the stage shirtless, hairy and prepped to offer his “10 Tips for a Prosperous Life.” Changing up the general stand-up routine with multiple musical interludes with acoustic guitar in hand, Offerman offers no mercy to the weak and slothful. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Hits
The notion of instantly becoming a celebrity in America runs rampant, and reality programming and viral videos aren’t helping the situation. In the small town of Liberty, New York, Katelyn Stuben (Meredith Hagner) constantly envisions the interview she’ll have on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” after she wins the next season of “The Voice.” … read more
Sundance Film Review: Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead
At the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, director Tommy Wirkola unleashed an over-the-top take on the horror genre with Nazi zombies attacking a group of medical students on a skiing trip in his Norwegian cult flick, “Dead Snow.” Five years later, Wirkola picks up the story at the exact moment where he left us. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Mitt
“If this film had come about before the election, Mitt Romney would be in the White House.” I heard this exact same quote from three different people while waiting for other films during Sundance. Let me be frank. No, he wouldn’t. As director Greg Whiteley did, in this film that follows Mitt Romney from December 2006 to the day after the 2012 presidential elections, let’s not focus on politics. … read more
Movie Review: 300 – Rise of an Empire
Eight years after the release of Zack Snyder’s 300 (or as my friend calls it, “Eighteen-hundred Abs”), director Noam Murro has made a prequel/sequel/equal to the franchise that explores characters’ origins, parallel storylines and events that take place after the Spartans’ bloodbath. … read more
SXSW Film Festival: The Infinite Man
Director Hugh Sullivan leads this awkward yet charming tale of jealousy and redemption with a delightful cast of characters. McConville is provided with the entertaining opportunity to portray a love-starved mess to a conniving mastermind as his versions compete against one another. … read more
SXSW Film Festival: Above All Else
With gorgeous cinematography in the dense woods of the Lone Star State, Fiege stands by a small collective of demonstrators who refuse to stand down against billion-dollar bullies even when it seems all is lost in an unfair legal battle. … read more
SXSW Film Festival: A Wolf At The Door
The most terrifying element to Coimbra’s exploration into infidelity is how rapidly everything flips from pleasure to sheer horror. The final minutes will absolutely haunt your memories for far longer than the 100-minute running time. … read more
Movie Review: Divergent
The five factions might as well be the houses in the Harry Potter universe. I swear Tris’ faction was going to be declared, “Hufflepuff!” Kate Winslet’s character reminds me so much of Donald Sutherland’s in The Hunger Games it’s unnerving. Finally, the whole training to become warriors with sparing and mock battles is too close for comfort with Ender’s Game. So, with all of these similarities, I am now referring to this film as “Harry Potter and Ender’s Hunger Game.” … read more
Movie Review: Muppets Most Wanted
After successfully reviving the franchise with the 2011 release of “The Muppets,” director James Bobin returns with his cavalcade of felt-covered misfits in a sequel that they guarantee is not as good as the original. Seriously, it’s mentioned in the opening music number. … read more
Movie Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) got “Iron Man 3,” everyone’s favorite god of thunder (Chris Hemsworth) got “Thor: The Dark World” and now, America’s patriotic poster boy gets his due in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” … read more
Movie Review: Rio 2
Two years ago, we were lead to believe that Blu (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg) and Jewel (voiced by Anne Hathaway) were the last two blue macaws on the planet in “Rio.” … read more
Movie Review: Transcendence
It’s a breath of fresh air and a delightful reminder that Depp is more than capable of delivering a captivating performance without the application of 10 pounds of make-up. Pfister makes viewers question where their loyalties lie when the world is given an uneasy opportunity to advance. … read more
Movie Review: Farmland
The majority of the population has been assisted by the farming community in one way or another, but what’s interesting is that many of these individuals have never set foot on a farm or know what it takes to be a farmer. … read more
Movie Review: Fading Gigolo
In the cinematic tradition of following the lovable and charming man-whore like “Deuce Bigalow” and “Loverboy,” John Turturro dons the responsibilities of actor, writer and director in this enchanting tale of affection and friendship. Turturro stars as Fioravante, a down on his financial luck flower shop employee whose friend, Murray (Woody Allen), convinces to become an escort for lonely middle-aged women. … read more
Movie Review: Jersey Boys
Television shows have been tuned into movies, movies have been made into Broadway shows and Broadway shows have been reimagined as movies. It’s a vicious cycle of unoriginality, and director Clint Eastwood (a.k.a. Dirty Harry), has found himself smack-dab in the middle of the clichéd chaos. … read more
Film Review: Transformers: Age of Extinction
The war between Michael Bay and film critics has been active since the release of his second chapter to the live-action toy franchise, 2009’s “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” where many individuals, myself included, deemed the project a failure as well as racist.
… read more
Sundance Film Review: The Games Maker
After an accident leaves Ivan Drago orphaned, the young inventor finds himself whisked away to a harsh boarding school only to escape and uncover the mystery behind the creator of a board game contest. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Beaver Trilogy Part IV
Director Brad Besser sets two paths into motion in this “Where Are They Now?” endeavor as he seeks to find the whereabouts of Mr. Griffiths nearly 36 years after his first Beaver film. It’s the candid interviews and uproarious tales from friends and family in central Utah that provide the most entertainment. … read more
Sundance Film Review: The Black Panthers: The Vanguard of the...
With the heightened sense of racism that has been projected in the media in the last 12 months (not that it didn’t exist without all the publicity), director Stanley Nelson’s recollection of the fight for civil rights with The Black Panthers on the front lines seems highly appropriate at this juncture. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Dark Horse
Who doesn’t love a rags-to-riches story, especially when that unbelievable tale didn’t come out of the mind of some writer in Hollywood but was, in fact, true? Such is the case with barmaid Jan Voxes and her wild idea to convince a group of locals, to invest in breeding a championship racing horse. … read more
Sundance Film Review: The Bronze
With dialogue that would make a sailor blush and a sex scene that will burn hysterically disturbing imagery in your mind for life, you will never look at the sport of gymnastics in the same light ever again. … read more
Sundance Film Review: In Football We Trust
There are only 128,000 Polynesians in the United States, yet they are the largest ethnic group to play for the NFL. It’s unbearable to witness the pressure placed upon these teenagers’ shoulders as their families have their hopes set sky high with NFL dollar signs in their eyes. This is an emotional story of family, redemption, forgiveness, maturity, religion, and sports and it all fuses together for a feel-good experience. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Most Likely To Succeed
After witnessing his daughter’s frustrations with 4th grade and overhearing her teacher’s rant about building character for the future, director Greg Whiteley decided to explore the current status of America’s educational system and what he uncovered is quite unnerving. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Listen To Me Marlon
Marlon Brando passed away 11 years ago but with the use of never-before-heard audio recording, rare film footage and vintage photographs, director Stevan Riley has compiled an all-encompassing jigsaw puzzle of Brando’s life that explores the actor’s thoughts on acting, family, sex, love, and the ravenous business of filmmaking. … read more
Sundance Film Review: I Am Michael
Audiences are first introduced to Michael Glatze as he chastises a young gay teenager and declares moral individuals choose heterosexuality and God. However, this was not always the case with him. Director Justin Kelly effectively leads audiences though the life of a confused individual who abandons one life for another while outsiders both ridicule and praise his challenging choice.
… read more
Sundance Film Review: Being Evel
With archival footage and hilarious dialogue taking up the majority of the flick, Director Daniel Jungle unveils both the stunts and the darker side of America’s favorite stuntman Robert Craig Knievel aka Evel Knievel. … read more
Sundance Film Review: The Royal Road
As Director Jenni Olson travels on an Amtrak train from San Francisco to Los Angeles, she verbally paints a stunning portrait of the unassuming structures and singles out minute details that transport viewers directly into her shoes. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Reversal
While Reversal visually showcases the unsympathetic demise of the disgusting male antagonists, the underwhelming conclusion of the chief villain leaves one craving a tad more vigilante justice. … read more
Sundance Film Review: The Visit
The concept behind Michael Madsen’s documentary is its greatest asset. Rather than interviewing scholars on events that occurred in the past, Madsen gathers a slew of interviewees to discuss a scenario that has never happened. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Seoul Searching
In an attempt to have foreign-born teenagers become reacquainted with their native culture, the South Korean government developed a summer camp program complete with lessons in language, calligraphy and martial arts. Based on a true story, director Benson Lee introduces us to the 1986 class of misfits comprised of the punk, the princess, the ladies man, the conservative, and the racist military brat. … read more
Sundance Film Review: The Chinese Mayor
There’s no need to travel more than 6,000 miles to Datong, Shanxi to know that the life of a politician is mostly filled with accusations, confrontations, and pure misery. However, the life of Mayor Geng Yanbo is much more stressful than your average American politician. … read more
Movie Reviews – January 2012
The Adventures of Tintin, The Artist, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Muppets and Sherlock Holmes are reviewed. … read more
Movie Reviews – February 2012
This month, Jimmy Martin reviews Contraband, Joyful Noise and Man on a Ledge. … read more
Movie Reviews – April 2012
21 Jump Street, Chico & Rita, The Hunger Games, Project X and The Raid: Redemption are reviewed. … read more
Movie Reviews – May 2012
Bully, The Cabin in the Woods, The Raven, Three Stooges and Undefeated are reviewed. … read more
Movie Reviews 3/13
A Good Day to Die Hard, Identity Thief, Sound City, Stoker and West of Memphis are reviewed. … read more
SLUG Mag’s Oscar Ballot
My cinema geek friends and I have a ritual to compete against each other on Oscars Night to see who can correctly predict more winners from the nominations ballot. This year, I want to open the challenge to all of SLUG’s readers to see if you can take top honors! Be sure to check out the 85th Academy Awards on Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. MST on ABC! … read more
Top 5 Movies Of 2013
My father was right. The older you get, the faster time goes. One minute, you’re sneaking into R-rated movies with your buddies, the next, you’re threatening the 13-year-old asshat behind you in the theater for kicking your seat. So much happened these past 12 months, good and bad, it’s hard to know where to begin. As a film critic, it was tough to see one of the most significant icons in my industry pass away this year. Whether or not I agreed with Roger Ebert (it was honestly a coin flip), the man was a spectacular writer and became the face of a profession I truly adore. So, here’s to 2013 (thus far) and to all the thumb ups and downs in every aspect of our lives. … read more
March 2015 Movie Reviews
Movie reviews for Fifty Shades Of Grey, It Follows, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Super Sentai Zyuranger and What We Do In The Shadows.
Review: Entourage
Entourage Director: Doug Ellin Warner Bros. In Theaters: 06.03 It’s been four years since Vinnie (Adrian Grenier), E (Kevin Connolly), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara), Drama (Kevin Dillon) and Ari (Jeremy Piven) left HBO and our lives, but, for some odd reason, it has been decided that the tale of this Hollywood gang hasn’t been completely wrapped
Movie Reviews
Movie reviews of Annie, The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies, Into The Woods, Top Five and Wild.
Movie Reviews
Well, 2014 has been one hell of a quick year. The fact that I’ve been seeing my breath in the air blows my mind! As a film lover and geek, it’s amazing to watch Marvel and DC/Warner Bros. duke it out with movies scheduled so far out that I’ll be 37 years old when I see Avengers: Infinity War – Part II. … read more
Movie Reviews
Movie review for Camp X-Ray, Dead Snow 2, Dolphin Tale 2, The Drop and The Equalizer. … read more
Jeff Michael Vice – February 2, 1965 – May 27,...
On May 27, Salt Lake City lost one of its favorite sons. Jeff Vice was somebody that everyone in town knew—he couldn’t walk into any bar or coffee shop without seeing a friend or being recognized by a fan with whom he would instantly interact, as if they were already friends. He gave everyone his attention and was always ready to talk movies, music and comics expertly and passionately. … read more
Jimmy’s Oscar Ballot
The time has come again for celebrities to fist fight to the death for that golden statue that can make or break their careers. It’s also time for you to challenge me, and see who can predict more of the night’s victors! Remember, it’s not who should win, but who will win. … read more