LAVA (2019): An Ambitious Bite at an Artistic Apocalyptic Future

Don’t let the promotional poster fool you: despite it being an animated indie film, there is more to the film’s premise than meets the eye. Débora (Janeane Garofalo) is a tattoo artist who is still trying to get over a bad break up. Consequently, her group of friends decide to get together and watch the popular television series “Gain of Clones” to cheer her up. … Continue reading LAVA (2019): An Ambitious Bite at an Artistic Apocalyptic Future

Understanding Humanity’s Beauty from Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Throughout my winter break, I have had the luxury of exploring the world of Hayao Miyazaki for the first time! Based on the movies that I have watched so far (which were Spirited Away (2001), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Princess Mononoke (1997), and Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)), I definitely enjoy the themes and tonal atmosphere that he brings to his audiences.  And, out of all … Continue reading Understanding Humanity’s Beauty from Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Tokyo Godfathers (2003): The Significance of Hope, Miracles, and Family

Ah, Christmas: a time of peacefulness, cozied up in your home in the presence of family; where all your troubles and worries are forgotten for a moment; to be present, happy, and joyful while creating new memories with your loved ones. The most wonderful time of the year, indeed.  However, this doesn’t seem to be the case for our main characters in Tokyo Godfathers (2003). … Continue reading Tokyo Godfathers (2003): The Significance of Hope, Miracles, and Family

Unmasked (2018): A Fight against Social Stigmas

In his debut feature film Unmasked (2018), Mostafa Keshvari presents an ambitious narrative, elevating the feminist’s battlecry while also tackling Islamophobia. Filled with metaphorically moving settings and symbolism, Unmasked definitely presents the importance of cinematic expression as it effectively allows audiences to enter the life experiences of those who are most often misrepresented and unheard in media–South Asians. Farash (Sara M. Omran) is a young … Continue reading Unmasked (2018): A Fight against Social Stigmas

Los Ojos de Julia (2010): The Art of Seeing (And Not!)

Halloween is just around the corner and I have a wonderful recommendation for the occasion! Shout out to my friend ST for suggesting the film! If you want to watch a horror movie that doesn’t have too much gore but will keep you at the edge of your seat, then Los Ojos de Julia (2010) is definitely for you! My Quick Summary Alternatively titled as … Continue reading Los Ojos de Julia (2010): The Art of Seeing (And Not!)

Trouble in Town (2020): Reflection of the Times

“In a decaying society, art, if it is truthful, must also reflect decay. And unless it wants to break faith with its social function, art must show the world as changeable. And help to change it.” – Ernst Fischer, The Necessity of Art, (1959) On November 22nd, 2019, Coldplay released its eighth album Everyday Life which inventively stretches across multiple musical genres while providing vocal … Continue reading Trouble in Town (2020): Reflection of the Times

Corona (2020): The Defining Movie of a Chaotic Year

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone as the novel COVID-19 virus continually unleashes humanity’s Pandora’s box of troubles: the global economy faces unprecedented unemployment; healthcare systems are overwhelmed by treating infected patients while being understaffed and under resourced; information about the virus is problematic as social media complicates fact from fiction; mental health distress across populations around the world have skyrocketed; political biases … Continue reading Corona (2020): The Defining Movie of a Chaotic Year

Agathe-Christine: Next Door Spy (2020) Review

I would like to thank TriCoast Studios for reaching out to me to view this film. It’s always a pleasure to work with you! 🙂 If you’re looking for a film to entertain children that is outside of Disney and adds elements of mystery, then Agathe-Christine: Next Door Spy (2017) may be the right film for you! My Quick Summary Agathe-Christine, also known as AC, … Continue reading Agathe-Christine: Next Door Spy (2020) Review

The Droving (2020): A Simmering Start to Sizzling Summer Cinema

With everything that is going on nowadays, we all wish that there was a sense of normalcy in our lives: visiting friends, hanging out in shopping malls, eating out, and–what I miss the most–going to the movies, especially to watch the upcoming summer blockbuster season! However, as we are all adjusting (or have completely settled LOL) our lives to watch movies through streaming sites, I … Continue reading The Droving (2020): A Simmering Start to Sizzling Summer Cinema

Sticky post

Eyes on the Prize: Parasite (2019) Has to Sweep Its Oscar Nominations

Ah, I can’t believe that it’s been a whole month since I’ve written a film review! But not to worry: I’m glad that my first article for 2020 is about Bong Joon Ho’s amazing film, Parasite (2019)! And if you haven’t watched it yet,  WATCH IT  NOW!!! SIDE NOTE: If you do plan on watching it and still don’t have a clue on what the … Continue reading Eyes on the Prize: Parasite (2019) Has to Sweep Its Oscar Nominations