Ugly. Unworthy. Unlovable. These words burn inside us, whether they possess any truth or not, turning to ashes every semblance of self-worth we own. For some, it’s enough to recognize the strength within themselves to prevent true psychological destruction; however,… Read More ›
In Theaters
“Bohemian Rhapsody” – It’s a kind of tragic.
In all of our lives, there are things which sum up everything about us. Whether it be a poem, a picture, a book, a film, or a song, these things become emblematic of who we are at our core. These… Read More ›
A solid cast, script, and direction make for a fun “Ride”.
In today’s service-based economy, it’s all about creating the best experience for your customers in order for them to return. Gone is the authentic customer service experience, replaced with a script meant to feel honest. More often than not, we… Read More ›
Foster and Fanning bring “Galveston” to life.
More often than not, the best stories are the ones that take risks, that play with convention, and defy expectations. Other times, the risks fail to pay off and leave the audience with a diminishing sense of fulfillment. So rarely… Read More ›
Charming neo-Western romp “The Old Man & the Gun” offers a grand old time. [Film Fest 919 Review]
Representing EoM as press, contributor Hunter Heilman attended the first annual Film Fest 919 in Raleigh, NC, to review several films that are either in limited release now or are yet to be released. Or, in the case of The Old… Read More ›
Eco-thriller “Strange Nature” terrifies in all the wrong ways.
Whatever aspect of the film industry you’re in, you’re in because you love it. It could be the creation of creatures, the set design, or the costumes that lured you in or maybe it’s crafting the stories performed, being the… Read More ›
More than a remake, “A Star Is Born” sings its own tune.
At a key moment in A Star Is Born, Bobby Maine (Sam Elliott) says that “music is essentially 12 notes between any octave.” He explains that music is a cycle of repetition every musician, every storyteller, utilizes over and over,… Read More ›
Brutal & harrowing, “22 July” explores the violence perpetrated within a single afternoon. [Film Fest 919 Review]
Representing EoM as press, contributor Hunter Heilman attended the first annual Film Fest 919 in Raleigh, NC, to review several films that are either in limited release now or are yet to be released. This review of 22 July is merely… Read More ›
Director Damien Chazelle’s “First Man” explores the man behind the legend.
There’s something undeniably alluring about space. The way it feels both intimately close and desperately far; in range of our eyes, yet out from our hands. To quest beyond our atmosphere, to journey into the deep black, to discover what… Read More ›
“Knuckleball” is a pitch you won’t see coming.
Ever wondered what the 1990 classic Home Alone would’ve been like if it weren’t a kids’ movie? That seems to be the starting point for director Michael Peterson’s thriller Knuckleball, which sees a clever 12-year-old stave off the murderous advances… Read More ›
“Morning, Noon & Night” examines the selected view of normalizing addictions.
Not all stories possess a grand meaning or purpose, no matter how well staged or acted. Not all stories need to be. Sometimes it’s enough to present a story in which the audience observes the choices they make and, in… Read More ›
“Science Fair”: Love the Players and the Game.
Competition is thrilling. The initial motivation to jump in, the development, the anticipation on game day all result in one wild ride. If you’re fortunate enough to win that competition, the emotions can be overwhelming. This is where Science Fair… Read More ›
“Summer ‘03” is a hilariously honest coming-of-age story from a female POV.
Nostalgia is a tricky thing. It has a way of sugar-coating things – songs, books, toys, even experiences – so that all we remember is the way we think we felt about it. The older we get, the more frequent… Read More ›
Craig William Macneill’s “Lizzie” examines the complicated life that spawned a legend.
Lizzie Borden took an axe And gave her mother forty whacks; when she saw what she had done, She gave her father forty-one. A nursery rhyme beloved by fellow weird kids around the world, the tale of Lizzie Borden has… Read More ›
Heed the call of “The Song of Sway Lake” where time wants to stand still.
Close your eyes and picture the best day in your life. Imagine the sights, the smells, and the sounds. Remember how it all felt on your skin. On your nerves. On your bones. As you open your eyes, you remember… Read More ›
Jennifer Garner’s back in action with “Peppermint”.
There’s something deeply cathartic about a well-made revenge flick. Watching the mayhem unfold on screen while the hero pursues victory like an unrelenting Valkyrie, dispatching adversaries with dogged determination until they all lie broken and defeated at their feet. These… Read More ›
The magic just isn’t there in “A Wizard’s Tale”.
Let’s throw out the term “international animation.” What do you think of? Japan’s magically eloquent Studio Ghibli? Or perhaps the UK’s pleasantly quirky claymation studio, Aardman? Even France’s beautiful two-dimensional animation studio Folimage could come to mind. Mexico, however, hasn’t… Read More ›
Semi-autobiographical drama “MDMA” demonstrates first-time director Angie Wang’s promise.
Autobiographical films can be a difficult nut to crack. Spend too much time with the minutiae, the audience can grow bored. Spend too little time, however, the audience has nothing to latch onto. There’s a delicate sweet spot wherein the… Read More ›
“Final Score” Win: Win.
The best thing about cinema is the varied options available. In the mood for something challenging? Pop in Blade Runner 2049 and prepare for a deep dive into a rich world of philosophical complexity. Perhaps you’d prefer something more madcap?… Read More ›
Director Panos Cosmatos’s second feature “Mandy” is an epic tale of heavy metal, demons, and blood.
Some films need to be seen and experienced to be believed; where rumor becomes hype and gives way to the possibility of a false god or a new revelation. As with all things, where you fall depends on how well… Read More ›