‘Alien’ Review – I’m Both Fascinated and Horrified by Ridley Scott’s Sci-Fi Classic
The Big Picture Facehuggers and chest-bursting embryos in Alien bring a different kind of horror, tapping into fears of invasion and penetration. Ridley Scott's Alien may not fit traditional horror genre expectations, but its thematic layers and twists make it…
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Elliot Page’s Poignant Performance Is Overshadowed By Story Threads That Don’t Mesh
Summary Elliot Page delivers an outstanding, nuanced performance as Sam, showcasing wit, vulnerability, and authenticity. The film highlights Sam's relationship with his supportive father, emphasizing his acceptance and support. Close to You struggles with blending two separate narratives, particularly in…
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Fauna Featured, Reviews Film Threat
Paul Faus’ POV documentary, Fauna, uses cinema verité style storytelling to nudge us to reflect on the importance of animals in our lives, both good and bad. Fauna opens in the Spanish countryside. A shepherd must rescue a stray goat…
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This Charming Family Film About Friendship & Loss Doesn’t Quite Soar
Summary The movie tackles grief with expected penguin antics. Emotional performances elevate the Homeward Bound-like story. Unnecessary subplot impacts pacing and viewer engagement. Based on a heartwarming true story, My Penguin Friend (2024) promises both laughs and a good cry…
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Alpha 27 Featured, Reviews Film Threat
In Nick Azzaro’s short film Alpha 27, nothing is stronger than the bonds of human connection. The stronger the bond, the more devastating the break. In the far distant future, Earth’s overpopulation has forced the colonization of space in orbiting…
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Watchmen: Chapter 1 Review – Too-Faithful Storytelling Makes For An Only Adequate DC Adaptation
Summary Alan Moore's graphic novel gets another shot at life with Watchmen: Chapter 1 , a faithful, yet flawed, adaptation. The 3D cel-shaded animation offers a unique approach to the material, yet feels cheap in parts. The cast are well-chosen…
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‘Alien – Romulus,’ ‘Watchmen – Chapter 1,’ and This Week’s Best New Releases, Reviewed and Ranked
Get ready for a déjà vu double feature as this week brings the return of two familiar franchises with Watchmen: Chapter 1 and Alien: Romulus. Watchmen takes another swing at Alan Moore’s foundational classic, this time adopting an animated approach.…
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‘Consumed’ Review – Devon Sawa Horror Is a Wilderness Creature Feature
The Big Picture Consumed is a wilderness creature feature of a different flavor, so that’s nice. It doesn’t care to hide its hand, which is a relief at points, but also makes the film easily readable. The main cast is…
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Something Divine Featured, Reviews Film Threat
It’s safety pins through blue-hued skin in the intriguing punk Krishna documentary Something Divine, directed by Thomas Essig. It focuses on Ray Cappo, who, as a teen, was the frontman for the hardcore punk group Youth Of Today starting in…
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Absurd Romantic Comedy Is Out Of Touch With The Audience & Itself
Summary Lucy Hale's performance shines in the film. Keir Gilchrist and Hale have great chemistry. The cast struggles with a lack of direction and odd acting choices. Running on Empty is a movie that clearly tries to deliver an impactful…
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The Dog Featured, Reviews Film Threat
HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL 2024 REVIEW! The Dog is the fourth short movie from writer-director Danielle Baynes. The 12-minute drama stars Kate Walsh as Claire, a veterinarian at a 24-hour clinic that focuses on teaching. For years, Claire has been able…
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‘The Deliverance’ Review – Netflix Horror Draws From ‘The Exorcist’ and ‘The Conjuring’
The Big Picture Lee Daniels’ first foray into the horror genre plays with social stereotypes. The film borrows story beats seen everywhere from The Exorcist to The Conjuring . The third act becomes a grab-bag of religious horror imagery that…
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