“Some minor continuity issues in ‘A Photographic Memory’ point to the first-time director’s lack of experience, yet they oddly work in favor of the established mood and tone via the (mostly) outstanding editing.”
“Perry fully (and successfully) commits to various comedic bits in ‘Pavements’ while documenting Pavement’s 1999 break-up and eventual 2022 reunion.”
“‘Vulcanizadora’ is an astonishing coming-of-age tale for adults-in-crisis.”
“‘Manucure 24/24’ betrays the formula of so many short film productions, as the filmmakers fully embrace the task at hand with a vibrant color palette, a catchy needle-drop and an always-relevant feminist message.”
“‘Liquor Bank’ is a fine example of economical indie filmmaking.”
“‘Thank You Very Much’ separates itself from previous Kaufman documentaries in the way the director directly confronts the correlation between an artist’s childhood trauma and creative outlook as an adult.”
“‘Control Freak’ is a timely example of a modern horror film that doesn’t resonate with general audiences but appeals to worldwide film critics through its performances and overall quality.”
“‘Seven Veils’ wears its heart on its sleeve like a John Cassavetes drama, and teases the audience like an M. Night Shyamalan thriller.”
“‘Step Back, Doors Closing’ is essential viewing for Gen Z movie lovers, Washington D.C. natives and anyone who remains entranced by Linklater’s ‘Before Sunrise.'”
“With a brisk running time of approximately 64 minutes, ‘The Buildout’ showcases a storyteller in harmony with a specific cinematic vision about life, death, trauma and healing through friendship.”
“‘The Last Video Store’ is a nostalgic horror production that talks the talk and walks the walk.”
“‘Stockade’ will polarize viewers with its flimsy cultural commentaries.”
“I imagine that Mooney most likely pitched ‘Y2K’ as a mash-up of ‘Superbad’ and current trends, and that’s exactly how it goes down — a bunch of derivative gags in a feature film format for nostalgic pop culture consumers.”
“Crane and Shepka’s exploration of the human condition in ‘Dead Before They Wake’ justifies a second watch, though their cinematography could use some work the next time around, in terms of establishing a specific style.”
“‘Blackwater Lane’ suffers mightily from pacing issues, uninspired acting and a flimsy screenplay.”
“Even though ‘Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story’ might leave fans wanting more, Klein’s documentary will presumably be the go-to Minnelli doc for years to come, based on the subject’s participation and an interview cast of high-profile names.”
“The narrative truth in ‘Endless Summer Syndrome’ lies in what goes unsaid and what’s just outside the frame.”
“‘The Damned’ is a cerebral film that should be analyzed in film theory courses.”
“I don’t need ‘Dream Team’ to make sense; it’s an art film with relevant sociopolitical themes and accessible humor. But I do want to see technical filmmaking improvements — better editing, better acting — from one movie to the next…”
“‘Séance’ doesn’t quite match the thrills of the most trendy psychological horror flicks, yet its mature themes will resonate with adult viewers and anyone struggling to move on from the past.”