Author: Derrick Murray

The amount of films released both in theaters and on streaming in April was overwhelming. Tons of Sundance Film Festival 2023 and TIFF 2022 films dropped in April, and many of them released in theaters on the same day. This left me with the daunting task of having to try see multiple films in a single theater trip. I did my best, but for as many as I was able to catch there were quite a few that I simply could not find the time to watch and review. Nevertheless, I managed to catch enough of them to be able…

“Blackberry” may not be a story that needs to be told, but it’s a story that is told really well and delivers a great viewing experience.

“The Pope’s Exorcist” knows what it is, what it wants to be, and who it has at the forefront of their product. This combination allows the film to be more fun than it should be despite having really nothing to offer.

It’s got its flaws, but “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3” turns out to be a “good dog.” Come and get your love one last time before the dog days are over.

“Polite Society” is a whimsical mess with breakout performances from its leads and overwhelming charm that leaves you with a smile even if it largely disappoints.

“Sisu” is all business when it comes to violence and brutality, and can make the claim of being the most fun you’ve ever had watching Nazis get absolutely wrecked.

“Beau is Afraid” is a surrealist episodic journey through vibrant nightmarish hellscapes, a film that purposefully distorts its POV to manifest the sense of dread and anxiety beyond their thematic framework and into the literalization of its own bizarre odyssey.

“Evil Dead Rise” is over the top violent and genuinely mean spirited, and while it doesn’t reinvent the wheel it most certainly gives it one helluva spin.

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is a genuine blast with dazzling animation, gorgeous set pieces and in game recreations, solid voice casting and a taut, no frills adventure story that whisks by at a rapid fire pacing.

One of the best parts of film festivals is being able to discover some hidden gems that would otherwise go unnoticed or overlooked. Even for someone like me who seeks out these little independent powerhouses can get caught up chasing the larger theatrical blockbusters. Thankfully, “A Thousand and One” was a perfect catch at Sundance this year, and ranked in my top 5 Best films out of the festival. A thoughtful, deeply moving story of a mother and son against the world, set in a rapidly evolving New York, further powered by a star making performance from its lead. The…