SXSW Online 2021 Review: “Best Summer Ever”

Year: 2020 Runtime: 72 minutes Directors: Michael Parks Randa, Lauren Smitelli Writers: Michael Parks Randa, Lauren Smitelli, Will Halby, Terra Mackintosh, Andrew Pilkington            Stars: Shannon DeVido, Rickey Wilson Jr., MuMu, Bradford Haynes, Emily Kranking, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Benjamin Bratt By Valerie Kalfrin The teen musical “Best Summer Ever” has a plot we’ve seen before — and the film, to its credit, knows that and winks … Continue reading SXSW Online 2021 Review: “Best Summer Ever”

SIFF 2021 Review: Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It

Year: 2020 Runtime: 90 minutes Director: Mariem Perez Riera By Joan Amenn Before this documentary begins, Rita Moreno speaks directly to the audience and tells them there will be a few surprises in store for them. Her intimacy makes it seem like she is our best friend about to divulge secrets she has never shared with anyone else. ‘Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided … Continue reading SIFF 2021 Review: Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It