Year: 2016

Director: Dan Trachtenberg

Writer: Josh Campbell, Matthew Stuecken, Damian Chazelle

Cinematographer: Jeff Cutter

Cast: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr.

Country of Origin: USA

Rating: PG-13
Time: 103 mins.

Just when we didn't think we needed another sequel, 10 Cloverfield Lane proves that another rendition of the same material can work with a razor-sharp script and powerhouse performances. I had not watch the first Cloverfield film but as I've heard, 10 Cloverfield Lane is more like a cousin film rather than a sequel. Set in the same realm, Michelle (Winstead) wakes up after surviving a horrible accident, to find herself trapped in a cellar by a doomsday prepper (Goodman) who insists that he saved her life from the apocalyptic catastrophe that is occurring outside. It's a true nightmare when you have to decide which version of the a nightmare is more bearable, the human or extraterrestrial form?

10 Cloverfield Lane is one hell of a directorial debut feature by Dan Trachtenberg who utilizes his knit-tight and well-paced script to its full potential. It's clever, grounded, and one exhilarating ride that keeps you guessing till the very end! It's been a while since I've left a theater thinking "What a fantastic and well-done movie!". You have never seen John Goodman this good and he will seriously scare the pants off of you! And of course, the lovely Mary Elizabeth Winstead is incredible to watch as she commands every scene to escape this very dangerous situation by any means possible! (She's my hero!) This is one of the better films to have come out in 2016 and I can't wait to see what Trachtenberg does next!

Read more »

READ MORE

Badass Femmes is a bi-weekly column that I write on Crome Yellow about all the Badass Females in pop culture that has shaped my life.

As a woman in a male dominated world, it’s easy to feel helpless and preyed upon, having most of our opinions sidelined and our bodies served as eye candy. Needless to say, it’s an idea our media is happy to uphold, and one that Tim Burton’s iconic Batman Returns brings to light so well through Selina Kyle. Played by Michelle Pfeiffer, Kyle is the epitome of a working class woman, combating patriarchy and sexual harassment on the daily. It’s only when she hits rock bottom that she transforms into the resilient and powerful Catwoman, awakening a side of herself she never knew existed. Reborn as the lethal femme fatale, she fights against the very system that made her who she is – it’s a poignant, tragic transformation, one that’s too important to ignore

Continue reading on Crome Yellow...

Read more »

READ MORE

Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski is one of the most influential and visionary auteurs of all time. He has created some of the most lush, powerful, and resonating films of his era and still till this day is regarded as the most important pieces of cinema. His revolutionary Three Colors trilogy has been very dear to my heart and have singularly inspired my own work as a filmmaker. He taps into the beauty of human nature and show it in all it's raw, poignant, and transcendent essence. 

The people over at Bandb have put together a tribute documentary titled, Memoirs of an Angel, which provides a comprehensive and dynamic portrait of the unparalleled artist. Using footage from his films and documentary as well as interviews from Krzysztof Kieslowski: I'm So-So, I can't wait to watch this and more of his films. 

Read more »

READ MORE

It's safe to say that Jeremy Saulnier's Green Room is my most anticipated film of 2016. There's already been a two trailers released: the first trailer and the red band one. And before you say that it's already three too many trailers, you surely won't regret watching the new one which really amps up the intensity to a solid 110%. With impeccable anxiety-inducing editing, the trailer shows another glimpse of how relentless this film experience will be. Saulnier's not going let us go that easily. Especially with Patrick Stewart at the helm of this neo-nazi group that will stop at nothing to kill every last member of this punk-rock group. Breathe breathe breathe, grabs weapon tighter. Can it be April 15 already?!

Trailer Reaction // Trailer #1 // Poster

Read more »

READ MORE

There are some things in life that you just can't unsee. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS! Samantha simply wants to be like every other girl and post up a selfie on Instagram but she can't because she was born with a butthole for a mouth. Yes, A BUTTHOLE FOR A MOUTH. Eduardo Casanova's grotesque yet endearing Spanish short film, Eat My Shit, takes a look at a girl who was  born different and it sends a direct and unforgettable message. It's one of the most outlandish, brilliant, and downright barf-inducing shorts I've ever witnessed (and survived) but you will be fantastically transfixed by it all! (Tbh, I'm scarred, horrified, & everything in between. Abort! Abort!) Eat My Shit is screening at SXSW in the Midnight Shorts Competition. I don't think anyone will ever be ready to see something like this so now is a good a time as any!

Read more »

READ MORE

"I'm not on a mission. I'm not trying to start a revolution." In MissMe: The Artful Vandal, renowned Montreal-based artist MissMe quit her successful job at one of the world's top advertising agencies and became an underground street artist. Director Mohammad Gorjestani crafts a beautifully shot and enthralling portrait of MissMe who simply just want to provide a counter-voice to the objectification of women in mainstream advertising. Although she has no intentions of starting a revolution, her work and voice is a powerful testament to the cause itself. MissMe posts up images of iconic and influential women like Nina Simone, Frida Kahlo, and even herself in her unmistakeable mouse mask. She's the kind of modern day superhero I've been waiting for. MissMe: The Artful Vandal premieres at SXSW in the Documentary Shorts competition.

Read more »

READ MORE

For those freaking out about the new revival of the beloved Ghostbusters film, I am right there with you! We live in an age of reboots and remakes so it's no surprise that they would make another Ghostbuster film and this time with women! Seemed like the only logical thing to do especially at the hands of Paul Feig and the stellar cast, I can already sense how amazing it'll be. Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, and Kate McKinnon are the four ghostbusters and they are not messing around! For those complaining about it featuring an all female cast, stop whining and make your own version then! For the meantime, the rest of us are going to enjoy this new rendition that is equally nostalgic as it is super duper fresh! Ghostbusters comes out July 15 so get ready world cause these exact kind of Ghostbusters we called for!

Read more »

READ MORE