SXSW Reviews — Movie Reviews

‘The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster' Review: A Contemporary and Timely Retelling [SXSW 2023]

The Frankenstein monster or Prometheus legend has remained evergreen for a reason, but by juxtaposing it in the tumultuous world of racial inequality, ‘The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster’ gives an old monster some very new tricks.

'Pure O' Review: Truly a Pure Experience [SXSW 2023]

Often Festival Films Can overload its audience with drama, emotion, or ham-fisted messages, but in a delightfully subtle film, ‘Pure O’ makes you candidly connect with the characters and the plot.

Festival Review, Movie ReviewMichael Winn JohnsonMarch 15, 2023SXSW 2023, SXSW Reviews, Pure O Review, Review of Pure O, Pure OComment

'My Drywall Cocoon' Review: An Aptly Named Dusty, Claustrophobic Drama [SXSW 2023]

‘My Drywall Cocoon’ sounded like a promising premise about a teenaged tragedy but it simply ended up, merely a tragedy to watch.

Drama, Festival ReviewMichael Winn JohnsonMarch 12, 2023My Drywall Cocoon, SXSW 2023, SXSW Reviews, Brazillian FilmComment

‘Appendage’ Review: A Millennial Twist on Horror Classics [SXSW 2023]

For fans of Gremlins, Critters, or Evil Dead but who crave the more modern storytelling touch of having a critical social issue in the jaws of a Cronenberg-esque fleshy Muppet, Appendage is a welcome addition to stream at home.

Festival Review, Horror, Movie ReviewMichael Winn JohnsonMarch 12, 2023Appendage, SXSW Reviews, SXSW 2023, Emily Hampshire, Anna Zlokovic, Hulu, HorrorComment

'The Lost City' Review: A Goofy Adventure-Comedy That Falls Just Above Mediocrity [SXSW 2022]

The Lost City has blockbuster comedy written all over it; a simple to follow adventure story, the stars are all names that will draw a crowd, and the setting is scenic and pleasing to the eye. On paper, it should work. In practice, it feels soulless and robotic.

'Spin Me Round' Review: A Great Cast In A Lukewarm Quirk-Fest [SXSW 2022]

One of the bigger draws at this years’ SXSW, Spin Me Round features Alison Brie leading an all-star comedic cast in a part mystery, part rom-com,, part Italian misadventure. However, by the time the aptly titled Spin me Round stops spinning, audiences aren’t quite sure what movie they just watched.

'I Love My Dad' Review: A Twisted But Strangely Endearing Indie Comedy [SXSW 2022]

You could not ask for a better fit than writer/director James Morosini’s perverse comedy I Love My Dad and the SXSW festival. It takes bravery to tell this abnormal tale of catfish courtship, but director James Morosini shows no fear in sharing his true story, and the comedy is one of the highlights of the festival this year.

'Sissy' Review: Nothing Timid About This Topical Aussie Indie [SXSW 2022]

One of the most enjoyable aspects of attending a festival like SXSW, is you often find diamonds in the rough; opportunities given to talented filmmakers waiting to be discovered., especially within the genres of horror or science fiction.. Sissy, is just such a gem.

'Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil' Review: Addiction, Editorialized [SXSW 2021]

Though Demi Lovato appears to be a willing subject, “Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil” falters in telling her story due to its narrative-chasing and sterilized delivery from Michael D. Ratner.

‘Violet’ Review: An Experiment in Cinematic Exploration and Repetition [SXSW 2021]

A seasoned performer like Justine Bateman, who has done almost everything in terms of acting, seemingly has to invent a new ‘thing’ while directing her feature film debut. Her Violet can easily be defined as ‘experimental cinema’ as it isn’t your typical type of film in terms of format or the tools used. It can also, unfortunately, be easily defined as ‘obvious’

‘The Feast’ Review: A Psychological Horror as Foggy as the Welsh Wilderness [SXSW 2021]

Occasionally, audiences can find these hidden gems at the SXSW festival in comedy, science-fiction or horror, but occasionally, audiences may find something like Welsh-language thriller, The Feast.