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Reviews
Broken City (2023)
An Indie Thriller for Our Times
Terry Spears' Broken City is a topical tale of Maya and Desmond who in need of money, attempt to steal from the wealthy with the help of the more nefarious-minded, Andy. The blend of social justice issues with the more thrilling elements, make it an unique crime drama. Watching the slippery slope as our righteous heroes (both people of color) fall deeper into a tangle of amorality, ill-minded attempts to reset the scales of justice with their mostly white victims.
Ria Gill was a standout performance and the direction and writing by Jonathon M. Smith and Terry Spears keeps things moving. Worth a watch!
Suffrage (2023)
Make Way for PI Natasha Hall!!
I stumbled upon this ambitious indie one night: feminist one liners, old school raunch, political conspiracy, and a loose reference to Altman's "The Long Goodbye?" Yes, please!
The story revolves around Private Investigator Natasha Hall (played by Cat Black), hired to investigate a series of murders surrounding reclusive actress Rebecca Lyonne. In the true spirit of classic PI films, Natasha uncovers a cast of quirky characters as she traverses Los Angeles in an attempt to solve the murders -- all while working on her relationship with reporter Bobby Hoffman (Director Joe Black).
Hall's performance calls to mind some of the best moments of character actor Merritt Wever and carries the film throughout.
It's a fun ride across the City with intrigue, fart jokes, political references and Eric Roberts thrown in for good measure! Worth a watch!
Bang Bang Betty: Valerie's Revenge (2023)
Valerie Ain't Messin' Around
Bang Bang Betty: Valerie's Revenge is a crowd-pleasing action film that sweetly rests on the shoulders of lead, Emily Rose Hernandez. The film tells the story of Valerie's journey to seek revenge in the wake of her lover's murder by the diabolical cartel leader, Sanchez (Hector Soria).
The film features a diverse, ensemble cast bringing solid performances. Standouts for me included Gerald Parrish as Ray, and probably my new favorite henchwoman: Mariah Padilla as Luna.
Overall, the film is a thrilling watch for action/crime moviegoers that isn't afraid of a little girl on girl action or topical editorializing around fentanyl use. Co-writer/Director Alexander T. Hwang delivers so much Bang Bang for the budget, you can't help but enjoy the ride.