alecybarra

This film offers a contained view of a specific event during WWII, which made it easier to grasp and for a more immersive viewing experience. The effects are well-done, especially considering this is an independent film and they added to the story. The cinematography is mostly naturalistic, with a few scenes explicitly featuring a little more stylized lighting. Going with a more natural palette made it feel gritty, providing depth to the aesthetic and time period of WWII. Some nice handheld work added to the edge-of-your-seat feeling in the third act. Overall, The Liberation Men is a well-told gritty indie thriller.

'Ghost Planet' is an indie sci-fi film that takes you through space on a journey that you are not entirely sure where it is headed at first. The dialogue and interactions between the characters as they decide the pros and cons of this technology keeps the story engaging. It makes you think about the cost of pursuing something unknown and new and whether or not it is worth it with everything on the line. Aside from the low budget with the effects and some source-y lighting along with everything in the focal plane being in focus on certain shots, the story is pretty compelling and if you like sci-fi, this might be up your alley.

This film is a unique and interesting look at a little-known niche: gaming and taverns. It is not only a look at the "day in the life", but it goes a lot further to explain the time period of how it all unfolded, especially during Covid. One of the interviews captured it well: "Arcades are a new meeting ground for people. It's something that brings people together". On a deeper level, this is really a film about how social connection and finding one's clique can happen in the context of everyday life. You don't need to go to some special, hard to find place. As these arcades within taverns become more widespread, it will be easier for people to be connected and happy.