Movie Review

Feature Film Review: And The Balls Roll On… The Real Story of the Beautiful Game of Skee-Ball

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This is the story of Skee-Ball—a unique game, patented in 1908 by a long forgotten inventor living in Vineland NJ: Joseph Fourestier Simpson. The film explores the era in which the young inventor grew up, as the industrial revolution created the new middle class, and the explosion of amusement parks that allowed them to flee their crowded industrial neighborhoods for a few hours of pleasure.

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Review by Victoria Angelique:

Skee-ball is a familiar arcade game seen across the globe. The documentary, AND THE BALLS ROLL ON: THE REAL STORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME OF SKEE-BALL tells the emotional rollercoaster it took for the game to become a staple of amusement parks, while intertwining the invention of Skee-ball with American history. 

The voice over is enthusiastic, really painting the picture of the landscape that Joseph Simpson grew up in the late 1800s and early 1900s. His story is one of resilience, Simpson never let failure stop him. He would always move onto the next venture, hoping that it would finally bring him fortune. Joseph Simpson really gives a great message of never give up, even when all hope seems lost. He kept trying, even after the game was sold and he was forbidden to make more games. 

Intertwined with the story is American history throughout the past century. This shows that Simpson’s struggles were not unique to him, but the entire nation. Skee-ball kept the spirit of competition alive. Tournaments gave people a reason to come together from all walks of life, advertising to both the rich and the poor. Tournaments that have evolved throughout the decades, still bringing people of all ages to compete in good spirit for a trophy to prove they are the best at the arcade game of Skee-ball. 

The combination of a historical biography and American history makes this a unique documentary. It keeps the audiences interested as the film seamlessly transitions from one period to the other by displaying historical events alongside the evolution of Skee-ball. The only thing missing is advice on how to win tickets when playing Skee-ball, but as the tournament competitors would attest to, practice makes perfect and that would be the only way to truly learn how to play.

Short Film Review: TAINTED. Directed by Ian Wee

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In a world driven by corporate greed and unethical genetic experimentation, Darien, the pioneering human clone, finds himself obsolete against a superior 2nd Generation Clone, leading to his and his mentor’s targeting. Following his mentor’s death, Darien’s hidden hybrid nature—combining human and vampire DNA—surfaces during a critical confrontation, granting him unexpected survival. Marked as a “Tainted” failure yet possessing newfound powers, Darien faces an ambiguous future, embodying the narrative’s critique of ambition’s perils and the poignant fallout of manipulative sciences.

Review by Julie Sheppard:

This fabulous sci-fi action flick, Tainted, has all the high energy of a combat video game, but with an added emotion-infused touch. You can sense that there is a backstory between the youthful Darien and Jarred, perhaps a previous friendship but now a chilling rivalry. There is also a father/son type of fondness between the brave Dr. Cole and the loyal Darien. The fine acting of this trio gives the film more depth and dimension than a simple display of combat.

Saying that, the combat choreography is sensational – lots of lightening-fast moves and capable use of weaponry, complete with bright flames and sparks. The muted-coloured clinical setting is a suitable backdrop to give focus to the sparring figures. Also impressive is the make up, notably the oozing gore and the terrifying face of the monster. I appreciate the high-tech computer voice, the (mostly) off screen maniacal laughter, the soulful choir, and the intense sound effects.

Indeed, this film offers both the satisfying entertainment one might get from a video game, and the real sense that justice is done, without the viewer ever having to reach for a joystick!

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Short Film Review: BREAKING OUT. Directed by David Glass

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“Breaking Out” is centered around a tumultuous piano improvisation David Glass recorded several years ago. The short film is a psychological rollercoaster containing a variety of footage that express a wide range of intense emotions and strong forces of nature, and yet there is a beauty to the chaos. As in a ballet, the music is in synchronicity with the dramatic scenes.

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Review by Julie Sheppard:

Breaking Out is a riveting short – – it is a cross between startling imagery and brilliant solo piano improvisation by David Glass.

Beginning somewhat slowly, it takes precious little time for the piano to go from “0 to 60” in pace and intensity. The visual imagery follows a similar trajectory. Before you know it, the screen is filled with immense billows of fast-moving smoke, and other images surging toward the viewer. Speed is also present with a scene of a frantic sex act.

David Glass is obviously an accomplished pianist. His nimble fingers seem to attack the keys with both delicacy and ferocity. Although the end credit lists the piano as “improvisation”, the clever link between the piano and the visuals seems well rehearsed and contemplated. Many of the images are quite nightmarish, in perfect synch with the fierceness of the piano, notably the scenes of humans fighting viciously, a fierce lion attacking his prey, a tornado destroying a house, and faces screaming in fear.

The film successfully startles the viewer into reflecting on the frustrations of life and the common human need, once in a while, to break out.

Feature Film Review: THE STRATEGY. Directed by Zied Kaf Alghazal

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A man wakes with amnesia after an explosion. Unaware of his identity, he’s a mafia boss targeted by a cartel. His past threatens their operations. As he regains memory, he confronts the dangerous crime world

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Review by Andie Karvelis:

When an explosion gives a mafia boss amnesia, he wakes without realizing that he’s been targeted by a cartel because of his past. As his memories slowly start returning, he has to confront the dangerous crime world he was a part of.


I really like the premise of the story that was created by Zedd K Ghazal. It’s such a unique storyline and it grabs your attention. Zedd created a wonderful action/adventure story that is suspenseful and intriguing. There were some things that didn’t make sense to me but huge props to Zedd K Ghazal who also starred in the film, edited and directed this with Sam Salman. I really liked how the filmmakers chose to do the flashbacks. They added in special effects so you understood you were seeing something from the past. Also they did a great job with the music, it really elevated the scenes.

Robert Zambrano was the Cinematographer/ Audio engineer and I have to give him credit because having multiple tasks on a production is hard. The cinematography looked really nice. Plus the Stunt Coordinator Billy Leo did a great job with the fight sequences. For me, I would have loved to see the camera angles and edits help sell some of the hits more. The devil is always in the details and in a full length feature there are going to be lots of devils to contend with.

Zedd K Ghazal and his team did a nice job with this whole film and I think they are onto something very special.

Short Film Review: THE DIVIDE. Dystopian Thriller from UK

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Following a global humanitarian disaster, mankind seeks survival in the midst’s of more dominant predators on the earth.

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Directed by Paul Parker Parker, Nigel Woodley, Dom Reece Roberts

Review by Victoria Olson:

The short film, THE DIVIDE, is a brilliant dystopian landscape that perfectly molds contemporary themes in a way that should cause this narrative to win awards. The film captures the attention right away with the nightmarish setting of a woman running through a city with war-torn buildings and a car graveyard. It’s clear time has passed from the grass that has grown around the shells of the vehicles. Rarely is such cinematic detail seen in a short film.  

The character development is phenomenal. Two individuals that are from enemy clans are forced together to escape a predator that is never seen on screen. The themes that we deal with in the modern world are brought out as the man and woman spend the night together in a cave. They have misconceptions & beliefs about each other’s clans, something that we still do as we are stuck in our ways. This film shows that if forced to communicate that we might have more in common than we think. These characters proved it as they hid from the unseen monster, deciding at the end it would be better to work together to cause a distraction in order for the woman to return home. 

The choice to never show the predator is intriguing, leaving mystery as we hear the breathing and view the characters through a point-of-view lens. The post production turns the view of the creature black and white, while the characters see in color. It makes the predators even more ominous. 

The strongest portion of this film is towards the end, making it a great message to end with as the characters lament on their divided world as they long for a world of peace and harmony. The phrase a “Garden of Eden” is familiar, suggesting that the characters believe that paradise could be possible, which leaves a message of hope for this dystopian world. 

Short Film Review: LAND MASS. New Media from UK

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A new kind of liturgy is about to begin… a Land Mass. This is a spontaneous, vocal-visual liturgy for the land, sung by a unique choir, The Improvisers’ Choir, conducted by composer Jenni Roditi, who is creating her conducting directions as the improvised music is sung.

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Directed by Jenni Roditi, Sara Pozin

Review by Julie Sheppard:

Land Mass, this fabulous, liturgically-styled piece from the UK was structured into 12 unique sections. These sections were brought to life by three major elements: gorgeous visuals, moving poetry, and a cacophony of sounds by The Improvisers’ Choir. 

The first element of visual imagery was adeptly presented by superimposing and blurring items and playing with intense light and shadow. There was also captivating footage of wildlife — from the humblest of insects, to majestic birds, to humans in action.  

The second prominent element was the stirring poem, which asked sage questions and offered a host of rhymes and observations about humanity and nature, oftentimes repeating phrases for emphasis.  

The final element which gave the piece both a sense of reverence and of play was the vocal work of the choir, which shifted from hauntingly lyrical to frightening and discordant, always in direct line with the visuals. The fact that we got to see the singers performing near the end made the work all the more dynamic and immediate.

While the 12 sections were quite distinct, the overall film had strong cohesion, demonstrating consistency in the artists’ energy and their passionate commitment to the project.

Short Film Review: Quitting Drugs | A Musical Documentary.

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Directed by Ali Imran Ch, Fatima Mughal
Bumb Shah is a Pakistani rapper whose traumatic life experiences heavily influence his music. Like many artists, he began using drugs early in his career, hoping that they would fuel his creativity. Before long, he fell into a rabbit hole of addiction-centered depravity, something that was reflected.

Review by Julie Sheppard:

From the Health Advisory at the top of this stirring musical documentary, Quitting Drugs, it is obvious that the viewer will be exposed to the path to drug addiction and the aftermath. The actors, as mentioned in this advisory, are thoroughly convincing in their ability to create an atmosphere of temptation, leading the central figure to addiction. It is heartbreaking to see the young boy starting to smoke, and the clever use of CGI overlay gives these scenes a strong sense of reminiscence. 

The props and locations of the piece are also well done. The vignettes of hard partying in front of tables littered with drinks, smokes and drugs captures the unfettered availability of these temptations. The bold imagistic titles and the catchy music video feel, complete with lyrics about this addicted lifestyle, demonstrates the musician’s multifaceted talent for word and instrumentals. 

The phrase “what comes up, must come down” applies here. The piece does an amazing job portraying how the main character goes from exhilaration to suicidal. Fortunately, due to his steely resolve and many days of recovery, thanks to his heroic father’s help, he is able to come out the other side as a survivor, and the film enables the viewer to finally breathe a sigh of relief. The aftermath is positive – his talent for music, once glorifying a drug-infused existence, pivots to his love for a drug-free life. 

Watch film here: https://youreverydayheroes.com/hero/bumb-shah-musical-documentary-quitting-drugs/

Short Film Trailer: MONA’S NORTH BEACH NOIR. Directed by Kip Pearson

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It’s San Francisco in the 1950s and post war paranoia is at its height. Mitch Marlowe (niece of detective Philip Marlowe) lands in town to start a new life…. passing as a man. She’s brash, confident and very comfortable presenting as a man. What she discovers in North Beach is a vibrant world of artists, criminals, corrupt cops, jazz clubs and the LGBTQ+ shadow world. But is it safe for her anywhere?

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Review by Andie Karvelis:

This film seems to leap from the pages of a Raymond Chandler hardboiled crime novel but with a modern twist. It’s 1950’s post war San Francisco and Phillip Marlow’s niece is new in town and decides to follow in her favorite Uncle’s footsteps. In an age where women must only be seen as women and it’s unheard of to identify as a man, Mitch Marlow has ( most ) of San Francisco fooled.


Kip Pearson wrote, produced and directed this exciting crime thriller. She captured the noir feel perfectly and gave the viewer a story that was rife with intrigue as well as empathy. An underlying theme of being LGBTQ+ and living in 1950 and having to hide who you are, who you love or how you identify will tug on your heartstrings. Ezra Reaves was beyond amazing as Mitch Marlow. The confidence, swagger, and cleverness were all wrapped up in a sensational performance that was believable and genuine. The entire cast of this film did such a marvelous job acting and making me believe this was 1950.


The Director of Photography, David Waldorf absolutely knew what he was doing. David and Donal Mooney did the coloring on the film and gave it that aged, muted colors that further drew you into the world of gumshoe detectives. The music also was very reminiscent of the era thanks to Kevin Mcleod, David Fesllyn and Tammy Lynn Hall who performed in the film.


I wish I could tell you how Mitch faired in the city of San Francisco, but you’re just going to have to stay tuned next review to find out if Mona’s was raided by corrupt coppers and our clever gumshoe Mitch is alright. Now over to you, Kip. Tell us when we find out what happened…

Short Film Review: THIS IS JAN. Directed by Robert Larriviere

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Alone in a hotel, Jan has the solitude and freedom to shed the identity imposed on them by the tight constraints of the era’s societal norms. Relieved of that burden, Jan relishes the opportunity to transform into the person they believe they truly are. Bolstered by newfound confidence, they push their own boundaries, only to discover that nothing is as it seems. When compelled to decide between what the world expects of them and who they want to be, Jan embraces who they truly are.

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Review by Julie Sheppard:

The short film “This is Jan” is a moving tribute to the joy that can result from truth and liberation. 

The performer playing the central character of Jan is remarkably sensitive, able to move from caution and hesitation to nervous excitement, to full-blown delight. 

The premise of the narrative is highly satisfying, as Jan sheds the facade of the suit, and all its trappings. It is a genius cinematic choice when a harsh, judgemental blurred character of self-talk becomes no more than this oppressive suit, which in turn is rejected for freedom. Speaking of clothing, the 1950’s wardrobe is consistently well-researched and accurate across the board, as is the lavish hotel setting and the various props such as radios, telephones, and handbags of the period. The inquisitive camera gets right in there, with extreme close ups of Jan’s expressive face and emotive fingers reaching for the lovely, deliberately chosen fashion items. 

This film is a testament to the courage required of those who reveal their true selves to the world and the joyfulness and relief that can result from this revelation.

Feature Film Review: The Corey Davis Evolution Story

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The metamorphic journey of Corey Davis, a young filmmaker as he reflects on a decade of his career. Through personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes footage, the documentary highlights his creative growth and challenges, showing essence of his passion.

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Review by Julie Sheppard:

This documentary from the USA, The Corey Davis Evolution Story, provides an inciteful look at the life of a talented and sensitive young filmmaker. It neatly follows a consecutive timeline, from his birth until this year. We get an intimate view of his ups and downs and of his relentless patience and determination. He aims to make a positive difference in the lives of the students at his tumultuous high school, and then breaks free of his small-town life by going away to college film school, finally meeting some artistic kindred spirits. I thought that the film does an excellent job allowing us to see his transition from his earlier films showing the world the way he wanted it to be, to newer works showing the world as it actually exists.

Many of his comments about his career up to now are made from a comfortable sofa at his family home. This setting allowed me to focus on, without distraction, his experiences to date, and marvel at his wisdom — beyond his years — as he urges viewers to believe in themselves and to strive for their dreams, often against all odds (such as dealing with alienation and fear during Covid).

The importance of his dreams is underscored by the narrator, whose impassioned voice assists in heightening Corey’s emotional stakes. It is helpful to see so much video footage of his work as a youngster, all the way up to the current day, revealing his artistic development and maturity.

The soundtrack, consisting of gentle piano and other light instrumentals does not distract, but complements his chill, relaxed demeanor for most of the film. I also appreciate the various computer-generated images here and there to underscore his ideas, in addition to being presented with several impressive animation films of his own creation.

This evocative piece would be highly suitable for other young filmmakers at the outset of their careers, to give them motivation and hope.