Ric Bretschneider

Cinequest 2026 – Reunion

Debbie Bretschneider — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:36:29 +0000

What if, for one night, you could step back into the person you thought you were going to be? Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Wardriver

Ric Bretschneider — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:42:39 +0000

Dragged into a million-dollar cyber-heist, Cole finds himself targeting Sarah, a woman whose stolen fortune makes her a pawn in a deadly game Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Dancing on the Elephant

Debbie Bretschneider — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 17:16:17 +0000

It is good to have friends all along the way in life. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – In Spite of Ourselves

Debbie Bretschneider — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 17:01:01 +0000

I enjoyed the relationship between Hannah and Archie in all of its messy realness. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Borealis

Ric Bretschneider — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:04:51 +0000

A solar flare tears across the sky and in a blinding instant, every memory on Earth is gone. Civilization collapses overnight as governments scramble to seize control of a population reduced to instinct. Power vacuums ignite. New regimes rise. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Adult Children

Debbie Bretschneider — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:07:56 +0000

17-year-old Morgan, who jump at a rare chance to spend time with her much older siblings—hoping they’ll reveal what it truly means to be an adult. Instead, she discovers they’re all just faking it. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Catane

Debbie Bretschneider — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 22:16:14 +0000

Riotously inventive, hilarious, and brimming with charm, Catane invites audiences into a world where bureaucracy collides with community ingenuity. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Shorts Program 4: Animated Worlds

Ric Bretschneider — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:27:13 +0000

But I want to give you a taste of what the animation shorts program provides. So for short films, you get a TLDR review of each. Enjoy. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Heavens: The Boy and His Robot

Ric Bretschneider — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:20:25 +0000

A plucky young pilot and his loyal, snarky fighter-robot dive into a war-torn galaxy, joining a cosmic battle that will decide their fate. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Victoria

Debbie Bretschneider — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:18:51 +0000

Victoria is having an exceptionally bad day, a complex life, and then has to take care of a sacrificial rooster. Are there solutions in the conversations held in a beauty salon? Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Shorts Program 3: GenreQuest

Ric Bretschneider — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:33:19 +0000

I want to give you a taste of what the shorts programs can provide, so this will be a series of review snapshots. Not every film in the GenreQuest program, and not an expansive examination. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Mockbuster

Ric Bretschneider — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:16:11 +0000

How do you make a 9 out of 10 star movie with no budget?" Easy! Make a 2 star movie and simultaneously make an 9 star documentary about it. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2026 – Falsehood

Ric Bretschneider — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:00:36 +0000

Recommended for viewers that like a new set of thought provoking problems being exposed in a science fiction setting. Continue reading →

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Good News for Time Traveler Wannabes

Ric Bretschneider — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:39:49 +0000

Happy to say that Time Travel is Dangerous will soon be available through streaming platforms! Shortly you can enjoy it in your own living room! Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Burt

Ric Bretschneider — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 02:28:58 +0000

Burt, a 69-year-old street musician with Parkinson’s, welcomes Sammy, a young man claiming to be his long-lost son, into his home. The independent film explores their evolving relationship and the lives of flawed characters, set against a beautifully crafted black-and-white backdrop. It's a touching narrative with impressive production within a limited budget. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Cast Members

Debbie Bretschneider — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 22:18:23 +0000

"Cast Members" is a six-minute short film that explores the challenges faced by theme park performers when one of them lands a significant TV role, leading to existential questions and a musical journey. Created by sisters Emily Wilson and Sarah Wilson Thacker, the film could expand into a series, enriching the characters' stories. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Cotton Candy Bubble Gum

Ric Bretschneider — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 23:53:41 +0000

Carter, a 21-year-old mama’s boy still living at home, faces an ultimatum after his mom gets engaged to her vindictive cop boyfriend: secure a paid promotion at his internship by the end of the day or find a new place … Continue reading →

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Why I Own an Android Phone, But Still Love Apple

Ric Bretschneider — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 17:16:34 +0000

OK, stick with me, this starts off weird. I’m a big fan of the Pebble watch. It’s been gone for years, but recently announced a comeback. Pebble was a Kickstarter for a cool phone-connected watch that would last a week … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – BAR

Debbie Bretschneider — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 01:06:14 +0000

"BAR" follows five students during an intensive five-day program at the Culinary Institute of America, focused on distilled spirits and mixology. With rigorous training and testing, students aim for world-class certification. The film captures their personal journeys, camaraderie, and growth, ultimately highlighting their successes. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – The Bitter Tears of Zahra Zand

Debbie Bretschneider — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 03:33:41 +0000

The Bitter Tears of Zahra Zand is a poignant film set in 1980's London, focusing on an exiled Iranian fashion designer grappling with loss and identity. Through dark humor and emotional extremes, she navigates her past while spiraling into tragedy, culminating in an unexpected love story amidst her struggles for survival and relevance. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – The Dreamers and I

Ric Bretschneider — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:47:23 +0000

This documentary is praised for its unique storytelling, focusing on young entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley's "hacker house" environment. Filmmaker Kenji Yamamoto captures their pursuit of the American dream, revealing their optimism amidst high failure rates. The film also intertwines personal struggles, offering an inspiring narrative worth viewing for aspiring developers. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Alien

Ric Bretschneider — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:29:19 +0000

The film "Alien" presents a unique Russian science fiction story set in a Ural village, focusing on Lyosha, a hearing-impaired man seeking extraterrestrial contact after his mother's mysterious disappearance. The film explores themes of alienation and connection, enhanced by striking visuals and a compelling mystery involving a telepathic girl who enters his life. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Shorts Program 3: Genre Quest

Ric Bretschneider — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 02:24:20 +0000

The Cinequest Genre Quest block of short films is excellent overall, with a number of film genres represented in bite size and slightly larger sizes. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Maura and Maggie Get Callbacks

Debbie Bretschneider — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 01:09:27 +0000

Maura and Maggie, friends in New York City, challenge age barriers in the entertainment industry. Their documentary combines humor and heart, sharing stories of resilience and the chase for dreams despite life's challenges. As they create a two-person show, they navigate friendship and ambition.. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Time Travel is Dangerous

Ric Bretschneider — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 04:32:35 +0000

Best friends Ruth and Megan discover a time machine and travel to the past to collect vintage items for their North London shop. Their adventures avoid changing history, filled with comedic elements reminiscent of Monty Python. The film, shot in a documentary style, delivers an inventive take on time travel. Continue reading →

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The 2025 Saturn Awards for Science Fiction

Ric Bretschneider — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 17:36:45 +0000

My review of the Saturn Awards show along with a list of award winners. Continue reading →

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Review: Korak at the Earth’s Core

Ric Bretschneider — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 21:13:54 +0000

Korak at the Earths Core is a welcome addition and continues the evolution of the world of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – Wrapup and Last Chance Reviews

Ric Bretschneider — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:18:16 +0000

Cinequest wrapped up on Sunday with the Maverick awards ceremony, recognizing the work of Mathew Modine, and a showing Hard Miles starring Modine. And although that was the only opportunity to see Hard Miles, many Cinequest features and shorts streaming … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – Debbie’s Summary

Debbie Bretschneider — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:21:18 +0000

The Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival started in 1990 in San Jose, California. It’s grown since then, so much so that this year, there were over 80 World Premieres programmed. And the silent cinema came back! The Mark of Zorro, … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – And Cut!

Ric Bretschneider — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 22:04:57 +0000

Set in the heart of the Indian Film Industry, a tiny new film production house in Mumbai navigates everyday challenges while struggling under the leadership of an eccentric director and a sharp-tongued, openly gay producer. All, while being filmed by … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – One Night in Tokyo

Debbie Bretschneider — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 21:42:52 +0000

What do you do when you arrive in Tokyo for a week and immediately your girlfriend breaks up with you? Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – Eden

Debbie Bretschneider — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:37:22 +0000

The documentary Eden is a love story about the Mount Eden winery, which is located on a mountain top in Santa Clara County, California. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – The Invisibles

Ric Bretschneider — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 18:12:00 +0000

The Invisibles appears in the Cinequest 2024 catalog under the dual category of Fantasy / Drama. And while both are correct, it sells the film short. But then, I'm hard pressed to find a category that would give the appropriate credit due here. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – Tim Travers and the Time Traveler’s Paradox

Ric Bretschneider — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 18:00:27 +0000

This one of a series of reviews from this year’s Cinequest film festival in San Jose, California. Read more about the festival here, and buy tickets for showings of this and other films here. A scientist creates a time machine in order … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – Human Resources

Ric Bretschneider — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 01:09:04 +0000

This one of a series of reviews from this year’s Cinequest film festival in San Jose, California. Read more about the festival here, and buy tickets for showings of this and other films here. Update: 3/8/2024I meant to add an … Continue reading →

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How to Survive Cinequest 2024

Ric Bretschneider — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 22:12:49 +0000

An updated viewer’s guide to what USA Today readers voted the Best Film Festival. It’s about to be Cinequest time, which means getting slightly ahead of the festival schedule so that I can provide you some idea about which films … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Paul & Trisha The Art of Fluidity

Debbie Bretschneider — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 18:11:06 +0000

As Paul says “not everybody gets you”. And Paul & Trisha are ok with that. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Danny Goes Aum

Debbie Bretschneider — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:29:20 +0000

Danny Goes Aum is an inspirational movie without trying to teach us something, which is what makes it enjoyable. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Abruptio

Ric Bretschneider — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 22:48:11 +0000

Abruptio doesn't just live in the uncanny valley, it's bought prime real estate and built a mansion in the foothills with an incredible view. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Oliver and the Pool

Debbie Bretschneider — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 23:09:49 +0000

Oliver and the Pool - Does grief need isolation or company? Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Billion Dollar Babies

Debbie Bretschneider — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 22:22:28 +0000

Billion Dollar Babies, the True Story of Cabbage Patch Kids, is a documentary about how the Cabbage Patch Kids became a huge, phenomenal toy event in 1983. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Minnesota Mean

Debbie Bretschneider — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 23:32:05 +0000

I was excited to see the documentary Minnesota Mean on the Cinequest lineup. I have fond memories of watching roller derby with my Dad in the 60’s, so I was anxious to revisit the sport. And it didn’t let me … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Star Wars Kid

Ric Bretschneider — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 18:33:03 +0000

If you were using the internet in the early 2000’s you probably had a first-hand experience in viewing the “Star Wars Kid.” The video portrayed a young teen boy going through vigorous motions with a rod, reproducing a lightsaber battle. … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023: Share?

Ric Bretschneider — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:56:19 +0000

In 1969 Canadian televison produceed a one hour teleplay by Jim Hensen called The Cube. It was only broadcast twice, and although you can find it on YouTube it isn’t terribly well known or noted. The Cube was certainly was … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023: Tomorrow

Ric Bretschneider — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 18:50:51 +0000

If I were to tell you that this movie is about someone who wakes up each morning in a different body, always yearning to go back “home,” you’d probably say “Oh yeah, Quantum Leap! I loved that show!” But this … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2022: The Smoke Master

Ric Bretschneider — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 16:05:20 +0000

I'm sure you have wondered, as I have, what would it be like if Cheech and Chong had produced a Drunken Master martial arts action film. No, well, perhaps you should start thinking about it. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2022: Futra Days

Ric Bretschneider — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 18:20:59 +0000

Traveling forward in time isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, as Sean Graves learns the hard way. He’s supposed to spy on his future self to determine if he should pursue a new romantic love interest. Even though he’s … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2022: Dash

Ric Bretschneider — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 21:12:44 +0000

The premise is fairly simple. This is a dashcam video of a night in the life of a LA rideshare driver. The company he works for shares the name of the movie; Dash. And to more than one extent, we see that we're dashing towards the disastrous culmination a number of bad decisions in this driver's life. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2022: Fanga

Ric Bretschneider — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 21:11:48 +0000

Tale as old as time... we all know the song from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. And we've probably have seen a production other than the animated Disney cartoon. But this is a movie truly a "tale as old as time" given its roots in folktales and myth. And with Fanga, writer/director Max Gold is going back to the source material, and added a modern twist. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2022: The Day I Found a Girl in the Trash

Ric Bretschneider — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 17:31:26 +0000

The Day I Found a Girl in the Trash is a near-future science fiction story. Typically near-future SF is anywhere from five to ten years out from "today." This allows the writer/producer to focus on a smaller aspect of change. Continue reading →

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