John Fink

[Review] Crooked Arrows

Sports in films have been a cultural celebration, predating Leni Riefenstahl’s Olympia also owing its linage to Thomas Edison’s early experiments in motion. Cro...

[Review] October Baby

If only October Baby played it straight with no agenda. The advent of the mega-church I believe has led to a mega-church sponsored filmmaking, with Courageous b...

[SXSW Review] Brooklyn Castle

IS 318, a Brooklyn public school residing in an area with a 70% poverty rate, with a top ranked chess team is the subject of the uplifting doc Brooklyn Castle. ...

[SXSW Review] Gayby

Gayby is not without laughs – however while half the jokes do land, there is a realization the film is at its core a sitcom. It’s saving grace is that it has mo...

[SXSW Review] Pilgrim Song

Martha Stephens’ Pilgrim Song takes place, as many a SXSW 2012 film did, in the woods. James (Timothy Motton) is a music teacher recently let go due to budget c...

[SXSW Review] The Do-Deca-Pentahlon

Families have weird quirks all their own. The Do-Deca-Pentathlon contains small victories and strange rituals – directed by two brothers who instead of compete,...

[SXSW Review] Frankie Go Boom

Jordan Roberts’ Frankie Go Boom is, above all, a good time. There’s many ways a comedy like this can fail, most run out of steam after promising first act, but ...

John Fink

John Fink is a New York City area-based critic, filmmaker, educator and curator. He currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Buffalo International Film Festival.