A selection of review excerpts from films scored by John Califra:
“Thrust forward by John Califra’s uncommonly stirring score, the story…unspools with more drama than most blockbusters.”
Jeanette Catsoulis – the NY Times
http://www.johncalifra.com/reviews/Matador_NYTimes.pdf
_____________________________________________
“…the rich cinematography by Christopher Jenkins and James Morton-Haworth and the compelling score by John Califra portray it as a passionate spectacle.”
Bruce Diones – The New Yorker
http://www.johncalifra.com/reviews/Matador_New_Yorker.pdf
______________________________________________
“One more thing, the phenomenal score (by John Califra) for this film is an outstanding work of art in its own right. Here we have a symphonic sore of crushing poignancy, ethereal bliss and percussive bite. With any luck, a soundtrack CD will be available soon.”
Jon Ted Wynne, The Kings Players
______________________________________________
”My Brother,” written and directed by Anthony Lover, suffers from organizational problems…But its earnest tone, moving orchestral score (by John Califra) and strong cast (including Vanessa L. Williams, seen in flashbacks as the boys’ fiercely devoted mother) carry it past the rough patches.”
Matt Zoller Seitz – The New York Times
http://www.johncalifra.com/reviews/NYTimes_My_Brother.pdf
______________________________________________
“I can’t say enough about (John Califra’s) score: absolutely haunting, powerful, graceful, majestic. After the documentary, the stunned audience cheered Califra’s score”
the Jaman Lounge – SXSW Festival review
http://www.johncalifra.com/reviews/Matador_Jaman.pdf
______________________________________________
“Music by John Califra artfully covers a wide range of tones, but…. without fanfare or stridency.
Ronnie Scheib – Variety
http://www.johncalifra.com/reviews/Variety_In_Good_Conscience.pdf
_______________________________________________
“The Dracula tale is impressively underlined in John Califra’s 60 minute score. Dark, brazen tones carry the orchestra to a powerful conclusion but even in lighter moments Califra’s themes are as well turned as his handling of orchestral forces is adroit”
Dermot Murphy – the Sunday Press, Dublin, Ireland