Having written reviews for over a decade now, I have by this point been asked to explain myself more times than I could possibly count. Of course, these are often rhetorical inquiries... sometimes they aren't even phrased as inquiries at all. Nevertheless, among the now countless film critics out there, it isn't uncommon for some explanation of one's rating system to exist. In fact, I've written … [Read more...]
Helena from the Wedding is a film that is only for its characters, but it isn't that awful a scenario, because you're probably one of them. The appeal of a movie with a cast of eight thirty-somethings who go to a cabin in the woods for New Year's weekend (sans axe murderer) is pretty well limited to thirty-somethings who at least do dinner parties. That's not the smallest demographic in the world, … [Read more...]
One of the more interesting side stops during SXSW was the IFC Crossroads House. A couple of blocks from the Austin Convention Center, and on the way to two of the main theater spots, I checked in a few times during the festival and caught some interesting interviews. With a variety of film talent popping in for a few minutes throughout each day, it was well worth fitting into the schedule. You … [Read more...]
My best personal experience at SXSW was the night I saw Micmacs, starting with the wait in line. Much like the night I waited to get into the documentary on The White Stripes, I couldn't help wondering if these people actually knew what they were waiting to see. In fact, once I arrived to see the Micmacs line, I had to think that somehow the lines for these two films had been … [Read more...]
There's something about John C. Reilly that is truly amazing. No matter what he's in, even if you don't expect to like it, or it's something outside your genre norms, he gets you on board. You may not wind up completely won over, but you're suddenly rooting for the film. Cyrus has this quality as its main redeeming feature. The new film by the indie sensation Duplass brothers (The Puffy Chair, … [Read more...]
There's a delicious stupidity at work in Kick-Ass' titular character, who is at times also known as... "Dave." A comic fan, he wonders how it can be that no one has tried to become a superhero. No one has superpowers, sure, but you don't need any just to slap on a mask and give a beating to a few evil-doers. Ok, it would be stupid, but look at all the stupid things people do. In the grand scheme … [Read more...]
Fans of weird cinema, and/or those for whom 42nd St. during the '70s means anything, your film is on its way to SXSW. American Grindhouse, a movie that needs no introduction beyond its title, will be showing to the delight of many and the horror of... probably many as well. There's a world of fascination behind the cultural phenomenon, and now you've got your chance to explore it. The … [Read more...]
As we close in on SXSW, you can play along at home once again. IFC Films is making three movies available On Demand during the festival. I love this collaboration. It's a brilliant move, giving film lovers a chance to catch a piece of the festival experience. I hope you'll take a look at the possibilities, and get in on the fun. “Direct From SXSW” to feature three films premiering … [Read more...]
A decidedly odd starting point may prove to deliver a unique viewpoint into what it means, and takes, to be a man in this SXSW offering, Barry Munday. Barry Munday, a suburban wanna-be ladies man, wakes up in the hospital after being attacked in a movie theater, only to realize that he is missing one of his most prized possessions... his testicles. To make matters worse, Barry learns he's … [Read more...]
More news on the SXSW front, this time a First Look and an added World Premiere. Predators looks a little strange, though the festival treatment will be a lot of fun, but I'm pretty excited for 13. The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival has announced Austin-based filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and director Nimród Antal will present a “First Look” at their upcoming motion … [Read more...]
THE RIDE is a unique, in-depth look into the world of professional bull riding, featuring a motley crew of three professional riders, a bullfighter, a rodeo entertainer, a country crooner, and a million-dollar bucking-bull breeder. THE RIDE reveals the chaotic and gritty “life in the left lane” of these true-to-life cowboys—the punks and shit-kickers of the Wild West. THE RIDE revolves … [Read more...]
Coming to SXSW, screened in the Festival Favorites category, is a documentary riding high on strong showings at festivals already. His & Hers is a unique spin on the story of love and relationships, straight from the lips of 70 women. His & Hers is a cinematic mosaic that tells a 90-year-old love story through the collective voice of 70 ladies at different stages of their lives. The … [Read more...]
There's nothing like building a film with a target audience of everyone. As the trailer rolls, questions float by and we slide on up to you... So, have any thoughts on George Lucas? Religion? Sex? The meaning of life? How can the drawer close with those things inside, but now it won't open... the same things are inside? These are all mere child's play when it comes to inconceivable mass of … [Read more...]
SXSW Film has announced its panels and shorts, with schedule following on the 15th. Looks like it's going to be a packed event with more great stuff than you can possibly attend, and I'm getting rather excited. If you're going, let me know what you're looking forward to most. The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is thrilled to announce over 80 Film Conference panels and … [Read more...]
