First 4 Days of SIFF

GRADE --B+

MILK OF SORROW--(Peru/Spain)--A poor woman with many fearful issues steeped in tradition and mysticism, goes to work in the "big house" for a rich pianist to raise money to take her dead mother to the ocean. (The dead woman stays stored under the bed at home for what seems like several weeks!!!!) A curious, lyrical film that is moving while it is bizarre.

LOOSE CANNONS--(Italy)-The son of a wealthy business man tries to tell his family that he is gay to get out of taking over the family business of pasta production, but his older brother steals his thunder for the same reason. The film is beautifully shot and acted, but seems uneven with the introduction of some broad comedy when his four very gay friends visit from the big city. Still, it's generous of spirit and the characters are warm and likable (if sometimes a bit stereotypical.)

TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL--(Canada)--This is everything a midnighter film should be--a superior mix of horror, gore, big BIG laughs, energy, and quality (if improbable) script. It kept every one awake and cheering to the end.

QUEEN OF THE SUN--(U.S.A.)--Frightening yet positive documentary on the bees that are disappearing around the world at an alarming rate.
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GRADE--B

PERRIER'S BOUNTY--(Ireland)--Entertainingly comedic and violent crime caper with the wacky Jim Broadbent afraid to fall asleep lest he die-- he's the father of the young man who becomes involved with the mob because he's neglected to pay back a loan on time.

CASTAWAY ON THE MOON--(S.Korea)--Charming love story develops as two socially challenged people connect--from opposite sides of a river, and without even meeting.

TWISTED ROOTS--(Finland)--Interesting family drama about a father with a fatal hereditary disease who tries to get his biological children to test for the disease, and the ramifications of the illness on the extended family.
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GRADE--B-

WOMAN WITHOUT PIANO--(Spain)--Deliberately paced drama of a woman who tries to leave her husband one night, and ends up wandering around town meeting an odd group of characters.

AIR DOLL--(Japan)--Leisurely paced drama of a plastic life size doll who comes to life and starts a "life" of her own when her owner is not around--it runs deep with themes of possessiveness in a relationship, love, passion, and the true meaning of being alive.
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GRADE--C+

ON THE TOWN (1949)--(USA)--Leonard Maltin's four star rating (which I read after seeing this movie revival) doesn't hold up today. There's only one really memorable song (New York, New York, What a Wonderful Town) and the the rest are energetically if unmemorably preformed by a gung-ho cast (Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Ann Miller, etc). The Technicolor looks great but the sound was still tinny and scratchy, and the corn in the plot and dialogue would choke a tractor. I've seen a lot better.

THE EXTRA MAN--(USA)--One of the weaker opening night films, with the main bright spot being Kevin Kline's often hilarious line readings of what turns out to be a dreary, creepy plot--he plays an ageing gigolo who tries to get his young room-mate into the "business" of dating old woman.

CUPID'S ARROWS (SHORTS)--(Various countries)-- Not one of the five shorts I saw were very memorable, although most were polished technically. The best (PUBLIC RELATIONS) was a lesbian themed short which featured Summer Bishil who was so good in TOWELHEAD a few years ago.
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I don't think you'll go wrong if you see any film I've rated B- or better.........................