WINTER'S BONE is a deadly serious film set in a poor Ozark community, and features a stripped down cast of professionals and locals to tell a mystery story of a young teen's struggle to find her father before the law takes her home. Dad is a dope dealer and maker, and he's on the run, so you have to think--how is he going to save the family home. But as the film progresses, you realize that something more sinister is in play, as her strange kin start lying and threatening her when all she wants is the truth. It's bare bones screenplay and solid direction keeps you riveted to the teen's plight, and even though her father is no good, you keep hoping that somehow she will prevail. Films don't get more self-contained than this. GRADE---- A
During the first screening of I AM LOVE during SIFF, I struggled with the grade that I would give this amazing film. Here is a familiar story handled in a stylish, fascinating manner. Tilda Swinton, Oscar winner for MICHEAL CLAYTON a few years ago, is the "star" and producer of this Italian film, and like fine tailored Italian suits, this film (with the hypnotic music and thoughtful photography) creates an artistic piece of great intelligence and refinement--we rarely get a film that demands so much of our attention and thought. A wealthy woman, living in a cocoon of money and privilege, finds herself emerging into a sensual reality through her daughter's blossoming sexuality and her own unexpected relationship with a much younger man, the best friend of her son. All the while, the family business is being bastardized into an international conglomerate much to (some of) the family's disgust. Obviously, all is not well in what seemed like, in the first carefully detailed sequence, to be a well oiled machine. This film is not for everyone. It is an intellectualized romantic saga of passion (food, love, nature) in a capitalistic world, and the final sequence is as wrenching and haunting as any you're likely to see. It has the power to blow you away if you are into it........ And to the handful of rude cretins who loudly and obnoxiously blasted the film in the dark before the credits had barely appeared on the screen at a second Seven Gables screening (there's another brief, eerie scene during the credits) with derogatory comments, I can only wish you are forced to watch the insipid HOT TUB TIME MACHINE for the rest of your lives.
I have to upgrade I AM LOVE to near classic status. New GRADE---- A-
Unfortunately, the creators of THE A-TEAM thought it would be clever and nostalgic to stretch out the opening credits of this new version of the TV hit from 20 years ago so that they showed a brief action scene, brief credit, (one actor's name), more action, another actor's name, etc,etc,etc,etc , so that the title (because you've forgotten by this time) THE A- TEAM appears jarringly nearly 25 minutes into the film!!!!!!!!! This was NOT a good idea, and it really pissed me off, but I have to say, that after the first half hour I finally started getting into the spirit of this fantastical action film, and the gung-ho cast including Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Patrick Wilson, Jessica Biel and from last summer's surprise sci-fi hit DISTRICT 9, Sharlto Copley (the guy who starts turning into a giant human lobster---and he nearly steals this movie, too)---well, they are all good. Definitely a "giant bag of popcorn" movie. GRADE----- B-
A young Hassidic Jewish man studying to be a rabbi becomes innocently involved (at first) into becoming a drug mule for mobsters in this "based on a true story" thriller that feels very familiar, but because of the ethnocentric Jewish/Brooklyn setting becomes rather engrossing, in HOLY ROLLERS. GRADE----- B-
It's been around for two months, but finally caught up with the 2010 remake of CLASH OF THE TITANS. There are some impressive visual effects, but the film is played with deadly seriousness, and that makes if rather cold. In the 1981 version, the "GODS" were all played with great tongue in cheek by Laurence Olivier, Clare Bloom, Maggie Smith, Ursula Andress and others, and their bitchy, pithy retorts played off the cheesy, innocent special effects of the action scenes, and the film is remembered as campy and amusing. Rent the older version instead of this dud. A solid and unremarkable GRADE-----C
Hadn't seen BROADCAST NEWS (1987) for nearly 20 years, but I'm pleased to report it remains a witty, funny, intelligent comedy on the slow death of serious news reporters (and still going on today), and the sparkling cast of Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks and William Hurt reminded me of Stewart, Grant and Hepburn in PHILADELPHIA STORY. GRADE------ A-
Never did get around to seeing many people's favorite "teen-ager skipping school" movie, so FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF (1986) came as a delightful surprise to me. There are many funny, cool, clever scenes and lines, and Matthew Broderick has never been so charming. GRADE------B
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
BEST FILMS from SIFF 2010
This year I saw 125 new films at SIFF(starting May 3--Jun 13), and I'm pleased to report that I gave a grade of B- or better-- to 105 of them-----that's an astoundingly GOOD average!!!
Following are some of the highlights, specifically some GOOD things I saw for the 1st time during SIFF films.
>Exploited Turkish "street kids" learn to fight back in CHILDREN OF DIYARBAKIR, exacting vengeance on a murderer without using violence.
>Mature way beyond her 11 years, a smart precocious girl, cynical of adult hypocrities, still can't figure out how to keep her hair from becoming entangled in her eyeglasses, in THE HEDGEHOG--winner of the audience award Best Film (the Golden Space Needle), and the Fool Serious (Full Series) ticket holders.
>The engrossing thriller/prison movie CELL 211 does NOT contain a shower rape scene, but won best actor for Luis Tosar as the prison riot instigator from both the Golden Space Needle and the Fool Serious (Full Series) ticket holders.
>A desparate Ozark Teen trying to find her drug dealing father before the law siezes her house, gets beaten up by her own kin because they don't like her questions--in the stark, brilliant film WINTER'S BONE, which was the winner of Best Direction and Best lead Actress from both the Golden Space Needle and the Fool Serious (Full Series) ticket holders.
>Russia can make swinging, soulful, big colorful MGM-style musicals with eye-popping costumes and sets that are intelligent and adult--this one's called HIPSTERS. Winner Best music from the Fool Serious group and a top ten vote getter.
>In NOWHERE BOY, a John Lennon in his early teens finds out who (and what) his biological mother is--capturing the emotional core of all adoptees and adopters everwhere.
>Artist Vik Munoz uses garbage, literally, from WASTE LAND dumps, to transform the subjects into muses, heroes, and in most cases, better and more successful people. One of the top 3 vote getters (out of 32 documentaries.)
>In the mid 1970's, an all black high school jazz band from Texas was the greatest in the country. 35 years later they reunite to honor their now 92 year old leader/teacher, even though many have not played a note in all those years. The dynamic and upbeat THUNDER SOUL may not leave a dry eye in the house, even as you cheer. This was a last day, last minute addition, but I think it may have topped the documentary category if it had been scheduled earlier.
>Fourth century history is brought to vivid and intelligent life in AGORA, as the most famous antiquity library of all time in Alexandria, Egypt becomes threatened due to political disputes between Christians (the real, REAL bad guys, here,) Jews, and pagans. The politics is still disturbingly timely, and the film mixes epic themes with intimate realities for powerful results.
>A divorced father brings his 10 year old son from Rome to his home on a Mexican island for the summer, providing the child the education of a lifetime just by living on and in the water, in the beautifully etherial and dreamlike (and nearly like a documentary) ALAMAR.
>In THE BROTHERHOOD, two hardened racist skin-heads find a dangerous sexual attraction--to each other.
>In 1952 Warsaw, a young woman with a meddling, matchmaking mother and grandmother, tries to hide a gold coin from the authorities, repeatedly swallowing it daily. That turns out to be the "McGuffin" of a stylish, quirky thriller THE REVERSE, where no one is as they seem. A top vote getter from the Fool Serious group, and winner of best direction from the Golden Space Needle awards.
>A 15 year old French teen seeking (sexual) independance, and his needy neurotic single mother spar unmercifully (and amusingly accurately) at each other in the fantasy-titled I KILLED MY MOTHER.
>Two diverse women, strangers, end up in bed together in ROOM IN ROME, where they spend the night naked, making love and "peeling away" the lies and barriers that we all put up to avoid emotional intimacies. Very well done by SIFF favorite Julio Medem (SEX AND LUCIA, LOVERS OF THE ARTIC CIRCLE, VACAS, etc) but the subject matter divided the audiences.
>The TOPP TWINS: UNTOUCHABLE GIRLS are New Zealand's biggest stars--singers, comediannes and social activists. They support indigenous rights, woman's issues, anti war and nuke causes, and gay rights/marriage with cheerful and amusing subtlety and effectiveness. One of the top three documentaries from both voting groups.
>A transplendant Tilda Swinton awakes from her cocoon of privelidge due to a passionate love affair that changes her life and those of her family forever, in the beautifully filmed I AM LOVE.
>The resourceful Edward Norton cleverly plays twin brothers of opposite moral platitudes in LEAVES OF GRASS, the amusing yet shocking tale of the drug culture in the South. It's a farce with a deadly edge.
>The happy musical BRAN NUE DAE is a singing, dancing miracle about Aboriginal rights and the struggle for self-determination which ends with some hilarious revelations straight out of a Shakespearean comedy.
HERE ARE SOME OTHER GREAT FILMS that are rated B+ or better--
AHEAD OF TIME, FAREWELL, LETTERS TO FATHER JACOB, BLESSED, BUS PALLADIUM, CASTAWAY ON THE MOON, FAMILY TREE, HENRY OF NAVARRE, HIDEAWAY, JOAN RIVERS; A PIECE OF WORK, K-20;FIEND WITH 20 FACES, STIGMATA, THE TILLMAN STORY, TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL, UNDERTOW.
The best of the films rated grade B.......
CAIRO TIME, COME UNDONE, THE CONCERT, FATHER AND GUNS, LEAVING, MY YEAR WITHOUT SEX, PROTEKTOR, REYKJAVIK-ROTTERDAM, SAMPSON AND DELILAH, SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS, WHEN WE LEAVE, VENGEANCE, MAO'S LAST DANCER.
-------------
A GREAT DEAL this weekend (June 18-20)-----SIFF CINEMA on MERCER at the Seattle Center is playing 14 of the BEST of the FEST---and you can buy a full weekend pass for only $60 bucks ($50 for members)---which is less than $4.50 per film if you see them all----and THEY ARE ALL WORTH SEEING!!!!!!! Scheduled are THE REVERSE, CASTAWAY ON THE MOON, THE HEDGEHOG, LEAVES OF GRASS, TOPP TWINS, GINNY RUFFNER-NOT SO STILL LIFE (highly rated but I missed that one), HIPSTERS, NOWHERE BOY, CELL 211, WASTE LAND, THE CONCERT, MAO'S LAST DANCER, and MARWENCOL, plus a SHORTS program. Of course, single ticket prices apply also.
Check out Siff.net for showtimes.
>>>>>>Also, check out my blogs for May and June (older blogs) for more detailed info on the films from SIFF 2010.......
Following are some of the highlights, specifically some GOOD things I saw for the 1st time during SIFF films.
>Exploited Turkish "street kids" learn to fight back in CHILDREN OF DIYARBAKIR, exacting vengeance on a murderer without using violence.
>Mature way beyond her 11 years, a smart precocious girl, cynical of adult hypocrities, still can't figure out how to keep her hair from becoming entangled in her eyeglasses, in THE HEDGEHOG--winner of the audience award Best Film (the Golden Space Needle), and the Fool Serious (Full Series) ticket holders.
>The engrossing thriller/prison movie CELL 211 does NOT contain a shower rape scene, but won best actor for Luis Tosar as the prison riot instigator from both the Golden Space Needle and the Fool Serious (Full Series) ticket holders.
>A desparate Ozark Teen trying to find her drug dealing father before the law siezes her house, gets beaten up by her own kin because they don't like her questions--in the stark, brilliant film WINTER'S BONE, which was the winner of Best Direction and Best lead Actress from both the Golden Space Needle and the Fool Serious (Full Series) ticket holders.
>Russia can make swinging, soulful, big colorful MGM-style musicals with eye-popping costumes and sets that are intelligent and adult--this one's called HIPSTERS. Winner Best music from the Fool Serious group and a top ten vote getter.
>In NOWHERE BOY, a John Lennon in his early teens finds out who (and what) his biological mother is--capturing the emotional core of all adoptees and adopters everwhere.
>Artist Vik Munoz uses garbage, literally, from WASTE LAND dumps, to transform the subjects into muses, heroes, and in most cases, better and more successful people. One of the top 3 vote getters (out of 32 documentaries.)
>In the mid 1970's, an all black high school jazz band from Texas was the greatest in the country. 35 years later they reunite to honor their now 92 year old leader/teacher, even though many have not played a note in all those years. The dynamic and upbeat THUNDER SOUL may not leave a dry eye in the house, even as you cheer. This was a last day, last minute addition, but I think it may have topped the documentary category if it had been scheduled earlier.
>Fourth century history is brought to vivid and intelligent life in AGORA, as the most famous antiquity library of all time in Alexandria, Egypt becomes threatened due to political disputes between Christians (the real, REAL bad guys, here,) Jews, and pagans. The politics is still disturbingly timely, and the film mixes epic themes with intimate realities for powerful results.
>A divorced father brings his 10 year old son from Rome to his home on a Mexican island for the summer, providing the child the education of a lifetime just by living on and in the water, in the beautifully etherial and dreamlike (and nearly like a documentary) ALAMAR.
>In THE BROTHERHOOD, two hardened racist skin-heads find a dangerous sexual attraction--to each other.
>In 1952 Warsaw, a young woman with a meddling, matchmaking mother and grandmother, tries to hide a gold coin from the authorities, repeatedly swallowing it daily. That turns out to be the "McGuffin" of a stylish, quirky thriller THE REVERSE, where no one is as they seem. A top vote getter from the Fool Serious group, and winner of best direction from the Golden Space Needle awards.
>A 15 year old French teen seeking (sexual) independance, and his needy neurotic single mother spar unmercifully (and amusingly accurately) at each other in the fantasy-titled I KILLED MY MOTHER.
>Two diverse women, strangers, end up in bed together in ROOM IN ROME, where they spend the night naked, making love and "peeling away" the lies and barriers that we all put up to avoid emotional intimacies. Very well done by SIFF favorite Julio Medem (SEX AND LUCIA, LOVERS OF THE ARTIC CIRCLE, VACAS, etc) but the subject matter divided the audiences.
>The TOPP TWINS: UNTOUCHABLE GIRLS are New Zealand's biggest stars--singers, comediannes and social activists. They support indigenous rights, woman's issues, anti war and nuke causes, and gay rights/marriage with cheerful and amusing subtlety and effectiveness. One of the top three documentaries from both voting groups.
>A transplendant Tilda Swinton awakes from her cocoon of privelidge due to a passionate love affair that changes her life and those of her family forever, in the beautifully filmed I AM LOVE.
>The resourceful Edward Norton cleverly plays twin brothers of opposite moral platitudes in LEAVES OF GRASS, the amusing yet shocking tale of the drug culture in the South. It's a farce with a deadly edge.
>The happy musical BRAN NUE DAE is a singing, dancing miracle about Aboriginal rights and the struggle for self-determination which ends with some hilarious revelations straight out of a Shakespearean comedy.
HERE ARE SOME OTHER GREAT FILMS that are rated B+ or better--
AHEAD OF TIME, FAREWELL, LETTERS TO FATHER JACOB, BLESSED, BUS PALLADIUM, CASTAWAY ON THE MOON, FAMILY TREE, HENRY OF NAVARRE, HIDEAWAY, JOAN RIVERS; A PIECE OF WORK, K-20;FIEND WITH 20 FACES, STIGMATA, THE TILLMAN STORY, TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL, UNDERTOW.
The best of the films rated grade B.......
CAIRO TIME, COME UNDONE, THE CONCERT, FATHER AND GUNS, LEAVING, MY YEAR WITHOUT SEX, PROTEKTOR, REYKJAVIK-ROTTERDAM, SAMPSON AND DELILAH, SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS, WHEN WE LEAVE, VENGEANCE, MAO'S LAST DANCER.
-------------
A GREAT DEAL this weekend (June 18-20)-----SIFF CINEMA on MERCER at the Seattle Center is playing 14 of the BEST of the FEST---and you can buy a full weekend pass for only $60 bucks ($50 for members)---which is less than $4.50 per film if you see them all----and THEY ARE ALL WORTH SEEING!!!!!!! Scheduled are THE REVERSE, CASTAWAY ON THE MOON, THE HEDGEHOG, LEAVES OF GRASS, TOPP TWINS, GINNY RUFFNER-NOT SO STILL LIFE (highly rated but I missed that one), HIPSTERS, NOWHERE BOY, CELL 211, WASTE LAND, THE CONCERT, MAO'S LAST DANCER, and MARWENCOL, plus a SHORTS program. Of course, single ticket prices apply also.
Check out Siff.net for showtimes.
>>>>>>Also, check out my blogs for May and June (older blogs) for more detailed info on the films from SIFF 2010.......
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Final Weekend---SIFF REPORT Jun 11-Jun 13
GRADE-----A
THUNDER SOUL--USA--A funk jazz high school band from the mid 1970's is reunited 35 years later when many of the musicians haven't played in years to honor their 92 year old band leader and create some new sounds in this energetic and upbeat documentary that had the audience cheering.
---------------
GRADE------A-
FAREWELL--France--Based on a fascinating true story, a French business man and a KGB colonel work together to smuggle out top-secret documents from Russia that will end the Cold War and hasten Russia's fall as a great super power in the 1980's, in an intense and absorbing thriller that uniquely shows the tension and strain this type of work has on their respective families.
----------------
GRADE ----B+
PROTECTOR--Czech Republic--Journalist tries to protect his spoiled, headstrong Jewish wife from harm in Prague during Nazi occupation in this provocative suspense drama. The final scenes in a movie theatre reminded me of the ironic finale of INGLORIOUS BASTARDS, but without the fantasy and humor that Tarentino injects in that story.
----------------
GRADE-----B
SAMSON AND DELILAH--Australia--Two impoverished Aboriginal teens escape from their small town when both are mistreated and struggle to make it in the big city. A very ethnocentric film with minimal dialogue and a slim plot, yet carries a powerful message.
LEAVING--France--Kristin Scott Thomas gives an incredibly intense performance as a desperate woman caught up in an affair of passion, turning her back on her family and husband and life. We've seen this tragedy played out before, but never quite this raw.
VENGEANCE--Hong Kong--An older chef, struggling with memory loss, hires a gang of criminals to seek revenge on the murder of his daughter's family. The film is photographed with elegant (and at times slow motion) skill--it creates a moody ambiance even when the bullets and blood are flying.
THE WEDDING CAKE--France--I enjoyed this trifle--an entertainingly typical "wedding" movie with the usual surprises, twists, laughs, tears, revelations......and limitations. A fun way to end SIFF for me.
------------------
GRADE----C
DIAMOND 13--France--Watchable but unmemorable police thriller that seemed to have too many coincidences, plot holes, and murky twists. Seen it all before, and better.
COMING SOON---SIFF wrap-up report.
ALSO COMING SOON---Next weekend SIFF Cinema will host a BEST OF THE FEST weekend with many great films playing Fri, Sat and Sun. Check SIFF.net for schedule and titles, which include some of my personal favorites--THE HEDGEHOG, LEAVES OF GRASS, HIPSTERS, NOWHERE BOY, CELL 211, WASTE LAND, CASTAWAY ON THE MOON and THE CONCERT and four others, also very good films TBA.
THUNDER SOUL--USA--A funk jazz high school band from the mid 1970's is reunited 35 years later when many of the musicians haven't played in years to honor their 92 year old band leader and create some new sounds in this energetic and upbeat documentary that had the audience cheering.
---------------
GRADE------A-
FAREWELL--France--Based on a fascinating true story, a French business man and a KGB colonel work together to smuggle out top-secret documents from Russia that will end the Cold War and hasten Russia's fall as a great super power in the 1980's, in an intense and absorbing thriller that uniquely shows the tension and strain this type of work has on their respective families.
----------------
GRADE ----B+
PROTECTOR--Czech Republic--Journalist tries to protect his spoiled, headstrong Jewish wife from harm in Prague during Nazi occupation in this provocative suspense drama. The final scenes in a movie theatre reminded me of the ironic finale of INGLORIOUS BASTARDS, but without the fantasy and humor that Tarentino injects in that story.
----------------
GRADE-----B
SAMSON AND DELILAH--Australia--Two impoverished Aboriginal teens escape from their small town when both are mistreated and struggle to make it in the big city. A very ethnocentric film with minimal dialogue and a slim plot, yet carries a powerful message.
LEAVING--France--Kristin Scott Thomas gives an incredibly intense performance as a desperate woman caught up in an affair of passion, turning her back on her family and husband and life. We've seen this tragedy played out before, but never quite this raw.
VENGEANCE--Hong Kong--An older chef, struggling with memory loss, hires a gang of criminals to seek revenge on the murder of his daughter's family. The film is photographed with elegant (and at times slow motion) skill--it creates a moody ambiance even when the bullets and blood are flying.
THE WEDDING CAKE--France--I enjoyed this trifle--an entertainingly typical "wedding" movie with the usual surprises, twists, laughs, tears, revelations......and limitations. A fun way to end SIFF for me.
------------------
GRADE----C
DIAMOND 13--France--Watchable but unmemorable police thriller that seemed to have too many coincidences, plot holes, and murky twists. Seen it all before, and better.
COMING SOON---SIFF wrap-up report.
ALSO COMING SOON---Next weekend SIFF Cinema will host a BEST OF THE FEST weekend with many great films playing Fri, Sat and Sun. Check SIFF.net for schedule and titles, which include some of my personal favorites--THE HEDGEHOG, LEAVES OF GRASS, HIPSTERS, NOWHERE BOY, CELL 211, WASTE LAND, CASTAWAY ON THE MOON and THE CONCERT and four others, also very good films TBA.
Friday, June 11, 2010
SIFF REPORT June 4--June 10
GRADE-----A
CELL 211--Spain--Within minutes of this prison movie you are thrown into the action which follows a new guard on his first day when a prison riot finds him left behind with the riot instigators , and he must pretend to be a prisoner or face certain death. A spellbinding, action packed film with great performances and editing and direction. Could be the top film of SIFF.
--------
GRADE----A-
THE REVERSE--Poland--Warsaw is trying to rebuild it's bombed out city after the war, but the cold war and political suspicion is still in effect among it's citizens. A young woman is courted by several men at the instigation of her meddling mother and grandmother, but she shows a mind of her own when she falls for a handsome suitor who has his own agenda. A funny, creepy film told with wonderfully stylish direction and black humor.
ROOM IN ROME--Spain--The most controversial and divisive film so far at SIFF, this new movie from festival favorite Julio Medem (SEX AND LUCIA, VACAS, LOVERS OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, et al) had people cheering and others loathing. Simply, two women meet one night in Rome and end up in bed, making love, talking, eating--all the while mostly naked--slowly revealing their inter most secrets, fears, loves. Subject matter aside, the film is stunningly beautiful to look at, the photography is excellent, the actors are believable and lovely, the music and editing are great, and director Medem keeps the interest level and intensity very high.
------------------
GRADE----B+
COME UNDONE--Italy--A married man with children and a married woman with a devoted husband embark on a highly charged extra-marital affair, and the film shows how each family is affected. Message imparted: it takes a lot of time, money and energy to have an affair, and everyone suffers. Familiar stuff, but very well done.
BRAN NUE DAE--Australia--Pronounced "Brand New Day" this unique Aboriginal musical has been popular down under for over 20 years, and is so creative and musical and charming that it deserves to be a big hit.
FAMILY TREE--USA--Sharp and witty dialogue enliven this AMERICAN BEAUTY- light- story of a modern family who struggle to stay together despite pressures from society and mothers-in-laws. A strong cast (Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney, Keith Carradine, etc) and a clever screwball plot keep you laughing.
----------------
GRADE-----B
GRAVITY--Germany--After witnessing a suicide, an uptight banker starts to explore his aggressive and outrageous criminal side, to amusing and horrifying results.
UPPERDOG--Norway--Interesting story involving the reunion of an Asian half brother and sister many years after they were adopted into separate middle class Norwegian families as very young children. One of the siblings is a not very nice man, which keeps the story edgy and funny.
CROSSING HENNESSY--Hong Kong--Two single adults set up by well meaning relatives, find their dislike for each other dissolving in this sometimes hectic but likable romantic comedy.
PARIS RETURN--Israel/France--Two retired older men who have lived together for many years in Paris--a gay couple, but sexuality is never discussed--consider moving from Paris to Israel, the homeland of the elder. A poignant character study, and the discussions of what to do with their personal works of art and possessions is heartfelt.
--------------
GRADE-----B-
CARGO--Switzerland--A small crew on a four year voyage aboard a cargo ship to deep space realize they may not be alone in this creepy and tension filled (though sometimes familiar) science-fiction story.
BLOOD RELATIONS--Israel--Documentary of an upper class Jewish family in Israel who gets to know some Arab relatives and tries to help their situation for a while. Of course, what the Arab family really needs are jobs, which are not available in the occupied and heavily restricted areas they live in. The Jewish family seems obtuse to this idea. A maddening film which gets to the root, but fails to get to the root of Israeli-Palestinian relationships. (The characters all smoke SOOOOO much in this film that they will probably all die of lung cancer before any resolution is reached, anyway.)
AN ORDINARY EXECUTION--France--An aging Stalin and young female doctor with healing hands are thrown together in this fictionalized account of Stalin's last days. Well done, if grim.
8: THE MORMON PROPOSITION--USA--Eye-opening documentary shows how influential the Mormon's were in raising money to pass the proposition in California last year to take away rights from gay people to marry or have equal protections like married heterosexuals. For example, most Mormons were contacted in person or by phone and TOLD that according to their tax and tithe records, they needed to "donate" XXX amount of dollars towards this cause or they might not get the rewards in heaven......
------------------
GRADE----C+
LOVE IN A PUFF--Hong Kong--Cheerful love story about two smokers who meet out side their work while on smoking breaks. I liked the characters and the music (sort of pop/jazz) --but there is a WHOLE LOT of SMOKING going on in this film, and not much else.
MICMACS--France--Visually and creatively enthralling, but dramatically uninvolving story of an innocent struck by a bullet who seeks revenge on the weapons manufacturers who made the bullets and the guns.
------------------
GRADE---C
FATHER'S ACRE and THE DAMNED--They both have the set up, but nothing else to say, and both are deadly dull.
------------
GRADE----D
MISS NOBODY and I KISSED A VAMPIRE---Both are USA films that are quickly edited but that fails to hide the fact that they are trite, predictable and impossibly boring.
CELL 211--Spain--Within minutes of this prison movie you are thrown into the action which follows a new guard on his first day when a prison riot finds him left behind with the riot instigators , and he must pretend to be a prisoner or face certain death. A spellbinding, action packed film with great performances and editing and direction. Could be the top film of SIFF.
--------
GRADE----A-
THE REVERSE--Poland--Warsaw is trying to rebuild it's bombed out city after the war, but the cold war and political suspicion is still in effect among it's citizens. A young woman is courted by several men at the instigation of her meddling mother and grandmother, but she shows a mind of her own when she falls for a handsome suitor who has his own agenda. A funny, creepy film told with wonderfully stylish direction and black humor.
ROOM IN ROME--Spain--The most controversial and divisive film so far at SIFF, this new movie from festival favorite Julio Medem (SEX AND LUCIA, VACAS, LOVERS OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, et al) had people cheering and others loathing. Simply, two women meet one night in Rome and end up in bed, making love, talking, eating--all the while mostly naked--slowly revealing their inter most secrets, fears, loves. Subject matter aside, the film is stunningly beautiful to look at, the photography is excellent, the actors are believable and lovely, the music and editing are great, and director Medem keeps the interest level and intensity very high.
------------------
GRADE----B+
COME UNDONE--Italy--A married man with children and a married woman with a devoted husband embark on a highly charged extra-marital affair, and the film shows how each family is affected. Message imparted: it takes a lot of time, money and energy to have an affair, and everyone suffers. Familiar stuff, but very well done.
BRAN NUE DAE--Australia--Pronounced "Brand New Day" this unique Aboriginal musical has been popular down under for over 20 years, and is so creative and musical and charming that it deserves to be a big hit.
FAMILY TREE--USA--Sharp and witty dialogue enliven this AMERICAN BEAUTY- light- story of a modern family who struggle to stay together despite pressures from society and mothers-in-laws. A strong cast (Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney, Keith Carradine, etc) and a clever screwball plot keep you laughing.
----------------
GRADE-----B
GRAVITY--Germany--After witnessing a suicide, an uptight banker starts to explore his aggressive and outrageous criminal side, to amusing and horrifying results.
UPPERDOG--Norway--Interesting story involving the reunion of an Asian half brother and sister many years after they were adopted into separate middle class Norwegian families as very young children. One of the siblings is a not very nice man, which keeps the story edgy and funny.
CROSSING HENNESSY--Hong Kong--Two single adults set up by well meaning relatives, find their dislike for each other dissolving in this sometimes hectic but likable romantic comedy.
PARIS RETURN--Israel/France--Two retired older men who have lived together for many years in Paris--a gay couple, but sexuality is never discussed--consider moving from Paris to Israel, the homeland of the elder. A poignant character study, and the discussions of what to do with their personal works of art and possessions is heartfelt.
--------------
GRADE-----B-
CARGO--Switzerland--A small crew on a four year voyage aboard a cargo ship to deep space realize they may not be alone in this creepy and tension filled (though sometimes familiar) science-fiction story.
BLOOD RELATIONS--Israel--Documentary of an upper class Jewish family in Israel who gets to know some Arab relatives and tries to help their situation for a while. Of course, what the Arab family really needs are jobs, which are not available in the occupied and heavily restricted areas they live in. The Jewish family seems obtuse to this idea. A maddening film which gets to the root, but fails to get to the root of Israeli-Palestinian relationships. (The characters all smoke SOOOOO much in this film that they will probably all die of lung cancer before any resolution is reached, anyway.)
AN ORDINARY EXECUTION--France--An aging Stalin and young female doctor with healing hands are thrown together in this fictionalized account of Stalin's last days. Well done, if grim.
8: THE MORMON PROPOSITION--USA--Eye-opening documentary shows how influential the Mormon's were in raising money to pass the proposition in California last year to take away rights from gay people to marry or have equal protections like married heterosexuals. For example, most Mormons were contacted in person or by phone and TOLD that according to their tax and tithe records, they needed to "donate" XXX amount of dollars towards this cause or they might not get the rewards in heaven......
------------------
GRADE----C+
LOVE IN A PUFF--Hong Kong--Cheerful love story about two smokers who meet out side their work while on smoking breaks. I liked the characters and the music (sort of pop/jazz) --but there is a WHOLE LOT of SMOKING going on in this film, and not much else.
MICMACS--France--Visually and creatively enthralling, but dramatically uninvolving story of an innocent struck by a bullet who seeks revenge on the weapons manufacturers who made the bullets and the guns.
------------------
GRADE---C
FATHER'S ACRE and THE DAMNED--They both have the set up, but nothing else to say, and both are deadly dull.
------------
GRADE----D
MISS NOBODY and I KISSED A VAMPIRE---Both are USA films that are quickly edited but that fails to hide the fact that they are trite, predictable and impossibly boring.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
SIFF REPORT June 4-6
GRADE---A-
I KILLED MY MOTHER--France--The title is figurative, not literal, if case you thought this film was about patricide. A fifteen year old boy battles with his neurotic single mother who wants to send him to a boarding school. The film is dynamically filmed with stylish visuals and music, and there's a lot of humor as these two forces constantly clash over his freedom and maturity and her need for attention. I loved how both characters were likable yet also at fault due to stubbornness and self absorption, and it was refreshing that the teen's sexuality was not the focal point of the story.
---------------------
GRADE----B
LEAVES OF GRASS--USA--Edward Norton plays two twin brothers--one a drug growing criminal and the other a brilliant classic philosopher--and he is terrific. The film ambles along on the comic charms of a "fish out of water" tale when the professor is lured home to help his "bad" brother get out of a large debt to a local mob boss. When things turn tragically dark about two-thirds along, the film still manages to find the humor to keep us involved with the oddball characters. With Susan Sarandon, Richard Dreyfuss and a scene stealing Tim Blake Nelson who also cleverly wrote and directed this brainy farce.
FATHERS AND GUNS--French Canadian--Crowd pleasing comic story of father and son policemen who go to a 'father and son week long retreat' to try to break a ruthless mob lawyer (who is having trouble relating to his own son) into revealing the whereabouts of a kidnapped officer . This has a clever script, and witty laughs with sprinkles of action and gun play.
-------------------
GRADE-----B-
WAITING FOR SUPERMAN--USA--Interesting documentary about the mess that the US educational system is in. The bad guy in this film is the teacher's unions which don't allow bad teachers to be weeded out, but I think that might be only part of the problem. The "hope" seems to be the private charter schools that can hand pick teachers. A lot of information is presented but the film needs to narrow it's focus to one or two specific topics--it's all over the place and the conclusions not completely convincing.
CENTURION--United Kingdom--The bruising story of a soldier behind the lines trying to get back to the Roman frontier in England, moves along quickly and violently--it will keep you awake. Unfortunately, filming in a grainy HD video format makes the quickly edited fight scenes jerky and impossible to watch clearly. This is a very annoying trend in a lot of action films (ie QUANTUM of SOLACE).
----------------------
GRADE -----C+
OVER THE HILL BAND (Belgium), DOUBLE TAKE (Great Britian), A RATIONAL SOLUTION (Sweden)--Old women try to revive their music group with predictable results---an experimental film trying to compare Alfred Hitchcock films with cold war manueverings of Nixon and Krucheov and Kennedy (!?)--and two couples try co-inhabitating to accomodate the adultorous coupling of two (a Swedish BOB AND CAROL AND TED AND ALICE but not as good.) Good ideas all, but execution doesn't deliver.
----------------------
GRADE------C-
THREE DAYS WITH THE FAMILY--France--Family members gather for death of grandpa, but I didn't like anyone there, and it is dull.
I KILLED MY MOTHER--France--The title is figurative, not literal, if case you thought this film was about patricide. A fifteen year old boy battles with his neurotic single mother who wants to send him to a boarding school. The film is dynamically filmed with stylish visuals and music, and there's a lot of humor as these two forces constantly clash over his freedom and maturity and her need for attention. I loved how both characters were likable yet also at fault due to stubbornness and self absorption, and it was refreshing that the teen's sexuality was not the focal point of the story.
---------------------
GRADE----B
LEAVES OF GRASS--USA--Edward Norton plays two twin brothers--one a drug growing criminal and the other a brilliant classic philosopher--and he is terrific. The film ambles along on the comic charms of a "fish out of water" tale when the professor is lured home to help his "bad" brother get out of a large debt to a local mob boss. When things turn tragically dark about two-thirds along, the film still manages to find the humor to keep us involved with the oddball characters. With Susan Sarandon, Richard Dreyfuss and a scene stealing Tim Blake Nelson who also cleverly wrote and directed this brainy farce.
FATHERS AND GUNS--French Canadian--Crowd pleasing comic story of father and son policemen who go to a 'father and son week long retreat' to try to break a ruthless mob lawyer (who is having trouble relating to his own son) into revealing the whereabouts of a kidnapped officer . This has a clever script, and witty laughs with sprinkles of action and gun play.
-------------------
GRADE-----B-
WAITING FOR SUPERMAN--USA--Interesting documentary about the mess that the US educational system is in. The bad guy in this film is the teacher's unions which don't allow bad teachers to be weeded out, but I think that might be only part of the problem. The "hope" seems to be the private charter schools that can hand pick teachers. A lot of information is presented but the film needs to narrow it's focus to one or two specific topics--it's all over the place and the conclusions not completely convincing.
CENTURION--United Kingdom--The bruising story of a soldier behind the lines trying to get back to the Roman frontier in England, moves along quickly and violently--it will keep you awake. Unfortunately, filming in a grainy HD video format makes the quickly edited fight scenes jerky and impossible to watch clearly. This is a very annoying trend in a lot of action films (ie QUANTUM of SOLACE).
----------------------
GRADE -----C+
OVER THE HILL BAND (Belgium), DOUBLE TAKE (Great Britian), A RATIONAL SOLUTION (Sweden)--Old women try to revive their music group with predictable results---an experimental film trying to compare Alfred Hitchcock films with cold war manueverings of Nixon and Krucheov and Kennedy (!?)--and two couples try co-inhabitating to accomodate the adultorous coupling of two (a Swedish BOB AND CAROL AND TED AND ALICE but not as good.) Good ideas all, but execution doesn't deliver.
----------------------
GRADE------C-
THREE DAYS WITH THE FAMILY--France--Family members gather for death of grandpa, but I didn't like anyone there, and it is dull.
Friday, June 4, 2010
SIFF REPORT June 1-3 (Plus GET HIM TO THE GREEK)
GRADE ---A
HIPSTERS--Russia--Set in the 1950's and featuring jazz and blues music and songs (some original and some classic) this is a creative telling of a group of mostly young people who are rebelling against repression by wearing outrageously colorful clothing and engaging in wild dancing and pranks, much to the disgust of Communist party regulars who all wear drab grey and black suits. This might relate to the "beatnik" and pre-hippie (and McCarthy)era in the USA when being different brought censorship and blacklisting. But this movie is mostly for fun, and even if some of the lyrics don't make a lot of sense (like they should do on a Broadway play, for example) it's easy to sit back and watch the engaging choreographed dancing and movement and songs and the amusing costumes. And most importantly, there is plenty of plot that feels just about right. This film puts a smile on just about EVERYONE'S face.
AGORA--Spain/US--Rachel Weisz shines as the real-life philosopher and astronomer who taught at the famed library of Alexandria in the fifth century and becomes embroiled in religious conflict between Jews and early Christians and pagans. None of the religious factions come off very well-- and it's horrifying to realize that these conflicts (religious wars) have been plaguing humanity for over 2000 years. This is a serious, intelligent, intimate epic told with visual flair and energy.
---------------------
GRADE----B+
BLESSED--Australia--The director finds emotional poetry in the bleak and sad lives of several troubled teens over the course of one day, and then repeats the same story from the parents point of view, with heartbreaking results.
UNDERTOW----Peru--Despite some obnoxious presentation glitches (the color and sound flicking in and out) and the appearance of a large watermark warning every 15 minutes throughout the film, this remains possibly the most moving film of SIFF this year so far. (See also THE HEDGEHOG and LETTERS TO FATHER JACOB.) A new father in a poor fishing village is torn between societal acceptance and his attraction to his artist lover. Take BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, DONA FLOR AND HER TWO HUSBANDS, and GHOST, and put them in a blender with a pinch of hot sauce--this is a lovely fantasy film.
---------------
GRADE --- B
BRIDE FLIGHT--Netherlands--Romantic melodrama about 3 women who immigrate from the Netherlands to New Zealand, and all involved to some degree with the same man over 50 years.
LAST TRAIN HOME--China--What starts as a horror documentary about billions of Chinese who try to migrate home from their long distance jobs for the New Year every year, and end up waiting for sometimes days to get out on overcrowded trains and buses, turns into a sad and chilling tale of the strain this type of migrating worker situation puts on the all the family.
I MISS YOU--Argentina--A subtle and sad story of a family whose son "disappears" during the ruthless military dictatorships in the 1970's.
PATAGONIA--Argentina/Wales--Familiar but well done tale cutting between two stories--an old woman wants to go from Argentina to Wales to visit the farm where she was born, and in the other, a couple goes from Wales to Patagonia to take pictures and finds a strain on their relationship.
-------------------
GRADE----B-
RUN IF YOU CAN--Germany--Menage a trois between a paraplegic, his care taker and a young musician.
----------------------
GRADE ----C+
FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS--Spain--A strong first hour is undercut by melodrama and quirky plot twists from THE TWILIGHT ZONE, by way of ER. A young doctor finds his hands can heal, but that comes at a price.
---------------------
GRADE-----C
SENIOR PROM, MEET MONICA VELOUR, MOTHER JOAN OF ANGLES
GRADE-----C-
TURISTAS, THE ATHLETE
-----------------
GRADE------D
KITES--Not from SIFF, but features actors speaking tritely in Hindi, Spanish and English (sometimes all at the same time)--this is more of a non stop music video with stupid action plot and beautiful shiny white teeth actors, who look great in their underwear.
---------ALSO, not from SIFF----------------
GET HIM TO THE GREEK----Vulgar, crude, lewd, drug and alcohol drenched story about a simple music executive trying to get an out of control rock musician from London to Los Angeles in time for a comeback concert. If you are not offended by sexuality, nudity, profanity, vomit, etc,etc,etc....then this just might be the FUNNIEST FRICKING MOVIE OF THE SUMMER!!!!
GRADE------A-
HIPSTERS--Russia--Set in the 1950's and featuring jazz and blues music and songs (some original and some classic) this is a creative telling of a group of mostly young people who are rebelling against repression by wearing outrageously colorful clothing and engaging in wild dancing and pranks, much to the disgust of Communist party regulars who all wear drab grey and black suits. This might relate to the "beatnik" and pre-hippie (and McCarthy)era in the USA when being different brought censorship and blacklisting. But this movie is mostly for fun, and even if some of the lyrics don't make a lot of sense (like they should do on a Broadway play, for example) it's easy to sit back and watch the engaging choreographed dancing and movement and songs and the amusing costumes. And most importantly, there is plenty of plot that feels just about right. This film puts a smile on just about EVERYONE'S face.
AGORA--Spain/US--Rachel Weisz shines as the real-life philosopher and astronomer who taught at the famed library of Alexandria in the fifth century and becomes embroiled in religious conflict between Jews and early Christians and pagans. None of the religious factions come off very well-- and it's horrifying to realize that these conflicts (religious wars) have been plaguing humanity for over 2000 years. This is a serious, intelligent, intimate epic told with visual flair and energy.
---------------------
GRADE----B+
BLESSED--Australia--The director finds emotional poetry in the bleak and sad lives of several troubled teens over the course of one day, and then repeats the same story from the parents point of view, with heartbreaking results.
UNDERTOW----Peru--Despite some obnoxious presentation glitches (the color and sound flicking in and out) and the appearance of a large watermark warning every 15 minutes throughout the film, this remains possibly the most moving film of SIFF this year so far. (See also THE HEDGEHOG and LETTERS TO FATHER JACOB.) A new father in a poor fishing village is torn between societal acceptance and his attraction to his artist lover. Take BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, DONA FLOR AND HER TWO HUSBANDS, and GHOST, and put them in a blender with a pinch of hot sauce--this is a lovely fantasy film.
---------------
GRADE --- B
BRIDE FLIGHT--Netherlands--Romantic melodrama about 3 women who immigrate from the Netherlands to New Zealand, and all involved to some degree with the same man over 50 years.
LAST TRAIN HOME--China--What starts as a horror documentary about billions of Chinese who try to migrate home from their long distance jobs for the New Year every year, and end up waiting for sometimes days to get out on overcrowded trains and buses, turns into a sad and chilling tale of the strain this type of migrating worker situation puts on the all the family.
I MISS YOU--Argentina--A subtle and sad story of a family whose son "disappears" during the ruthless military dictatorships in the 1970's.
PATAGONIA--Argentina/Wales--Familiar but well done tale cutting between two stories--an old woman wants to go from Argentina to Wales to visit the farm where she was born, and in the other, a couple goes from Wales to Patagonia to take pictures and finds a strain on their relationship.
-------------------
GRADE----B-
RUN IF YOU CAN--Germany--Menage a trois between a paraplegic, his care taker and a young musician.
----------------------
GRADE ----C+
FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS--Spain--A strong first hour is undercut by melodrama and quirky plot twists from THE TWILIGHT ZONE, by way of ER. A young doctor finds his hands can heal, but that comes at a price.
---------------------
GRADE-----C
SENIOR PROM, MEET MONICA VELOUR, MOTHER JOAN OF ANGLES
GRADE-----C-
TURISTAS, THE ATHLETE
-----------------
GRADE------D
KITES--Not from SIFF, but features actors speaking tritely in Hindi, Spanish and English (sometimes all at the same time)--this is more of a non stop music video with stupid action plot and beautiful shiny white teeth actors, who look great in their underwear.
---------ALSO, not from SIFF----------------
GET HIM TO THE GREEK----Vulgar, crude, lewd, drug and alcohol drenched story about a simple music executive trying to get an out of control rock musician from London to Los Angeles in time for a comeback concert. If you are not offended by sexuality, nudity, profanity, vomit, etc,etc,etc....then this just might be the FUNNIEST FRICKING MOVIE OF THE SUMMER!!!!
GRADE------A-
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
SIFF REPORT May 28th--May 31st
GRADE---A-
BROTHERHOOD--Denmark--Two Neo-Nazis are thrown together and discover a sexual attraction. An intense, engaging, satisfying drama.
ALAMAR--Mexico--Divorced father takes his son for the summer and they live on the sea, diving, fishing, swimming--an education this young child never knew living in Rome with his mother. An ethereal mix of fiction and documentary with lovely cinematography.
------------------------
GRADE ---B+
K-20: FIEND W/20 FACES--Japan--A fun story of mastermind with near super powers--this plays like a good version of BATMAN RETURNS with a clever script, lots of humor, and believable action. Too bad the print screened was grainy and washed out.
HENRY OF NAVARRE--(aka HENRY 4th)--France--Once the print kinks were resolved (a 15 minute delay) this was a vivid, lively and beautifully filmed version of the king who tried to find peace between the warring religious factions in France.
---------------------
GRADE---B
MEDITERRANEAN DIET, LEO'S ROOM, MY YEAR W/OUT SEX, THE STRING, REYKJAVIK-ROTTERDAM
---------------------
GRADE---C
THE DANCER and the THIEF
----------------------
BROTHERHOOD--Denmark--Two Neo-Nazis are thrown together and discover a sexual attraction. An intense, engaging, satisfying drama.
ALAMAR--Mexico--Divorced father takes his son for the summer and they live on the sea, diving, fishing, swimming--an education this young child never knew living in Rome with his mother. An ethereal mix of fiction and documentary with lovely cinematography.
------------------------
GRADE ---B+
K-20: FIEND W/20 FACES--Japan--A fun story of mastermind with near super powers--this plays like a good version of BATMAN RETURNS with a clever script, lots of humor, and believable action. Too bad the print screened was grainy and washed out.
HENRY OF NAVARRE--(aka HENRY 4th)--France--Once the print kinks were resolved (a 15 minute delay) this was a vivid, lively and beautifully filmed version of the king who tried to find peace between the warring religious factions in France.
---------------------
GRADE---B
MEDITERRANEAN DIET, LEO'S ROOM, MY YEAR W/OUT SEX, THE STRING, REYKJAVIK-ROTTERDAM
---------------------
GRADE---C
THE DANCER and the THIEF
----------------------
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