AURORA--Finland--Engaging and amusing comedy drama of a serious Iranian refugee and his daughter trying to stay in Finland, and he seeks the help of a flaky, hard partying nail salon worker. They have little in common, so of course you know at the start that they will end up together. Still there are quirky surprises along the way. GRADE--------B+
SIBEL--Turkey--Mute young woman is ostracized by village women, then she finds a strange man deep in the wood who is near death and nurses him, endangering her father's role as town mayor. GRADE---------B+
A THOUSAND GIRLS LIKE ME---Afghanistan--Documentary of young woman who was repeatedly raped and impregnated by her father. She is ignored by local political and religious figures (and her male family members!) until she contacts the media, and becomes the first woman to formally charge her father of sexual crimes. Despite subject matter, the film is hopeful and encouraging. GRADE-----B+
MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN--USA---Well done documentary about making of ALIEN (1979) and specializing on the infamous chest bursting scene. Engrossing, especially for film buffs and sci-fi and horror fans. GRADE--------B
RETROSPEKT--Netherlands--The non linear storyline can be confusing and the odd background music which plays like Gilbert and Sullivan choruses are quite bizarre, but this story of domestic violence is mostly riveting. GRADE----------B
THIS IS NOT BERLIN--Mexico--Older teens and early 20's find growing up tough in 1986 Mexico City as they experiment with politics, sexuality, drugs, and rock and roll. GRADE-----B-
THE CITY OF LAST THINGS---Taiwan/France--Ambitious three part story told in reverse doesn't always hold logic together, but it is intriguingly filmed. GRADE-------B-
PIGEON KINGS--USA--Fitfully interesting documentary from southern California about (mostly) black men from poor communities that have formed clubs that train certain pigeons to fly in formation, and amazingly the pigeons somersault through the air (!!!!!) I wanted more somersaulting pigeons and less talk, but there's a fascinating (at times) film here. GRADE-----------C+
_____________The GOLDEN SPACE NEEDLE Awards were given to certain fine achievements in these SIFF films and were mostly selected by SIFF--and they included TEL AVIV ON FIRE (audience award) and the jury prizes went to HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD, EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF CELESTE GARCIA, AWAKENING Of THE ANTS, INTERNATIONAL FALLS and QBALL. WE ARE THE RADICAL MONARCHS (Documentary), SIBEL (Actress) and ALL ABOUT ME (Actor) round out the other awards.
A little less than 200 viewers voted for the Fool Serious (Full Series) group and vote on every film they have seen at SIFF--that ranges from about 25 to 150 films (I saw 118 films this year--more than 165 other voters.) The favorite films for the FOOL SERIOUS group included
SIBEL, THE INVISIBLE WITNESS, YULI, FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE, YOMEDDINE, REMI-NO BODY'S BOY, OFFICIAL SECRETS, MINUSCULE/MANDIBLES, SONS OF DENMARK and ONE LAST DEAL. Top documentaries include--RAISE HELL: LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS, FOR SAMA, STUFFED, Q BALL, and MAIDEN.
Breaking down the FOOL SERIOUS awards, best film went to HONEYLAND, worst film to CELEBRATION, Best Director to SONS OF DENMARK, Cinematographer to VOLCANO, Script to INVISIBLE WITNESS, Music to BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, Actor to YOMEDDINE, Actress to SIBEL and Guilty Pleasure to SWINGING SAFARI.
If and when these films open for regular runs at theatres or Netflix or cable, I will write a more detailed review of them. Here are the first films I saw this week after SIFF-----
THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2--Perhaps even better than the first outing, this animated feature had some great laughs--as last time I especially enjoyed Kevin Hart's voicing of the sarcastic puffy white dog Snowball and Harrison Ford was a world weary sheep dog. I giggled and laughed consistently through the whole film--the perfect first film to follow SIFF! GRADE------B+
ROCKETMAN--This unique way of presenting the life and times of Elton John begs to be called the world's first psychotherapy musical--the story is told as flashback from the group session of the therapy Elton John ended up at during his lengthy stay at a session for drying out from his obsession with sex, drugs, alcohol, and various heartache. As he got more fame and money, he became more miserable, hostile and disappointed in life. and apparently he was deeply conflicted about his homosexuality. Thank god the film and many scenes are presented through the presentation of spectacular song and dance routines, or we'd all need therapy after seeing this visual, creative story. The drug and alcohol abuse become overbearing at times, but the musical numbers help the story go down better. This is more than I ever wanted to know about Elton's personal life, but I feel certain that at long last he has found some comfort from his younger persona, and of course the music is toe tapping and effective. GRADE------B+
THE HUSTLE--This low brow comedy is lifted due to the slapstick humor and mugging of Rebel Wilson, who gets much more to work with here than in her last sequel of films playing "the fat one" in the PITCH PERFECT films. She actually steals the film from Anne Hathaway, who gets stuck with playing the "straight man" part, although she, too. is amusing at times. This is a remake of the Michael Caine/Steve Martin con man film DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS 1988, which itself was a remake of the original film BEDTIME STORY 1964 featuring Marlon Brando and David Niven. The plot is pretty clever, with the cons conning the cons, and one can see why a remake with two women would be irresistible. I only wish it had been funnier and wittier. Still, it was a fun one to watch. GRADE--------------B-
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
SIFF Screenings Saturday 1 Jun--Wednesday 5 June---Best Bets---HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRDS, DRIVEWAYS, HALSTON, AN ALMOST ORDINARY SUMMER, LONG TIME NO SEA, THE GROUND BENEATH MY FEET, FOR SAMA, THE REALM, MAN WHO BROUGHT THE MOON, TIMELESS BEAUTY
HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD--South Korea--A much deeper and subtle film than last year's award winner EIGHT GRADE to which this Korean film is being compared, this scores on so many levels dealing with sexuality, abuse, family, friendship, loyalty, etc,----it's a stunning beauty. GRADE-------A
DRIVEWAYS--USA--A moving and subtle surprise had many viewers bursting into tears during the final moments--including myself, as mother and son try to clean out a hoarder's house of a dead relative. GRADE--------A
AN ALMOST ORDINARY SUMMER--Italy--Cheerful, heartfelt comedy/drama with joint families brought together by their patriarchs coming wedding. GRADE--------B+
THE GROUND BENEATH MY FEET--Austria--Pressures of a high profile job, a boss who is her lover, and a psychotic sister in an institution bring stress and paranoia to a stressed out overachiever. GRADE--------B+
TIMELESS BEAUTY--France/China--Lives and careers of older (above age 55) models and how interesting and unique they are. Also profiles are plus sized models and those with unusual faces and skin. GRADE-------------B+
THE REALM--Spain---With it's pulsing disco like instrumental score and fast pacing, this film is engrossing to watch, even if the plot details are rushed by and it's not really clear until near the end what exactly is at stake. GRADE -------------- B+
THE MAN WHO BOUGHT THE MOON--Italy/Argentina--The comic magic realism eventually pulls you into the silliness of the plot and into a strong, satisfying finale. GRADE------B+
LONG TIME NO SEA--Taiwan--Local teacher becomes a surrogate father for lonely boy whose father works far away, with his grandmother helping him survive. GRADE-------B+
HALSTON---USA--Life and death of fashion icon in the 1980's gets a slick, informative outing, especilally fascinating for those interested. GRADE--------B+
FOR SAMA--United Kingdom/Syria--While the film is technically rough due to a hand held camera, there's no denying the power of a young mother with baby and her doctor husband trying to help patients during the six month bombing of Aleppo by the Syrian President, and Russia. Still, it's painful, unpleasant viewing. GRADE--------B
ENAMORATA--Mexico--From 1946 comes this beautifully restored film (by Martin Scorsese) of this epic romance (with humor) of a rich woman being pursued by a vulgar revolutionary. The plot may have been borrowed from Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.
GRADE--------B
AWAKENING OF THE ANTS--Costa Rica--Simple,charming story of a young family, but wife doesn't want any more children, against husband,s wishes. GRADE--------B
TROOP ZERO-----USA---Oscar winners Viola Davis and Allison Janney and also Jim Gaffigan add some impressive gravitas to this story of misfit girls trying to be scouts and winning a contest that would sent their voices on a record into outer space. Sweet, charming, and sometimes very funny and sad. GRADE--------B
PREMATURE--USA----Good title for this immature script about black teen pregnancy and resolution. I rolled my eyes a lot and tried to keep from talking back at the screen during the banal and frequently profane dialogue. GRADE-------C-
I DO NOT CARE IF WE GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS BARBARIANS--Romania/Czech Republic--Obscure and boring political discussions may be of more interest for Romanians steeped in cultural politics and historical references, but more traditional movie goers may want to flee the theater as myself and several dozen viewers did in the first 45 minutes. GRADE------D
BURNING CANE--USA--Poor technical qualities including garbled sound, photography in dark rooms, and extreme hand held camera scenes, make this one film that had some walkouts, including myself by the 45 minute mark. I realize the filmmaker is only 18, but there's not much to praise in this grim tale of religious and alcoholic abuse. GRADE------------D
DRIVEWAYS--USA--A moving and subtle surprise had many viewers bursting into tears during the final moments--including myself, as mother and son try to clean out a hoarder's house of a dead relative. GRADE--------A
AN ALMOST ORDINARY SUMMER--Italy--Cheerful, heartfelt comedy/drama with joint families brought together by their patriarchs coming wedding. GRADE--------B+
THE GROUND BENEATH MY FEET--Austria--Pressures of a high profile job, a boss who is her lover, and a psychotic sister in an institution bring stress and paranoia to a stressed out overachiever. GRADE--------B+
TIMELESS BEAUTY--France/China--Lives and careers of older (above age 55) models and how interesting and unique they are. Also profiles are plus sized models and those with unusual faces and skin. GRADE-------------B+
THE REALM--Spain---With it's pulsing disco like instrumental score and fast pacing, this film is engrossing to watch, even if the plot details are rushed by and it's not really clear until near the end what exactly is at stake. GRADE -------------- B+
THE MAN WHO BOUGHT THE MOON--Italy/Argentina--The comic magic realism eventually pulls you into the silliness of the plot and into a strong, satisfying finale. GRADE------B+
LONG TIME NO SEA--Taiwan--Local teacher becomes a surrogate father for lonely boy whose father works far away, with his grandmother helping him survive. GRADE-------B+
HALSTON---USA--Life and death of fashion icon in the 1980's gets a slick, informative outing, especilally fascinating for those interested. GRADE--------B+
FOR SAMA--United Kingdom/Syria--While the film is technically rough due to a hand held camera, there's no denying the power of a young mother with baby and her doctor husband trying to help patients during the six month bombing of Aleppo by the Syrian President, and Russia. Still, it's painful, unpleasant viewing. GRADE--------B
ENAMORATA--Mexico--From 1946 comes this beautifully restored film (by Martin Scorsese) of this epic romance (with humor) of a rich woman being pursued by a vulgar revolutionary. The plot may have been borrowed from Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.
GRADE--------B
AWAKENING OF THE ANTS--Costa Rica--Simple,charming story of a young family, but wife doesn't want any more children, against husband,s wishes. GRADE--------B
TROOP ZERO-----USA---Oscar winners Viola Davis and Allison Janney and also Jim Gaffigan add some impressive gravitas to this story of misfit girls trying to be scouts and winning a contest that would sent their voices on a record into outer space. Sweet, charming, and sometimes very funny and sad. GRADE--------B
PREMATURE--USA----Good title for this immature script about black teen pregnancy and resolution. I rolled my eyes a lot and tried to keep from talking back at the screen during the banal and frequently profane dialogue. GRADE-------C-
I DO NOT CARE IF WE GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS BARBARIANS--Romania/Czech Republic--Obscure and boring political discussions may be of more interest for Romanians steeped in cultural politics and historical references, but more traditional movie goers may want to flee the theater as myself and several dozen viewers did in the first 45 minutes. GRADE------D
BURNING CANE--USA--Poor technical qualities including garbled sound, photography in dark rooms, and extreme hand held camera scenes, make this one film that had some walkouts, including myself by the 45 minute mark. I realize the filmmaker is only 18, but there's not much to praise in this grim tale of religious and alcoholic abuse. GRADE------------D
Saturday, June 1, 2019
SIFF Screenings Tuesday 28 May--Friday 31 May---BEST BETS------MARIA (aka WATCH LIST), SOCRATES, RAISE HELL: LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVANS, GHOST FLEET, MIDNIGHT FAMILY, and IN FABRIC
MARIA (aka WATCH LIST)--Philippines--Splendid lead actress (Alessandra de Rossi) highlights this intense thriller about woman struggling to support her family after her husband is killed and she must become involved in corruption underground. GRADE-------------A
RAISE HELL: LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS--Political satirist and writer who skewered Texas political idiot conservatives. She has a biting sense of humor. GRADE---------A-
SOCRATES--Brazil---Short but concisely powerful drama of 15year old who wants to make his own way after his mother dies unexpectedly. Some annoying hand held camera work lessens the impact. GRADE---------------B+
GHOST FLEET--USA--Documentary of human rights organization that tries to stop the kidnapping of young men who are enslaved on deep sea fishing boats. Final 20 minutes are among the most moving of any film this year. GRADE--------B+
WIDOW OF SILENCE--India--Her husband has been missing for 7 years, yet the local government official persists in sabotaging the widow's request to have him declared dead so she can continue her life. She rides a taxi weekly with a talkative, poetic driver, and must deal with an ailing mother in law. The ending of this quiet, leisurely film has the the biggest corker (surprise) of
of any film so far this year. GRADE-------------B+
THE BIGAMIST--USA--Director and actress Ida Lupino's best film, about a man who struggles to keep two separate families together, in this beautifully restored drama, which also stars Joan Fontaine, Edmond O'Brien, and Edwin Gwinn. The biggest surprise is the courtroom scene that ends the film where the judge has the last, wisest word. GRADE------A-
STORM IN MY HEART--USA/Scotland--A two for one film! Director Mark Cousins (THE STORY OF FILM: ODYSSEY, EYES OF ORSON WELLS,etc) runs the complete films of SONG IN MY HEART with Susan Hayward and STORMY WEATHER with Lena Horne on the screen side by side, with the sound moving from one film to another to highlight the more interesting music or song or dialogue. Each film was produced by the same Hollywood studio, the actresses were born on the same day in Brooklyn, the films used the same technicians, all to highlight the different projections of the actresses career's. It doesn't always work, but I can testify that STORMY WEATHER gets more screen and sound time---scene for scene it had more entertainment value, and I was spellbound by the this audacious experiment. GRADE--------B+
IN FABRIC--United Kingdom--Here's the ultimate Guilty Pleasure in this lush production of a killer red dress--those that wear it ultimately die!!!!! Droll, sly humor and strong production values make this viewing a kinky pleasure. GRADE-----------B
MEETING GORBACHEV--United Kingdom/Germany--Werner Herzog is the interviewer and one of the directors in this interesting documentary that highlights the career of Gorbachev political
life, especially involving Perestroika and glasnost (openness.) GRADE---------B
MIDNIGHT FAMILY--Mexico--Documentary of family run EMT ambulance service in Mexico City, complete with corrupt cops and a skeptical public that needs the service but doesn't want to pay for it. Filmed in a vivid you are there manner, the film is engrossing. GRADE-------B
WHAT DOESN'T KILL US--Germany--Episodic drama balances a dozen characters and their relationship, some which surround a therapist and other family members. It is a smoothly made film but difficult to keep track of people and relationships. GRADE----B-
PIRANHAS--Italy--The gang members get younger in this violence filled familiar story about shakedown, toxic masculinity and murder. Lots of handheld camera work following characters from behind make watching this film an unpleasant experience. GRADE-------C+
THEM THAT FOLLOW--USA--It doesn't help that the two leading young men look so much alike that it took me 20 minutes to realize that the leading actress had two suitors. This modest drama of religious repression felt underwhelming and familiar. GRADE-----------C+
THE DAYS TO COME----Great Britain--Nine long months in the life of a fetus, from conception to birth is revealed from the parents POV in tedious fashion----Long arguments ensue about is she or isn't she pregnant, should we abort or not, when should family/friends be notified, what name should be used, plus the longest hospital explicit birth scene ever. CALL THE MIDWIFE on PBS does this all in one hour with 2 or more births in each episode, and throws in a lot of more entertaining drama to boot. GRADE-------C+
THE DIVE----Israel--I thought this was a comedy about college boys living in a messy frat house--but it's really about a dysfunctional family living in a kibbutz, dealing with the death of their father, and the having to go back to the military. All three young men (who actually do live in messy rooms) have issues with violence, and spend much of the film yelling at each other. An uneasy and unpleasant film to watch. GRADE---------C
GOOD GIRLS--Mexico--A rich woman slowly, slowly, slowly realizes that her husband is broke and nearly bankrupt as she goes out shopping nearly daily. The film has no style or point of view---is it a satire? or a melodrama? or tragedy. It seems to be nothing at all, and it is boring as well. GRADE---------C
A DOG NAMED MONEY--Ireland/United Kingdom---It works best as an extended music video--P.J Harvey travels the word to appropriate stylistic sounds and lyrics. For Harvey fans only.
GRADE---------C
GREENER GRASS--USA--Unfunny comedy looks bright and colorful but empty humor and lack of coherent plot spoil any satire elements. This might be the worst film I've ever seen at SIFF, but to be fair there were a couple women who giggled through this soulless affair. GRADE------F
RAISE HELL: LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS--Political satirist and writer who skewered Texas political idiot conservatives. She has a biting sense of humor. GRADE---------A-
SOCRATES--Brazil---Short but concisely powerful drama of 15year old who wants to make his own way after his mother dies unexpectedly. Some annoying hand held camera work lessens the impact. GRADE---------------B+
GHOST FLEET--USA--Documentary of human rights organization that tries to stop the kidnapping of young men who are enslaved on deep sea fishing boats. Final 20 minutes are among the most moving of any film this year. GRADE--------B+
WIDOW OF SILENCE--India--Her husband has been missing for 7 years, yet the local government official persists in sabotaging the widow's request to have him declared dead so she can continue her life. She rides a taxi weekly with a talkative, poetic driver, and must deal with an ailing mother in law. The ending of this quiet, leisurely film has the the biggest corker (surprise) of
of any film so far this year. GRADE-------------B+
THE BIGAMIST--USA--Director and actress Ida Lupino's best film, about a man who struggles to keep two separate families together, in this beautifully restored drama, which also stars Joan Fontaine, Edmond O'Brien, and Edwin Gwinn. The biggest surprise is the courtroom scene that ends the film where the judge has the last, wisest word. GRADE------A-
STORM IN MY HEART--USA/Scotland--A two for one film! Director Mark Cousins (THE STORY OF FILM: ODYSSEY, EYES OF ORSON WELLS,etc) runs the complete films of SONG IN MY HEART with Susan Hayward and STORMY WEATHER with Lena Horne on the screen side by side, with the sound moving from one film to another to highlight the more interesting music or song or dialogue. Each film was produced by the same Hollywood studio, the actresses were born on the same day in Brooklyn, the films used the same technicians, all to highlight the different projections of the actresses career's. It doesn't always work, but I can testify that STORMY WEATHER gets more screen and sound time---scene for scene it had more entertainment value, and I was spellbound by the this audacious experiment. GRADE--------B+
IN FABRIC--United Kingdom--Here's the ultimate Guilty Pleasure in this lush production of a killer red dress--those that wear it ultimately die!!!!! Droll, sly humor and strong production values make this viewing a kinky pleasure. GRADE-----------B
MEETING GORBACHEV--United Kingdom/Germany--Werner Herzog is the interviewer and one of the directors in this interesting documentary that highlights the career of Gorbachev political
life, especially involving Perestroika and glasnost (openness.) GRADE---------B
MIDNIGHT FAMILY--Mexico--Documentary of family run EMT ambulance service in Mexico City, complete with corrupt cops and a skeptical public that needs the service but doesn't want to pay for it. Filmed in a vivid you are there manner, the film is engrossing. GRADE-------B
WHAT DOESN'T KILL US--Germany--Episodic drama balances a dozen characters and their relationship, some which surround a therapist and other family members. It is a smoothly made film but difficult to keep track of people and relationships. GRADE----B-
PIRANHAS--Italy--The gang members get younger in this violence filled familiar story about shakedown, toxic masculinity and murder. Lots of handheld camera work following characters from behind make watching this film an unpleasant experience. GRADE-------C+
THEM THAT FOLLOW--USA--It doesn't help that the two leading young men look so much alike that it took me 20 minutes to realize that the leading actress had two suitors. This modest drama of religious repression felt underwhelming and familiar. GRADE-----------C+
THE DAYS TO COME----Great Britain--Nine long months in the life of a fetus, from conception to birth is revealed from the parents POV in tedious fashion----Long arguments ensue about is she or isn't she pregnant, should we abort or not, when should family/friends be notified, what name should be used, plus the longest hospital explicit birth scene ever. CALL THE MIDWIFE on PBS does this all in one hour with 2 or more births in each episode, and throws in a lot of more entertaining drama to boot. GRADE-------C+
THE DIVE----Israel--I thought this was a comedy about college boys living in a messy frat house--but it's really about a dysfunctional family living in a kibbutz, dealing with the death of their father, and the having to go back to the military. All three young men (who actually do live in messy rooms) have issues with violence, and spend much of the film yelling at each other. An uneasy and unpleasant film to watch. GRADE---------C
GOOD GIRLS--Mexico--A rich woman slowly, slowly, slowly realizes that her husband is broke and nearly bankrupt as she goes out shopping nearly daily. The film has no style or point of view---is it a satire? or a melodrama? or tragedy. It seems to be nothing at all, and it is boring as well. GRADE---------C
A DOG NAMED MONEY--Ireland/United Kingdom---It works best as an extended music video--P.J Harvey travels the word to appropriate stylistic sounds and lyrics. For Harvey fans only.
GRADE---------C
GREENER GRASS--USA--Unfunny comedy looks bright and colorful but empty humor and lack of coherent plot spoil any satire elements. This might be the worst film I've ever seen at SIFF, but to be fair there were a couple women who giggled through this soulless affair. GRADE------F
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