Here's what I saw the final weekend of SIFF......
GHOST STORY---USA--Coming soon to a theatre near you, this is a "ghost" story like nothing you've seen before. Extreme long shots held any where from 1 minute to 5 minutes (!) punctuate this simple but moving story of loneliness and history--from a ghost's point of view!!! GRADE---------A-
THE NET--South Korea--When a simple North Korean fisherman accidentally crosses the border to South Korea, he becomes locked in a struggle to return to the North, when the South only want to liberate him or turn him into a spy. Powerful and tragic. GRADE---------A-
HANDSOME DEVIL---Ireland--A gay teen struggles to fit into an all male prep school, but finds an unusual friendship from within the boisterous rugby team. Charming comedy/drama. GRADE---------- B
SONG OF COTTON--China--After seeing at least 3 Chinese films that I didn't like at all, this drama about a young divorcee pregnant by her lover who becomes a caretaker to an old man with a mean and cranky daughter becomes an insightful experience. GRADE------------B
FEATHER--Italy--Domestic comedy about a teen couple who become pregnant and feel pressure on all sides about what steps to take. The parents and relatives are all wacky, the kids keep their feet mostly on the ground, and I enjoyed this weird trifle of a film. GRADE------B-
THE FEELS--USA--A group of lesbians and some others gather for a pre-wedding celebration of two women from the group, and during the drinking the first night, some secrets pop up that disturb some of the friends. This is light drama with some laughs thrown in, nothing too heavy. GRADE-----B-
INLAND ROADS--New Zealand--While hitchhiking, a 15 year old girl survives a car crash that kills one older brother, and ends up staying on with the surviving brother's family, where she learns some ways to grow up. Nice acting, but slight story has too much hand held camera work to keep me involved. GRADE--------C+
THE KING'S CHOICE--Norway--Both the Fool Series and the Golden Space Needle awards put this epic historical story about Norwegian resistance to the Nazi invasion during WWII in the top 10 films of the festival, but this film had so much aggressively jiggling hand held camera work in EVERY scene that it made me nauseous to watch. GRADE-----C+
MY TOP CHOICES FOR BEST FILMS FROM SIFF 2017
At the End of the Tunnel
The Bar
Brisby Bear
Date for Mad Mary
A Dragon Arrives
A Ghost Story
God's Own Country
Heal the Living
Hippopotamus
I, Daniel Blake
The Journey
Kills on Wheels
Lane 1974
Little Hours
The Net
Sami Blood
Small Town Killers
Soul on a String
Weirdos
Woodpeckers
There are about 40 more films that I enjoyed quite a bit (rated B+, B, and B-) and I will write about them if and when they open for some sort of regular run later in the year.
FAVORITE DOCUMENTARIES
Angry Inuk
Death and Life of Marcia P. Johnson
The Farthest
Paris Opera
The Quest
Roberto Bolle--The Art of Dance
TOP REVIVALS
Cabaret 1973
Maurice 1987
WORST FILMS
Beautiful Kokonor Lake
Boundaries
The Hero
Hello Destroyer
Infinity Baby
It's Only the End of the World
Struggle for Life
Wallflower
TOP FILMS FROM THE FOOL SERIOUS (Full Series) AWARDS
At the End of the Tunnel
The Journey
In Syria*
I Daniel Blake
King's Choice
Wind River*
Paradise*
The Net
Kills of Wheels
Bye Bye Germany*
*I have not seen these films yet, but believe they will open up in the next few months.
For the first time, the same film At the End of the Tunnel appeared as Best Film on both the Golden Space Needles Awards (audience balloting through SIFF) and the Fool Serious Awards (independent balloting by Full Series members.)
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Friday, June 9, 2017
SIFF Screenings Mon. Jun 5 through Thur. Jun 8-------Best Bets--------GOD'S OWN COUNTRY, THE JOURNEY, AMERICAN FOLK, KILLS ON WHEELS, THE QUEST, BORDERS, BETTER WATCH OUT, DEATH AND LIFE OF MARSHA P. JOHNSON
It's been a busy last week of screenings. Here's what I've seen this last week.
THE JOURNEY--United Kingdom--Spectacular acting with Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, John Hurt and Freddie Highmore, about political peace making in Northern Ireland. GRADE-----A
GOD'S OWN COUNTRY--United Kingdom--Splendid drama reminds us of BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN but set in rugged Yorkshire, England where two farm hands discover warmth and love amid a dreary life of sheep herding. Some hand held camera work keeps this fine romantic film from a top rating. GRADE--------A-
KILLS ON WHEELS--Hungary--Unique violent fantasy drama of young men in wheelchairs who gang up with a gangster hit man. GRADE------------B+
AMERICAN FOLK--USA--Two strangers drive and sing their way across the USA when the 9/11 tragedy grounds all air planes. Powerful and uplifting in a simple way. GRADE--------B+
THE QUEST--USA--A black family from North Philadelphia is dramatically profiled over the course of 5 years, covering sickness, a shooting, cancer and other conflicts. Will be shown eventually on the PBS program POV. GRADE-----------B+
BORDERS--Burkina Faso--A serious but at times lighthearted, and very colorful film about four different women trying to travel across West Africa, facing corruption and other dangers. GRADE--------B
BETTER WATCH OUT---USA---A funny, sick "midnighter" film with appropriate violence and shocks and twists--a cross between home invasion scenarios and twisted teen escapades. If this is your thing, you will find it fun. Oh yeah---filmed at Christmas time. GRADE-------B
SANTA AND ANDRES--Cuba/Colombia--A gay man and a lonely woman sent to guard him find companionship despite different political views. GRADE-------B
DEATH AND LIFE OF MARSHA P. JOHNSON--USA--Documentary about a 25 year cold case, where a transgendered gay man is found murdered, but the police claimed it was suicide. Fascinating account of misjustice. GRADE-----------B
KALUSHI--South Africa--Bio pic about a freedom fighter trying to win justice and equality for poor blacks prior to desegregation. GRADE---------B-
GOOK---USA--A hand held camera extravaganza about the day of the Watts riots and burning in Los Angeles, focusing on two Korean brothers struggling to run a shoe store while being harassed by some black gang members. Profane and chaotic but has some powerful moments. GRADE---C+
SUSANNE BARTSCH: ON TOP--USA--Gay icon and fashion director and party planner in NYC is profiled in this occasionally interesting documentary. GRADE------C+
TROUBLE---USA--Angelica Huston and Bill Pullman are antagonistic siblings and are strong reasons to watch this modest comedy drama. GRADE------C+
IN THE RADIANT CITY--USA--Slow, protracted drama about a man returning to his hometown after 20 years, whose testimony sent his brother to prison. Actors are fine but let down by poky script. GRADE--------C+
ON THE ROAD--United Kingdom--Docu-drama follows a head banger band (loud), with much aggressive hand held camera work complete with strobe lighting and after 35 minutes I left. Only for the interested film goer. GRADE-----------C
WALLFLOWER---USA--Local Northwest production about a mass murderer. Most of the film is spent at a rave (dark, loud, hand held camera) and an after rave all night party (dark, loud, hand held camera) making this very difficult to see and listen to. (Imagine being the only person who is not drunk or high and trying to have a conversation--that's what the killer has to contend with--no wonder he kills everyone. I left after one hour. GRADE---------C-
KNIFE IN CLEAR WATER--China--Austere, extremely meditative (read sleepy time for the viewer) film about elderly man trying to decide how to honor his dead wife--kill some chickens or kill the old ox. GRADE----------C-
THE DOOR--China--Dull and confusing story of man who goes through a door to a different life of luxury and wealth. Production values are fine, but it felt like an ending every five minutes for the last 30 minutes. GRADE---------D+
THE BEAUTIFUL KOKONOR LAKE--China-- Busy, silly, excessively melodramatic soap opera that spans over fifty years, but still feels like a vanity production for the writer/actress who at age 95 is recounting her life. I wanted to like it but after 45 minutes I left. GRADE-------D+
THE JOURNEY--United Kingdom--Spectacular acting with Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, John Hurt and Freddie Highmore, about political peace making in Northern Ireland. GRADE-----A
GOD'S OWN COUNTRY--United Kingdom--Splendid drama reminds us of BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN but set in rugged Yorkshire, England where two farm hands discover warmth and love amid a dreary life of sheep herding. Some hand held camera work keeps this fine romantic film from a top rating. GRADE--------A-
KILLS ON WHEELS--Hungary--Unique violent fantasy drama of young men in wheelchairs who gang up with a gangster hit man. GRADE------------B+
AMERICAN FOLK--USA--Two strangers drive and sing their way across the USA when the 9/11 tragedy grounds all air planes. Powerful and uplifting in a simple way. GRADE--------B+
THE QUEST--USA--A black family from North Philadelphia is dramatically profiled over the course of 5 years, covering sickness, a shooting, cancer and other conflicts. Will be shown eventually on the PBS program POV. GRADE-----------B+
BORDERS--Burkina Faso--A serious but at times lighthearted, and very colorful film about four different women trying to travel across West Africa, facing corruption and other dangers. GRADE--------B
BETTER WATCH OUT---USA---A funny, sick "midnighter" film with appropriate violence and shocks and twists--a cross between home invasion scenarios and twisted teen escapades. If this is your thing, you will find it fun. Oh yeah---filmed at Christmas time. GRADE-------B
SANTA AND ANDRES--Cuba/Colombia--A gay man and a lonely woman sent to guard him find companionship despite different political views. GRADE-------B
DEATH AND LIFE OF MARSHA P. JOHNSON--USA--Documentary about a 25 year cold case, where a transgendered gay man is found murdered, but the police claimed it was suicide. Fascinating account of misjustice. GRADE-----------B
KALUSHI--South Africa--Bio pic about a freedom fighter trying to win justice and equality for poor blacks prior to desegregation. GRADE---------B-
GOOK---USA--A hand held camera extravaganza about the day of the Watts riots and burning in Los Angeles, focusing on two Korean brothers struggling to run a shoe store while being harassed by some black gang members. Profane and chaotic but has some powerful moments. GRADE---C+
SUSANNE BARTSCH: ON TOP--USA--Gay icon and fashion director and party planner in NYC is profiled in this occasionally interesting documentary. GRADE------C+
TROUBLE---USA--Angelica Huston and Bill Pullman are antagonistic siblings and are strong reasons to watch this modest comedy drama. GRADE------C+
IN THE RADIANT CITY--USA--Slow, protracted drama about a man returning to his hometown after 20 years, whose testimony sent his brother to prison. Actors are fine but let down by poky script. GRADE--------C+
ON THE ROAD--United Kingdom--Docu-drama follows a head banger band (loud), with much aggressive hand held camera work complete with strobe lighting and after 35 minutes I left. Only for the interested film goer. GRADE-----------C
WALLFLOWER---USA--Local Northwest production about a mass murderer. Most of the film is spent at a rave (dark, loud, hand held camera) and an after rave all night party (dark, loud, hand held camera) making this very difficult to see and listen to. (Imagine being the only person who is not drunk or high and trying to have a conversation--that's what the killer has to contend with--no wonder he kills everyone. I left after one hour. GRADE---------C-
KNIFE IN CLEAR WATER--China--Austere, extremely meditative (read sleepy time for the viewer) film about elderly man trying to decide how to honor his dead wife--kill some chickens or kill the old ox. GRADE----------C-
THE DOOR--China--Dull and confusing story of man who goes through a door to a different life of luxury and wealth. Production values are fine, but it felt like an ending every five minutes for the last 30 minutes. GRADE---------D+
THE BEAUTIFUL KOKONOR LAKE--China-- Busy, silly, excessively melodramatic soap opera that spans over fifty years, but still feels like a vanity production for the writer/actress who at age 95 is recounting her life. I wanted to like it but after 45 minutes I left. GRADE-------D+
Sunday, June 4, 2017
SIFF Screenings Friday Jun 2----Sunday Jun 4--------Best Bets----WOODPECKERS, SOUL ON A STRING, THE HIPPOPOTAMUS, INVERSION
Here's what I watch for the weekend---
WOODPECKERS--Dominican Republic--Here's the break out film of SIFF--a tough prison film with a tender heart, observed with skillful direction (there's a fabulous minute plus long tracking shot through nearly the whole prison, without cuts) and careful photography and editing--you can almost "read" the hand gesturing as male inmates talk to female inmates nearby. There is a minimum of hand held camera movements---astonishing due to the fact that there are literaly dozens of characters in each scene. And best of all, in spite of the fact that the film deals with horrors and tragedies of prison life, there is a strong sense of life and romance that permeates the story. GRADE-------------A
SOUL ON A STRING--China--At 140 minutes, this epic odyssey set in Tibet is filled with murder, revenge, mystic folklore, and eye popping scenery of deserts, mountains, rivers and villages. When a man with a dark past finds a mystic stone in the mouth of a deer he has just killed, he must return the stone to a mystic mountain many days away--in the meantime he encounters a determined young woman, a psychotic boy, and a man who is trying to kill him because he killed this man's father in his past. Here's a skillful blending of the Western, road picture, romance, thriller and mysticism.
GRADE---------A-
THE HIPPOPOTAMUS--Great Britain--An alcoholic washed up poet and writer is sent to his god daughter's family home to investigate the possibility of miracles that have been reported. Written by the clever, wry Stephan Fry, the dialogue is full of cruel sarcasm, hilarious entendres and outrageous insults. There's also a telling and tragic story here, steeped in bizarre sexuality, and if you like such British entertainments, you will love this film. Prepare to be offended. GRADE----------B+
INVERSION--Iran--When the matriarch of the family collapses due to massive air pollution conditions in Tehran, the men in the family decide to send the unmarried single daughter to the north to live with the mother with clean air, with out consulting her, and forcing her to give up her business and her burgeoning relationship with a man. Here's an insidious look at gender issues in an oppressive society. GRADE---------B+
LANDLINE--USA--Set in New York City in 1995, this features comedian Jenny Slate as an older sister who is engaged to be married, but finds herself attracted to an old beau, while her younger sister is secretly involved in sex, drugs and clubbing. They think their father is having an affair and hope to derail this without their mother becoming involved. There are a number of fine laughs, mostly thanks to Slate's delivery and charm, and there's a very serious underplay going on, but the film doesn't transcend the set up. GRADE------B-
SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS--Great Britain--Based on some children's books, this is a well made film that seems far to complicated for younger children (different pirate groups and lingo, perilous conditions for kids, British spies, Russian spies, confusing and awkward locations, etc.) and becomes rather pedestrian for adult viewers. GRADE-------------C+
BOUNDARIES aka PAYS--(French) Canada--A dull and boring film about local politics that has little of interest for general audiences, with mediocre actors and basic direction. The four Canadians sitting next to me turned to each other when it ended and all agreed that this was the most boring film they'd seen in years. GRADE----------D+
INFINITY BABY--USA--I was amused by director Bob Byington's quirky last film 7 CHINESE BROTHERS 2015, but this new black and white, deadpan quirkiness did not provide one laugh for me in the 45 minutes I watched, so I walked out. The main conceit --trying to get adults to adopt babies who will be 3 months old for ever , is a big problem. There is no where to go with this situation,and it is too bizarre to even be funny. You know you are in trouble when the director, during his introduction of the film, says he "made a good film, but only some of you may like it, and some of you will not like it." GRADE--------D
WOODPECKERS--Dominican Republic--Here's the break out film of SIFF--a tough prison film with a tender heart, observed with skillful direction (there's a fabulous minute plus long tracking shot through nearly the whole prison, without cuts) and careful photography and editing--you can almost "read" the hand gesturing as male inmates talk to female inmates nearby. There is a minimum of hand held camera movements---astonishing due to the fact that there are literaly dozens of characters in each scene. And best of all, in spite of the fact that the film deals with horrors and tragedies of prison life, there is a strong sense of life and romance that permeates the story. GRADE-------------A
SOUL ON A STRING--China--At 140 minutes, this epic odyssey set in Tibet is filled with murder, revenge, mystic folklore, and eye popping scenery of deserts, mountains, rivers and villages. When a man with a dark past finds a mystic stone in the mouth of a deer he has just killed, he must return the stone to a mystic mountain many days away--in the meantime he encounters a determined young woman, a psychotic boy, and a man who is trying to kill him because he killed this man's father in his past. Here's a skillful blending of the Western, road picture, romance, thriller and mysticism.
GRADE---------A-
THE HIPPOPOTAMUS--Great Britain--An alcoholic washed up poet and writer is sent to his god daughter's family home to investigate the possibility of miracles that have been reported. Written by the clever, wry Stephan Fry, the dialogue is full of cruel sarcasm, hilarious entendres and outrageous insults. There's also a telling and tragic story here, steeped in bizarre sexuality, and if you like such British entertainments, you will love this film. Prepare to be offended. GRADE----------B+
INVERSION--Iran--When the matriarch of the family collapses due to massive air pollution conditions in Tehran, the men in the family decide to send the unmarried single daughter to the north to live with the mother with clean air, with out consulting her, and forcing her to give up her business and her burgeoning relationship with a man. Here's an insidious look at gender issues in an oppressive society. GRADE---------B+
LANDLINE--USA--Set in New York City in 1995, this features comedian Jenny Slate as an older sister who is engaged to be married, but finds herself attracted to an old beau, while her younger sister is secretly involved in sex, drugs and clubbing. They think their father is having an affair and hope to derail this without their mother becoming involved. There are a number of fine laughs, mostly thanks to Slate's delivery and charm, and there's a very serious underplay going on, but the film doesn't transcend the set up. GRADE------B-
SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS--Great Britain--Based on some children's books, this is a well made film that seems far to complicated for younger children (different pirate groups and lingo, perilous conditions for kids, British spies, Russian spies, confusing and awkward locations, etc.) and becomes rather pedestrian for adult viewers. GRADE-------------C+
BOUNDARIES aka PAYS--(French) Canada--A dull and boring film about local politics that has little of interest for general audiences, with mediocre actors and basic direction. The four Canadians sitting next to me turned to each other when it ended and all agreed that this was the most boring film they'd seen in years. GRADE----------D+
INFINITY BABY--USA--I was amused by director Bob Byington's quirky last film 7 CHINESE BROTHERS 2015, but this new black and white, deadpan quirkiness did not provide one laugh for me in the 45 minutes I watched, so I walked out. The main conceit --trying to get adults to adopt babies who will be 3 months old for ever , is a big problem. There is no where to go with this situation,and it is too bizarre to even be funny. You know you are in trouble when the director, during his introduction of the film, says he "made a good film, but only some of you may like it, and some of you will not like it." GRADE--------D
Friday, June 2, 2017
SIFF Screenings Tue May 30--Thur June 1------Best Bets-----AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, LANE 1974, MR. LONG, SMALL TOWN KILLERS, SAMI BLOOD
Here's what I saw Tue--Thur at SIFF Screenings----
LANE 1974---USA--A great local film (!!!) about a 13 year old whose mother keeps pulling her from on communal situation to another, which may have a devastation effect on her later life. Excellent actors. This is the first SIFF film that I did NOT want to end. GRADE-------A-
AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL--Spain--A man in a wheelchair discovers his neighbors plan to rob a bank by tunneling under his house, and makes plans to sabotage them. This is a shit kicker of suspense and tension, and even though the ending seemed a bit unbelievable, this film is an ideal popcorn thriller. GRADE-------A-
MR. LONG--Japan/China--Despite the need for some editing and the predictable premise that the past will always come back to haunt you, the steady pace, careful photography, and human expressions keep this film involving, as a hired killer tries to find a new life. Some hand held scenes are an unnecessary distraction. GRADE----B+
SMALL TOWN KILLERS--Denmark--Comic acting, although sometimes over the top, is choice in this dark comedy about a miscommunication when two dumb guys hire a Russian hit man to "scare" their wives into being more affectionate (!)--and things get way out of control. The witty plot reminded me of some serious comedies from Alec Guinness that were made in the 1950's like KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS (1949), LAVENDER HILL MOB (1951) and THE LADY KILLERS (1955), although some modern sensibilities have been added, for better or for worse. Comedy is a subjective thing, but nonetheless, I laughed a lot. GRADE------------------B+
SAMI BLOOD--Sweden/Norway/Denmark--A young teen indigenous to Lapland yearns to leave her tribal traditions and assimilate into urban society in the 1950's, learning to be ashamed about her people and creating guilt and regret in her life. It's a thoughtful, engaging film. GRADE-----B+
WHAT LIES UPSTREAM--USA--Grim documentary shows how a massive chemical spill in West Virginia poisoned the water for 300,000 people, and it may just be the tip of a corrupt political system that involves collusion with corporations and local officials that may eventually effect water systems nation wide. GRADE------------B
THE LANDING--USA--I was taken in and entertained by this intriguingly constructioned fake documentary about the conspiracy theories that surrounded the Apollo 18 space capsule that landed in China when returning to earth. GRADE-------B
ANISHOARA--Moldova/Germany--There was nearly no need for this gentle, lovely film to have subtitles, since most of the soundtrack is birds, buses, breezes and singing. While not much plot, we learn a lot about village (leisurely) life, and Anishoara's loves and disappointments. GRADE-----B-
CROWN HEIGHTS--USA--Based on a true story of a young black man incarcerated for a murder he did not commit for over 20 years, and his best friend to who worked tirelessly to free him, along with a woman who would become his wife. The film for me started poorly (dark, moody, shaking camera, awkward direction) but gathered some energy and power and becomes riveting by the end. I've seen more compelling prison dramas, but this one has some heart. GRADE-----------B-
ZOOLOGY--Russia--A shy woman breaks out of her shell when she grows a tail and finds a lover, but the film has a lot of hand held camera distractions, and it is too timid to expand on the the initial (but great) set up. Needs to be remade as a bold midnight exploitation film. GRADE-----C+
IT'S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD--Canada/France--I often enjoy the films of Xavier Dolan, especially I KILLED MY MOTHER 2009 and TOM AT THE FARM 2013, but this turgid talk fest made mountains out of mole hills and presents nothing but a very dysfunctional family not telling the truth while being cruel to each other---all in extreme close up shots. Only Marion Cotillard seems to emerge as an interesting character. Tiresome. GRADE--------D+
LANE 1974---USA--A great local film (!!!) about a 13 year old whose mother keeps pulling her from on communal situation to another, which may have a devastation effect on her later life. Excellent actors. This is the first SIFF film that I did NOT want to end. GRADE-------A-
AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL--Spain--A man in a wheelchair discovers his neighbors plan to rob a bank by tunneling under his house, and makes plans to sabotage them. This is a shit kicker of suspense and tension, and even though the ending seemed a bit unbelievable, this film is an ideal popcorn thriller. GRADE-------A-
MR. LONG--Japan/China--Despite the need for some editing and the predictable premise that the past will always come back to haunt you, the steady pace, careful photography, and human expressions keep this film involving, as a hired killer tries to find a new life. Some hand held scenes are an unnecessary distraction. GRADE----B+
SMALL TOWN KILLERS--Denmark--Comic acting, although sometimes over the top, is choice in this dark comedy about a miscommunication when two dumb guys hire a Russian hit man to "scare" their wives into being more affectionate (!)--and things get way out of control. The witty plot reminded me of some serious comedies from Alec Guinness that were made in the 1950's like KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS (1949), LAVENDER HILL MOB (1951) and THE LADY KILLERS (1955), although some modern sensibilities have been added, for better or for worse. Comedy is a subjective thing, but nonetheless, I laughed a lot. GRADE------------------B+
SAMI BLOOD--Sweden/Norway/Denmark--A young teen indigenous to Lapland yearns to leave her tribal traditions and assimilate into urban society in the 1950's, learning to be ashamed about her people and creating guilt and regret in her life. It's a thoughtful, engaging film. GRADE-----B+
WHAT LIES UPSTREAM--USA--Grim documentary shows how a massive chemical spill in West Virginia poisoned the water for 300,000 people, and it may just be the tip of a corrupt political system that involves collusion with corporations and local officials that may eventually effect water systems nation wide. GRADE------------B
THE LANDING--USA--I was taken in and entertained by this intriguingly constructioned fake documentary about the conspiracy theories that surrounded the Apollo 18 space capsule that landed in China when returning to earth. GRADE-------B
ANISHOARA--Moldova/Germany--There was nearly no need for this gentle, lovely film to have subtitles, since most of the soundtrack is birds, buses, breezes and singing. While not much plot, we learn a lot about village (leisurely) life, and Anishoara's loves and disappointments. GRADE-----B-
CROWN HEIGHTS--USA--Based on a true story of a young black man incarcerated for a murder he did not commit for over 20 years, and his best friend to who worked tirelessly to free him, along with a woman who would become his wife. The film for me started poorly (dark, moody, shaking camera, awkward direction) but gathered some energy and power and becomes riveting by the end. I've seen more compelling prison dramas, but this one has some heart. GRADE-----------B-
ZOOLOGY--Russia--A shy woman breaks out of her shell when she grows a tail and finds a lover, but the film has a lot of hand held camera distractions, and it is too timid to expand on the the initial (but great) set up. Needs to be remade as a bold midnight exploitation film. GRADE-----C+
IT'S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD--Canada/France--I often enjoy the films of Xavier Dolan, especially I KILLED MY MOTHER 2009 and TOM AT THE FARM 2013, but this turgid talk fest made mountains out of mole hills and presents nothing but a very dysfunctional family not telling the truth while being cruel to each other---all in extreme close up shots. Only Marion Cotillard seems to emerge as an interesting character. Tiresome. GRADE--------D+
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
SIFF Screenings Friday May 26--Monday May 29----------Best Bets--I DANIEL BLAKE, THE BAR, ORIGINAL BLISS, MAY GOD SAVE US, FERMENTED, LITTLE HOURS, PENDULAR, THIS IS OUR LAND
Here's what I saw over the long Memorial Day Weekend-----and everything was better than average.....
I, DANIEL BLAKE--Great Britain--I saw this 8 months ago in Vancouver BC and FINALLY it will be getting a well deserved release in July, but for now, it was the best of VIFF 2016 in my opinion, and I think it will be the Best of SIFF 2017. It plays SIFF on June 2nd and June 5th. DON'T MISS IT! GRADE---- A
THE BAR---Spain--One of my favorite over the top directors Alex de la Iglesia is back in fine form with this horror comedy that had the youngish audience moaning, laughing and squealing with discomfort from nearly first to last. When a young woman stops at the bar to charge her phone, she is suddenly and mysteriously trapped with others in what becomes a whirlwind conspiracy of murder and government control. I loved this wild ride which indeed goes over the top with nasty thrills.
GRADE--------A-
ORIGINAL BLISS--Germany--Martina Gedeck excels as an unhappy wife seeking to renew her relationship with God and her husband, but she counsels with a famous doctor who has his own set of sexual problems, resulting in a disturbing and shocking finale. GRADE-------B+
LITTLE HOURS--USA--Based on a story from THE DECAMERON, this smart, consistently funny comedy has a wonderful comic cast (who mostly play it "straight") including Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Aubrey Plaza, John C. Riley, Molly Shannon, Fried Armisen, Nick Offerman and others. Filmed on location in Italy, this raunchy plotted film tells of a servant who must hide out in a nunnery because he was caught with his master's wife. Unfortunately, this convent is full of horny, nubile nuns. When I wasn't giggling, I had a big stupid smile on my face. GRADE------B+
THE ORNITHOLOGIST--Portugal/France--Beautifully photographed and kinky and flawed, with lots of sexual and religious and profane imagery, this odd film is certainly not boring. Not for the timid festival film goer, but many will find this film memorable in a salacious way. GRADE------B
FERMENTED--USA--A smart, informative, fast paced documentary about fermented foods and drink from around the world. GRADE------B
MAY GOD SAVE US---Spain--The first 45 minutes of this fast paced detective cop thriller has an annoying shaking camera going in many scenes, but the photography becomes calmer by the end. During a hot summer when the Pope is visiting Madrid, a serial killer is attaching old women. GRADE-------B
THIS IS OUR LAND--France--A naive woman is seduced into running for local politics of a small town on a ticket of racism and fascism, just as she's falling in love with an old boy friend with an unsavory past. Well acted and engrossing. GRADE-----B
THE ODYSSEY--France--The pedestrian plotting of this Jacques Cousteau bio pic is overwhelmed by fabulous photography--above and below the ocean surface, and first rate technical prowess. The cast is also beautiful. GRADE------B
PENDULAR--Brazil/Argentina/France--Intriguing art installations and personal interpretive modern dance movements are interspersed with explicit yet artistic sexual scenes between two artists who live in a unique, huge warehouse. There's not much dramatic plotting, but it is intriguing to watch. GRADE------B-
TOM OF FINLAND--Finland--Bio pic about the world famous gay artist known for his erotic and sexual drawings of hyper-masculine muscle men, drawn at a time when such drawings were considered pornography, and illegal. For such a dynamic and controversial subject matter, the drama is rather restrained, despite better than average film making. GRADE-------C+
ZIP AND ZAP AND THE CAPTAIN'S ISLAND--Spain--The continuing adventures of two brothers who become trapped on a strange island and their parents disappear. The film making is full of creative special effects and photography, but the plot feels predictable and becomes tiresome and overlong. GRADE--------C+
I, DANIEL BLAKE--Great Britain--I saw this 8 months ago in Vancouver BC and FINALLY it will be getting a well deserved release in July, but for now, it was the best of VIFF 2016 in my opinion, and I think it will be the Best of SIFF 2017. It plays SIFF on June 2nd and June 5th. DON'T MISS IT! GRADE---- A
THE BAR---Spain--One of my favorite over the top directors Alex de la Iglesia is back in fine form with this horror comedy that had the youngish audience moaning, laughing and squealing with discomfort from nearly first to last. When a young woman stops at the bar to charge her phone, she is suddenly and mysteriously trapped with others in what becomes a whirlwind conspiracy of murder and government control. I loved this wild ride which indeed goes over the top with nasty thrills.
GRADE--------A-
ORIGINAL BLISS--Germany--Martina Gedeck excels as an unhappy wife seeking to renew her relationship with God and her husband, but she counsels with a famous doctor who has his own set of sexual problems, resulting in a disturbing and shocking finale. GRADE-------B+
LITTLE HOURS--USA--Based on a story from THE DECAMERON, this smart, consistently funny comedy has a wonderful comic cast (who mostly play it "straight") including Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Aubrey Plaza, John C. Riley, Molly Shannon, Fried Armisen, Nick Offerman and others. Filmed on location in Italy, this raunchy plotted film tells of a servant who must hide out in a nunnery because he was caught with his master's wife. Unfortunately, this convent is full of horny, nubile nuns. When I wasn't giggling, I had a big stupid smile on my face. GRADE------B+
THE ORNITHOLOGIST--Portugal/France--Beautifully photographed and kinky and flawed, with lots of sexual and religious and profane imagery, this odd film is certainly not boring. Not for the timid festival film goer, but many will find this film memorable in a salacious way. GRADE------B
FERMENTED--USA--A smart, informative, fast paced documentary about fermented foods and drink from around the world. GRADE------B
MAY GOD SAVE US---Spain--The first 45 minutes of this fast paced detective cop thriller has an annoying shaking camera going in many scenes, but the photography becomes calmer by the end. During a hot summer when the Pope is visiting Madrid, a serial killer is attaching old women. GRADE-------B
THIS IS OUR LAND--France--A naive woman is seduced into running for local politics of a small town on a ticket of racism and fascism, just as she's falling in love with an old boy friend with an unsavory past. Well acted and engrossing. GRADE-----B
THE ODYSSEY--France--The pedestrian plotting of this Jacques Cousteau bio pic is overwhelmed by fabulous photography--above and below the ocean surface, and first rate technical prowess. The cast is also beautiful. GRADE------B
PENDULAR--Brazil/Argentina/France--Intriguing art installations and personal interpretive modern dance movements are interspersed with explicit yet artistic sexual scenes between two artists who live in a unique, huge warehouse. There's not much dramatic plotting, but it is intriguing to watch. GRADE------B-
TOM OF FINLAND--Finland--Bio pic about the world famous gay artist known for his erotic and sexual drawings of hyper-masculine muscle men, drawn at a time when such drawings were considered pornography, and illegal. For such a dynamic and controversial subject matter, the drama is rather restrained, despite better than average film making. GRADE-------C+
ZIP AND ZAP AND THE CAPTAIN'S ISLAND--Spain--The continuing adventures of two brothers who become trapped on a strange island and their parents disappear. The film making is full of creative special effects and photography, but the plot feels predictable and becomes tiresome and overlong. GRADE--------C+
Friday, May 26, 2017
SIFF Screenings Monday May 22----Thursday May 25-------Best Bets--A DATE FOR MAD MARY, ROBERTO BOLLE ART OF DANCE, ANGRY INUK, THE WEDDING PLAN, MELLOW MUD, COME TOGETHER, LAST ANIMALS
Here's all I screened during the last four days----
CABARET (1972)--Incredibly, there are some people who've never seen this masterpiece--my favorite movie musical of all time The presentation was excellent and the loud crowd made the 50 minute drag show before the film a lot of fun. GRADE-------A
MAURICE (1987)--England--Excellent restoration in 4K (coming soon to art houses and Blu Ray) of film made of E.M. Forester's novel about sexual repression in the early 1900's. Directed by James Ivory, and featuring a very young Hugh Grant, James Wilby, Rupert Graves and Ben Kingsley. GRADE--------A-
A DATE FOR MAD MARY--Ireland--Mary tries desperately for a date to her best friend's wedding; Sounds typical, but a mid film twist, while not unexpected, adds a new dimension to the romantic/comedy genre. GRADE--------A-
ROBERTO BOLLE--THE ART OF DANCE--Italy--Beautifully photographed dance film with world famous male ballet dancer who tours world dancing in antiquity locations. Sometimes his narration seems too grandiose, so I just thought in my mind---Oh shut up and dance, and he usually did, to stunning effect. A must for dance and music lovers. GRADE--------A-
ANGRY INUK--Canada--Well made, brightly photographed documentary about Inuk culture, and how much they suffer when money groups try to destroy their history and livelihood when they try to use histrionics and sentiment to stop the killing of seals, of which the Inuk use 100% of the animal, while hypocritically ignoring the extinction of elephants, rhinos, and other vanishing species. GRADE---------B+
A WEDDING PLAN--Israel--A bride plans her wedding, including cake, dress and banquet hall, but without a groom, trusting that God will provide that with in the next 28 days.....a charming, humanistic romantic comedy even if the plot is a chick flick fantasy. A bit of hand held camera work. GRADE-----------B+
THE LAST ANIMALS--USA--Strong documentary with lovely photography details the shocking slaughter of elephants and rhinos that are causing extinction at dangerous levels due to ivory and tusks. GRADE--------B
MELLOW MUD--Latvia--A teen and her younger brother must learn to survive without adults in the rural area of a small town after grandma dies suddenly. Sensitively done, even thought it is a bit familiar. I wish there was less hand held camera work. Much hand held camera work. GRADE--------B
DINA--USA--Intimate and charming documentary of two autistic adults who are planning a wedding and their struggle to find sexual satisfaction. Much hand held camera work. GRADE-----------B-
BECOMING WHO I WAS--South Korea-- I'm not sure if this is fiction or documentary--this tells the story of a Buddhist boy in India who is a reincarnation of a Tibetan monk, so his aging teacher takes him on a long trip to find the village he grew up in in his previous life. Lovely scenery and photography, with a bit of hand held distractions. GRADE--------B-
BAD INFLUENCE--Chile--An indigenous Mapuche teen meets a delinquent urban teen who is sent to the country in an effort to change his behavior. Their friendship helps both in certain ways, but hand held camera detracts from nice story. GRADE----------B-
COME, TOGETHER--South Korea--Curious drama about stress in an urban family and how it affects their relationships--each member has issues that seem to take forever to resolve. About 15 minutes too long, but well acted and directed. GRADE-------B
WHOSE STREETS?--USA--Chaotic, hand held documentary about an unarmed black man in Ferguson Missouri killed by a white policeman generates some power as the community reacts.
GRADE----------B-
PERSON TO PERSON---USA--This feels like a low grade Woody Allen film, with a dozen characters followed through the urban jungle of New York City in one day, but not much of importance happens, and the characters, though pleasant at times, do not generate our sympathies. If this was on TV I'd turn the station. GRADE----------C
THOSE REDHEADS FROM SEATTLE--USA--Reissue of a 1953 musical that has been restored in beautiful 3-D, and the sound track sounded good. Unfortunately, the story/plot is an old chestnut--if this was on TCM I'd watch for 10 minutes, then turn the station. GRADE------C
THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE IS......--Italy--These attractive looking actors talk and scream so fast that I could literally not keep up with the subtitles that flashed across the screen. This is a manic, unfunny comedy, and I wanted to walk out after 10 minutes, but I lazily stuck it out. Ugh.
GRADE----------D+
THE REAGAN SHOW--USA--This dull documentary focuses on the Reagan relationship with Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980's, but misses any chances of wit, humor, and flubs by
avoiding any current similarities between Trump and his Russian counterpart. The film is incredibly flat and boring. GRADE-----D
CABARET (1972)--Incredibly, there are some people who've never seen this masterpiece--my favorite movie musical of all time The presentation was excellent and the loud crowd made the 50 minute drag show before the film a lot of fun. GRADE-------A
MAURICE (1987)--England--Excellent restoration in 4K (coming soon to art houses and Blu Ray) of film made of E.M. Forester's novel about sexual repression in the early 1900's. Directed by James Ivory, and featuring a very young Hugh Grant, James Wilby, Rupert Graves and Ben Kingsley. GRADE--------A-
A DATE FOR MAD MARY--Ireland--Mary tries desperately for a date to her best friend's wedding; Sounds typical, but a mid film twist, while not unexpected, adds a new dimension to the romantic/comedy genre. GRADE--------A-
ROBERTO BOLLE--THE ART OF DANCE--Italy--Beautifully photographed dance film with world famous male ballet dancer who tours world dancing in antiquity locations. Sometimes his narration seems too grandiose, so I just thought in my mind---Oh shut up and dance, and he usually did, to stunning effect. A must for dance and music lovers. GRADE--------A-
ANGRY INUK--Canada--Well made, brightly photographed documentary about Inuk culture, and how much they suffer when money groups try to destroy their history and livelihood when they try to use histrionics and sentiment to stop the killing of seals, of which the Inuk use 100% of the animal, while hypocritically ignoring the extinction of elephants, rhinos, and other vanishing species. GRADE---------B+
A WEDDING PLAN--Israel--A bride plans her wedding, including cake, dress and banquet hall, but without a groom, trusting that God will provide that with in the next 28 days.....a charming, humanistic romantic comedy even if the plot is a chick flick fantasy. A bit of hand held camera work. GRADE-----------B+
THE LAST ANIMALS--USA--Strong documentary with lovely photography details the shocking slaughter of elephants and rhinos that are causing extinction at dangerous levels due to ivory and tusks. GRADE--------B
MELLOW MUD--Latvia--A teen and her younger brother must learn to survive without adults in the rural area of a small town after grandma dies suddenly. Sensitively done, even thought it is a bit familiar. I wish there was less hand held camera work. Much hand held camera work. GRADE--------B
DINA--USA--Intimate and charming documentary of two autistic adults who are planning a wedding and their struggle to find sexual satisfaction. Much hand held camera work. GRADE-----------B-
BECOMING WHO I WAS--South Korea-- I'm not sure if this is fiction or documentary--this tells the story of a Buddhist boy in India who is a reincarnation of a Tibetan monk, so his aging teacher takes him on a long trip to find the village he grew up in in his previous life. Lovely scenery and photography, with a bit of hand held distractions. GRADE--------B-
BAD INFLUENCE--Chile--An indigenous Mapuche teen meets a delinquent urban teen who is sent to the country in an effort to change his behavior. Their friendship helps both in certain ways, but hand held camera detracts from nice story. GRADE----------B-
COME, TOGETHER--South Korea--Curious drama about stress in an urban family and how it affects their relationships--each member has issues that seem to take forever to resolve. About 15 minutes too long, but well acted and directed. GRADE-------B
WHOSE STREETS?--USA--Chaotic, hand held documentary about an unarmed black man in Ferguson Missouri killed by a white policeman generates some power as the community reacts.
GRADE----------B-
PERSON TO PERSON---USA--This feels like a low grade Woody Allen film, with a dozen characters followed through the urban jungle of New York City in one day, but not much of importance happens, and the characters, though pleasant at times, do not generate our sympathies. If this was on TV I'd turn the station. GRADE----------C
THOSE REDHEADS FROM SEATTLE--USA--Reissue of a 1953 musical that has been restored in beautiful 3-D, and the sound track sounded good. Unfortunately, the story/plot is an old chestnut--if this was on TCM I'd watch for 10 minutes, then turn the station. GRADE------C
THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE IS......--Italy--These attractive looking actors talk and scream so fast that I could literally not keep up with the subtitles that flashed across the screen. This is a manic, unfunny comedy, and I wanted to walk out after 10 minutes, but I lazily stuck it out. Ugh.
GRADE----------D+
THE REAGAN SHOW--USA--This dull documentary focuses on the Reagan relationship with Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980's, but misses any chances of wit, humor, and flubs by
avoiding any current similarities between Trump and his Russian counterpart. The film is incredibly flat and boring. GRADE-----D
Monday, May 22, 2017
SIFF Friday May19--21---Best Bets---BRIGSBY BEAR, THE MIDWIFE, ENTANGLEMENT
Here's what I saw during regular screenings for the weekend.
BRIGSBY BEAR--USA--Nearly a perfect little comedy that had me grinning from ear to ear nearly the entire film, this first film is well written and directed and has a wonderful cast including Kyle Mooney (from Saturday Night Live), Claire Danes, Mark Hamill, and Greg Kinnear, each one giving clever, charming performances. James (Mooney) has been fixated on a children's TV show since childhood--becoming a geeky fan with the adventures of a bear with super powers who can save the planet as well as provide an educational lesson with each episode. When his adopted parents are arrested, he sets out to make a movie continuing the adventures of said Brigsby Bear with the help of new friends, family and police. GRADE--------B+
THE MIDWIFE--France--A smooth, seductive drama with the incomparable Catherine Deneuve as a free spirited woman who comes back into the life of the daughter of her ex lover, played by another French wonder, Catherine Frot, because she has alienated nearly everyone else in her life. The film is pleasurable drama, with intelligence and emotion. GRADE---------B+
ENTANGLEMENT--Canada--A depressed, suicidal young man searches for an adopted sister he never really had in order to set his life on a straighter path, in this romantic comedy/drama that deals with reality, connectedness, and mental health. GRADE-----------B+
BEACH RATS--USA--Low budget, hand held drama about a teen who experiments with drugs and sexuality during a stressful time when his father is dying. He hooks up on line with gay older men, but convinces himself that he loves his patience new girl friend, and hangs out with his macho friends, further denying his sexuality. A very decent effort by a second time female director, who gives this film an honest and engaging feel. GRADE--------------B
MENASCHE--USA/ Israel---This modest character study involves a nebbish widowed Jewish man who is irritatingly religious and annoying in his outlooks, but determined to keep custody of his pre teen son, in spite of the lack of flexibility in his job and the annoyance he causes friends, family and workplace. Filmed in a small Hasidic community in Brooklyn, and all in Yiddish, this hand held film feels quite personal and intimate. GRADE-----------B
THE FORCE---USA--Lots of hand held documentary moments that tell the story of the Oakland police force through a couple of years under investigation for corruption and while trying to retrain the officers to become less racist in their treatment of a large diverse population. GRADE----B-
THE UNKNOWN GIRL--Belgium/France--When a young prostitute is killed in the neighborhood outside a small medical clinic, the young doctor who had refused to open her door because the hour was late feels guilty and tries to find out information about who the victim was. Half way through the film, before the police tell her to stay out of the murder investigation, I was thinking in my mind--"What does this woman think she's doing by putting herself into what's turning into a violent, dangerous, corrupt situation?" Annoying hand held camera work and red herrings detract from over all effect of this engaging but little film from the Dardenne brothers (LA PROMESSE 1996, ROSETTE 1999, KID WITH A BIKE 2011, etc.) GRADE-------B-
THE FABULOUS ALAN CARR--USA--Modestly enjoyable documentary about the flamboyant (read gay) producer/promoter of some famous actors, and such entertainments as GREASE 1 and 2, CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC, and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. GRADE-------B-
SOLITAIRE--Lebanon/Jordon/Egypt----Lebonese woman brings home her groom to be from Syria--her mother hates Syrians since her brother was killed by a Syrian bomb during the war, and sets in comic motion a plan to disrupt the wedding. The film feels static, like a filmed play, and comes across as a "chick flick" in spite of some amusing lines and clever characterizations. GRADE---------B-
THE WEDDING PARTY--Nigeria--Things start to go south early in the day of a wedding--vengeful ex-girl friend seeks to seduce the groom, the best man must be changed, the parents of the couple hate each other, the wedding planner is ineffective, etc. These cliches, and others, are nearly overshadowed by the colorful, musical chaos that the wedding brings, but the film also has to deal with over the top characters and some bad actors. I wished I liked this more, but the film is pretty predictable, despite the exotic locale of middle class Nigeria. GRADE---------C+
BRIGSBY BEAR--USA--Nearly a perfect little comedy that had me grinning from ear to ear nearly the entire film, this first film is well written and directed and has a wonderful cast including Kyle Mooney (from Saturday Night Live), Claire Danes, Mark Hamill, and Greg Kinnear, each one giving clever, charming performances. James (Mooney) has been fixated on a children's TV show since childhood--becoming a geeky fan with the adventures of a bear with super powers who can save the planet as well as provide an educational lesson with each episode. When his adopted parents are arrested, he sets out to make a movie continuing the adventures of said Brigsby Bear with the help of new friends, family and police. GRADE--------B+
THE MIDWIFE--France--A smooth, seductive drama with the incomparable Catherine Deneuve as a free spirited woman who comes back into the life of the daughter of her ex lover, played by another French wonder, Catherine Frot, because she has alienated nearly everyone else in her life. The film is pleasurable drama, with intelligence and emotion. GRADE---------B+
ENTANGLEMENT--Canada--A depressed, suicidal young man searches for an adopted sister he never really had in order to set his life on a straighter path, in this romantic comedy/drama that deals with reality, connectedness, and mental health. GRADE-----------B+
BEACH RATS--USA--Low budget, hand held drama about a teen who experiments with drugs and sexuality during a stressful time when his father is dying. He hooks up on line with gay older men, but convinces himself that he loves his patience new girl friend, and hangs out with his macho friends, further denying his sexuality. A very decent effort by a second time female director, who gives this film an honest and engaging feel. GRADE--------------B
MENASCHE--USA/ Israel---This modest character study involves a nebbish widowed Jewish man who is irritatingly religious and annoying in his outlooks, but determined to keep custody of his pre teen son, in spite of the lack of flexibility in his job and the annoyance he causes friends, family and workplace. Filmed in a small Hasidic community in Brooklyn, and all in Yiddish, this hand held film feels quite personal and intimate. GRADE-----------B
THE FORCE---USA--Lots of hand held documentary moments that tell the story of the Oakland police force through a couple of years under investigation for corruption and while trying to retrain the officers to become less racist in their treatment of a large diverse population. GRADE----B-
THE UNKNOWN GIRL--Belgium/France--When a young prostitute is killed in the neighborhood outside a small medical clinic, the young doctor who had refused to open her door because the hour was late feels guilty and tries to find out information about who the victim was. Half way through the film, before the police tell her to stay out of the murder investigation, I was thinking in my mind--"What does this woman think she's doing by putting herself into what's turning into a violent, dangerous, corrupt situation?" Annoying hand held camera work and red herrings detract from over all effect of this engaging but little film from the Dardenne brothers (LA PROMESSE 1996, ROSETTE 1999, KID WITH A BIKE 2011, etc.) GRADE-------B-
THE FABULOUS ALAN CARR--USA--Modestly enjoyable documentary about the flamboyant (read gay) producer/promoter of some famous actors, and such entertainments as GREASE 1 and 2, CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC, and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. GRADE-------B-
SOLITAIRE--Lebanon/Jordon/Egypt----Lebonese woman brings home her groom to be from Syria--her mother hates Syrians since her brother was killed by a Syrian bomb during the war, and sets in comic motion a plan to disrupt the wedding. The film feels static, like a filmed play, and comes across as a "chick flick" in spite of some amusing lines and clever characterizations. GRADE---------B-
THE WEDDING PARTY--Nigeria--Things start to go south early in the day of a wedding--vengeful ex-girl friend seeks to seduce the groom, the best man must be changed, the parents of the couple hate each other, the wedding planner is ineffective, etc. These cliches, and others, are nearly overshadowed by the colorful, musical chaos that the wedding brings, but the film also has to deal with over the top characters and some bad actors. I wished I liked this more, but the film is pretty predictable, despite the exotic locale of middle class Nigeria. GRADE---------C+
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