Friday, February 25, 2011
Gearing up for the Festival
Hey everyone! We are all gearing up for SXSW 2011 and the excitement is building. We will be covering daily here and in full reviews as the week progresses. We would love to hear your comments and to answer any questions.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Final Day, March 20 SXSW 2010
Day 9, Saturday March 20
AMERICAN: THE BILL HICKS STORY
This is the last film of SXSW 2010 that I watched. I returned to the Paramount theater for my final screening early as I had been for most of the other films I previously watched. There were hardly any people in line at first which on one hand was nice because I knew that this meant a guaranteed admission, but on the other hand, felt a little sad because this film deserves a full house of energetic people much like Bill Hicks deserved as a comedian. Fortunately, the lines swelled at the last minute and my wish came true. I would watch this film with an almost full house with a highly energetic audience. Mr. Hicks would have liked this.
William Melvin Hicks was a stand-up comedian who began his career at the age of seventeen at the Comedy Workshop in Houston, Tx. He would emerge as a moderately successful and very controversial comedian in the United States developing more of a cult following. He would enjoy more success as a comic superstar in the UK before his untimely death due to pancreatic cancer at the age of 32. Hicks was controversial for his material which was critical of the United States government, organized religion, and consumerism. Posthumously, Hicks became even more of a cult figure and would become a major influence on future comics.
This film documentary is very unique in its style and presentation. Using animation created by photos taken throughout Hicks’ life, filmmakers Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas recreate key moments in both his personal life and his career. Combining this with interviews of Hicks, his friends, and family along with footage of some of Hicks’ best stand-up performances, the directors create an incredible documentary about this “god” of confrontational humor and social criticism. For fans of Bill Hicks, or those interested in learning about him, this film is a must see. This was my favorite documentary of the SXSW 2010 film festival. Watching it with a very lively crowd who applauded and cheered during some of Hicks’ hilarious and ingenious bits was absolute bliss.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
AMERICAN: THE BILL HICKS STORY
This is the last film of SXSW 2010 that I watched. I returned to the Paramount theater for my final screening early as I had been for most of the other films I previously watched. There were hardly any people in line at first which on one hand was nice because I knew that this meant a guaranteed admission, but on the other hand, felt a little sad because this film deserves a full house of energetic people much like Bill Hicks deserved as a comedian. Fortunately, the lines swelled at the last minute and my wish came true. I would watch this film with an almost full house with a highly energetic audience. Mr. Hicks would have liked this.
William Melvin Hicks was a stand-up comedian who began his career at the age of seventeen at the Comedy Workshop in Houston, Tx. He would emerge as a moderately successful and very controversial comedian in the United States developing more of a cult following. He would enjoy more success as a comic superstar in the UK before his untimely death due to pancreatic cancer at the age of 32. Hicks was controversial for his material which was critical of the United States government, organized religion, and consumerism. Posthumously, Hicks became even more of a cult figure and would become a major influence on future comics.
This film documentary is very unique in its style and presentation. Using animation created by photos taken throughout Hicks’ life, filmmakers Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas recreate key moments in both his personal life and his career. Combining this with interviews of Hicks, his friends, and family along with footage of some of Hicks’ best stand-up performances, the directors create an incredible documentary about this “god” of confrontational humor and social criticism. For fans of Bill Hicks, or those interested in learning about him, this film is a must see. This was my favorite documentary of the SXSW 2010 film festival. Watching it with a very lively crowd who applauded and cheered during some of Hicks’ hilarious and ingenious bits was absolute bliss.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
Mark the Movie Doc's Blog Day 8, March 19
WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE
I missed out on day 7 to attend a regular movie screening (REPO MEN) and get some much needed rest. Friday I was ready to get back into the game and attend more SXSW movie screenings. I have been a big fan of The Doors since my senior year of high school. Oliver Stone’s film bio-pic opened in theaters this year (1991) and this definitely sparked my interest in the band, their charismatic and troubled leader Jim Morrison, and the incredible music they created. Even after watching the film, reading a couple of books about Morrison and the band, acquiring most of their music catalogue, and watching a few documentaries done for video and Vh-1, I was still very excited about attending this documentary about one of my favorite rock groups.
Narrated by Johnny Depp, WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE is probably the best produced documentary about Jim Morrison and The Doors that I have ever seen. It is very comprehensive in scope and contains all of the best clips that I had previously seen as well as some new footage I had never seen. Writer/director Tom DiCillo does an incredible job telling the story of this amazing and enigmatic rock group. Johnny Depp provides some excellent voice-over work as the narrator of this story. For this fan of The Doors and for other die-hard fans, the film doesn’t offer us much new that we haven’t already seen or read but it is still an enjoyable piece to watch. For people who know little about Jim Morrison and The Doors and are interested, it is a must see. It was also an absolute joy to have Doors’ guitarist Robby Krieger in attendance and on stage afterward for the Q & A.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
LEMMY
Considering that the music fest portion of SXSW was now in full swing, it was most appropriate that I view some music documentaries. After watching the film about The Doors, I grabbed some dinner and then returned to the Paramount theater for the next film which is a documentary film about the leader of metal band Motorhead. LEMMY gives audiences a glimpse of the man often dubbed “the godfather of metal”. The film starts in the present time and shows what his personal life and career is like. During various moments of the movie, the film takes a moment to go back in time and tells the audience about Lemmy’s early days as a roadie for the Jimi Hendrix experience and the first bands in which he performed before forming the band Motorhead. It is in this band that Lemmy became a legend and influence for future metal bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer.
Directed by Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski, Lemmy is not the most complete story of a legend, leaving out his background as a child and mainly focusing on his rock career. Still, the film gives audiences some real insight on who the man behind the legend really is. Lemmy Kilmister is very no-nonsense in his approach to music as well as life. He is a simple man who doesn’t live in a fancy mansion but prefers his small L.A. apartment near his favorite hangouts. Peers and friends such as Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Slash, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, and wrestler Triple H make appearances and discuss what a genuine person Lemmy is and the impact he has had on their lives and careers. The godfather himself was present for the screening and was just as genuine in person as he is portrayed in this great documentary.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
I missed out on day 7 to attend a regular movie screening (REPO MEN) and get some much needed rest. Friday I was ready to get back into the game and attend more SXSW movie screenings. I have been a big fan of The Doors since my senior year of high school. Oliver Stone’s film bio-pic opened in theaters this year (1991) and this definitely sparked my interest in the band, their charismatic and troubled leader Jim Morrison, and the incredible music they created. Even after watching the film, reading a couple of books about Morrison and the band, acquiring most of their music catalogue, and watching a few documentaries done for video and Vh-1, I was still very excited about attending this documentary about one of my favorite rock groups.
Narrated by Johnny Depp, WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE is probably the best produced documentary about Jim Morrison and The Doors that I have ever seen. It is very comprehensive in scope and contains all of the best clips that I had previously seen as well as some new footage I had never seen. Writer/director Tom DiCillo does an incredible job telling the story of this amazing and enigmatic rock group. Johnny Depp provides some excellent voice-over work as the narrator of this story. For this fan of The Doors and for other die-hard fans, the film doesn’t offer us much new that we haven’t already seen or read but it is still an enjoyable piece to watch. For people who know little about Jim Morrison and The Doors and are interested, it is a must see. It was also an absolute joy to have Doors’ guitarist Robby Krieger in attendance and on stage afterward for the Q & A.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
LEMMY
Considering that the music fest portion of SXSW was now in full swing, it was most appropriate that I view some music documentaries. After watching the film about The Doors, I grabbed some dinner and then returned to the Paramount theater for the next film which is a documentary film about the leader of metal band Motorhead. LEMMY gives audiences a glimpse of the man often dubbed “the godfather of metal”. The film starts in the present time and shows what his personal life and career is like. During various moments of the movie, the film takes a moment to go back in time and tells the audience about Lemmy’s early days as a roadie for the Jimi Hendrix experience and the first bands in which he performed before forming the band Motorhead. It is in this band that Lemmy became a legend and influence for future metal bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer.
Directed by Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski, Lemmy is not the most complete story of a legend, leaving out his background as a child and mainly focusing on his rock career. Still, the film gives audiences some real insight on who the man behind the legend really is. Lemmy Kilmister is very no-nonsense in his approach to music as well as life. He is a simple man who doesn’t live in a fancy mansion but prefers his small L.A. apartment near his favorite hangouts. Peers and friends such as Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Slash, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, and wrestler Triple H make appearances and discuss what a genuine person Lemmy is and the impact he has had on their lives and careers. The godfather himself was present for the screening and was just as genuine in person as he is portrayed in this great documentary.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Mark the Movie Doc's Blog: Day 6, Wednesday March 17
GET LOW
As I arrived downtown today, I noticed that the increased traffic as well as some of the street closures, and also the masses of people on bicycles and walking the streets on foot. These were the expected indications that the music fest had begun. Still, this did not take much away from the crowd in front of the Paramount in lines awaiting admission to GET LOW. This film marks the feature film debut of Aaron Schneider, but one cannot tell this from watching this excellent motion picture. The film tells the story of a 1930s old hermit who wishes to plan for his death by throwing a funeral “party” before he dies. Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) is the enigmatic hermit who lives with his mule in the quiet woods away from a small town in Tennessee. The town folk, who fear him, like to spread gossip and stories about frightening encounters with Bush.
Bush comes to the realization that he may not be alive much longer so he goes to town to make arrangements for his funeral. After receiving an unsatisfactory response from the church’s Reverend Horton (Gerald McRaney), he turns to the good hearted Buddy (Lucas Black) and the moderately sleazy Frank Quinn (Bill Murray) who both run the local funeral home. Felix wishes to throw a “going-away” party before he actually dies. The problem is that he has few real friends in town and some emotional baggage and issues from his past with which he must come to terms before he dies. While planning the event, Felix struggles with these issues involving former love Mattie Darrow (Sissy Spacek) and and old friend (Bill Cobbs).
So far, this has been the best feature film I’ve seen at SXSW. Director Aaron Schneider does an excellent job recreating the era of the 1930s in Tennessee and bringing the beautifully written script by Chris Provenzano, C. Gaby Mitchell, and Scott Seeke to life. Provenzano who attended the screening mentioned that the story is based on a real Tennessee legend. The writers out did themselves with a lovely story that combines humor, heartbreak, and poignancy. It truly is a very well rounded story and movie that captures real life problems spectacularly. The performances by Duvall, Murray, Spacek, and Black are all truly wonderful. I joyfully sat in the third row of the Paramount Theater and saw these legendary stars up close during the introduction of the film and the Q & A afterward. Murray was hilarious during these moments. It was a joy to experience this film and get a close glimpse of the actors in person. I hope this film receives much accolades during next year’s award season because it definitely deserves it.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
As I arrived downtown today, I noticed that the increased traffic as well as some of the street closures, and also the masses of people on bicycles and walking the streets on foot. These were the expected indications that the music fest had begun. Still, this did not take much away from the crowd in front of the Paramount in lines awaiting admission to GET LOW. This film marks the feature film debut of Aaron Schneider, but one cannot tell this from watching this excellent motion picture. The film tells the story of a 1930s old hermit who wishes to plan for his death by throwing a funeral “party” before he dies. Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) is the enigmatic hermit who lives with his mule in the quiet woods away from a small town in Tennessee. The town folk, who fear him, like to spread gossip and stories about frightening encounters with Bush.
Bush comes to the realization that he may not be alive much longer so he goes to town to make arrangements for his funeral. After receiving an unsatisfactory response from the church’s Reverend Horton (Gerald McRaney), he turns to the good hearted Buddy (Lucas Black) and the moderately sleazy Frank Quinn (Bill Murray) who both run the local funeral home. Felix wishes to throw a “going-away” party before he actually dies. The problem is that he has few real friends in town and some emotional baggage and issues from his past with which he must come to terms before he dies. While planning the event, Felix struggles with these issues involving former love Mattie Darrow (Sissy Spacek) and and old friend (Bill Cobbs).
So far, this has been the best feature film I’ve seen at SXSW. Director Aaron Schneider does an excellent job recreating the era of the 1930s in Tennessee and bringing the beautifully written script by Chris Provenzano, C. Gaby Mitchell, and Scott Seeke to life. Provenzano who attended the screening mentioned that the story is based on a real Tennessee legend. The writers out did themselves with a lovely story that combines humor, heartbreak, and poignancy. It truly is a very well rounded story and movie that captures real life problems spectacularly. The performances by Duvall, Murray, Spacek, and Black are all truly wonderful. I joyfully sat in the third row of the Paramount Theater and saw these legendary stars up close during the introduction of the film and the Q & A afterward. Murray was hilarious during these moments. It was a joy to experience this film and get a close glimpse of the actors in person. I hope this film receives much accolades during next year’s award season because it definitely deserves it.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
Laurie Coker's Blog: SXSW Red Carpet and overall RECAP
Opening night for SXSW always holds a huge air of excitement and even though I ended up on the wait list for the red carpet for the opening feature, 'Kick-Ass,' I arrived early and secured my line on 7th and Congress, which eventually extended down 7th, around the next block and beyond. For me 'Kick-Ass' offered one of the best opening films to date, but my most standards, I'm still an infant SXSWer. 'Kick-Ass' opens on April 19 and at the Q & A following the screening it was wholly apparent that the cast, crew and entire audience was pumped. They offered an excellent after party, free van rides anywhere downtown and logo shirts and key chains, and a spread of food and drink.
Next I had stood on the red carpet interviewing and photographing Patrick Wilson, Chloe Sevigny and director Chris D'Arienzo, who also penned the screenplay. Are three were extremely gracious as we visited and waited to see their film Barry Munday, a comedy about a man who has to lose his "manhood" in order to learn what it is to be a man. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and was even more psyched to meet Wilson, Sevigny, D'Arienzo and co-star, and very funny gal Judy Greer at a round table interview the next day. Sadly, at the moment, 'Barry Munday' has no distributor, but it is an excellent film and I feel certain it will soon. Its characters are endearing, interesting and its theme clear.
After seeing 'Barry Munday,'I moved right to the red carpet for the premier of 'Wake,' meeting its stars Josh Stewart, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Chris Browning. I'd like to say I liked the film, because again the actors showed graciousness and willingness to answer questions. Stewart told me he saw the film as a "powerful thriller' and co-star Browning agreed, stating that is not meant to be a "horror or slasher film." It is not, but I felt the film moved a bit too slowly for my taste in thrillers.
Shortly after, I was standing on the red carpet again with the French director of 'Micmacs'Jean-Pierre Jeunet, a wonderful subtitled, humorous film about a crew of oddball junk dealers and artists who take in a man who has a rightful beef with arms dealers. Jeunet's message is clear and his means for delivering, heartwarming, funny and pleasing.
Within minutes, I stood back in line for 'Cyrus' starring John C. Riley, Jonah Hill and Marisa Tomei, because I once again was wait-listed for the red carpet, but it mattered not, since the next morning I interviewed both Hill and Riley with a few other critics about the funny and entertaining rom-com with a touch of twist - a love story about a woman and the two men in her life - her new boyfriend and her grown son, who does some pretty wacky things to stop the relationship. Not sure when it will hit theatres, but it is worth a look.
The next day, I spoke to Rhys Ifans and Chloe Sevigny (again) about there pairing in 'Mr. Nice,' the story of Britain's most notorious drug smuggler, Howard Marks. Ifans told me he was "thrilled to be cast as Mark,' a man with whom he had a pen pal relationship in his youth. 'Mr. Nice will not please everyone, but it did me. Ifans is wonderful - perfect actually - in it and the story of Marks' dealings and role as a loving father and husband is amazing if nothing else.
Later that nigh I was able to photograph a few of the ladies of 'Electra Luxx' on the red carpet, from a side "seat," but was sorely disappointed when two-thirds of the way through the film, the Paramount projector broke. I have yet to see the end of the film, which is a sequel to last years "Women in Trouble,' by director Sebastian Gutierrez, who along with his cast of beauties (including Carla Gugino and Malin Akerman)attempted to entertain the audience, only to discover that the show would not go on. Electra Luxx, by the way, is a former porn star who is pregnant and now teaching sex ed classes in a community center.
Again, I did not make it on to the red carpet for the next big film 'MacGruber' based on the 'Saturday Night Live' sketch of the same name, but did get to see the cast - Val Kilmer, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe and Will Forte, who obviously LOVED making this film (all that is except for Kilmer, who looked less than enthusiastic about his role as the film's villain. I have to say, I did not enjoy to much about the film, although I did find a few gags funny, but the audience seem to love it and I am assuming the target audience (SNL fans and teens to thirty-some (especially males) will LOVE it.
On Tuesday I met the cast of 'Stateland,' an amazing kind and gracious group of young people - Ashley Greene, Casey LaBow, Bret Cullen, "Taylor Handly, James LeGros, Heath Freeman, lead Shiloh Fernandez and director Anthony Burns. I'd like to say I enjoyed 'Skateland' better than I did, but it moved a bit too slowly for me, as it looked at the live of a young man, trying to find his way in small town Texas. Feeling a great deal like an 80s version of Linklater's "Dazed and Confused,' but without the heartbeat. The kids are awesome and so humble and approachable. I hope the movie does well.
I missed the opening of "Get Low,' starring Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek and Bill Murray, but fellow critics tell me it is a must see. I opted instead to spend time with my grandson and then my pillow.
I have seen several other amazing films, like 'Harry Brown' starring Michael Cane - about a retired man who decides he has had enough of the violence and corruption in his neighborhood. A documentary called 'The Parking Lot Movie' had me laughing and intrigued by the characters (all lot attendants of the Corner Lot) and their philosophies of life, people and the cars they drive. And "Lovers of Hate' a psychological thriller about two brothers, a huge house, and the woman they both love.
I have two more days of SXSW film to see, or not, and plan longer reviews as they enter theatres and art houses. All in all, my SXSW 2010 experience thus far has been a good one. Problems with lines, difficulties in getting from venue to venue and covering as many films as I like, the nightmare of parking and paying high prices for it, the one broken projector and a rainy day haven't dampened my spirit too much, but I am exhausted to be sure.
Next I had stood on the red carpet interviewing and photographing Patrick Wilson, Chloe Sevigny and director Chris D'Arienzo, who also penned the screenplay. Are three were extremely gracious as we visited and waited to see their film Barry Munday, a comedy about a man who has to lose his "manhood" in order to learn what it is to be a man. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and was even more psyched to meet Wilson, Sevigny, D'Arienzo and co-star, and very funny gal Judy Greer at a round table interview the next day. Sadly, at the moment, 'Barry Munday' has no distributor, but it is an excellent film and I feel certain it will soon. Its characters are endearing, interesting and its theme clear.
After seeing 'Barry Munday,'I moved right to the red carpet for the premier of 'Wake,' meeting its stars Josh Stewart, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Chris Browning. I'd like to say I liked the film, because again the actors showed graciousness and willingness to answer questions. Stewart told me he saw the film as a "powerful thriller' and co-star Browning agreed, stating that is not meant to be a "horror or slasher film." It is not, but I felt the film moved a bit too slowly for my taste in thrillers.
Shortly after, I was standing on the red carpet again with the French director of 'Micmacs'Jean-Pierre Jeunet, a wonderful subtitled, humorous film about a crew of oddball junk dealers and artists who take in a man who has a rightful beef with arms dealers. Jeunet's message is clear and his means for delivering, heartwarming, funny and pleasing.
Within minutes, I stood back in line for 'Cyrus' starring John C. Riley, Jonah Hill and Marisa Tomei, because I once again was wait-listed for the red carpet, but it mattered not, since the next morning I interviewed both Hill and Riley with a few other critics about the funny and entertaining rom-com with a touch of twist - a love story about a woman and the two men in her life - her new boyfriend and her grown son, who does some pretty wacky things to stop the relationship. Not sure when it will hit theatres, but it is worth a look.
The next day, I spoke to Rhys Ifans and Chloe Sevigny (again) about there pairing in 'Mr. Nice,' the story of Britain's most notorious drug smuggler, Howard Marks. Ifans told me he was "thrilled to be cast as Mark,' a man with whom he had a pen pal relationship in his youth. 'Mr. Nice will not please everyone, but it did me. Ifans is wonderful - perfect actually - in it and the story of Marks' dealings and role as a loving father and husband is amazing if nothing else.
Later that nigh I was able to photograph a few of the ladies of 'Electra Luxx' on the red carpet, from a side "seat," but was sorely disappointed when two-thirds of the way through the film, the Paramount projector broke. I have yet to see the end of the film, which is a sequel to last years "Women in Trouble,' by director Sebastian Gutierrez, who along with his cast of beauties (including Carla Gugino and Malin Akerman)attempted to entertain the audience, only to discover that the show would not go on. Electra Luxx, by the way, is a former porn star who is pregnant and now teaching sex ed classes in a community center.
Again, I did not make it on to the red carpet for the next big film 'MacGruber' based on the 'Saturday Night Live' sketch of the same name, but did get to see the cast - Val Kilmer, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe and Will Forte, who obviously LOVED making this film (all that is except for Kilmer, who looked less than enthusiastic about his role as the film's villain. I have to say, I did not enjoy to much about the film, although I did find a few gags funny, but the audience seem to love it and I am assuming the target audience (SNL fans and teens to thirty-some (especially males) will LOVE it.
On Tuesday I met the cast of 'Stateland,' an amazing kind and gracious group of young people - Ashley Greene, Casey LaBow, Bret Cullen, "Taylor Handly, James LeGros, Heath Freeman, lead Shiloh Fernandez and director Anthony Burns. I'd like to say I enjoyed 'Skateland' better than I did, but it moved a bit too slowly for me, as it looked at the live of a young man, trying to find his way in small town Texas. Feeling a great deal like an 80s version of Linklater's "Dazed and Confused,' but without the heartbeat. The kids are awesome and so humble and approachable. I hope the movie does well.
I missed the opening of "Get Low,' starring Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek and Bill Murray, but fellow critics tell me it is a must see. I opted instead to spend time with my grandson and then my pillow.
I have seen several other amazing films, like 'Harry Brown' starring Michael Cane - about a retired man who decides he has had enough of the violence and corruption in his neighborhood. A documentary called 'The Parking Lot Movie' had me laughing and intrigued by the characters (all lot attendants of the Corner Lot) and their philosophies of life, people and the cars they drive. And "Lovers of Hate' a psychological thriller about two brothers, a huge house, and the woman they both love.
I have two more days of SXSW film to see, or not, and plan longer reviews as they enter theatres and art houses. All in all, my SXSW 2010 experience thus far has been a good one. Problems with lines, difficulties in getting from venue to venue and covering as many films as I like, the nightmare of parking and paying high prices for it, the one broken projector and a rainy day haven't dampened my spirit too much, but I am exhausted to be sure.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Laurie Coker's Blog: This Movie is Broken at SXSW
Just ask my husband. I do not like watching concerts on film or television. Unless the movie has some special draw, like I just want to share the experience with him because he LOVES music, I avoid concerts what are not live. I also have a huge problem with most music videos. At it is SXSW world premier, ‘The Movie is Broken,’ is basically a long, long music video with a tiny, interesting but all too brief story woven in between songs, performed in concert format by Toronto’s famous Indy rock band “Broken Social Scene”. Directed by Bruce McDonald and written my Don McKeller, ‘This Movie is Broken’ had me engrossed in the story of its characters, but since the film’s main footage shows the band in performance, I felt frustrated and dissatisfied. BUT, I did like the story, what little there was of it.
The love story involves Bruno (Greg Calderone) and Caroline (Georgina Reilly) a young man and woman who grew up together and are best friends, who wake up on his roof after a night of passion and who plan to attend a concert together the same night. Bruno wants to flesh out the relationship – becoming more than friends – but he only has one night, since Caroline is head to Paris the next day. We also meet Blake (Kerr Hewitt), Bruno’s male friend and the trio ends up at a concert by “Broken Social Scene.” The music is far too loud, the conversation far to quiet and frankly too limited and when Bruno does profess his love, Caroline bolts, leaving the two fellows to attend the after concert party alone. Truth is, I liked the relationship aspect of the film – even when it went terribly and weirdly off the rock – but the music, while actually very good, overwhelmed it to the point of utter distraction. Yes, “Broken Social Scene’s” music is pleasing, but its songs as appealing as they are, are far too long for a film that is supposed to involve a story too.
The four people I sat with for the screening range in age from 16 to say 20 and one fell asleep – in fairness she volunteers at SXSW and the schedule is grueling – one was as frustrated as I, saying “this movie IS broken”, another kept her mouth shut, and the last, the only male, enjoyed the experience a great deal, even explaining what I might have missed. I did not overlook any of the story really, not even entirely surprised at a shocking twist, but I simply wanted more story and less (and quieter) music.
I know ‘This Movie is Broken” will please fans of the band for sure. As a concert film, it is fine, but it is not slated as such, and as I said, I do not enjoy un-live music. It is supposed to be a dramatic love story. The story is decent and actually interesting enough, especially with the weird turn of events in the final scene, but this is a case where I appreciate the parts, but do not like the end result of the two together. Giving a grade for “This Movie is Broken” is difficult for me. If I give the concert aspect an B- and the too short story a C- (I needed MORE), then the average is C, so that is what I give it. Lame of me to calculate, but I think it helps to make my point.
The love story involves Bruno (Greg Calderone) and Caroline (Georgina Reilly) a young man and woman who grew up together and are best friends, who wake up on his roof after a night of passion and who plan to attend a concert together the same night. Bruno wants to flesh out the relationship – becoming more than friends – but he only has one night, since Caroline is head to Paris the next day. We also meet Blake (Kerr Hewitt), Bruno’s male friend and the trio ends up at a concert by “Broken Social Scene.” The music is far too loud, the conversation far to quiet and frankly too limited and when Bruno does profess his love, Caroline bolts, leaving the two fellows to attend the after concert party alone. Truth is, I liked the relationship aspect of the film – even when it went terribly and weirdly off the rock – but the music, while actually very good, overwhelmed it to the point of utter distraction. Yes, “Broken Social Scene’s” music is pleasing, but its songs as appealing as they are, are far too long for a film that is supposed to involve a story too.
The four people I sat with for the screening range in age from 16 to say 20 and one fell asleep – in fairness she volunteers at SXSW and the schedule is grueling – one was as frustrated as I, saying “this movie IS broken”, another kept her mouth shut, and the last, the only male, enjoyed the experience a great deal, even explaining what I might have missed. I did not overlook any of the story really, not even entirely surprised at a shocking twist, but I simply wanted more story and less (and quieter) music.
I know ‘This Movie is Broken” will please fans of the band for sure. As a concert film, it is fine, but it is not slated as such, and as I said, I do not enjoy un-live music. It is supposed to be a dramatic love story. The story is decent and actually interesting enough, especially with the weird turn of events in the final scene, but this is a case where I appreciate the parts, but do not like the end result of the two together. Giving a grade for “This Movie is Broken” is difficult for me. If I give the concert aspect an B- and the too short story a C- (I needed MORE), then the average is C, so that is what I give it. Lame of me to calculate, but I think it helps to make my point.
Laurie Coker's Blog: Mr. Nice at SXSW
Mr. Nice, an ironic name for one of Britain’s most notorious “criminals,” but that indeed an alias for drug dealer (marijuana) entrepreneur, Howard Marks, a man’s whose life is chronicled in ‘Mr. Nice,’ I was fortunate to see at SXSW 2010 and to meet its stars on the red carpet. Rhys Ifans, who stars as Marks, told me that he was excited to have the role, since he knew Marks personally, through pen pal relationship and felt honored to fill his shoes. Director/ writer Bernard Rose took on the project because he did not see Marks as a criminal, even though British and American authorities did. I will stay out of that debate, but am delighted that I had the opportunity to see the film.
‘Mr Nice’ is based on the bestselling autobiography by Howard Marks, who became one of the UK’s largest drug smugglers, who ran his business out of a dress shop at one time and who married and had three daughters and a son, before he finally was arrested and jailed. The film follows Marks from his youth, with Ifans playing all ages before and after he moves away from home to study at Oxford and Sussex Universities and into his days in prison. His fame came following his release from an American penitentiary after being convicted and serving seven years, for international drug-smuggling offenses. He claims to have connections with MI6, the IRA, and the Mafia, but the movie only touches on these aspects of Marks’ life, focusing rather on Marks’ the intellectual, the master businessman, the drug smuggler and most clearly the father and husband, who truly loves his family.
Ifans is wonderful in the role and even if he played all age levels of Marks, several for which he is far too old. I don’t know anything about Marks’, but Ifans gives us a character who on one hand knowingly breaks the law, but justifies it with the obvious love for and the desire to take care of a provide for his family. His character is indeed a paradox – both criminal and loving family man. I suppose, if I look closely, it is in his family that Marks’ finds his validation for making gobs and gobs of money selling trafficking marijuana – that and the fact that he saw the illegalization of cannabis unwarranted.
Gracious and pretty Chloë Sevigny, who stars as Judy Marks, Howard’s wife, a woman who loves her husband dearly, but is frightened to lose him, told me that “tortured wife” was easy to play given her costar and the circumstances of the story. Sevigny looks and acts every bit the part, although she appeared to struggle with the British accent. She told me she “enjoyed the opportunity to try the accent.” Judy’s personality has her speaking up infrequently, at least in my opinion, so while I was wholly impressed with the actress’s portrayal of Mrs. Marks, I think the accent was too subtle and mainly unrecognizable or notable. I wonder why, in many cases it seems easy for British or Australian actors to do an American accent, but so much more difficult for Americans to pull off other accents – ah, I digress to one of my peeves.
Every actor in ‘Mr. Nice’ does an amazing job. The realism of costumes and sets and feel of the periods and locations covered are ideal – transporting the audience into life and times of it characters. David Thewlis, who was not at SXSW with the others, adds fire and sparks as an IRA member, Jim McCann, collaborates with Marks, all the while fighting for his own battles. I suppose what impressed me most about Howard Marks (from what I gathered watching ‘Mr. Nice’) is in the way that the man’s technical brilliance of his networking skills, in a time when there were no computers, social networks, or cell phone allowed him to trafficking an amazing volume of marijuana - smoked all over the world – a great deal of it by Marks himself apparently.
The young woman who watched the screening with me enjoyed the film as well and she’s decades younger than I (though old enough for an R film), so I feel the R-rated ‘Mr. Nice’ will find a wide audience. Sure part of the excitement for me came from sharing the experience at SXSW, with members of the cast and crew and 1200 other pumped up movie goers. A B is what I am putting in my grade book for ‘Mr. Nice.’ It has its flaws, but seems very true to form for the type of life Marks lived back then.
Mark the Movie Doc's Blog: Day 5, Tuesday March 16
HARRY BROWN
This one was a pretty straightforward screening with little hoopla. There were no celebrities, involved in the making of this film, present for this screening. Still the crowds lined up like they have been for the past few days. This particular film, directed by Daniel Barber and written by Gary Young stars Michael Caine as a lonely geriatric British gentleman who goes on a path of bloody vengeance to eliminate the teenage hooligans who murdered his best friend. Caine’s performance is magnificent. He perfectly portrays all the emotions of a broken man brought to the edge and dives over it. The director Daniel Barber through some dark and gritty cinematography by Martin Ruhe captures the mood of the film involving an otherwise good hearted protagonist who embraces his dark side to counter the evil in his neighborhood.
Also effective in the film is the work of the sound crew who really outdo themselves in the sound mixing and editing of the film. The gun shots ring loud, almost as loud as being there. Almost every time a gun fires I and few audience members who I noticed jumped. The film also stars Emily Mortimer as police detective Alice Frampton who is investigating the recent onset of violence in Brown’s neighborhood including the murder of his friend Leonard (David Bradley). Mortimer’s offers a great performance of a woman who is disrespected by her male superiors and must prove herself on through heroic measures. Overall, I really enjoyed this film which although is not entirely original (similar to GRAN TORINO and LAW ABIDING CITIZEN) but is still thrilling and compelling through effective story telling and great performances by the cast.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE
Following HARRY BROWN, I trekked over to the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar to get in line for AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE. This was the perfect location to end my evening because I was hungry and was in the mood for a couple of pints of draft beer. “Grindhouse” cinema and the appreciation of it has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years thanks to directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez who have named several movies from this school of filmmaking as key influences in their careers. Quentin’s famous film festivals usually showcase his favorites from grindhouse/exploitation movies from mostly the seventies era. Both Tarantino and Rodriguez attempted to capture the experience with their double feature project titled GRINDHOUSE, complete with fake trailers. As a child of the seventies and eighties, I remember some of the golden nuggets of trashy cinema which usually encompassed the action, horror, and soft core genres.
So naturally I could not miss this very educational documentary which is a wonderfully comprehensive history of grindhouse cinema. Director Elijah Drenner takes his audience through various clips and interviews with directors involved in this movement of film. Starting with the early films of Thomas Edison and ending his history lesson in the early 1980s, Drenner’s lesson is probably somewhat incomplete but still excellent nevertheless. The Drenner and his crew do a spectacular job arranging this study both chronologically and also according to the different styles and sub-genres. For the movie doc who is still in the process of studying film, this movie was very educational. I actually took notes in the darkness of the theater writing down all the films discussed that caught my interest. I recommend this documentary for fans of exploitation cinema or people who find much amusement in bad movies. So far, this is my favorite documentary of the festival.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
This one was a pretty straightforward screening with little hoopla. There were no celebrities, involved in the making of this film, present for this screening. Still the crowds lined up like they have been for the past few days. This particular film, directed by Daniel Barber and written by Gary Young stars Michael Caine as a lonely geriatric British gentleman who goes on a path of bloody vengeance to eliminate the teenage hooligans who murdered his best friend. Caine’s performance is magnificent. He perfectly portrays all the emotions of a broken man brought to the edge and dives over it. The director Daniel Barber through some dark and gritty cinematography by Martin Ruhe captures the mood of the film involving an otherwise good hearted protagonist who embraces his dark side to counter the evil in his neighborhood.
Also effective in the film is the work of the sound crew who really outdo themselves in the sound mixing and editing of the film. The gun shots ring loud, almost as loud as being there. Almost every time a gun fires I and few audience members who I noticed jumped. The film also stars Emily Mortimer as police detective Alice Frampton who is investigating the recent onset of violence in Brown’s neighborhood including the murder of his friend Leonard (David Bradley). Mortimer’s offers a great performance of a woman who is disrespected by her male superiors and must prove herself on through heroic measures. Overall, I really enjoyed this film which although is not entirely original (similar to GRAN TORINO and LAW ABIDING CITIZEN) but is still thrilling and compelling through effective story telling and great performances by the cast.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE
Following HARRY BROWN, I trekked over to the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar to get in line for AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE. This was the perfect location to end my evening because I was hungry and was in the mood for a couple of pints of draft beer. “Grindhouse” cinema and the appreciation of it has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years thanks to directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez who have named several movies from this school of filmmaking as key influences in their careers. Quentin’s famous film festivals usually showcase his favorites from grindhouse/exploitation movies from mostly the seventies era. Both Tarantino and Rodriguez attempted to capture the experience with their double feature project titled GRINDHOUSE, complete with fake trailers. As a child of the seventies and eighties, I remember some of the golden nuggets of trashy cinema which usually encompassed the action, horror, and soft core genres.
So naturally I could not miss this very educational documentary which is a wonderfully comprehensive history of grindhouse cinema. Director Elijah Drenner takes his audience through various clips and interviews with directors involved in this movement of film. Starting with the early films of Thomas Edison and ending his history lesson in the early 1980s, Drenner’s lesson is probably somewhat incomplete but still excellent nevertheless. The Drenner and his crew do a spectacular job arranging this study both chronologically and also according to the different styles and sub-genres. For the movie doc who is still in the process of studying film, this movie was very educational. I actually took notes in the darkness of the theater writing down all the films discussed that caught my interest. I recommend this documentary for fans of exploitation cinema or people who find much amusement in bad movies. So far, this is my favorite documentary of the festival.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FOUR)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Halfway point: Mark's first timer take on SXSW 2010
It is Tuesday March 16, day five of the world famous film festival that has helped put our beloved city of Austin, Texas on the map. I’m a little tired and still adjusting to sometimes hectic pace, the crowds, and the long waits in line to see movies. This is my first year to participate in the fun, madness, and mayhem of the festival which according to my associates and other veterans has grown immensely in recent years. Long are the days when festival badge holders casually sauntered in a theater at their leisure to view a film.
This year, even the badge holder lines are insanely long, especially for red carpet premieres at the Paramount Theater. As for the Movie doc, I applied early for my press badge but was denied because of the high demand for this coveted ID. I settled for the seventy dollar press pass because I honestly could not fathom spending three hundred dollars on a badge when I was only interested in the films and not any of the other programs. For the most part, this pass has been a good investment. Since opening night, I have watched a total of six films, one of which was through a press invite that didn’t require my pass. I am hoping to watch at least eight more films. If things go as planned--which honestly they haven’t but I’m hoping and praying—I will end the festival after having watched fourteen films. Divide this by seventy and that equals five dollars a movie. That is one hell of a bargain these days! Throw in some celebrity viewing along with some fun Q&A sessions at the end of most films and one will have a great investment.
This year, even the badge holder lines are insanely long, especially for red carpet premieres at the Paramount Theater. As for the Movie doc, I applied early for my press badge but was denied because of the high demand for this coveted ID. I settled for the seventy dollar press pass because I honestly could not fathom spending three hundred dollars on a badge when I was only interested in the films and not any of the other programs. For the most part, this pass has been a good investment. Since opening night, I have watched a total of six films, one of which was through a press invite that didn’t require my pass. I am hoping to watch at least eight more films. If things go as planned--which honestly they haven’t but I’m hoping and praying—I will end the festival after having watched fourteen films. Divide this by seventy and that equals five dollars a movie. That is one hell of a bargain these days! Throw in some celebrity viewing along with some fun Q&A sessions at the end of most films and one will have a great investment.
Mark the Movie Doc's Blog: Day 3, Sunday March 14
ELEKTRA LUXX
Once again, I returned to more long lines at the Paramount Theater but have become used to this scene. I spoke to a nice young lady behind me in line and we kept each other company while we waited about two hours for ELEKTRA LUXX. We managed to get descent seats in the balcony area which actually isn’t so bad. The seating is similar to the stadium setup in most modern theaters except that it is higher up. We were treated to writer/director Sebastian Gutierrez’s latest installment in a planned trilogy. ELEKTRA LUXX is the second chapter following his film WOMEN IN TROUBLE. Starring his girlfriend, the lovely Carla Gugino, as the title character, the film follows an ex-porn star’s life as she is trying to adjust to being out of the business and prepare for her unexpected pregnancy. I had not seen the first film in this series but I had no trouble following the story when there are allusions and references to the first installment. The film is hilarious but also very R-rated. Of course, one should understand that a story about a former porn actor and her friends and other associates is not G, PG, or even PG-13 material.
Gugino is amazing in this role. Gutierrez also has a great supporting cast in Emanuelle Chriqui, Timothy Olyphant, and Marley Shelton. Two actors really stole the show with their hilarious performances. Joseph Gordon Levitt is crazy funny as porn blogger Bert Rodriguez, a wanna-be porn critic/reporter who is trying to run a website out of his mom’s basement. Also hilarious is Adrianne Palicki as Holly Rocket, an extremely dumb-blonde porn actress. She is given some of the best comic material in the movie which is performed beautifully. Alas, I did not get to finish watching the film. The movie was interrupted when the projector at the theater died. The SXSW people rescheduled the film for the next day but I had a scheduling conflict and was not able to attend. I hope to catch this movie either in theaters or on DVD. Because of the risqué and raunchy content this film is not for everyone but for those who can handle it, I think it is worth a viewing and that’s because I didn’t get to finish the film.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FOUR) SO FAR
Once again, I returned to more long lines at the Paramount Theater but have become used to this scene. I spoke to a nice young lady behind me in line and we kept each other company while we waited about two hours for ELEKTRA LUXX. We managed to get descent seats in the balcony area which actually isn’t so bad. The seating is similar to the stadium setup in most modern theaters except that it is higher up. We were treated to writer/director Sebastian Gutierrez’s latest installment in a planned trilogy. ELEKTRA LUXX is the second chapter following his film WOMEN IN TROUBLE. Starring his girlfriend, the lovely Carla Gugino, as the title character, the film follows an ex-porn star’s life as she is trying to adjust to being out of the business and prepare for her unexpected pregnancy. I had not seen the first film in this series but I had no trouble following the story when there are allusions and references to the first installment. The film is hilarious but also very R-rated. Of course, one should understand that a story about a former porn actor and her friends and other associates is not G, PG, or even PG-13 material.
Gugino is amazing in this role. Gutierrez also has a great supporting cast in Emanuelle Chriqui, Timothy Olyphant, and Marley Shelton. Two actors really stole the show with their hilarious performances. Joseph Gordon Levitt is crazy funny as porn blogger Bert Rodriguez, a wanna-be porn critic/reporter who is trying to run a website out of his mom’s basement. Also hilarious is Adrianne Palicki as Holly Rocket, an extremely dumb-blonde porn actress. She is given some of the best comic material in the movie which is performed beautifully. Alas, I did not get to finish watching the film. The movie was interrupted when the projector at the theater died. The SXSW people rescheduled the film for the next day but I had a scheduling conflict and was not able to attend. I hope to catch this movie either in theaters or on DVD. Because of the risqué and raunchy content this film is not for everyone but for those who can handle it, I think it is worth a viewing and that’s because I didn’t get to finish the film.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FOUR) SO FAR
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