| | It's late and we saw 4 films today after class this morning so it was boom, boom, boom, boom. Not that I'm complaining...but still. I'm tired now so the summaries will be brief.
* * *
The Mysteries of Pittsburgh
The weakest film of the day, yes, but still a good one. Not as emotionally engaging as the other three but still worth the ticket. Peter Saarsgard is in it and he's brilliant as usual. It's a coming-of-age story for a wealthy son who's just finished college and is about to go out into the real world. The only thing is, he meets two free-spirited lovers in Pittsburgh who change his path and his mind on a number of things, as the summer goes along. It could've been so much better but strong performance, strong visuals and making Pittsburgh look as beautiful as it can be, gives the film its 'oomph.' Neville's Grade: C+
* * *
The Wackness
Ben Kingsley in the nuttiest performance of his career, no doubt, as a psychiatrist who gives sessions to a recent high school graduate in exchange for weed. This is also a coming-of-age tale but it's one set (surprisingly and wonderfully) in 1994. This is the era. And this is why this film is becoming such a hit at Sundance with the 24-35 crowd. Why? Because we love Notorious B.I.G., we listened to all the music the film has on its soundtrack back in our high school days. Still, the movie works as a great comedy, a coming-of-age tale (but for mature audiences for sure--not for kids) and as reaffirmation of hope in people. From parents who aren't perfect to friendships that are born out of a need and longing for one another. Once again, this is one of the many (what I'm calling) "Ecclesiastes" movies at Sundance 2008. A powerful story that will be out in theaters this summer (no doubt....word!). You'll get that joke when you see it for yourself. Neville's Grade: B+
* * *
Frozen River
Some movies come out of nowhere and knock you off your feet. Frozen River just about does that. It's the story of two poor women---one white, one Native American---who both find each other out of selfishness and abandonment. At first, all they want is money. Whatever the other can do to help them get this is all that matters. But later, things change. Smuggling people in America is the theme and it's set against the true-life backdrop of a Native American land in upstate New York where people cross the border often, transporting people in the trunks of their car. And they do it across a frozen river. The performances by all are hot, the direction is solid and the movie is the antithesis of your normal independent film. Why? Because it's about compassion, about grace and mercy and most shockingly, sacrifice. The best drama I've seen at Sundance probably. Neville's Grade: A-
* * *
The Visitor
Remember that little movie from 2003 that won the hearts of everyone at Sundance and all around the world? Its name was The Station Agent. And the director is back with a film so pure, so original, so deftly profound in its use of simple, everyday people and visuals, I almost couldn't get the lump out of my throat by the film's end. More moving than his previous film, for sure, The Visitor is about illegal immigration. Actually, that's not true. That may be what some people will tell you but it's not all about that. There's so much more here---every musician or artist who likes to create music must see this film---and so much rhythm to be found on the screen, it almost takes your breath away. Also, this is the only film I've been to at Sundance that received a 1200+ audience member standing ovation after the film's end. With thunderous applause that lasted for over a minute--maybe even two--this clearly reflected the political and the personal. The great Richard Jenkins leads this extraordinary cast. Basically, you must see this in April when it's scheduled to be released. A fantastic picture of community---and the Church, really---and the rhythms we must all learn to live inside. Neville's Grade: A
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As you can see, the films just kept getting better. More tomorrow.
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| | Posted 1/24/2008 3:33 AM - 53 Views - 0 eProps - 0 comments
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