Hey folks, Harry here... still no word from Robie and Moriarty... the tables might've treated them rough in Vegas. Perhaps they found the stripper with a heart of gold and now they are married with 3.6 kids and a dog and a cat... but that's why I reached out to folks like you.... Like Hallie here... She starts us off with a warning about the debut kickoff flick of Sundance... MY FIRST MISTER as being cliche... and then tells us about two we should keep our eyes open for... READ ON...
Hola Harry!
I'm a huge movie fan who makes the trek to Park City every year from my little nook in Arizona. It doesn't look like there are any "big" movies this year, like BWP, but lots of fun indies. I've watched three already and wanted to send the reviews to you...
Anyway, on to those reviews I promised.
My First Mister
Okay, this is THE premiere film. This is Christine Lahti's shining moment. This is supposed to be the film that has everyone talking. Well, I sure was last night. I was bitching about how wretched this piece of celluoid was.
Can you say cliche? Sobieski plays Jennifer the dressed in black, pierced hottie. Brooks plays her nerdy boss, Randall. Do you think they'll fall for each other? Is this a movie, of course they will! I've read that this film is supposed to be touching, moving, amusing, and dazzling. It wasn't touching, it was stomach-turning. It wasn't moving, it was ludicrous. It wasn't amusing, except in the ham-handed direction. It wasn't dazzling, except in it's failure. I don't even want to think about this film any more. Such a waste of an evening. How did they pick this movie to open the festival. Just more evidence that Sundance is selling out to big names, and doesn't give a crap about the STORY. The only bright spot was a very nice score. Directed by Christine Lahti. Written by Jill Franklin. Save your money and rent Harold and Maude! I looked, but couldn't find a website. 1 star.
The next film I saw wasn't an official selection to the fest. It was one of those movies shown by guys who flew to Park city on their own dime and rented a theatre. This on was called "High Point" and I went to see it because they gave me a free hat, and there wasn't much else to do at 1 in the morning. So, this is a drama/thriller with a pretty standard story. A group of friends go to a cabin play some cards, and then decide to illegally shoot forest animals. Surprise, one of them is shot and dies and the others cover it up. Nothing unique about the set-up, but I was surprised by this little move as it progress. Raffi(Chad Whitson)the main character, begins to crack, thinking that everyone's out to get him. No one believes him, even his wife Toby(Kim Marsh).
It developed into a really study of guilt and paranoia. One of the best I've seen the genre. I was reminded of "Affliction", but this isn't a downer like that was. Lots of twists, good performances, and a truly haunting ending. Whitson should have a nice career, as should Chip Hajel, who plays the guy who got killed. Written and directed by Tony Urban. Not bad for a freebie. EpicFilms.Tv 4 of 5 stars.
I got up early today to see a short, Erased. This little docu details the aging process. Doesn't exactly sound like exciting cinema, huh? Well I was wrong, and this was an extremely moving piece. Filmmaker Jay Rosenstein combines old home movies and answering machine messages to show the changes in his own mother as the years overtook her. I really can't express how touching this was. Wish I could write more, but it was REALLY short, like 5 minutes I think. Great performance of Shalmon Aliechem by Dave Grisman. Do whatever it takes to see this movie! Anyone who loves their mother will love this. Sorry I couldn't find a website for this one either. 5 of 5.
That's all for now, Harry. I'll be out all afternoon and night watching films. Will have more of these for ya tomorrow.
Adios,
Hallie
