Hey folks, Harry here... KC Gal always comes through year after year with Sundance, and last year, Jon Favreau thanked me for the review she offered up on the film he had at Sundance.... apparently he felt that her words helped make a difference. Well, she's here to make a difference again, and I'm with her on the ride.... Here ya go....
KC GAL here at Sundance again. We are seeing tons of films - 4-5 a day. First film I saw was My First Mister. I think maybe your AICN reviewer Hallie has gotten too much of that potent Arizona sun. This was one of the most moving and freshest films I've seen in a long time.
I saw the premiere of My First Mister in Park City. Despite that it was shown at 9:45 in the morning, almost the entire Eccles Theater (an enormous venue) was sniffling and fighting back tears throughout much of the film. It was the only film in which I personally have shed a tear - ever. I don't want to spoil it - it's not that it is sad, just beautifully written, directed and very moving. Christine Lahti's well-deserved standing ovation she received at the sold-out showing (about 1500 seats) supports her likely promising future as a feature-film director. The dialogue was creative and credible - which was a splendid surprise considering the two main characters are a lonely, depressed, heavily-pierced, Gothic teenager, Jennifer (played by Leelee Sobieski), and a middle-aged anal-retentive clothing store manager, Randall (Albert Brooks). I felt skeptical about believing that these two main characters could ever connect.
It is obvious that this is exactly what the film intends. While on the surface, their outside appearances and age difference make a bond between them seem doubtful, we gradually witness how their social fears and idiosyncrasies draw them together - and they learn that they have more in common than they could have imagined.
They are both loners whose paths surprisingly cross, and they grow to need and love eachother. Their unlikely relationship is very convincing - due to the way in which Jill Franklyn, the screenwriter, and Lahti carefully develop it. There is nothing cliched about this film. Sobieski is amazingly talented (and very transformed in this film). At times she is reminiscent of a younger Helen Hunt. Brooks is sweet, humorous and lovable, while smaller performances by Carol Kane as Jennifer's mother and John Goodman as her father were impressive and amusing. I think if you asked any of the other members of the sold-out Sundance audience who stood on their feet to applaud this film - they would concur that they loved My First Mister.
I applaud Sundance for premiering this touching indie-feeling film on Opening Night. I would have been happy leaving the film festival after My First Mister if this were the only film I had seen here. Five out of five stars.
KC GAL at Sundance here. Just saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch. It is awesome.
The writer/director/actor/singer John Cameron Mitchell is incredibly talented. He plays a dragqueen singer who was born in East Berlin and ends up moving to the States where he eventually tours with his rock and roll/punk band. He received a sold-out standing ovation at the premiere at Eccles (over 1500 people). This story was originally designed for theater, but Mitchell translated it well onto film. Could be the next Rocky Horror.
The music is original and catchy. Can't wait for the soundtrack. This is a must-see!
Will write more later. Have seen 15 films so far!
KC GAL
