Austin Underground Film Festival Announced

3rd Annual Festival @ Salvage Vanguard Theater
Friday, December 19th

From the press release yesterday:

"In their ongoing mission to excavate the greatest finds in subterranean sinema history, the archaeologists behind the 3rd Annual AUSTIN UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL have delved deeper into the darkest recesses of the global brain's collective unconscious than ever before to bring you stop-motion Argentinian graffiti bombings, Mexican revenge odysseys, Maltese gypsy documentaries and frank portraits of disaffected Parisian youth. Tales of animated lunacy, feminist go-go dancers and gore-soaked backyard kung fu epics will scorch your eyeballs from their sockets as you beg for a swift and merciful death which will never come. Then, just when ou're nihilistically adrift in the final throes of a celluloid-induced existential crisis and questioning all that you hold dear, they rescue you from the brink of the abyss and restore your faith in the fundamental decency of the human race with sketch comedy noir, no-budget 80s music video kitsch and Iranian love stories set in warn-torn Afghanistan. Usher in the new year with classic retrospectives, studies in obscurantism, and brand new stick figure pathos by the master Don Hertzfeldt, plus tributes to Metal Slug, William Burroughs and Don Knotts.

Ryan Sambol, The Strange Boys @ Emo's Lounge 24/11/07 (Photo by Danna Williams)

Rock 'n' roll after party with HACIENDA, whose new album, produced by The Black Keys, has the critics gasping for superlatives, and THE STRANGE BOYS, whose new album Austin Scaggs of Rolling Stone describes merely as "the shit." B.Y.O. Beer, Liquor, 'Tussin, or whatever poison
gets your teenage kicks. Mingle with starving filmmakers! Drink wine from a cup inside one of East Austin's premiere venues! Observe real-life hipsters in their natural habitat and gain their trust by dropping words like "parallax" and "verite" until you move freely among them and feel like a discriminating member of the cognoscenti!"

With falafels by Ararat and cookies by Starlet Sweets. Salvage Vanguard Theater doors open at 6pm, pre-show 6:30, films @ 7:00. BYOB after party with The Strange Boys and Hacienda.

Read about The Strange Boys, from Rolling Stone on Dec. 3rd '08:
http://www.rollingstone.com/blogs/smokingsection/2008/12/our-new-favorite-band-the-stra.php

All ages, limited seating, advance tickets available now at www.AustinUndergroundFilm.com. Get directions here.

Mark your calendars for an engaging evening of local underground film culture.

KTC Movie Challenge!

Swedish Sleeper 'Let The Right One In' vs. Mega-hyped 'Twilight'

Let The Right One In is arguably the best horror/thriller film of 2008. It was one of our picks for Fantastic Fest in September (ultimately winning the Best Horror Feature prize), and it is receiving a little buzz from critics and lucky festival circuit attendees. (See 98% approval rating @ Rotten Tomatoes.) The Swedish import is a vampire story wrapped in a universal story about children growing up - facing bullies, wanting revenge - and an endearing tween romance. The movie is a deft adaptation by the author of the novel Let Me In, John Ajvide Lindqvist, and it opened to general audiences on November 10th. If you miss the limited release at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (South Lamar), buy the book at stores like BookPeople or Borders, then buy the film on DVD or Blu-Ray - or see it at the nearest discount cinema if you're lucky enough to have one in your area. It hasn't been confirmed, but the movie may be in development as an American adaptation in 2010, which means I'll probably recommend you skip it in favor of the original in a couple of years.

But as great as it is, Let The Right One In isn't a box office match for Twilight, the highly publicized movie starring an up and coming hipster hottie and based on a Y.A. novel series by Stephenie Meyer. My sister's teen step-daughter who visited with us after Thanksgiving Day wanted to see the movie, but like me, she's compelled to read the book(s) first. So my brother-in-law bought her a couple of the books from the nearest Wal-Mart last weekend. Maybe we can see the movie when she returns to visit at the nearest discount cinema, because as curious as I am about the movie, I refuse to pay full price only to want a refund. (See 44% approval rating @ Rotten Tomatoes.) I'm vaguely familiar with the film's (and book's) premise: a likeable teenage heroine in love with a vampire disguised as a high school student who must contend with a rogue band of vampires as well as his own lust for blood.

Like TTYL, I'm sure the Twilight books are destined to be banned at Round Rock, TX schools soon, but kids (and adults) can buy it at BookPeople or Borders too. Twilight the movie is good enough for big budget Hollywood and audiences who want lots of action and teen hormone heat, but don't want any subtle surprises in a horror flick. However, if you want something of substance that will challenge your concept of what makes a good - or great - horror movie, then skip the publicity plagued teenage fantasy and see a movie destined to become a timeless horror classic - Let The Right One In.

KTC Ratings

Let The Right One In

(4 out of 5 swords)

Twilight

(2 out of 5 swords)

Have fun at the movies this weekend, whatever you watch.

Addendum: After a short debate, we've decided to nix the half sword ratings. When the mood strikes us, we'll post movie challenges on Thursdays - at least once a month. It's been a while since our last blog about all things movie related, so look for a Sweet Release blog soon... Next Tuesday?

See Three of the Most Popular Films of Fantastic Fest 2008 - for Free

Yes, according to a very reliable source, Fantastic Fest will host three films on Sunday, 28 September at the Alamo South, and it's free to the public - first come, first served.

Here's a little visual teaser of all three:

Let The Right One In (Swedish Horror) 4:05 pm - A grisly tale of a bullied boy and the secretive girl who befriends him. 

Chocolate (Thailand Action) 7:00 pm -  A martial arts flick portraying an autistic woman seeking revenge. (From the director of Ong-Bak.) 

Donkey Punch (Australian Thriller) 10:00 pm - What happens when seven young people party too hard and don't make the right decisions after an accident. 

Check out the official blog for more details.

Sweet Release Tuesday: Beyond "Sex and the City" Movie/DVD Fever

Go, Simon, Go!

I'm keeping this week's new DVD release update short and sweet, and not even starting with the movie that beat out the typical action/adventure summer blockbusters for box office gold. No, I'd rather discuss two other movies first - helmed by actors/writers and actors/directors. 

There's something about the multi-talented Simon Pegg that impresses and entertains me. His brand of humor (as a comedian, actor, writer, director, and producer) is a wildly successful U.K. export (see Shaun of the Dead - my favorite movie of 2004, and on my all-time favorites list). Pegg has achieved cult hero status among film geeks in Austin, appearing at the marathon of his Channel 4 series "Spaced" at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (Ritz), dubbed Spaced-Numb-A-Thon. He continues building his writing cred and exercises his comedic acting muscles in Run, Fatboy, Run, which appears to be (loosely) based on a late '70s film Running. Pegg teams up with American buddy and "Friends" alumnus David Schwimmer, who does more than a decent job as director of Fatboy, and I look forward to their next project behind - and in front of - the camera. 

Pegg plays Dennis, an irresponsible, commitment-phobic man who jilt his pregnant fiancee at the alter, and tries to win her back by committing to training and running a marathon. The casting seemed a bit odd at first, with considerably older Hank Azaria playing Pegg's romantic foil, and the graceful Thandie Newton's Libby seems a bit out of fatboy's league. Maybe I shouldn't be so snobby, so I'm recommending to buy Run, Fatboy, Run or adding it in your top 10 on the Netflix queue if you can't rent a copy from a favorite local video store, like I ♥ Video, or Vulcan.

 

KTC Rating: 3 out of 5 (Spots of brilliance, but not Pegg's best work.)

Average Critc & Audience Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I've been impressed with George Clooney ever since he directed Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002, starring Sam Rockwell as "Game Show Producer/CIA Hitman" Chuck Barris), and co-wrote and directed the understated (and brlliant) story of Edward R. Murrow vs. McCarthyism, Good Night and Good Luck. With his third feature, Leatherheads, Clooney chooses a physically tougher and intellectually lighter subject, about the early days of gridiron, pro football. When I watched the preiviews, I knew it would probably have trouble at the box office, and not just because of the oddball love triangle between characters played by Clooney, Renée Zellweger, and John Krasinski (Jim Halper, "The Office"). I'm a fan of all three actors, but I can't say I'm a big fan of the story and overall execution of the adorably plucky historical comedy. Leatherheads got panned (or ignored) by many critics, also a bad sign at the box office if you're part of the Hollywood elite. 

The story of Leatherheads is simple: Set in the roaring 1920s, a golden college footballer is recruited by a coach, an injured has-been, and they spend the next hour and a half or so love tackling the not so innocent ingenue, the goldenboy's fiancee. But it's really about the early, rough and no rules ways of American football. I'm not a sports fan, let alone a sports movie fan, so this one doesn't get extra points for appealing to my romantic comedy side. 

KTC Rating: 2.5 of 5 (Forgettable at the box office, but a decent rental.)

Avg. Rating: 3 of 5

I want that dress. 

I won't bore you with details about Sex and the City: The Movie, now on DVD. Buy it, or rent it if you spent too much money at the shoe department at Macy's, throw a cocktail party and guess which one of your friends is like Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, or Miranda.

KTC Rating: 3.5 of 5 (Good, but don't expect it to be like the HBO series.) 

Avg. Rating: 6 of 5 - kidding - 4 of 5

Next Week's Sweet Release: Iron Man!

~ diy danna

Fantastic Fest 2008 Picks - and Pans (Part 3)

The Best and Worst of the Festival, 18-25 September

Like any art, a film's beauty is subjective, and KTC's attempts to suss out the beauty (and beasts) of a growing festival is just one more subjective exercise. So far we've covered AMD's next wave, comedy, documentary, drama, fantasy, horror, ozsploitation and Alamo's signature events. Take a look at our blog for those picks and pans if you're still undecided about which movies to see during Fantastic Fest 2008, now in it's second day of eight. And don't forget to consult the festival's official guide or the customizable schedule to see your favorites. 

Today we're making our final picks - and pans - from the remaining genres: Pinku, Science Fiction, and Thriller, plus the hot parties happening throughout the fest. Blog by diy danna.

Pinku

The Japanese pink film gets a thorough exploration, to the pleasure and titillation of Asian film lovers. Pink films were popular cinema from the 1960s through the 1980s, ranging from small independent to major studio productions. Alamo South hosts a "Behind The Pink Curtain" Retrospective, screening four films with softcore pornographic elements, introduced by author and pink film scholar Jasper Sharp. The genre is still around, and now American audiences will get to experience the glory of it - past and present - thanks to DVD exports and film festivals like this one.  

Pinku Picks

All Four films are worth seeing, although I struggled with the "udderly" mad plot of A Lonely Cow Weeps At Dawn (2003) and extremely politically incorrect storyline of S&M Hunter (1986 - the zenith of pink cinema). The real gems appear to be early pink films with female protagonists who seek revenge, Blue Film Woman (1969), or self-discovery, Gushing Prayer (1971). But the avant-garde camera work and editing of nudity and sex scenes are what audiences may remember the most. The retrospective begins next Monday. Check the guide (pg. 82) for times, or consult the online schedule for screening times. 

Science Fiction

After a sci-fi disappointment in the box office this year (the X-Files movie won't be winning any Hollywood honors), it's good to know independent filmmakers are chalenging themselves to make the kind of movies that don't typically win awards from IFC either.  I haven't seen a good science fiction movie in quite a while, so I look forward to seeing what Fantastic Fest has to offer in 2008.

Pick

The near-future big brother tale of conservative politicans dealing out a final solution to perceived economic problems in How to Get Rid of the Others (2007, Denmark) is not so farfetched. Add satirical, black humor and  you may have one of the very best films of the festival. See it Thursday 25/9 at 2:30 pm. 

Pan

The advance screenings of Alien Raiders (formerly Supermarket 2008, USA) is good analogy for how America deals with terrorists, or a presumed alien threat to our way of life - or life period - but I can't seem to be reminded of a similar Robert Rodriguez film, set in a high school.  I still miss the good old fashioned intergalactic battles between good and evil sci-fi flicks, but this subtle nod to creature features of the 1980s, and the menace of aliens and our own forces could be a worthy substitution for other moviegoers.  Director Ben Rock (real name) will be there at screenings on Sunday 21/9 at 11:55 pm and Wednesday 24/9 at 9:15 pm.

 

Thriller

Aside from the comedy, drama, and fantasy, thrillers have been something I look forward to seeing - indie and Hollywood produced alike. Most Hollywood thrillers haven't been so... thrilling, with predictable plot and characters. Some of us see the twists coming 30 minutes into a 90 minute thrill ride. My expectations for a good thriller are high - I like being entertained by some movies to the point of gasping in amazement. (Maybe because I don't do deathgrip amusement park rides.)

Pick

It's a tie. The crime thriller Surveillance (2008, USA) features an actor often mistaken for two - or three other fine character actors, Bill Pullman, and an actress who wowed me in Smilla's Sense of Snow, Julie Ormond, both portraying FBI agents on the track of a serial killer. The comparisons to Rashomon, and the fact that Jennifer Lynch (David Lynch's daughter) directs are what ultimately intrigue me. The brutality of the direction of the suspense and brutal scenes may utimately intrigue audiences who won't overlook Surveillance in favor of the groomed blockbuster Eagle Eye. Showing today at 7:00 pm and Thursday 24/9 at 1:30 pm.  The Good, The Bad, and The Weird (2008, South Korea) is all at once homage and completely surreal take on the epic western, Asian style. The characters will stand out as much as the unforgettable setting in this thrilling cinematic escape. Screening today at 6:25 and Tuesday 23/9 at 3:30. 

Pan

Left Bank (2008, Belgium) is probably not a bad film, but the mysterious circumstances of a a previous tenant's disappearance, and a young woman uncovering unsavory pasts seems like previously chartered territory I don't want to explore. Showing Saturday 20/9 at 2:15 and Tuesday 23/9 at 1:30. 

Parties

Alamo Drathouse Cinema knows how to throw a party, and they have special parties for VIP badge members, and other lucky festival attendees. We've already mentioned the Donkey Punch movie boat party, but we'd also like to mention the Return of Fantastic Feud on Sunday 21/9 at 11:30 pm. After a day of gorging on cinema, stick around for a visual trivia terror mini-fest, hosted by an expert. And there's more! The Fantastic Debates Party are for true film geeks who verbally battle over hot topics like horror remakes and superhero movies. It could get ugly... happening Tuesday 23/9 'round midnight. Get Lit: Closing Night Cave Party at Longhorn Caverns near Burnet, Texas will be a trip to remember - or not remember too well depending on how lit you get. Think Vodka, Red Bull, and DJs jamming. Get on the bus at 9:30 on Thursday, 25/9 and get lit all night long! 

Some parties may require VIP or film badges, and attendance at screenings and parties may be restricted for ticket holders. Please check with Fantastic Fest's official site and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema management for details. 

See you at the movies!

~ diy danna

Fantastic Fest 2008 Picks - and Pans (Part Two)

We Continue With Our Best and Worst of the Festival, 18-25 September

Yesterday KTC picked and panned official selections of "America's best genre festival", including a short list of AMD New Wave, Comedy, and Documentary films, ending with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema's beloved Signature Series.  Today we dive into four more genres,   Drama, Fantasy, Horror, and Ozsploitation.  We strongly recommend referring to the official Fantastic Fest '08 guide or customizable schedule to ensure you won't miss the following picks (or pans).

Drama

KTC Pick

As soon as I read the description, I knew it could be as entertaining as the first and last time I watched "The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover", or "Like Water For Chocolate" in a theatre.  Estômago - A Gastronomic Story (Brazil, 2008) may be the dramatic darling of the festival. A prisonaer with a talent for giving gastronomic pleasure becomes a chef in a Brazilian prison. This is a multi-layered tale of life, love, and murder inside and outside prison walls that I am compelled to recommend. There's something about fine film and food that makes the world a better place, so this film and the Alamo South make it 100 minutes of utopia. Estômago plays Saturday, 20/9 at 11:30 am and  Tuesday, 23/9 at 6:20 pm. 

KTC Pan

Belgium drama export Ex-Drummer might be one of the darlings of the festival among the nihilistic crowd that takes pleasure in humor at the expense of others perceived as weak, but it's unappealing to me. I love punk music, and the premise about two disabled men adding a celebrity author (and drummer) to their band, called The Feminists (cool name) seems alluring enough. But the more I knew about the elements of drama, humor, and violence, the less I wanted to watch.  

Fantasy

I couldn't believe it, but this genre appears to be lightweight in this year's festival at first glance. More gore and less whimsy seems to be the preference, but the four fantasy selections are heavyweight contenders for best of fest. 

Pick

Iceland is one of my dream countries to live in - or at least visit for at least a month. I love it for bringing up Björk and Sigur Rós, and now I love it for bringing us Astropia, where pop culture meets comic book geek fantasy. It's a good old fashion battle between good and evil, with a mystical comic book store as the portal to another realm. From the stills, the actor portraying the heroine Hildur slightly resembles Uma Thurman. See it today at 9:30 or Wednesday, 24/9 at 4:05 pm. 

Pan

After careful review and consideration, I couldn't come up with a pan in this genre. All four films seems like excellent exercises in fantasy, in particular the graphic design shorts of Fear(s) of The Dark. See all four films if you can fit it in your schedule. 

Horror

Personally, my least favorite genre, with the exception of clever, satirical films that happen to have a horrifying, nightmarish premise. Maybe it's all the blood and guts you see in most American films that usually turn me away from the genre. 

Pick

It was a tough call, so I decided to keep it a tie. Art of the Devil 3 (a prequel to a series I haven't seen - yet) and Wicked Lake are my mystic nightmare picks. Made in Thailand, Art of the Devil, has a message behind the gruesome violence - something about being careful what you practice - in this case, black magic. American made Wicked Lake takes a more blunt approach, with nudity and gross violence wielded by four revenge-seeking wiccan lesbians. Not sure what the lesson to be learned is in this one. The films have fierce woman as leads and perpetrators of the violence, which challenges the women as victims genre stereotype. Check the guide or online schedule for more information. 

Pan

Donkey Punch (Australia, 2008). I know there is a lot of hype about this one, with a an after-party on a boat, but try as I might to find something I really liked about it (like one reviewer's comparison to Shallow Grave), I just don't care to watch 7 spoiled clubbers deal with the consequences of a "donkey punch" party. Google this brutal sex act for more details. 

This ain't a yellow brick road, Dorothy. 

Ozsploitation

Browsing the festival guide was marks my first knowledge of the genre. when I first read the term, I thought it was a bunch of movies loosely based, inspired, or ripped-off from the Oz books and movie adaptations (The Wizard of Oz, and personal favorite The Wiz). But I was unaware of just how many filmmakers have exploited the land of...Australia.  Fantastic Fest hips me to the film jive and lingo. remember those Mad Maz movies?  Well, that series represents ozsploitation at its best - or worst - depending on your preference. I like the one with Tina Turner, though.   

Pick

The 1981 sequel to Mad Max is the obvious choice. Road Warrior is the excat opposite of  Woody Allen film - or maybe I should change that to Australian director John Duigan. So expect less dialogue and a lot more action set in the brutal outback. This is a free screening downtown at Republic Square Park, tomorrow night at 8:00 pm. If you miss this one,  check out our other pick, a visually sharp documentary Not Quite Hollywood., which is all about "the secret and not so secret history" of ozsploitation. Two screenings:   Sunday, 21/9 at 4:15 pm and Thursday, 25/9 at 6:45 pm.  

Pan

The one movie I'd have to be paid to see is playing Razorback (1984), which plays tonight at 8:00. The idea of a wild boar ravaging the outback is not my idea of a good time. 

Check back with us tomorrow for more picks and pans of  Pinku, Science Fiction, and Thrillers, plus festival party announcements!

~ diy danna

Fantastic Fest 2008 Picks-and Pans (Part One)

We Select The Best and Worst of the 8-day Genre Film Festival at Alamo Drafthouse South, 18-25 September 

I will admit to loving movies based on comic books and some Asian and sci-fi flicks, but anime, crime, horror and fantasty films are usually ignored by me when I browse the the Austin Chronicle looking at movie listings. Unless it's beautiful animation to my eyes, or a story that seems compelling enough to spend $8 to watch rather than wait to rent it on DVD, then I will pass on fantastic - and innovative - special effects and gore. I should be embarrassed as a film lover and critical blogger who appreciates all genres of film for admitting this. And I am. World cinema would not be the same without Fantastic Fest at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for one week in September. Something would be missing. 

To make up for missing out on films that cater to particular (or peculiar) cinematic tastes, I'm picking a film from each genre listed that either please or offend my sensibilities so much that I can recommend - or warn - Fantastic Fest filmgoers about in 2008. Fair enough?

If you're not familiar with the festival that encompasses "science-fiction, fantasy, horror, animation, crime, Asian, and all around badass cinema", I highly recommending browsing the official web site, reading the blog, and checking out the official schedule and guidebook that was released last week. One of the cool features in the guide are the warning symbols with each screening that will prepare moviegoers for what's going to happen (T&A, or a head blown up by TNT, etc.) If you decide to check out or recommendations, please see the screening schedule, available online here. The official guide can be downloaded and printed: http://www.fantasticfest.com/guide.pdf. You can bookmark this site if you're wondering what one snobby film blogger thinks. If you are an experienced to pro FANfest attendee, feel free to continue.

AMD Next Wave

The local tech company is proud to sponsor the next wave of international cinema that defies categorization, and represents the best that new directors, editors, and producers have to offer.

Pick

My pick is an easy one, ripped off from a previous blog  about AMD Fantastic Fest Online: September 14-20: "La Crème, directed by Reynald Bertrand (who will make an appearance at this year's festival), is the feature that gets my highest recommendation. The exciting description of illusion in this French farce and fantasy make it an automatic selection.". Most of the films will play with shorts, like this one, and there are prizes awarded, so you may meet a lot of filmmakers and participate in Q&As with the next wave crowd and other programs at Fantastic Fest.  La Crème screens on the 21st and 22nd. Check the guide for more details. I've also heard positive things about South of Heaven, featuring Jon Gries, so you may not want to miss it either.

Pan

I tried to like it from the description by the writer in the guide, but when it's compared (technically) to Zodiac, I knew I wouldn't want to see Deadgirl until it is on DVD. I thought Zodiac was an underrated flawed film that had some moments of excellence. Fans of horror may find this refreshing, especially since it's an indie feature with some depth to its script and characters,  but I'll pass. 

Comedy

Looks like the fest is lighter on comedy this year, but Fantastic Fest is more about fantastical violence and special f/x, so comedy fans may have to carefully browse other genres for an element of humor.

Pick

This one was a no-brainer, with director Kevin Smith coming to town, although if you might be able to fit in all the comedies into your schedule this year. Zack and Miri Make A Porno. I dare to compare it to When Harry Met Sally, only with more physical action and naked bodies. Seth Rogen (Freaks And Geeks, Pineapple Express) has been a roll as a comedic writer and actor, and it should be interesting seeing his sexier side. According to a lot of guys, Elizabeth Banks is hot, so this one should be a wildly popular.  Zack and Miri premiere at the Paramount, with an Alamo sponsored after-party - the Air Sex World Championship happening in front of the same screen. It's happening opening night, Thursday 18 September. Tickets are $21 and $42. For more info and to purchase online, go to GetTix.net. 

Pan

Since there were only three official comedy selections, and I've heard some good things about at least one of the remaining films, KTC will pass the pan.  Check out Fanboys (2008, USA) and/or JCVD (2008, France), and I doubt you'll be disappointed.

 

Documentary

There are some very interesting topics in this year's fest, like the lives of oddball cinema masters and faded celebrity stalkers. The pick and pan just seemed to pick themselves.

Pick

It's a double feature! Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story, followed by Castle's classic  The Tingler - in Percepto. If you haven't heard of him, then don;t feel bad. Take a crash introduction/appreciation course by watching the documentary, then see the classic on the big screen next Wednesday, 24 September. Please see the following link for Percepto disclaimer, including health risks. Seriously.  Weird Wednesday Hosts A William Castle Double Feature.

Pan

I Think We're Alone Now. What's sad about this pan is I remember liking Tiffany. But the subjects of this documentary on stalkers could've picked a better fixation. She really just had one big hit in the '80s - and it was a cover song! Geezus... The filmmakers may have a had a lot of fun (and more than few laughs and moments of disbelief), but I think it's not helping the mentally unstable or one teenage hit wonder at all. Now the song just got creepy...

        MASTER PANCAKE MOCKS

Signature Events

It wouldn't be a week-long movie party at the Alamo without their famous Signature Events. No need for Weird Wednesday or Terror Thursday - you'll get plenty of off-the-wall comedy, drama, exploitation, and horror the next 8 days. But local film lovers and travelers may find Master Pancake Theatre and the Sing-Along just the interactive movie-goint they crave. And I can't forget to mention the gruesome killing scenes in a "100 Best Kills Party", and a worldwide Michael Jackson "Thriller The World" event, which follows soon after a 50th birthday sing-along. 

Pick

It was a tough call, but my pick for the festival's Signature Event is Master Pancake: Friday The 13th (1980). The original really bad luck for campers movie, and introduction to Jason Voorhees gets a comical send-up that it rightly deserves. It was the first horror movie I was allowed to watch, in the company of adults, on VHS. Later I would become a Nightmare on Elm Street/Freddy Kruger fan, but Friday the 13th would always remain close to my...uh, heart. I'm a fan of the comedy stylings of John Erler, Joe Parsons, and a wonderful array of locally and nationally known personalities, and wouldn't mind other film lovers enjoying a film roast. There will be two screenings at the Alamo Ritz on Friday the 19th - 7:00 and 10:00 pm. 

Pan

Call me a squeamish wimp, but I suggest skipping the 100 Best Kills Party, so I suppose this one is a pan. Thank goodness it's at midnight, because I don't think a lot of attendees could stomach a meal and the barrage of gore.  If you think I'm an idiot about this one, then see it at midnight, Monday, 22 September. Get there at least 45 minutes earlier, with a barf bag.

Tomorrow Night: Picks and Pans Part Two - Drama, Fantasy, Horror and Ozsploitation(?)

Sweet Release Tuesday: From "The Babysitters" to "Young @ Heart"

They grow up so fast...

I missed all but one of the 5 "sweet release" movies on the big screen, and I'm really on disappointed about missing one. It's a mostly sour week for DVD releases,  but I'll do my best to be a sweetart about the update. And check out our new samurai sword ratings. Just like the KTC logo, they'll stay till QT gets hip.

The Babysitters  If you expect a wholesome movie about the lives of babysitters, kindly lower your expectations. This trifle released in 2007 and soon forgotten appears to borrow from hooker exploitation movies rather than "The Babysitters Club". According to my online movie bible, IMDB.com: "A teenager turns her babysitting service into a call-girl service for married guys after fooling around with one of her customers.". I can't recommend buying this one, unless you're an independent movie theatre programmer looking for bad cinema in the year 2038. I will recommend renting it, because the actors (John Leguizamo, Cynthia Nixon) are quality even if the writing and direction aren't. 

KTC Rating: 2 out of 5 stars (For making me chuckle and cringe at the same time.)
Avg. Critic/Audience Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The Love Guru  "His Karma is Huge"?! I won't pretend to understand why Mike Myers (who co-wrote the script) made this movie. Myers portrays a fledgling self-help guru, and I can't help but wonder if he wants to be the next Peter Sellers. He's trying to hard for laughs - and it shows in the trailers and reviews. Sometimes the critics are right. I'm taking the the advice of one of them and buying the Austin Powers' movies. There's a cool deal on the series on VHS at the local Dollar General. I discovered it while looking for a board game I could play while babysitting. Last weekend we watched "Goldmember", and this weekend we're buying "The Spy Who Who Shagged Me".  The original Austin Powers can wait a while. Or I'll rent Casino Royale. 

KTC Rating: 1 out of 5 (Feeling little pity for Pitka.)
Avg. Rating:  2 out of 5 stars

Made of Honor  Who else remembers the '80s classic "Can't Buy Me Love"? Well, the premise of Patrick Dempsey's "My Best Friend's Wedding" rip-off makes me miss the good old days when he was charmingly goofy - and he still got the girl. In this romantic comedy, Dempsey is a player who pitches poo - I mean woo - to his best friend after she asks him to be his maid of honor. I don't know (or care) if he gets the girl in this one, but I do know it sems decent enough to recommend as a rental at the $1 kiosk at the Wal-Mart or McDonald's. 

KTC Rating: 2 out of 5  (I'd rather watch Dempsey for free on "Grey's Anatomy".)
Avg. Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Speed Racer - The Wachowski brothers visual candy was panned by many critics, but I didn't mind the over-the-top cinematography and when I caught this as a preview at the Alamo South. The nearly perfect casting of actors and adorable Chim-Chim (non-CGI, thank goodness) rekindled my fondness for the bizarre animated series. Christina Ricci nearly wore out my last cuteness nerve as Trixie, but I now have a crush on Emile Hersch (Speed), and more respect for Matthew Fox (Racer X) who isn't content just resting in the paradise of "Lost".   And the kid playing Young Speed is a scene stealer. The downside of watching this is the exact reason I can't recommend buying it - unless you have a jumbo flat screen or tricked out home theatre. The sights and sounds are best seen on the big screen, especially the unbelievable off-track sequences and wacky announcers. Rent it this week and enjoy. 

KTC Rating: 3 out of 5
Avg. Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Young at Heart  I'm imagining my beloved maternal grandmother singing covers of rock classics, and laughing. Not because it would be ridiculous, or adorable, but because she couldn't carry a tune with a handle. That expressed, I enjoyed watching the trailer of this movie at the Arbor, and wasn't happy about missing it in theatres. The independent documentary about senior citizens bringing the joy of living to others through the joy of music is inspiring as it is humorous. Or so I've read...Highly recommended to buy and add to your indie cred, or rent and rock out with the seniors thanks to Vulcan or I ♥ Video if the wait for Netflix is too long. 

KTC Rating: 4 out of 5
Avg. Rating: 4 out of 5

And that's it for sweet releases - until next week.

~ diy danna