Thursday, September 25, 2008

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.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

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

Friday, September 19, 2008

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

Thursday, September 18, 2008

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

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

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 Storyfollowed 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(?)

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

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 

Fantastic Fest 2008 Breaks Redundant Trailer Rules:

A Fantastic Bumper Frenzy With Talented Team BLACK MAGIC ROLLERCOASTER

As the hurricane winds blow outside with a whistle at my window, I've decided to take a break and simply blog about what's happening at this year's Fantastic Fest in between the official screenings.

I've attended a few film fests in my time, and I remember sitting and waiting for features to begin, usually watching boring slides, and trailers - commercials and previews that play over, and over, and over again. If the audiences were lucky, there would be a short film before the main feature. But most of the time there was nothing really happening on the screen to reward attendees who get there on time to get a good seat and not be disruptive. 

Well, thanks to Filmmaking Frenzy, our patience through the long-suffering dullness will be rewarded. For those not familiar with this site, it's a cool way for filmmakers and film lovers to connect, thanks to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and kind sponsors. The latest frenzy, 30-second bumpers featuring kids, advertises the filmmakers and festival. 

Audiences unfamiliar with the depth of talent in Austin get a snapshot of what makes Austin a media arts mecca - besides the music. But if you want to compare the film and music scenes, BLACK MAGIC ROLLERCOASTER is a good way to do it, because this team rocks. 

There are other amazing teams that I will mention a little later, but I got a chance to experience what it's like to work with committed filmmakers dedicated to their craft, and it challenged me to do something I thought I'd never do as an adult - act. The guys from BMRC gave me the greenlight to boast about the experience, and I'll do just that - briefly.

I watched and voted in my first Filmmaking Frenzy video in a Rewind Kindly contest sinceI knew one of the actors in BMRC's Beastmaster remake. It won first place, featuring a cute kid the camera seems to love. He's in the Jean-Claude Van Damme homage I Love You Jean-Claude... (See video at top.) Oh - and there was a dog playing the tiger in Beastmaster. "Never work with children and animals"? It does not apply to this team - they bring out the best in both. Just check out the latest Frenzy, Fantastic Fest Bumpers, and you will see what I mean. 2 of their 7 entries made the top 10, with an additional video selected for a Special Jury Prize. Winners were announced after midnight,  and I'm proud to say although the video I participated in with the team didn't win anything, it will still play at this year's festival!

Thomas Humphreys and Nick Robinson are the leaders of BLACK MAGIC ROLLERCOASTER. There are other valuable team members who contribute ideas, costumes, props, acting ability, and enthusiasm, but Humphreys and Robinson are the core of BMRC. They participate in these contests for fun, but these young ones have promising film careers. 

This summer I showed up with one of the actors for a couple of scenes, and like any director with little means but a lot of imagination, Humphreys used what he had, and asked me to read some lines. I thought I would be too nervous to perform. I dislike having my picture taken, and having a camera on me for more than a second seemed excruciating. But Humphreys and the actors present made me feel comfortable right away, and I said the lines without hesitation. Turns out, I was only in the final cut of Powder 2: Powder 2 The People (see the KTC Video Bar) for a split second, long enough to say "I want him!". What a relief!

They didn't win the grand prize in the Unnecessary Sequels contest, coming in an admirable 3rd place. But it's all about fun with filmmaking for these guys, because they produced an amazing bumper crop of seven 30-second videos for Fantastic Fest. Pun intended. 

There are other cool teams who deserve props, and got it by placing in the top 10. Here is my personal favorite, which won 4th place, Tati Ca Un Bat (Batty Daddy):

Makes you want to see which team won 1st place, doesn't it?

Go to the Filmmaking Frenzy blog to find out, and watch other fantastic bumpers before they premiere on the big screen Thursday! 

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Fantastic Fest Previews 5 Features & 5 Shorts

AMD Fantastic Fest Online: September 14-20

While we continue browsing the guide and consulting the magic 8-ball for picks and pans, you can  take a peek at what's happening at this year's fest a week a few days early. Fantastic Fest 2008 just announced online viewing of 10 selections: 5 features and 5 shorts from Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Spain, and U.S. filmmakers. AMD has teamed up with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to present uncut sneak previews, hinting at a knockout success for this year's fest. 

"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.  I also highly recommend watching one of the short films, "Treevenge" by Jason Eisner, director of the (fake movie) trailer "Hobo With A Shotgun", winner of the SXSW/Robert Rodriguez Grindhouse Trailer contest. (There's a rumor going around that filming of the real movie will take place sometime next year.) The title of Eisner's latest film project about killer Christmas trees (?!) reads like the plot in what could be a warning against human crimes against nature.



Looking down the barrel of a full-length grindhouse worthy masterpiece.

To view these and 8 other films showing at Fantastic Fest, go to www.fantasticfest.com/online. You'll need to login (or register if you're not a FF site member) before you can watch full-length videos.

Don't forget the microwave popcorn and soda pop before you press play.

~ diy danna

Coming Soon: Bumpers and Bloodshots at Fantastic Fest 2008