[Kill The Critic] The Independent Entertainment Blog [Film-Theatre-Comedy]

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(?)