Cinequest presents a very successful Opening Night!
Posted by Cynthia Corral
Last night was the best opening night that Cinequest has had in three years.
There were two improvements this year over the last two years. First, the opening film, THE GOOD HEART, was excellent. Second, E&O Trading Company provided a fantastic opening night party.
THE GOOD HEART
THE GOOD HEART was flawed, yes. It was very predictable; you could see the ending coming from very early on in the film. There were complaints that character arcs were not believable as well as some plot points. Okay, I will give you that. But was the movie as a whole enjoyable? YES! Was it 1000 times better than the last two opening night films (WAKE and EDEN COURT)? YESSS!! And should you take the time to see this film if it opens in a theater near you? Absolutely.
I sat next to a man who was attending his first ever Cinequest film. He comes to San Jose every year for a work conference and has always seen the banners and wondered what Cinequest was all about. So he played hooky for one night this year to see the opening film and attend the party. We chatted for a while before the film started and he was very excited about going to the Opening Night Party. I did warn him that the past two years did not have outstanding films for opening night – I’m sorry, Cinequest, but they were BAD. But THE GOOD HEART started out well, and within 5-10 minutes he, I and the entire audience were laughing out loud. We continued to laugh throughout the film, and as soon as it was over he turned to me and said, “That was great!” And it was. The ending was exactly what we all saw coming, but I was satisfied with how it was presented, and no one can deny that it was well acted, that the dialog was very well written, and that the film as a whole was extremely enjoyable. I was thrilled for myself, that I got to see such a great film, and I was VERY HAPPY for Cinequest that they put on such a good show which I am sure pleased several new-comers. I have no doubt that this particular man will return next year.
E&O TRADING COMPANY
The party was also a great improvement over the past several years. No matter what, the Opening Night Party is going to be crowded. It ALWAYS is. And it is filled with people who you have not yet met (but will in the next few days). It is loud, crowded, and usually short on food served. This year the party was at E&O Trading Company, who hosted the very enjoyable Closing Night Party last year. Crowded and noisy? Yes. But at least there was no shortage of food. Boxes of yummy fried rice were everywhere, and servers were constantly bringing out more appetizers of kabobs, pork fritters and more. No one went hungry, and mostly no one went without drinks either… it was definitely so crowded that getting to the bar was sometimes difficult. I thought the Closing Party at E&O last year was the best Cinequest party I had attended, and E&O showed they can really do things right once again this year. More E&O parties!
Tonight there is a full schedule of films at the CAL, the Rep, and the Cameras. Don’t miss out on any incredible films! Come downtown and join us in seeing something spectacular on screen and meeting plenty of new friends. I will be attending THE ESCAPE, and also presenting the films SLOVENIAN GIRL and LOW LIGHTS. See you there!
Tags: E&O Trading Company, Opening Night, The Good Heart.
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