REVIEW: STARRING MAJA (PRINSESSA)
Posted by Cynthia Corral
STARRING MAJA
STARRING MAJA (PRINSESSA) is a lovely Swedish film about an overweight, unattractive and clumsy young woman who wants to be an actress. Most of the movie is spent watching her deal with harassment and being used as an object by others for their own purposes, but there is a quite satisfying ending that I found delightful. I loved the film.
Initially I was not sure I wanted to see this film as friends of mine had said it was difficult to watch. Indeed it is difficult to see the emotions Maja cannot help but reveal as she realizes the bit part in a TV show she was offered is actually for “fat, grotesque, ugly girl”. The audience also feels the betrayal that Maja feels as she realizes her only friend was using her as almost everyone else in her life has done.
The film revolves not just around Maja, but also Erika, a failed documentarian turned wedding photographer. She meets Maja at a wedding and decides to make a documentary about her. Beautiful Erika believes she sees something of herself in Maja because she has also not been able to achieve her dreams and is deeply in debt. However there is something somewhat disingenuous about such a gorgeous woman telling fat, unattractive Maja that she is truly beautiful and can be anything she wants to be.
Maja also has a school friend, a boy who has recently realized he is gay but has not come out to anyone but Maja. These two forge the only true friendship that Maja has, and they end up a great (platonic) couple.
The ending is tied up happily and not too falsely. Maja does not turn into a beautiful princess at the end, neither does she win the captain of the football team or become a movie starlet. But she discovers who she is and along with her friend Alex they make it clear that they are going to take on the world on their own terms. It is a hilarious, delightful ending that I just adored.
March 2nd was the final showing of STARRING MAJA but there may be a chance to see it on Sunday when Cinequest replays some of the audience favorites. Keep a look out for it.
Tags: COMEDY, DRAMA, PRINSESSA, REVIEW, STARRING MAJA, SWEDEN.
REVIEW: PUCK HOGS
Posted by Cynthia Corral
On Sunday we watched as the Canadian hockey team beat the US in Olympic overtime. An hour later I was presenting PUCK HOGS to a crowd of disappointed hockey fans at the San Jose Repertory Theatre. I told them I hoped this film would cheer them up, and I think it did as there was raucous laughter throughout the film.
PUCK HOGS
PUCK HOGS is a mockumentary about the worst recreational hockey team in Canadian history. It’s done in sort of a “Reno 911” style, with that type of humor. The audience of hockey fans seemed to love it and were having a great time. I will say up front that I am not a fan of hockey and not really a fan of “Reno 911”, and this film was honestly torture for me to sit through. There were scenes of men urinating on bathroom walls and eating urinal pucks, and there were about 57 too many jokes about butt-holes. However like I said, the audience was laughing like crazy through the entire thing.
The verdict? I hated it. But if you are a hockey fan or enjoy this type of humor then you might possibly love it. I am just the wrong person to review this kind of film.
REVIEW: HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE
Posted by Cynthia Corral
HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE
It turns out that Morty IS the HELL IN OTHER PEOPLE. Morty embodies everything in ourselves that we dislike. And yet Morty, perhaps because he IS us, is someone we can’t quite help loving.
A clumsily manipulative loser, Morty shuffles through this film pissing off his friends, offending strangers, and generally making sure he never gets ahead. “Sounds like you’ve got some stuff to work out,” says one character to Morty. Don’t we all. And if we’re not working through things now, everyone has at some point in their life – which is why we all cringe as Morty lets himself be degraded by one of the crazier characters in the film after he has run out of people to manipulate on his own.
If this is a mumblecore film, it is most definitely a mumblecore of a different sort. The lilting Tennessee accents of the characters quickly drew me in, and even with the sometimes blurry handheld camera work the film has a beauty that director Jarrod Whaley’s incredibly touching short film PASSION FLOWER also exhibited. There was a clear path to the story (a downward spiral, but still), the characters had dialog of value to speak, and there was a great deal of humor amidst the sadness that is Morty.
I thought the acting was outstanding for a group of Chattanooga residents that Whaley sort of rounded up on his own. I think this is what separates this film from the typical “mumblecore” that I get stuck unhappily viewing. Morty and his ex-girlfriend were natural and believable to the point that I felt I was watching a documentary shot from a long distance lens. There are other crazily quirky characters who add a great deal of humor to the film and are invaluable to the film as a whole.
It is too bad that Richard Johnson (Morty) could not attend Cinequest as he would have added an incredible presence to the film festival and possibly drawn more attention to the film. The Repertory Theatre was not packed but should have been; this is one of the better (though quieter) films of the festival and you should put one of the future screenings on your schedule. As the camera focuses for one last time on the main character and the credits roll, one audience member shouted “Your life SUCKS, Morty!” Yes, yes it does, but this film is a beautiful winner.
Tags: COMEDY, DRAMA, Hell Is Other People, Jarrod Whaley, world premiere.
REVIEW: FrICTION
Posted by Cynthia Corral
FrICTION
FrICTION played to a packed Repertory Theater on Saturday afternoon, only to have director Cullen Hoback turn the audience’s heads inside out. Those of us who know Cullen and have seen his previous films were perhaps more confused than anyone, but in the best way possible. Billed as a feature film gone wrong, FrICTION will leave you scratching your head and wondering just exactly what was real and what was not, even after listening to the Q&A. FrICTION is simply an enigma wrapped in a mystery and then possibly wrapped in bacon. FrICTION is the kind of film that Cinequest is all about. Read more
Tags: COMEDY, Cullen Hoback, DOCUMENTARY, DRAMA, freedom state, FrICTION, Monster Camp, world premiere.
REVIEW: THE ROBBERS
Posted by Cynthia Corral
THE ROBBERS
Thursday was a great day at Cinequest. Although I didn’t enjoy GREEN WATERS at all (other people did), I did see two films that I thought were outstanding. My review of 1981 is below, but before that I had the great pleasure of introducing THE ROBBERS.
Quite the crowd pleaser, this film had everything: Comedy, Tragedy, political commentary, Chinese culture, beautiful feisty women, exciting battle scenes, romance, and a fabulous soundtrack (not available, to the audience’s disappointment).
Two robbers with hearts of gold come across a village in the middle of a Tang dynasty forest. After robbing one of the village families they are forced to step in and save the same family from some soldiers who were trying to rape one of the daughters. This sets off a domino effect of circumstances as the village chief must now hold the robbers responsible for killing a soldier – even though the robber was trying to save a villager. There is much talk of law vs. mercy and a lot of commentary on the political and judicial systems in China.
But don’t take this to mean it is a serious, dramatic film. The first 3/4ths of the film are very reminiscent of a BLAZING SADDLES type slapstick humor, intercut with exciting sword fights set to 300 style rock music. The last quarter of the movie surprises with a switch to Tragedy, and then a final sweet ending to what has become clear is a great love between two friends.
Producer Cindy Lin came all the way from Beijing and was delighted that the black humor, which she said was heavily based in Chinese culture, seemed to translate to our American audience. And indeed, about 75% of the audience stayed for the Q&A and all had huge smiles on their faces. Her company looks for unknown talent in China and came across this director and his script – only his second film ever. They managed to get an A-list Chinese actor to play one of the robbers, and he adjusted his fee to get this film made. The film was positively delightful and the best I had seen this year up to that point.
I definitely suggest you do what you can to get this movie on your Must-See list.
Tags: ACTION, China, COMEDY, DRAMA, REVIEW, The Robbers.
REVIEW: 1981
Posted by Cynthia Corral
Jean-Carl Boucher in 1981
For some reason, 1981 was not really on my radar at Cinequest. I had seen it in the program but nothing really sparked my interest, so when I was assigned to be presenter for this film my reaction was: Meh.
I was won over within a minute of the film starting, and I believe the entire audience was. This is a film that belongs on your Must-See list if you were ever 11 years old and made it to adulthood. Think Neil Simon directs GOONIES or STAND BY ME without the adventure (No, really, go with me on this). Narrated from an adult point of view, it’s a look back at being a regular 11 year old kid and the trials and tribulations that we must go through to grow up.
Ricardo Trogi is not an outsider, not a loser, not a nerd or a dork. Neither is he the popular kid. He’s just your plain old average 11 year old boy. He has plenty of friends (who he found with the promise of some non-existent Playboys – as it is done in the world) and he has a loving, average family, which means that no one in it is either perfect or dysfunctional. Read more
REVIEW: PASSENGER SIDE
Posted by Cynthia Corral
PASSENGER SIDE
PASSENGER SIDE is the first film from Cinequest 20 that had me clapping when it was over, with a little tear in my eye.
It’s a twist on a road trip movie, as 95% of the film is spent driving in the car, but they don’t really ever leave Los Angeles (except for a quick trip through the desert). It is Michael’s birthday, but it appears that everyone has forgotten it. His estranged, (supposed) formerly drug-addicted brother asks him to drive him around on errands all day, but it is soon clear that these trips are not just to the post office and dry cleaners. Michael thinks his brother Tobey must be chasing a new drug lead, but Tobey insists they are not. Along the way they meet all sorts of on-the-fringe oddballs, and throughout the day Michael tries unsuccessfully to contact his girlfriend so they can make birthday plans.
This film is less about driving than it is about talking. The two characters keep up a running banter with each other which is quite witty, though at times tedious. Their constant quick witted joking shows that both brothers, though losers according to social norms, are actually very intelligent and have a deep bond with each other that has been tested by life’s obstacles. I was quickly fascinated by their conversation, then somewhat annoyed for a few minutes… but when it became obvious that this is what the film was about (and done very well), I settled in and enjoyed it.
I was rewarded greatly for this. The Cinequest program puts this film in the “Laugh Mavericks” category, and it does have a lot of humor, but it is also a very touching and somewhat dramatic film. Adam Scott and Joel Bissonnette, playing Michael and Tobey, are fantastic actors and have guest starring credits a mile long on IMDB.com. The script is an amazing, intelligent piece of work by Matt Bissonnette, who brought the award winning WHO LOVES THE SUN to Cinequest in 2007. There is a HOLY CRAP twist near the end of this movie that I never saw coming in a million, bazillion years, but which was totally believable and brought the film to a particularly touching end.
Audiences who view this film will be very happy they did. It has three showings at the festival and I will guess that it is going to be an audience favorite. This is definitely on my recommend list.
THURS, 2/25; 7:15pm (REP)
SAT, 2/27; 11:30am (REP)
THU, 3/4; 11:30pm (C12)
Dates, times and venue subject to change, check the Cinequest website for updates.
Tags: COMEDY, DRAMA, Passenger Side, REVIEW.
REVIEW: KILL THE HABIT
Posted by Cynthia Corral
KILL THE HABIT
KILL THE HABIT is an enjoyable little film that gives the impression it wants to be an all-female Tarantino-like story. It fails, but it is a fun ride. Listed under the “Laugh Mavericks” category, it is humorous but cheats a lot in trying to make up for its lack of originality. It is a comedic, fun ride, but it is flawed in some big ways.
The very first problem I had (well, tied with some amateurish acting) was what I think is an idiotic premise that is used all too often to set up a plot. A man is murdered, but it was by accident and in a clean-cut case of provable self defense. In real life, it would be much easier to call the police and turn one’s self in, especially since there are clear strangulation marks visible on the killer’s neck through the entire film. But no, it’s much easier to decide to cart that body all over town looking for a place to hide it in order to have a reason for the film’s existence.
I simply don’t buy this premise, and it irritates me when it is used in a film that could have been very funny. But as I said, the premise ties with the acting for the biggest problem. The three women involved are gorgeous, and if you enjoy looking at beautiful women in revealing clothes then you might be able to look past the acting. To be honest, I was mesmerized by these actresses and would have watched another hour or two of them if given a chance. But does that make a great film? No.
It was enjoyable, and it was funny, and it was easy on the eyes. It would make a great comedic break in between some heavy films at the festival. But there are too many problems for me to recommend this on a must-see list.
SAT 2/27; 9:30pm (REP)
TUES 3/2; 6:45pm (C12)
FRI 3/5; 12:00pm (C12)
Dates, times and venue subject to change, check the Cinequest website for updates.
Tags: COMEDY, Kill the Habit, REVIEW, world premiere.
5Q: LAWRENCE MICHAEL LEVINE & SOPHIA TAKAL / GABI ON THE ROOF IN JULY
Posted by CQ Central
Sophia Takal & Lawrence Michael Levine
1Q: Tell us a little about the origins of GABI ON THE ROOF IN JULY, from concept to financing.
Lawrence (writer/director/actor): I shot and edited my first feature, TERRITORY, over the course of my first year at film school, so when the film premiered in Cinequest in 2005 I was still really a student. While at film school the teachers pushed me to write very conventional screenplays, which I was resistant to, but I wrote them anyway. When I graduated, I realized the films I’d written at school would be hard to get off the ground because they had relatively large budgets. It was depressing to think I might have to wait years to get back on set and work with actors, which is my favorite part of filmmaking. At the same time, I’d been revisiting a lot of Cassavetes, Mike Leigh & Rob Nilsson films and reading about their methods. They really inspired me to break away from the more conventional approach that I’d adopted at school. I was especially interested in how they collaborated with actors to create their films and decided that the next film I shot would draw on their techniques. Read more
Tags: 5Q, COMEDY, DRAMA, Gabi on the Roof in July, Lawrence Michael Levine, Sophia Takal, world premiere.
5Q: MATTHEW BISSONNETTE / PASSENGER SIDE
Posted by CQ Central
Matt Bissonnette
1Q: Tell us a little about the origins of PASSENGER SIDE, from concept to financing.
Well, I had always wanted to make a road movie, so I lifted the idea from the Wilco song “Passenger Side”, and then situated it in Los Angeles, as I live there, and it’s a big car town, and it’s sort of near to Modesto (relative to say Montreal, my home town), which is, of course, the location of American Grafitti, a movie I really like, and one I was thinking about while making Passenger Side.
Corey Marr, my trusty producer, raised the money through television pre-sales from our favorite people, Movie Central and The Movie Network, and then later Telefilm Canada stepped in with some finishing funds, so it was half capitalism, half socialism, like Vermont. Read more
Tags: 5Q, COMEDY, Corey Marr, CQ20, Matthew Bissonnette, Passenger Side.