CineBlog

Raging Grannies

Screenings: March 7, 2:00 PM (Cam 12); March 8 12:00 PM (Cam 12)

Just because you're in the AARP doesn't mean you have to hang up your protesting hat and go quietly into retirement. Raging Grannies is a large organization, with "gaggles," or local groups all over the country (including locally in San Jose). These women gather to perform street theater, and engage in nonviolent protest for a variety of causes. "Raging Grannies" documents some of their local efforts, introducing us to their personalities and methods, as well as some of the group's history. Founded in the eighties to protest a nuclear submarine, the group now takes on everything from the military recruiting in public schools to violations of women's rights. It's hard not to love these flamboyant, principled ladies.

The Man Who Loved Yngve

Remaining screenings: March 5, 4:30 PM (Cam 12); March 7, 2:00 PM (Cal)

It's 1989 and Jarle has it all: he's the singer and lead guitarist of the awesomest punk band in town, he has a beautiful girlfriend, and his best friend is the coolest guy around. Then the new kid in class, Yngve, shows up and everything starts falling apart. Jarle falls hard for Yngve and before he knows it he's letting down everyone else in his life to spend time with this strange boy who loves synth pop and tennis and looking for animals in the clouds. There's an odd mix of the adorable and and the serious in the film, but it works. As cute as this twist on the teen romance can be, there were serious implications to two boys falling in love in the late eighties, and "The Man Who Loved Yngve" neither shies away from them nor overplays them. This is a sweet, angsty teen romance at its heart, regardless of the genders of its heroes.

Rock, Paper, Scissors: A Geek Tragedy

Remaining screening: March 8, 5:15 PM (Cam 12)

When Douglas and Graham Walker founded the World Rock Paper Scissors Society, they had no idea of the heights it would grow to. What started out as simply a tribute to their love of the game (RPS, for short) has turned into an international organization whose World RPS Championships attract thousands of people from around the world. And, as we see in this documentary, with that kind of turnout, the pro networks are also attracted. But with pro attention from the likes of Fox Sports and ESPN comes a whole new set of challenges, and what started out as a hobby turns into something immense.

"Rock, Paper, Scissors" is an enthralling look at the world of competitive RPS and at the personalities of the leagues, from the Walker brothers to Master Roshambollah to cursed competitor C. Urbanus. Game theory geeks, folks fascinated by odd personalities, and rooters for the underdogs of life must not miss this film.

Wake

Cinequest 2009

The world premiere of "Wake” was the opening faire that aired to a sold-out, energetic, and enthusiastic crowd Wednesday, February 25. And they were ready for the Cinequest 19 Film Festival to begin - they cheered the opening credits. “Wake” was a good choice. A light, airy, and nicely packaged

“Wake” is a bit off center. Carys Reitman (Bijou Phillips) seeks constant support and advice from her friend Shane (Danny Masterson), the undertaker. Trying to understand her lack of feelings, she attends funerals of people she doesn’t know. Searching for answers, she attends the last rites to a gal and was moved by her fiancé’, Tyler (Ian Somerhalder) closing words. Carys accidently removes jewelry from the dead gal at the viewing and ends up falling for the guy...who also may be the girls killer. Nice twist.

“Wake” is filled with Hollywood star power (including jane Seymour). And as good as the writing and filming and acting were - really top notch - the film is missing a beat. I could not shake the feeling that the film could have been a sitcom season summary, with a lot of unnecessary heavy breathing. I never caught the essence that this was a feature film. That doesn’t mean “Wake” isn’t entertaining. It really is. It is thoughtful. It comes in a nice package. There was just too much, “this can be solved in 30 minutes” feel. My two cents…

Corpse Run

Screenings: February 27, 9:30 PM (Rep); March 1, 1:30 PM (Rep); March 4, 5:00 PM (Cam 12)

Nick is a struggling musician in Los Angeles who spends most of his time gaming online with a large group of folks, many of whom are his close friends. When he meets Kei, a struggling actress who knows her anime and video games, it's practically love at first sight. But Kei believes in living in the real world, and doesn't buy Nick's arguments that the game is just a different kind of reality. The simplest way to summarize "Corpse Run" is to say it's "Clerks" for the 1337 generation. If you don't know about corpse runs, fragging, avatars, mobs, Ranma 1/2, or MMORPGs you'll probably still enjoy the film (especially if you like slice-of-life dramas). But this was made for folks who spend hours playing EverQuest or World of Warcraft, those who vividly remember their first video game system and can have massive throwdowns debating Sega vs. Nintendo.

Another Man

Cinequest 2009

Ealasaid said it best - "Another Man" is a French film, a noir tale told with a brooding mood and angst feel.

Francois finds himself writing for a local newspaper and, by chance, covering the local film world as a critic. This is new to his experience. His negative critiques causes a potential economic backlash on the newspaper. He writes the review, but the theater owner, who buys advertising space, isn’t happy. Things go further south when Francois starts sending in identical copy using another reviewer’s column.

It’s hard to connect to the chain-smoking self-absorbed cheat. And overarching to his publishing career is his affair with Rosa, another critic he met during other screenings. It’s complicated. It’s French.

“Another Man” carries a dark feel; moves slow with a quiet plodding, and has the seemingly requisite, but unnecessary nudity film makers think is needed to be successful. I’m approaching my sixth decade and feel I’m still too young for the amount of skin shown in this film.

How To Be

Cinequest 2009

"How To Be", directed by Oliver Irving, is one of those films you can enjoy if you catch it, and not miss if you miss it. It comes under radar, not carrying a big punch.

Art hasn't made much of his life to date and has allowed his parents disappointment to be his guiding light. He seeks help in self-help books and engages the author of one notable boot-strap tome and brings him home to help with him and his family. Art is okay as the loveable loser, but the film doesn’t move for me. That’s okay. The show might resonate with you.

Capers

Cinequest 2009

"Capers" is a happy little ditty. Really. Take three groups of sad sacks, each wanting Connie's treasure to bring about changes in their own lives, schedule three simultanious break-in buglaries, throw in a delightfully uncaring sullen fence of stolen goods, and you've got a hit film.

In competition for the valuables in Connie's safe are couple of "Arab Slavs" who want to escape their criminal past; a gangsta, repleat with possy and complete in sterotype, who kidnaps a little white girl and then makes plans to raise her as their own. Finally, there are a couple of fellows simply intent on criminal behavior. It's what they do.

There's much tongue-in-cheek nonsense taking place.

Connie appears to be the key. Phyllis Somerville, as Connie was wonderfully rotten; raspy voiced, heard hearted, and with some of the best lines. She is the cornerstone upon which the action plays. She's surrounded by some wonderful, carnavel caricatures that brighten the screen.

Capers is fun. Look up when it airs; it's worth a view.

The Caller

Cinequest 2009

The Caller, directed by Richard Ledes, is a melancholy drama about Jimmy (Frank Langella) who has resigned himself to his last days of life. He’s not sick, but he expects a visit by a hit man as consequence for exercising his conscience. Before he meets his executioner, we’re treated to a view of Jimmy’s past and the events that made the man. He hires private eye Frank Turlotte (Elliott Gould) to watch him, discover who he is, and be there so he doesn’t die alone.

Langella was simply elegant in his angst. Gould was Gould - always engaged and leaving us wanting more. Laura Harring, Jimmy's "sophisticate lady" sings some tight blues.

The Caller is a nicely filmed and presented package. Shows once so try to catch it.

Indie and Mainstream Talent

Cinequest 2009

I've noticed an interesting happening taking place within Indie films during the past few years. It's the arrival of Hollywood mainstream tallent. Seems that the Indie has gained a legitimate face and has attracted the more seasoned film denizens into the genre. Maybe its a way to hone their skills. Maybe its a way to tell their different stories. Regardless, some big names are entering into the Indie film fray.

And their entrance can be good and bad. Good, that the focus of talent and experience entering into the Indie world will continue to raise the level of film quality. Bad, that Hollywood tends to take over and surpress that which doesn't conform to its own image; If a film isn't commercial it doesn't get supported.

I wonder where the Independent will be in ten to fifteen year if the trend continues. Last year Cinequest brought us Minni Driver in "Take." This year were treated to the vernerable Frank Langella and the always enjoyable Elliiott Gould in "The Call."

Will we see oscar nominations for future films? Dunno. I suppose it depends on whether Hollywood wants to continue playing in the Indie pond. I do know I've seen some great and engaging work that could rival box office ticket sales - given a chance. We'll see.

Cinequest 2009 has arrived and it's time to enjoy the energies and creativity of the film maker. The screen doesn't get much better than this.

Samurai Avenger: The Blind Wolf

Screenings: February 27, 11:30 PM (Cam 12); March 2, 9:30 PM (Rep)

Everyone knows that the standard samurai movie tropes and the standard Western movie tropes mesh well together -- look at Kurosawa's samurai classics and Clint Eastwood's early "spaghetti" Westerns. But what do you get when you mesh them with a little less subtlety? A "sushi" western: "Samurai Avenger: The Blind Wolf." This revenge tale takes place in the old west and features a mysterious drifter with his own motivations as our hero's sidekick, but most of the combatants sling katana rather than guns and our hero is a blind Japanese swordsman who trained in the arts of combat after his family was cruelly murdered in front of him by a thoroughly evil, scenery-chewing villain. Said villain is now getting out of jail after serving a sentence for a different crime, and our hero is determined to be there when he's released, even though it means he must fight through seven opponents set on collecting the bounty the villain placed on our hero's head.

This is a thoroughly violent film with plenty of spraying blood, dripping viscera, and nudity. Viewers beware. Those of us who love over-the-top homage/send-up type films must not miss "Samurai Avenger," but purists and the weak of stomach should stay away.

Capers

Screenings: February 26, 7:00 PM (Cal); February 27, 4:30 PM (Rep); March 1, 9:30 PM (Cam 12)

Things are tough in New York since 9/11. Your photo ID has to match what you actually look like. Fences are picky about what stolen stuff they'll fence. A forged green card is expensive. Nobody is paying up on their debts, even to gun-packing, bling-wearing gangstas. But the local fence has a safe rumored to have all sorts of valuables inside it, so three separate groups of criminals set their sights on it, all on the same night. "Capers" blends homages, references, and straight-up ripoffs of everything from Eisenstein to heist movies modern and classic, all with a cheerfully surreal flavor that brings everything together perfectly.

Cinequest Approaches

Every year, filmmakers and appreciators of independent cinema from around the world converge on San Jose for Cinequest, the annual celebration of maverick filmmaking. Last year, Cinequest had over 80,000 attendees and over 500 of them filmmakers for the two-week event. This year's festival runs from February 25 through March 8, 2009, and will be packed full of independent films from all over the world.

Cinequest is held in downtown San Jose at a collection of venues within walking distance of each other. Films will be shown at the California Theater, Camera 12 Cinemas, and San Jose Repertory Theater. There are also several hotels close by for out-of-towners and plenty of restaurants as well.

This year's festival includes 18 world premieres and eight US premieres, and films from all over the world and of all genres. There are documentaries and thrillers, dramas and comedies. Whatever genre you like, it's sure to be represented. There are also two silent films being screened on Friday February 27th and Friday March 6th at the California Theater, with accompaniment on the theater's Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. The films are DW Griffith's "Birth of a Nation," his controversial masterpiece, and "Intolerance," his response to those who accused him of racism for "Birth of a Nation."

The Maverick Spirit Events at Cinequest each year are very popular, and this year looks like it will be no exception. Comedian and actor Kevin Pollock ("The Usual Suspects," "Numb") will present an evening of stand-up tailored for the festival March 4th at 7:00 PM, followed by a retrospective of his career and an award ceremony. Screenwriter and author Diablo Cody ("Juno," "The United States of Tara") will receive an award and engage the audience in a moderated discussion.

Cinequest also has a series of forums on films and filmmaking. Friday, March 6th is the Day of the Writer, with forums on Film Noir, the writing process, and more from creenwriters including Richard Walter, Lew Hunter, and Hal Ackerman. There are other Film and Innovation forums throughout the festival, covering topics from distribution to the newest technology available to independent filmmakers. See www.cinequest.org/special_events.php for more information.

As usual, Ealasaid Haas and Fred Crow will be reviewing as many films as they possibly can at Cinequest, starting very soon. Watch this space or visit their on line Cinequest headquarters at www.ealasaid.com/cineblog/ for their reviews.

Cinequest: A Guide to San Jose's Maverick Film Festival

Whatever your angle, if you're interested in independent film Cinequest is well worth checking out. Below are brief guides for some of the many sorts of folks who might enjoy attending. Be sure to check the Films and Events listings at www.cinequest.org to confirm times, check out new additions, and buy tickets.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:
* Unless you buy the Elite Pass, which gets you into the express line, be sure to show up early for films. This reviewer usually plans to show up at least 30 minutes ahead of time, pass in hand.
* There are plenty of places to eat downtown, though many of them are a bit pricey. Remember to schedule time to eat if you're planning to see a lot of movies in a row, even if you just stick a granola bar in your pocket. Water is also important -- most venues will allow bottles of water with sports tops.
* The events and forums can sell out, so unless you want to depend on rush tickets, get your tickets as far in advance as you can.
* Parking is usually scarce and pricey during Cinequest, so if at all possible, take public transit. There are park-and-ride lots at man light rail stations, and light rail you drop you off right in the heart of the festival. Save money, time, and the environment!
* Unless you're attending screenings and events all at the same building, wear comfy shoes for walking. It's farther from the Camera 12 Cinemas to the California Theater than you probably think!
* Not sure what to see or what to avoid? Check out www.ealasaid.com/cineblog for reviews. New ones are posted frequently.

FILM LOVER
You're sort of person who makes up such a big portion of Cinequest's attendees that there's a special pass just for you. It will get you into any film screening (provided you are early enough in line that they don't run out of space) without having to buy tickets.
Planning: Check out the list of films at http://cinequest.org/films.php and the reviews at www.ealasaid.com/cineblog to make a list of films you're interested in seeing, then cross-check them with the evenings you're available on the schedule at http://cinequest.org/schedule.php
Tickets: If you're going to see more than 12 films, get a Film Lover Pass ($125.00) to get the most bang for your buck. Otherwise, the bundle of ten tickets for $75 or individual tickets for $10 are the way to go.

FILM MAKER
Love movies, and love learning about making them? You'll want to see as many movies as you can as well as attending the forums.
Planning: Mark off the next two Friday-Saturday pairs in your calendar and plan to spend them downtown. The forums run all day Friday February 27, Saturday February 28, and Saturday March 7. You can attend individual sections of the forums if you can't make the full day. Also take a look at the film schedule to see what you can take in -- after all, you need to see what sort of things are being done to get ideas and learn what to avoid!
Tickets: For movie tickets, see Film Lover above. The forums are $15/day. If you're planning to attend all the forums and a bunch of movies, consider the Films and Forums pass ($135), which will get you into any films and into all the film and technology forums.

FILM FANATIC
Love movies and anybody who makes them? You won't want to miss the movies OR the Maverick Spirit Events, where filmmakers like Danny Glover, Michael Keaton, and Michael Arndt talk about their experiences. Also be sure to make it to the parties if you can, where the creators of films showing at Cinequest will be milling around, happy to talk about their movies.
Planning: See Film Lover, above, and look at the events schedule at http://cinequest.org/special_events.php
Tickets: Individual events are $10-$15, and if you're planning to attend a lot of films as well as the events, take a look at the Premier Pass ($195). It covers the Maverick Spirit Events, Film Forums, and all the film screenings.

FESTIVAL JUNKIE
Don't want to miss a single thing at Cinequest? Forums, films, events, parties, even the VIP lounge? Well, there's a special angle just for you, if you have the time and money.
Planning: Schedule a vacation from work and look through the entire schedule online at http://cinequest.org/schedule.php to see what all you want to attend.
Tickets: The Elite Pass ($500) is the way to go. It gets you into everything, plus express entry so you don't have to show up as early or wait in line as long.

Rocaterrania

Screenings: February 28, 2:30 PM (Cam 12); March 2, 7:15 PM (Cam 12); March 3, 12:30 PM (Cam 12).

Renaldo Kuhler is a scientific illustrator with a lifelong project: his own nation, Roccaterania. With the same detail he uses to record the scale patterns of snakes or the curves of microscopic bones, he has designed an alphabet, fashion, architecture, movie industry, and all the other possible details of his imaginary country. It even has a history, one which parallels his own, from the early years of monarchy in his childhood, through years of dictatorship as he worked to make his own ways in the world using self-discipline, to an era of democracy as he put together the life he'd always wanted. Now 76, Kuhler unfolds the tale of his life and Roccaterania's history for us, offering a beautiful, up-close look at his unusual genius.

Opening Night Film: Wake

Opening Night: February 25, 7:00 PM (Cal)

Carys (Bijou Phillips, "Choke") is an unusual gal who attends the funerals of strangers looking for something ineffable. She meets Tyler (Ian Somerhalderl, "Pulse"), the fiance of the dead individual at one of the funerals she crashes. She manages to accidentally steal the dead girl's wedding ring, but finds herself unable to confess and return the ring because she's falling for Tyler and can't bear to drive him away. As her relationship with Tyler deepens, she starts to wonder if those who think he murdered his fiancee are right, and realizes she may have more to lose than her heart. "Wake" is an odd mishmash of genres, from situational comedy to thriller, and this reviewer found the transitions rather abrupt. Those more interested in cross-genre films shouldn't miss it, however.

There will be a gala following the film, with appetizers, desserts, cocktails and entertainment at Billy Berk’s and Mezcal Restaurants.

The Caller

Screenings: March 1, 7:00 PM (Cal)

Jimmy Stevens (Frank Langella) has blown the whistle on his company's corrupt practices. He knows he will be killed for it, so he anonymously hires private eye Frank Turlotte (Elliott Gould) to follow him. As the time draws near for Jimmy's execution, we learn more about his past and how he became the man he is -- and the secrets from his past which help explain his mysterious actions in he present.

Langella's masterful acting makes this film a gem. It's only screening once during the festival unless the schedule changes, unfortunately, but for fans of character studies and top-notch acting, it's a must-see.

The Last Lullaby

Screenings: March 7, 7:00 PM (Cal); March 8, 1:30 PM (Cam 12).

One of the things I love about Cinequest films is that even when they're covering a tired old trope, it has a fresh feel to it. This is a story we've seen before: a hitman on the cusp of retirement (or already in it) takes one last job, but falls in love with the woman he's supposed to kill. Here we have Tom Sizemore ("Saving Private Ryan") as the hitman, Sasha Alexander (NCIS) as the woman, and Max Allen Collins (Road to Perdition) co-writing. This is a quiet film punctuated by occasional violence -- and the bloody scenes walk the line between honesty and gratuity well. But it's the long, quiet stretches that are the most interesting, the scenes short on music and dialog. Both protagonists are insomniacs and introverts, but the chemistry between them is palpable. Sizemore and Alexander do a great deal with body language and subtle expressions, particularly as the film descends towards its conclusion. The final shot in particular caught my attention.

This is a must-see for fans of the genre looking for a less-polished, more honest take on the tropes, as well as for lovers of top-notch acting.

How To Be...

Screenings: February 28, 7:15 PM (Cal); March 2, 7:00 PM (Cal).

Art (Robert Pattinson of "Twilight" and the "Harry Potter" films) is a desperately unhappy struggling musician in London. His girlfriend dumps him, his friends don't understand him, and his relationship with his parents is thoroughly dysfunctional. Desperate for a change, he turns to self-help books and finds It's Not Your Fault, a step-by-step guide to fixing your life. When he learns that the book's author is available for in-person, at-length work, he shells out to bring the man to England. The elderly author moves in with Art and his parents, and acts as a catalyst for change -- but not in the way anyone was expecting.

This is a charming and thoroughly odd comedy about growing up and spreading one's wings. It's thoroughly enjoyable to see Pattinson as a lovable loser after his turn last year as the impossibly perfect vampire hero of "Twilight." This young man has some serious talent, and films like this may help keep him from becoming too typecast to show it.

Another Man (Un Autra Homme)

Screenings: February 26, 7:15 PM (Rep); March 7, 9:00 PM (Rep)

There's something about French movies that sets them apart, even from the unusual indie flicks one finds at Cinequest. it can be hard to put your finger on just what it is, but once you've seen a few French films, you'll recognize it. "Another Man" is very French. It's a quiet, thoughtful film whose main character is frequently very unsympathetic. Francois has just moved to a small town where his girlfriend has landed a job. He finds employment as the sole writer for the town's newspaper -- a position which requires him to review the films that play at the small cinema in town. He knows nothing about cinema, however, and decides to pass another critic's reviews off as his own. Things get more complicated when he starts an affair with Rosa, a fellow writer he meets at the critics screenings in the city. She is as sadistic and cruel as she is beautiful, and soon the strain of their relationship combines with the strain of pretending to be a critic when he isn't, and Francois begins to change. Or maybe he just becomes more himself.

This film is unrated but would be NC-17, and is suitable for adults comfortable with sex, kink, vulgarity, and a character study focused on a rather despicable individual. There are plenty of sly nods to film -- both film criticism and various films themselves -- which make this a good choice for lovers of cinema.