CineBlog

Cummings Farm

Remaining Screenings: 3/5, 1:30 PM (Cam 12)

How hard can it be to host an orgy? Harder than you'd think, especially if the people involved are half a dozen neurotic thirtysomethings. "Cummings Farm" is ostensibly a comedy, but most of its humor derives from awkwardness. If situations in which the tension would be resolved if people just communicated with each other is not your idea of entertainment, steer clear. If, however, you like watching self-involved people behave badly, don't miss it.

The Robbers (Wode Tangchao Xiongdi)

Remaining Screenings: 3/4, 12:00 PM (Cam 12)

"The Robbers" Is a pitch-black comedy from China. It veers from near-slapstick comedy to grim violence and back again as it tells the story of a pair of brothers and the village they inadvertently turn upside-down. The brothers roam the countryside robbing people, but when they wander into a small village and inadvertently wind up killing a bunch of Imperial soldiers, they decide to stay until they can restore peace. One brother finds the tranquil life of a farmer (and one of the lovely village ladies) very appealing; the other dreams of riches.

This is a strange film and one which has a very different feel from your standard American black comedy.

Kill the Habit

Kill the Habit is a film I found difficult to care about. It carried an interesting idea but didn't get off the ground.

Galia (Lili Mirojnick) wants drugs. She visits her source at an apartment, and in an argument, bashes him in the head. Trying to leave she ends up selling white powder before she can escape. She cons two other gals, including the dude's wife, to help hide the body. And it sort of remains down hill from there.

I never came to care about the characters, their plight, the situations they found themselves, nor the outcome. This is a film I could miss from the beginning.

Little Fish, Strange Pond

Screenings: 2/2, 9:15 PM (Rep); 2/27, 11:59 PM (Cam 12); 3/1, 9:15 PM (Cal)

This film seems to fancy itself a cross between "Waiting for Godot" and "American Psycho," but it fails on both fronts. Sure, it has long, rambling, pseudo-intellectual discussions between its protagonists, and it's offering a commentary on American culture, but it's a commentary that doesn't come together with its story in any meaningful way. That's a pity, because the cast is amazing. Matthew Modine ("Weeds") and Callum Blue ("Smallville") are Mr. Jack, who talks endlessly, and Sweet Stephen, who is a serial killer. Zach Galifinakas plays the owner of a porn store whose robbery Mr. Jack and Sweet Stephen wind up involved in. Adam Baldwin ("Chuck" and "Firefly") plays a cop whose investigations interweave with Sweet Stephen's crimes. The acting is almost all good, but the script doesn't live up to the same standard.

Kill the Habit

Screenings: 2/27, 9:30 PM (Rep); 3/2, 6:45 PM (Cam12); 3/5, 12:00 PM (Cam12)

All Gaila ( Lili Mirojnick, "Cloverfield") wanted was to pick up some coke from her dealer, Lyle, and leave. But when an argument with him ends with Lyle dead on the floor, her plans for the day require some serious changes. She calls her friend Soti (Katerina Moutsatsos, "The Hangover") to come help her, but Soti proves to be less helpful than Gaila had hoped. When Lyle's wife Cardamosa wakes up, the three women wind up joining forces. Cardamosa hated Lyle, and knows where his stash of money is. The three of them can split the money, they just have to dispose of Lyle's body. This is a black comedy which has some darkly hilarious moments, but it never quite gels into a cohesive whole.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Disfigured: A Movie About Women and Weight

Screenings: February 28, 6:30pm (Cam 12); February 29, 9:30pm (Cam 12); March 2, 1:30pm (Cam 12)

The opening scenes of "Disfigured" ring so true that they feel like a documentary. It quickly becomes clear that this is not, in fact, a documentary -- but it often feels as if it were.

"Disfigured" tells the story of two women: Lydia, a fat woman trying to maintain her identity as a human and struggling with body image while living in appearance-obsessed Venice Beach, and Darcy, a recovering anorexic struggling with body image from the other side of the coin. The two meet when Darcy tries to join a fat acceptance group Lydia is in (after all, Darcy sees herself as horribly fat, so shouldn't fat acceptance be helpful?). The group rejects Darcy, but Lydia protests and the two women wind up cautiously becoming friends. Their experiences as women struggling with food and weight issues are very different, yet on the same wavelength, and the deeper their friendship gets, the more clear that becomes -- especially when Lydia, desperate to lose weight, asks Darcy for anorexia lessons. As Darcy leads Lydia into her world, both women find themselves changing.

This is a film about issues for which there are no easy solutions, which is why it is an important movie to see. The writing, direction, and acting are all very good in that invisible way that lets you simply enter the world of the film and ride along with these two amazing women as their lives are irrevocably changed. The world needs more movies like this one.

Official Site: http://www.disfiguredmovie.com/

Young, Single and Angry

Screenings: March 6, 9:15pm (Cam 12); March 7, 4:15pm (Cam 12)

Taylor is no longer young, but she's still single and wondering why she can't seem to find a decent guy and get the wedding she dreamed of when she was a girl. Her friends, the mildly predatory alcoholic Dot, winsome and promiscuous Katy, and the recently dumped nice guy Greg, are likewise single. As the foursome try to make their way through the LA dating pool they find themselves surrounded by deviants, addicts, and other charmers. Eventually, their searches lead them to happiness, but not where they expected to find it.

"Young, Single, and Angry" is a rather sweet romantic comedy, with many -- but not all! -- the failings of that genre. It earned bonus points with this reviewer for showing that stalkery behavior is not, in fact, romantic, and that women don't necessarily all need a guy to be happy with themselves.

Official site: http://www.youngsingleandangry.com/

Military intelligence and You

Next Viewing:

Friday, March 9; 9:30pm
San Jose Repertory

Sunday, March 11; 2:00pm
Camera 12

"Military Intelligence and You" is a delightful tongue-in-cheek peek at the WWII movie genre, a funny poke at military intelligence (some think that an oxymoron). Built in the tradition of military information documentaries, "MI and You" seamlessly melds modern filming with vintage takes from actual combat and old time films (including Ronald Reagan, William Holden, and Alan Ladd) to present the tale.

The story revolves around Hollywood caricatures; incompetent, hard hearted, and deceptive military government types (both good and evil). The Allies are taking a beating from aircraft from a secret airbase.Find the base before the next all-out attack or major losses will be the result.

The set is an exaggerated facsimile of every command war room highlighted in every war film. The dialog is filled with clichés, impractical statements, and simple goofiness, but the result is a fun screen outing. "Military intelligence and You" is campy, unserious, and unpretentious. This is a well done bit of flippancy.

Outsourced

Next showing:

March 8; 7:00pm
Camera 12

“Outsourced” is a feel good movie that captures the viewer’s heart and takes it on a sweet and charming journey. Director John Jeffcoat moves his first feature smartly through the mire of Global Economic realities, past the struggle of male/female romance, inserting major cultural differences, and tells a humorous tale without missing a beat. “Outsourced” is an elegantly thought out and presented feature that explores business-based cultural differences while young hearts do what young hearts do.

Todd is an American manager of a sales department selling catalog goods. With no warning, his management decides to outsource all jobs that are phone and internet related to India. It’s a reality for many. Jobs once thought safe due to skill and seniority are now going where the cost of performance is much less but without compromise of quality. If Todd is to keep his stock options and possible financial future in order, he must go to India and train his replacement.

With American arrogance, Todd steps all over Indian culture as he attempts to train his new employees while explaining the value of the less than practical things being sold by the company. Just try explaining a hotdog and bun toaster to a strict vegetarian who holds reverence toward the bovine. Todd quickly finds himself over his head. Asha, a beautiful employee comes to his aid and leads him through a journey of self discovery and cultural understanding.

Josh Hamilton plays Todd quite nicely. He’s uncomplicated and easily understood. We accept his role as the bad guy in Seattle and as the good guy in India. And we root for him to grow and change. Co-starring is Ayesha Dharker, as Asha, a delightful and charming gal whose face beams brightly when she smiles. Hamilton and Dharker share a chemistry on screen that could be felt in the seats.

“Outsourced” is not a documentary about the practice of outsourcing. That’s a given. It’s a reality. “Outsourced” is about learning from one another, accepting one another, and enjoying the trip along the way. Filmed completely in India, but for 2 days in Seattle, the background scenes were captivating and inspiring as well as eye opening. This was a delightfully presented film that I wanted to continue going. "Outsourced" is fast becoming a festival favorite. If you get the chance, “Outsourced” is a film worth seeing.

Blood Car

3/02 10:30 pm San Jose Repertory Theatre, 3/04 8:30 pm, Camera 12 3/10 1:30 pm Camera 12

It's a little bit in the future, just a few weeks. Gas is over $30 a gallon, and nobody bothers driving anymore. But sweet, vegan Archie Andrews has an idea: a car that runs on wheatgrass. But then one night, he discovers through an accident that his would-be wheatgrass engine won't run on wheatgrass alone: it needs human blood. Soon his car is running smoothly and he's attracting the attention of both the ladies and the government.

This surreal romp is something of a cross between a horror movie and a satire about just how far people will go to keep their cars running. It's a little on the rough side, but for a first-time director it is a solid, entertaining hour and a half. Provided you're into movies with plenty of silly, cheap-special-effects violence, at least.

The Curiousity of Chance

Screenings: 3/08 4:00 PM at San Jose Repertory Theatre, 3/10 9:30 PM at Camera 12, 3/11 11:30 AMat Camera 12.

The time: the eighties. The place: an international school somewhere in Europe. The star: young Chance Marque (Tad Hilgenbrinck), who is openly gay. Amid the legwarmers and shoulderpads that pass, he strides boldly into his first day at his fourth school in four years in a top hat and tails, twirling a cane, and immediately makes enemies of the thuggish jock clique. Chance uses his dry wit to avoid fights but the jocks really have it in for him, as does the terrifying vice principal. This has all the elements of a standard eighties high school movie, but with the added twist of a wonderful, sympathetic gay main character.

"The Curiousity of Chance" is not a perfect film, by any means. There are occasional overuses of slow motion and times when scenes don't quite gel, but the overall story is charming, and Hilgenbrinck gives an excellent performance. This one is well worth seeing if the story appeals to you.

Thank you for Smoking

The main character of "Thank You for Smoking" is Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), the voice of Big Tobacco. He makes his living spinning the wiz out of the deadliest legal product in the American market - cigarettes.

Nick Naylor: "Michael Jordan plays ball. Charlie Manson kills people. I talk."

Senator Finistirre (William H. Macy) wants to put huge poison labels on cigarette packs. The fight is on. Instead of cowering to public ddemand, Nick puts on a PR offensive on TV talk shows and the media and heads out to Hollywood to get Agent Major Domo, Rob Lowe, to promote smoking in movies.

Nick Naylor: "Now what we need is a smoking role model. A real winner. "
Jeff Megall: "Indiana Jones meets Jerry Maguire."
Nick Naylor: "Right, on two packs a day."

Nick’s antics and fame grabs the attention of tobacco's head honcho (Robert Duvall)…

BR: "We don't sell Tic Tacs, we sell cigarettes. And they're cool, available, and *addictive*. The job is almost done for us."

…and investigative reporter Katie Holmes. Nick says he’s only doing what ‘s necessary to pay the mortgage. But begins to wonder and worry how his work is affecting his son, Cameron Bright.

Carrying a load of big names in the film industry, “Smoking…” is an intelligent and hilarious look at spin-doctoring, at the fabricated façade of big tobacco, and at plain good film making. Some of the exchanges could almost have happened. The film is being released commercially March 17. Look for it. It’s worth the price of admission.

WFC

Bal-Can-Can

Shows: 3/07 7:00 PM (Cal), 3/09 7:15 PM (Cam 12)

"Bal-Can-Can" is one of those Cinequest movies that drives home just how different its culture of origin is from American culture. It was made in the Czech Republic, and while the main tropes of the film are very familiar (dark comedy/thriller/action movie/buddy movie), the underlying way of looking at the world is not. This isn't some fancy foreign art film. This is a middle-of-the-road film designed to appeal to a wide cross-section of its audience -- but that audience isn't American.

Its plot is very convoluted, and involves a quest to recover the body of our hero's mother-in-law, the son of the hero's father's blood brother, international crime, the civil war which resulted in the creation of Slovakia and the Czech republic, and a whole lot more. Our hero winds up in an oddyssey across Eastern Europe, his only ally the aforementioned son of his father's blood brother. They can only speak a few words of each others' language, but they become friends anyway.

What makes this film particularly interesting is the culture it's steeped in. This film is set in a world where violence is an everyday occurrence. Not in the way that an American film might be, either. The violence isn't deplored or glorified (except in a handful of sequences with homages to both Tarantino and Woo) or even viewed with particular horror. It simply happens, and then one moves on with one's life. It's a strange feeling to watch a film like this, and one of the reasons Cinequest is such a wonderful opportunity for local moviegoers.

Note: While the film is unrated, some parents may find it unsuitable for youngsters under the age of 16.

Bal Can Can

Bal Can Can is a dark, dark comedy bordering the line of the twisted. A civil war is raging and follows brothers Trendafil and Santino across Europe as the one (Trend) is seeking to escape the violence - and find his deceased granny wrapped up in a rolled carpet, and the other, Santino, bound by an oath to provide aid to his blood brother when requested. Even in the hard, violent life of Greece, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Bulgaria humor can be found, but only in a fantasy laced reality.

An engaging cast captured attention, especially Trendafil. We cared about him and his ultimate “mission.” Side jokes were all about. Just had to be looking for them. Bal Can Can had momentum and tempo and kept the audience interested the entire trip. Humor had its foundation on the surrounding conflicts and even with a dark story line as the skeleton, laughing out loud appeared the norm. The film maker did snap up some great open scenery. However, the film was poorly subtitled leaving us with a struggle to keep up with the text and story flow. Overall, a nicely done film.

WFC

The Method

Making my list of delightfuls is film short, “The Method.” An aspiring actor enlists the aid of a never-failed agent/acting coach. Using his services can (almost) guarantee securing that special role. It’s in his method; Complete and total immersion into the character. Unfortunately for Brad, the character he's hoping to play is a hardhearted criminal. So, for 24 hours before the audition, he’s a criminal, and to get into character he’s taken on real capers rewiring his mind, until in his his mind he now thinks and acts and talks like a criminal. Of course he gets the job, but he has a night of criminal mayhem to answer for. Funny stuff.

The story was well thought out. The filming felt a bit campy. However, the overall effect of the acting, filming, storyboard and backgrounds was solid comedic entertainment all quite entertaining.

WFC

Artistic License

“Artistic License” is a comedy short that preceded another feature but deserves a few lines for its own efforts. David, a government employee, worse, a genius DMV photographer, sets the slow and droll world of civil service on its ear. Not content just to take a photo for a person’s license, he’s manic about ensuring that the license owner is proud of their license photo. His boss has no illusions about the job and demands that he just shoots photos. That is, until she is befriended by the staff she berates and ends up before David for her own license renewal photo.

This film, though only 23 minutes, was a quiet treasure deserving of exposure and replay. The pace is smooth and quick. The humor understated but up front. The acting appeared tight and genuine. “Artistic License” is a fun film. A thought - it might be possible that a feature might develop out of the shadows of this delight.

WFC

Chalk

Shows: 3/03 9:30 PM (Cam 12), 3/4 7:45 PM (Rep)

"Chalk" was written by two teachers from Austin, Texas, filmed at a high school, and the extras and supporting cast are all real high school students, teachers, and administrators. It lends a definite authenticity to the film, which often feels more like a reality TV show about a year in the lives of high school faculty than like a comedy. Loosely scripted and heavily improvised, the scenes have a spontenaity that is so often missing from the big Hollywood blockbusters, and anyone whos' ever been a teacher will groan, laugh, and wince in sympathy with these characters. For non-teachers, this is a revealing look at the front lines of high school education. Half of all new teachers quit in their first three years, and this film shows us why.

The film focuses on four people. Mr. Stroope (Chris Mass), a charismatic but sarcastic history teacher who is determined to win Teacher of the Year, no matter what it takes. Mr. Lowry (Troy Schremmer) is a first year teacher who has abyssmal classroom management skills but means well. Mrs. Reddell (Shannon Haragan) used to be a teacher but is now an Assistant Principal, and is finding it's an even more difficult job than standing in front of a classroom of unruly teens. Her friend, PE teacher Coach Webb (Janelle Schremmer), is trying to deal with the change in her friend and with her own apparently unrequited interest in Mr. Lowry. The teachers do their best to muddle through, dealing with fights, sullen kids, long hours, and each other without losing their minds and while trying to impart some education to their students. This is a must-see for anybody with a connection to education.

The Big Day

Shows: 3/03 12:00 PM (Cam 12), 3/07 9:15 PM (Cal), 3/09 5:00 PM (Cam 12)

"The Big Day" is a charming romantic comedy which is practically by-the-numbers. Set and made in Denmark, it shows that some tropes truly are the same everywhere. The title comes from the business Anne and her best friend Jesper run: it's a wedding planning service, and they're trying to get it off the ground. With the aid of flamboyant Lars, they are determined to make a go of it.

Anne and Jesper are better at dealing with other people's weddings than their own love lives. Jesper is the only homophobic gay man in Denmark, and has managed to drive his boyfriend away. Anne is engaged to her long-time boyfriend Steen, but he is boring and stiff, and while she knows that love takes work, she's starting to wonder if it should take this much work. Then she meets Anders, the cohost of a popular morning TV show. He's a prospective client, having gotten engaged to his cohost Signe, but for the two of them it's love at first sight. Anne knows she can't afford to steal Anders from his fiancee, since The Big Day desperately needs celebrity clients, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to deny her heart.

The lead actors offer lively performances with plenty of charm, and while the timing is difficult to evaluate unless one speaks Danish, overall the film is sure to please fans of romantic comedy.

The Almost Guys

Repossessing cars for a living isn't exactly an easy job. Rick starts the day off trying to repo a car from a notorious martial artist nicknamed "the Monk." Rick's partner, an old-timer who goes by "The Colonel," is almost as much of a hindrance as a help, but the two manage to pull it off. Unfortunately, they also pull off a later repo job... only to find a major league pitcher, Jim, in the trunk with only three days before he has to pitch in the World Series. On the run from the mob, stuck with Jim, and determined to somehow come out on top in all the craziness, Rick and the Colonel are in out of their depth. This is a charming and very well-made action comedy which definitely deserves a wider distribution.

Shows 3/10, 7:00 pm (California Theater); 3/12, 7:15 pm (California Theater); and 3/13, 4:30 pm (Camera 12).

The Almost Guys

Repossessing cars for a living isn't exactly an easy job. Rick starts the day off trying to repo a car from a notorious martial artist nicknamed "the Monk." Rick's partner, an old-timer who goes by "The Colonel," is almost as much of a hindrance as a help, but the two manage to pull it off. Unfortunately, they also pull off a later repo job... only to find a major league pitcher, Jim, in the trunk with only three days before he has to pitch in the World Series. On the run from the mob, stuck with Jim, and determined to somehow come out on top in all the craziness, Rick and the Colonel are in out of their depth. This is a charming and very well-made action comedy which definitely deserves a wider distribution.

Shows 3/10, 7:00 pm (California Theater); 3/12, 7:15 pm (California Theater); and 3/13, 4:30 pm (Camera 12).

The Works w/ Cog

Victor is sick of his job. It's not that they don't pay him well, because they do. But his boss is a horrible person, his coworkers are annoying, and when the office relocates one floor down, his desk is moved into the bathroom. He ought to be grateful, one of his coworkers tells him. He has all that space, while she's stuck back in a cubicle. Victor tries to resign, but that turns out to be a lot more complicated that you might expect. Meanwhile, he's struck up a friendship with building handywoman Eve as well as with the enigmatic and eccentric owner of the company (and the building), Mr. M. By turns achingly funny and wistful, this is a fable about being true to yourself in the face of the monolithic corporate world.

Screening with "Cog," a peculiar short about the daily repetition in suburban life.

Shows 3/8, 7:15 p.m. (University Theater); 3/9, 9:15 p.m. (University Theater); and 3/11, 11:59 p.m. (Camera 12).

The Works w/ Cog

Victor is sick of his job. It's not that they don't pay him well, because they do. But his boss is a horrible person, his coworkers are annoying, and when the office relocates one floor down, his desk is moved into the bathroom. He ought to be grateful, one of his coworkers tells him. He has all that space, while she's stuck back in a cubicle. Victor tries to resign, but that turns out to be a lot more complicated that you might expect. Meanwhile, he's struck up a friendship with building handywoman Eve as well as with the enigmatic and eccentric owner of the company (and the building), Mr. M. By turns achingly funny and wistful, this is a fable about being true to yourself in the face of the monolithic corporate world.

Screening with "Cog," a peculiar short about the daily repetition in suburban life.

Shows 3/8, 7:15 p.m. (University Theater); 3/9, 9:15 p.m. (University Theater); and 3/11, 11:59 p.m. (Camera 12).

Sunnyvale

Director: James Ricardo
Writer: James Ricardo
Cast: James Ricardo, April Wade, Ute Werner, Jesselynn Desmond, Samantha Turk, Mark Wood

World Premiere

�Sunnyvale� held no appeal for me. I gained nothing from its showing.

A whining loser with the wilted personality of the manically depressed robot, Marvin, from �Hitchhikers guide to the Universe,� Ricardo lives off his uncle, lives on junk food, and thrives on porn. Lost in this milieu of drugs, sex, and stupidity are three women who enter his life, the effort being painfully droll. I found the film to be slow and uninspired. The �popping� from scene to scene became too much very quickly. �POW!� let�s go here � POW! Let�s take the audience there�snap black snap black snap black. It was a treatment of transitions from hell. But then, I'm only one insignificant voice of no consequence garbled over the muddled waters of film. See it at your own peril.

Rating: 1 out of 5 Feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

Sunnyvale

Director: James Ricardo
Writer: James Ricardo
Cast: James Ricardo, April Wade, Ute Werner, Jesselynn Desmond, Samantha Turk, Mark Wood

World Premiere

�Sunnyvale� held no appeal for me. I gained nothing from its showing.

A whining loser with the wilted personality of the manically depressed robot, Marvin, from �Hitchhikers guide to the Universe,� Ricardo lives off his uncle, lives on junk food, and thrives on porn. Lost in this milieu of drugs, sex, and stupidity are three women who enter his life, the effort being painfully droll. I found the film to be slow and uninspired. The �popping� from scene to scene became too much very quickly. �POW!� let�s go here � POW! Let�s take the audience there�snap black snap black snap black. It was a treatment of transitions from hell. But then, I'm only one insignificant voice of no consequence garbled over the muddled waters of film. See it at your own peril.

Rating: 1 out of 5 Feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

My Jealous Barber

Director: Annette Sjursen
Writer: Lars Saabye Christensen, Annette Sjursen
Cast: Bjorn Sundquist, Gard Eidsvold, Hildegun Riise
Country: Norway

Closing Cinequest 2005 is the warm hearted and gentle spirited film, �My Jealous Barber,� a quiet comedy peopled with interesting and quirky folk. After ten years with the same barber � and the same hair style � a young fellow strays to another barber. He goes to a stylist. And the new girl in town likes the new look. She then becomes the �other woman� to the barber as the relationship between barber and customer is almost matrimonial. Brrrrr. Bent, the hair client, was pleasant enough, oafish and insecure. Frank, the former boxer, is a tough and tumble fellow who quickly takes umbrage with any who would separate him from his last customer. Susie�s a bit of ditz and takes a liking to Bent.

The story carried an interesting tone. Quiet with subliminal humor. The laughs were knowing nods and smiles. Nothing out loud. The cinematography adept, but the pace/tempo a tad slow. A pleasant experience without expectation. A nice date movie.

English Subtitles

Rating: 3 out of 5 Feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

My Jealous Barber

Director: Annette Sjursen
Writer: Lars Saabye Christensen, Annette Sjursen
Cast: Bjorn Sundquist, Gard Eidsvold, Hildegun Riise
Country: Norway

Closing Cinequest 2005 is the warm hearted and gentle spirited film, �My Jealous Barber,� a quiet comedy peopled with interesting and quirky folk. After ten years with the same barber � and the same hair style � a young fellow strays to another barber. He goes to a stylist. And the new girl in town likes the new look. She then becomes the �other woman� to the barber as the relationship between barber and customer is almost matrimonial. Brrrrr. Bent, the hair client, was pleasant enough, oafish and insecure. Frank, the former boxer, is a tough and tumble fellow who quickly takes umbrage with any who would separate him from his last customer. Susie�s a bit of ditz and takes a liking to Bent.

The story carried an interesting tone. Quiet with subliminal humor. The laughs were knowing nods and smiles. Nothing out loud. The cinematography adept, but the pace/tempo a tad slow. A pleasant experience without expectation. A nice date movie.

English Subtitles

Rating: 3 out of 5 Feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

Guy on Row Five

Director: Jonathon E. Stewart & Phil Thurman
Writer: Bobby Field, Motrya Tomycz
Cast: Bobby Field, Clare Kramer, Jennifer Aspen, Colin Ferguson, Joel Michaely

"Guy in Row Five" is a comedy about an annoying guy who cannot read reality. His landing a bit role on a TV mega-hit series causes him to see things larger in his life than he can support. He's so sure his audition has been accepted and that he's going to be added to the cast, he has camera and sound crew follow him around to record his last day in anonymity.

I found the film too loose, the script a bit sophomoric, and the presentation a tad undisciplined. Other than the obvious self-focused Thess, with the myopic glasses, the characters were left undeveloped, at least, until the last 20 minutes. Then we see the meat and soul of the two leads. Bee-keeper?! Felt like an inside joke. The nude scene was gratuitous and unnecessary. It was distracting more than helping. If it were being used to create conflict with Rose, this was also left undone. As a friend once suggested - the film didn't float my boat.

Rating: 2 out of 5 Feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

Guy on Row Five

Director: Jonathon E. Stewart & Phil Thurman
Writer: Bobby Field, Motrya Tomycz
Cast: Bobby Field, Clare Kramer, Jennifer Aspen, Colin Ferguson, Joel Michaely

"Guy in Row Five" is a comedy about an annoying guy who cannot read reality. His landing a bit role on a TV mega-hit series causes him to see things larger in his life than he can support. He's so sure his audition has been accepted and that he's going to be added to the cast, he has camera and sound crew follow him around to record his last day in anonymity.

I found the film too loose, the script a bit sophomoric, and the presentation a tad undisciplined. Other than the obvious self-focused Thess, with the myopic glasses, the characters were left undeveloped, at least, until the last 20 minutes. Then we see the meat and soul of the two leads. Bee-keeper?! Felt like an inside joke. The nude scene was gratuitous and unnecessary. It was distracting more than helping. If it were being used to create conflict with Rose, this was also left undone. As a friend once suggested - the film didn't float my boat.

Rating: 2 out of 5 Feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

Charlie the Ox

Writer/Director: Scott Smith
Cast: Cory McAbee, Joe Mazza, D. Michael Kane
Entertaining cameo by Jon Polito

World Premiere

"Charlie the Ox" is a locally filmed frolic of 'Good' Bad guys winning out over the 'Bad' Bad guys. It's a story of a big hearted, slow witted criminal who takes offense at not being asked to pull a significant heist. When taken for a ride and left out of the next big score, he plots revenge in his own slow way.

Corfy McAbee (Charlie) has a pleasant screen presence that causes the viewer to root for the underdog. His connectable. You want him to win -ummm, be the successful good Bad guy. Jahnika Blythe enters the fray as Teesha. She has three jobs and goal. Somehow these two get together - exactly how may have ended up on the cutting room floor. They lacked chemestry. The rest of the cast filled their parts nicely. Jon Polito does a couple of cameo scenes.

The story and filming and the overall effect was nice.

rating: 3 feathers out of 5

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

Charlie the Ox

Writer/Director: Scott Smith
Cast: Cory McAbee, Joe Mazza, D. Michael Kane
Entertaining cameo by Jon Polito

World Premiere

"Charlie the Ox" is a locally filmed frolic of 'Good' Bad guys winning out over the 'Bad' Bad guys. It's a story of a big hearted, slow witted criminal who takes offense at not being asked to pull a significant heist. When taken for a ride and left out of the next big score, he plots revenge in his own slow way.

Corfy McAbee (Charlie) has a pleasant screen presence that causes the viewer to root for the underdog. His connectable. You want him to win -ummm, be the successful good Bad guy. Jahnika Blythe enters the fray as Teesha. She has three jobs and goal. Somehow these two get together - exactly how may have ended up on the cutting room floor. They lacked chemestry. The rest of the cast filled their parts nicely. Jon Polito does a couple of cameo scenes.

The story and filming and the overall effect was nice.

rating: 3 feathers out of 5

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

Manual for Love Stories

Director: Jos� Roberto Torero
Writer: Jos� Roberto Torero, Luiz Moura

"Manual for Love Stories" is a comedic farce. The film is basically a an instructional narration, with acted examples, of how to film a love story; including rewinds, retakes, cuts, on screen edits, and a false ending. The narration, in Brazilian with subtitles, is a lot of fun poking fun at the genre of making love story movies. The tongue in cheek strerotypes are everywhere and embraced.

The story is quite good and simple. The acting was okay. The filming was a bit ragged. However, the story carried the audience past that speed bump leaving a wonderful experience.

Rating: 4 out of 5 feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

Manual for Love Stories

Director: Jos� Roberto Torero
Writer: Jos� Roberto Torero, Luiz Moura

"Manual for Love Stories" is a comedic farce. The film is basically a an instructional narration, with acted examples, of how to film a love story; including rewinds, retakes, cuts, on screen edits, and a false ending. The narration, in Brazilian with subtitles, is a lot of fun poking fun at the genre of making love story movies. The tongue in cheek strerotypes are everywhere and embraced.

The story is quite good and simple. The acting was okay. The filming was a bit ragged. However, the story carried the audience past that speed bump leaving a wonderful experience.

Rating: 4 out of 5 feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

My Big Fat Independent Movie

"Scary Movie" did it for horror flicks. The "Airplane" movies did it for disaster pictures. Now "My Big Fat Independent Movie" has done it for indie film. This is the story of two hit men, one black and existential and one white and kind of sociopathic, who are hired to pull off a botched robbery in Las Vegas. Along the way, the meet up with a swinger, a strange French girl, a lanky man (played by the brilliant Neil Hopkins from last year's "Walkentalk"), a Greek family, a man with a memory problem, mysterious lesbians, and plenty of other heavy hitters from indie and foreign film.

Will it make sense if you haven't steeped yourself in movies like "Amelie," "Pi," "Secretary," "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," "Swingers," and "Mulholland Drive?" Maybe. But you'll get a lot more of the jokes if you know indie film. Indie fans who enjoy spoofs and meta-comedies will be rolling in the aisles. I know I was.

Shows 3/5, 8:00 pm (San Jose Rep)

My Big Fat Independent Movie

"Scary Movie" did it for horror flicks. The "Airplane" movies did it for disaster pictures. Now "My Big Fat Independent Movie" has done it for indie film. This is the story of two hit men, one black and existential and one white and kind of sociopathic, who are hired to pull off a botched robbery in Las Vegas. Along the way, the meet up with a swinger, a strange French girl, a lanky man (played by the brilliant Neil Hopkins from last year's "Walkentalk"), a Greek family, a man with a memory problem, mysterious lesbians, and plenty of other heavy hitters from indie and foreign film.

Will it make sense if you haven't steeped yourself in movies like "Amelie," "Pi," "Secretary," "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," "Swingers," and "Mulholland Drive?" Maybe. But you'll get a lot more of the jokes if you know indie film. Indie fans who enjoy spoofs and meta-comedies will be rolling in the aisles. I know I was.

Shows 3/5, 8:00 pm (San Jose Rep)

The Guy in Row Five

We've all met the kind of guy whose optimism and enthusiasm makes him incredibly obnoxious. "The Guy in Row Five" revolves around a guy like that - Thess has moved to Hollywood determined to become an actor. He's already spent three weeks as an extra on the hit show "Rodeo Nights" and is utterly confident that he will be receiving a call from the casting director and landing a role as a new character. With the help of his friend Tony and his girlfriend Kelly, he is making a documentary of his last day of anonymity.

Of course, what he doesn't realize is that his self-confidence far outstrips his abilities. "The Guy in Row Five" is an odyssey across Los Angeles and a charming tale of the way that optimism can turn a person's life around -- even if it's not in the way you hoped. It's easy to see why this hilarious and oddly sweet film won the Viewer's Voice award at Cinequest, earning itself a screening spot by winning votes at Cinequestonline.org, the online screening room of the festival.

Shows 3/8, 9:15pm (University Theater)

The Guy in Row Five

We've all met the kind of guy whose optimism and enthusiasm makes him incredibly obnoxious. "The Guy in Row Five" revolves around a guy like that - Thess has moved to Hollywood determined to become an actor. He's already spent three weeks as an extra on the hit show "Rodeo Nights" and is utterly confident that he will be receiving a call from the casting director and landing a role as a new character. With the help of his friend Tony and his girlfriend Kelly, he is making a documentary of his last day of anonymity.

Of course, what he doesn't realize is that his self-confidence far outstrips his abilities. "The Guy in Row Five" is an odyssey across Los Angeles and a charming tale of the way that optimism can turn a person's life around -- even if it's not in the way you hoped. It's easy to see why this hilarious and oddly sweet film won the Viewer's Voice award at Cinequest, earning itself a screening spot by winning votes at Cinequestonline.org, the online screening room of the festival.

Shows 3/8, 9:15pm (University Theater)

The Dry Spell

Josey Fargo hasn't gotten laid in almost two years, and he is getting desperate. This offbeat film is reminiscent of a one-man show or a comedy monologue, except that it has the occasional illustrative scene with other people talking too. Hard up for love and aching to end his dry spell, Josey imagines increasingly far-fetched scenarios, tries insane things, and generally makes a fool of himself while explaining to us how difficult it can be for him to really interact with women.

Of course, he knows that what would really make him happy is if Julie, his ex, would come back. He misses her, annoying habits and all. but somehow checking up on her all the time, leaving her notes, and occasionally breaking into her house to post reminders of their love is failing to win her over. Josey is going to have to figure out something new if he's going to find love again. This is a hilarious and inventive comedy sure to make even those who are unlucky in love laugh.

Screens 3/4, 7:00 pm (University Theater); 3/6, 9:00 pm (University Theater; and 3/9, 5:15 pm (University Theater).

The Dry Spell

Josey Fargo hasn't gotten laid in almost two years, and he is getting desperate. This offbeat film is reminiscent of a one-man show or a comedy monologue, except that it has the occasional illustrative scene with other people talking too. Hard up for love and aching to end his dry spell, Josey imagines increasingly far-fetched scenarios, tries insane things, and generally makes a fool of himself while explaining to us how difficult it can be for him to really interact with women.

Of course, he knows that what would really make him happy is if Julie, his ex, would come back. He misses her, annoying habits and all. but somehow checking up on her all the time, leaving her notes, and occasionally breaking into her house to post reminders of their love is failing to win her over. Josey is going to have to figure out something new if he's going to find love again. This is a hilarious and inventive comedy sure to make even those who are unlucky in love laugh.

Screens 3/4, 7:00 pm (University Theater); 3/6, 9:00 pm (University Theater; and 3/9, 5:15 pm (University Theater).

My Jealous Barber

This film will be showing at the Closing Night Gala, and it's a real gem. Bent Samuelson has been seeing the same barber, Frank, for ten years, even though he doesn't much like the hairstyle Frank gives him. Bent doesn't quite have the nerve to say so, however, and that cowardice extends through the rest of his life. He puts up with an obnoxious coworker, has never gotten a drivers' liscense, and backs down rather than stands up for himself. But when Susie movies in across the street, he is smitten and finds the courage to start taking chances - including trying a new hairstylist. Frank is not about to lose his best customer without a fight, and his jealousy may come between Bent and his burgeoning relationship with Susie.

Screens 3/13, 6:30 pm (California Theater). Gala to follow at Blake's Steakhouse and Bar.

My Jealous Barber

This film will be showing at the Closing Night Gala, and it's a real gem. Bent Samuelson has been seeing the same barber, Frank, for ten years, even though he doesn't much like the hairstyle Frank gives him. Bent doesn't quite have the nerve to say so, however, and that cowardice extends through the rest of his life. He puts up with an obnoxious coworker, has never gotten a drivers' liscense, and backs down rather than stands up for himself. But when Susie movies in across the street, he is smitten and finds the courage to start taking chances - including trying a new hairstylist. Frank is not about to lose his best customer without a fight, and his jealousy may come between Bent and his burgeoning relationship with Susie.

Screens 3/13, 6:30 pm (California Theater). Gala to follow at Blake's Steakhouse and Bar.

Sunnyvale

"Sunnyvale" is a hard movie to pin down with a simple review. It's ostensibly a romantic comedy, though both the romance and the comedy are a bit skewed. It follows Ricardo (James Ricardo), an unemployed slacker, through his relationships with a collection of women. There's Thai (April Wade), a pot dealer and her girlfriend Dakota (Ute Werner) at first, then he gets entangled with a gal he meets through a personal ad. It's hard to see what the three of them see in this emotionless loser, but whatever it is, it's enough to keep them coming back for more. This is an offbeat comedy with a number of flaws, but it's an interesting take on the masochism and desperation of single women in the modern day.

Screens 3/4, 9:00 pm (University Theater at SJSU) and 3/5, 4:30 pm (University Theater at SJSU)

Sunnyvale

"Sunnyvale" is a hard movie to pin down with a simple review. It's ostensibly a romantic comedy, though both the romance and the comedy are a bit skewed. It follows Ricardo (James Ricardo), an unemployed slacker, through his relationships with a collection of women. There's Thai (April Wade), a pot dealer and her girlfriend Dakota (Ute Werner) at first, then he gets entangled with a gal he meets through a personal ad. It's hard to see what the three of them see in this emotionless loser, but whatever it is, it's enough to keep them coming back for more. This is an offbeat comedy with a number of flaws, but it's an interesting take on the masochism and desperation of single women in the modern day.

Screens 3/4, 9:00 pm (University Theater at SJSU) and 3/5, 4:30 pm (University Theater at SJSU)

Manual for Love Stories

Romantic comedies follow a definite formula, and it's a real trip to see a film that not only acknowledges this but works within it to create a truly bizarre send-up of all those cliches. The narrator steps us through the process, from meeting the heroine to the uncovering of the horrible villains and the heroic couple's Happily Ever After ending. Although the characters occasional rebel, the narrator brings them to heel and the result is a hilariously meta romantic comedy.

Shows for the Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, March 2nd, at 7pm.

Manual for Love Stories

Romantic comedies follow a definite formula, and it's a real trip to see a film that not only acknowledges this but works within it to create a truly bizarre send-up of all those cliches. The narrator steps us through the process, from meeting the heroine to the uncovering of the horrible villains and the heroic couple's Happily Ever After ending. Although the characters occasional rebel, the narrator brings them to heel and the result is a hilariously meta romantic comedy.

Shows for the Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, March 2nd, at 7pm.

Springtime Dreams

Director Peter Hayes
Cast Billy May, Monica MacKinnon, Devon lee Grover

Shown but not listed separately by Cinequest...

Produced in the 1920's structure of B&W silent films, Hayes and May bring to life a 12 minute short honoring that man of humor, Charlie Chaplin.

According to Steven Connelly, Producer, the project was a special treat where the cast and crew tried to emulate both style and film, right down to Chaplin's smile and walk, and the films jerkiness and scratches.

Springtime Dreams is about May (as Chaplin) who must retrieve his fiancee's wedding gown and the trouble he encounters along the way.

A film treat...
###

Springtime Dreams

Director Peter Hayes
Cast Billy May, Monica MacKinnon, Devon lee Grover

Shown but not listed separately by Cinequest...

Produced in the 1920's structure of B&W silent films, Hayes and May bring to life a 12 minute short honoring that man of humor, Charlie Chaplin.

According to Steven Connelly, Producer, the project was a special treat where the cast and crew tried to emulate both style and film, right down to Chaplin's smile and walk, and the films jerkiness and scratches.

Springtime Dreams is about May (as Chaplin) who must retrieve his fiancee's wedding gown and the trouble he encounters along the way.

A film treat...
###

Ham and Cheese

Directed by Warren P. Sonoda
Starring Jason Jones, Mike Beaver, Jennifer Baxter, Samantha Bee, Dave Foley, Scott Thompson, Polly Shannon

There are actors we revere, people who make the craft seem like something utterly natural. Richard and Barry are not in that group.

They're utterly dedicated to acting, though, and undeterred by their lack of talent or the people who point it out to them, they are determined to make it. "Ham and Cheese" is a mockumentary that rings painfully true and it's hard not to root for these guys even as they make us (and almost everyone around them) cringe with their terrible attempts at acting.

Ham and Cheese

Directed by Warren P. Sonoda
Starring Jason Jones, Mike Beaver, Jennifer Baxter, Samantha Bee, Dave Foley, Scott Thompson, Polly Shannon

There are actors we revere, people who make the craft seem like something utterly natural. Richard and Barry are not in that group.

They're utterly dedicated to acting, though, and undeterred by their lack of talent or the people who point it out to them, they are determined to make it. "Ham and Cheese" is a mockumentary that rings painfully true and it's hard not to root for these guys even as they make us (and almost everyone around them) cringe with their terrible attempts at acting.

Security

Security

Directed by Brien Burroughs;
Starring Stephen Kearin, Tim Orr, Regina Saisi, Gerri Lawlor;

Screenings: 03/12/04, 9:15pm (Camera 3); 03/14/04, 11:30am Morris Dailey Auditorium SJSU

Comedy is serious business. It takes hard work and talent to create the environment and trigger mechanisms required to make people laugh. And that's when people want to laugh, are willing to laugh, and are waiting to laugh. There are very few folk on this planet that can improvise humor. Jonathon Winters and Robin Williams immediately come to mind, and even they work diligently at their craft. Unfortunately for the film, "Security," Kearin and Orr are just not that capable. Working in a chocolate factory as night shift security guards, Dull and (if possible) Even Duller, stagger through their scenes unscripted and apparently undirected. Any comparisons to Laural and Hardy is strictly a typographical error.

The film offers a plausible plot. Special chocolate products are being snatched under the less-than-attentive noses of a pair of witless security guards. Find the culprit(s) and save the day. Hurrah. But with a pain in the caboose cast of script less characters, missing-in-action-direction, and a nervous quirky editing, this film goes nowhere. Offbeat, unconventional, and with a twist of a creative idea, a film by any other name may have worked, maybe. Then again, maybe not.
###

Security

Security

Directed by Brien Burroughs;
Starring Stephen Kearin, Tim Orr, Regina Saisi, Gerri Lawlor;

Screenings: 03/12/04, 9:15pm (Camera 3); 03/14/04, 11:30am Morris Dailey Auditorium SJSU

Comedy is serious business. It takes hard work and talent to create the environment and trigger mechanisms required to make people laugh. And that's when people want to laugh, are willing to laugh, and are waiting to laugh. There are very few folk on this planet that can improvise humor. Jonathon Winters and Robin Williams immediately come to mind, and even they work diligently at their craft. Unfortunately for the film, "Security," Kearin and Orr are just not that capable. Working in a chocolate factory as night shift security guards, Dull and (if possible) Even Duller, stagger through their scenes unscripted and apparently undirected. Any comparisons to Laural and Hardy is strictly a typographical error.

The film offers a plausible plot. Special chocolate products are being snatched under the less-than-attentive noses of a pair of witless security guards. Find the culprit(s) and save the day. Hurrah. But with a pain in the caboose cast of script less characters, missing-in-action-direction, and a nervous quirky editing, this film goes nowhere. Offbeat, unconventional, and with a twist of a creative idea, a film by any other name may have worked, maybe. Then again, maybe not.
###

Jagoda in the Supermarket

Directed by Dusan Milic
Starring: Branka Katic, Srdjan Todorovic, Dubravka Mijatovic
Screenings: 3/5/04 7:15pm and 3/10/04 9:00 pm at Camera 1

This Serbian comedy is an utter delight! Jagoda works as a cashier at the new American Supermarket. When her coworker and "friend" steals a potential date, she is so frustrated that she refuses to sell an old lady strawberries for her only grandson's birthday. The next day, the grandson storms the supermarket with a machine gun, taking the workers and shoppers hostage and demanding to know who harassed his granny.

Naturally, things don't go exactly as he planned and soon the plainclothes inspector is trying to keep the old-school Serb SWAT team from just bombing the supermarket to smithereens.

This is a sweet film, laugh-out-loud funny in both the political and the romantic comedy spectrums. Katic and Todorovic are brilliant as Jagoda and the grandson, and the gentle jabs at American cultural and economic spread are thoroughly witty, especially in this day and age.

Jagoda in the Supermarket

Directed by Dusan Milic
Starring: Branka Katic, Srdjan Todorovic, Dubravka Mijatovic
Screenings: 3/5/04 7:15pm and 3/10/04 9:00 pm at Camera 1

This Serbian comedy is an utter delight! Jagoda works as a cashier at the new American Supermarket. When her coworker and "friend" steals a potential date, she is so frustrated that she refuses to sell an old lady strawberries for her only grandson's birthday. The next day, the grandson storms the supermarket with a machine gun, taking the workers and shoppers hostage and demanding to know who harassed his granny.

Naturally, things don't go exactly as he planned and soon the plainclothes inspector is trying to keep the old-school Serb SWAT team from just bombing the supermarket to smithereens.

This is a sweet film, laugh-out-loud funny in both the political and the romantic comedy spectrums. Katic and Todorovic are brilliant as Jagoda and the grandson, and the gentle jabs at American cultural and economic spread are thoroughly witty, especially in this day and age.

Shorts Program 1: Comedy Favorites

Screenings: 3/4/04 7:15pm and 3/6/04 2:45pm at San Jose Rep
Title list:

The Babysitter (dir. Gideon Raff)
The Climactic Death of Dark Ninja (dir. Peter Craig)
Dangle (dir Phil Traill)
Karma Wheel (dir. Austin Alward)
The Memo (dir. Daheli Hall)
The Morning Guy (dir. Mark W. Gray)
Ode to Margaret Cho (dirs. Susie Lee, Greg Pak)
Oh Yeah! (dir. Lon Lopez)
Penalty Salmon (dir. Eiji Shimada)
La Puppe (dir. Timothy Greenberg)
Restive Planet (dir. Jon Cregan)
Spelunkers (dir. Jim Lacy)
Strawberry (dir. Maira Lopes)

This is a delightful mixed bag of hilarity, running the gamut from a teenaged boy babysitting a distressingly precocious middle schooler to a marvellously surreal piece about a man whose unique form of self-expression is driving his wife insane. Add a mock preview about an action movie starring the Kool-Aid guy and a bizarre tribute to Terry Gilliam's "12 Monkeys" and you have an collection of side-splitting and often cuttingly satirical comedy.

Shorts Program 1: Comedy Favorites

Screenings: 3/4/04 7:15pm and 3/6/04 2:45pm at San Jose Rep
Title list:

The Babysitter (dir. Gideon Raff)
The Climactic Death of Dark Ninja (dir. Peter Craig)
Dangle (dir Phil Traill)
Karma Wheel (dir. Austin Alward)
The Memo (dir. Daheli Hall)
The Morning Guy (dir. Mark W. Gray)
Ode to Margaret Cho (dirs. Susie Lee, Greg Pak)
Oh Yeah! (dir. Lon Lopez)
Penalty Salmon (dir. Eiji Shimada)
La Puppe (dir. Timothy Greenberg)
Restive Planet (dir. Jon Cregan)
Spelunkers (dir. Jim Lacy)
Strawberry (dir. Maira Lopes)

This is a delightful mixed bag of hilarity, running the gamut from a teenaged boy babysitting a distressingly precocious middle schooler to a marvellously surreal piece about a man whose unique form of self-expression is driving his wife insane. Add a mock preview about an action movie starring the Kool-Aid guy and a bizarre tribute to Terry Gilliam's "12 Monkeys" and you have an collection of side-splitting and often cuttingly satirical comedy.

Vote For Me

Director Nelson Antonio Denis; Starring Ricardo Barber, Malik Yoba, Angel Salazar, Jose Ramon Rosario, Gloria Irizarry, and Manuel E. Santiago.

03/10 7:15pm, 03/11 4:45pm (MD-SJSU); 03/13 10:30am (UT-SJSU)
'R' for language.

In a delightful, rough-hewn comedic farce about the politically incorrect taking politics by storm, "Vote For Me" is a positive charge. Leo, a scrawny and in-your-face New York building superintendent for whom life is just one hassle after another, makes a break for respectability after the district congressman keels over while giving a speech. Tired of drug dealers owning the street corner, tired of being pushed about, Leo makes an emotional decision one night to jump into the election fray.

Leo is socially clueless, and he's running against two some-what political savvy opponents. Al Blanco, a engaging Democratic Party buffoon, and racial opportunist Dr. La Bimbuu, her mantra, "I am the only black women running in this election!" being her platform. Leo is not suave, he is not debonair, and he's definitely not politic. He is raw, forceful, determined, and out there. With a take- it-or-leave-it attitude toward almost everything, Leo becomes the favorite son of El Barrio, New York. The televised trio debate was especially a kick. Leo's campaign platform? "I'm gonna kick those drug dealers in the ass!" A campaign promise Leo keeps.

The story was good hearted. The music solid. The characters being caricatures of politicians almost everywhere. None appears to escape the underlying acerbic wit of writer/director Denis. Aside from Barber (Leo), the acting was a bit fuzzy. Characters angry one moment becoming loyal fans without cause the next.

The political lunacy that oozes from "Vote For Me" is derived honestly. Denis was a New York state assemblyman for four years. He saw the craziest profession up close and personal. The story was a treat for me as I was born and raised in Brooklyn. And the political antics weren't that much different.

It's been stated that the worst thing about political jokes is that some of them get elected! Well, "Vote For Me" takes us on a comedy trip to see for ourselves.

Vote For Me

Director Nelson Antonio Denis; Starring Ricardo Barber, Malik Yoba, Angel Salazar, Jose Ramon Rosario, Gloria Irizarry, and Manuel E. Santiago.

03/10 7:15pm, 03/11 4:45pm (MD-SJSU); 03/13 10:30am (UT-SJSU)
'R' for language.

In a delightful, rough-hewn comedic farce about the politically incorrect taking politics by storm, "Vote For Me" is a positive charge. Leo, a scrawny and in-your-face New York building superintendent for whom life is just one hassle after another, makes a break for respectability after the district congressman keels over while giving a speech. Tired of drug dealers owning the street corner, tired of being pushed about, Leo makes an emotional decision one night to jump into the election fray.

Leo is socially clueless, and he's running against two some-what political savvy opponents. Al Blanco, a engaging Democratic Party buffoon, and racial opportunist Dr. La Bimbuu, her mantra, "I am the only black women running in this election!" being her platform. Leo is not suave, he is not debonair, and he's definitely not politic. He is raw, forceful, determined, and out there. With a take- it-or-leave-it attitude toward almost everything, Leo becomes the favorite son of El Barrio, New York. The televised trio debate was especially a kick. Leo's campaign platform? "I'm gonna kick those drug dealers in the ass!" A campaign promise Leo keeps.

The story was good hearted. The music solid. The characters being caricatures of politicians almost everywhere. None appears to escape the underlying acerbic wit of writer/director Denis. Aside from Barber (Leo), the acting was a bit fuzzy. Characters angry one moment becoming loyal fans without cause the next.

The political lunacy that oozes from "Vote For Me" is derived honestly. Denis was a New York state assemblyman for four years. He saw the craziest profession up close and personal. The story was a treat for me as I was born and raised in Brooklyn. And the political antics weren't that much different.

It's been stated that the worst thing about political jokes is that some of them get elected! Well, "Vote For Me" takes us on a comedy trip to see for ourselves.

Security

Directed by Brien Burroughs, Starring Stephen Kearin, Tim Orr, Regina Saisi, Gerri Lawlor
Screenings: 3/12/04 9:15pm at Camera 3 and 3/14/04 at 11:30 am at SJSU Morris Dailey Auditorium

Working security on the night shift in a factory, even a chocolate candy factory, is easily one of the dullest jobs around. Pat and his partner Bill make the best of it, though, and take their job very, very seriously, whether they�re going on patrol or accosting suspicious characters like the electrician. When batches of prototype candy start going missing, they are on the case. Although hampered by their lack of cunning and Bill�s burgeoning romance, they are determined to find the culprit!

An offbeat comedy with completely improvised dialog, �Security� is a delight. It has a somewhat peculiar ending but watching our two heroes on the case is a pleasure. Kearin and Orr vanish into their roles, bringing this odd couple of blockheads to life with a marvelously deadpan charm.

Security

Directed by Brien Burroughs, Starring Stephen Kearin, Tim Orr, Regina Saisi, Gerri Lawlor
Screenings: 3/12/04 9:15pm at Camera 3 and 3/14/04 at 11:30 am at SJSU Morris Dailey Auditorium

Working security on the night shift in a factory, even a chocolate candy factory, is easily one of the dullest jobs around. Pat and his partner Bill make the best of it, though, and take their job very, very seriously, whether they�re going on patrol or accosting suspicious characters like the electrician. When batches of prototype candy start going missing, they are on the case. Although hampered by their lack of cunning and Bill�s burgeoning romance, they are determined to find the culprit!

An offbeat comedy with completely improvised dialog, �Security� is a delight. It has a somewhat peculiar ending but watching our two heroes on the case is a pleasure. Kearin and Orr vanish into their roles, bringing this odd couple of blockheads to life with a marvelously deadpan charm.