CineBlog

The boneman (Knochenmann)

The Boneman is a pressing German drama where in a swirling mass of blatant intrigue, we wonder who's the good guy/bad guy. Josef Hader plays an ex-cop (Brenner) who reposesses lease cars. His last assignment has him wandering around a country inn looking for a driver of a repo so he can serve papers and take possession, but it seems he's disappeared. Poof. As Brenner talks with folk who might know the missing driver, he gets into a deeper mess more than he bargained for. The film is filled with twists and turns and everyone appears one thing but may be another. But by staying with Brenner we avoid the confusion and clearly see the plot prgoress. The character development is fine - though I would have liked a bit more background into Brenner's life. The filming is nice, scenes of the cold country side adding to the story flow. Not to giving anything away; the film turns out to be a wild, and oddly satisfying, ride. Subtitles - easy to follow.

Applause

Applause is a film of angst and despair. From start to end, the film places you on scene as voyeur, watching the dysfunctional world of Thea (Paprika Steen) crumble. That's the plot. That's it. Nothing else. What makes this film watchable is Steen. She embraces and breathes energy and life into her desperation. Steen overcomes a no-plot story and gives us reason to spend time in theater seats. We feel her sadness, we feel her hope and want, and that's what I seek in a film - to feel. Entertainment is heightened when I feel the turmoil and emotions of the main character. Steen leaves nothing on the cutting room floor, she gives it all. Applause is a dark, black film with a definite Indie feel. If you want a plot, go elsewhere. If you want to see an engaged character, Steen's performance is a must-see.

The Good Heart (Opening Night film)

An irascible curmudgeon, Jacques (Brian Cox/Bourne Identity), owns a rather unique bar, a dusty hole in the wall that he created as a male sanctuary. No women, no walk-ins, no frills. If you're not invited, you're not welcome. Seems he's dying and, after his fifth heart-attack, he seeks someone to whom he can give the bar, someone to replace him. He finds a malleable spirit in Lucas (Paul Dano/Little Miss Sunshine), a man who was recovering from a recent suicide, and the journey begins.

Cox was believably brilliant as the chain-smoking, foul mouth soul, desperately in need of humanity, but so determined not to show it. Bouncing off that granite personae was Dano, the gentle, though confused young Lucas who is seeking a reason to live. Gradually he emerges from his own emotional caverns and energizes those around him, much to the frustration of Jacques.

The film was dark, with bits of humor here and there. Many can relate to the characters having Jacques or two in our lives. The film was oddly satisfying, the ebb and flow of characters and dialogue were appealing. Some events were obvious, some were not, but overall, it was a good ride.

The Bone Man (Knochenmann)

Screenings: 2/24, 9:30 PM (Cal); 2/26, 4:00 PM (Cam 12); 2/27, 11:15 AM (Cal)

Ex-cop P.I. Brenner has been sent to a little country inn to repo the car of one Mr. Horvath -- but nobody at the inn is willing to admit they know of Mr. Horvath. Then Mr. Horvath's car vanishes. Rather than give up and go home, Brenner gives in to his cop instincts that something is not at all right in the little community and stays on for a while. He's right, of course, and as the secrets keep being revealed, this comedic thriller gets increasingly complex and entertaining. Add to the violence and laughs a touch of romance and some genuinely touching moments, and you have a very good, if a touch strange, movie.

The Lease Among You

Cinequest 2009

"The Least Among You" (writer/director Mark Young) is a drama based on the early life of Dr. Charles Marks, a man who desired corporate success but whose destiny became entwined with spiritual endeavors.

Walking into the wrong place at the wrong time, Richard Kelley (Cedric Sanders) is swept up into police custody during the 1965 Watts’ riots. being innocent but unable to prove it, he accepts a sentence of probation the requires him to attend the local seminary. At the all-white bible school, a place that should be a fortress of tolerance and understanding, Kelly faces racism and bigotry, and the greatest trial of all, that of his spirit. Kelly receives special guidance from Samuel, the janitor (Lou Gossett Jr.) who lives in the basement of his dormitory. With positive perspective and a dedicated perseverance, Kelly finds his way through the maze of racial mire to succeed in the world of religion.

“Least…” is not a perfect film, but it does provide a telling reminder that sanctioned discrimination was not that long ago, that civil rights wasn’t always national policy, and that opportunities weren’t always equal for all. It was a sad time. The film also offers a touching hope that we are conquering and overcoming our past and that the color of skin no longer bars the path to the future. “The Least Among You” shows we’ve come a long way. It also shows we’ve still a ways yet to go.

Featured are tv and film denizens William Devane and Lauren Holly.

The Photograph

Cinequest 2009

"The Photograph" made its North American Premiere at Cinequest and is a must see. “The Photograph is one of my two top films of the festival (so far). The other is “Capers.” The Photograph is Indonesian with English subtitles. It played to a full house Sunday and impacted every seat holder in attendance. Poignant in telling, delicate in acting, generous in filming, “The Photograph” opens us to the lives of two desperate people; Sita, a lounge singer and brothel dweller who is on the outs with her pimp, and Mr. Johan, a photographer, knowing he’s reached the end of his days. To fulfill a promise to himself and his dead he needs an apprentice to pass on his skills. The two come together under unlikely circumstances and bond, then conflict, then bond again, each supporting the other in their needs. This is a top notch film. If you’re available, “The Photograph” plays again Saturday, March 7, 11:15am. Certainly worth the effort.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Konyec

I'm putting Konyec down as a drama but in reality, it's a subtitled little soufflé. Charming.

Emil and Hedl, an elder couple advanced in years and struggling with an inadequate pension, are not limiting their options to simply giving up and dying. Why not engage in armed robbery to make ends meet! Since they are a couple with a civil panache and gentle demeanor, they soon enjoy supportive notoriety from the population - including their victims. As a side benefit, their Jesse James ways also brings illumination to the plight of the elder and underfunded pensioners. Society takes note and possible changes are in the offing.

Being chased through the film but some street smart cops, Emil and Hedl show more cleverness in escaping and, ultimately, in disappearing. The film almost makes one want to cheer their criminal rebellion. Filming was nicely done.

Note: there is a graphic sex scene/nudity that makes no sense - extremely gratuitous. The director easily could have accomplish the thought and idea without disrobing the well endowed estrogen carrier. That aside, Konyec was a pleasurable romp. yes, good film can come out of the Eastern Block.

With Subtitles

Director Gdbor Rohonyl

DISFIGURED: A MOVIE ABOUT WOMEN AND WEIGHT

“Disfigured” is the story of two women, each suffering from eating disorders; one bulimic, the other overeating. They are unlikely duo. Lydia is part of a Fat Acceptance/Activist group. Bulimic Darcy wants to join the group believing she fat. She is summarily tossed out the door. Lydia is more accepting of people and tries forming a walking group. Darcy lends a hand and as the friendship grows, Lydia, concerned with her own appearance, asks Darcy to give her bulimic lessons. The writing is witty, the exchanges engaging. Actors Deidra Edwards and Staci Lawrence are wonderful as the Mutt and Jeff body types. Tall and lanky, and shorter and rounder, they are fun to watch. Society has made the topic of body dimension a sensitive issue. Acceptance is a solution not soon discovered. “Disfigured” is a good film and worth being in one’s collection.

Director Glenn Gers

Commit

COMMIT is an intriguing tale of two people who find one another on the internet, each looking for someone special. Well, rather, each was looking for someone willing to do something extremely special. The structure of the film was quite simple. Presented in three, uncut 30-minute segments, the film is most all dialogue. There’s little or no action. Simple conversation. The tale is told in text and presentation. The writing was superb, the exchanges sharp and witty. The acting really was great. Nicole Blaine and Forest Erickson gave engaging and touchable performances. One serious problem haunting the film is believability. There are such great, intelligent, witty exchanges between Blaine and Erickson, such solid chemistry, discussions that suggest so much to live for, that it is near impossible to believe they are contemplating their own mortality. “Commit” is solid faire. Look for a DVD or an internet presentation. This film will last.

Director Mickey Blaine

Eden Court

The misfortunate Schroeder laments turning the big 3-0. Wow. 30 years old. Should be no big deal, except the lament began when he was injured and he lost the opportunity to play profession baseball. His dreams of sports was destroyed. These days he manages the grass on infield for the local semi-pro team. His frustration burns deep inside.

Without talking to anyone, he makes plans to leave his prom-queen high-school sweethear /wife..."she deserves better." Schroeader wants to try a new start in Australia. Trouble is, where every one goes, they take themselves as well. His frustrations and personal problems would tag along. Still, he plans a trip in a van suspect of mechanical integrity.

His wife is the ultimate cheerleader, willing to wane life away in a trailer court, happy, as long as her husband loves her. Through some good writing, Shcroeder final comes to understand his personal success is his family, is the love of his wife, is the success of his own mind.

Eden Court is a touching film, a film of pleasing melancholy. Director Paul Leuer has put together a gentle view of those who aren't the one in a million, but represents the majority...those who plug away, doing the day to day necessities, forming the foundation of society. Thomas Lennon and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were wonderful. They had nice chemistry together. This is a good movie.

wfc 3/08

Take

Screening: Closing Night, March 9 7:30pm (Cal)

"Take" is a wrenchingly well-made film. Ana and Saul met momentarily, and disastrously, a few years ago. Now Ana is traveling to witness Saul's execution, hoping for closure, while Saul meets with a priest, hoping for salvation. Flashbacks tell their stories on the day of their meeting -- Ana's difficulties with her active son, Saul's desperation in the face of rising debt and his unsympathetic employer. The closer Ana gets to Saul's prison, the more we learn about the event that twined their lives together irrevocably. Eventually the two are face to face once again, and their confrontation provides food for thought that will last well beyond the ending credits. Minnie Driver and Jeremy Renner put in phenomenal performances in this mostly quiet but sometimes explosive tale. This is a movie that rewards the audience's attention with layer upon layer of detail and meaning. It's an excellent choice for the closing night screening.

Official Site: www.takethemovie.com

Suspension

Screenings: March 7, 9:30pm (Cam 12); March 8, 9:30pm (Cam 12); March 9, 10:30pm (Cam 12)

"Suspension" revolves around a man, Daniel, and a woman, Sarah, who lose their families in the same car accident. As Daniel recovers from his injuries, he rebuilds his son's video camera and discovers that it now possesses a strange ability: it can pause time, allowing its wielder to walk around past paused people and motionless objects. Daniel experiments with it and soon starts using it to watch over and help Sarah, who is having financial troubles because her husband was at fault in the accident. As the old adage goes, though, power corrupts, and soon Daniel is being warped by his grief and his new powers. This is an unusual film but an interesting one for fans of science fiction.

Official Site: http://www.suspension-movie.com/

El Camino

Screenings: February 29, 9:30pm (Rep); March 2, 9pm (Rep); March 4, 4:30pm (Rep)

Elliott is a product of the foster system, with no family. When his childhood friend Matt dies, he goes to the funeral and overhears one of Matt's friends and Matt's ex-girlfriend planning to take some of Matt's ashes to Mexico. Elliott insists on joining them, and the three set out on an odyssey. This is a fairly typical independent film in many ways, with those failings. One character drops out of the film with little or not explanation. the logistics of the ending are completely unexplored. However, it's very different in tone from the usual Hollywood fare, which makes it a nice change for those who don't mind its rather loose plotting.

Official Site

Around the Bay

Screenings: March 1, 7:45pm (Rep); March 4, 4:15pm (Cam 12); March 8, 7:45pm (Rep)

This is one of those slow, character-driven films that only works if you resonate with the characters somehow. I did not, and so it felt more like a long, slow eavesdropping on other people's lives. Daisy is a young woman with an ordinary life. Her estranged father, Wyatt, whose girlfriend has just left him, calls her up to ask for her help: he has a five-year-old son, Noah, who needs someone to look over him while Wyatt works. Daisy agrees to help and finds herself living in a beautiful house with her phenomenally difficult half-brother while her father is away all day. He's essentially away all night as well, as he has no real idea of how to interact with her or his son. Wyatt seems to hope that having Daisy there will help him reassemble the shards of his life, but she is not a miracle worker. This largely-improvised film is a good fit for fans of the experimental art-house movie, but not for folks who like action, character development, or much dialog.

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

The Sensation of Sight

Next Viewing:

March 10; 6:30 PM
California Theatre

March 11 12:30 PM
California Theatre

“The Sensation of Sight” is a delightfully smart independent faire that touches the soul on many levels. In a “Pay It Forward” sort of way, those fortunate enough to meet Finn, the gentle English teacher turned encyclopedia salesman, are enriched and elevated. David Strathairn is brilliant as Finn and offers a poignant portrayal of a man quietly seeking meaning to his life after a mind numbing tragedy. The tale is carried thoughtfully forward with intellect, poetry, and pithy insight.

As Finn, the surrounding folk struggle to cope with their own search for meaning. Even in the middle of his own pain Finn provides an inner strength and dignity, solace and encouragement along the way. Finn was every student’s favorite teacher. He engaged their minds until they wanted to know. And we want to know.

Flash backs show a time of joy and passion in his life, no longer evidenced. Finn holds himself responsibility for the death of a student feeling that just one word, the right word, could have made a difference in his life. His grieving and coping is now through the door to door selling of knowledge.

“The Sensation of Sight” is from the mind of first time writer/director Aaron Wiederspahn, and displays a maturity of film making and story telling that usually comes with experience. The ensemble is solid, the dialog punctuated with intelligence and hard won wisdom, and the audience is led to a place where they can possibly deal with their struggles.

Viewing this film you can walk away touched by feelings, motivated toward compassion, engaged to face fears...a tall order, but well within range of this film. The prodution was filmmed in 18 days, in Indie fashion. While stricken with the typical Indie nuance of long pauses for thought and reflection, “The Sensation of Sight” carries tremendous audience appeal. Go see this warm fuzzy charmer.

Who Loves The Sun

"Who Loves the Sun" is a cheerless movie of broken relationships and broken hearts. Will, Maggie, and Daniel were best friends. Will and Maggie marry. Will finds Daniel and Maggie in bed. Will disappears for five years. What follows is a reunion of sorts that breaks and rebinds the friends. Do the wounds heal over? Not quite sure.

The trio ends up at the lake cabin with the Blooms, the hosting mature couple providing stability. The boys meet and fight. The girl interposes herself between the feuding duo and tries to restore the past friendship.

While married to Will (Lucas Haas), Maggie (Molly Parker) has an affair with Daniel (Adam Scott). She then takes the high road playing victim to Will’s anger and frustration. Daniel has a matter ’o fact take on things and doesn’t understand the big deal. Will is hurt and disillusioned and strikes out at both. When Maggie reads a script Will had written and dedicated to her she succumbs to her memories and warms up to her Ex. Ultimately, needing her own world, Maggie leaves Will and Daniel to rekindle their friendship, to get over the mistake of the affair and to go forward.

The acting is fine and the engagement between the three leads is nice. The cinematography is wonderful, hard to miss with such breathtaking lake views. The film bogs and moves too slowly, almost mechanically, and yet feels a bit loose. Hard to explain. While the setting is wonderful, not so the plot. The film takes much too long to resolve the love triangle problem. The audience is ahead of the script with nothing to hold on to. We get the triangle, no sweat. What else can we chew on lest the mind wander. “Who Loves the Sun” is not an action film but certainly the tempo could have been amped up, even a tad, without damaging the final presentation.

Go and enjoy the acting and the scenery of "Who Loves the Sun". Especially the scenery.

Maskot

Next Viewing:

Friday, March 9; 1:30pm
Camera 12

Sunday, March 11; 11:30am
Camera 12

Indonesian with English Subtitles

Maskot is a simple story about having, losing, and finding the company's good luck mascot, a chicken. A special chicken. Control of the company, a manufacturer of a popular soy sauce, is passed from Grandfather, to son, then to grandson. After the illness of the father and the death of the mascot, it falls to the son to maintain and keep the company going, and that includes finding another chicken. A special chicken.

The long time friend of the owners and managing director wants control of the company. So he seeks to sabotage the efforts of the son on his journey to find the mascot. The son tries to honor the family request and with the help of a guiding mystic, goes in search of the prized poultry in unknown places. Adding to his troubles, he must return before the time allowed by the managing board runs out.

Filming is often too dark (lighting, not dimension) and the characters get lost in its shadows. Lost, too, was an opportunity to highlight some of the beauty of the land. The son on his quest, offered a resoned performance while surounded by stereotypes. This is a tale about good versus evil, and in the end, good wins. Overall, a nice enough film.

Hitler Meets Christ

3/02 7:15 pm Camera 12, 3/4 7:15 PM Camera 12, 3/8 11:00 AM Camera 12

Brendan Keown, the director who brought us Dark Arc at Cinequest 15 is back, with an adaptation of Michael Moriarty's controversial New York play, "Hitler Meets Christ at the Port Authority Bus Terminal." The film is pretty much what you might expect: filmed on hand-held cameras in black and white, it shows us the meeting between two derelicts, one of whom believes he is Hitler, and one of whom believes he is Christ. Set on Vancouver's seedy side, the discussion rambles over various topics just as the characters ramble over the terrain.

Although this is not nearly as pretentious as "Dark Arc," it comes close. There are moments when the script shines and the scene is intriguing, but many of the scenes are arty and philosophical for their own sake rather than making a new and interesting point, and the music often borders on ham-fisted rather than supporting the images and sounds already on the screen. This is a film for lovers of philosophy, maybe, or film students looking for an example of what not to do.

About the Looking for and the Finding of Love

Shows: 3/08 9:15 PM (Cal), 3/11 12:15 PM (Cam 12)

In Greek mythology, we learn that Orpheus was so in love with his wife Eurydice that when she died, he followed her into the underworld and tried to bring her back. "About the Looking For and the Finding of Love" brings us the story of Venus and Mimi, a singer and her musician, whose love is so intense that they can't stand each other -- until one of them dies and the other braves the underworld in an attempt to give them another chance at life and love together.

The film is an uneasy blending of self-mocking, ironic narration, and a serious attempt at an epic love story. The underworld, which takes up a significant amount of screen time, is eerie and beautiful, and the two main actors are convincingly passionate. However, it's never entirely clear what the filmmakers were shooting for. A self-depricating parody of romance? A heartwrenching love story? The wry narration spoils the effect of the film's action somewhat, but if you can ignore that, it is a reasonably good tragic romance.

The West Wittering Affair

The West Wittering Affair: “Friends” this is not. A romantic comedy it is not. But it is a story of friends and relationships that go to the ‘next’ level. Jamie, a loser with the ladies, is invited to a weekend in the English countryside with two women. As the evening strolls by, both women find him attractive. And he gives in to temptation. The confusion comes about when the women argue over Jamie; when Jamie visits a counselor to talk through the confusion, but who is a friend with one of the gals; and when a baby is the result of a one-night stand. Misunderstandings bring about ill-advised actions. The filming was solid, each scene steps through the lives of each couple with a pleasant enough touch, and the actors are quite agreeable. The story flow is easy to follow and the outcome of the conflicts satisfying. Just don’t expect a laugh track.

WFC

A’ Colombia

A’ Colombia - Southern California buddies, Dunkin and Jay, having enough of the LA stress and emptiness, head off on a road-trip seeking peace and an escape of personal troubles. So the logical solution is trek to Columbia. Based on a true story, peace and safety was actually never discovered nor reached. Then, as baggage, the close friends brought their own pain and sadness of addictive behavior with them. You can change scenery but to make a personal change, one must change the mind. Drug use in the film is common to the story theme. Some beautiful scenery was filmed and some wonderful close-ups of locals in-country. Overall, I didn’t gain by the telling of the tale. I did feel saddened and touched, but without growth.

WFC

Flourish

Gaby is being interviewed. For what we don't know. She's trying to recall an evening that's confusing to her (and us) and give answers to how she lost the 16-year old she was babysitting. The events of that night, as told by Gaby, seem impossible. And probably they are. She couldn't have seen all that she reports to have seen. The story is spun up and around and ends up in a well trapped story. Jennifer Morrison reaches through the lens and grabs at the heart of the viewer. You want to feel she's right, whether or not she is right. The film makers spun a nice yarn, wrapped it up in a tight package, and never let the pace slack. Morrison, as Gaby, was a delightfully focused ditz and extraordinarily clever when required. The consummate liar? You tell me. Some of the answers don’t arrive until the end. This is a nice complete film.

WFC

For Sale By Owner

In the same fluid field of fright brought to the screen by famed Alfred Hitchcock, "For Sale..." is a thriller in the same vein that offers a sinister evening at home. Frightened? That may be simply due to uninvited and unwanted guests! Beware...

It was a dark and stormy night. Lightening flashing, thunder rumbling, and Sera was home all alone. She turns in her kitchen to find a man standing in the living room. The door was unlocked and he let himself in. He's seeking the signature of the owner to sell the house. Sera doesn't know anything about the impending sale. Andrew, the salesman, begins waiting for a ride and begins to show his manic personality. He grows in anger and force, especially when challenged. The more he drinks the more pushy he becomes.

Then enters the Security service repairman. He’s there to replace a computer chip. He’s a bit nervous and carries a religious tick…sort of a depressed evangelist type, who condemns sinners and judges others. With a gal home alone, a drunken and belligerent salesman, and a bible thumping fundamentalist, what follows is all about the film. You’ll have to see it for yourself.

The film was dark - seriously, low lighting was used which added to the intended tension. The music score helped hype up the creepy feeling that crept about. Keep in mind all that went before, then let the ending happen. The ending is worth the wait. The story had me convinced one way, then another; then back to the first; then…well, you get the idea. The storyline leaves you guessing right up to the end. This is a well done thriller.

WFC

Rice Rhapsody

“Rice Rhapsody” was a tasty treat of Chinese humanism, almost as much as was the Hainan Chicken Rice/Duck Rice from the cooking competition that brought everyone together at the end. In his directorial debut, writer/director Kenneth Bi allowed the real touch of Hainan China to come through. The dialog was written as the language was actually spoken, in a flowing mixture of English and Mandarin Chinese, (Subtitle in both). The clipped/rush of dialog actually became comfortable to listen/read.

Jen is raising the last of three sons. Leo is studious and an athlete - cyclist. Unfortunately for his mother, he lacks an interest in girls. Fearing she’ll be without grandchildren (her first two sons were gay), she attempts to bring about a hetero-awaking in her last son. In doing so, she pushes all her sons away. With the help of a live-in exchange student, and her competition/suitor neighbor, she sees past their personal choices and back to the family.

The film is backed with big names. Executive Producer is Jackie Chan. Martin Yan (of 'Yan Can Cook' fame) plays the Jens love interest.

Filmed with authenticity and a quiet demand for attention, “Rice Rhapsody” was compelling in story, in character development, and in filming. Nicely done.

WFC

Far Side of the Moon

“Far Side of the Moon” is a French Canadian film with that European feel. With a dark noir angst underlying the story, “Far Side…” is a drama about one man’s dreams and his failure to achieve them. In the midst of his failures he must deal with the death of his mother and the cold indifference of his brother. Philip is struggling with a doctorial thesis that is difficult to defend – man is exploring space due to narcissism. To pay bills he’s tied to a dead-end telemarketing job with a boss intent on his being unemployed. And like a sad-sack, he misses special invitations and deadlines due to inattention and ineptness.

The overall filming was well done. It was the long pauses and dark silence for dramatic appeal that slowed the feature down. Characters and the story board were a tad slow in developing. A brighter tempo might have helped with the flow. Overall, a nice bit of filming. French with English subtitles.

WFC

Scared New World

Shows: 3/08 9:30 PM (Cam 12), 3/10 5:00 PM (Cam 12)

Three adults sharing a house in Oakland learn about each other and about life and love during the course of this film. Alma, a pot-dealing single mother, struggles with her boyfriend, a pothead, and her father, who just wants the best for her. She also struggles with Vargas, her housemate, who is a somewhat arrogant novelist supporting himself by substitute teaching. Penny, a French exchange student, moves in with them and sets about making friends and taking lovers. Their friends include Patricia, a kindly woman suffering from cancer who manages to persuede Alma to trade pot for babysitting.

This is a slice-of-life film more than an actual story, and for the most part it rings very true to life. The characters make stupid but understandable mistakes, and although they all mean well they don't always do the right thing. This portrait of Bay Area life rings true, no doubt in part because the director, writer, and cast are all local.

The Ape

The Ape (2004)
Running time: 92 Minutes

Director: James Franco

In this dark comedy, James Franco plays Harry Walker, a would-be novelist who abandons his family, looses his job, and aleinates his friends after moving to a rented apartment to write an award winning novel, one stewing in the depth of his soul. The trouble is, he's an unpublishable mediocre hack, his thoughts are jumbled, his typing tends toward the incoherent. Adding to his toubles is a mental projection from his inner being. He finds that he has to accept that he's rooming with a wise-cracking, free-loading, attitude carrying gorilla in hawaii clothing. The metaphor is simplistic; The ape (Brian Lally) is Harry's alter ego, a companion of acceptance that he's not receiving from outside.

The film flows nicely though a noir tint and with an odd twist here and there. While never engaged in the tenents of the mental problems of Harry, one still might enjoy the antics of the Ape as he's seemingly free of convention and morality. Lally as the Ape had a lot of the fun bits. He plays an Ape. An ape that talks, an ape that reads, and an ape that drives Harry crazy - from the inside out.

The ensemble of support added believeable structure to make Harry's world work. A good job. Music and monkey credits added to the quirkiness of the piece.

The film was okay, maybe a 2.5 out of 5 rating for fiction, fun, and function. As a story, though, I found the conclusion unsatisfactory. Not because it didn't work. It made sense as written. But only because I tend toward happier endings.

Eccentric but fun.

WFC

Lucid

Shows: 3/02 9:30 PM (Cal), 3/03 9:15 PM (Cam 12), 3/08 2:45 PM (Cam 12)

"Lucid" is not an easy film to describe. Part metaphysical mystery, part psychological thriller, it has a dreamlike quality that keeps the viewer from being completely sure of what is going on. The main character, Joel, is a psychologist who works for a soulless HMO. He is assigned three post-traumatic stress disorder patients to work with in a group therapy setting, but they are soon taking on each other's delusions and they seem to be getting worse instead of better. Insisting that there is something larger than the four of them going on, they soon band

Meanwhile, his home life is deteriorating. His wife has left him, and his daughter is showing increasingly severe signs of psychological stress. Joel himself is suffering from severe insomnia, and as he tries to juggle his personal and professional problems he begins to slip into something of a delusional state himself. What exactly is going on becomes increasingly unclear as Joel's ability to tell reality from delusion fades, and when he (and we in the audience) finally discover the truth, it is at once horrifying and reassuring. This is a headtrip of a film that fans of movies like "Donnie Darko" are likely to enjoy.

Fatherland: A Hunter's Diary

Shows: 3/02 5:00 PM (Cam 12), 3/06 2:45 PM (Cam 12)

Describing this strange blend of drama, horror, and surrealism is like trying to describe a dream; strange images, slightly twisted versions of reality, and unanswered questions make each person's experience of the film somewhat different. There are plenty of allusions to other films, particularly horror films, and long stretches of time when nobody says anything other than average small talk.

The film follows a group of men and their wives over the course of a week. They are descended from Czech nobility, and have returned to their grandfather's estate (which they have only heard about in family stories) to inspect the grounds and do a little hunting. Although it starts out fairly plainly, "Fatherland" soon begins to slide into the surreal and the disturbing. Why are there no women in the village near the estate? Why are the guides the men hire to lead their hunting expedition so strange? What exactly are they hunting, anyway? And what is the terrible secret one of the men is soon hiding?

This story seems to be about the collapse of the old ways and movement into an uncertain future, but it's difficult to be sure when so many questions are left unanswered. The cinematography and plotting are inspired, but the peculiarity of the film may make it unpalatable for all but the most dedicated of international art film fans.

The West Wittering Affair

Shows: 3/09 7:00 PM (Cal); 3/10, 12:15 PM (Cam 12); 3/11 5:45 PM (Cam 12)

"The West Wittering Affair" is a strange and ultimately unsuccessful blend of comedy and drama. It skips back and forth through time as it tells the story of a weekend that changed the lives of all involved forever. There's Natasha and Kath, two women who have been best friends forever, but whose friendship is rocked when they both find themselves after Jamie, a young man who is unlucky in love. Greg, Natasha's ex, becomes involved when Jamie seeks him out after the weekend turns from bliss to misery for him.

Similar to "Closer" in feel but not quite as coherent, "The West Wittering Affair" veers between half-hearted comedy that holds back from pushing the envelope and somewhat contrived drama. It's difficult to explain why it doesn't quite gel, and it could be that the right viewer in the right frame of mind might enjoy it. This reviewer, however, found it simply not engaging. It's hard to care about characters who never quite commit to being realistic or over-the-top.

Going Under

Roger, a respectable psychotherapist and dutiful husband, has been seeing a professional dominatrix, Suzanne, for two years. When she quits her job to focus on her artwork, he finds himself in a quandry. Dependent on her services and deeply attached to her emotionally, he longs to be with her in any way he can -- but it's against the rules for a dominant and a client to see each other outside the dungeon. Suzanne is willing to break the rule as well - she's become attached too, and besides, she doesn�t work there any more, so it must be all right. However, as she has reminded Roger in the past, the rules are there for their protection, and seeing each other outside that basement dungeon proves to be far more destructive than either of them would have imagined.

This is a stirring, erotic romance although not one for the faint of heart. Both the writing and the acting are brilliant, and the insight of the filmmakers into the psychology of the S&M world is impressive.

Going Under

Roger, a respectable psychotherapist and dutiful husband, has been seeing a professional dominatrix, Suzanne, for two years. When she quits her job to focus on her artwork, he finds himself in a quandry. Dependent on her services and deeply attached to her emotionally, he longs to be with her in any way he can -- but it's against the rules for a dominant and a client to see each other outside the dungeon. Suzanne is willing to break the rule as well - she's become attached too, and besides, she doesn�t work there any more, so it must be all right. However, as she has reminded Roger in the past, the rules are there for their protection, and seeing each other outside that basement dungeon proves to be far more destructive than either of them would have imagined.

This is a stirring, erotic romance although not one for the faint of heart. Both the writing and the acting are brilliant, and the insight of the filmmakers into the psychology of the S&M world is impressive.

Crossing

Danny is a tough guy, the son of a leader in Vancouver's Croation mafia. He makes a deathbed promise to his old man to take the family legit, but finds that is far more difficult than he expected. There's a mole in his organization, and the big delivery he needs to make to make the family into an honest business keeps getting ruined. Worse, a chance encounter awakens in him the desire to dress up in women's clothing. A wild infatuation with a hooker who is willing to indulge him turns sour and he winds up being blackmailed.

He is determined to keep his promise to his father and also save face, but that's going to be a lot harder than he thinks. This edgy thriller/romance noir is a gender-bending head trip and not to be missed by anyone intrigued by the cross-genre concept.

Crossing

Danny is a tough guy, the son of a leader in Vancouver's Croation mafia. He makes a deathbed promise to his old man to take the family legit, but finds that is far more difficult than he expected. There's a mole in his organization, and the big delivery he needs to make to make the family into an honest business keeps getting ruined. Worse, a chance encounter awakens in him the desire to dress up in women's clothing. A wild infatuation with a hooker who is willing to indulge him turns sour and he winds up being blackmailed.

He is determined to keep his promise to his father and also save face, but that's going to be a lot harder than he thinks. This edgy thriller/romance noir is a gender-bending head trip and not to be missed by anyone intrigued by the cross-genre concept.

Side Effects

Although not as Maverick as many of the films at Cinequest, "Side Effects" is a scathing look at the pharmaceutical industry from the inside. Written and directed by Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau, a former pharmaceutical sales representative, this film gives us an inside look at how the sales end of the industry works.

Young, perky Karly is recruited to be a pharmaceutical sales rep in spite of the fact that she knows nothing about science: she's a good salesperson, and that what counts. Initially distressed by the manipulation, twisting of facts, and outright bribery of her profession, she decides to quit -- but not before going out with a bang. Karly starts telling all her doctor clients the unvarnished truth, and her sales soar. Faced with the prospect of leaving a successful career behind, she finds herself torn between her ethics (and those of Zack, her beloved boyfriend) and her company car and big bonuses. Some of the plot points are fairly standard, but this is a fascinating and insightful look at the problems with the industry that is responsible for protecting the lives of people across the nation.

Side Effects

Although not as Maverick as many of the films at Cinequest, "Side Effects" is a scathing look at the pharmaceutical industry from the inside. Written and directed by Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau, a former pharmaceutical sales representative, this film gives us an inside look at how the sales end of the industry works.

Young, perky Karly is recruited to be a pharmaceutical sales rep in spite of the fact that she knows nothing about science: she's a good salesperson, and that what counts. Initially distressed by the manipulation, twisting of facts, and outright bribery of her profession, she decides to quit -- but not before going out with a bang. Karly starts telling all her doctor clients the unvarnished truth, and her sales soar. Faced with the prospect of leaving a successful career behind, she finds herself torn between her ethics (and those of Zack, her beloved boyfriend) and her company car and big bonuses. Some of the plot points are fairly standard, but this is a fascinating and insightful look at the problems with the industry that is responsible for protecting the lives of people across the nation.

Butterfly

Flavia, a schoolteacher as well as a dutiful wife and mother, seems to be an ideal citizen. She is beloved by her students, looks after her baby daughter with gentleness, and doesn't nag her husband, even when he ignores her in favor of his work and computer games. When Flavia meets the young and beautiful singer Yip, however, a part of her that has been dormant since college reawakens and she must force herself to choose between what society and her husband want of her and what she wants for herself.

Flavia finds herself awash in memories from college, when she lived with her girlfriend, Jin, and the two of them were active in political causes and participated in numerous protests. Their relationship didn't end well, however, and Flavia is hesitant to embrace the love she feels with Yip out of fear that history will repeat itself. Plus, of course, she has her husband and child to consider. This lyrical, beautiful film is a quiet examination of a woman who must choose whether or not to weather the storms necessary to live honestly and in happiness.

Butterfly

Flavia, a schoolteacher as well as a dutiful wife and mother, seems to be an ideal citizen. She is beloved by her students, looks after her baby daughter with gentleness, and doesn't nag her husband, even when he ignores her in favor of his work and computer games. When Flavia meets the young and beautiful singer Yip, however, a part of her that has been dormant since college reawakens and she must force herself to choose between what society and her husband want of her and what she wants for herself.

Flavia finds herself awash in memories from college, when she lived with her girlfriend, Jin, and the two of them were active in political causes and participated in numerous protests. Their relationship didn't end well, however, and Flavia is hesitant to embrace the love she feels with Yip out of fear that history will repeat itself. Plus, of course, she has her husband and child to consider. This lyrical, beautiful film is a quiet examination of a woman who must choose whether or not to weather the storms necessary to live honestly and in happiness.

Dark Arc

The film that has a great idea but doesn't quite pull it off is almost a genre unto itself, and "Dark Arc" exemplifies that genre. It seems to have been envisioned as an examination of visual arts and their effects on the viewer as well as a commentary on the way the elite manipulate the simpler, lower class. Unfortunately, it largely comes across as dull, plodding, and unutterably pretentious.

The characters all speak like teenagers emulating Byron, the lead actor has exactly two expressions and speaks in a monotone, and the background music is full of doom and gloom - violins, organs, and the like. Although visually, "Dark Arc" is stunning and it is an excellent subject for analysis and discussion, if you're not a student of film or art philosophy, you are best advised to stay away.

Dark Arc

The film that has a great idea but doesn't quite pull it off is almost a genre unto itself, and "Dark Arc" exemplifies that genre. It seems to have been envisioned as an examination of visual arts and their effects on the viewer as well as a commentary on the way the elite manipulate the simpler, lower class. Unfortunately, it largely comes across as dull, plodding, and unutterably pretentious.

The characters all speak like teenagers emulating Byron, the lead actor has exactly two expressions and speaks in a monotone, and the background music is full of doom and gloom - violins, organs, and the like. Although visually, "Dark Arc" is stunning and it is an excellent subject for analysis and discussion, if you're not a student of film or art philosophy, you are best advised to stay away.

Wilderness Survival for Girls

Writers/Directors: Eli Despres, Kim Roberts
Cast: Jeanette Brox, Megan Henning, Ali Humiston, James Morrison

�Wilderness Survival for Girls� is an edgy repast of great, great scenery, modest acting, and a tight and griping script. Three teen girls seemingly with little in common, go up to a cabin in the wilderness to discover themselves but end up discovering an intruder. Wild imaginations and personal fears generate unrealistic thinking that ends in a chilling climax. Actually, the chilling part is after the climax. But I�d have to reveal the story to explain and I don�t do that. An interesting, intelligent film worthy of a better title.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

Wilderness Survival for Girls

Writers/Directors: Eli Despres, Kim Roberts
Cast: Jeanette Brox, Megan Henning, Ali Humiston, James Morrison

�Wilderness Survival for Girls� is an edgy repast of great, great scenery, modest acting, and a tight and griping script. Three teen girls seemingly with little in common, go up to a cabin in the wilderness to discover themselves but end up discovering an intruder. Wild imaginations and personal fears generate unrealistic thinking that ends in a chilling climax. Actually, the chilling part is after the climax. But I�d have to reveal the story to explain and I don�t do that. An interesting, intelligent film worthy of a better title.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

The Civilization of Maxwell Bright

Writer/Director: David Beaird
Cast: Patrick Warburton, Marie Matiko

�The Civilization of Maxwell Bright� is a film you want to hate, but end up enjoying. The opening is over the top with male chauvinism and violence bravado that I wanted to bop the Maxwell Bright character into unconsciousness. He�s a pig, a prig, rude, crude, and a waste of human flesh. Enter his mail-order bride, Mai Ling, and his studied world of male domination changes as he learns about himself and the world around him. It�s almost as if there were two films. The first half hard to accept, the second half, endearing, compelling, and touching. Warburton is masterful as the dominating b$%^&*d. However, stealing stardom from the entire film is Marie Matiko. She was masterful in grace, a joy to watch, and serene to follow. She keeps her commitment for better or worse, and not much could be worse than being married to Maxwell Bright. The gentle spirited Mai Ling helps bitter and torn Maxwell Bright through some very difficult times. Extremely touching conclusion. Note: The opening was so repulsing that I almost bailed. I�m glad I stayed through to the end. I was rewarded with a solid feature.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

The Civilization of Maxwell Bright

Writer/Director: David Beaird
Cast: Patrick Warburton, Marie Matiko

�The Civilization of Maxwell Bright� is a film you want to hate, but end up enjoying. The opening is over the top with male chauvinism and violence bravado that I wanted to bop the Maxwell Bright character into unconsciousness. He�s a pig, a prig, rude, crude, and a waste of human flesh. Enter his mail-order bride, Mai Ling, and his studied world of male domination changes as he learns about himself and the world around him. It�s almost as if there were two films. The first half hard to accept, the second half, endearing, compelling, and touching. Warburton is masterful as the dominating b$%^&*d. However, stealing stardom from the entire film is Marie Matiko. She was masterful in grace, a joy to watch, and serene to follow. She keeps her commitment for better or worse, and not much could be worse than being married to Maxwell Bright. The gentle spirited Mai Ling helps bitter and torn Maxwell Bright through some very difficult times. Extremely touching conclusion. Note: The opening was so repulsing that I almost bailed. I�m glad I stayed through to the end. I was rewarded with a solid feature.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Feathers

W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers

Sund@y Seoul

In the big city, lives can overlap and entertwine without the individuals realizing the bigger picture. The hightened level communication enabled by the internet and cell phones increases the strange tangling of individual stories. "Sund@y Seoul" traces the everyday dramas of a wide variety of people, from a bored housewife who inherits a friend's chatroom login to a teenager who falls for a callgirl he finds online. Many questions are left unanswered and the fates of some of the characters are unclear -- but that's life.

An insightful and often unsettling film, "Sund@y Seoul" is a portrait of urban life in a big city. These stories could have happened in any city, and people just like this could live next door.

Shows 3/4, 6:45 pm (Camera 12); 3/5, 5:00 pm (Camera 12); 3/12, 12:15pm (Camera 12)

Sund@y Seoul

In the big city, lives can overlap and entertwine without the individuals realizing the bigger picture. The hightened level communication enabled by the internet and cell phones increases the strange tangling of individual stories. "Sund@y Seoul" traces the everyday dramas of a wide variety of people, from a bored housewife who inherits a friend's chatroom login to a teenager who falls for a callgirl he finds online. Many questions are left unanswered and the fates of some of the characters are unclear -- but that's life.

An insightful and often unsettling film, "Sund@y Seoul" is a portrait of urban life in a big city. These stories could have happened in any city, and people just like this could live next door.

Shows 3/4, 6:45 pm (Camera 12); 3/5, 5:00 pm (Camera 12); 3/12, 12:15pm (Camera 12)

Sundowning

The term "sundowning" refers to the change many Alzheimer's patients suffer at sunset, becoming more aggressive and confused as day turns to night. This film is aptly named, following as it does the effects of several changes on a family of lobster fishermen on a small island off the coast of Maine. The Pritchard men, old Tobey, his son Wayne, and Wayne's son young Tobey, don't always get along but they are a family. Their women have long since died, run off, or never come, and they seem to be at peace. But a simultaneoush shift in their livelihood, the island's population, and their own home life revives old wounds and threatens to destroy them.

A border dispute with nearby Canadian fishermen has the whole island on edge, especially after lobster traps start to be damaged. A woman, Darcy, moves in next door to the Prichards. And worst of all, old Tobey is diagnosed with progressive dementia -- probably Alzheimer's. As he begins to decline more and more rapidly, Darcy comes over to help out. Her presence is a source of both relief and tension, however, and the family must decide how they will move forward in the face of mounting bills and an uncertain catch. This is a beautiful but tremendously sad film about the sacrifices one makes for family.

Shows 3/4, 7:00 pm (Camera 12); 3/6 8:00 pm (Camera 12).

Sundowning

The term "sundowning" refers to the change many Alzheimer's patients suffer at sunset, becoming more aggressive and confused as day turns to night. This film is aptly named, following as it does the effects of several changes on a family of lobster fishermen on a small island off the coast of Maine. The Pritchard men, old Tobey, his son Wayne, and Wayne's son young Tobey, don't always get along but they are a family. Their women have long since died, run off, or never come, and they seem to be at peace. But a simultaneoush shift in their livelihood, the island's population, and their own home life revives old wounds and threatens to destroy them.

A border dispute with nearby Canadian fishermen has the whole island on edge, especially after lobster traps start to be damaged. A woman, Darcy, moves in next door to the Prichards. And worst of all, old Tobey is diagnosed with progressive dementia -- probably Alzheimer's. As he begins to decline more and more rapidly, Darcy comes over to help out. Her presence is a source of both relief and tension, however, and the family must decide how they will move forward in the face of mounting bills and an uncertain catch. This is a beautiful but tremendously sad film about the sacrifices one makes for family.

Shows 3/4, 7:00 pm (Camera 12); 3/6 8:00 pm (Camera 12).

On the Outs

This film about young, lower-class women in the rough part of Jersey City pulls no punches. Oz is a tough gal, and she's staked out her corner where she deals crack and lives large. Marisol, a crack addict, is a single mother whose habit leaves her child with an elderly relative much of the time. Finally, there's Suzette, the sheltered daughter of a single mom. Her first real crush throws her in with a bad crowd and has devastating repercussions for her family.

The stories of these three girls intertwine, crossing at common meeting places like the local juvenile hall and the park where the crackheads hang out. Filmmakers Lori Silverbush and Michael Skolnik spent months working and talking with troubled girls in New Jersey and wove their true stories into the screenplay. The daily fight that girls like these have just to get by is stunning, and whether or not they succeed is as much dependent on their family and coincidence as it is on their own grit.

Shows 3/3, 7:15 pm (San Jose Rep); 3/6, 9:15 pm (San Jose Rep); and 3/7, 5:15 pm (University Theater).

On the Outs

This film about young, lower-class women in the rough part of Jersey City pulls no punches. Oz is a tough gal, and she's staked out her corner where she deals crack and lives large. Marisol, a crack addict, is a single mother whose habit leaves her child with an elderly relative much of the time. Finally, there's Suzette, the sheltered daughter of a single mom. Her first real crush throws her in with a bad crowd and has devastating repercussions for her family.

The stories of these three girls intertwine, crossing at common meeting places like the local juvenile hall and the park where the crackheads hang out. Filmmakers Lori Silverbush and Michael Skolnik spent months working and talking with troubled girls in New Jersey and wove their true stories into the screenplay. The daily fight that girls like these have just to get by is stunning, and whether or not they succeed is as much dependent on their family and coincidence as it is on their own grit.

Shows 3/3, 7:15 pm (San Jose Rep); 3/6, 9:15 pm (San Jose Rep); and 3/7, 5:15 pm (University Theater).

19 Revolutions

"19 Revolutions," a look at the disaffected youth culture in India, is an odd amalgam of several cinematic styles. At times a comedy, at times a romance, and at times a gritty drama, it ultimately winds up a strange, thought-provoking mishmash. Guru steals from the rich and gives to the poor, but has big plans to end cultural corruption in modern-day India. He enlists Nezar, whose shop he robs, to help him -- and to show he's a good guy, he helps Nezar get close to the girl of his dreams, Shireen. Soon Shireen is in on the plan as well, but it is soon clear that Guru has bigger things in mind than the exciting and ultimately not-too-dangerous small-time theiving he's been doing.

Although it's uneven in spots, "19 Revolutions" provides fascinating fodder for discussion about the ills of society in general, not just in India.

Shows 3/3, 5:00 pm (Camera 12); 3/5, 3:00 pm (Camera 12); and 3/7, 9:00 pm (Camera 12)

19 Revolutions

"19 Revolutions," a look at the disaffected youth culture in India, is an odd amalgam of several cinematic styles. At times a comedy, at times a romance, and at times a gritty drama, it ultimately winds up a strange, thought-provoking mishmash. Guru steals from the rich and gives to the poor, but has big plans to end cultural corruption in modern-day India. He enlists Nezar, whose shop he robs, to help him -- and to show he's a good guy, he helps Nezar get close to the girl of his dreams, Shireen. Soon Shireen is in on the plan as well, but it is soon clear that Guru has bigger things in mind than the exciting and ultimately not-too-dangerous small-time theiving he's been doing.

Although it's uneven in spots, "19 Revolutions" provides fascinating fodder for discussion about the ills of society in general, not just in India.

Shows 3/3, 5:00 pm (Camera 12); 3/5, 3:00 pm (Camera 12); and 3/7, 9:00 pm (Camera 12)

The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess

"The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess" is a surreal trip through one woman's past. Gillian has always wanted a little bit more than she got -- more attention in school, a more stable home life, more love, more wealth. When she made it onto the jury of a high-profile murder case and slept with the accused, she got her 15 minutes of fame, but that's not enough. Now she's on Bobby Tomahawk's sleazy, late-late night talk show and he is getting her to tell everything.

With little allegiance to conventional storytelling and a sense of the bizarre, the filmmakers take us on a tour of Gillian's sexual history, giving us little in the way of hard facts and a lot in the way of her state of mind. This is a strange portrait of a not-so-unusual woman.

Screens 3/4, 9:30 pm (Camera 12); 3/6, 1:00 pm (Camera 12); and 3/7, 5:00 pm (Camera 12).

The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess

"The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess" is a surreal trip through one woman's past. Gillian has always wanted a little bit more than she got -- more attention in school, a more stable home life, more love, more wealth. When she made it onto the jury of a high-profile murder case and slept with the accused, she got her 15 minutes of fame, but that's not enough. Now she's on Bobby Tomahawk's sleazy, late-late night talk show and he is getting her to tell everything.

With little allegiance to conventional storytelling and a sense of the bizarre, the filmmakers take us on a tour of Gillian's sexual history, giving us little in the way of hard facts and a lot in the way of her state of mind. This is a strange portrait of a not-so-unusual woman.

Screens 3/4, 9:30 pm (Camera 12); 3/6, 1:00 pm (Camera 12); and 3/7, 5:00 pm (Camera 12).

Duck

"Duck" is hard to classify: it's part comedy and part tragedy. It takes place in Los Angeles in 2009. Arthur, a retired professor who has outlived his family, has run out of reasons to live. His wife and son are dead, their beloved city park is set to be demolished to make way for condos, and his landlord keeps threatening to evict him. But when Arthur visits his family's grave, apparently for a final farewell, he is found by an orphaned duckling. He tries to shoo it away, but it knows a good guy when it sees one and won't take no for an answer. In spite of the landlord's rules against animals, Arthur takes the duckling in and names him Joe. When the pond in the park is drained, Arthur and Joe head for the beach, on foot, through central LA.

Their journey is an oddyssey through an unfriendly world -- even the folks at an A.A. meeting they visit for a chance at free coffee and donuts give them grief -- but Joe and Arthur are survivors. Their passage changes both them and many of the people they come into contact with, because in 2009 their kind of caring and compassion is rare. This is both a humorous and poignant film, with a quiet message: the keys to a meaningful life are compassion and friendship.

Screens 3/11, 7:15 pm (Camera 12); 3/12, 5:00 pm (California Theater); and 3/13, 2:30 pm (Camera 12).

Duck

"Duck" is hard to classify: it's part comedy and part tragedy. It takes place in Los Angeles in 2009. Arthur, a retired professor who has outlived his family, has run out of reasons to live. His wife and son are dead, their beloved city park is set to be demolished to make way for condos, and his landlord keeps threatening to evict him. But when Arthur visits his family's grave, apparently for a final farewell, he is found by an orphaned duckling. He tries to shoo it away, but it knows a good guy when it sees one and won't take no for an answer. In spite of the landlord's rules against animals, Arthur takes the duckling in and names him Joe. When the pond in the park is drained, Arthur and Joe head for the beach, on foot, through central LA.

Their journey is an oddyssey through an unfriendly world -- even the folks at an A.A. meeting they visit for a chance at free coffee and donuts give them grief -- but Joe and Arthur are survivors. Their passage changes both them and many of the people they come into contact with, because in 2009 their kind of caring and compassion is rare. This is both a humorous and poignant film, with a quiet message: the keys to a meaningful life are compassion and friendship.

Screens 3/11, 7:15 pm (Camera 12); 3/12, 5:00 pm (California Theater); and 3/13, 2:30 pm (Camera 12).

The Civilization of Maxwell Bright

This movie is one big surprise, both for the main character and for the audience. Max Bright (Patrick Warburton) is having a lot of trouble with women -- mostly because he is a huge misogynist. When he decides he's fed up with American women, he buys a Chinese mail-order bride. When she arrives, Mai Ling (Marie Matiko) seems like the perfect wife, but when she refuses to strip for his friends, Max discovers she isn't at all what he thought. Ultimately, she is revealed to be the only person who might be able to help Max turn himself around.

What's a surprise for the audience is that the film starts off like a comedy, but is soon delving into spiritual realms and life-and-death matters with incredible sensitivity. There is a point to be made here, but the filmmakers don't preach at us through their characters; they let this saga of a man whose ego has run completely amuck unfold at its own pace.

Screens 3/10, 9:00 pm (California Theater); 3/12, 4:30 pm (Camera 12); 3/13, 4:30 pm (Camera 12)

The Civilization of Maxwell Bright

This movie is one big surprise, both for the main character and for the audience. Max Bright (Patrick Warburton) is having a lot of trouble with women -- mostly because he is a huge misogynist. When he decides he's fed up with American women, he buys a Chinese mail-order bride. When she arrives, Mai Ling (Marie Matiko) seems like the perfect wife, but when she refuses to strip for his friends, Max discovers she isn't at all what he thought. Ultimately, she is revealed to be the only person who might be able to help Max turn himself around.

What's a surprise for the audience is that the film starts off like a comedy, but is soon delving into spiritual realms and life-and-death matters with incredible sensitivity. There is a point to be made here, but the filmmakers don't preach at us through their characters; they let this saga of a man whose ego has run completely amuck unfold at its own pace.

Screens 3/10, 9:00 pm (California Theater); 3/12, 4:30 pm (Camera 12); 3/13, 4:30 pm (Camera 12)

Sunday on the Rocks

Director Joe Morton
Cast Cady Huffman, Julie White, Suzzanne Douglas, Amiee Turner

Four roommates struggle with their everyday lives and normal problems. Personality likes and dislikes keep the conversation(s) hopping about and help focus the dialog into some witty repartee through engaging exchanges.

Scotch for breakfast is the morning swill to dampen the pain Elly is feeling. Gayle and Jen join her as they try to understand how to deal with their difficulties as well as a more than perfect roommate, Jessica.

I didn't see this as a chick flick, though, clearly, it could be. I saw in it the interchange of human drama between friends, the bonding that takes place when friendships are on the line, and where barriers are drawn and crossed.

Enjoyable editing, cinematorgraphy, and presentation.
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Sunday on the Rocks

Director Joe Morton
Cast Cady Huffman, Julie White, Suzzanne Douglas, Amiee Turner

Four roommates struggle with their everyday lives and normal problems. Personality likes and dislikes keep the conversation(s) hopping about and help focus the dialog into some witty repartee through engaging exchanges.

Scotch for breakfast is the morning swill to dampen the pain Elly is feeling. Gayle and Jen join her as they try to understand how to deal with their difficulties as well as a more than perfect roommate, Jessica.

I didn't see this as a chick flick, though, clearly, it could be. I saw in it the interchange of human drama between friends, the bonding that takes place when friendships are on the line, and where barriers are drawn and crossed.

Enjoyable editing, cinematorgraphy, and presentation.
###

The Nightowls of Coventry

Director Laura Paglin
Cast: Seymour Horowitz, Donna Casey, Paddy Connor, Bernard Canepari, Anne Kitral, Allan Pinster

Nightowls is a storyed treat. Take a cutting-corners cafe owner who underpays his staff, short changes his customers, and hides from bills and food inspectors. Then throw in a crotchety group of older men who sit in that cafe every night, each wanting to focus the conversation on their own thoughts. Enter a neophyte to the city seeking to make a life on her own terms and you have a tongue-in-cheek enjoyable and warming film with a plot.

Bad - drug scenes and roaches (the scurrying kind). Good - dialogue, wit and wisdom, audience connection to the cast, and the tempo - all makes for a very nice film.
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The Nightowls of Coventry

Director Laura Paglin
Cast: Seymour Horowitz, Donna Casey, Paddy Connor, Bernard Canepari, Anne Kitral, Allan Pinster

Nightowls is a storyed treat. Take a cutting-corners cafe owner who underpays his staff, short changes his customers, and hides from bills and food inspectors. Then throw in a crotchety group of older men who sit in that cafe every night, each wanting to focus the conversation on their own thoughts. Enter a neophyte to the city seeking to make a life on her own terms and you have a tongue-in-cheek enjoyable and warming film with a plot.

Bad - drug scenes and roaches (the scurrying kind). Good - dialogue, wit and wisdom, audience connection to the cast, and the tempo - all makes for a very nice film.
###

Dorian Blues

Directed by Tennyson Bardwell
Starring Michael McMillian, Lea Coco, Steven Charles Fletcher, Mo Quigley

This is an amazing film, and definitely worth watching regardless of your sexual orientation. Young Dorian is a self-termed "stereotypical gay." He uses words like "fabulous!" without thinking about it, wears pink shirts, and can't hold his own in a fight. For Dorian, trying to survive High School, emerge from the shadow of his successful jock brother, and deal with his homophobic and domineering father is bad enough, but when he finally escapes to college he discovers that his problems are far from over.

But with the help of his brother, a swing-dancing stripper, a drunken counsellor, and his friends, he might just make it. "Dorian Blues" is a powerful film, at once heartbreaking and very funny, and it blends the best of life with the worst of life with surprising deftness.

Dorian Blues

Directed by Tennyson Bardwell
Starring Michael McMillian, Lea Coco, Steven Charles Fletcher, Mo Quigley

This is an amazing film, and definitely worth watching regardless of your sexual orientation. Young Dorian is a self-termed "stereotypical gay." He uses words like "fabulous!" without thinking about it, wears pink shirts, and can't hold his own in a fight. For Dorian, trying to survive High School, emerge from the shadow of his successful jock brother, and deal with his homophobic and domineering father is bad enough, but when he finally escapes to college he discovers that his problems are far from over.

But with the help of his brother, a swing-dancing stripper, a drunken counsellor, and his friends, he might just make it. "Dorian Blues" is a powerful film, at once heartbreaking and very funny, and it blends the best of life with the worst of life with surprising deftness.

Spectre

SPECTRES
Directed by Phil Leirness;

Starring Marina Sirtis, Dean Haglund, Tucker Smallwood, Lauren Birkell, Alexis Cruz,

"Spectre" is a different kind of film. Part sci-fi, part horror, and part drama. It comes with a talented cast and experienced filmmaking. It's edgy. It's spirited (at times). It's sad and touching (at other times). Not a great film, but it kept me involved the entire trip.

A satchel of note to overcome was the post-presence of Startrek, TNG (Sirtis) and X-Files (Haglund). Thankfully, the notorious past didn't offer any renderings as we remained with the current characters on screen.

Kelly (Birkell), age 16, tries to commit suicide. She is saved from death but emerges a different person. Her workaholic mother (Sirtis) makes a life changing attempt to reconnect with her daughter by taking an entire summer for vacation. Still angry and bitter, Kelly begins moving toward a more gentle spirit that wants to help others, especially children. Kelly attends regular visits to the psychiatrist Halsey (Haglund) and befriends and opens up to local boy, Sean (Cruz).

But is Kelly's friend real or imagined? Is he safe or a threat? Is Kelly even "Kelly?" Enter psychic Franklin (Smallwood) who is "sensitive" to the spirit world and the ethereal gossamer hits the fan. Kelly appears to be a spiritual nexus acting as the next host of a long list of suicides lined up from history.

The film wants to be darker than it is, tries to be more dramatic then it can be, yet holds the story as viable and the complex characters as touchable. Overall, holding a haunted house and a scared teenager, a concerned but unseeing parent, and a cast of those who just want to help, "Spectres" works.
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Spectre

SPECTRES
Directed by Phil Leirness;

Starring Marina Sirtis, Dean Haglund, Tucker Smallwood, Lauren Birkell, Alexis Cruz,

"Spectre" is a different kind of film. Part sci-fi, part horror, and part drama. It comes with a talented cast and experienced filmmaking. It's edgy. It's spirited (at times). It's sad and touching (at other times). Not a great film, but it kept me involved the entire trip.

A satchel of note to overcome was the post-presence of Startrek, TNG (Sirtis) and X-Files (Haglund). Thankfully, the notorious past didn't offer any renderings as we remained with the current characters on screen.

Kelly (Birkell), age 16, tries to commit suicide. She is saved from death but emerges a different person. Her workaholic mother (Sirtis) makes a life changing attempt to reconnect with her daughter by taking an entire summer for vacation. Still angry and bitter, Kelly begins moving toward a more gentle spirit that wants to help others, especially children. Kelly attends regular visits to the psychiatrist Halsey (Haglund) and befriends and opens up to local boy, Sean (Cruz).

But is Kelly's friend real or imagined? Is he safe or a threat? Is Kelly even "Kelly?" Enter psychic Franklin (Smallwood) who is "sensitive" to the spirit world and the ethereal gossamer hits the fan. Kelly appears to be a spiritual nexus acting as the next host of a long list of suicides lined up from history.

The film wants to be darker than it is, tries to be more dramatic then it can be, yet holds the story as viable and the complex characters as touchable. Overall, holding a haunted house and a scared teenager, a concerned but unseeing parent, and a cast of those who just want to help, "Spectres" works.
###

Rewind

Directed by Hak-Soon Kim
Starring Hun-Sung Chang, Eun-Jin Pang, Youn-Hong Oh, Hyun-Sung Jang
Screenings 3/4/04 2:45pm and 3/5/04 9:30pm at Camera One, 3/14/04 10:00 am at SJSU University Theater

Set in South Korea, the aptly-titled "Rewind" focuses on the life of Huynh, a man who is letting his life pass by while running a video store. He has given up on a family life or the career and is content to live without dreams. However, his isolation and the monotony of his life begin to melt when he receives an anonymous letter from a secret admirer. The tiny bit of interest and hope it sparks begins to affect his life in subtle ways and when he receives a homemade video in his return box his life is changed forever.

This quiet, thoughtful film dances between resigned despair and a kind of quiet hope, and it's difficult to tell what the ultimate message is. Is life really better when you don't let yourself have dreams? Huynh believes that having dreams means you think something is missing from your life, but maybe refusing to dream is a way of pretending you have everything when really you don't.

Rewind

Directed by Hak-Soon Kim
Starring Hun-Sung Chang, Eun-Jin Pang, Youn-Hong Oh, Hyun-Sung Jang
Screenings 3/4/04 2:45pm and 3/5/04 9:30pm at Camera One, 3/14/04 10:00 am at SJSU University Theater

Set in South Korea, the aptly-titled "Rewind" focuses on the life of Huynh, a man who is letting his life pass by while running a video store. He has given up on a family life or the career and is content to live without dreams. However, his isolation and the monotony of his life begin to melt when he receives an anonymous letter from a secret admirer. The tiny bit of interest and hope it sparks begins to affect his life in subtle ways and when he receives a homemade video in his return box his life is changed forever.

This quiet, thoughtful film dances between resigned despair and a kind of quiet hope, and it's difficult to tell what the ultimate message is. Is life really better when you don't let yourself have dreams? Huynh believes that having dreams means you think something is missing from your life, but maybe refusing to dream is a way of pretending you have everything when really you don't.

The Silence Between Two Thoghts (Sokaate Beine Do Feks)

Directed by Babak Payami
Starring Maryam Moghaddam, Kamal Naroui
Screenings: 3/4/o4 1:00 pm at San Jose Rep, 3/5/04 5:15pm and 3/7/04 9:15pm at SJSU University Theater

"The Silence Between Two Thoughts" was inspired in part by the rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Director Payami has created a beautiful, austere film. The negatives were confiscated by the Iranian authorities before the film was completed, and this version was painstakingly recreated from computer tapes by the exiled director.

It's difficult to describe this movie, where so little happens but everything is important. In a remote, nameless village the execution of a young woman is halted on the orders of the fundamentalist Haji. She has been discovered to be a virgin, and if a virgin is executed she will go to heaven, but convicts must go to hell. The Haji orders the executioner to marry her and deal with the obstacle to carrying out justice.

The executioner, who is in many ways a good man led astray by the Haji, who has maniuplated everyone's religious beliefs, is torn between caring for the girl as another human being and seeing her only as another person to execute. As things in the village begin to disintegrate, the villagers must face up to what they have allowed the Haji to do to their people.

The Silence Between Two Thoghts (Sokaate Beine Do Feks)

Directed by Babak Payami
Starring Maryam Moghaddam, Kamal Naroui
Screenings: 3/4/o4 1:00 pm at San Jose Rep, 3/5/04 5:15pm and 3/7/04 9:15pm at SJSU University Theater

"The Silence Between Two Thoughts" was inspired in part by the rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Director Payami has created a beautiful, austere film. The negatives were confiscated by the Iranian authorities before the film was completed, and this version was painstakingly recreated from computer tapes by the exiled director.

It's difficult to describe this movie, where so little happens but everything is important. In a remote, nameless village the execution of a young woman is halted on the orders of the fundamentalist Haji. She has been discovered to be a virgin, and if a virgin is executed she will go to heaven, but convicts must go to hell. The Haji orders the executioner to marry her and deal with the obstacle to carrying out justice.

The executioner, who is in many ways a good man led astray by the Haji, who has maniuplated everyone's religious beliefs, is torn between caring for the girl as another human being and seeing her only as another person to execute. As things in the village begin to disintegrate, the villagers must face up to what they have allowed the Haji to do to their people.

Solid Air

Directed by May Miles Thomas, Starring Maurice Ro�ves, Brian McCardie, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Gary Lewis
Screenings: 3/5/04 12:30pm and 3/13/04 at 9:00 pm at Camera One, 3/11/04 7:00 pm at Camera 3

�Solid Air� is a deeply personal, heartfelt film about a young man with a gambling problem whose only way out of debt is the settlement his father will be getting out of a personal injury suit. His father, you see, is dying of asbestosis. Director Thomas knows the horrible feeling of walking into a courtroom next to a dying man and helping him win a fair price for the slow death his former employer has sentenced him to. With �Solid Air�, she shares that feeling with us.

It�s not a comfortable feeling, nor is it a comfortable film. This is a brilliantly acted psychological drama, and one that is as beautifully wrought as it is difficult to watch. Ro�ves and McCardie bring heartfelt gravitas to their roles and hold up brilliantly under the strain of playing such unrelentingly sad characters.

Nobody in this film is happy, and with good reason: between Junior�s gambling and his father�s disease, everyone around them is affected. �Solid Air� is a powerful statement about the misery of asbestos-related illness and although not an easy view, it is well worth watching.

Solid Air

Directed by May Miles Thomas, Starring Maurice Ro�ves, Brian McCardie, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Gary Lewis
Screenings: 3/5/04 12:30pm and 3/13/04 at 9:00 pm at Camera One, 3/11/04 7:00 pm at Camera 3

�Solid Air� is a deeply personal, heartfelt film about a young man with a gambling problem whose only way out of debt is the settlement his father will be getting out of a personal injury suit. His father, you see, is dying of asbestosis. Director Thomas knows the horrible feeling of walking into a courtroom next to a dying man and helping him win a fair price for the slow death his former employer has sentenced him to. With �Solid Air�, she shares that feeling with us.

It�s not a comfortable feeling, nor is it a comfortable film. This is a brilliantly acted psychological drama, and one that is as beautifully wrought as it is difficult to watch. Ro�ves and McCardie bring heartfelt gravitas to their roles and hold up brilliantly under the strain of playing such unrelentingly sad characters.

Nobody in this film is happy, and with good reason: between Junior�s gambling and his father�s disease, everyone around them is affected. �Solid Air� is a powerful statement about the misery of asbestos-related illness and although not an easy view, it is well worth watching.

Sunday on the Rocks

Directed by Joe Morton, Starring Cady Huffman, Julie White, Suzzanne Douglas, Amiee Turner
Screenings: 3/11/04 7:30pm and 3/13/04 2:15pm at Camera One

It�s easy to dismiss �Sunday on the Rocks,� a film adaptation of Theresa Rebeck�s play of the same name, as a chick flick. After all, it has very little in the way of plot and mainly consists of a bunch of gals sitting or standing around and talking. However, the last act contains an aura of violence and enough conflict to do a suspense movie or a thriller justice.

Elly (White) has a problem, and it�s bad enough to have her drinking scotch at 9:30 on a Sunday morning. Her housemates Gayle (Huffman) and Jen (Turner) join her and once her problem has been aired they have revelations of their own. As the morning progresses, the impromptu party veers between entertaining and embarrassing but the trio are having a wonderful time. When the fourth housemate, Jessica (Douglas), comes home from church things take a turn for the worse.

�Sunday on the Rocks� was originally a play, and it feels like one � talky, often static, and centering on only four characters (a fifth is spoken to on the phone and seen from across the street, but that�s it). However, once it hits its stride and the characters really begin to open up, it comes together well.

Sunday on the Rocks

Directed by Joe Morton, Starring Cady Huffman, Julie White, Suzzanne Douglas, Amiee Turner
Screenings: 3/11/04 7:30pm and 3/13/04 2:15pm at Camera One

It�s easy to dismiss �Sunday on the Rocks,� a film adaptation of Theresa Rebeck�s play of the same name, as a chick flick. After all, it has very little in the way of plot and mainly consists of a bunch of gals sitting or standing around and talking. However, the last act contains an aura of violence and enough conflict to do a suspense movie or a thriller justice.

Elly (White) has a problem, and it�s bad enough to have her drinking scotch at 9:30 on a Sunday morning. Her housemates Gayle (Huffman) and Jen (Turner) join her and once her problem has been aired they have revelations of their own. As the morning progresses, the impromptu party veers between entertaining and embarrassing but the trio are having a wonderful time. When the fourth housemate, Jessica (Douglas), comes home from church things take a turn for the worse.

�Sunday on the Rocks� was originally a play, and it feels like one � talky, often static, and centering on only four characters (a fifth is spoken to on the phone and seen from across the street, but that�s it). However, once it hits its stride and the characters really begin to open up, it comes together well.