SXSW in review

 (ZACH at night)

I only got to see four films this year. I would have seen more, but I was tired. I am feeling it now as my body is asking for rest.

(Part of the cast, writer and producer of the film Obvious Child)

I really had no expectations of any of the films. I was just going on the small write up in the paper that I had. Some of the films I didn’t know the stars, but I decided to take a chance and see something I might not get a chance to see any other time.
That’s the one thing about film festivals. You never know if a film will get a theatrical release so at least you can say you saw a film that no one else will ever see. Some may go straight to DVD.
When I used to do the Seattle International Film Festival, there were many films that never saw the light of day. Some of the films were in limited release and some were cult classics, but are hard to find.

(Writer Gillian Robespierre and Jenny Slate of the film Obvious Child.)

Obvious Child - (DDD) This was an hilarious look at a touching subject. The story of a comedienne going through a breakup, a one night stand, an accident and the lost of her job simultaneously. I really enjoyed this film. It was just what I needed after such a busy day. The film stars Jenny Slate who has a reoccurring role on the series Parks and Recreation Jake Lacy and Gabby Hoffman.

 (The writer of the film Faults.)

Faults - (DDD) From the synopsis the film sounded interesting. It was the story of a writer who specializes in deprogramming people involved in cults. This film really is interesting. Riley Stearns directed this film that has some unexpected turns. The film stars Leland Orser, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Ellis, Lance Reddick and Jon Griest.

(During the Q & A.)

(Patrick Brice, writer, director and star of the film Creep.)

Creep - (DDD) This film is from first time director, writer, and star Patrick Brice. It’s weird how this came together. I wasn’t sure if I was going to see this film, but when Patrick arrived we chatted and I told him where to park. He then came back out to let me know the producer may show up and he wanted to make sure he got a parking space. I informed him that he would not have a problem. I told him I was hoping to see the film and he said he hoped I would. He asked if I needed a ticket and I decided to take the ticket just to have as a souvenir. The story I think is original, but the filming made me think of The Blair Witch Project.

 (The editor and Patrick Brice during the Q & A.)

Creep is about a photographer that answers an ad on Craigslist to document a guy who is dying. He wants to leave a diary for his son. There are many surprises. It’s not your typical horror film, but it does make one think. It’s beautifully shot with a handheld camera that each actor takes turn filming. Patrick Brice is a recent film graduate. If you want to see something different then this is the film to see. There are many surprises as the story unfolds and there is a great ending. The film is very creepy.

Cesar Chevez - (DDDDD) Once again I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t know a lot about Cesar Chevez. I had never heard of him until I came to Texas. There is a street named after him. He’s like the MLK of the Hispanic community. I thought this might be a documentary, but it was an actual film with an all star cast. Michael Pena gives a great performance as Cesar Chevez, America Ferrera plays his wife. Rosario Dawson, Wes Bently, Jacob Vargas, and John Malkovich round out the great cast. This is truly a powerful film as Cesar Chevez changes his life. He becomes a part of the revolt of the grape workers in California and how he united immigrants and cause wine makers to give them fair wages.

 (The moon over Austin Friday night.)

Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So, so if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


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Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

Talking About Movies

 (Gillian Robespierre, the writer of Obvious Child during a Q&A after the film.)

Obvious Child - DDDD starring Jenny Slate and Gabby Hoffman. This story of a comedienne who goes through a rough patch finds love after an unexpected event. It’s an interesting film. The humor isn’t for everyone, but you’ll get over it. It’s one of those films that takes a comedic look at a subject that isn’t all so funny and effects many people. Jenny Slate gives an interesting performance. I thought the love making scene was captured artistically. It’s an intimate act that many try to bring a different approach without it being pornographic. It’s an experience that is different for each individual. Sometimes fun or emotional. According to the writer, the title of the film is in reference to a song of the same name. It could be used as a metaphor in a sense. If you get the chance, check this film out.

 (Gillian Robespierre and Jenny Slate on the red carpet before the film Obvious Child.)

Bamboozled - DDDD Spike Lee is a great film maker. There are only one or two films I’ve not seen. I have yet to watch his follow up documentary on Katrina, but I plan to do it this year.

School Daze - DDDDD is my all time favorite Spike Lee film even though I thought some of the musical numbers were too long. Malcolm X is second on my list, followed by Summer of Sam and Inside Man.

As Black History month goes into its final week I decided to watch as many films as possible. Either it has an all black cast or it was directed by a black director.


Menace II Society - (DDDDD) This is a powerful film. Larenz Tate shines in this film as O’Dog, a young man who just doesn’t care any more. I recently mentioned on Facebook that sometimes the leading role isn’t always the best role. This film opened the doors for Larentz Tate to become a leading man. The film stars Tyrin Turner, and Jada Pinket.

Poetic Justice - (DD) This was John Singleton’s second film. The first Black director ever to be nominated for an Oscar, takes us on a road trip, but it doesn’t seem to go anywhere. It was as if there was a struggle to make a point or be a comedy. Once again, one of the secondary characters shines. This time its Regina King who has all of the best moments on screen. Perhaps if Janet Jackson were given that role critics would have been kinder.

Cabin In The Sky - (DDDD) Eddie Anderson, Lena Horne and Ethel Waters star in this good vs. evil musical with an all black cast. The film was directed by Vincent Minelli, this was his first film. Butterfly McQueen, Louis Armstrong, Rex Ingram and Duke Ellington also appear in the film. The film is based on the stage play of the same name. There are some great musical numbers and interesting effects.

In The Pursuit of Happyness - (DDDD) This film stars Will Smith and his son Jaden co-stars. It is based on a true story about a man trying to live the American Dream. He doesn’t give up and after a lot of heart ache he gets his life together to take care of his son.

Jason’s Lyric- (DDDD) When I first saw this film I thought this is what Poetic Justice should have been. It’s a love story, it’s filled with conflict, and a good cast. The film stars Jada Pinket, Allen Payne, Lisa Nicole Carson, Eddie Griffith and Treach.

Ali -(DDDDD) This was Will Smith’s first Oscar nominated performance. Will Smith plays Cassius Clay aka Muhammed Ali in the early 60’s. The film focuses on his fight with Sonny Liston and George Forman. His relationship with Malcolm X and the nation of Islam along with his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War. There is a documentary playing SXSW that deals with the controversy around his decision to fight the system against going to war.

Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So, so if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

Check out my other blogs:
http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

SXSW at ZACH

Jason Bateman walked to Red Carpet last night at the Zachery Scott Theater to promote his new film Bad Words. I was not able to see the film, but it seemed to be the hottest ticket in town based upon the crowds.

This film marks the debut for Jason Bateman as a director.

 It's a supposed to show his darker side in a funny manner.

 The film is about a man that invades a children's spelling bee and the motivation that drives his ultimate goal.

Kathryn Hahn, who I didn't know also walked the red carpet. Rohan Chand, Philip Baker Hall and Allison Janney also star in the film.

Thanks for stopping by; do come again and remember to keep an open mind.

The Oscars

The Oscars were given out last night and people will be talking, tweeting and searching to see what they missed. What went viral, etc. People have always wanted things immediately and now technology offers that.

In one word the fashions went as follows from what I saw. I was not impressed with the coverage from Robin Roberts, Lara Spencer and Tyson Beckford. They all looked great, but going live was not the best choice. There was too much noise from the screaming fans.

Lupita Nyong'o won best supporting actress for her performance in 12 Years a Slave. She looked stunning, but could have gone without the jeweled head band. She was a breath of fresh air. Her speech was the best I've heard in some time.

Cate Blanchet won best actress for her performance in Blue Jasmine. She was a stand out in Armani.

Jessica Biel - Radiant
Whoopi Goldberg - Whimsical
Bette Midler - Interesting
Kerry Washington - Lovely, but not the best choice.
Amy Adams - WOW! in Gucci Coutoure.
Sandra Bullock rocked the Alexander McQueen

All of the winners gave good speeches.

Jared Leto best supporting actor and Matthew McConaughey  best actor, both won for their performances in Dallas Buyers Club.

A lot of actors went on to that studio in the sky, Harold Ramis, Karen Black, Shirley Temple - Black, Jim Kelly, Juanita Moore, Peter O'Toole, Paul Walker, Julie Harris, Richard Griffiths, Roger Ebert, Elleanor Parker, Maximillian Shell James Galdofini, Eileen Brennan, Sid Ceasar, Joan Fontaine, Annette Funicello, Ray Harry Hausen, Esther Williams and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

Best Director went to Alfonso Cuaro'n for Gravity and 12 Years a Slave won best picture.