2014 Sundance Film Festival Recap

Although the Sundance Film Festival is still screening until January 26th, like many other press and film critics, I've abandoned the hotel-life and returned to my humble abode. After 17 screenings spanning 5 days of movie-watching, I've decided to complete my 2014 Sundance experience with a tiny blurb about each film I watched. But before I begin, here's a look back at the extensive reviews for the films Whiplash, Blue Ruin, Infinitely Polar Bear, The Skeleton Twins, To Be Takei and Laggies. Also, feel free to check out my personal "Best of Sundance" picks as well.

God's Pocket - 3 stars out of 4 - B

Although something feels remarkably incomplete about John Slattery's Philadelphia-based God's Pocket, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Turturro, Richard Jenkins and Ray Donovan's Eddie Marsan all headline a fine collaborative effort. There's a small gangster film vibe in this drama about a man named Mickey (Hoffman) who goes through hell trying to plan a funeral after the accidental death of his stepson.

Song One - 2 and a half stars out of 4 - B-

A short-haired Anne Hathaway stars in the touching and sentimental drama Song One. After an accident leaves her brother in a comatose state, Franny (Hathaway) strikes up a relationship with his favorite musician, James Forester (played by Johnny Flynn). While the film is sweet and Johnny Flynn gives a breakout performance, the story is rather flat and simplistic.

Listen Up Philip - 2 and a half stars out of 4 - B-

Jason Schwartman is downright hilarious in this interesting examination of a young brash author whose actions ultimately push everyone away from him, except for a similar-minded elderly author (played by Jonathan Pryce). The film's mid-section takes Schwartzman out of the film for entirely too long and its pacing plays more like a marathon than a sprint. However, Listen Up Philip is still an enjoyably hysterical ride.

Hellion - 2 and a half stars out of 4 - B-

Kat Candler's Hellion attempts to be bold and daring, yet this slow-burning drama could benefit from a constant intensity much like its third act. Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul isn't as convincing as I'd hope, but youngster Josh Wiggins does a fine job in his leading role as a trouble-maker kid who finds himself one step away from being thrown into a Juvenile Detention Facility.

Happy Christmas - 2 and a half stars out of 4 - B-

While my opinion was on the less-populated side of Joe Swanberg's previous release, Drinking Buddies, I found myself enjoying his Sundance selection, Happy Christmas. Anna Kendrick is stellar as a recently single and irresponsible 20-something year old who moves in with her older brother (Swanberg) just before the holiday to get her feet on the ground. Her effects on his marriage are needed as much as the couple's effect on her. The story is a bit underwhelming and the pacing is slow, but Happy Christmas is still a well-executed drama.

Ping Pong Summer - 2 and a half stars out of 4 - B-

Michael Tully's Ping Pong Summer is a spot-on return to 1985. The set, production and soundtrack are all phenomenal in this ode to the second-rate 1980s underdog formula. The laughs are fairly consistent but the film never leaps into greatness. A solid youth-filled cast follows Rad Miracle (played by Marcello Conte) on his quest to take down the local bully in an epic game of ping pong. 

Calvary - 2 stars out of 4 - C+

I find it ironic how the films I was most excited to see at Sundance ended up being some of the most mediocre efforts. One such film was John Michael McDonagh's Calvary. As a huge outspoken fan of McDonagh's last effort, The Guard, I was disappointed to find his newest release as a humor-less and never-ending journey. More so an existential examination than a comedy, Calvary is beautifully shot and strongly-acted by Brendan Gleeson, but the boredom and lack of entertainment is too much to overcome.

Locke - 2 stars out of 4 - C+

Knowing myself pretty well, I can honestly say that there couldn't have been anyone as excited as I was to catch a screening of Locke. After receiving nothing except rave reviews following a 2013 festival tour, I was shocked to find Locke to be a constricted feature. The amazing Tom Hardy is the only actor you see during this 85 minute car ride where we witness his character's life slowly falling apart. It's a daring attempt from director Steven Knight, although it lacks thrills and intrigue.

Cold in July - 2 stars out of 4 - C

I was surprised to hear such praise given to Jim Mickle's Cold in July. Dexter's Michael C. Hall stars as a reserved man who unwillingly murders an intruder in his home one evening, only to discover himself at the center of a much deeper mystery. Cold in July is the tale of two films. What begins as a tension-filled revenge thriller that works quite well, ends up morphing into a tasteless gore-comedy that feels completely out of place. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the feature only to watch it steadily decline upon the introduction of Don Johnson's character. 

Life After Beth - 1 and a half stars out of 4 - C-

Zombie-mania has reached the "overkill" status much like the Vampire phenomena a few years back. However, Jeff Baena's Life After Beth merely uses the Zombie tag as a backdrop to a different story of regret and making up for lost time. After dying from a poisonous snake-bite on a hike one day, Zach's (played by Dane DeHaan) former girlfriend, Beth (Aubrey Plaza), mysteriously reappears from the dead. Appearing very much "alive" Zach plans to reconnect with Beth and take the time to do all the things he never did before. But much to his and everyone else's surprise, Beth is slowly transforming into a Zombie. Unfortunately, the laughs are almost non-existent in this comedy and, as a result, we're left with very little else to enjoy.

The Foxy Merkins - 0 stars out of 4 - F

I never walk out on movies, but this one was a struggle to get through. The very occasional laugh couldn't help salvage an otherwise unbearable look at two lesbian (or not?) hookers who are trying to survive being homeless in New York. The one joke they have going for them, a mockery of the clothing store Talbots, is beaten to death and overused, clearly illustrating that Madeleine Olnek's poorly shot film, The Foxy Merkins, offers no redeeming qualities whatsoever.

The Best of Sundance 2014

The rapid breakneck pace of the Sundance Film Festival forced me to cram 17 movies over the past 5 days. No matter how mentally and physically exhausting it's been, I loved the experience. Keeping in mind that I only watched 17 of these anticipated indie films, here's a quick rundown of the best movies, performances and directors the Sundance Film Festival had to offer in 2014.

Best Picture

Honorable Mention: Whiplash and Blue Ruin

#3. The Skeleton Twins

#2. Laggies

Winner - Infinitely Polar Bear

Best Director

Honorable Mention: Damien Chazelle (Whiplash) and Kat Candler (Hellion)

#3. Lynn Shelton (Laggies)

#2. Craig Johnson  (The Skeleton Twins)

Winner - Maya Forbes (Infinitely Polar Bear)

Best Actor

Honorable Mention: Bill Hader (The Skeleton Twins) and Jason Schwartzman (Listen Up Philip)

#3. Brendan Gleeson (Calvary)

#2. Miles Teller (Whiplash)

Winner - Mark Ruffalo (Infinitely Polar Bear)

Best Actress

Honorable Mention: Anna Kendrick (Happy Christmas)

#3. Anne Hathaway (Song One)

#2. Kristen Wiig (The Skeleton Twins)

Winner - Keira Knightley (Laggies)

Best Supporting Actor

Honorable Mention: Luke Wilson (The Skeleton Twins) and Johnny Flynn (Song One)

#3. Richard Jenkins (God's Pocket)

#2. Sam Rockwell (Laggies)

Winner - J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)

Best Supporting Actress

Honorable Mention: Kaitlyn Dever (Laggies) and Mary Steenburgen (Song One)

#3. Melanie Lynskey (Happy Christmas)

#2. Chloe Grace Moretz (Laggies)

Winner - Elisabeth Moss (Listen Up Philip)

Laggies

Film: Laggies

Starring: Keira Knightley (Anna Karenina), Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass) and Sam Rockwell (The Way Way Back)

Director: Lynn Shelton (Your Sister's Sister)

U.S. Release: Sundance Film Festival Selection (Not Yet Rated)

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 100 minutes


Writer/director Lynn Shelton is best known as an influential figure in the frequently coined "mumblecore" movement. This style of filmmaking often refers to a lower budget and the hefty use of natural improvisation rather than tightly sticking to a script. While the movement has gained a niche following and broader base, Shelton's latest go-around is far from the "mumblecore" label.

Laggies stars Keira Knightley as Megan, an unmotivated woman in her late 20s who has no idea of what she wants to do with her life. After watching her longtime friends and boyfriend of over a decade cleanly move on to adulthood, she struggles to discover her own identity. And after lying about going on a week-long career retreat, Megan instead shacks up with a new high school aged friend (Chloe Grace Moretz) and her skeptical father (Sam Rockwell) in order to take some time to figure out her future.

There's something strange and crazy about director Lynn Shelton's Laggies. For such an unorthodox story, the film is surprisingly heartwarming and honest. The writing and acting breeds an inordinate amount of purpose and identity to all of its characters. Some may refute that the feature's secondary characters are campy and embellished, but in the entire context of the film they work quite nicely. It all begins with a solid foundation from leading lady Keira Knightley. Her sweet and soulful performance enables the audience to connect with Megan on a deeper level and look past her periodically flawed judgment. And while Chloe Grace Moretz dishes out fine supporting work once again, there's two other names that need to mentioned. First, there's up-and-comer Kaitlyn Dever. The young actress gave a breakout performance in last year's unforgettable drama, Short Term 12 (one of my Top 10 films of 2013). Here she has a diminished role, although it's one that adds spice and bravado to the movie. Furthermore, we're given ANOTHER amazing turn from the vastly under-appreciated Sam Rockwell. From the moment he appears on screen, the film immediately picks up and dashes to the finish line. Rockwell is a true talent that's never given the respect he deserves. But thankfully for his game changing performance, Laggies ends up being a wonderfully executed drama.

Despite the feature's exceptional dialogue and charming wit, Laggies has its detractors. The first act has a noticeable drag, but Rockwell's introduction quickly takes care of that tiny problem. It's easy to disregard a bumpy beginning thanks to a lofty amount of perfectly timed humor and fantastic performances throughout. And while some of the decision making of its characters feels suspect and unrealistic at times, these simply become minor flaws in an otherwise fine feature.

Lynn Shelton has found budding success in her filmmaking career, but you can expect Laggies to launch her to a whole other level. The movie generates an unbreakable bond between its characters and the audience, one that lasts long after the credits role. Making Laggies one of the finest films at Sundance this year and one that you should look forward to in 2014.


Stars: 3 stars out of 4

Grade: B+

To Be Takei

Film: To Be Takei

Starring: George Takei (Star Trek) and Brad Takei

Director: Jennifer M. Kroot

U.S. Release: Sundance Film Festival Selection (Not Yet Rated)

Genre: Documentary

Runtime: 90 minutes

George Takei represents different things to different people. For frequenters of Comicon extravaganzas all across the globe, he’s a pop icon renowned for his role as Captain Hikaru Sulu on three seasons and six films regarding the sci-fi classic, Star Trek. And to fans of his uncharacteristically popular Facebook page, Takei is an ingenious source of laughs on a daily basis. But for all of these various masks and titles that Takei proudly displays, the people closest to him are most thankful for George’s life as a pioneer in multiple civil rights movements. 

In the documentary To Be Takei from filmmaker Jennifer M. Kroot, the audience is catapulted into the life and struggles of a true trailblazer. The feature exams many facets of Takei’s personal life, including his time as a Japanese-American youth placed in harsh internment camps following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and George’s secretive upbringing as a closet homosexual actor trying to make a name for himself in Los Angeles. For Takei, the road has never been easy, but he’s also never shied away from adversity.

For 90 entertaining minutes filled with laughter and sincerity, George and his now husband, but partner for 25 years, Brad Takei (formerly Brad Altman), dive into the inner workings of the aging performer’s life. We witness George’s outspoken stance on gay rights as well as his involvement in the newly released musical “Allegiance”, which details a Japanese-American man’s imprisonment by the U.S. government during the end of World War II. The musical closely resembles the Takei family’s hardships during one of our nation’s most heinous acts and is a remarkable source of passion for the multi-talented star.

To Be Takei not only focuses on these serious moral platforms which inhabit George’s life, it also ventures into his well-documented and long-lasting feud with former co-star, William Shatner. The documentary provides a first-hand look at the infamous rivalry and perhaps why it has escalated to such heights. Furthermore, To Be Takei briefly discusses George’s time and inclusion on Howard Stern’s wildly popular radio show. You truly learn everything there is to know about this amazing man and the movie is both hilarious and earnest in its storytelling.

Unlike many other documentaries, To Be Takei never feels too agenda-driven and instead works to transport the viewer into the brilliant life of George Takei. Sure its subject clearly has a motivation and message of spreading equality in all areas of life across the United States, but that’s merely because it’s what George Takei represents. To Be Takei is a joyous watch and something any fan will certainly enjoy.

Stars: 3 stars out of 4

Grade: B

The Skeleton Twins

Film: The Skeleton Twins

Starring: Bill Hader (The To Do List) and Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids)

Director: Craig Johnson

U.S. Release: Sundance Film Festival Selection (Not Yet Rated)

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 88 minutes


The trend for movies has shifted lately. With depressing dramas crowding movie screens all across the festival circuit, films like Hellion, Blue Ruin, God's Pocket and Cold in July are all recent examples of this phenomena taking over the 2014 Sundance lineup. There's generally a sigh of relief upon entering screenings for comedies, especially one starring Saturday Night Live stars Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. However, even a laugh-fest such as Craig Johnson's The Skeleton Twins carries a dark and gloomy tone from joke to joke. At this point, I guess we should just expect it.

A terrible set of circumstances brings together twin siblings Milo (played by Bill Hader) and Maggie (Kristen Wiig) after a decade apart. The reunion forces both of them to re-examine their lives and confront their problems, no matter the cost.

At its core The Skeleton Twins never feels like groundbreaking material. However, this murky self-loathing drama whisks along nicely thanks to genuine heartfelt performances from a pair of comedians turned "serious" actors. Bill Hader is given more face time than his counterpart, but Kristen Wiig is equally as effective. With over seven years together on SNL, the onscreen chemistry between these two stars is simply remarkable and their voyage into dramatic acting goes without a hitch. Another welcome surprise is the direction of Craig Johnson. During a long and hysterical lip-syncing rendition of Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now", we see a masterful use of the camera, helping to draw the audience into one of the film's finest moments.

Another glowing aspect revolving around The Skeleton Twins is a more expected one, the film's outpouring of laughs and humor. Watching these estranged siblings instantly regain their lost bond through the use of comedy is absolutely priceless. In fact, almost any scene shared by Hader and Wiig is sure to generate some laughs. But the most fascinating realization is that their innate knack for jokes doesn't seem to take take away from their dramatic execution, instead acting as a complementing force that helps give life to The Skeleton Twins.

There are plenty of reasons to enjoy this film. Outside of the wonderful performances from Hader and Wiig, Luke Wilson gives a standout supporting turn as well. The feature's use of music is great and the story is somber, yet uplifting. While some subplots are more enticing than others and the whole excessive depression bit is clearly played up, The Skeleton Twins leaps over its blemishes and plays as a successful laugh-inducing drama.


Stars: 3 stars out of 4

Grade: B

Infinitely Polar Bear

Film: Infinitely Polar Bear

Starring: Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers) and Zoe Saldana (Out of the Furnace)

Director: Maya Forbes

U.S. Release: Sundance Film Festival Selection (Not Yet Rated)

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 90 minutes


Nominations have been handed out and we're fresh in the swing of Oscar season. While many of us are using these precious moments to reflect on the past cinematic year, ironically, Sundance premiered one of the finest performances we may witness in 2014. Maya Forbes' Infinitely Polar Bear has pounced onto the scene, firmly grabbing a stranglehold atop the list of films I've seen at the festival.

Cam (played by Mark Ruffalo) is a loving husband and father of two outspoken young girls, but Cam is also bipolar. When his temperamental breakdowns and inability to hold a job or function like an adult reach a tipping point, his wife Maggie (Zoe Saldana) separates from him and demands he seek treatment in their hometown of Boston. After stints in a hospital and a halfway house where Cam slowly learns to assume responsibility, Maggie receives an offer to get her MBA at Colombia in New York and improve their family's insufficient financial situation. What does that mean for Cam? He must prove he can handle his manic depression and play "Mr. Mom" to his two young girls all while his wife is away at school for 18 long months.

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Infinitely Polar Bear shows a family in ruins. Clearly depicting the old adage that "sometimes love just ain't enough", the film wavers like the up-and-down mental state of Cam. When things are going well, the family thrives and bonds strongly together. But when times are tough, they crumble and wither into despair. Infinitely Polar Bear hits all the right keys and tackles this delicate issue with an earnest respect, one that isn't overly sentimental. While the script is strong and the direction is on point, it's obvious to say that the film works so well thanks in large part to another brilliant turn from Mark Ruffalo. The actor gives a realistic first-hand look into living with this illness and the horrors it can create in the family dynamic. With lunacy and tenderness blended perfectly together in his chain-smoking character, Ruffalo shows a remarkably complex individual that's absolutely endearing. His performance alone makes Infinitely Polar Bear a great movie-watching experience, but there's still plenty of other elevating factors to the film.

More so than its dramatics, Maya Forbes' phenomenal feature hammers home the comedy. Ruffalo and the pair of gifted young female actors who portray his daughters all assist in keeping the humor flowing. The gap between laughs is always short and the emotional storylines dispersed throughout are merely icing on the cake. Infinitely Polar Bear opens your eyes and makes you see the world in a different light, one that seems difficult but magnificent all at the same time. You grow with Cam and his family, in a way that makes the journey fun-filled and life affirming.

Watching Ruffalo at the top of his game makes me even more excited for another 2014 release of his, Bennett Miller's Foxcatcher. But without getting ahead of myself, there's greatness right here scattered throughout Infinitely Polar Bear. Ruffalo is unforgettable and his film is a fantastic ride from start to finish. Make a note, because this is one movie you won't want to miss when it receives a general release.


Stars: 3 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: A-

Blue Ruin

Film: Blue Ruin

Starring: Macon Blair and Devin Ratray (Nebraska)

Director: Jeremy Saulnier

U.S. Release: Sundance Film Festival Selection (Rated R)

Genre: Thriller

Runtime: 91 minutes


Audiences and press have come to expect an abundance of slow-burning dramas playing throughout the Sundance Film Festival. Park City's movie-mecca is rarely known for dishing out revenge thrillers, but this year they've got one worth flaunting.

Macon Blair stars as Dwight, a homeless man rummaging through the Delaware shore-line eating out of trash bins and sleeping in his car. His big bushy beard and out-stretched baggy clothes give off a downtrodden and dismal appearance. But when a friendly local officer informs Dwight that a man from his past is being released from prison, the homeless man seeks vengeance against the parolee.

Blue Ruin is a revenge-film done right. Its main character is flawed and perhaps unjust in his pursuit, but you still helplessly root for him. Macon Blair perfectly portrays the odd and few-of-words protagonist. Blair feels like an ideal fit for the role and his excellent performance should certainly pave the way for future roles, but we'll just have to wait and see on the diversity of his skill set. Another welcoming turn comes from Devin Ratray, a 2013 familiar face. Ratray has most recently impressed with his fine work as one of Will Forte's character's twin-cousins in Alexander Payne's Nebraska. Here he plays a war veteran who offers his services to Dwight, a close friend from their days in high school. Despite its collection of fine performances, Blue Ruin also benefits from a well-paced script that delivers on the gore and violence, an absolute must for any successful revenge-flick.

More than just a bunching of stellar aspects regarding movies of its breed, Blue Ruin has a strong story with a voice. The film's message of vengeance being a never-ending cycle is brilliantly executed. Writer/director Jeremy Saulnier paints a bleak picture, but it's one that resonates. This somber feature also transcends past the stereotypical bloody revenge-thriller by incorporating a darkly comedic undertone that plays well. Not only does Blue Ruin generate tension and suspense, it's guaranteed to elicit a surprising amount of laughs. All of which play to its favor.

Although Jeremy Saulnier's Blue Ruin is far from unblemished, it's a highly entertaining and extremely engaging feature. Surely it has some weak dialogue and unrealistic situations, but they become easy to overlook in order to appreciate the essence of Blue Ruin.


Stars: 3 stars out of 4

Grade: B