Another Sundance Film Festival is in the books! Twenty-five consecutive years attending for yours truly and after the dust had settled, I took in just over 30 feature films, 7 shorts, and 2 special events.
Fortunately, mother nature showed a little mercy on us this year. It was cold and there was plenty of snow on the ground but for the most part, the sun was out and there was virtually zero snowfall. This made getting from one screening room to the next a lot quicker. Always a good thing because it allows for more screenings.
Before getting to the movies, special thanks are in order to my partner in crime, John Pugh and to Beau Stucki at deepfocusreview.com for the wonderfully insightful film conversations and for making the Sundance experience run a whole lot smoother.
Now, without further ado, here’s a look at “Sundance 2019: The Best of Fest and All the Rest”:
THE BEST:
THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND
Grade: A-
This directorial debut from the accomplished (and brilliant) actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, is in the grand tradition of great feel-good movies. Taking place in an impoverished Malawi village, THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND tells the story of William Kamkwamba, a young boy who, through natural smarts and a brief stint at a school his loving but conflicted father couldn’t even afford tuition for, comes up with an invention that could potentially save his dying village. This movie isn’t without moments of bleak desperation and dire situations, but THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND is also filled with the kind of inspiration, hope, joy, and positivity we could all use a little more of right now. A wonderful true story about hard work, hope, family, tradition, perseverance, following your dreams, and throwing caution to the wind…Literally! Sidenote: Having an opportunity to attend an inspirational Q & A with Kamkwamba and shake hands with Ejiofor following the screening was certainly an added bonus!
For full THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND review, click here.
STATE OF THE UNION
Grade: A-
Chris O’Dowd and Rosamund Pike are positively sublime in “State of the Union,” an upcoming Sundance Channel series that revolves around a slightly estranged married couple who engage in witty Nick Hornby-penned banter before heading off to marriage counseling. “State of the Union” consists of 10 wonderful episodes (10 mins each), all directed by the legendary Stephen Frears. O’Dowd and Pike make Hornby’s colorful words sing and while both of these characters aren’t without their flaws, it should also be noted that they are both extremely likable in equal measure. And in a move that is as clever as it is genius, all the rapid-fire banter this couple engage in takes place in a bar right across the street from the marriage counselor’s office. For all the entertainment value and charm this show has to offer, perhaps the most winning aspect of this delightful conversational piece is the very idea that these affable individuals are actually working out a handful of very delicate issues on their own. This trait only adds in making “State of the Union” an absolute joy.
HONEY BOY
Grade: B+
Art imitates life. This statement couldn’t be any more prophetic where the new film HONEY BOY is concerned. Written by and co-starring Shia LaBeouf, this raw and heartfelt nonlinear story is autobiographical in nature and features the TRANSFORMERS star playing the role of his own father, a jealous addict who, despite his love for his successful young son, wasn’t always the best of dads. Director Alma Har’el (BOMBAY BEACH) lends an intimate touch to a sincere, poignant, and rough-around-the edges film that essentially serves as a form of therapy for its well known writer and co-star. Noah Jupe and Lucas Hedges are outstanding as the younger and older versions of Otis Lort, a character based on LaBeouf himself. This is a strong movie with a warts and all father/son story at its center and while HONEY BOY certainly benefits from powerhouse performances, it’s that father/son dynamic (incredibly played by LaBeouf and Jupe) I won’t soon forget.
LOVE, ANTOSHA
Grade: B+
This stunning (and thorough) coming-of-age documentary traces the life of Anton Yelchin, a wonderful young talent whose life was tragically cut short. But this isn’t a movie about death. It’s a celebration of life. An intimate look at a driven individual who was not only an admirer and student of film (he had nearly 70 film and t.v. projects to his credit) but a photographer, and musician as well. More importantly, though, Yelchin was a gentle soul who had real love, affection, and respect for his co-collaborators and people in general. Given the number of folks interviewed for LOVE,
LITTLE MONSTERS
Grade: B+
This immensely entertaining (and sometimes crude) Aussie import from director Abe Forsythe is a wonderful homage to zombie films but as was the case with Edgar Wright‘s cheeky and brilliant SHAUN OF THE DEAD, zombies are almost secondary to the characters in the piece. At the heart of the movie is obnoxious man child, Dave (Alexander England.) After a turbulent relationship with his girlfriend comes to a screeching halt, this selfish musician becomes smitten with his little nephew’s kindergarten teacher, Miss Caroline, a loving, charming, fiercely protective ray of sunshine played by the supremely talented Lupita Nyong’o. While on a field trip in the countryside, a sudden zombie outbreak and a run in with a repulsive children’s show host (a deliciously disgusting Josh Gad) forces Dave to reevaluate himself as a human being but through the aid of Miss Caroline and his cute little nephew (Diesel La Torraca), it turns out that there may be hope for Dave yet. This is one of the most adorable zombie movies you’re ever likely to see and while “Little Monsters” does feature kids, it should be noted that this is NOT a movie for children. That said, LITTLE MONSTERS has a lot of heart and charm to go along with the prerequisite gore, irreverent humor, and naughty language. Best of all, this is a wonderful tribute to all those kindergarten teachers out there who really have our kids’ best interests at heart.
HONORABLE MENTION:
THE REPORT
Grade: B+
This is an intense procedural about a man’s obsession at bringing the CIA to justice following its use of questionable torture techniques, post-911. Adam Driver is terrific in a well written drama that recalls the likes of ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN.
CLEMENCY
Grade: B+
CLEMENCY is a powerful character piece that delves into death row from the perspective of the warden and guards tasked with one tough job. The performances are outstanding, most notably a stellar Alfre Woodard and an Oscar worthy Aldis Hodge. Sure to polarize some viewers but powerful, nonetheless.
UNTITLED AMAZING JONATHAN DOCUMENTARY
Grade: B+
Expert magician, the Amazing Jonathan, was a staple back in the day changing our perception of what an illusionist could be in very much the same way Penn and Teller did. Of course, Jonathan’s career came to a shocking end when news broke that, due to a health issue, he only had one year left to live. Against all odds, though, the Amazing Jonathan manged to stay alive well past that deadline. This creative and surprisingly poignant documentary from director Benjamin Berman delves into the Amazing Jonathan’s final tour, and as expected it blurs the lines between reality and illusion. No telling how much of this stuff is real and how much is the ultimate performance art act but no matter. This is a wonderfully creative film that takes documentary filmmaking in a positively bonkers but immensely entertaining direction.
BLINDED BY THE LIGHT
Grade: B
In this coming of age music-tinged gem, a Pakistani teen living just outside of London has an awakening in 1987 after hearing Bruce Springsteen for the first time. An absolute charmer from the director of BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM.
SHARE
Grade: B
In this well-acted high school drama from writer/director Pippa Banco, a teen basketball player (beautifully played by Rhianne Barreto) finds her life turned upside down after a video of her in a compromising position surfaces online. A tough, anger-inducing look at assault, high school life, and social media.
ALL THE REST:
AFTER THE WEDDING
Grade: B
This is a film that flirts dangerously close to slipping into a sea of soap opera-level melodrama but Julianne Moore and Billy Crudup are so strong, that their powerhouse performances ultimately reign supreme. At the heart of AFTER THE WEDDING is Isabel, an American (played by Michelle Williams) working for an orphanage in India who returns to the U.S. in an effort to secure funds from a reputable business woman (Moore), but an encounter with someone from her past quickly brings Isabel to the realization that things did not go the way she thought they would when she initially left the states. This gender-swapped remake of the 2006 film has enough emotional turmoil to fill 5 movies, but again, the stellar performances make it worth watching.
BIG TIME ADOLESCENCE
Grade: B-
Amusing SNL player Pete Davidson is Zeke, a twenty-something slacker with zero ambition whose friendship with 16-year old Mo (well played by Griffin Gluck) endures long after his breakup with the teen’s older sister. Suffice it to say, man-child Zeke isn’t a very good influence on Mo, and this leads this impressionable teen to make some very bad decisions. BIG TIME ADOLESCENCE isn’t without its funny and charming moments but there’s a certain level of obnoxiousness and an undercurrent of sadness that keep this movie from hitting the sweet spot. The focal point of the movie is Mo, and while his tale of adolescence to manhood is a good one, it’s somewhat depressing that Zeke doesn’t experience anything close to resembling a transformation of some kind. I recognize that’s by design but because of it, I left this movie feeling bummed out rather than uplifted.
CORPORATE ANIMALS
Grade: C
This dark comedy about a corporate spelunking retreat gone horribly wrong offers up a handful of irreverent laughs and some fun moments from the likes of Calum Worthy, Jessica James, and Demi Moore but overall, it’s more miss than hit.
DOCUMENTARY NOW! (Two episodes from the upcoming season)
Grade: B
Sundance attendees got a special treat in the form of 2 episodes from the upcoming season of “Documentary Now!,” a series that prides itself on the very best in documentary parodies. The first of the 2 new episodes is called “Original Cast Recording: Co-op” and features the cast members of a closed musical, recording a handful of numbers from the show. As expected, it’s pretty funny but what’s most worth noting are the brilliantly conceived Sondheim-inspired musical numbers. The second episode is entitled “Waiting For the Artist” and features a hilarious Cate Blanchett in a send up of an acclaimed performance art doc called “Marina Abramovic: The Artist is Present.” Joining Blanchett in this episode is a goofy (but funny) Fred Armisen as Blanchett’s estranged lover. Members of the series cast and crew–including Armisen–were on hand to chat about what they affectionately refer to as “Season 52.” Attendees were even treated to an exclusive and very limited pressing of the “Original Cast Recording: Co-op” soundtrack on vinyl!
EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE
Grade: C+
EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE showcases Ted Bundy (Zac Efron) as a charismatic every man in this tonally uneven film from Joe Berlinger. Efron and Lily Collins give solid performances but there’s just a little something uneasy about the mere idea of this movie. Berlinger’s Netflix doc series on Bundy is more compelling.
FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY
Grade: B
What this new underdog sports movie lacks in originality it makes up for in charm and heart. A lively true story about a young women’s journey to the WWE. Familiar but fun stuff from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Stephen Merchant.
GREENER GRASS
Grade: C+
This weird movie sort of defies description. It’s a random, surreal comedy that certainly would have benefited from a shorter running time but it’s too odd and goofy to not at least offer up a mild recommendation. Based on the 2016 short of the same name.
THE INVENTOR: OUT FOR BLOOD IN SILICON
VALLEY
Grade: B-
This upcoming HBO documentary is an overly long but intriguing look at a shrewd, wide-eyed business woman who bought into her own hype and ultimately duped several reputable individuals out of millions all in an effort to build an even bigger name for her multi-billion dollar tech company, Theranos.
JUDY AND PUNCH
Grade: B-
This period piece features Mia Wasikowska and Damon Herriman as puppeteers whose act is in danger of collapse after Herriman’s bout with the drink sends their career into a tailspin. A quirky movie with a nasty sense of humor, this is the type of oddity that might have been stronger in the hands of a storyteller like Terry Gilliam. That said, the performances are pretty good and the film gets quite a bit of mileage out of great cinematography and art direction.
LIGHT FROM LIGHT
Grade: B
This is a meditative character driven drama about love, grief, and believing even when those things we’re searching for aren’t so easily obtainable. It’s a slow movie but a sincere and pretty one. Also features Jim Gaffigan in a pretty good dramatic role.
THE LODGE
Grade: C
The filmmaking duo behind GOODNIGHT MOMMY return with THE LODGE, a “Twilight Zone”-esque thriller sprinkled with tiny shades of HEREDITARY. This film finds 2 kids and their soon-to-be step mom stranded in a cabin during an intense snow storm. If their isolated predicament weren’t bad enough, strange occurrences begin to take place in their very remote surroundings. THE LODGE is well shot and has a pretty good set-up, but quite frankly, I had a hard time buying a pivotal reveal that takes place just past the halfway mark. The movie rebounds a bit with an appropriately disturbing ending, but by that point, I was no longer invested.
MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN
Grade: B-
Theory-heavy and a little unfocused but this is still an insightful watch, particularly for fans of Ridley Scott’s ALIEN. The strongest parts of this doc are its look at the life of screenwriter Dan O’Bannon and an extended look at the iconic chest-bursting sequence.
For full MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN review, click here.
MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL
Grade: B
A jazz/blues great gets the documentary treatment by way of this extensive glimpse into a very colorful and complicated life. BIRTH OF COOL examines the epic career of Davis through archival footage and interviews with those who knew him best including band-mates, ex-wives, friends, and family. By the end of this tribute, it’s clear that while certainly flawed, Davis was the very personification of cool. He was a genius who constantly pushed boundaries and chose to live life on his own terms.
THE MOUNTAIN
Grade: C
Tye Sheridan and Jeff Goldblum get their ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST on in this strange, meditative, atmospheric, and maddening slowburn from writer/director Rick Alverson. At the heart of this meticulously crafted 1950s-set story is a doctor who performs potentially dangerous procedures on the mentally ill and the photographer he enlists to document his work. Goldblum and Sheridan are solid as is an energetically intense Denis Lavant, but even the strongest of performances and the prettiest of cinematography can’t keep THE MOUNTAIN from crushing under the wait of its own self importance.
THE MUSTANG
Grade: B-
A beautiful looking, if a tad underdeveloped, story about the use of horses in the rehabilitation of violent prison inmates. An outstanding lead performance by Matthias Schoenaerts and breathtaking horse footage elevate the proceedings.
THE NIGHTINGALE
Grade: B-
Jennifer Kent, the writer and director of THE BABADOOK, returns and with her latest film, she’s created an entirely different kind of horror film. A brutal, early 1800s-set story of revenge, race, and the ugly side of human nature. There’s a lot of power to be found in this picture but honestly, there are moments when the violence and sheer callousness of it all feels a little over the top. Beautifully shot and acted, but a little disappointing, overall.
PREMATURE
Grade: B
Rashaad Ernesto Green captures the joy and pain of a magical but fleeting romance set to the backdrop of a changing Harlem landscape. Zora Howard (who co-wrote the script with Green) is outstanding in the lead as is Joshua Boone, the intelligent and loving object of her affection. This is an intimate character piece, so intimate in its fly-on-a-wall approach, that parts of it–including very raw scenes of a sexual nature–felt almost too private to watch. That said, nothing in PREMATURE feels gratuitous in any way. Green is incredibly open and honest in his approach, and even when he’s delving into button-pushing subject matter, the themes at the heart of this picture are pretty darn relatable.
RELIVE
Grade: D+
Despite a committed performance by David Oyelowo, this upcoming Blumhouse release emerges as a messy, overly-complicated, confusing, cliche-ridden time looping crime thriller with shades of much better movies (see FREQUENCY and INTERSTELLAR.) A cool idea gone off the rails.
THE SOUND OF SILENCE
Grade: B
In this sweet, quiet, and quirky love story, a New York apartment tuner (Peter Sarsgaard) sets out to aid lonely Rashida Jones. SOUND OF SILENCE sort of plays like Nora Ephron meets the Duplass brothers and perhaps its strongest attribute is its ability to make apartment tuning seem like it’s an actual profession.
SWEETHEART
Grade: C-
It’s CAST AWAY meets THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON in this creature feature from SLEIGHT director J.D. Dillard. In SWEETHEART, Kiresey Clemons plays a woman who finds herself washed ashore a not so deserted tropical island and before long, she finds herself in a fierce battle for survival. Where does the title of the film come from? It comes from a silly stretch of dialogue that takes place in the middle of the film and the less said about it, the better. Only to say that no one ever seems to believe this young woman but by the end of SWEETHEART, its clear that Clemons hopes folks will see her in an entirely new light moving forward. This movie squanders a lot of potential. Namely, a great location, pretty good creature effects work, and Clemons herself (so good in last year’s underappreciated HEARTS BEAT LOUD.) Unfortunately, SWEETHEART is a bit of a let down, overall. It isn’t particularly scary and it’s over before anything really substantial happens. A shame, because who isn’t down for a cool sea monster flick?
VELVET BUZZSAW
Grade: C+
VELVET BUZZSAW is part art world satire part “Final Destination”-inspired slasher film and while the performances are fun, particularly Jake Gyllenhaal, this latest effort from Dan Gilroy feels like a step back for the writer/director of NIGHTCRAWLER.
For full VELVET BUZZSAW review, click here.
For more on the Sundance Film Festival including a list of this year’s award winning films, click here.
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