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Reviews
Copperhead (2013)
Beautifully filmed, but somewhat elegiac in pace for some
"Copperhead" is a very thoughtful film, lovingly photographed in the lush upper New York countryside with an authenticity that is worthy of a documentary. It is a story too often ignored--that of those in the North who opposed the Civil War and the effect it had on their communities. Slow paced and deliberate, to some it may seem too lacking in action or drama for a film about the American Civil War. If you want sentimentality, see "Gone With the Wind" and if you want action see "Glory," both fine films. But if you want a sincere look at the Union home front and a look at those who opposed the war and why, see "Copperhead." Now we need a good film about the Southerners who opposed the war, for there were many of them, my ancestors included.
The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu (2009)
Low budget, yes, but well worth seeing for fans
I knew from the title that this was going to be a rather low-budget production, so I knew from the start I was not going to see big name stars, extravagant sets, awesome special effects or spectacular creatures. What I really didn't expect was that it would be so much fun. It was uneven, could have been paced better and the ending indicated that there would be a sequel, which hasn't happened to my knowledge and may never happen, since the movie came out some 4 years ago. The movie had what people now call "heart." This is a passion for the project that shows in the actors, many of whom shared other jobs in the production. The Last Lovecraft was a movie which took the elements of many of HP Lovecraft's stories and combined them into an entertaining and light concoction. Purists will scoff; those who expect mega-studio production values will scoff and those critics who insist a motion picture must be art and have deep meaning and subtle subcontexts will be scathing, I am sure. But for people like me who enjoy a little levity mixed with my horror and who can really appreciate the work and sweat and tears that go into low budget independent film making, this one is a winner. No spoilers here. If you know the Lovecraft canon, then you know what to expect. If you don't this film might encourage you to pick up some of his tales and be introduced to a fantastic new world.
Cowtown Ballroom: Sweet Jesus (2009)
What a beautiful rush. . .
It's hard to believe that the Cowtown Ballroom was in business for only 38 months. Here in KC, people still remember it fondly and everyone who ever went there to a concert has a story to tell. And what a story this tidy little doc tells, weaving interviews with nationally known musicians and local talent in with rare footage of Kansas City in the what could be called the Golden Days of the Counterculture in Kansas City. It is a metaphor for the times and changes of the early to mid 1970's, it is a trip back to a trippy time, it is the history of music in the Midwest in those years and it is much more. Seeing people that I knew personally being interviewed was really nostalgic for me, of course, but what was mind blowing (to use a term of the times) was all the huge names that played there in such a few short years and the totally eclectic nature of the music and entertainers. I had some magic moments at the Cowtown and anyone who did will embrace this fine little film. And if you weren't around, or were on the coasts and never heard of the Cowtown, here's your chance to see what life and music was like back in the heartland. New York and California might have had all the press, but we had some of the best right here in our own backyard.