Change Your Image
Esoteric1616
Reviews
Twin Towers (2003)
Memorable Tribute
For any film on the topic of 9/11, no one can really rate its story, but even at the late Sundance screening of this film, everyone stayed awake. "Twin Towers" was gripping and brought back many 9/11 memories. This is truly a story that is worth being told especially on this memorable event. It seems that a ton of effort was put into the creation of this film and I wish you good luck at the Oscars.
What Alice Found (2003)
Accomplishes its goal
Going into "What Alice Found" started me off with two feelings. I expected absolutely nothing, but I was happy to be at Sundance (I only saw the film's poster until after I saw it). Now, I'm not a big fan of Indie-type music and it actually made my head spin for most of the film, but it perfectly shaped the film into a true indie, as well as a film about trashy trailer/RV life. So, it was redeemed on that level. The second point I immediately noted that became redeemed as well was the film quality. From just leaving box-office type movies, I had forgotten the other world of film. So seeing the first 20 minutes of "What Alice Found" looked like my dad's home videos. But the filming (especially towards the end) had a real sort of style to it that made the film seem more real, and that made you forget about how it was filmed, but just about what the story was about. I will not spoil the story in any way, but Judith Ivey's acting was superb from the second she walked on screen, and Emily Grace entered the film industry in a nice sort of way. There was nothing that hit me in this film as unbelievable, but from all of the recent films I have seen, "What Alice Found" was certainly the best film of trashy people, told in the best possible way. You feel like you are there with the actors, due to its 'real' feel, and seeing the plot unfold made this film really shine. I would like to say that it was a very nice film that blossoms in its small little way, but nothing could please me more than films like this one day reaching massive audiences. Creators of the film, your film really had a purpose, one that should be told, exposing Southern RV life in no way ever shown before, and I commend you for your efforts, so I wish you the best of luck in the future.
Off the Map (2003)
Acting and Entertainment was good, but a bit slow
Campbell Scott's "Off the Map" was a relatively entertaining film in the Indie fashion. The colors and grain amountage were top-notch, creating a deeper picture and a very fluid film. I entered this film at Sundance only hoping to see Sam Elliott and Joan Allen on screen in an indie, but the film turned out in an unexpected way. It is true, the film was slow and a little long, but it did have some emotional and positively dramatic moments that were not frustrating to watch. Some of the acting was a bit below par, but Joan Allen and Sam Elliott did the best they could do. If it had been tied together a little bit smoother, I would say that this was a true moment at Sundance, but in fact, it shined for being imperfect. All I ask for in an indie is something different and here they tried to make the best of the movie for what it was. The acting and cinematography are definately worth watching and there isn't anything better than spending a weekend watching these types of films. Overall, I'd like to say that I have seen a few films like this before, but this one would probably be the best of that category. Besides its somewhat slow pacing, this film is definately not hard at all to watch, and in fact entertaining, so see it if you can.
The Sea (2003)
A beautiful and nicely timed foreign film
At this year's Sundance, I saw Eduardo Arnal's 'The Sea.' I was obviously going in not expecting anything at all with a completely free and open mind, but in fact, I was most impressed. The film opens with carefully timed sequences, pulling you into the film from the start, as if you were watching the film's trailer. Immediately, the musical score, pace of the story, and even the titles all swayed in harmony. And from this, the film's story was built. A dozen characters were then smoothly introduced, and we followed them (all part of a dysfunctional family) through their dramatic interventions with each other through love, hate, and interest, often with loads of humor. And for you subtitle haters, the film actually takes place in various countries, so you will get some English too. And while it is interesting to follow these characters' irrationalities and bizarre acts of anger, Nina Jones (the cinematographer) does an amazing work with the camera and how the story is told. When you finally meet the end of this interesting film, you will certainly be much surprised as it is filled with plot twists that may not leave you completely surprised, but, along with the beginning of the film, they sway with the film in a way that is quite beautiful. I would definitely recommend this film, for everyone I saw it with was enamored by it, and I certainly hope for it to have a good future, and U.S. release.