6 Days, around 20 films and probably a total of 20 hours of sleep the entire trip, I am finally able to comprehend what I just experienced during the SXSW Film Festival. After spending almost a week in Austin, I left feeling completely satisfied with my experience (besides my hotel debacle) and now ready for a long vacation, but that will have to wait because another festival is on the horizon. I made some new friends and met a ton of interesting people, including some of the guys from the recently revitalized Gordon and The Whale, a few of the writers for FilmSchoolRejects and even good ole’ Germain from Slashfilm. Besides the weather the first two days of the festival, I want to say great job to everyone involved with putting this event together and hopefully next year will be even better.
I wasn’t able to do full reviews for most of the films I saw just because I ran out of time, however I still want to do mini reviews for what I did see and give my opinion on the film. You can check out my full reviews of a few of the films I saw by clicking HERE. I have broke up the films based on the categories they were listed in for easy navigation and will give the synopsis for the films and then my opinion on them. Oh yeah, I did manage to get a seat for the 21 Jump Street Premier and loved the film, you can read Alex and Melissa’s review for more info.
Midnight Screenings:
V/H/S: Directed by Adam Wingard, David Bruckner, Ti West, Glenn McQuaid, Joe Swanberg, Radio Silence.
“V/H/S” is a POV, found footage horror film from the perspective of America’s top genre filmmakers. In “V/H/S”, a group of misfits are hired by an unknown third party to burglarize a desolate house in the countryside and acquire a rare tape. Upon searching the house, the guys are confronted with a dead body, a hub of old televisions and an endless supply of cryptic footage, each video stranger and more inexplicable than the last.
I really wanted to love this film, but I just couldn’t get into it. The film killed it during Sundance and was the talk of the town, but honestly I don’t see what everyone was raving about. I loved how each director did their own take on a horror experience captured on a VHS tape, but a few really missed the mark and didn’t make a whole lot of sense. On the flip side, I still have images from the film in my head and they creep me the hell out.
Overall: Not what the hype made it out to be, but still decent. 4.5/10
Iron Sky: Directed by Timo Vuorensola Cast: Julia Dietze, Götz Otto, Christopher Kirby and Peta Sergeant
World War II did not end with complete defeat for the Nazis – some of them managed to utilize their secret technologies to flee to the dark side of the Moon. There, deep within their swastika fortress, Schwarze Sonne, they have plotted the reconquest of the Earth for over 70 years. In 2018, the flagship of their space armada, the gigantic Götterdämmerung, is nearing completion, but when the next American crewed moon mission lands too close to the Nazi base for comfort, the plans are rushed forward.
Going into the film, I had no idea what to expect from this film but leaving it, I have to say I’m a fan. The story was interesting and was a fresh new idea which is always great. Iron Sky might not be for everyone though and some might find it to be a bit out there for their taste. I strongly recommend it if the film comes to your city because it might surprise you.
Overall: Nazis and a hidden base on the moon? Yes please! 6/10
The Tall Man: Directed by Pascal Laugier Cast: Jessica Biel, Jodelle Ferland, Stephen McHattie
Cold Rock, U.S.A. Children have gone missing over the years leaving neither a clue nor a witness. Superstitious locals talk of The Tall Man, a legendary, mysterious dark figure who takes children away never to be seen again.
Julia, a nurse living in cold rock, doesn’t believe in legends. Until one night, she goes to her son’s bedroom and finds his bed empty. She rushes after them willing to do whatever it takes to get her son back. The chase is on and with it the quest for answers: who is The Tall Man? What becomes of the children?
There was quite the buzz for this film, which was surprising because I hadn’t heard much about it prior to getting to SXSW. I was enlighten that this story/myth originated online and that the film was based off that story. Jessica Biel does a decent job in the film, but she was really lacking something that could really bring the audience in more. I didn’t care much for this film and I’m still trying to wrap my head around the plot. I don’t know if the film is going to get a national or limited release, but I would recommend to avoid this one because its not worth the time, which was a shame.
Overall: Some small holes in the plot and subpar acting. 3/10
Documentaries:
Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines: Directed by Kristy Guevara-Flanagan
“WONDER WOMEN! The Untold Story of American Superheroines” traces the fascinating evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman. From the birth of the comic book superheroine in the 1940s to the blockbusters of today, WONDER WOMEN! looks at how popular representations of powerful women often reflect society’s anxieties about women’s liberation. “WONDER WOMEN!” goes behind the scenes with Lynda Carter, Lindsay Wagner, comic writers and artists, and real life superheroines such as Gloria Steinem, Shelby Knox and others who offer an enlightening and entertaining counterpoint to the male dominated superhero genre.
If you have been following the site for awhile, you will know I’m the comic book guy and a huge fan of all things comics. This documentary was amazing, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a fan but because the film was really and truly interesting. The different point of views of the women over the years and their perceptions of a male dominated culture was very enlightening and made me look at comics a bit differently. Probably one of, if not the best Doc I saw during SXSW. Even if you aren’t a huge comic fan, you will still appreciate the film and the history it explores.
Overall: Very informative and very well shot. Must See for Comic fans 9/10
ITALY LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT: Directed by Gustav Hofer, Luca Ragazzi
Luca and Gustav have to decide: should they stay in Italy, or leave it, like so many of their friends have done already? Looking for reasons not to do the same, the two Italians jump into their old Fiat 500 and go on a emotional trip through their country to find out: Italy. Love it, or leave it?
I’m still not sure on this film. I understand what the directors were going for, however it dragged quite a bit and was too slow for my taste. I will say that some of the shots of Italy are truly breathtaking and are the best part of the film. If there was no story and just shots of Italy, that would have been just fine. I was really looking forward to this film but sadly it didn’t do it for me like I was hoping.
Overall: The scenes in Italy are the best part of the film 4/10
WE ARE LEGION: The Story of Hacktivists: Directed by Brian Knappenberger
“WE ARE LEGION: The Story of the Hacktivists” takes us inside the world of Anonymous, the radical “hacktivist” collective that has redefined civil disobedience for the digital age. The film explores early hacktivist groups like Cult of the Dead Cow and Electronic Disturbance Theater, then moves to Anonymous’ raucous beginnings on the website 4chan. Through interviews with current members, people recently returned from prison or facing trial, writers, academics, activists and major players in various “raids,” the documentary traces Anonymous’ evolution from merry pranksters to a full-blown movement with a global reach, the most transformative civil disobedience of our time.
In fear of retaliation, the film gets a 10/10 (Joking), but I was very surprised by this Doc and how informative it actually was. I have done my fair share of researching Anonymous and followed the news stories about governments tracking them down, but WE ARE LEGION brings things into a whole new perspective. There wasn’t a dull moment in the film and it will keep you interested the entire time. I found it funny that another Doc showing during the festival was about Wikileaks and both were playing in one place. If you are a hacker or interested in the history of hackers, this is a must see film.
Overall: Very eye opening and interesting Doc, very strong political message as well 7.5/10
Emerging Visions and Festival Favorites:
King Kelly: Directed by Andrew Neel Cast: Louisa Krause, Libby Woodbridge, Roderick Hill, Will Brill
King Kelly is an aspiring internet star who performs webcam stripteases. When Kelly’s car – filled with illegal narcotics that she must deliver – is stolen by her bitter ex-boyfriend on the 4th of July, Kelly and her best friend Jordan embark on an epic whirlwind of drugs, sex, violence and mischief-making as Kelly tries to reclaim what’s hers. Kelly’s biggest online fan, a wayward State Trooper, joins the journey as the night spirals into chaos. Made entirely from camera-phone footage, “King Kelly” is a sensational journey through hedonistic American youth culture and the YouTube generation.
Where do I begin with this mess of a film. This was by far the worst one I saw during SXSW and maybe of all time. If it wasn’t a festival and the cast was there, I would have walked out. The plot had so many holes in it, I’m surprised the film even made sense. I respect the director for shooting the entire thing on an iPhone, but this was just a disaster. The acting was terrible and in no way reflect todays youth or our technological culture. When no one claps for your film during the credits, that’s a hint that something is wrong. I really don’t know how this film got into the festival because it was just terrible and unbearable to watch. Best part was that I got some free food and alcohol prior to the film.
Overall: This film should never see the light of day 0/10
God Bless America: Direct by Bobcat Goldthwait Cast: Joel Murray, Tara Lynne Barr
Loveless, jobless, possibly terminally ill, Frank has had enough of the downward spiral of America. With nothing left to lose, Frank takes his gun and offs the stupidest, cruelest, and most repellent members of society. He finds an unusual accomplice: 16-year-old Roxy, who shares his sense of rage and disenfranchisement.
Bobcat does it again and delivers another great cinematic experience. I was a huge fan of his prior film World’s Greatest Dad and had heard great thing about God Bless America, but man was I blown away by this film. The film was like a amped up version of Breaking Bad meets Hobo with a Shotgun. If you are a fan of Bobcat or just love a fun action filled move, you need to check the film out which is available now on VOD and will be playing in select cities.
Overall: You can’t go wrong with this film! Must See! 9/10
Blue Like Jazz: Directed by Steve Taylor Cast: Marshall Allman, Claire Holt, Tania Raymonde
A Texas college student flees the hypocrisy of his religious upbringing for life in the Pacific Northwest at ‘the most godless campus in America.’ Based on the New York Times bestseller by Donald Miller.
I’m not going to spend too much time on this film because Chris will have a full review of the film soon. I really enjoyed this one and would really like to read the book after seeing the film. It was beautifully shot and just a great film overall.
Overal: See it if it comes to your city 7/10
When ever I attend a festival, I really like to try and catch the featured shorts, animated shorts and also the high school sections. Overall I was very impressed with what I saw, especially the midnight shorts. Some of those were awesome and would make great full length films if given the chance.
Again if you are a film buff and want a great experience, I strongly recommend you to check out SXSW if you ever get the chance. You will not be disappointed and will see some great films that you might not get the chance to.
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