I am really bothered by the fact that in the movie Frank, not only is SXSW mentioned, but they actually attend. Sure, Austin is mentioned in a majority of the films that have played the film festival, but this one seems to actively campaign in order to be accepted. Of course, the star power doesn’t […]
This was the most out of this world film I saw at SXSW. Space Station 76 takes 70’s soap opera drama into space–literally. It almost feels like a joke until the joke wears thin. The elevator music, classic songs, wardrobe and acting that mirrors That 70’s Show at times all work together to present this
Former Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul (Need for Speed) has certainly gotten my attention with his performance in the new film Hellion. Written, directed and based on her short film of the same name, Kat Candler delivers a rousing and emotional look at the struggle of young men trying to overcome tragedy. Also a professor
Continuing the 2014 SXSW obsession with teenage coming of age stories, Ping Pong Summer is the least impressive in the crowded field (see Hellion, Boyhood, and Wilderness of James for better examples). Sure, they have Susan Sarandon in the film for maybe ten minutes total, but her presence is so underserved here. It also occurs
Comedies at SXSW are really hit and miss for me. We’ll Never Have Paris is from the mind, and unfortunate the true story of actor, writer, director Simon Helberg (The Big Bang Theory) and his wife and co-director Jocelyn Towne. Right off the bat I noticed that Helberg’s performance and the way the story is
I remember first seeing actor Diego Luna in the astonishing Y tu Mama Tambien. His career and interest in film has developed over the years and he is now presenting his sophomore directorial feature and his biggest film yet. He worked for years to get this film made; having to seek funding in Mexico, Luna
At 83 years old, Oscar winner Robert DuVall is still going strong and giving the fans that have watched him for years exactly what they want. “It’s a sweet movie,” DuVall told me at the SXSW premiere. A Night in Old Mexico isn’t technically a western, but it serves up the same predictable elements you
One thing I can always count on at SXSW is the presence of good Australian film. I guess that reign came to an end this year with The Mule written and directed by Agnes Sampson. Purportedly based on an incredibly shocking true story, The Mule is both interesting and boring at the same time, how
Probably the most common theme at SXSW is that of the young teenage boy trying to find himself. With a new filmmaker trying to cut his teeth on a first feature, it isn’t surprising that writer/director Michael Johnson uses the stereotypical drugs, alcohol abuse, and depression to wade through self discovery. “Each man’s wilderness is
Nicholas Cage might not approve of the word comeback, but after taking a year off and delivering a string of commercially and critically unsuccessful films the former action star returns to his independent roots. Director David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express, All the Real Girls) also looks back upon his beginnings with Joe, which takes a