Hey folks, Harry here with Monki and Edison. You see Edison has the banana, and Monki craves it. It's the old story, the slip and slide comedy stylings from the earliest of days. They'll be peeling away film after film this SXSW and here's the first set of reports from Day 1!
Monki here again with my annual SXSW reviews. This year I’ll be sharing my reviews with my buddy Edison as we wander through the streets of Austin for this year’s SXSW. SXSW started off with a bit of a stumble when the registration computers went down for about an hour when we were only about 20 people away. Aside from that little trip-up, all went well to start another amazing SXSW year.
First on the list of films this year was The Wendell Baker Story. This film is the directorial debut of Andrew and Luke Wilson. It follows a con-man Wendell Baker (Luke) who ends up in jail after being busted for selling fake IDs to border jumpers in south Texas. He goes to jail and ultimately loses his smokin’ hot girlfriend (Eva Mendes) and decides to get his life back together when he gets out. When he does get paroled, he gets a job at a retirement hotel working for a low-life boss (Owen Wilson) and trying to get his girl back from her new beau (Will Ferrel). He befriends the elderly residents of the home and fights the good fight.
This movie started off sort of slow. It really doesn’t get its feet until Wendell gets out of jail and starts working at the retirement home. I will say this, my favorite part of this movie was seeing Harry Dean Stanton steal scenes away from anyone lucky enough to be in them with him. Harry Dean Stanton, Kris Kristofferson and Seymour Cassel create a holy trinity of badasses.
Will Ferrel is great in the two scenes he is given. Well, any scene with Will Ferrel usually ends up pretty awesome, but I digress.
Overall, I dug the movie. It was filmed in Austin last year and it was quite cool to see some classic Austin images up on the screen.
So, after a nice heart-warming tale we walked down to the world-famous Alamo Drafthouse to catch a special screening of The Aristocrats.
Wow. I have always had a dream of seeing a mime hump an imaginary dog. I’d like to thank Paul Provenza and Penn Jillette for making my dream come true.
This documentary attempts to explain the origin of one of the filthiest in-jokes ever. With an amazing array of comedians, this doc moves by incredibly quickly. Provenza was there afterwards to talk a little bit about the making of the film and seemed like a genuinely cool guy. If you get a chance, check this one out when it opens in July.
So, one day down in this years SXSW. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day with a couple of panels and screenings of Hooligans with Elijah Wood and Unleashed with Harry goodness beforehand. Until then.
-Monki
Hello, Mystical Boot Foot. It’s me, Edison finally getting to attend SXSW. What can I say, the stars aligned. I’m gonna make this as quick as possible. And no, the math on my scoring system doesn’t add up, it’s a conceptual thing. Work with me.
THE WENDELL BAKER STORY
The Wendell Baker Story had a lot of excitement around it for various reasons (see Monki’s review) and you could really feel the audience wanting to love this movie. It’s no secret why, the film was shot in Austin by hometown boys that obviously have a great love for Texas. Personally, while this was among my top anticipated films in SXSW, I ultimately thought it was just okay. It had some fun moments (the older guys are a hoot), and even a couple of great moments. But overall, it felt uneven. Luke and Andrew Wilson share the directing credit on Wendell Baker – and the film ends up feeling like a patchwork several different movies all fighting for the drivers seat in the Bandit’s Trans Am. This is by no means a waste of your time, you’ll probably have fun, and the Andersons have comfortable room for improvement.
Edison’s score: 30% inspiration, 85% perspiration
The Aristocrats.
Allow me a moment... It’s hard to put into words what an amazing experience this film was. The less you know going in, the better. And if you haven’t left in disgust after the first three minutes, congratulations and enjoy the ride. Paul Provenza, Penn Gillette and their team (Emery Emery, you are an editing wizard!) put together a film that not only had more “give-me-a-minute-I-can’t-breathe” laughs than any movie in memory, but also managed to be revealing, thought provoking and even a little touching. Bring on the DVD of this bad boy and bring it soon.
Edison’s score: 89% inspiration, 95% perspiration.
I’ll be back with more tomorrow. Support your local grocer.
-Edison
MonkiBrand Industries & Technologies!
