Cool News
Adam gives CineVegas the mini-review treatment! MY NAME IS BRUCE, SLIPSTREAM, YOU KILL ME and many more!
Ahoy, squirts! Quint here to introduce Adam and a bunch of mini-reviews from the CineVegas Film Festival. This fest ended last month, but we didn't have anyone on the ground for AICN there. I went back in 2002 and had a blast. I lost way too much money at the Palms' blackjack tables, but had a great time at the fest itself.
There's lots that Adam here has to cover, so here are his opinions on some of the CineVegas selections. Enjoy!
Harry, Mori, Quint, Merrick and Crew,
Hi there. Love the site. I send in things from time to time. I recently attended the CineVegas film festival and noticed that, aside from a My Name is Bruce screening, you really didn't post much on the fest. I thought I'd send in a little bit of coverage. It's a pretty cool festival. Far less crowded then Sundance and some of the other film festivals from around the world but every bit as exciting. It continues to grow each year. In fact, it's grown considerably since 2002--the year Harry and Quint happened to be on hand. Hopefully, you guys will make it out next year. Anyway, here's a look at CineVegas 2007.
THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK
This stunning and harrowing film chronicalling marine Brian Steidle's attempt at putting a stop to genocide in Darfur, is passionate, inspirational, unflinching, brutal, sincere, and quite possibly the most relevant film to come out this year. I'm all for film as an entertainment source, but cinema can be used as a teaching tool, and The Devil Came on Horseback is an educational experience that I won't soon forget. Hopefully, every media outlet in the country will see this documentary and realize that there are things going on this world that are far more important than Paris Hilton's recent incarceration. This is a powerful, profound movie experience. And while there are plenty out there who will, once again, suggest that the situation in Darfur isn't our fight, I would encourage everyone to treat this as a moral issue and not a political issue. Steidle should be commended for taking a stand. Perhaps he is idealistic, but change has to start somewhere. If any of you readers out there are interested in learning more about this subject matter, log on to thedevilcameonhorseback.com.
THE GRAND
The Grand is fucking hilarious! A wildly entertaining, mostly improvised mockumentary set to the backdrop of poker tournaments. The movie features Woody Harrelson as a burn out of a man who stands to lose his father's casino if he can't win the big tournament and pay off a smarmy land developer (hilariously played by Michael McKean).
There's no denying that The Grand has a big time Christopher Guest ring to it, but I always say that if you're going to borrow, borrow from the best. The bottom line is, The Grand is an absolute riot. Sure, it has a few stretches that lull a bit, but overall, I was laughing, and that's all I can hope for from a comedy.
The Grand was directed by Zak Penn. For those not in the know, Penn had a hand in the screenplays for the last two X-Men movies, and he also directed the bizarre Werner Herzog obsession thriller Incident at Loch Ness. Incident at Loch Ness is one of those films that a lot of folks have nothing but contempt for. I wasn't a huge fan of it, but felt it had enough weirdness going on to be at the very least, mildly amusing.
With The Grand, Penn has fashioned a winner, and the reason it works is because of a stellar cast. Each of these hilarious individuals bring their own personality to the table. The massive cast includes; Woody Harrelson, Judy Greer, David Cross, Mike Epps, Ray Romano, Jason Alexander, Hank Azaria, Brett Ratner (yes, that Brett Ratner), Shannon Elizabeth, and Tommy "Tiny" Lister. Everyone shines, but there are notable stand-outs. Chris Parnell (formely of Saturday Night Live) is at his best as an odd, monotone momma's boy out to win the big tournament and hopefully, make a friend or two in the process. Wily veteran Dennis Farina is back in the kind of role that I love to see him in; that of a foul mouthed, old school thug. His role here has shades of the characters he played in Midnight Run and Get Shorty, and he had me in stitches every time he was on screen. Werner Herzog (director of the upcoming Rescue Dawn) is splendidly creepy as a soft spoken gambler with a strange animal fetish. Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) is outrageously funny as a housewife with porker domination on her mind. She's fiercely independent, says what's on her mind, and has an extremely colorful vocabulary. Michael McKean is the personification of brilliant comic timing in his role as an eccentric land developer. He clocks in considerably less screen time then his co-stars, but he still leaves an big time impression. Finally, 70's icon Gabe Kaplan (Welcome Back Kotter) makes a big screen comeback as a father who clearly favors one child over the other. His deadpan delivery and mean spirited nature is hilarious.
Penn does the smartest thing any director could do on a project like this. He simply allows the cast to do their thing. This isn't to say that The Grand is on cruise control. Penn does have some interesting tricks up his sleeve. For example, he and his writers opt to let the climactic poker showdown play out for real. It isn't scripted, and this lends a surprising amount of tension to the proceedings. Through the course of the film, we get to know and love many of these oddball characters, and we know that for a few of them, the prize money is their salvation. Sadly, only one of them can walk away with the cash.
The Grand is a lot of fun. And in fact, it made me laugh more than Christopher Guest's last film, the funny but slightly inconsistent "For Your Consideration". If improvisational comedy is your cup of tea, you wont want to miss this hilarious little film.
MY NAME IS BRUCE
So I got a chance to take in a screening of My Name is Bruce at the recent CineVegas film festival. It was a work in progress screening but aside from a few unfinished visuals and sound effects, it looked pretty complete.
My Name is Bruce was without question, the film I was most excited about at CineVegas 2007. I've always enjoyed Bruce Campbell's work. My fondness for this tenacious, physically adept actor dates back to 1981 when I first caught a glimpse of him in Sam Raimi's cult classic, Evil Dead. It would be that film's follow-up (the appropriately titled Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn) however, that would make me a big time fan.
Through the years, I always thought Campbell would make that leap to big time star. You know, like Harrison Ford only funnier. He certainly has the look for it. For whatever reason though, he's remained more of a cult icon with projects like The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. and Army of Darkness tucked firmly under his belt. Mr. Campbell's latest film (which he also directed) sort of plays on his cult icon status.
In My Name is Bruce, Campbell plays the toughest role of his career; himself. Actually, he's portraying an exaggerated version of himself. That of a smug, selfish, but undeniably likable B-movie actor.
As the film opens, four teenagers, residents of tiny Gold Lick Oregon, inadvertantley unleash an ancient demonic force (Asian in descent) while goofing around in the local graveyard. This supernatural creature takes it's wrath out on the adolescents, then turns it's sights on the rest of Gold Lick's townsfolk.
In a bid to save his town, a young horror enthusiast/Bruce Campbell fan, kidnaps Campbell from his trailer home, and tries to convince the actor to do his thing and put a stop to the supernatural invader. Meanwhile, most of the Gold Lick townsfolk are convinced that Campbell is actually Ash, the Deadite slaying soldier from Evil Dead.
What I wanted from My Name is Bruce is what the synopsis made it sound like. A fusion of Being John Malkovich, Evil Dead, Galaxy Quest, and Three Amigos with Campbell leading the charge. Sadly, the film comes up short.
This is strictly a Bruce Campbell fan affair. But then I'm a fan and I didn't succumb to it's easy to digest charms. Simply put, My Name is Bruce is not extreme or scary enough to appease the horror junkies in the audience but not clever or humorous enough to win over the Campbell fans. Not this fan anyway. Even the abundance of self referential humor mostly falls flat (lots of jokes at the expense of Campbell's B-movie resume).
Bruce Campbell's performance is fun enough, but I expected a bit more from Campbell the director. With all his experience on Sam Raimi sets, you'd think he'd be a little more creative behind the camera. Sadly, My Name is Bruce doesn't really exude style and the pacing is all over the place. There are a couple of nifty visual gags with the goofy looking monster (he sort of looks like an Ultraman villain), and I got a kick out of the bizarre Jonathan Richman style musical numbers that book end the movie. It was also amusing watching Campbell buddy Ted Raimi play multiple roles. Ultimately though, there really isn't too much to scream about in terms of visual bravado.
Campbell is capable of memorable work. Bubba Ho-Tep is a perfect example. Yes, that strange Don Coscarelli movie is odd to be sure, but it works on several levels, and Campbell commits 100%. In that movie, he defies mere impersonation. Campbell is Elvis in Bubba Ho-Tep. A feisty, elderly, mummy ass whooping version of the King. And quite frankly, he's much more compelling as an exaggerated version of Presley in Bubba than he is of himself in this flick. Furthermore, check out Campbell in those recent Old Spice ads. Not only are they hip and cool. They're simply hilarious. Somehow, this flick lacks the joy of Campbell's previously mentioned works.
This is a low budget love letter to Bruce Campbell fans, and while it's hardly a masterpiece, I wouldn't go so far as to say it's dog shit either. Furthermore, it's altogether possible that with a little editing, the film could be immeasurably improved. Stranger things have happened. Obviously Campbell is capable of much better work to be sure, but if you like really cheesy B-movies or if you're a Bruce Campbell fan who thinks the sun sets and rises with the chin, you could do much worse than My Name is Bruce.
The highlight of the My Name is Bruce screening came in the form of the Q & A that followed. Campbell was on hand to field a barrage of retarded questions from the eager audience. One guy even mustered up the courage to ask when we might get a Bruce Campbell nude scene to which the chin gleefully replied; " Are you gay?" Campbell has a quick wit about him and when you watch him speak at functions like this, it's like watching a great comedian at work. Campbell was also asked about a Bubba Ho-Tep sequel and I'm sad to report that his reply was not what I hoped for. He said that there hasn't really been any talk of it and that if it did happen, he probably wouldn't be involved (I've heard in other circles that Paul Giamatti might have something to do with the project). On a final note, no one fielded any Evil Dead 4 questions which is probably a good thing, because I made that fatal mistake once. Back at the Bubba Ho-Tep premiere in 2002 I asked Mr. Campbell if Evil Dead 4 was in the cards, and almost immediately it became apparent to me that he's tired of being asked that fucking question. In his defense, I'm sure a day doesn't go by when someone doesn't come up to him and ask about the further adventures of Ash. Anyway, the Bruce Campbell Q & A definitely made the My Name is Bruce screening worth the price of admission.
CHOOSE CONNOR
Choose Connor is a striking debut, and what's most astonishing about it, is that it was written by a seventeen year old. Luke Eberl wrote the screenplay when he was a teenager and had the film in the can by the time he was twenty. While this film does take a look at youth, it isn't like the early works of Harmony Korine (Kids). The protagonist in Choose Connor just so happens to be a well adjusted, extremely intelligent young individual.
Owen Norris (Alex Linz) has just graduated middle school with honors (if there is such a thing at that level). Even though this bright young man still has a good ten years of schooling ahead of him, it doesn't stop him from pursuing his political dreams.
After meeting potential future Senator Lawrence Connor (an effective Steven Weber), the idealistic Owen is quickly thrust into the world of real life politics after Connor offers him a job heading up the youth division of his campaign.
Where the film goes from there is most unexpected. Choose Connor is jam packed with plot developments and while at times, it is all a bit much, I completely admire Eberl's ambition and commitment. And again, I'm blown away that he was only seventeen when he wrote this script.
Eberl the director shows a surprising amount of maturity and restraint, particularly where the open book ending is concerned. True, Choose Connor is overloaded with plot threads, but I bought into it because these characters felt real to me. Eberl is also a master of tone, granted I didn't feel that way in the early goings on of the film. In the first act of the movie, Owen becomes good friends with Connor's loner nephew Caleb (Escher Holloway), and during a key scene featuring a conversation between these two teenagers and Connor, I detected a seemingly out of place vibe and it was disconcerting to me. It was almost homo erotic. As the film progressed however, I realized this was intentional. Eberl knew exactly what he was doing. He wants the audience to feel discomfort.
From there, Choose Connor goes into some pretty dark places. Through this political awakening, Owen Norris takes his first big step towards adulthood. This young idealist quickly learns how his potential profession and, more importantly, how the world really works.
Choose Connor is an intelligent, thoughtful drama, and while it is a wee bit heavy handed, the performances by Steven Weber and young Alex Linz lend credibility and realism to this effective film. Luke Eberl is a talent to watch for.
LOREN CASS
The young characters in Loren Cass are bored, tired, and frustrated. That's perfectly fitting because those exact same words describe my experience watching this movie. Loren Cass doesn't really have a plot. It's more of a depiction of every day life for a group of troubled teens in St. Petersburg, Florida. The movie sort of reminded me of one of those Gus Van Sant experimental efforts (think Elephant). Problem is, the dull, mundane nature of this movie kept me from being engaged.
CARELESS
Careless is a subversive, romantic comedy starring Colin Hanks. In this odd little film, Hanks plays an unlucky in love individual who finds a severed finger in his apartment. Shortly thereafter, he meets a striking young woman at a party who just so happens to be missing a–you guessed it–finger. Could Hanks' severed appendage belong to the new twinkle in his eye? I'll never tell. Careless has elements of So I Married an Axe Murderer and Blue Velvet of all things, but it isn't as comical as the former or as surreal as the latter. Ultimately, the pacing is a bit off here, but Hanks is charming, and he's certainly acquired his dad's keen sense of comic timing.
BROKEN ENGLISH
Indie darling Parker Posey stars in this light romantic comedy from director Zoe Cassavettes (daughter of John). In the film, Posey plays an unloved New Yorker who finally meets the man of her dreams only to see him move back to England just when they're really starting to connect. Broken English flips the typical romantic comedy upside down before reverting to the familiar in the final act. The ending of the picture feels completely wrong, but it still doesn't put a damper on the overall proceedings, mostly because of the memorable presence of Parker Posey. Drea de Matteo of The Sopranos also turns in a nice performance as Posey's best friend.
BLUE VELVET
David Lynch is an acquired taste, there's no doubt about that. I happen to be a big fan and it was a rare treat to see one of his most cherished films, Blue Velvet, on the big screen again. The fact that Lynch and star Dennis Hopper (who also happens to be a CineVegas chairman) were in attendance made the evening even more...surreal. The film is a glorious cinematic trip, and if you're a film fan and haven't seen it--it's an absolute must. Lynch and Hopper did a thirty minute Q&A before the film. The highlight came in the form of an extremely familiar question. An attendee asked Lynch what the director felt his best work was. In typical film maker fashion, Lynch suggested that his films are like his children and he loved them all. But then, with a sly grin, he went on to say that; "Dune was a very bad boy". Hilarious.
SLIPSTREAM
Slipstream is not the kind of film that will play to mass audiences. And in fact, it will probably even polarize the arty crowd. This odd, experimental effort delves into the mind of a screenwriter, and it was written and directed by Sir Anthony Hopkins. This interesting flick gets a lot of mileage out of a terrific cast (including Christian Slater, Jeffrey Tambor, and Hopkins) and high energy direction (some of it has a Natural Born Killers quality). It's one of those pictures where your not entirely sure if what's happening is actually happening or if it's just inside someone's head. This won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I really dug it. Hopkins was on hand for a Q & A and told several compelling stories about his life in the business. He also did some great impersonations including a perfect Laurence Olivier. He would then go on to reveal that he actually did some Olivier voice over work for Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus.
YOU KILL ME
I'm a big fan of director John Dahl (The Last Seduction, Rounders, Joy Ride), so when I heard his new film would be premiering at CineVegas, I knew I had to be there. When I found out the movie starred veteran Ben Kingsley, that was simply an amazing bonus. You Kill Me features Kingsley as a hit man for the mob whose excessive drinking problem interfers with his work. Tired of his screw ups, Kingsley's boss sends him to San Francisco to clean up his act. Upon arriving to the bay area, Kingsley gets a job at a funeral parlor where he finds love in the form of Tea Leoni. You Kill Me has a lot going for it. The performances are terrific, but the dark comedy doesn't mesh particularly well with the more dramatic parts of the piece. Furthermore, I expected more laughs. Still, Kingsley is outstanding. The film as a whole, sort of reminded me of the similarily themed The Matador (I enjoyed the Pierce Brosnan/Greg Kinnear flick more). You Kill Me isn't perfect, but it's definitely worth checking out.
If anyone's interested in reading more about CineVegas 2007 (including coverage of tributes to Charlize Theron, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Mike Newell, and Sir Ben Kingsley), be sure to log on to Zboneman.com. While your at it, check out our Transformers review. It's one of maybe three negative reviews you'll find on line (God bless Vern). What is it with that movie?
Adam
-
+ Expand All
-
I'll watch it
-
that is all.
-
MAYBE?...............
-
Am I the only one surprised by in such a "sequel happy" atmosphere we haven't seen a studio jump at the chance of a Evil dead 4?
-
And good write ups as well.
-
therefore it's good.
-
Hopkins went on "to reveal that he actually did some Olivier voice over work for Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus"? This is practically common knowledge, my cinematically-ignorant friend.
-
but it sounded really fascinating, if not necessarily great. I hope it gets a release.
-
I love Frank Booth!
-
Jul 06, 2007 5:16:33 PM CDT
"Heineken? Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!"
by themanwithtoomanynames
-
Jul 06, 2007 5:18:17 PM CDT
"Don't be a good neighbor anymore to her . . . .
by themanwithtoomanynames
I'll have to send you a love letter! Straight from my heart, fucker! You know what a love letter is? It's a bullet from a fucking gun, fucker! You receive a love letter from me, and you're fucked forever! You understand, fuck? I'll send you straight to hell, fucker!... In dreams... I walk with you. In dreams... I talk to you. In dreams, you're mine... all the time. Forever."
-
Also, I think the "(insert name here) has chosed HD-DVD, here's why" gag is getting overused. Lets bury that with the "FIRST!" and "...has a beer and cheats on his wife." and "RAPED MY CHILDHOOD". While they are all creative and funny in their own right, they have become a lot like Harry around the site, un-loved.
-
Jul 06, 2007 5:23:19 PM CDT
"Baby wants to fuck! Baby wants to fuck Blue Velvet!"
by themanwithtoomanynames
-
"Ah, shit, let's drink to something else. Let's drink to fucking. Yeah, say, 'Here's to your fuck, Frank.'"
"If you like, Frank. Here's to your fuck." -
Was just kicked out of there a few months ago. Apparently they don't like it when you "cuss" or call the dealer "unlucky whore" or "pass out drunk at the table". Man, that place is just too strict.
-
"Six fuckin' car lengths! That's a hundred and six fuckin' feet, mister! If I had to stop suddenly, you woulda hit me!"
"I want you to get a fuckin' driver's manual, and I want you to study that motherfucker! And I want you to obey the the goddamn rules!
"Fifty-fuckin' thousand people were killed on the highway last year 'cause of fuckin' assholes like you! Tell me you're gonna get a manual!" -
Best in Show, and Waiting for Guffman. I guess I can include Reno 911 the show (haven't seen the movie yet). Good mockumentaries require a subject ripe for ridicule and a clever cast. It ain't as easy as the best make it seem. I don't know about one directed by the guy who brought us X3.
-
Jul 06, 2007 5:45:05 PM CDT
TheManWithTooManyNames has a David Lynch meltdown
by themanwithtoomanynames
I promise: no more quotes.
-
And "My Name is Bruce" sounds like shite with a ton of excuses. "It's Campbell, c'mon. Must... love... the movie" [don't visit www.bigmoviepix.blogspot.com]
-
It's my fave too! Awesome isn't it?
-
(sings to the tune of the Transformers theme...) "Mi-chael Bay! Jacks off in your eyes!"
-
Finally. Somebody said it. I mean, come on, folks - those Evil Dead movies BLOW!! Coen Brothers B-reel footage does not a movie make.
-
this MY NAME IS BRUCE movie is just bad. i saw it at CV too. very similar to MAN WITH SCREAMING BRAIN.
-
Im there for My Name Is Bruce...even if its not liable to come out at any of my local cinemas (it wouldnt get that big a following here trust me). My friend Polly actually has a strong e-mail relationship with him and actually sent him a screen play treatment entitled "The Foetus Within A Foetus-A Mighty Horror Starring Bruce Campbell-" which he politely refused...
-
Have you seen Frank The Magc Dragon? Check it out-you wont regret it...
-
go to YouTube and type it in....
-
Jul 07, 2007 12:11:48 PM CDT
Thanks, RockLobster800! I'll have to check that out.
by themanwithtoomanynames
-
I liked it. Am I the only one?
-
I loved the clip for "Frank the Magic Dragon 2"(http://tinyurl.com/yvsg7n).
And just for you: "Martin Scorcese's Sesame Streets"
(http://tinyurl.com/2scabb) -
err, you need to familiarize yourself with Peter Watkins' "Privilege" or the 1992 film "Man Bites Dog"? Granted, they're very dark comedies, but they're far more creative than any film Guest's been involved with. I still love "Fear of a Black Hat", too.
-
I'll watch out for some of these flicks. Thanks. I know what doing mini-reviews for a festival is like.
-
The book was great. The COULD have been great if it were based more truthfully on the book. I loved the look of the movie. They had the right sets and actors. The stupid writers just had to muck up the story like they always do. They totally fucked up the Baron too, he wasn't a freak.
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN trailer is up... -- 676 total posts 308 posts
- THE WOLVERINE's Release Date Is Set... -- 132 total posts 132 posts
- Happy Birthday John Williams! -- 125 total posts 125 posts
- Nooooooo!! They Messed Up Shmi's Hair!! An Interesting Review Of THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D Is Online!! -- 130 total posts 123 posts
- Bono Is Now One Of THE AVENGERS?? Some Cool Promo Art From Whedon's Film + A Nifty Contest!! -- 110 total posts 110 posts
- Feel The Wrath with WRATH OF THE TITANS posters! -- 98 total posts 98 posts
- G.I. JOE 2 International Trailer debuts online... -- 97 total posts 97 posts
- Significantly different 1 minute JOHN CARTER spot! -- 95 total posts 95 posts
- A Gnarly Headshot From The New DREDD Movie!! And A Few More Pics, Too!! -- 93 total posts 64 posts
- Hercules Says ABC’s THE RIVER Lacks Depth!! -- 66 total posts 60 posts