State of the Blog!

Just kidding. So the next few days will be sporadic at best. I’m starting classes again (6) and preparing to go to Sundance (Thursday) as well as finishing off some grad school applications. SO…. I’m busy. Though busy, I’m still highly commited and I should have a review up of Terry Gilliam’s Brazil and 27 Dresses up before I leave.

I have more Sundance news! I’ve purchased tickets for 10 shows (not sure if I’m going to see ALL of them or trade for something more desirable but here’s what I have and a short description:

1. Yasukuni – about the famous shrine in Japan that pays homage to the 2.46 million soldiers who have died in the name of Japan and the Emperor. It covers the controversy of celebrating soldiers who were convicted of war crimes, yet still honored at the shrine. (Documentary)

2. Diary of the Dead – George A Romero’s new part of the Dead series (Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Living Dead etc.) Film students go into the Pennsylvania woods to film a horror movie when the dead start using them for entertainment. Can’t wait for this new installment as it’s a midnight showing my first night there!

3. Time Crimes - I know it will sound stupid but the director has made some awesome shorts. Nacho Vigalondo directed 7:35 in the Morning (an oscar nominated short) and now turns towards time again. His main character seeks refuge in a scientific contraption that turns out to be a time machine. He goes back in time only a few hours, and that’s all I know about the film

4. Funny Games – You’ve probably seen the trailer for this one if you’ve been to the movies lately. Naomi Watts stars in a suspenseful thriller where her family is being held hostage in their own home. Basic I know, but the style looks intelligent. The poster by the way is a direct rip off of Ellie Parker, a film of Watts’ I reviewed earlier in the month. Check out the trailer.

5. The Great Buck Howard – Starring John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, Tom Hanks, and Emily Blunt, this film is about a failing illusionist who hires a young assistant against the wishes of his father. (guess which Hanks plays father and son, then guess who plays the illusionist)

6. The Last Word - Dark comedy in which the main character has a job in LA writing people’s suicide notes. People either make it, or kill themselves, and this is his job. Though I REALLY want to see it, it might not work out due to a traveling conflict.

7. Up The Yangtze - Chinese documentary about the Three Gorges Dam and the constuction/toll on the environment. I will either see this or The Last Word.

8. Sleep Dealer – Probably the craziest movie on the menu. It’s a science fiction drama with loads of things that I’m looking forward to. The government is under attack by hackers, and they do it via brain. Imaginative, politically charged, and original, what more can I say, I’m there.

9. The Escapist – Brian Cox serves as an inmate who has been in jail for his whole life. He wouldn’t mind if it weren’t for the letter explaining that his daughter is ill after an overdose. He assembles a crew, and they attempt to roll out of jail.

10. Choke – One of the most anticipated films of the festival. Fans of Fight Club will follow Chuck P to war for that gritty, inspiring prose he’s been so kind to give to us. This one is about a guy who gets off by choking at restaurants and allowing someone to save him. I’m pretty damn excited.

Things I want to see… As you guys may or may not know I’ve acquired a Press Pass due to the amazing efforts of my school newspaper The GW Hatchet. So if possible I want to see the new Michel Gondry movie Be Kind Rewind starring Mos Def and Jack Black. It’s about two guys who try and recreate an entire movie store’s collection after it gets erased. Check out the hilarious trailer. The other film I’m dying to see is The Mysteries of Pittsburgh. The book by Michael Chabon which he started as an undergrad. It’s got a love triangle, Peter Sarsgaard and the hopefully blooming Sienna Miller.