Sundance Film Festival Reviews
Half Nelson
Ryan Gosling plays a junior high school teacher who enlightens his students’ lives while trying to control his drug use. When one of his students happens upon his habit, he forms an unlikely friendship that may help him gain control or nudge her over the edge into the drug trade.
-- My favorite film by far. An excellent example of the “less is more” technique that shines when each shot and emotional moment are keenly captured lived through to the very end. Excellent casting and cinematography.
Quinceañera
Fourteen year old Magdelena prepares for her celebration of womanhood while trying to live up to her cousin’s extravagant ceremony and reconcile her unexpected pregnancy set to the backdrop of the Echo Park neighborhood of LA.
-- A clumsy script brought together by the impeccable ensemble cast. Though this film won Grand Jury and Audience Awards for best Drama, it was the weakest of the five films I saw.
Old Joy
Two college friends on the brink of life changes meet up to go camping and reminisce about the good old days.
-- A simple buddy film enlivened by the setting of upstate Oregon. A quiet getaway for the characters and the audience alike.
Stephanie Daley
High school sophomore Staphanie Daley (Amber Tamblyn) gives birth to baby girl in the bathroom who is later found dead. Tilda Swinton, her court appointed psychiatrist, deals with fears about her own pregnancy while trying to understand whether Stephanie killed her baby.
-- Highly deserved winner of Best Screenplay. Told through flashback and varied pace of forward motion, everything laces together to form an enveloping mystery. The performances resonate deeply and cast wide nets of empathy for the characters.
God Grew Tired of Us
The documentary story of three Sudanese “Lost Boys” who have survived fifteen years of exile in Kenya and are now trying to survive in America. Each of them do their best to help those friends and family left behind.
-- Winner of Best Documentary Grand Jury and Audience Award. Very well balanced historic tale and personal drama. Encouraging, enlivening tale of what can be done with enough hard work and hope for what should be.
Ryan Gosling plays a junior high school teacher who enlightens his students’ lives while trying to control his drug use. When one of his students happens upon his habit, he forms an unlikely friendship that may help him gain control or nudge her over the edge into the drug trade.
-- My favorite film by far. An excellent example of the “less is more” technique that shines when each shot and emotional moment are keenly captured lived through to the very end. Excellent casting and cinematography.
Quinceañera
Fourteen year old Magdelena prepares for her celebration of womanhood while trying to live up to her cousin’s extravagant ceremony and reconcile her unexpected pregnancy set to the backdrop of the Echo Park neighborhood of LA.
-- A clumsy script brought together by the impeccable ensemble cast. Though this film won Grand Jury and Audience Awards for best Drama, it was the weakest of the five films I saw.
Old Joy
Two college friends on the brink of life changes meet up to go camping and reminisce about the good old days.
-- A simple buddy film enlivened by the setting of upstate Oregon. A quiet getaway for the characters and the audience alike.
Stephanie Daley
High school sophomore Staphanie Daley (Amber Tamblyn) gives birth to baby girl in the bathroom who is later found dead. Tilda Swinton, her court appointed psychiatrist, deals with fears about her own pregnancy while trying to understand whether Stephanie killed her baby.
-- Highly deserved winner of Best Screenplay. Told through flashback and varied pace of forward motion, everything laces together to form an enveloping mystery. The performances resonate deeply and cast wide nets of empathy for the characters.
God Grew Tired of Us
The documentary story of three Sudanese “Lost Boys” who have survived fifteen years of exile in Kenya and are now trying to survive in America. Each of them do their best to help those friends and family left behind.
-- Winner of Best Documentary Grand Jury and Audience Award. Very well balanced historic tale and personal drama. Encouraging, enlivening tale of what can be done with enough hard work and hope for what should be.
posted by Sylvia at 2:02 PM
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