Phil attends Cinequest 24: Day 4-March 7, 2014

Greetings and Salutations folks! Welcome to Day Four of my trip to Cinequest 24! Today is the day that the festival kicks off into high gear. And today I saw SIX films today!! So let us begin the reviews, shall we?

The first film I saw was ABOVE DARK WATERS (TUMMAN VEDEN PÄÄLLÄ) over at the Camera 12. Set in 1970s, the film centers around seven-year-old Pete, who's life in the course of a year will be dramatically and drastically changed. From happy beginnings with celebrating Christmas and having birthday parties to his step-fathers drinking and domestic violence, the film captures what the world looks like through the years of a child, and doesn't hold back any punches.

This was a powerful and amazing film. Coming once again from Finland, the beauty of the country is juxtaposed against the violence that Pete is witnessing. The love and tragedy is all there set in the tranquility of ice and snow. Based off the novel of the same name, director Peter Franzen does a great job of bringing the book to life! This is a film that I really enjoyed! 4 out of 5 stars!! The film will be screened again on Tuesday, March 11th at 9:30pm at the San Jose Rep and again on Thursday, March 13th at 9:30pm at the California Theatre.

Film number two was the Hungarian export HEAVENLY SHIFT. In this bizarre dark comedy, a young Croat transplant named Milan has a chance encounter with the night shift ambulance drivers on night in Budapest. Seeking greener pastures, Milan becomes the newest member, thus making this team a Trifecta when it comes to saving lives, losing lives, and everything else in between.

What I loved about this film is just how dark the comedy is! It's so politically incorrect, so over the top, so bloody outrageous, I was laughing my ass off from the start of the film to the very last frame! But what made the film that much more fun to watch was listening to the audience's reaction! I mean, when you have a scenes that involve a dead hooker impaled on a samurai sword, or a topless women's hair salon that gives me blowjobs, or when a body is about to die and all the do is just punch on the chest to save it, you know you are going to offend a lot of people. And believe it or not, there were quit ea few people at the screening that were offended. But that just goes to show you the the filmmakers got the job done right! My favorite film thus far at the festival!! 5 out of 5 stars!! The film will be playing again on Wednesday, Mar 12th at 9:30pm at the California Theatre and on Friday, March 14th at 9:15pm at the San Jose Rep Theatre.

The third film I saw today was also at the Camera 12, but before that there was a short. PRISONS TO PARADISE is about the organization Hour Children offers women the possibility to transform their lives and make the transition from prison life to family life.

The love drama INERCIA takes place in a Mexico City hospital, where Lucia visits her friend there. But then, at the same hospital, she runs into her ex-boyfriend Felipe, who is in serious ill health. Even though they haven't seen each other in over 12 years, they pick up where they left off. Lucia takes some time off from work to spend some time with him, but will the old flame become rekindled before it's too late?

This film is the equivalent to a love poem of story. It's just a wonderful and beautiful movie. Both lead actors have great on-screen chemistry and first time director Isabel Muñoz Cota Callejas captures all the romance. The one complaint that I have is that the film moves too slow, but that's just me. But what do I know, I'm just a film critic. Tee-hee! Still it's worth seeing. 3 out of 5 stars! The film will be screened again on Thursday, March 13th at 9:3pm and on Sat, March 15 4:15pm. Both screenings will be at the Camera 12. 

I made my way to the California Theatre movie palace for the fourth film of the day for me. Based on the Patricia McCormick’s National Book Award nominee of the same name, SOLD is about a 12-year-old girl named Lakshmi who lives in a Nepal village with her family. After a devastating monsoon that completely wiped out her family's rice paddy crops, her father sells her to a lady in the city to work as a domestic servant. However, to Lakshmi shock, she is working in a brothel and must take on clients to help pay off the debt that she owes to them. In the end she must find a way out of her nightmare before she succumbs to this life.

The other day I had the honor of seeing the documentary LIFE IS LOVE about human trafficking. Here, we have the bookend to that. This film's ability to capture the ugliness of being sold to a brothel, the unsettling images of this poor girl being mistreated and raped, the tortures that Lakshmi had to live with will make you absolutely sick to your stomach! Niyar (who played the lead role) was outstanding! Hard to believe that this was her first film role! Also appearing in the film were Hollywood actors Gillian Anderson and David Arquette in small but pivital roles. Overall this was one of the most heart wrenching film I've seen so far at the festival. If this film doesn't make you cry, then you have no soul! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! The film will be playing again on Sunday, March 9th at 6:45pm at the Camera 12. Also make sure to visit the film's official website to help create global awareness about this topic. Visit soldthemovie.com and make a donation today!

For film number five I headed back over to the Camera 12, but prior to the screening there was a short film to watch.  IN CONFIDENCE is about a beautiful woman who confesses to her friend (breaking the fourth wall to make us the audience her friend) about a life changing decision she made that she both accepts and regrets as part of her past.

Usually most short films I review only take a couple of sentences or two, but this one was different. It was cleverly written, very well acted, and directed and edited with precise precision. Shot entirely in one day and in one location, actress Beege Barkette was riveting in her role as the women, who through the length of the short goes from emotional state to the other, and she nails each emotion perfectly. Overall this was one of the most impressive shorts I've seen so far here. Later on Beege along with producer Mary-Lyn Chambers and the writer participated in an informative Q&A session.

The main feature TEMPO GIRL is about a young Berlin hipster girl/wannabe novelist named Dominique, who's publisher told her that her work "sucks shit." Mostly due to the fact that she hasn't really done anything with her life and basically tells her to go out and live life and find your story. So she and her Turkish boyfriend set off on a roadtrip that leads them to renting a gas station in a small Swiss Valley where she must push herself into crossing over her "borders" again and again until she finds herself, her limits, and her story.

While it is a romantic dark comedy, leave it up to the Germans to find a way to make something like this look and feel totally fucked up! First there's a shit load of cursing, there's a freaking abortion scene shot in grainy black and white!! And we see the whole damn thing!! And then there's a dog that gets shot in the fucking head!! Add some women slapping, gun shots, and hot sex and there's the movie for ya! Yet despite all this crazy shit, I found myself just glued to the screen. So I have to say that I really enjoyed it, but I had to take a shower after watching it! 4 out of 5 stars!! Shower recommended after viewing!! Both the film and short will be screened again on Monday, March 10th at 9:15pm at the California Theatre and again on Thursday, March 13th at 3:00pm at the Camera 12.

The sixth and final film of the day was the excellent midnight screening of BLOOD PUNCH. Meet Milton (Milo Cawthorne). When we first meet him, he wakes up hung over, runs to the bathroom and pukes his head off and finds a video screen with a recording of him detailing on what's been going on. And boy there's a lot of crazy shit going on in this here movie! Milton is a genius college dropout who is recruited by the lovely, chain smoking, bad ass bitch Skyler (Olivia Tennet) and her gun-loving, psychotic ex-boyfriend cop Russell (Ari Boyland) to help make them a shitload of crystal meth over at an old hunter's cabin out in the woods. However, things go slightly awry, and soon, blood has been spilled, which invokes an ancient Indian curse which causes these three to repeat the same day over and over again! Soon guns are blazin', blood is a spillin', and love takes flight in this outrageous midnight cult classic!

What I loved about this film is that they take it to the next level and make no apologies for going there. It's a dark comedy that has an awesome love triangle and gory violence. Now what more do you want in a movie people? How's the acting? Incredible! How's the directing? Fantastic! How's the story? Excellent? How's the bloodshed? Outrageously gory! How's the film overall? You'll have a bloody good time when watching this movie! So if you like GROUNDHOG DAY and EVIL DEAD 2, then you're gonna love BLOOD PUNCH!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! The film will be screening again at the San Jose Rep Theatre on Sunday, March 9th at 9:30pm and again on Saturday, March 15th 11:45pm.

And that was Day Four of my cinematic trip to Cinequest. So far I'm at 16 films in 4 days! Getting closer to my 60 films for this year goal!! Remember the festival will be running till March 16th so there's plenty of time for you to join in on the fun here in Downtown San Jose! To view the festival's film schedule and purchase tickets and passes, visit their website at www.cinequest.org.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show! 

Phil attends Cinequest 24: Day 3-March 6, 2014

Welcome to Day Three of my trip to the 24th Cinequest Film Festival! Already this year's fest is shaping up to be a fantastic one! Today I saw five films, so let's get show on the road!

The first film I saw was over at the Camera 12. HEART OF A LION is a Finland export that tells the story of Teppo, the leader of a racist skinhead gang who just got released from jail and flirts with a beautiful blonde waitress named Sari. The two fall madly in love with one another, but there's a problem: Sari has a bi-racial son named Rhamu from a previous relationship. Teppo's racial beliefs will be put to the test as he's challenged with accepting a son that is of a different race. And too make things even more complicated, what will his gang do if they ever find out about this?

It's always a surprise when I see a foreign film that displays racism right in the open for everyone to see. Here in America, we don't see that a lot, since this country is super sensitive about the topic of slavery still. Over in Europe, racism is displayed in all of its ugliness, and the film captures all of this and more. It raw, it's very in your face, it's violent, it's just one hell of a amazing film to watch! Not for the weak of heart or if your super sensitive, especially when you see the film's ending. 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! The film will be screened again on Tuesday, March 11th at 9:15pm at the California Theatre and again on Saturday, March 15th at 11:30am at the Camera 12.

The second film I saw was again at the Camera 12. The documentary THE ARRIETA METHOD is about Mentxu and Lourdes Arrieta, two sisters that are born with a congenital disorder which makes them unable to speak or control their own muscles. Because of their handicap, the sisters create their own unique way of communicating with one another, and thus opened up a whole new world for them and for their family!

This was a very inspiring documentary, one that everyone should definitely see. What begins as a tragedy becomes a testament of the human will. In this case, two young girls who grown up to become women who helped make a difference. The only real negative criticism I had was that it went on a bit too long and I found myself getting out of the film. If the narrative was a little more streamlined then it would be better, but still go see this film. 3 out of 5 stars! The film plays again on Saturday, March 8th at 11:30am and again on Wednesday, March 12th at 4:30pm. Both screenings will be at the Camera 12.

Next up was another excellent documentary entitled THE HUMAN EXPERIMENT. Produced and directed by Emmy Award-winning journalists Dana Nachman and Don Hardy (and narrated by Executive Producer Sean Penn) the film explores the critical dangers of toxic chemicals that can be found in everyday consumer products: baby plastic bottles, tin food cans, bathroom soaps, etc. These common buys have been linked with the increase rise of unexplained health issues, the actual committees and bureaus that are supposed to be looking out for our own well being (the EPA and USFDA for example) have been bought out by the same corporations that are putting these toxic product on the shelves.

I was at a loss for words when I saw this documentary! While I do love my country, it has been bought out by all these corporations so now this is no longer the United States of America, it is just called the Corporate Sates of America. Now is the time for Americans to become political activists and take to the streets in protest, to email their Representative, to fight for our rights as to what are in our products that we buy in the store: our foods, our furniture, our clothes, everything! After the screening, Dana Nachman, Don Hardy and two other women from the film participated in a Q&A session. One of the most astounding and informative documentaries thus far at the festival! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! The film will be screened again on Saturday. March 15th at 2:45pm at the California Theatre. Also check out their official website at http://thehumanexperimentmovie.com. Also check out their Facebook page as well.

Film number four took place at the San Jose Rep Theatre, where my new friend (OK drinking buddy) Harry Knowles was to receive the Media Legacy Award for his contribution to the world of online media. His website Ain't-It-Cool News was the very first website online that talked about films, reviews, and news long before anybody else was! Knowles was a pioneer, and for that he truly deserved this award! Congrats Harry!!

So for this special occasion, Harry brought to Cinequest his favorite film that he had at his film festival down in Austin, Texas. THE GRAND PIANO stars everyone's favorite Hobbit Elijah Wood as Tom Selznic, a renowned concert pianist, who is married to a famous actress Emma (Kerry Bishé). She arranges him to hit the concert stage for one last performance when he becomes engulfed in a deadly cat and mouse game with an unknown sniper (John Cusack).

Wow! I absolutely loved this movie! The acting was superb, the story was intense and dramatic, the directing was awesome, and the score was outstanding! Director Eugenio Mira channels the Master of Suspense himself as his directing employs both simple set ups and shot while simultaneously has extravagant camera pans and unique camera compositions. And what really makes the film work is Elijah Wood's acting, which was incredible! He was very believable in his role! John Cusack as the insane but brilliant sniper? What a great idea! And if you've been reading my reviews for a long time, you know that I'm a huge fan of Kerry Bishé. I believe that she is one very talented actress and I'm very happy to see her in these types of films which gets to show off her acting chops. Overall this was an amazing movie to see!

Now according to Mr. Knowles, the film is to have a limited release to theaters starting this Friday, but unfortunately not around here in the Bay Area just yet. However, it is available on iTunes if you want to download it now on VOD. To learn more about the film and when it will be playing in a theater near you, visit the film's page on its distributor Magnolia Picture's website.

The fifth and final film I saw today was also at the San Jose Rep. PARALLEL MAZE is the debut feature film from Chinese director Hua Ya. So the film is part Hitchcock and part experimental. Actually I had a hard time understanding the film due to the fact that there is a lot going on. The basic plot is this: a pregnant bank teller steals a suitcase full of money and hides out in a hotel room waiting for her boyfriend to arrive. But that still isn't the plot. Remember, there a parallel worlds that have parallel hotels with parallel bank teller in the almost same situation. So we see one such universe, then we are taken to the next universe, and so on and so.

It's clear to me that director Hua Ya is working on another film level (and the film proves that he is way more intelligent than me). This is a film that I would have to see another two or three times to digest the fundamentals of the film and to make sense of the parallel universes. But there is a mad genius at work here. A lot of people were leaving the screening, probably because it is such an experimental film. The one thing I would change though was the eight different endings, but then again, we are dealing with multiple universes, so we had to see them all. The film will be playing again on Saturday, March 8th at 2:30pm at the California Theatre and again on Wednesday, March 5th at 2:45pm over at the Camera 12.

After the screening, we all headed over the Maverick Meet-Up which was at The Blackbird Tavern. I didn't have anything to drink because I was too tired (and not because they stopped serving booze at midnight), but I did get to hang out with all my cinematic friends and that was totally fun!

And that was Day Three of my cinematic trip to Cinequest. So far I'm at 10 films in 3 days! Not too shabby!! Remember the festival will be running till March 16th so there's plenty of time for you to join in on the fun here in Downtown San Jose! To view the festival's film schedule and purchase tickets and passes, visit their website at www.cinequest.org.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends Cinequest 24: Day 2-March 5, 2014

Hello again everyone and welcome to Day Two of my trip to the Cinequest 24 Film Festival! Today I had the pleasure of seeing four diverse films so let's get on with the show!

The first film I saw today was the poetic MAPA over at the Camera 12. This documentary tells the story of a young Spanish filmmaker who is making a "video diary" of his journey to India to heal from his devastating break-up with his ex-girlfriend. After being fired from his directing job as a children's television show, he begins his quest of finding life and love while searching for himself.

Before the film, the festival screened a short film entitled SHOTGUN CYANIDE, which is part of their Picture The Possibilities (PTP). The short is about three friends who all seem to be your happy-go-lucky teenagers. However one is carrying a dark secret that could cost him his life, if his friends don't get to him first.

The documentary proves once and for all that no matter what dialogue you speak, we all can speak and understand the language of love. This hits all too close to home for myself, having been on the receiving end of a break-up, the trials of self healing and self discovery are all too familiar areas that we must all travel through in order to heal. Director Leon Siminiani gives us an inside look at his heart break and his rites of passage of self healing. 3 out of 5 stars! The film will be screened again on Monday, March 10th at 6:45pm and on Tuesday, March 11th at 6:15, both at the Camera 12.

The second film I saw over at the Camera 12 was the animated film CHEATIN'. Now this was a real treat for me to see! The plot is very simple: Girl meets Boy. They both fall in love. After some miscommunication, Boy cheats on Girl. Girl finds out and plots her revenge. But all isn't as it appears to be.

The film was created by the one and only Bill Plymton, who's animation is the stuff of legends! What sets him apart from other animators is that he still draws his films ONE FRAME AT A TIME!! Because of this, his films take on this surreal look that borders on the beautiful and the nightmarish. It's a little rough around the edges, it's in-your-face, it's the look of a genius at work! This being his seventh film, it proves that Plymton is still carrying the torch for traditional animation! And I applaud him for this! This film is another example of history that filmgoers don't get to see too often! 4 out of 5 stars!! The film will be screened again on Friday, March 14th at 9:30pm at the Camera 12 and again on Saturday, March 15th at 9:15pm at the California Theatre.

For film number three for me I headed over to the California Theatre to see LIFE IS LOVE.  The documentary tells the story of a group of young Cambodian women who were sold into human trafficking (some by their own family because of the the Khmer Rouge, so they sell one child so that the other can live), which has become a major issue in select countries. The women interviewed are, without question, some of the bravest women in the entire world. To overcome such abuse and devastation, these women find salvation and hope in Somaly Mam, a survivor herself, who has helped these women transform their lives. Mam is a leader in fighting against human trafficking and for human rights, and she continues to become a beacon of hope.

This powerful documentary was produced and directed by Cinequest co-founders Halfdan Hussey and Kathleen Powell. Originally intended to be a Picture the Possibilities short, the project continued to grow and grow until it became the full length feature is has now become. Watching this film is the equivalent of getting hit in the gut by a Mac Truck! It made me an emotional wreck, just hearing these stories of these women being locked in their rooms, serving clients at the age of 10, and then to hear from the clients themselves, who suggest that they need more "romance" but in reality, these men (and I use that term very, very loosely) are nothing more than sick, rich, perverted child molesters who should be sent to jail and raped themselves! Thanks goodness that there is Somaly Mam, who is providing hope and love to these abused young women. One of the most powerful documentaries I've seen so far! Try not to cry during this film! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! The film will be shown again on Sunday, March 9th at 2pm at the Camera 12.

For the forth and final film of the day I stayed at the California Theatre to see the foreign film CLASS ENEMY. In this intense drama, a strict, emotionless teacher arrives to teach a German class midway through the year and shows no contempt towards his students. But when a female student who he has last seen with commits suicide, the students direct their anger towards their new teacher, who carries on like nothing happened, which only adds more gasoline to this already out of control fire.

This is a prime example of what I love about watching foreign films: excellent acting, compelling story, great cinematography, astounding directing, and interesting subject matter. Here we have teenagers that are three dimensional that look and sound like real teenagers, not the generic Hollywood stereotypes that we are used to seeing. The subject of teenage suicide is handled with the utmost care and respect; showcasing the dramatic effects it has on teenagers and how they handle it, but because we are in a different country, it treated in a more adult way. It thoughtful, intense, dramatic, and absolutely reviting!! I loved this film! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! The film will be screened again on Thursday, March 6th at 2pm at the Camera 12 and on Saturday, March 15th at 12pm at the California Theatre.

After all the movies were over, I made my way over to the Maverick Meet-Up, which was at The Farmer's Union, where I just hung out with friends and filmmakers. However I found myself mostly hanging out with Harry Knowles, the man behind the website Ain't It Cool News. We talked about everything; from movies, Elijah Wood, and shroom brownies. It was the best conversation I have had in a long time.

And folks, there you have Day Two of Cinequest 24! All together I've seen 5 films in 2 days. So far I'm right on track to reaching 60 films! Remember the festival ends on Sunday, March 16th so make sure you come out here to San Jose! To view the festival's film schedule and purchase tickets and passes, visit their website at www.cinequest.org.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the Cinequest 24 Opening Night Extravaganza-March 4, 2014

Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come! Tonight was the opening night of the Cinequest Film Festival here in Downtown San Jose! Once again yours truly is covering this momentous event, and like last year, I am expecting to see some of the very best in independent, foreign, and documentaries here for the next thirteen days! Once again I got to see some old friends like my good friend and fellow blogger Jason Wiener from Jason Watches Movies as well as Alison Murray, Christopher Garcia, Terra Wood-Taylor, Michael Rabehl, and a few others. At this year's festival I hope to once again make new friends and as well as new memories. And this year I am hoping to break my record attend 60 screenings in the next thirteen days, so let's see if i can pull this off!

The opening night was held once again at the beautiful California Theatre on South First Street. There was the traditional red carpet with numerous filmmakers talking about their films to the press and posing for the cameras. Soon I found my way to the front row where Jason and our good friend Roy from the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum was saving me a seat. Around 7 o'clock the lights slowly dimmed and the show began!

The night began with a really funny and cute short film entitled RPG OKC, which is about finding true love in a 8-bit Nintendo game world! After the short, Cinequest screened this year's festival trailer that will be shown before each screening, which was made by the talented folks over at Guerilla Wanderers.

Then Cinequest director and co-founder and Halfdan Hussey came out and greeted everyone and thanked all out sponsors. He then introduced Eric Kohn, Chief Film Critic and Senior Editor for Indiewire, to receive the first ever Cinequest Media Legacy Award. Kohn then made a very quick speech about championing small independent films and how we all should support these fine little films! He mentioned some examples and Jason and I applauded after each one since we knew them, which made Kohn acknowledge us, which I thought was pretty damn cool!

Afterwards Halfdan then introduced Cinequest President and co-founder Kathleen Powell to introduce the recipient of the Maverick Innovator Award, the legendary Martin Cooper, the inventor of the cell phone, which took him 30 years to get off the ground! Afterwards, Halfdan once again welcomed back NBC Bay Area News Meteorologist Christina Loren to introduce the festival's opening film THE GRAND SEDUCTION.

Brendan Gleeson, Taylor Kitsch & Gordon Pinsent in THE GRAND SEDUCTION.

The film is set in the quaint and quiet fishing harbor called Tickle Cove where its townsfolk have been collecting unemployment checks because all the fish are gone, forcing some to look for work in the big city. However, things start looking bright when a plastics manufacturer wants to build a factory in their town, but there's on catch: the town needs to have a local doctor. Frantic that they might lose their one chance of rebuilding their town, newly elected mayor Murray French (Brendan Gleeson) with the help of his best friend Simon (Gordon Pinsent) find Dr. Lewis (Taylor Kitsch), who has been recently "banished" to this seaside town. With the help from the rest of the townsfolk, Murray must convince Lewis to stay with them or else lose out on their factory contract.

Based on the French film La Grande Séduction by Jean-Francois Pouliot, this new version was directed by Don McKellar (LAST NIGHT, CHILDSTAR) and written by screenwriter Michael Dowse (TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT, GOON, THE F WORD). Both of these talented individuals really make the film very funny and charming to watch! McKellar does a great job of letting the camera capture the beauty and tranquility of Tickle Cove while simultaneously getting up close and personal with its residents. The laughs come calmly and with precise timing as to have the audience laugh at one joke at a time while not missing the next one being set up. Dowse does an excellent job of creating three dimensional characters that sweet, funny, and at times mischievous.

The cast itself is fantastic! Gleeson's Murray is tough as nails kinda guy that will do whatever he can to bring work to his town, even if it means lying to poor old Dr. Travis. Kitsch, who plays Travis, starts off as the arrogant, douchebag doctor who really deserves to have a "wake-up call" that runs his life around. But when he does fall in love with Tickle Cove, Murray and Simon begin to feel guilty because of their lies and deceit. And the townsfolk themselves all carry funny attributes that border on absurdity to the down right wacky! Overall, the film has some terrific acting here, folks!

The film comes to us from the Great White North, better known as Canada. Now at last years festival, I mentioned it looked like Canada invaded San Jose because there were so many Canadian films that it was unbelievable! But the reason there were so many last year was because they were all damn good! For a long time Canada was known for making some excellent and landmark horror films like RABID, MY BLOODY VALENTINE and PROM NIGHT, but now it looks like they'll be now know for their hilarious and heart warming comedies! And it looks like THE GRAND SEDUCTION will be keeping in good company now!

After the screening, we all headed over to the lavish after party, which was held over at the South First Billiards, where they was plenty to eat, drink, and music to dance to as well as pool tables galore! Food was catered by the fine people at Justin's and snacks were once again provided by Jen's Cakes located here in Willow Glen! Drinks were provided by Tito's Vodka and Stella Artois!! The party was completely off the chart!!

THE GRAND SEDUCTION was the perfect film to kick off Cinequest 24! Now you can partake in this very important film festival event. To view film schedules, information about the festival, and to purchase tickets and passes, visit their website at www.cinequest.org.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE PORNOGRAPHER'S DAUGHTER at the Z Space-February 16, 2014

Last Sunday night I had the opportunity of attending a live stage production of a play that sounded very interesting to me. Every now and then I like to take a break for seeing movies and watching some terrific plays. However, the subject of this particular production has its roots in the San Francisco porno scene and, more specifically, to the most infamous filmmaking duos of all time. The show I saw was THE PORNOGRAPHER'S DAUGHTER: THE TRUE TALE OF GROWING UP WITH THE MITCHELL BROTHERS, which was playing over at the Z Spot up in San Francisco. And to make the event even more special, the Sunday night show was the last show here before moving on to Los Angeles!

The show was written and performed by Liberty Bradford Mitchell, the daughter of the late pornographer Artie Mitchell. Along with his older brother Jim, they became known as the Mitchell Brothers, who first became popular with their series of pornographic loops they use to make. However the brothers made history (and changed history) with their full length debut BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR, the film that put the west coast on the XXX map.

Liberty's show consisted of her father's and Jim's childhood days growing up, how Artie met her mom, the breakthrough smash of BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR, and all the drama that was having Artie Mitchell as your father, but also having Jim Mitchell as your uncle.

Liberty's performance was exquisite, heartfelt, funny, sad, and tragic. Dealing with these accounts first hand, I sat there knowing only the history of the Mitchel Brothers from what I read in books and in films. But Liberty had the distinct advantage of growing up a Mitchell, and to have her tell us, in her own words, the good, the bad, and the ugly that transpired was nothing short of amazing! I can't imagine how difficult it must have been growing up in this environment, especially since at the time that the Mitchell Brothers O'Farrell Theatre was being raided on a weekly basis and Artie and Jim were constantly being hauled away to jail. But the true travesty of them all has to be the events that transpired on February 27, 1991, when Jim shot and killed Artie. To see Liberty tell us about what happened that day sent shivers up and down my spine. Loss, grief, and anger filled her eyes, her voice, her body.

Liberty Bradford Mitchell & Myself.

Helping Liberty to bring her story to life was director Michael T. Weis, who's famous for portraying the character Jared on NBC’s television The Pretender. Also contributing to the show was Liberty's house band The Fluffers, which is one of the best band names of all time! And the Z Space was the perfect venue to hold this production. It was small and quaint, but intimate and wonderful.

THE PORNOGRAPHER'S DAUGHTER is a slice of local history that we were only told half of. Thanks to Liberty Bradford Mitchell, she comes forward and tells us the complete story about San Francisco's Mitchell Brothers, the sexual revolution, and how it has changed her life. This was a fantastic play that I encourage you all to see. Whether you are a fan of the Mitchell Brothers or not, Liberty's story is an inspiring one. 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE PORNOGRAPHER'S DAUGHTER: THE TRUE TALE OF GROWING UP WITH THE MITCHELL BROTHERS just wrapped up its run in San Francisco, but it will be heading down to the LA area. To learn more about the show, Liberty Bradford Mitchell, and where it will be playing at, visit the official website at http://pdtheplay.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil hosts the Camera Cinema's Cult Movie Screening of THE BIG LEBOWSKI at the Camera 3 in Downtown San Jose-Feb. 13, 2014

Hello again everybody and welcome to the 2014 Cult Movie series at the Camera 3 in Downtown San Jose! Now for those of you who are late to the game, let me explain this cool series. In 2011 the Camera Cinemas started up the Cult Movie series (which for years had been called the Midnight Movie series). They would show one cult film twice a month (Thursday nights at 9:30 and Saturday nights at midnight) from February through November. This past Thursday night was Opening Night and once again yours truly was back as the host! The series was kicked off into high gear with the screening of the 1998 Coen Brother's film THE BIG LEBOWSKI! Prizes were donated by Streetlight Records and by Time Tunnel Toys, both located here in San Jose. There were also yummy donuts to eat, courtesy of Psycho Donuts located in the lobby.

The film's official synopsis: When "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is mistaken for a millionaire Lebowski, two thugs urinate on his rug to coerce him into paying a debt he knows nothing about. While attempting to gain recompense for the ruined rug from his wealthy counterpart, he accepts a one-time job with high pay-off. He enlists the help of his bowling buddy, Walter (John Goodman), a gun-toting Jewish-convert with anger issues. Deception leads to more trouble, and it soon seems that everyone from porn empire tycoons to nihilists want something from The Dude.

Also appearing in the film are Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, Tara Reid, Flea, John Turturro, and the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman.

When the film was released to theaters by Universal Pictures on March 6, 1998, it made a loud thud at the boxoffice. The film's budget was $15 million but it only grossed only a little over $5 million.  However, it achieved its cult status when it was released on DVD. Then a couple of years later is was booked for the midnight slot at the New Beverly in Los Angeles. Then it played over in Santa Cruz at midnight screenings for the six months. Now it's hailed as a true cult classic and a beloved Coen Brothers film!

Tonight we had over 40 people in attendance!What a great way to kick off the 2014 season! Now like I said, the Camera 3 will be showing one cult classic film twice a month from now till November. Next month we'll be screening the 1995 cult classic SHOWGIRLS on Thursday, March 13th at 9:30pm and again on Saturday, March 15th at midnight! So make plans to attend this screening folks! It's gonna be wild, crazy and sexy!! To view the full 2014 Cult Movie schedule, visit the Camera Cinemas website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!  

Phil sees THE LEGO MOVIE at the Cmaera 12 Downtown San Jose-February 9, 2014

You know, when someone says the word Lego, my mind becomes filled with all the cool things I built with them: buildings, airplanes, cars, trains, lightsabers, etc. I loved my Legos, and so did my brother. Years later when my sister was born, she became a hug Lego fanatic! She had more Legos than my brother and I had combined! Then the Legos morphed and changed; now you can make official Star Wars vehicles, or comic book action heroes and the Star Trek starship out of them. Soon after, there were awesome video games that had outstanding computer graphics! All this leads to the release of THE LEGO MOVIE, which I saw in 2D over at the Camera 12 in Downtown San Jose.

The film's official synopsis: Emmet Brickowski (voiced by Chris Pratt), an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure, is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop the evil tyrant Lord Business (voiced by Will Ferrell), a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

Also contributing their vocal talents to the film are Will Arnett (Batman), Elizabeth Banks (Wyldstyle), Alison Brie (Unikitty), Nick Offerman (Metal Beard), Liam Neeson(Bad Cop / Good Cop / Pa Cop), Morgan Freeman (Vitruvius), Cobie Smulders (Wonder Woman), Channing Tatum (Superman), Will Forte (Abraham Lincoln) and Jonah Hill (Green Lantern).

Directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord (CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS, 21 JUMP STREET, CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2) keep the film moving fast and furious, never letting up or slowing down. Right from the get-go, the film will leave you in stitches from the first joke till the last joke. But not only that, the film is action packed and captures every child's imagination at it full throttle! I remember playing with my Legos and THIS is how I imagined what I was playing with! Truly inspiring and captures the wonders of a child's mind!

Miller and Lord also wrote co-wrote the film's script along with siblings Dan and Kevin Hagema, who have experience in writing family films such as HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA and its upcoming sequel and several episodes for the children's television series Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu.

As I stated earlier, I saw the 2D version of the film and I thought it was outstanding! I am very interested in viewing the film in all its 3D glory! So look for me seeing this film again in the very near future!

Overall THE LEGO MOVIE is a smart, funny, action packed children's thrill ride of the year! The movie totally blew me away! I have never witnessed a more clever family film in all my life! Hopefully this movie will be a first in a new series of films that I would love to see. So if you're looking for something to do with the family this weekend, take them to see this movie!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE LEGO MOVIE is currently playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!