The Sundance Kidd

Martha Marcy May Marlene

2012-03-07T18:14:00.003-08:00

"There's no such thing as dead or alive; we just exist."

Martha Marcy May Marlene examines the psychological aftermath and paranoia of Martha, played by Elizabeth Olsen, who escapes a Manson-like cult that she resided in for two years. Martha runs away from the cult and moves into her sisters house.

Everything about the film is subtle, which makes it all the more terrifying and intense. The tone of the film very much mirrors that of the cult; at first seemingly nice and innocent but then darker and unimaginable side is revealed. The cult leader, played superbly by John Hawkes, is eerily reminiscent of Charles Manson- he is both seductive and terrifying.

Backstories are revealed through flashbacks and understated suggestions. Everything is mysterious and remains in a limbo. This unclear lens mixed with lucid sight creates an entertaining and thought-provoking viewing experience. The acting in Martha Marcy May Marlene is remarkable and the script is well developed. I really enjoyed this movie, especially since I was at the time taking a psychology class which allowed me to view the film through an educational lens and a film lovers lens.

I watched this film on the way home from Scotland about two weeks ago (Thank you Virgin Atlantic for having an awesome selection of independent films. *applause*), and I have been thinking about it ever since. Martha Marcy May Marlene stays with you and creeps into your thoughts.

- The Sundance Kidd

Stayed tuned for reviews of Iron Lady, The Skin I Live In, and many more!!

A "Wonderfully Loathsome" Day

2012-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day my wonderful readers!

While I myself do not care for this originally sweet holiday turned silly by corporate monsters (sometimes, I can be opinionated....), I had to share one of my favorite movies with all of you on this day bursting with adoration and uniquely sentimental Hallmark cards.

What better way to celebrate this day of love than by watching the classic film His Girl Friday starring the dashing Cary Grant and the superb Rosalind Russel? Well, I personally cannot think of a better way. Okay, maybe spending time with loved ones, but that is besides the point.

Youtube has His Girl Friday in its entirety available for streaming. It is completely legal to stream it on Youtube this way as well. What a nice bonus!

Enjoy this film filled with smart and witty dialogue that is guaranteed to make you all fall in love.

- The Sundance Kidd

7500 Trailer

2012-02-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

I am so excited for my friend, actor Ben Sharples, who is starring in this summer horror film, 7500!! He is not in the current trailer but you all must go see the film when it is released to see him. You will be happy you did!

Ben is working on the film Breaking Evans, which I previously interviewed him about for The Sundance Kidd and The Beach Reporter. Ben Sharples is a talented actor that I hope you all keep your on. He is a star in the making.

- The Sundance Kidd

Not Soon Enough

2012-01-15T16:54:00.001-08:00

The trailer for the newest Wes Anderson film, Moonrise Kingdom, was recently released and I am not sure I can wait until May to see it. It looks absolutely wonderfully quirky.

What are some of your favorite Wes Anderson films?

The Artist

2011-12-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I made the smart decision to go and see The Artist. Silent and in black and white, The Artist uses old cinema stylings to make a refreshing film that brings back the joys of well-made films.

George Valentin is the golden boy of silent Hollywood. He is on top of the silent world until talking breaks the sound barrier. Refusing to star in the "talkies" being made, George Valentin falls popularity and into depression. One chance encounter leads George to meet Peppy Miller, a young and determined actress, with a rising career. Their paths mingle and intertwine throughout their Hollywood fame and failure.

While the story is predictable, the film is absolutely beautiful. From the perfect music to the attention to detail, The Artist was a truly joyous experience. The acting was amazing as well. I could really go on forever about all the great aspects of The Artist, but I feel you should all go experience this charming film for yourselves!!!!

It appeared that everyone who left the theater after the film had ended felt happier and fulfilled. I personally wanted to go put on some tap shoes and dance, but I saved my family the headache.

Many critics are predicting that this film will take home the coveted Best Picture award at the Oscars this next year.

Do yourself a favor and go see The Artist! You will be so happy you did.

- The Sundance Kidd

George Harrison: Living in the Material World

2011-09-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated Martin Scorsese documentary about George Harrison, George Harrison: Living in the Material World, premieres October 5th and October 6th on HBO. A book of the same title will be released on October 1st.

The film looks absolutely beautiful.

- The Sundance Kidd

The Tree of Life (overdue!)

2011-09-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, complicated yet simple, the Tree of Life written and directed by Terrence Mallick is the ethereal story that questions and examines innocence, the origins of life, and religion.

I saw the film twice in the beginning of the summer and was in awe of every scene. While I would love to discuss the film in great detail, I do not want to give anything away or ruin it for those of you who have yet to see it. I personally did not love it, but I did not despise it either.

Some people absolutely hate this film and others adore it; I am in the middle because I understand why people feel both ways about the film. The Tree of Life does run a bit long (it is a nice 2 hours and 18 minutes) and I found myself thinking at times that it might have been more powerful and impacting as a short film.

While the other actors in the film are always speaking in awe of it, interestingly enough, Sean Penn seems to disagree. "I didn't at all find on the screen the emotion of the script, which is the most magnificent one that I've ever read. A clearer and more conventional narrative would have helped the film without, in my opinion, lessening its beauty and its impact. Frankly, I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing there and what I was supposed to add in that context! What's more, Terry himself never managed to explain it to me clearly."

The Tree of Life has hardly any dialogue; the environment, music, and facial expressions express the feeling of each scene. The young boys in the film do a fine job; the other actors like Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain do a fine job as well.

The movie was definitely an interesting watch and if you have any desire to see it, give it a try. Who knows? You might just love it.... or absolutely hate it....but let's be optimistic!

- The Sundance Kidd

If you have seen The Tree of Life, I would love to hear/read your thoughts.

An the Oscar for Worst Blogger goes to...

2011-08-16T00:21:00.001-07:00

Greetings fellow readers!!! I hope you all have been having cinematic summers. This summer I have had a lack of internet; do not worry I was not avoiding you all! (okay... maybe just a little bit.. but we all need our personal space!)

As an apology for my lack of presence, here is a scene from the great movie Spinal Tap:

- The Sundance Kidd

The Art of Getting By

2011-06-19T23:16:00.001-07:00

My best and friend and I ended up in The Art of Getting By by timing errors. You see we children of the digital age do not wear watches, we carry cell phones around - that is unless we leave our phones behind and fall into world of endless hours and miss The Tree of Life.

Neither my friend nor I had heard much about the film so went into the empty theater blindly not expecting anything; this lack of expectation could possibly have saved us from complete film devastation.

Starring Emma Roberts and Freddie Highmore the Art of Getting By centers around prep school fatalist George who feels no need to complete assignments or anything for that matter. One day while escaping to the school roof to smoke a cigarette he sees the popular and precocious Sally who is also smoking a cigarette (honestly, the trying to be cool factor in this film hurt my soul) and saves her from trouble when a faculty member walks on to the roof to find the smokers. From that moment on a friendship blossoms and the When Harry Met Sally idea of men and women cannot be friends is unleashed. George also faces the consequences and "challenges" of never completing his work.

Cue a scene of torture and independent music

There is no real script or character development. George is depressed, lacks motivation, and does not believe in completing work because one day he will die. But why is he this way? The movie never really seeks to show the audience or discover with the audience why George is this way. There were some small side-stories in the film that involved Sally's family, George's family, and an artist but these attempts at conflict were vapid. Actually, the entire film was vapid. That word pretty much explains the film. The film was about two wealthy teenagers who suffered from some mild bad parenting and seemed to be miserable but with no real explanation of why.

The Art of Getting By really tried to be a coming-of-age movie but it did not succeed in its efforts. If anything, it made a point as to why adults dislike teenagers; they think they are adults, they think they are smarter than everyone, and they act perversely.

The Art of Getting By screened at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

-The Sundance Kidd

The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman

2011-06-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

Attention film lovers! While looking over the schedule for the Los Angeles Film Festival, I came across a unique and exciting event taking place June 25th. Called The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman, this musical written by the band The Sparks is about Ingmar Bergman finding himself transported from his home to Hollywood. The Sparks, Swedish filmmaker Guy Maddin, and actors Peter Franzen and Ann Magunsen will onstage performing this creation. But not only is it a live performance, it is a movie. The event is being filmed and directed at that moment for film. The Los Angeles Film Festival explains it a lot better, so I have kindly attached the link for you to discover more! ( I know, I am too kind)

Basically you will be watching a film being made inspired the film genius Ingmar Bergman.

For more information and for tickets, please do refer to this link:

http://filmguide.lafilmfest.com/tixSYS/2011/films/4745

- The Sundance Kidd

Singing in the sunshine, laughing in the rain

2011-06-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

One of the first movies on my list The Song Remains the Same

Now that it is finally summer and the sun will hopefully be shining soon, these long summer days will be filled with movies galore (it is my unintentional goal in life to stay pale).

I am creating "movie challenges" where I will watch movies from a director, writer, genre, and so forth. I really want to build-up my cocktail party conversation pieces about film and entertainment people, obviously.

Up first for my summer movie bucket lists: music documentaries. I LOVE music with a passion that burns extremely deep. No really, I could do on forever using the most absurd adjectives to explain the euphoria good music causes me to experience. Anyways, I will be watching what are considered the "best" music docs and some more obscure music documentaries. I am currently compiling a list.

I am very curious if there is anything out there YOU guys believe I should watch or if any of you have your own movie bucket lists?

- The Sundance Kidd

Midnight in Paris

2011-06-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen's newest film venture, is the story of a family visiting the city of love, Paris. Centered around the young couple, Gil (Owen Wilson) nostalgic for the past when things were seemingly better longs for something different in his life. His fiancee, Inez (Rachel McAdams) has no toleration for his daydreams or for that matter any of the things he wants to pursue like his novel. One night Gil takes a long walk and finds himself sitting on some stairs when a mysterious vintage model car appears and whisks him away to a party - that is a party held by the Fitzgeralds in the 1920's. Relationships are examined, lives are thought about, and Paris proves its power to hold, captivate, and inspire people.

The dialogue was great and the characters designed to be hated were oh so detestable. Rachel McAdam's character, her family, and her friends were funny to watch but just awful people. You feel badly that Gil is stuck with these people; the past he escapes to really does seem to be the answer. The past is magical; especially once Gil meets the alluring Adrianna (the always wonderful Marion Cotillard) , a 1920's muse who captures the hearts of all men who look at her.

One of my favorite aspects Midnight in Paris was the interchanging 1920's icons that appeared throughout the film. It was fun to see who would show up next and what actor would be portraying them. Some of the best performances in the film were from the smaller parts; they were all so great. Adrien Brody appears for a short bit as Dali; he shines and entertains as the exuberant artist.

I think Midnight in Paris could have been edited it a bit; it seemed to lag in certain parts. Overall, I thought it was a sweet, funny, and endearing story. It was the sort of romantic-comedy I have been wanting to see; satisfying. Midnight in Paris is one of those films that delivers and leaves you full. Also, I think the premise is very cool. I will admit that it would be VERY cool if I could get transported into a few time periods, but alas the present will have to do. :)

Midnight in Paris is the perfect film to see on a cool summer night.

- The Sundance Kidd

Bridesmaids

2011-05-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

My first venture into the mono-free world was to see the movie Bridesmaids; I was craving hysterical humor and to guffaw loudly. Unfortunately, Bridesmaid did not satisfy my need, I am sad to say I was a bit disappointed.

Starring the brilliantly talented Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids is the story of Annie, who is extremely down on her luck, who is asked to be the maid-of-honor at her best friends wedding. The other bridesmaids, Annie's romantic relationship struggles, and Annie's shambled life catapult Annie down to the bottom and turn her life fully upside down.

The cast and their performances were great in this movie. John Hamm makes a small and funny appearance in the film as the jerk who Annie has an unhealthy relationship with. Rose Byrne shines as the prissy bridesmaid Helen, who becomes Annies rival. Byrne is perfect in her shrewdness and reminds you of those girls you sometimes just cannot tolerate. Melissa McCarthy most known for her role as the lovable Sookie on Gilmore Girls does a 360 in portrayal of the crude Megan. It was fun to watch her play such a different character.

While the film does have some funny scenes and brings a smile to your face, I think it has some more serious moments than humorous ones. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on how YOU), I do not find poo or barf humor very amusing, so one of the big "comedic" scenes in Bridesmaids was lost on me. The film explores the relationships between best friends and I think does highlight some feelings that are experienced in close friendships at times. I was actually surprised by some of the seriousness in the film, but the issues that Annie experiences add another layer to the movie and make it more than just a movie where people say inappropriate things.

While I did not love Bridesmaid like I so wanted to (oh expectations, how you never cease to disappoint), it is an enjoyable film; a good movie for renting.

Many critics and film fans are exclaiming that this film proves that women can be funny. Personally, I feel like it is a known thing that women can be funny, but I understand that there are a lack of female dominated comedies that are not from the romantic comedy genre. I don't think women need to prove to be just as funny as men; I feel like it we keep discussing gender issues we sometimes make them worse and don't ever actually achieve equality. I am curious on your thoughts; What do YOU think?

- The Sundance Kidd

One day soon, I shall be mono free....

Two Shadows

2011-05-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Last summer my best friend and I were extras in the new independent film by Greg Cahill, Two Shadows. Greg Cahill previously directed and wrote the short film Golden Voice which garnered much acclaim and buzz on the festival circuit.

Two Shadows takes you into the world of Sovanna, who receives a mysterious letter saying that the siblings she believed to be dead might really be alive. Stuck in a dead-end life, Sovanna leaves everything behind and takes off to Cambodia to see if her siblings are really alive.

Be sure to become a fan of the film on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/twoshadowsmovie

Or join the emailing list so you are always in the know:

http://www.twoshadowsmovie.com/

Speaking on independent films, checkout the website indiegogo.com. Through this website you can discover budding filmmakers and help fund their projects. It is also a great way to see what new and interesting films are being made. I had a friend use the website to help raise money for a film and it proved to be very successful and a fun way to spread the word.

- The Sundance Kidd (mono is still SUPER fun to have)

Somewhere

2011-05-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Quiet and beautiful to watch, Somewhere is about bad-boy actor Johnny Marco who leads an empty life and lives at the hip Chateau Marmont. One day his daughter, Cleo (Elle Fanning), is dropped off to stay with him and he must take care of her. From there, the film moves forward and develops with the blossoming of Marco's relationship with Cleo.

I think the silence and some of the drawn-out scenes work in favor of the story in Somewhere. Sometimes, I think Sofia Coppola films are beautiful but lack in anything substantial, but her directorial and writing style really emphasize the story in this case. Johnny Marco, played by Stephen Dorff, leads the life that some might be envious of - he seems to have it all - but yet there is something lacking from his life. From the way that the film is shot, when you are first introduced to Johnny Marco you get the sense of the emptiness and shallowness of his life. From the sun glares of bright LA sun and the muted colors, there is a feeling of distance. Elle Fanning is adorable as Marco's 11 year old daughter Cleo. She carries herself with the maturity of an adult and the innocence of a small child, which works extremely well for her character- a little girl who lacks a relationship with her father and whose mother leaves her.

I am very curious to see a script from a Sofia Coppola movie because there is hardly ever any dialogue, so the script much contain pretty much all direction or be extremely thin.

Sofia Coppola was awarded the Golden Lion at the 2010 Venice Film Festival for Somewhere.

- The Sundance Kidd

Valley of the Dolls

2011-05-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

"Sparkle Neely, sparkle!"

The glamour. The money. The sex. The addictions. Valley of the Dolls, the classic 1960's film, transports you into the dramatic world of three women who succumb to the pitfalls of fame, fortune, and Hollywood. Patty Duke, Barbara Parkins, and Sharon Tate all star in this cult favorite.

The film, fantastically 1960's, is fabulously campy and wonderful. I really do not have words to formulate my thoughts on this movie, but it is wonderfully ridiculous. Patty Duke truly steals the film as she overacts and has some of the best (funniest) lines. I personally love the scene where she is hazily walking down a street with many strip clubs and she begins yelling "Boobies, boobies, boobies. Nothin' but boobies. Who needs 'em?". I cannot capture the hilarity of this scene for you all.

Valley of the Dolls captures a dramatic and scandalous undertone of the 1960's that makes the film worth of watching. The clothing and make-up are perfect and super stylish for the time. I enjoyed the time-warp the film was for me.

I have always wanted to watch this film and I was happy to discover it was playing on TV Friday. For some reason before I had this irrational fear that because Sharon Tate starred in the film, Charles Manson would have a dark presence, so I avoided the film. I am not sure why I thought Charles Manson would appear on screen, but it is probably due to a scarring google experience in the sixth grade when my friend and I were obsessed with the 60's and wanted to see what Sharon Tate looked like. Never google people who were murdered, even when google images is on strict. DON'T DO IT. Anyways..... life lessons from The Sundance Kidd.

The trailer for the movie really just explains the film perfectly:

- The Sundance Kidd

Tuesdays without Morrie

2011-05-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks have been quite eventful; there was a royal wedding, Osama Bin Laden was killed, AP exams started, and I came down with mono. Ah yes, the wonderful, tiring sickness known as mono.

My life currently is made up of sleeping due to my insatiable fatigue and watching movies. I am and will be watching so many movies that my dear readers, there will be many new posts! I know, I know, this news has made all of your days and you are all on the edge of your seats with giddy anticipation of what is to come.

So far I have watched very bad films, but that is totally okay with me because that's about all that holds me awake without giving me a headache. I LOVE BEING SICK.

I will save you all the time from writing reviews of films like When in Rome, there is no need to talk about this movie. I suppose we can commend it for giving the lead female character an interesting job, but that is where any commend-ability ends.

Have a wonderful Tuesday. I must go rest my weary head.

- The Sundance Kidd

Federico Fellini

2011-04-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

"Hype is the awkward and desperate attempt to convince journalists that what you've made is worth the misery of having to review it."

"Even if I set out to make a film about a fillet of sole, it would be about me. "

"A created thing is never invented and it is never true: it is always and ever itself."

"Money is everywhere but so is poetry. What we lack are the poets."

- Federico Fellini

One of my favorite directors.

- The Sundance Kidd

PS. When AP Exams are over, the blog will be overflowing with film related things!!!

Hanna

2011-04-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

"I just missed your heart" - Hanna

From the very first scene, Hanna transports you into the action packed world of teenage Hanna (Saoirse Ronan), who has been trained by her father (Eric Bana) her whole life to fend off any threat. Hanna's father is wanted by government agent Marissa (Cate Blanchett), who makes it her goal to take Hanna and her father down. Throughout the course of the film, little characters are introduced that add a sometimes comedic layer to the film or a flat-out creepy vibe.

The film itself was fascinating to watch; the colors, the lighting, and the scenery made this film a visual dessert. However great the direction was, the film itself lacked a substantial script. I personally believe just because a film is an action film that does not mean it does need an actual plot. Hanna had a basic premise, but the story became muddled at parts where the film could not decide if it wanted to become a scientific/government thriller that focused on why Hanna had an abnormal DNA, if the film wanted to focus on a girl who really wanted just to be kid but was designed to kill, or a pure action film. Hanna could have been an excellent film had it had a well-formulated script backing it. The film had great distinct characters that help add to the visuals of the film; every character had a look that was focused on throughout the film.

Saoirse Ronan amazes as the detached Hanna. From her chilling line delivery to her ability to hold her own in every scene, Saoirse Ronan proves in this film that she is on her way to becoming a leading lady. I have to wonder, is there anything Cate Blanchett cannot do? I love how she is a true chameleon. Blanchett delivers as the bad guy and the actors playing her henchmen are truly unnerving.

Hanna has a very foreign-film like vibe to it from the way it is directed, to the art direction, to the music. I think this aspect made me like the film because it gave a unique edge against the slew of action films that inhabit every big theater.

-The Sundance Kidd

Limitless

2011-03-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

If you were offered a drug that would elevate your brain to an entirely new level, would you take it?

Limitless stars Bradley Cooper as the struggling writer Eddie plagued with writers block. After an encounter with ex-lovers brother, Eddie is offered a drug that will clear his mind and allow him to write. He takes the drug and as he soon discovers, it does much more than allow him to write. Eddie's brain is opened to an entire new level of thinking capacity and he remembers everything and can learn anything. But this new found genius cannot last forever; and a drug this secretive and powerful is sure to have its demons.

Limitless, directed by Neil Diamond, is an entertaining watch with an interesting concept. Stylistically the movie is good at bringing the audience in to the drug experience. When Eddie is on the drug everything is brighter, clearer, and intensified. Bradley Cooper's eyes look like Windex (they are even unsettling like the smell of Windex after people clean) they are so blue in his drugged world. However, the narration throughout the film with music effects created a very false setting for the film. It felt more like a video-game, which bothered me. While the concept is unique and begs for a lot of questions, the script fell short for me.

Bradley Cooper holds his own as the main character; he has a great charisma that is present in every scene. Cooper is also very good at playing like-able jerks. Robert De Niro makes an appearance in Limitless, which I thought was very fun. Bradley Cooper's girlfriend in the film, Abbie Cornish, had good screen presence but her acting felt inauthentic; her line delivery was very forced.

Overall, it was a mildly entertaining watch.

For those of you who have seen the movie, I am curious, would you take the drug?

-The Sundance Kidd

Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

"So much to do, so little done, such things to be." - Elizabeth Taylor

1932-2011

Win Win

2011-03-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Win Win, from the official selection of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, stars Paul Giamatti as a srtuggling middle-class lawyer in New Jersey named Mike Flaherty. While working on a case for an older client, Giamatti decides to make himself the caretaker of the man because it would allow him to get paid an extra thousand dollars a month. All seems to be going well until the grandson of the older man appears and Giamatti finds himself taking the boy in. Giamatti whose character also moonlights as a high school wrestling coach discovers the boy to be a talented wrestler.

While the story does follow a sort of formula, it does not follow one in an annoying way (I did not roll my eyes are barf... common reactions to current films at the large cineplex). The characters in the movie are characters that you could definitely meet or know.

Win Win is a very enjoyable film. Paul Giamatti who is virtually in every scene does an excellent job portraying a man working to get by. Jeffrey Tambor adds laughs as Giamatti's friend and assistant wrestling coach in the film. The acting is good and the story is sweet; it has aspects of a comedy and a drama and balances the two well.

I love being in a theater where the audience reacts to the screen and in Win Win people were uproariously laughing and when the film ended everyone left in smiles. It was refreshing to see a film have that effect on the audience.

While Win Win is not the best film to come out this year and will certainly not change your life, it served its purpose as movie. I personally enjoy a film that satisfies.

- The Sundance Kidd

Pi

2011-03-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Today is Pi day, and if you are like me and math equations make you cry, then you might shudder at the mere fact that today is an honored day of math. However, I have decided to embrace math with open (forced) arms. Film style, of course.

"Pi", written and directed by Darren Aronofsky, takes you into the world of Max Cohen, a genius mathematician who is working to answer the question of life through numbers. But nothing can be that simple; Max has members of a Hasidic synagogue after him and powerful Wall Street professionals after him. They want the answer. The film is completely shot in an over-saturated black and white. I'm not sure the film would have been the same in color.

The film is very Aronofsky; choppy scenes, many cuts, and a thrilling and mind-boggling plot line. My opinion and feelings about "Pi" are still undecided. However, I am certain that acting was bad and that sometimes the film went over the top. It was still an interesting watch; Aronosky is an interesting bird. I enjoy the love-hate relationship I have with his work. He makes a statement as a director and his films never leave me, so in that regard, he is doing something right.

-The Sundance Kidd

Scenes from the Suburbs

2011-03-12T23:21:00.000-08:00

This year at the Berlin International Film Festival, Spike Jonze premiered his short film "Scenes From the Suburbs". The short film is the original version of the music video "The Suburbs" from Arcade Fire's award winning album of the same name. The video was shortened into the music video, but the band and director decided to release the full length film as well. The music video has generated many questions as to what it is about and the short film answers many of these questions. Jonze has developed a relationship with Arcade Fire over the years; Arcade Fire's music was featured in "Where the Wild Things Are".

I personally cannot wait to see this short film and I hope it makes its way down to California through the festival circuit. Arcade Fire is one of my favorite bands and they have been streaming (loudly) from my speakers since 2006. I am so happy about their recent Grammy win. It is so nice to see talented musicians win.

"Scenes from the Suburbs" Trailer:

The Suburbs (official music video):

- The Sundance Kidd

Camille

2011-02-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

I remember being in 7th grade when I first heard about the film Camille. Sienna Miller and James Franco in the same film? It was a middle school dream come true for me. While I never did view the film in my middle school days, I recently watched the film and if you must know, yes, I did almost die when I saw it playing on TV. Sometimes you have to be reminiscent of your youth. (and dead people. David Carradine has a small role in the film)

The film centers around Camille Foster (Sienna Miller) and Silias (James Franco), a criminal that marries Camille to escape America during their honeymoon. An accident occurs on the couples way to Niagara Falls that changes the course of their journey and their relationship. Sometimes the unbelievable can happen.

Camille is not going to change your life and is not a revolutionary movie, but it is a cute film to watch during the weekend (when you cannot fall asleep on a Saturday....) , and that's about it. The story, predictable, is a a different take on the tired romantic comedy genre. The acting in the film is decent, except James Franco needs to learn that making a constipated facial expression for an entire film does not constitute acting. But alas....

- The Sundance Kidd