SXSW

Micmacs Review

Micmacs Review

RATING: (3.5 STARS) The best word I could use to describe “Micmacs” is delightful. A lovely little French comedy from Jean-Pierre Jeunet, director of “Amelie,” the film details a rag-tag bunch of homeless people who decide to take down two weapons corporations. Consistently hilarious, never too serious, this film will brighten your day and bring […]

Cyrus Review

Cyrus Review

RATING: (2.5 STARS) Few films received as much positive buzz out of Sundance as “Cyrus,” the latest from the Duplass Brothers, Jay and Mark. Many hailed it as a film of rare emotional honesty. Festival-goers in Austin for South by Southwest responded in kind, but I couldn’t help but think the film didn’t live up […]

Mars Review

Mars Review

RATING: (3 STARS) “Mars” is a slick little festival film, which premiered at South by Southwest and isn’t like to go much further. But to not discuss it for that reason would be doing it a disservice, for it’s unique, quite beautiful, and very enjoyable. The story line is familiar, but the way it looks […]

Kick-Ass Review

Kick-Ass Review

RATING: (3.5 STARS) “Kick-Ass,” the latest from director Matthew Vaughn, is a wild ride from start to finish. Simultaneously a superhero movie and a riff on superhero movies, the film is full of ribald humor, over-the-top violence, and a surprising amount of heart. It’s a tad long, but it doesn’t once wear out its welcome. […]

SXSW 2010: Day 2

SXSW 2010: Day 2

SXSW Day 2, the first full day of the film festival (and sadly my last) began early for me with a panel discussion featuring acclaimed horror directors Neil Marshall (“The Descent”), Ruben Fleischer (“Zombieland”), Matt Reeves (“Cloverfield”), Ti West (“The House of the Dead”), and Robert Rodriguez (“Desperado”). The participation of Marshall and Rodriguez was […]

SXSW 2010: Day 1

SXSW 2010: Day 1

Hello from Austin! My first ever SXSW festival began last night with the premiere of “Kick-Ass,” Matthew Vaughn’s adaptation of the popular comic book about a nerdy high school student who dons a wet suit and fights crime in his spare time. The theater was packed as festival attendees circled an entire city block to […]