IFC Closes 2012 On A High Note With Why Stop Now

Posted on December 30, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: IFC Films/mpi media group/BCDF Pictures/120 db films

IFC Films’ latest release, Why Stop Now is everything that makes indie flicks great. This debut film from co-directors Philip Dorling and Ryan Nyswaner is quirky and zany. At the same time, it has just enough heart to make it endearing and memorable among fans of the indie movie world. The heart of the story comes in form of Eli Bloom’s (Jesse Eisenberg—The Social Network) attempt to break away from his own family’s dysfunctional world as he has been given the chance to audition for a major music conservatory in Boston, which would allow him to escape from said dysfunction. At the same time that he’s trying to escape from that world, it is obvious that he has his own flaws, too. But it’s that imperfection that makes Eli such a sympathetic character. Ironically enough, one also can’t help but root for Eli’s mom, Penny (Melissa Leo—The Fighter). Yes, Penny’s a drug addict, but she shows that she is trying to do the best that she can as a mother to Eli and his sister. It’s Penny’s addiction that leads to everything that happens in this quirky yet heartfelt story. From meeting his mom’s drug dealer (and his drug dealer) to trying to make his audition all while having to pick up his sister and so much more, the whole story keeps “rolling” and will keep audiences just as entertained both in the story’s funny and more moving moments.

The concept of a young person trying to break away and start his or her own life is nothing new to the movie industry. But there is no denying that the manner in which this time honored story has been presented here is in itself quite original. To that extent, those critics who….well…criticized it for this originality are likely the same ones who refused to see the story’s balance of comedy and drama. Much of that balance comes from the rather dysfunctional relationship between Eli and Penny. And it’s also that balance that makes it the underrated indie flick that it is. The introduction later of Sprinkles (Tracy Morgan—30 Rock, SNL) adds even more comedy and drama to the already entertaining story. When he’s funny, he’s funny. But he also shows that he can be taken seriously as a dramatic actor thanks to this movie too when he talks to Eli about everything he’s given up. He tries to point out to Eli that he still has his life ahead of him and to not give up. It’s only a momentary dramatic moment. But even in that moment, Morgan shines as a dramatic actor. It shows that even he can bring his own amount of heart to a story. It would be interesting considering this, to see how he would do if he were to take a risk and branch out into more serious roles.

As funny and heartwarming as Morgan is throughout his time on camera, it’s the relationship between Eli and Penny that really gives Why Stop Now the heart and laughs that viewers will appreciate and enjoy most of all. It’s obvious that Eli cares about Penny being his mother. But he also sees that she seriously needs help. Ironically enough, he needs his own help. And even Penny points that out late in the movie in a conflict between the two. Penny yells at Eli, pointing out his issues with alcohol. But the thing of it is that it seems hinted that Eli’s problem with alcohol is a result of having to deal with his mother and sister. Despite that, audiences are left with a warm feeling as Eli and his mother finally come to terms with everything and with each other by the story’s finale. They are left knowing that the pair will be just fine, as will his sister.

Perhaps the main reason that the relationship between Eli and his mother works is the chemistry between Eisenberg and Leo. Audiences will note in the movie’s “behind-the-scenes featurette how much the cast enjoyed working together. While the movie doesn’t necessarily need bonus features to make it any better, viewers will enjoy hearing the cast’s take on their parts and on the story as a whole. There is no commentary directly connected to the main feature. But again, as enjoyable and original as the story is, it doesn’t really need that either, to make the overall viewing experience any better. The story itself is really all audiences need in this movie. It is simply put, a story that anyone looking for an original script will enjoy. It is available now in stores and online on DVD and Blu-ray.

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Radnor’s Directorial Debut A Story “Ahead Of Its Years”

Posted on December 27, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: MPI Home Video/IFM Films

Josh Radnor’s (CBS’ How I Met Your Mother) directorial and writing debut is a story of personal growth and acceptance. It is for all intents and purposes a coming-of-age story for today’s thirty something generation. What audiences are presented within this movie is the story of a man who is in denial about getting older. The man in question is Jesse Fisher (Josh Radnor). Jesse is in denial about his aging until a series of occurrences leads him to begin seeing the light and sets him on his path of self-realization. That path is started when he attends the retirement party of a former professor at his old university. It’s his visit to his alma mater that leads him to meet a group of current students–including one 19-year old named Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen)–with whom he starts a friendship that becomes a semi-romantic relationship. It’s his interactions with her that help set off a chain of events which eventually make Jesse realize some difficult truths.

As intriguing as the discussion is in Liberal Arts, the discussion makes the movie come across as a movie that’s not exactly for everybody. Its biggest problem is its pacing. Because of the manner in which the discussion takes place, the story ends up moving rather slowly. To add to it, the manner in which the entire discussion is presented makes it come across as being too ambitious. It may alienate some viewers. It’s not to say that the discussion on getting older and accepting it is a bad idea for the basis of a movie. Quite the opposite. Rather, the problem with this discussion is its placement. Had this discussion on acceptance of getting older been placed within the confines of another story, it might have translated better to mainstream audiences.

Don’t be mistaken. Liberal Arts is not a terrible movie by any means. It is simply a niche film that unlike other recent releases from IFC Films, will appeal more to a smaller, more specific set of viewers. But then again, it may not have been intended for all audiences to begin with. That being the case, those who enjoy this movie will know that they are the specifically intended audiences, while others will know the opposite. Regardless, because of its discussion on acceptance of aging, it’s a story that is original and is worth at least one watch.

Sleepwalk With Me Original, Funny, And Heartwarming

Posted on December 9, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: IFC Films

Movies based on actual events are far too many in today’s era of film making. And far too many of those movies over-glamorize the events on which they are based. However, among that genre of movies though, is thankfully an occasional diamond in the rough. One of those diamonds comes from veteran comic Mike Birbiglia and NPR host Ira Glass. That movie is the indie flick, Sleepwalk With Me.

Sleepwalk With Me is quirky. It’s sometimes bizarre. And it’s original. There is nothing like this movie out there today either in the mainstream or indie world. The story behind Sleepwalk With Me centers on Mike’s character Matt and his attempt to become a big time comedian all while trying to very precariously balance his relationship with then girlfriend Abby (played by Lauren Ambrose). In the middle of all of this is Matt’s sleeping disorder called “R.E.M. Behavior Disorder.” According to the doctor that Matt listens to on his book on tape, “R.E.M. Behavior Disorder” is the tendency of a person to actually physically act out his/her dreams. That behavior makes for more than its share of both funny and emotional moments. Added into the story’s balance of comedy and drama, it adds its own touch to make for both more laughs and emotional moments, making for a movie that is entirely original and entertaining at the same time.

The central story of Sleepwalk With Me is original in that as star Mike Birbiglia notes in the additional Q&A bonus feature, it is in large part autobiographical. So rather than being just another one of those movies that is based on actual events, Birbiglia and friend Ira Glass (NPR’s This American Life) have crafted a story that while somewhat fictional still is a very close mirror to Birbiglia’s life. And what’s more entertaining that someone telling a story of their own life in their own words? Birbiglia’s story is both funny and at times heartwarming. As is the case with any movie though, it is a niche film. So it’s not a movie for everyone. But those who are fans of Ira Glass work on NPR or Birbiglia’s work will appreciate this movie. Niche film aside, it’s still nice to see this movie as it’s nice to see that among all the prequels, sequels, and remakes that abound in today’s movie industry that original and enjoyable scripts are still out there. Sleepwalk With Me will be available on DVD and Blu-ray next Tuesday, December 18^th.

Your Sister’s Sister Not A Typical Romance Story

Posted on October 28, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: IFC Films/4 Culture/Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs/Northwest Film Forum/mpi media group

Your Sister’s Sister is not for everybody. That needs to be noted right off the top of this new indie flick from IFC Films. The story’s summary tends to focus largely on the lead character, Jack as it opens with his brother Tom having died. The story doesn’t explain how Tom died. But that’s not important as it’s his death that leads to the story’s most basic roots. At its most basic roots, Your Sister’s Sister is exactly as the story’s title notes, a story about sisters. At the same time, one can’t help but note the similarities to Seth Rogen’s 2007 hit movie, Knocked Up.Your Sister’s Sister has been marketed largely as a romantic dramedy. But the reality is that the central story is that of the relationship between sisters Iris (Emily Blunt –The Adjustment Bureau, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen), and Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt – Mad Men). The eventual revelation of the story between the pair is that while Hannah is a lesbian, she wants a child of her own. So she essentially sets up Jack. How she does that will be left up to viewers who have yet to see this movie. But when this is revealed, the crux of the story is also revealed, which is the seemingly hidden turmoil between the sisters. The problem is made worse because of something that Iris reveals to Hannah after Hannah finally admits to Iris what she has done and why. This is where the similarity to Knocked Up comes into play.

Unlike Seth Rogen’s character in Knocked Up, Jack (Mark Duplass – The League) was in the dark about Hannah’s plan, too. That is until the sisters return to the house after their alone time. The whole thing turns almost into an odd Jerry Springer episode as the story’s final moments play out, even leaving the story wide open for interpretation in a near Sopranos style close. Considering all of this, Your Sister’s Sister won’t appeal to everyone. But for those who are open minded enough, it’s a story that is worth watching at least once.

Jackson Just As Good On The Small Screen As The Silver Screen

Posted on September 18, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: IFC Films/mpi Media Group

Samuel L. Jackson has made a career of being an action star. Starring in movies the likes of xXx, Pulp Fiction, and most recently Marvel’s Avengers and its related movies among many others has made him a household name. His resume stretches all the way back to the early 1970′s. So starring in IFC Films’ latest action/drama, The Samaritan, was old hat for this veteran actor. Starring as ex-con Foley, Jackson eases his way throughout the story written by Elan Mastai and David Weaver. Having played so many roles throughout his career, he shows once again his ability to adapt to any role and any story.

For the most part, The Samaritan runs as well as any big screen crime drama. If one were to watch this story without knowing it’s an indie flick, one would think it was a major blockbuster that they simply hadn’t heard of. That’s thanks in large part to the story’s writing. It’s got enough crosses and double crosses to leave audiences guessing who is on whose side right to the story’s closing minutes. The fact that the movie clocks in at barely over an hour and a half makes it that much more watchable for audiences. Perhaps the only major downside to the story would be the blatantly disturbing twist involving Foley’s relationship to Iris (Ruth Negga). The way in which this relationship played into the story was disturbing to say the least. The argument would be made that that was the intent. But it could have been written differently than it was. Had their relationship been written differently into the story, then that alone might have made it far more appealing to general audiences.

The issue with Foley and Iris’ relationship aside, The Samaritan still has plenty going for it. The cinematography is stunning. The shooting done throughout the film really gives it a modern pulp fiction vibe. There’s something about the way that the lighting was used that makes watching the movie appealing. The contrast of the buildings lit up against the night sky, and the general camera angles add a certain extra touch that makes it that much more enjoyable. Combine the top notch cinematography with a story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats the entire time, and audiences have a movie that while it is an indie flick is one more impressive work from one of Hollywood’s best actors.

Citizen Gangster Is One of The Year’s Best Indie Releases

Posted on August 24, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: IFC Films/MPI Media Group

Citizen Gangster is one of the best indie releases of 2012, hands down. Some critics obviously have had their say. But in an era when so many crime dramas are riddled with too much overt violence and sexuality, this piece strikes just enough of a balance to maintain its grip on the audience through the course of its almost two hour run. One can’t help but feel some sympathy for lead character Edwin Boyd (Scott Speedman) as he faces his own inner trials after deciding to take on a life of crime just to be able to support his family. The world is in a state of economic uncertainty right now. And while this movie by no means intends to reiterate that, seeing Boyd’s struggles after returning from WWII makes him at least somewhat relatable.

Speedman is spot on in the role of Boyd. Rather than trying to be some sort of over the top type of gangster a la James Cagney, Speedman’s quiet inner battles show him to be a flawed, imperfect character. It makes him that much more human. Some would say that he is the only real light of this movie. But one has to remember that an actor alone can only do so much. Thanks to the work of writer/director Nathan Morlano, Speedman has given a brilliant performance. And the story itself is emotionally powerful and gripping. As disturbing as some moments may be, audiences won’t want to look away. Nor will they want to look away from the wonderful cinematography, either. That too adds its own extra element of enjoyment.

As impressive as this indie flick is, it should be noted that it is unrated. But there is enough violence and foul language to qualify it at least for an “R” rating. That being noted, viewer discretion is advised for those with younger children. Speaking of that language and violence, it is nowhere at the level of say Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990) or Francis Ford Coppela’s Godfather trilogy. It has enough of a balance even there, that any fan of the gangster genre will likely find this to be enjoyable, given the opportunity. It’s even better than 2009′s big screen fiasco, Public Enemies, which paled in comparison to the book on which it was based.

Citizen Gangster likely won’t be seen by the number of people who have seen the Godfather Trilogy, or Goodfellas, or even Public Enemies. But one thing can be said of it. It is one of the year’s most underrated–and probably most underappreciated–movies in the crime drama/thriller category. It is also without a doubt, one of the best in the indie field this year.

Citizen Gangster will be available Tuesday in stores and online. It can be ordered online at http://www.ifcfilms.com/dvd-digital-download.

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Tag Archives: IFC Films

Radnor’s Directorial Debut A Story “Ahead Of Its Years”

Sleepwalk With Me Original, Funny, And Heartwarming

Your Sister’s Sister Not A Typical Romance Story

Jackson Just As Good On The Small Screen As The Silver Screen

Citizen Gangster Is One of The Year’s Best Indie Releases

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