Free Beer This Weekend

99 Bottles Documentary is a documentary film that explores the history, processes, and culture of craft brewers in Southeastern Wisconsin. The film features the founders and brewmaster of 16 unique Wisconisin breweries and brewpubs. It’s a collaboration between Wisconsin-based Mutant Barmonkey Productions and Haptic Visison that began over a pint at Wolski’s Tavern.

The documentary is playing tonight and Saturday night at the Orpheum Theater in Madison. And yes, there will be free beer. Each show will feature a pair of breweries from the documentary that will sample their products thirty minutes before the show begins. Sounds a nice weekend excursion/cultural outing.

Film Ramblings

As the weather turns cooler, one thing I am excited for is going to the movies more often.

Just last week, I saw a great movie at the theater in town that features “soon to be on their way to DVD” new releases at discounted prices. We call it “the cheaps.” Anyhow, the film I saw, titled The Visitor, from the director of Station Agent and the producer of Sideways, is the story of newfound connections with strangers and their ability to transform and awaken a once joyless 62-year-old man to a new world and new life. It was poignant, understated, heartfelt, uplifting, human, and illuminating. I loved it, and it’s one of those movies in which you find yourself thinking about the characters afterwards, wondering how they’re doing, as if they really exist.

I’m also excited to see the film Choke, based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk. The film, which was featured at this year's Sundance Film Festival, is being released nationwide today. It's the dark and twisted story of a sex-addicted con-man who pays for his mother’s hospital bills by playing on the sympathies of others who rescue him as he repeatedly pretends to choke to death. Certainly not your standard Disney flick. I have no idea if I will like it, and will quite certainly find it immensely disturbing, but I do think the concept is intriguing and I’ve always wanted to get a taste of Palahniuk’s work.

Finally, I read an article in last week’s New Yorker which was essentially a review of the new film, The Women, a remake of the 1939 classic. The film’s reviews have been abysmal across the board, but what I found most interesting is how the article talked about the recent movies that have been targeted to females (think: Sex and the City, Mama Mia, and the Women.) Now don’t get me wrong, I love me a little Sex and the City, but it’s undoubtedly trashy and shallow, and what does it really say about the film industry’s perceptions of women when we’re being targeted with the shallow garbage that’s come out lately?

There's my two cents. So bring on the cold, and the heavily salted and buttered popcorn, but give me something with a little more thought and substance.

The Second Coming

Sex and the City. On the big screen. This weekend. My favorite TV show of all times, back for one last hurrah. Great review in the LA Times this morning. Here's some quick inserts to wet your appetite. My review will come next week. Because I, unlike Carina Chocano, Times Movie critic, do not have a press pass to the pre-release screening.

"Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Samantha (Kim Cattrall), now in their 40s and 50s, continue to navigate the choppy waters of urban life, negotiating relationships, work, fertility and friendship, only now the stakes are higher, the risks are bigger and decisions feel more permanent.

For a film that delights in indulging in frivolity at every possible turn, it examines subjects that most movies don't dare graze for their terrifying seriousness. And when it does, the movie handles them with surprising grace, wit and maturity.

One of the best things about the movie is how it manages to confound expectations while satisfying them, an achievement for a movie based on material that had already plumbed every aspect of its characters' lives and tied up its narrative loose ends. But some, of course, remained, and that's where the movie takes off -- will Carrie and Big get married, will Charlotte have a baby, will Miranda and Steve live happily ever after, will Samantha be satisfied with just one man?

King answers all of these with unexpected twists, posing a good deal of bigger, more interesting questions along the way. How should women live their lives in a society that constantly limits them while pretending not to? What is the function of forgiveness, and why is it necessary for living?

The clothes, the restaurants, the apartments, the shoes -- they're also all there, of course, but then, even on the show, they were always the fantasy element, the sugar that helped the sometimes harsh emotional reality go down. The movie is no different, except that the personal upheavals are bigger, more life-altering and take on nearly tragic dimensions."

Son of Rambow Comes to Madison

Some of you have heard me recount my experience at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival more than a few times. I'm warning you that you're about to be subjected again. Sundance was an incredibly unique experience, at which I had the opportunity to see four phenomenal film premieres. Away from Her was picked up and released at theaters worldwide almost immediately. For the others, the process has been a bit slower. I think that finally all four have been picked up, with the possible exception of David Stenn's documentary "Girl 27." I have no idea where that one ended up. Even The Go-Getter, which underground fans worried they'd never have the chance to see, is coming to NY, LA, and Toronto in June.

But this post is about Rambow's son. Or something like that. So just last night, I was paging through the Isthmus weekly Madison newspaper, when I saw a huge ad for tonight's release of Son of Rambow at Westgate Arts Cinema. I was overjoyed. Although Garth Jenning's film sounds like some crazy war movie on steroids, it's actually funny and touching, and one of the best film's I've ever seen. Apparently, the film was released in the UK on April 4, and opened in limited release in the United States on May 2. Here's a synopsis of the plot:

Set in "a long, hot summer in the early '80s", the film is a coming-of-age comedy. It tells the story of two schoolboys who are inspired by the film First Blood to make their own action adventure film, which they hope will win them a young film-maker competition. Neglected youngster Lee Carter (Will Poulter) — the worst-behaved boy in school — has access to the home video equipment used by his bullying elder brother's video pirating enterprise.

Will (Bill Milner) couldn't be more different; quiet and shy he comes from a family that belongs to the strict Plymouth Brethren religious sect. Will is forbidden to watch films or television and is made to leave his classroom when the teacher puts on a documentary film. In the corridor he meets Lee, thrown out of another class for bad behavior. At first, Lee sees Will as an easily manipulated lackey but after Will sees a pirated copy of First Blood and throws himself into the film making experience, the two realize how much they each need a best friend.

Their movie takes on a chaotic life of its own, as they fight to keep control of it, and also to keep it secret from Will's family. Ultimately it changes the lives of both boys, and their relationships with their friends and families.

I loved this film, and will likely attempt to relive my Sundance glory days by dragging some friends along with me to see it again. I hope you will check it out if the film comes to a theater near you! Son of Rambow. Now there's a movie title you won't forget.

Countdown to Sundance

I would do almost anything to have a flight to Park City, UT this evening for the start of the Sundance Film Festival. And tickets to a few of the films I’m currently salivating over would be good, too.

Last year at this time, this dream was my reality, as I found myself hopping on a plane headed to Utah, where I spent the entire duration of the world renowned 10-day film festival. My brother was living in Salt Lake City at the time, which made the opportunity all together possible. For ten days, I had the opportunity to see some of the world’s most anticipated and celebrated independent films—one from the comfort of Robert Redford’s screening room at Sundance Resort, and others followed by intimate Q&A sessions with the directors themselves. The films were heartbreaking, mind-blowing, and utterly mesmerizing. Taking in these great films made me appreciate film on a whole new level. I couldn’t believe my great luck to have scored such coveted tickets to this premiere event.

This year’s festival promises another ten days of great film. There are four competition categories with sixteen films in each. The categories are: Documentary Competition, Dramatic Competition, World Cinema Documentary Competition, and World Cinema Dramatic Competition. Out-of-competition film categories include: Premieres, Spectrum, Park City at Midnight, New Frontier, and Shorts. The films I am most excited for, and anxiously awaiting feedback on, are: Choke, The Last Word, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, The Wackiness, King of Ping Pong, The Wave, Assassination of a High School President, Death in Love, Incendiary, and Savage Grace.

It's easy to get involved with the festival from the comfort of your own home, beyond reading the celebrity gossip in US magazine (Park City is jam packed with LA—last year I brushed shoulders with John Cusack, Tara Reid, Puff Daddy, and Nicole Richie). All of this year’s films, and brief descriptions of each, are online. You can download the film guide here. Although not all of the films will be picked up and widely released, some will, and then you’ll know which ones you’re looking for in the coming year or so. In 2007, between the festival and other venues in Madison (once the films were picked up), I was able to see ten films that premiered at the 2007 Film Festival. By downloading the film guide, you can study up and know what you’re looking for.

"Dan In Real Life" Steals The Show

I may not watch TV, but I sure do see plenty of films. Especially lately. Here are four that I've seen in the past two weeks. Very much enjoyed each one of them, but my favorite, hands down, was Dan In Real Life, which I just saw last night. Following is a brief review on each:

Once
I really enjoyed this film. A very simple and beautiful portrayal of two musicians who have just this “one” opportunity to share their lives and music, before moving on with their separate lives. They seemingly fall in love during their short time together, but rather than wallow in the complications of that, they simply enjoy the moment and appreciate it for what it is.

The reason I liked this movie is because there seemed to be a very fine line between reality and fiction. The two main characters began dating after the film was released, and now perform together in a band that goes by the name Swell Season.

Kite Runner
This movie was great, and very true to the novel. Definitely worth checking out, but I think that people who have read the book might be disappointed by the film's quick pace and ending. For example, Amir and Young Hassan's entrance into the US seems effortless in the film. Those of us who have read the book know that this couldn't have been further from the truth in author Khaled Hosseini's portrayal.

Atonement
Also enjoyed this one, but would definitely recommend the novel over the film any day. Atonement is my all-time favorite book, and I truly believe that Ian McEwan is one of the best writers of our time. There are some based-on-novel films that are just bound to be a disappointment, regardless of the quality of the film, and I’m afraid this is just one of those. I liked the film, especially the typewriter metaphor, but the novel simply cannot be matched.

Dan In Real Life
I saw this movie at the “cheaps” last night. Three dollars for an evening show. Can’t beat that. This movie was my favorite of the four. Steve Carell is at his best in this hilarious, feel-good comedy. I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed so much during a movie. This is a must see.

Tis' the Season

'Tis the season to watch my all-time favorite movie, Serendipity. A true classic starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Below is a plot synopsis:

In a bustling department store just days before Christmas, Jonathan meets Sara when both try to buy the same pair of gloves. Two strangers amid the masses in New York City, their paths collide in the mad holiday rush as they feel a mutual attraction. Despite the fact that each is involved in another relationship, Jonathan and Sara spend the evening travelling Manhattan. But when the night reaches its inevitable end, the two are forced into determining some kind of next step. When the smitten Jonathan suggests an exchange of phone numbers, Sara balks and proposes an idea that will allow fate to take control of their future. If they are meant to be together, she tells him, they will find their way back into one another's life.

The majority of the film takes place seven years later, and consists largely of repeated "almost coincidences" where the two romantic leads almost, but not quite, meet.

Love this movie. No complicated plot, nor deep rooted symbolism. Just a charming love story that always leaves me wishing for a real life version for myself. It will happen. Come hither, Jonathan Trager. I'm yours! I also love the movie's soundtrack. Especially Northern Sky by Nick Drake. Serendipity is the only movie that I can recite nearly ever line to (and obviously, in doing so, annoy the hell out of anyone watching it with me.) But, I can't help myself. This is the perfect holiday movie!

Waitress Serves up a Slice of Hilarity and Heartache

Last night I revisited Sundance Cinemas 608 to see Waitress, a movie I have been dying to see since attending the Sundance Film Festival in January. The film was much hyped at the festival in the wake of writer/director Adrienne Shelley’s brutal murder on November 1, 2006 in her New York apartment office. The film, starring Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Cheryl Hines, Adrienne Shelly, Jeremy Sisto and Andy Griffith, is the story of a sweet, southern pie-making extraordinaire waitress named Jenna (Keri Russell), who is stuck in a horrible marriage to Earl, her controlling and jealous husband, and doesn’t realize her own strength. When Jenna discovers, to her great dismay, that she is pregnant, she finds herself more trapped than ever in a life of poverty and unhappiness. Although she feels helpless, Jenna does find great pride and joy in her latest pie creation, and solace and friendship in co-workers Becky and Dawn, as well as Old Joe, the owner of the diner at which she works. She also finds a reason to smile when she meets gynecologist Dr. Pomatter, a handsome, neurotic, gentle (and married) man with whom she has a sweet and passionate love affair. In the end, she finds inner-strength and happiness, and the greatest love of her life.

I loved the film. It’s sweet, sarcastic, genuine, and optimistic, with a very witty sense of humor. The characters have great depth, warmth, and authenticity. The story could have easily been too sweet, or too predictable. But instead, as New York Times film reviewer A.O. Scott describes, “[Shelley] has tamed and shaped [realism], finding a perfect, difficult-to-achieve balance of enchantment and plausibility. The story, in which resilience is rewarded, and meanness is banished, is comforting without feeling unduly sentimental, thanks to its mood of easygoing, tolerant honesty. If “Waitress” were more strenuously uplifting, it might be labeled a feel-good movie, but it isn’t that. It’s just a movie that leaves you feeling good.” The film certainly left me feeling good, and wanting very much to see it again.

Apparently the film was inspired by Shelley’s own feelings when she was pregnant. As Shelley relates, “I was about eight months pregnant, and I was really scared about the idea of having a baby. I couldn’t imagine how my life was going to be, that it would change so drastically that I wasn’t even going to recognize myself anymore. I was terrified and I really had never seen that reflected in anything, not in a book or in a movie.” Shelley ultimately saw the film as a love letter to her baby daughter, Sophie. Her story is so real and relatable to so many women. Not every woman naturally sees herself as a mother. The prospect of motherhood is often scary and seems so utterly life-changing. But in the end, Shelly shows how Jenna finds herself, inspiration, and the greatest love and joy of her life through daughter, Lu Lu.

The film was difficult to watch, knowing the grim details of Shelley’s senseless murder in her New York office, just two month’s prior to the film’s successful debut at the Sundance Film Festival. It was heartbreaking to watch Shelley on screen as Jenna’s mousy and sweet, hilarious co-waitress Dawn. To think of the film as her final legacy, and last love letter to her 3-year old daughter, Sophie, is truly devastating.

Year of the Dog

This past weekend, I saw the movie Year of the Dog at the Westgate Arts Cinemas. A debut directorial for Mike White, who also wrote the scripts for School of Rock, Chuck & Buck and The Good Girl, the film was featured at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and is the story of a quirky, happy-go-lucky woman named Peggy (Molly Shannon) and her greatest love and companion, a beagle named Pencil. When Pencil meets his unexpected death in a neighbor’s yard, Peggy is completely shattered and lost. She thus begins a journey and transformation process as she searches for purpose, passion, and a greater meaning in life. In the end, she discovers her true calling in life, and a way to keep Pencil’s spirit alive.

I can’t say that I loved this film. In fact, many times I found it boring and slow, but I do think Molly Shannon gives an excellent performance–certainly very un-SNL Mary Katherine Gallagher. I was generally unhappy with the plot and script, particularly towards the end of the film. I really just wanted her to end up with neighbor Al. Instead, she becomes this scary, almost militant-like, animal rights activist that becomes completely out of touch from reality and isolated from her friends and family. Not that her friends and family were worth the trouble, nor did she have anything else interesting going on in her life, but couldn’t she have just found it in her heart to forgive neighbor Al and taken him for what he was–a kind and gentle soul, hunting knives and all? He didn’t mean to poison Pencil! But seriously, can’t a girl get a little romance and passion?

Sundance 608

Sundance Cinemas 608 (www.sundancecinemas.com/sundance_608.html), the brainchild of film mogul Robert Redford, recently opened its doors near Hilldale Mall, making Madison host to the very first Sundance Cinema. The theater shows independent, foreign, and documentary films on six screens. It’s an effort to bring the type of independent film that is celebrated at the annual Sundance Film Festival to local communities. According to Redford, “This year we achieved a long standing goal–to offer artists the opportunity to exhibit and patrons the opportunity to watch in their own communities, the finest independent entertainment in first class, state of the art cinemas on a daily basis, not just for ten days in January. The Sundance Cinemas are born.”

Ahhh…yes. I love Robert Redford. And I didn’t even know it until last week! Honestly, he used to annoy me with his Sundance jewelry and apparel line. Ugh…really Robert, I don’t want to dress like a cowgirl and live in the mountains of Utah and herd buffalos with you. But as it turns out, he’s sincere, passionate, reflective, humble, eco-friendly, and a unique visionary. He is truly revolutionizing the film industry, in a day and age of illegal downloading when many think it’s just not possible. His efforts are helping to recreate the movie night experience into one that is real, cultural, lingering and thought-provoking, rather than some hostile big-box, pay-and-get-out quickly experience. Essentially, he’s attempting to return film back to its roots, and the quality film experience he remembers as a child. As Redford reminisces about his childhood, he explains that his family “would walk to the local stand-alone theater for entertainment on a Saturday night. What you got, which I took for granted then, was a broad menu of film. You had two features, you had cafe newsreels showing news of the war from the front, then you had a cartoon or two and then you had a short. And that's what you got for 35 cents. Suddenly, I realized, that's gone. And why can't that be brought back, but more of as a community project?" Isn’t that so refreshing?

So of course, I had to check it out myself. And I had to be one of the first. During the opening weekend, I had the opportunity to see Away from Her, one of the films that I actually saw when I was at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah only a few short months ago. Based on the short story “The Bear Came Over the Mountain,” by one of my favorite authors, Alice Munro, it’s the story of a woman who is institutionalized because of Alzheimer's disease, and her husband’s epiphany when she falls in love with another patient at the nursing home. The story, movie, and acting are beautiful, and director Sarah Polley definitely deserves props for masterfully bringing life to the pages of this ravishing story.

Regarding the theater itself, my experience at Sundance Cinemas 608 was certainly memorable. I knew things were different before the film even began, when a cinema manager stood up before the audience to welcome everyone, introduce the film, and offer his and the ushers’ services. In fact, everything about the place was different from other theaters. First, I think I could live in the cinema for an entire week without ever stepping outside. It’s a multi-level complex with a café, restaurant, two bars (including both a bistro and rooftop bar), free wi-fi internet, and a gallery. There’s plush leather chairs dotting the lobbies, local art covering the walls, and an abundance of conversation and activity. It’s also nice that you can purchase your tickets online beforehand for reserved seating. Middle row center, baby. My only complaints would be the choice in location by Hilldale mall (seems kind of mainstream for such a non-mainstream venue) and also the $2 service charge per ticket for online orders. And one of my friends complained that it sort of reminds her of Starbucks in the sense that it could be recreated virtually anywhere. Other than that, I love it and am so happy that Robert Redford gave us one first. I am confident Madison will embrace its very own Sundance Cinema so that independent film and these types of cinemas can flourish worldwide.