Fort Tilden - Q&A (SXSW)

Saw Fort Tilden at SXSW and thoroughly enjoyed it in a way no NYC hipster slacker movie has connected for me so far. Part of it is the lens through which the filmmakers cast their characters, part the actors themselves and maybe lastly the critical lesson as to why it's sometimes not a great idea to engage in chit-chat with your cab driver. Either way I recommend seeing it as soon as it's available.

Some pics from the post-film Q&A follow.

Bridey Elliott, Clare McNulty

Veronica Mars Red Carpet (SXSW)

Finally getting back to posting stuff from SXSW 2014. Here's a set of photos from the remarkably telegenic cast of the Veronica Mars movie. Which is available to watch at home and a heck of a lot of fun. Even if you haven't watched the series previously. Warning though - the movie did make me go back and begin binge watching the series.

Kristen Bell posing for selfies with waiting fans

Krysten Ritter

Chris Lowell

13 Sins World Premiere - Red Carpet Photographs

My first film-going evening at SXSW was pretty successful. I watched The Infinite Man and 13 Sins. Plus about 3/4 of Premature (long story - should be caught up soon on that one) whose director I interviewed earlier in the day. More on all that's coming (though all are worth seeing in my view). For right now I just wanted to share some of the red carpet photos I took at the world premiere of 13 Sins an in your face thriller that seems to be part of this year's Cheap Thrills like takes on people forced out of desperation to play along with the sick games of the rich. I actually enjoyed this one quite a bit more, though given how many people truly love Cheap Thrills I may not have a ton of company on this one. But comparison aside it's a solid and engaging thriller. But for now I'll leave you with photos of the striking case and director.

High resolution versions (if you want to just gaze deeply into Ron Perlman's eyes) can be found in this online gallery.

Ron Perlman

Some of the things I'm excited about at SXSW Film 2014

I was asked to put together some of my most anticipated SXSW films by another decent sized website as part of their festival coverage. The official list has pictures and other niceties (and some cool companion lists from co-workers to check out. Or it least it will by Friday. For now I wanted to give loyal readers (Hi Mom!) a sneak preview. 

They're not generally in any particular order of excitement for me. Except maybe the first few before the jump.

The Raid 2 - A sequel to one of the most fun action films I've seen in years, playing with a packed house the same 2000+ seat Paramount theater where I saw the first one - how could this not be on my must see list. If it's not on yours I question your ability to enjoy life. Well, maybe not completely - but at least a little bit.

Premature - A high school senior has to re-live losing his virginity over and over again until he gets it right."" I suspect there are two initial reactions possible to a film that looks like it would've been pitched as Groundhog Day meets American Pie

a. I can't believe they ripped off Groundhog Day?! That's lame. 
b. I can't believe they ripped off Groundhog Day and melded it with a raunchy teen sex comedy!?! How can I watch that as soon as possible! 

Being squarely in the second camp I'm going to be queuing up for the first available screening of this one. Also lending a positive buzz I was a fan of the FCU Fact Checkers shorts from director Dan Beers who also headed up Premature.

Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter - Love, love, love the idea of a woman from Japan believing that the missing satchel of money in Fargo is real and seeking to find it. I'm actively trying to lower my sky-high expectations to insure I don't hurt what I'm hoping to be a magical viewing experience.

Free Preview Screening: Draft Day

Kevin Costner is back, and back again recently. Here's your chance (OK, a second chance or maybe a third - I've lost count) to grab some tickets to a free preview screening of Draft Day on 3/10. 

Grab your passes by clicking over to this link here (if you're asked for a code it's: XR482D). Just be sure to get to the screening early as they're overbooked to ensure a good crowd.

Get more details on the film's official site or of course on IMDb.com.

Free preview screening: Need for Speed

Here's a last chance to grab tickets for a free screening of Need for Speed before it opens. The screening is coming up next week on March 11th at AMC Pacific Place. Passes can be downloaded from this link.

Don't forget to get there early as such screenings are typically overbooked.

SXSW 2014 - Early Recommendations

SXSW Film 2014 is just a few days away. I've been lucky enough to get an early peek at some of the films and am here with highlights from that set. I'll be following up tomorrow with the films I'm most looking forward to personally seeing. Even though I likely won't get a crack at many of them. 

So without further adieu here's what I've seen and recommend catching during the festival. Do read beyond the name though - each has something to recommend it, but that thing may not be your thing. 

Buzzard - Slacker paranoid coming of age saga or an indictment of capitalism in the 21st century? When dude makes a sandwich of frozen pizza, chips and ranch dressing while taking a break from converting a power glove to a Freddy Krueger bladed weapon I probably could go either way and be happy. The film opens quietly but strong as Marty closes his checking account to exploit a loophole at the bank he temps for. Marty's a heavy-metal digging guy of modest life accomplishments but a self perceived master of the anti-corporate short con as he perpetuates a series of moderately illegal frauds to stay afloat. Frankly, he's not that great at it and when he bites off a tad more than he should including a stack of tax refund checks at work it's easy to see it's not going to end super well. Partially because Marty isn't as smart as he thinks he is, but mainly because he's so living in the now that he's completely blind to thinking even a single step ahead with respect to how things will go wrong. Ah ... Actually, seen as a metal/slacker take on the importance of risk management the director might be able to re-brand BUZZARD as a corporate training film on the consequences of poorly planning.

Seattle Jewish Film Festival 2014

While during March a lot of attention in the film world focuses on Austin and SXSW there are still some great cinematic adventures to be had right here in Seattle. First among them is the Seattle Jewish Film Festival which kicks off this Saturday night. This year’s theme is “The Good, The Bad, The Funny.” Though I expect if you asked the organizers they’d tell you that “the bad” part of their slogan isn’t intended as a critical assessment of any of the choices on offer. There’s something to be had for all interests with events running all the way through March 9th. 

Opening night is The Zigzag Kid which sounds akin to a Hardy Boys caper, if they Hardy Boys knew what a bar mitzvah was and included trips to the French Riviera and Isabella Rosellini. The opening night film includes a dessert reception post film. I could make more jokes about the super-gentile nature of the Hardy Boys, but frankly none of them would be especially funny expect to me. But if you want to experience some old school Jewish comedy that actually lands the punch you might be interested in the festival's signature Sunday matinee event. 

This year’s Sunday Brunch and film pairing (which I’ve always wanted to attend but never quite get to) includes a screening of the Catskill’s comedian documentary When Comedy Went to School. Perhaps more importantly it also includes a spread of Jewish comfort foods. The film itself catalogs the key role that Catskill Mountain resorts played in the development of the comedy we enjoy today. I cannot say this is the greatest documentary of all time, frankly cheesy CGI production value of the non-interview footage and narration of Robert Klein is pretty groan worthy. But it’s still worth it for the broad set of vintage footage and contemporary recollections about the Catskills. I still chuckle to myself at some of the jokes when I recall them months later. So, add in the promised brunch spread and I think this one will be a winner.

Free Preview Screening: Draft Day

Kevin Costner is back in theaters this weekend, and while reviews on 3 Days to Kill haven't been so hot maybe he's got a winner with Draft Day. And here's your chance to find out with an upcoming free preview in Tukwila. 

By now I'm sure you know the drill. Click the Gofobo link and grab a pass. Get to the screening early as they're overbooked to ensure a good crowd.

Get more details on the film's official site or of course on IMDb.com.

Free Preview Screening: Pompeii

Yep, it's free pass time again. This time for the Titanic of volcano movies: Pompeii. Wondering what it's about? Here's the answer - "A slave turned gladiator finds himself in a race against time to save his true love, who has been betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts, he must fight to save his beloved as Pompeii crumbles around him"Frankly the description leaves me speechless. But if you'd like to grab some free tickets to an early screening just follow this link and if asked for a code go with: POMPEIIWOM19

Want to learn more? They've got a website for that. 

And if the ticketing website doesn't quite work out seems you can just print yourself a pass using the image below. Of course given this system things may be really overbooked. So you'll want to arrive early to claim a seat. 

Free Preview Screening: Need for Speed

Alright - back with a new option for free entertainment. This one is Need for Speed which is apparently about car racing, crime and living life a quarter mole at a time. Actually that last one might be another most established racing franchise. But you probably get the idea. If you don't there's a super subtle trailer below that will fill in the blanks. Yes, I believe it's based on a video game. The picture stars Aaron Paul and it will be out in theaters in March 14th.

But you can check it out well before that on 2/19 instead in downtown Seattle. To get in on the action (sorry, couldn't resist) just click on over to this website and enter the code: 791080

Apparently you also get a personal intro from the films stars and director before the film via satellite. At least that's what I read. 

Have fun!

Free Preview Screening: About Last Night

I posted some tickets to About Last Night last week. But I'm back with more tickets to a 2/11 screening. I'll spare whether or not this is a reboot of the Demi Moore / Rob Lowe film of the same name. Instead I'll just share a link to get passes. 

Don't forget that you'll want to get there early to ensure a seat as a pass isn't a guarantee they haven't overbooked. Still hoping though someone will answer my Demi Moore reboot question. :-)

Free Preview Screening: Pompeii

Back with some more free preview tix. This time for Pompeii the city whose fiery demise was turned into some sort of love story film. Or something else - I haven't had a chance to look closely. Though I definitely get that idea from the film's official description - "A slave turned gladiator finds himself in a race against time to save his true love, who has been betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts, he must fight to save his beloved as Pompeii crumbles around him."

If you'd like to check it out this coming thursday (2/6) just follow this link over to Sony Picture's website. You may also need to use this code as well: PompeiiWOM

Remember to get there early as your seat isn't guaranteed and they tend to overbook these things.

Free Preview Screening: Vampire Academy

I don't think it's any surprise to regular visitors that I have a weak spot for teen films, vampires and coming of age flicks. So it someone were going to combine them all into a single package I'd probably be pretty hooked. So it's with some reasonably high (and perhaps unreasonable) expectations that I look forward to Vampire Academy. No, I'm not going to closely read the film's synopsis. No, I'm not going to harsh on maybe riding the vampire craze started by another somewhat derivative teen vampire book. Instead I'm just going to go and try to enjoy it. If you'd like to try the same risk free you can snag a pass to see the film just ahead of its public opening.

If you'd like to attend just follow this link over to Gofobo and snatch 'em up to see the movie 2/6. Don't forget to arrive early as your seats aren't guaranteed just because you're clutching the pass. 

Synopsis: Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, half human/vampire, guardians of the Moroi, peaceful, mortal vampires living discretely within our world. Her legacy is to protect the Moroi from bloodthirsty, immortal Vampires, the Strigoi. This is her story.

Free preview screening: About Last Night

Amazingly, yet another free preview screening to checkout. This time it's About Last Night - I need to do some research I guess to see if this is a reboot of the Demi Moore / Rob Lowe vehicle of same name from a previous decade. But then again I may not. Maybe someone who grabs some tix can come back and share the answer in the comments. 

The screening is 1/30/2014 - just click over to Gofobo via this link to grab tickets. And be sure to arrive early to ensure a seat as your spot isn't guaranteed. 

Oh ... Officially the film's description is that it's about "New love for two couples as they journey from the bar to the bedroom and are eventually put to the test in the real world." Though not sure that sentence really says that much. Trailer below, probably a bit clearer what you're getting yourself into. :-)

Free preview screening: Winter's Tale

Yep, back with another free preview screening to get you through another weeknight. This time it's Winter's Tale starting Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, and Russell Crowe. I'll let you check out the trailer as the IMDb description has me totally baffled ("A burglar falls for an heiress as she dies in his arms. When he learns that he has the gift of reincarnation, he sets out to save her."). Maybe that's the point though.

Winter's Tale hits theaters on Valentine’s Day but you can beat the rush with a Seattle screening at Regal Thornton Place on 2/6. Grab your free pass by going over to Gofobo.com and entering the code: WOMBH23.

Just don't forget to arrive early as seating isn't guaranteed.

Free Preview Screening: Labor Day

Wow! That was quick. Back with some more free preview tickets to share. This time for the new Kate Winslet film Labor Day. There's a synopsis and trailer below. But frankly I don't understand if the phrase "Kate Winslet" hasn't already created the need to skip all the text between here and the Gofobo link. I mean you may be a perfectly nice person, but clearly I'll never understand you completely. Sorry.

Anyways ... There are two screenings on offer. The first at Pacific Place the second a bit north of downtown at Regal Thornton Place. Choose one, choose both - just be sure to arrive early as your seats are not guaranteed. 

Screening 1/28/14 
Link to Passes: http://l.gofobo.us/cGNj0VAg

Screening 1/30/14 
Link to Passes: http://l.gofobo.us/1Rdj7GmM

Free Preview Screening: That Awkward Moment

Back again with some free screening passes. Today's offering is the new Zac Efron film That Awkward Moment. Don't know anything about it except what's on the IMDb page and the trailer (which is below). Some sort of dude's in relationships story I gather.

The screening is next Monday 1/27 at Pacific Place 7pm. You can grab a pass by clicking over Gofobo.com and entering the screening code: BRR7NZ.

As always you'll want to arrive early as such screenings are overbooked to ensure a good crowd. Keeping it short and sweet today - hope folks looking forward to this film get to check it out.

Free Preview: Draft Day

Like it or not, objectively speaking Kevin Costner is on a hot roll at the start of 2014. He's got the Jack Ryan film, some secret service assassin thing and of course the football flick Draft Day. Here's a chance to see the latest one for free. 

By now I'm sure you know the drill. Click the Gofobo link and grab a pass for 1/22. Get to the screening early as they're overbooked to ensure a good crowd. 'Nuff said. 

Link to Passes:  http://l.gofobo.us/rZ8Ex4pg

Get more details on the film's official site or of course on IMDb.com.

Free Preview Screening: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

You know, if you'd asked me a year ago if the Jack Ryan series needed a reboot I'd have probably said no. Even more likely if you'd asked if I'd be psyched to see a new film with Kevin Costner I'd have probably chuckled and said no again. Yet, here we are at the start of 2014 and I've got to admit I'm more than a little curious to check out this movie at the first opportunity. I'm big enough to admit when (in a theoretical situation that never happened) I'm wrong.

You can't judge a film by it's trailer, but Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit looks as though it could be a lot of fun. The good news is that I've also got some passes to check it out early. Just click the handy Gofobo link right here to register. Remember that these things are overbooked to ensure a good crowd, so you'll really want to get there early. And no crying, or whipping up some international evil-doer plot if you don't make it in.

The screening is 1/15 in a central downtown Seattle location that definitely doesn't suck. And takes place at the work friendly start time 7pm (though I'd advise more like a 6pm arrival) - so there really are no excuses to skip this one.

You're welcome ... ;-)



PS. I'm also sort of jazzed to see Costner's other upcoming film 3 Days to Kill. Sometimes I just confuse myself.