Well, Sundance 2009 is nearly coming to a close. With only a couple days left, the streets are starting to become less crowded, and finding a table at the local restaurants is easier then just 3 days ago.
Over the last couple days I've seen a handful of films, some of which have been really good - others, well, others have been either okay or just bad. I did see 2 films which stood out over the last couple days. Arlan Faber was a nice, somewhat commercial film starring Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham. While far from edgy, it was nice to see a well acted, well scripted, and interesting film. While it's not going to make huge box office money, it was fun and enjoyable.
The other film that I really liked was In The Loop. A story about America and England trying to come to grips about it's policy regarding an unnamed war, it features not top leaders but State Department workers on both sides of the pond going back and forth about who knows what and who will admit to what. I can honestly say I don't ever remember laughing so hard at a film here, and one that I can't wait to see again. The writing was sharp and very witty. While it doesn't star any A list people, it doesn't matter...it had some of the funniest dialogue I've seen in a long time.
On another note, while I've been here in Park City solo this past week, I've had my wonderful neighbors to keep me company. Jake and his girlfriend, whose name I don't know, have waken me up these past few nights, and I've been able to hear all about the wild parties they've attended. Last night they came in around 4 AM, and boy did they have some stories.
Before I go on, I should make one thing quite clear - I don't really know them. In fact, I've never seen them. The walls in my room are so thin that I can hear every footstep they make. I hear them go to the bathroom, take a shower, talk about whatever it is they talk about, and yes...I even hear them have sex - usually twice every night. Jake must have lots of stamina!
Jake's girlfriend is the louder of the two - in conversation that is...and also in the first thing that came to your mind. But whenever she's in the room, I can hear her as if she's standing 5 feet away. I wouldn't mind it so much if they came home at a earlier hour. Last night they got in at 4 AM and their antics kept me awake until 5 or so.
As tomorrow is my last day here, I'll do my yearly tradition. Morning screening followed by breakfast at The Eating Establishment. It's one of my favorite places to eat here in town, and it's also one of the places that many deals have been struck. As for tonight, I'm still not sure what I'll do, but I'll find something.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sundance 2009 Days 3 and 4 with some other stuff...
Well, I missed a day, but that's only because I've been super busy with screenings. I had four the day before yesterday, and 5 yesterday. All in all, I did see some interesting films, but only one really stood out.
The Cove is a documentary about dolphins that are killed in a small Japanese town. They ruthlessly kill 23,000 every year, and do it out of site of the public. A group of activists went in commando style and documented the event. It was one of the most horrific things I've ever witnessed. As you all know, I'm not one of those tree-hugging, recycle everything down to your underwear, save the spotted owl kind of people, but this had a profound affect on me. I mean come on people - who doesn't love Flipper! http://www.savejapandolphins.org/covelearnmore.php
But on to lighter fare - I saw a film yesterday directed by John Kransinski - you may know him as Jim from The Office. It was an interesting film and a departure from what you'd expect from him. While I didn't think it was a great film, it was interesting and tried to make insights into post-feminism masculinity. It's not something you'd want to take a date to, or attend if you're looking for a bright happy sunshine movie. John was there, and seemed very nice. I saw him later in the day attending a film Ed Helms (Andy from The Office) was in.
For those of you reader who normally attend this festival and are feeling bad about missing out this year, I wouldn't feel too bad. It really is a odd year. From what I hear, there are few films that have tremendous buzz. People are talking about a few films more then others, but there is no Little Miss Sunshine from what I can tell this year. Main Street doesn't seem quite as busy, and the give aways are few and far between.Screenings are crowded, but it does seem like wait listers always have a shot at getting in. We'll see how the back of the festival goes, but from the look of the first half, you haven't missed too much.
Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't say something about the transition of power our country went through yesterday. I know that many of you voted for Obama, and I've no problem with that. For what it's worth, I've been critical of both Bush as a president and McCain as a candidate - I think we on the right can, and should, have done much better. But as we enter this new era, I don't wish him ill. In fact, I wish him all the best. For him doing well means that we all should do well.
But I can say that I won't abandon the beliefs that I cling to, nor the ideals that I've come to recognize as being worthy to pursue. And I would ask the same of all of you. We can't, as many seem to be willing to do, just let him operate without careful consideration and a watchful eye. It's nice to see so many in the nation experiencing this euphoria of hope, but we all must temper that with vigilance. To quote Bruce Springsteen, "Blind faith in anything will get you killed." I urge us all to have hope that things may get better, but not loose sight of the fact that our leaders, more then anyone else, need to be accountable. Don't just accept what MSNBC, CNN, and Fox tell you - go out and discover what's really going on. Most of you know how I feel about some of the previously mentioned networks, and their relentless campaign to elect Obama and destroy McCain and especially Palin. But we most hold them accountable too - we must show them that we want truth and objectivity...not biased reporting with an agenda.
While yesterdays ceremony was nothing less then historic, I couldn't help but feel a little left out. After all, he wasn't my choice...but then neither was McCain really. While I am tremendously proud of my country for finally having the courage to elect an African-American president, I am still a bit apprehensive about the future. Maybe this man will have the courage to do what Bush wasn't able to do - reach across the aisle and work with those of us on the other side. Maybe he will be able to accomplish great things that will cause the partisanship that has engulfed our nation to completely dissipate. I hope so.
The Cove is a documentary about dolphins that are killed in a small Japanese town. They ruthlessly kill 23,000 every year, and do it out of site of the public. A group of activists went in commando style and documented the event. It was one of the most horrific things I've ever witnessed. As you all know, I'm not one of those tree-hugging, recycle everything down to your underwear, save the spotted owl kind of people, but this had a profound affect on me. I mean come on people - who doesn't love Flipper! http://www.savejapandolphins.org/covelearnmore.php
But on to lighter fare - I saw a film yesterday directed by John Kransinski - you may know him as Jim from The Office. It was an interesting film and a departure from what you'd expect from him. While I didn't think it was a great film, it was interesting and tried to make insights into post-feminism masculinity. It's not something you'd want to take a date to, or attend if you're looking for a bright happy sunshine movie. John was there, and seemed very nice. I saw him later in the day attending a film Ed Helms (Andy from The Office) was in.
For those of you reader who normally attend this festival and are feeling bad about missing out this year, I wouldn't feel too bad. It really is a odd year. From what I hear, there are few films that have tremendous buzz. People are talking about a few films more then others, but there is no Little Miss Sunshine from what I can tell this year. Main Street doesn't seem quite as busy, and the give aways are few and far between.Screenings are crowded, but it does seem like wait listers always have a shot at getting in. We'll see how the back of the festival goes, but from the look of the first half, you haven't missed too much.
Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't say something about the transition of power our country went through yesterday. I know that many of you voted for Obama, and I've no problem with that. For what it's worth, I've been critical of both Bush as a president and McCain as a candidate - I think we on the right can, and should, have done much better. But as we enter this new era, I don't wish him ill. In fact, I wish him all the best. For him doing well means that we all should do well.
But I can say that I won't abandon the beliefs that I cling to, nor the ideals that I've come to recognize as being worthy to pursue. And I would ask the same of all of you. We can't, as many seem to be willing to do, just let him operate without careful consideration and a watchful eye. It's nice to see so many in the nation experiencing this euphoria of hope, but we all must temper that with vigilance. To quote Bruce Springsteen, "Blind faith in anything will get you killed." I urge us all to have hope that things may get better, but not loose sight of the fact that our leaders, more then anyone else, need to be accountable. Don't just accept what MSNBC, CNN, and Fox tell you - go out and discover what's really going on. Most of you know how I feel about some of the previously mentioned networks, and their relentless campaign to elect Obama and destroy McCain and especially Palin. But we most hold them accountable too - we must show them that we want truth and objectivity...not biased reporting with an agenda.
While yesterdays ceremony was nothing less then historic, I couldn't help but feel a little left out. After all, he wasn't my choice...but then neither was McCain really. While I am tremendously proud of my country for finally having the courage to elect an African-American president, I am still a bit apprehensive about the future. Maybe this man will have the courage to do what Bush wasn't able to do - reach across the aisle and work with those of us on the other side. Maybe he will be able to accomplish great things that will cause the partisanship that has engulfed our nation to completely dissipate. I hope so.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sundance 2009 Day 2
Well, I'm two days into Sundance this year. While I'm severly lacking sleep, I have seen a number of films, with a larger number remaining. The cold isn't as bad this year as the temperature seems to be in the high 30's...cold, yes, but with no snow falling, blue skies, and warm sunshine it makes things for this SoCal native much more comfortable.
Yesterdays films provided only one of real note. It was called The Yes Men Fix The World. If you don't know who the Yes Men are, do a Google search and find out. There was a doc here at Sundance about them some time back, but this new one was made by them. These two guys take on some of the worlds largest companies, and pull of what can only be described as astounding hoaxes - all aimed at bringing light to the corporate greed that exists in the world today. Even for conservative like me, I found it all so very enjoyable.
Last night I saw I Love You Phillip Morris. It was a film starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor...it was not your normal Jim Carrey film, and it wasn't so great. I think Carrey was trying to stretch himself in this role, but all the film really seemed to do was stretch the patience of the audience. I couldn't really tell what the film wanted to be - a screwy romantic comedy of sorts (and oh by the way - the two male leads are gay and in love), or a film trying to help you get into the mind of one of the most creative scam artists around. While based on true events and real people, the film unfolds in wild fashion, but just fell flat for me...and for the film critic sitting next to me who left well before the film even finished. The entire cast was there, and it was the must see event last night. Crowds poured into the 1200+ seat Eccles theatre, and flash bulb pops were in abundance as Carry and girlfriend Jenny McCarthy entered the room.
The festival did hit a low point yesterday. Walking up Main Street, the person I can't stand most this world, pushed her way through the crowd, dressed in a pink bunny suit, and into Harry O's (the big bar in town where the most exclusive parties happen). Paris Hilton is in Park City - and we are the poorer for it. Her presence only reminds me of the commercialization that has stricken this beloved festival. When I hear a woman walking away from the mob scene that stopped traffic outside the bar, overjoyed because she has touched Paris, I know things are bad. Now as to why she was dressed in the full body pink bunny suit, I've no clue - as did anyone else here. But one thing is certain - does anyone care? It's Paris Hilton, for crying out loud.
One funny note from yesterday - as Jill and I were walking to dinner, a couple paparazzi approached us and asked if they could take our photo. The exact question was, "Tina, can we get a photo?" Jill smiled and said she wasn't Tina Fey, and they quickly moved on. I told her that she should have said yes...we could have had our picture all over the place!
Yesterdays films provided only one of real note. It was called The Yes Men Fix The World. If you don't know who the Yes Men are, do a Google search and find out. There was a doc here at Sundance about them some time back, but this new one was made by them. These two guys take on some of the worlds largest companies, and pull of what can only be described as astounding hoaxes - all aimed at bringing light to the corporate greed that exists in the world today. Even for conservative like me, I found it all so very enjoyable.
Last night I saw I Love You Phillip Morris. It was a film starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor...it was not your normal Jim Carrey film, and it wasn't so great. I think Carrey was trying to stretch himself in this role, but all the film really seemed to do was stretch the patience of the audience. I couldn't really tell what the film wanted to be - a screwy romantic comedy of sorts (and oh by the way - the two male leads are gay and in love), or a film trying to help you get into the mind of one of the most creative scam artists around. While based on true events and real people, the film unfolds in wild fashion, but just fell flat for me...and for the film critic sitting next to me who left well before the film even finished. The entire cast was there, and it was the must see event last night. Crowds poured into the 1200+ seat Eccles theatre, and flash bulb pops were in abundance as Carry and girlfriend Jenny McCarthy entered the room.
The festival did hit a low point yesterday. Walking up Main Street, the person I can't stand most this world, pushed her way through the crowd, dressed in a pink bunny suit, and into Harry O's (the big bar in town where the most exclusive parties happen). Paris Hilton is in Park City - and we are the poorer for it. Her presence only reminds me of the commercialization that has stricken this beloved festival. When I hear a woman walking away from the mob scene that stopped traffic outside the bar, overjoyed because she has touched Paris, I know things are bad. Now as to why she was dressed in the full body pink bunny suit, I've no clue - as did anyone else here. But one thing is certain - does anyone care? It's Paris Hilton, for crying out loud.
One funny note from yesterday - as Jill and I were walking to dinner, a couple paparazzi approached us and asked if they could take our photo. The exact question was, "Tina, can we get a photo?" Jill smiled and said she wasn't Tina Fey, and they quickly moved on. I told her that she should have said yes...we could have had our picture all over the place!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sundance 2009 Day 1
Yesterday was my first day here at Sundance 2009, and so far it seems like any other year. With the exception that it doesn’t seem as crowded – a welcome sight. I’ve yet to make it up to Main Street, so I should really wait and see how busy it is getting a table anywhere up there – that will be the real test.
I always love flying into Salt Lake City at Sundance time. It’s really rather fun watching all the local people mix with the LA crowd. The Hollywood folk stick out terribly here – most of the women look like supporting cast members of “The Real Housewives of Orange County”, and many of the men look as if they gain their fashion sense from some metrosexual handbook. Of course, the locals look like your normal everyday people – or at least your normal people in Utah. The sight at baggage claim of a burly, bearded man in an old flannel shirt, jeans that look old and worn because they actually are, and a head covered with the most basic of a winter hat standing next to some guy wearing overpriced jeans that were bought with holes and weathered look, a t-shirt with some sort of scrawl that resembles tagging on freeway overpasses, a light but stylish jacket, and enough product in his hair to warrant himself flammable is really funny to observe.
I’ve only seen a few films so far, but only one of them really kept me entertained. I saw a documentary about African-American comedians, and while that it was enjoyable, it wasn’t anything too special – a capable documentary on the struggles of African-Americans rising up in both America and show business, but nothing extraordinary.
Last night’s premiere film was called Spread. Starring Ashton Kutcher, it was hardly anything special. To quote Peter Griffin, “I found it shallow and pedantic.” Ashton’s turn as a male gigolo was anything but interesting or deep, and the script had potential to dive deep into an interesting character study of people getting lost in their hopes and dreams when moving to LA, but instead become an aimless story of oversexed people and low rung grifting. The rather predictable ending had little to no punch to it mainly because I never really cared for anyone in the movie.
The third film I’ve seen was a doc on the former Queen of Iran. It was a rather engaging story of one woman wanting to confront her former Queen into the terrible past, and in the process she began to see the humanity and the person behind the crown.
I’ve got a full schedule of films Sunday, and I’m hoping to get up to Main Street later today to get a better handle on the scene this year. And I should hopefully have some good stories!
I always love flying into Salt Lake City at Sundance time. It’s really rather fun watching all the local people mix with the LA crowd. The Hollywood folk stick out terribly here – most of the women look like supporting cast members of “The Real Housewives of Orange County”, and many of the men look as if they gain their fashion sense from some metrosexual handbook. Of course, the locals look like your normal everyday people – or at least your normal people in Utah. The sight at baggage claim of a burly, bearded man in an old flannel shirt, jeans that look old and worn because they actually are, and a head covered with the most basic of a winter hat standing next to some guy wearing overpriced jeans that were bought with holes and weathered look, a t-shirt with some sort of scrawl that resembles tagging on freeway overpasses, a light but stylish jacket, and enough product in his hair to warrant himself flammable is really funny to observe.
I’ve only seen a few films so far, but only one of them really kept me entertained. I saw a documentary about African-American comedians, and while that it was enjoyable, it wasn’t anything too special – a capable documentary on the struggles of African-Americans rising up in both America and show business, but nothing extraordinary.
Last night’s premiere film was called Spread. Starring Ashton Kutcher, it was hardly anything special. To quote Peter Griffin, “I found it shallow and pedantic.” Ashton’s turn as a male gigolo was anything but interesting or deep, and the script had potential to dive deep into an interesting character study of people getting lost in their hopes and dreams when moving to LA, but instead become an aimless story of oversexed people and low rung grifting. The rather predictable ending had little to no punch to it mainly because I never really cared for anyone in the movie.
The third film I’ve seen was a doc on the former Queen of Iran. It was a rather engaging story of one woman wanting to confront her former Queen into the terrible past, and in the process she began to see the humanity and the person behind the crown.
I’ve got a full schedule of films Sunday, and I’m hoping to get up to Main Street later today to get a better handle on the scene this year. And I should hopefully have some good stories!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My first post...
So this is where you will find my random thoughts...thoughts on life, politics, religion, movies, and anything else I care to discuss. Starting Saturday, you'll find it mostly consumed with updates from my yearly adventure to the snow covered mountains of Utah for the annual Sundance Film Festival.
As I'm new to blogging, don't expect too much at first. I should have the swing of things right as it's time to leave Sundance.
As I'm new to blogging, don't expect too much at first. I should have the swing of things right as it's time to leave Sundance.
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