Cynematik on IndieWIRE

GUEST BLOGGER: LINDSEY BLACK reviewed several more films from Sundance. Here then are her thoughts on the films.

COME EARLY MORNING

Applause to Ashley Judd. Her performance was OUTSTANDING! Not to mention, she is just as beautiful off screen as she is on screen. I really think this movie was great because Judd really inhabited her character. The director Joey Lauren Adams (BIG DADDY) wrote the script thinking that she (Adams) would star in the film. Ultimately, she went with Judd. While I like Joey Lauren Adams as an actress, I think the film would not have been strong had she done the lead role. The cinematography was beautiful and the end of this story tied it up just right.

WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY

What a contradictory title. I guess they wanted the audience to know that it isn't just a morbid movie on suicide. It did indeed have a cute love story. This film had a lot of humor, and again, the actors were wonderful! The payoff seemed a little Hollywood to me, and the director even admitted it during the Q & A's. But I think if it was Hollywood, he would have ended up with—uh—never mind—I don't want to give the ending away! Sadly to say, during the Q & A's, I was totally distracted by the actress Leslie Bibb (SEE SPOT RUN), who brought a lot of attention to herself by acting giddy, and laughing loud and obnoxious. Although, she is a very beautiful girl, all of the self-aggrandizing behavior seemed very out-of-place at Sundance.

PUCCINI FOR BEGINNERS

Okay ... Mike went and got in line for tickets not knowing what in the world this was about. When I heard what it was, I wasn't too sure I really wanted to see it. Mike, Alec, and I hit this show at 11:30 pm. Normally, I have the hardest time staying awake to watch a movie at this hour but to my surprise, the comedy was written so funny that I couldn't help sitting on the edge of my seat for the next punch line. The B-story in this film ran parallel throughout the film and was wonderful. This movie is great and I hope the mainstream audience is ready for this story because I think everyone needs to see it for a good laugh and a wonderful cast!

EVE AND THE FIREHORSE

I must say, the casting in this film was brilliant! I was shocked to see the outstanding performances in the child actors. The main character and narrator, Phoebe Jojo Kut, had a crisp beautiful voice. The cinematography was stunning. There was so much art and eye candy in this film that the director, Julia Kwan, showed what an independent art film is supposed to be. Now, to contradict myself, I can't tell you how great the payoff was because, I—um—uh—fell asleep. Yeah, the late nights and early mornings finally got to me. The first three quarters were wonderful. I hope it gets released, because I would see this film again.

OFF THE BLACK

I have to be honest here, I am not a fan of Nick Nolte, but this story did keep me awake, unlike others in our group. Nick Nolte plays his typical drunk character that he can do so naturally. Trevor Morgan plays the kid whom he befriends. It was neat to see them bond, but I felt the story was weak with a B-story. Towards the end, it was predictable that his dad doesn't spend much time with him. One thing that I can relate to in this story is I have been around many alcoholics and I know what Trevor Morgan's character was feeling when he just begins a good relationship with Nick's character when Nick decides to push him away. Working with homeless, I have learned that this is what alcoholics do because sometimes they just don't know how to love back and don't want to hurt the other person or be hurt themselves. So I must say, they portrayed that well.

Unfortunately, Nick Nolte was not as appealing following the film. I was totally distracted during the Q&As because he kept bringing attention to himself. If he wasn't swinging his cane around, he was cleaning the bottom of his pants. Not to mention, his on screen girlfriend was all over him and kissing him on stage. Gross! I guess SOME actors think they need the limelight at all times.

SOMEBODIES

This movie is definitely for the crowd who likes movies such as FRIDAY. This had a lot of humor in it. It was in the Audience Award Competition and I did indeed give it 5 out of 5. It was Director Hadjii's first film and usually comedy is the hardest to pull off. Now, I am disappointed because I just don't think the director/screenwriter should also be the main character. I don't see how you can direct your own acting unless you are really sure of yourself. Another VERY annoying thing about this movie is the audio track was off a little bit. I have a hard time concentrating when their lips are still moving when the audio is over. Hopefully if it gets picked up, they will fix that before it is released.