“The Oregonian” might be the creepiest film I have ever seen. This is probably because Reeder doesn’t employ any of the usual techniques director’s use when attempting to create a disturbing film. … read more
Superheroes
“Superheroes” adds to Slamdance’s expanding archive of some of the best non-fiction films we’ve seen at festivals. The cogent work follows the travails and (mis)adventures of real-life superheroes (RLSH) in major cities throughout the US—including the SLC. Characters as silly sounding as Master Legend and Mr. Extreme fight for justice alongside the more seriously dubbed likes of Omen, Conundrum, and a nice Jewish boy named Chaim (life in Hebrew). … read more
Position Among The Stars
“Position Among The Stars” provides a glimpse into the lives of three generations: grandmother Rumidjah, her son Bakti, and her deceased daughter’s daughter, Tari. This documentary was masterfully filmed. The director and cinematographer Leonard Retel Helmrich did a fine job of accurately displaying Indonesia in an artful way. … read more
Beneath Contempt
One mistake behind a wheel while driving can end more than your own life as this feature portrays within the moral obstacle course of blame and death post-manslaughter. Three dead teens and one teen left to blame make for compelling storytelling in this engaging work. … read more
Fred & Vinnie
“Fred & Vinnie” is the true story of a bit actor’s life in LA as his shut-in, baseball card-loving friend moves in to crash on the couch. The unmatched pair of neurotics get on each others’ nerves as only disturbed individuals can—fighting for the bathroom, snore-less sleep, and space of mind. … read more
A Masterful Performance: The North Face Masters 2011 @ Snowbird
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; January 21-23 marked the return of every big mountain snowboarder’s favorite competition, The North Face Masters. Day one kicked off on Friday under bluebird skies and ripping wind. … read more
The Woman
When a director stands before an audience and warns them of the forthcoming controversial material and recollects about previous screenings’ walkouts, you know you’re in for a memorable experience one way or another. To their wealthy neighbors and friends, the Cleek family appears to be the stereotypical American family, but the sinister truth behind their lifestyles would make even the toughest a tad squeamish. … read more
Sing Your Song
I’m a little ashamed to admit that before seeing this documentary the only thing I knew about Harry Belafonte was that he sang and popularized the Jamaican song, “Day-O.” “Sing Your Song” enlightened me not only about Bellefonte’s early music and acting career but more importantly, his work as a worldwide human rights advocator. Belafonte is probably one of the most underrated activists of the last century and in a way it seems fitting. … read more
Modern Imbecile’s Planet World
A hit-and-miss comedy that misses hard but hits harder. … read more
R.I.P. Trish Keenan of Broadcast
Trish Keenan passed away on January 14, 2011 from pneumonia. She was only 42. Her mortality will make this music even more immortal, and she will continue to inspire people and challenge what people think they know. R.I.P. Trish. Your lullabies will always sing me to sleep—sometimes with dreams, sometimes with nightmares. … read more
Like a Lion
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }When I walked into this show I figured it would be a glorified piece about how badass Tanner Hall thinks he is. However, a few minutes into the film, it was abundantly clear the main focus of the documentary was about how fucked up he is. By that I mean he has gone through a lot of ups and downs to get where he is today.
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Azadi: Freedom
The spirit of adventure and willingness to explore unpopular realms of sport is what sets the X-Dance Film Festival apart from others like it. In this film, director Anthony Bonello collects his cast of skiers and brings them to the mysterious land of Kashmir, India. … read more
