Screening tomorrow at Dipson Market Arcade, Vacation Obligation from writer/director Rian Lehman looks like it might be a fun flick (some of the performances look a little too theatrical, but the trailer shows promise) - -
While watching his grandparents house, Stuart receives a call stating his grandmother was injured in Florida and they won't return for the summer. However the salt in his wounds is that he just went through a break up. Now it is up to his three friends to show him a great summer!
Staring: Joe Cardinale, Pete Stasio, Joel Berger, ALex King, Gina DellaNeve, Jen Giaccotto, Nikiya Garza, Megan Kemple, Carl Lehman
Screening: August 14th, 7:00PM, Dipson Theatres Market Arcade 639 Main Street Buffalo, NY
Special effects guru turned writer-director Neill Blomkamp returns with Elysium, a stunning and effective social-sci-fi thriller staring Matt Damon as Max. Max is born, or perhaps banished on Planet Earth. Those born into wealth and power reside on Elysium, protected by Delacourt, the feisty and defiant minister of defense (played by Jodie Foster). The film is a smart, if not perhaps too obvious allegory for the US-Mexico relationship – a relationship we barely see living on our border (unless your at the Galleria on a Canadian holiday – then you see boxes and boxes of products our nei
ghbors to the north are hiding from their government upon return).
Max has been in love with Frey (Alice Braga as an adult) for his whole life – she’s a beautiful nurse on Planet Earth whose daughter is chronically ill. On Elysium there’s a cure for everything via one of those med beds we saw in that the abortion scene in last summer’s Prometheus.
Max is exposed to radiation at this job (he works on a drone assembly line) and is pretty much living on borrowed time, allowing him to take a risk – working for a cartel who traffics in undocumented transport to Elysium. Hardliner Delacourt launches strikes on the undocumented (the film’s choice of words, not mine) much to the objections of Elysium president Patel (Faran Tahir).
The film’s visuals are brilliant – Blomkamp is a master of mixing realism (including handheld camera work) and special effects – here working with more money than he had on District 9. Elysium is a beautiful luxury paradise – the kind of place us working class stiffs can maybe only get away to once in a life time. Interestingly they all speak French and English on Elysium while back on earth (in LA) the language is English and Spanish.
Yes, the commentary is laid on a bit thick – but thankfully a smart summer action movie with brains and balls – it’s about something! Pacific Rim was as exhilarating as a game of Rock-Em-Sock-Em robots: here is an action movie that’s not subtle but it brings the issue of economic inequality into focus. Blomkamp’s District 9’s allegory was based in South African history, while this time around he’s exploring US-Mexico relations and underground economies (often on earth using a handheld style that recalls the visceral visuals of Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s classic Mexican thriller Amores Perros).
Fresh and inspired, Elysium is a smart summer movie – perhaps its not a smart, nuanced movie that will inspire scholars to explore, but for the average movie goer its deeper than many films currently screening at your neighborhood Regal Entertainment Group cinema.
Screening: Dipson Market Arcade, Regal Elmwood, Regal Walden Galleria, AMC Maple Ridge, Dipson Flix, Regal Transit Center, Regal Hollywood 12, Transit Drive In, Regal Quaker Crossing.
We’re The Millers is ultimately a sweet comedy with a filthy
mind: when it works, it works, when it doesn’t – it’s not exactly boring so
much as it’s a misfire. Jason Sudeikis stars as David Clark, a small time
Denver pot dealer who works for Brad Gurdlinger (Ed Helms) a guy with too much
money. After David is robbed he’s given the opportunity to make good on his debts,
transporting a “smidge” of primo product across the border from Mexico.
In order to remain undetected he recruits Kenny (played by
British actor Will Poulter) a shy awkward kid, a homeless girl Casey (Emma
Roberts) and his neighbor the stripper Rose (Jennifer Aniston). So sets in
motion this story where things go well (allegedly you can cross the Mexico/USA
border without a passport if your in an R.V. – if only things were that easy on
the Peace Bridge) at first: filling all available compartments with Grade A
grass they head back to the good ol’ US of A. Encountering a few obstacles
along with way (including Luis Guzman – always nice to see him again) and the
Fitzgeralds. Don (Nick Offerman) is a DEA agent dealing with some sexual
frustration with wife Edie (Kathryn Hahn); they have a daughter Melissa (Molly
C. Quinn) who develops a sweet relationship with Kenny.
We’re The Millers isn’t without some surprises and a critique
of suburban heterosexual norms but ultimately it’s plot is predicable. Perhaps
this is what you came for (and a little more, hence a tick above average) but here’s
a film where the trailers pretty much tell it all, and they are truthful. If
you think your going to like this film, you probably will.
Mrs. Fitzgerald – Hahn – has some of the biggest and most
uncomfortable laughs, as that whole sequence works (in fact it’d be great if
the whole film was told in a non-linear style opening in one awkward camp
sequence) – but Dodgeball director Rawson Marshall Thurber (fantastic name!)
keeps the energy level on high, along with the predictability factor.
The cast is effective with Sudeikis getting his first chance
to play the lead – he’s funny as a kind of stock character he does well.
Aniston also pulls off this role and for Poulter this is a starmaking role,
he’s never done this before and he proves he can hold his own against McLovin.
All and all We’re The Millers could have been a balls to the wall original
comedy, or something deeper than it is (with bigger, unexpected pay offs) but
the trains run right on time – efficient, surely – fun, indeed – brilliant,
nope.
A movie for every day of the week plus double feature (I guess, lots to catch up with) - 8 new films hit the Buffalo region from Bollywood to Hollywood and a movie that's been receiving awful reviews from a Spanish director whose last film (The Maid) was brilliant - and his new movie is VOD (Magic Magic).
At least you can be comfortable as all 8 screens at AMC Maple Ridge are now online with all leather-ette recliner seating and an expanded concession menu (complete with an $18.75 chicken tender and fry combo if you're a baller).
Here's your weekly rundown.....
at the ARTHOUSE
Lovelace - one of two films from Sundance 2013 opening this weekend, this one from Howl directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman stars Amanda Seyfried (as imfamous first porn star ever Linda Lovelance), Peter Sarsgaard (as her abusive husband) with Sharon Stone, Adam Brody, Juno Temple, Wes Bentley, Chris North, Bobby Cannavale, Hank Azaria, and James Franco rounding out the cast. This is one we'll be at opening night.....
Screening: Dipson Amherst
Only God Forgives - A twisted Bangkok-set revenge thriller staring Ryan Goslin and Kristen Scott Thomas, the film is on VOD although it looks visually intriguing and worthy of the big screen. Written and directed by Drive and Pusher filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn.
Screening: Dipson Eastern Hills III
Crystal Fairy - known by its poster as "Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus" - this Sundance award winner has polarized audiences (it looks like it might get on my nerves) with Michael Cera allegedly high most of the time (urban legend has it he took to method acting for this one). Directed by The Maid filmmaker Sabastian Silva.
Screening: Dipson Eastern Hills III
Bollywood in Buffawood
Chennai Express - although Bollywood programing periodically comes and goes from Regal Elmwood - it returns this week with Rohit Shetty's action comedy staring Deepika Padulkone and Shahrukh Khan.
Screening: Regal Elmwood
at the Multiplex
On Wednesday (8/7)
We're The Millers - Another action comedy opening this weekend - Jason Sudeikis stars as a desprate man contracted to bring pot from the US to Mexico - he assembles a fake family including Jennifer Aniston (a stripper), Emma Roberts and a virgin son played by Will Poulter.
Screening: Regal Elmwood, Dipson Market Arcade, Dipson Flix, AMC Maple Ridge, Regal Quaker Crossing, Regal Transit, Regal Hollywood 12, Transit Drive In.
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters - I haven't seen the first one, so I know/care very little about this flick, staring Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson and Alexandra Daddario as friends trying to save a magical ailing tree. Converted in post to 3D (of course).
Screening: Regal Elmwood, Dipson Market Arcade, Dipson Flix, AMC Maple Ridge, Regal Quaker Crossing, Regal Transit, Regal Hollywood 12.
On Friday (8/9)
Elysium - District 9 director Neill Blomkamp returns to direct another poisonous earth film (because we had so few of them this summer) - although this time served up, no doubt with some South African allegory. Staring Matt Damon, Jodi Foster, Alice Braga, and Diego Luna. Also in IMAX.
Screening: Regal Elmwood, Dipson Market Arcade, Dipson Flix, AMC Maple Ridge, Regal Quaker Crossing, Regal Transit, Regal Hollywood 12, Transit Drive In.
Planes - Disney, not Pixar is responsible for this Cars spin off that looks like it follows the same formula Turbo and Cars 2 used. Yup.
Screening: Regal Elmwood, Dipson Market Arcade, Dipson Flix, AMC Maple Ridge, Regal Quaker Crossing, Regal Transit, Regal Hollywood 12, Transit Drive In.
Arriving in the middle of the summer (verses Oscar season),
Pedro Almodovar’s latest, I’m So Excited is hilariously weird. Known for dark
humor and themes (especially his last film, the very strange revenge thriller
The Skin I Live In) this is more upbeat.
On the tarmac we meet two Almodovar regulars: Jessica
(Penelope Cruz) and her lover Leon (Antonio Banderas) – distracted by the news
of Jessica’s pregnancy Leon forgets to remove a brace that is sucked up into
the plane’s landing gear and that’s when the trouble begins. I should tell you
the film opens with a disclaimer “nothing in this films is based on reality” –
here Almodovar is having a good deal of fun – think Murder on the Orient
Express crossed with the kind of 1950s Dorris Day Romp with the bisexuality of
one, Mr. Almodovar. It is true: the colors are more vibrant and the cabin more
spacious than say, even Virgin Atlantic – Ebert said it best in his review of
Almodovar’s Broken Embraces “a voluptuary of a film, drunk on primary colors…as
it ravished me, I longed for a freeze frame to allow me to savor a shot”. All
of his film films are visually beautiful (although The Skin I Live In takes it
to a whole new level of insanity).
Bound for Mexico City the crew are all gay (or bisexual)
including pilots Benito and Alex, stewards Ulloa, Fajardo and Joserra – while
the first class cabin is full of – I think the polite word is eccentrics
including another Almodovar regular Cecila Roth. Much of what happens is a
bizarre joy including one shot (you’ll know it when you see it) this is one of
this summer’s funniest. Upon hearing the flight is doomed and cannot land in
Mexico City the crew takes to entertaining the first class folks, while they
individually fall apart (a funny gag has each talking on the phone while the
whole cabin can hear their conversation).
Knowing the film exists in an alternative universe frees it
for all sorts of absurdity – the coach passengers are all drugged and are asleep,
while the first class passengers are given other drugs to loosen their
inhibitions – this is filmmaking without restraint and while at times it might
not quite pull it off, I was always smiling (sometimes in disbelief). This is
the kind of film that requires surrender: sure it’s a mess but Almodovar, after
a series of intense films is having a little fun with his cast of regulars.
** updated 8/2/2013: previously we reported the Buffalo International Film Festival included a tribute to director Ismael Rodriguez, while Rodriguez did direct two of the films screening, the screenings are commemorating the life and work of Maria Felix. We regret the error.
The Buffalo International Film Festival is slowly
announcing its line up including a tribute to Mexican actress Maria Felix (more info on her here) as well as the festival’s signature Made in WNY programming. Two
local films were announced including John Fink’s Brandonwood (screening
October 4th) and Raymond Guarnieri’s Buffalo
Boys (screening October 5th) - both will screen at The Screening Room in Amherst.
---
Brandonwood – written, directed and
edited by John J. Fink, and produced and co-staring Tilke Hill (also co-staring in
Buffalo Boys), the film, we learn was 7-years in the making, filmed mostly last
year in and around the region. Not much is known about the film, as the Buffalo
International Film Festival will be its first screening. (90 minutes)
From the filmmaker:
Brandonwood is a romantic thriller following
four years in the life of a young couple– from the reckless highs of new love
to the lows of circumstances they cannot change on the periphery. Natalie
(Kathleen Denecke) a college freshman, begins a relationship with Brandon (Kyle
Perry) – an employee of their suburban town’s public works department. Keeping
him a secret at first, she alienates her friends and family in the process, the comfort of the relationship morphs into dysfunction as they each come into their own.
Staring: Kathleen Denecke, Kyle Perry, Gerry Maher,
Eric Mowery, Kelly Krose, Mike Sarcneli, Travis Hedland, Megan Deanna Smith,
Darryl Hart, Andre Calon, Michael Morel and Tilke Hill.
Brandonwood has not released a trailer however this
brief clip has our attention.
----
Buffalo Boys
– directed by Raymond Guarnieri and written by Guarnieri, Elena Lott and
co-star McKenzie Trent had its world premiere at the Manhattan Film Festival
(where it took home Best Film- Coming of Age) and also screened at Indie
Gathering (where it won Best Crime Drama). Inspired by actual events murder of
a teenager whom Guarniei had known the film was written over a nine-month
period and filmed in Buffalo last summer. (80 minutes)
From the Filmmaker:
Inspired by a true story, Buffalo Boys follows the
life of IAN, a 15-year-old living in Buffalo, NY. After discovering the man who
raised him is not his biological father, Ian's world is turned upside down as
he heads down a path of self-destruction and murder. His mother, MARY-ANN, refuses to name his real
father, fueling Ian's desire to escape suburbia. His girlfriend, LINDSAY, urges
him to stay and work things out, while his best friend, DANIEL, continues to
lead him down a violent path. Together, the boys sell drugs to make money- until
their dealer, MAXINE, offers an easier way to get rich quick...
Staring: Paul Castero, Ro Mack, Ilana Mollick,
McKenzie Trent, Matt Tester, Raymond Guarnieri and Tilke Hill.
The official trailer which provides a great sense
of what this film is all about (including some great looking footage at a rave)...
--------
The Buffalo International Film Festival has made
early bird tickets available for both films until August 4th
– afterwards regular prices will apply (however the festival offers discounts
for students, seniors, and members of the Buffalo Film Society)….
It's a light week around the multiplex (a weak weak as well too) - with two new art house movies opening at Eastern Hills, and the Sundance NEXT winner This is Martin Bonner bowing at the Screening Room for a brief run.
What are you going to see? Connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/buffalo.movieblog
@ The Art House
I'm So Excited - Coming off of 2011's heavy gender bending revenge thriller The Skin I Live In (which is amazing and hilarious, if you have a warped mind) - Pedro Almodovar is back with a much lighter comedy about the crew and first class cabin of a doomed trans-Atlantic flight - we're pretty excited about this one too......
Screening: Dipson Amherst, Dipson Eastern Hills
Byzantium - Neil Jordan is also back, last time he graced Buffalo's cinema screens with his mermaid drama Ondine, this time the Interview with the Vampire director revisits the genre, tackling a mother-daughter vampire duo. Staring Saoirse Ronan, Gemma Arterton and Johnny Lee Miller.
Screening: Dipson Eastern Hills
This is Martin Bonner - I'm glad the title is so definitive, I'm not sure what this movie is about but it has my interest - winner of the best of Sundance's low budget NEXT category.
Screening: The Screening Room
@ The Multiplex
(Opening 7/31)
Smurfs 2 - I didn't realize the first Smurfs was a big hit - it was (let's not go there). This one looks (well you can see for yourself).....
Screening: Dipson Market Arcade, Dipson Flix, Regal Elmwood, AMC Maple Ridge, Regal Quaker Crossing, Regal Transit, Regal Hollywood 12
(Opening 8/2)
Two Guns - Contraband (and Jar City) director Baltasar Kormakur is back with what looks like a fairly fun action comedy staring Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, and (Mrs. Robin Thicke) Paula Patton.
