World's Greatest Dad
Run time: 98 minutes
Director/Screenwriter: Bobcat Goldthwait
Cast: Robin Williams, Daryl Sabara, Alexie Gilmore, Tom Kenny, Geoffrey Pierson, Henry Simmons, Mitzi Mccall, Tony V
Theater: Prospector Square Theater
Synopsis and review (by David Courier in the Sundance Film Guide):
As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. In World’s Greatest Dad, a wickedly funny dark comedy, Lance Clayton (Robin Williams) discovers that what he covets most in life may not be what makes him happy, and being lonely is not necessarily the same as being alone.
Lance is a high school poetry teacher who dreams of becoming a rich and famous writer. A single father, he tries desperately to connect with his teenage son, Kyle (Daryl Sabara), an insolent, hormone-raging smartass who defies his dad at every turn. Lance exercises his own hormones with Claire (Alexie Gilmore), a painfully adorable art teacher who may have her eyes on a bigger prize. After a freak accident, Lance suddenly faces both the worst tragedy in his life, and the greatest opportunity. Determined to make lemonade from life’s lemons, Lance treads a path that could land him everything he’s ever dreamed of, as long as he can live with the knowledge of how he got there.
Alexie Gilmore is cheeky and Daryl Sabara is droll incarnate, but it’s the outstanding performance by Robin Williams that propels World’s Greatest Dad. Writer/director and longtime-comedian Bobcat Goldthwait returns to Sundance with another lusciously perverse, and refreshingly original comedy that tackles love, loss, and our curious quest for infamy.
Thoughts and observations:
Who knew that Bobcat Goldthwait could be something other than irritating and annoying? I certainly didn’t think he was capable of writing and directing such an original movie.
Bobcat Goldthwait was at the movie as was Alexie Gilmore, Daryl Sabara and numerous other cast members. He was funny, humble (maybe honestly so) and irreverent. He seemed genuinely touched by the audience’s reaction and praise for his body of work and for this film in particular.
In the same way that I was skeptical about seeing Jim Carrey in I Love You Phillip Morris¸ I was hesitant to see Robin Williams in such a dramatic role. I haven’t been crazy about some of his other serious films (One Hour Photo, for instance). But, Williams was funny, dramatic and totally captivating in this film. It is quite possibly his greatest film to date.
Taking Chance
Run time: 85 minutes
Director: Ross Katz
Screenwriter: Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl (ret.), Ross Katz
Cast: Kevin Bacon
Music: Marcelo Zarvos
Cinematography: Alar Kivilo
Theater: Eccles Theater
Synopsis and review (by Geoffrey Gilmore in the Sundance Film Guide):
You might presume that yet another film about the war in Iraq couldn’t possibly reveal anything new, and that, regardless, you can anticipate its message from what is almost always a clearly defined ideological point of view: Left or Right, pro- or antiwar, pro-administration or opposed. But you would be wrong. Taking Chance is, without question, one of the most powerful and vital films ever made about Iraq – or, for that matter, the military – and yet its potency comes not from melodramatic or political statements but simply from its reality and execution.
The true story of a Marine who volunteers to escort the remains of a 19-year-old killed in Iraq to his family in a small Wyoming town, the film is based on a book by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl. It is in every sense a personal narrative, beautifully presented by first-time filmmaker Ross Katz - who was heretofore an accomplished producer and now makes a remarkable debut as a director.
Fueled by an outstanding performance by Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance is about respect, about death and sadness, about honor and the military fraternity, and about the American community during a time of tragedy. It is an extraordinary film from any perspective.
Thoughts and observations:
Let me start by saying I am not a Kevin Bacon fan. From the first movie I saw him in (Footloose), I have never found Bacon appealing as an actor. Bacon’s recent turn in Frost/Nixon had me beginning to believe that perhaps I didn’t dislike him as much as I thought. Now I know that is true. Bacon was wonderful in this film. A film about the war in Iraq could have easily and quickly turned political and been used as a vehicle for expressing personal opinions regarding the Iraq war. This movie never interjected a political agenda or position and, for that, I am eternally grateful because this movie was brilliant and, if it had become a political statement, the movie would not have been so powerful. This movie was beautifully and brilliantly directed with a lush score and lovely cinematography. I haven’t seen a movie like this since I can’t remember when. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see this movie but I’m so glad that I didn’t miss it. It’s a movie that shouldn’t be missed because it’s one of the best films to come around in a long time. The audience gave it standing ovations and you just don’t see that much in a movie theater anymore.
Kevin Bacon, Ross Katz, Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl (ret.), Marcelo Zarvos, Alar Kivilo were all at the Q&A.
I was very tired and really didn’t know if I was going to be up for the movie tonight. Lisa and Ron were going to see Passing Strange, the Spike Lee movie, but I wanted to see either The Killing Room or The Vicious Kind. I decided to see The Vicious Kind because I could drive to the theater and park across the street.
The Vicious Kind
Run time: 92 minutes
Director/Screenwriter: Lee Toland Krieger
Cast: Adam Scott, Brittany Snow, Alex Frost, J.K. Simmons
Theater: Library
Synopsis and review (by Rosie Wong in the Sundance Film Guide):
In his second feature film, director Lee Krieger presents a redemption tale focused on Caleb Sinclaire, a bitter construction worker whose life is turned upside down one Thanksgiving weekend.
Estranged from his family, Caleb lives an isolated, but contented, life. Following a difficult breakup, he becomes scornful toward women and wears his disdain as a badge of honor. Caleb’s resolve is tested, however, when he meets his younger brother Peter’s new girlfriend, Emma. Immediately distrustful of her, Caleb warns Peter that she will only end up hurting him. Despite his efforts to protect his brother, he finds himself drawn to Emma and surprised by his growing attraction, Caleb’s unexpected feelings force him finally to confront the vulnerability he has struggled so long to conceal.
Adam Scott gives an inspired performance as Caleb, a misanthrope not only prone to angry diatribes but also susceptible to flashes of naked frailty. Superbly shot, and supported by a lush score and hip soundtrack, The Vicious Kind offers a glimpse into the soul of a damaged man whose obstinate defense mechanisms are laid bare by his fractured relationships.
Notes and observations:
After reading the review in the Sundance Film Guide, I expected to be more moved by this movie. Adam Scott does give a great performance but, unfortunately, the story was not one that captured me more.
Lee Krieger, the director and screenwriter, was at the Q&A. He talked about how he came up with the script and I enjoyed hearing him speak.
Director/Screenwriter: Bobcat Goldthwait
Cast: Robin Williams, Daryl Sabara, Alexie Gilmore, Tom Kenny, Geoffrey Pierson, Henry Simmons, Mitzi Mccall, Tony V
Theater: Prospector Square Theater
Synopsis and review (by David Courier in the Sundance Film Guide):
As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. In World’s Greatest Dad, a wickedly funny dark comedy, Lance Clayton (Robin Williams) discovers that what he covets most in life may not be what makes him happy, and being lonely is not necessarily the same as being alone.
Lance is a high school poetry teacher who dreams of becoming a rich and famous writer. A single father, he tries desperately to connect with his teenage son, Kyle (Daryl Sabara), an insolent, hormone-raging smartass who defies his dad at every turn. Lance exercises his own hormones with Claire (Alexie Gilmore), a painfully adorable art teacher who may have her eyes on a bigger prize. After a freak accident, Lance suddenly faces both the worst tragedy in his life, and the greatest opportunity. Determined to make lemonade from life’s lemons, Lance treads a path that could land him everything he’s ever dreamed of, as long as he can live with the knowledge of how he got there.
Alexie Gilmore is cheeky and Daryl Sabara is droll incarnate, but it’s the outstanding performance by Robin Williams that propels World’s Greatest Dad. Writer/director and longtime-comedian Bobcat Goldthwait returns to Sundance with another lusciously perverse, and refreshingly original comedy that tackles love, loss, and our curious quest for infamy.
Thoughts and observations:
Who knew that Bobcat Goldthwait could be something other than irritating and annoying? I certainly didn’t think he was capable of writing and directing such an original movie.
Bobcat Goldthwait was at the movie as was Alexie Gilmore, Daryl Sabara and numerous other cast members. He was funny, humble (maybe honestly so) and irreverent. He seemed genuinely touched by the audience’s reaction and praise for his body of work and for this film in particular.
In the same way that I was skeptical about seeing Jim Carrey in I Love You Phillip Morris¸ I was hesitant to see Robin Williams in such a dramatic role. I haven’t been crazy about some of his other serious films (One Hour Photo, for instance). But, Williams was funny, dramatic and totally captivating in this film. It is quite possibly his greatest film to date.
Taking Chance
Run time: 85 minutes
Director: Ross Katz
Screenwriter: Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl (ret.), Ross Katz
Cast: Kevin Bacon
Music: Marcelo Zarvos
Cinematography: Alar Kivilo
Theater: Eccles Theater
Synopsis and review (by Geoffrey Gilmore in the Sundance Film Guide):
You might presume that yet another film about the war in Iraq couldn’t possibly reveal anything new, and that, regardless, you can anticipate its message from what is almost always a clearly defined ideological point of view: Left or Right, pro- or antiwar, pro-administration or opposed. But you would be wrong. Taking Chance is, without question, one of the most powerful and vital films ever made about Iraq – or, for that matter, the military – and yet its potency comes not from melodramatic or political statements but simply from its reality and execution.
The true story of a Marine who volunteers to escort the remains of a 19-year-old killed in Iraq to his family in a small Wyoming town, the film is based on a book by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl. It is in every sense a personal narrative, beautifully presented by first-time filmmaker Ross Katz - who was heretofore an accomplished producer and now makes a remarkable debut as a director.
Fueled by an outstanding performance by Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance is about respect, about death and sadness, about honor and the military fraternity, and about the American community during a time of tragedy. It is an extraordinary film from any perspective.
Thoughts and observations:
Let me start by saying I am not a Kevin Bacon fan. From the first movie I saw him in (Footloose), I have never found Bacon appealing as an actor. Bacon’s recent turn in Frost/Nixon had me beginning to believe that perhaps I didn’t dislike him as much as I thought. Now I know that is true. Bacon was wonderful in this film. A film about the war in Iraq could have easily and quickly turned political and been used as a vehicle for expressing personal opinions regarding the Iraq war. This movie never interjected a political agenda or position and, for that, I am eternally grateful because this movie was brilliant and, if it had become a political statement, the movie would not have been so powerful. This movie was beautifully and brilliantly directed with a lush score and lovely cinematography. I haven’t seen a movie like this since I can’t remember when. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see this movie but I’m so glad that I didn’t miss it. It’s a movie that shouldn’t be missed because it’s one of the best films to come around in a long time. The audience gave it standing ovations and you just don’t see that much in a movie theater anymore.
Kevin Bacon, Ross Katz, Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl (ret.), Marcelo Zarvos, Alar Kivilo were all at the Q&A.
I was very tired and really didn’t know if I was going to be up for the movie tonight. Lisa and Ron were going to see Passing Strange, the Spike Lee movie, but I wanted to see either The Killing Room or The Vicious Kind. I decided to see The Vicious Kind because I could drive to the theater and park across the street.
The Vicious Kind
Run time: 92 minutes
Director/Screenwriter: Lee Toland Krieger
Cast: Adam Scott, Brittany Snow, Alex Frost, J.K. Simmons
Theater: Library
Synopsis and review (by Rosie Wong in the Sundance Film Guide):
In his second feature film, director Lee Krieger presents a redemption tale focused on Caleb Sinclaire, a bitter construction worker whose life is turned upside down one Thanksgiving weekend.
Estranged from his family, Caleb lives an isolated, but contented, life. Following a difficult breakup, he becomes scornful toward women and wears his disdain as a badge of honor. Caleb’s resolve is tested, however, when he meets his younger brother Peter’s new girlfriend, Emma. Immediately distrustful of her, Caleb warns Peter that she will only end up hurting him. Despite his efforts to protect his brother, he finds himself drawn to Emma and surprised by his growing attraction, Caleb’s unexpected feelings force him finally to confront the vulnerability he has struggled so long to conceal.
Adam Scott gives an inspired performance as Caleb, a misanthrope not only prone to angry diatribes but also susceptible to flashes of naked frailty. Superbly shot, and supported by a lush score and hip soundtrack, The Vicious Kind offers a glimpse into the soul of a damaged man whose obstinate defense mechanisms are laid bare by his fractured relationships.
Notes and observations:
After reading the review in the Sundance Film Guide, I expected to be more moved by this movie. Adam Scott does give a great performance but, unfortunately, the story was not one that captured me more.
Lee Krieger, the director and screenwriter, was at the Q&A. He talked about how he came up with the script and I enjoyed hearing him speak.
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