Events At Cinema Paradiso
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: Jan Mitchell / Jan Mitchell & Associates Cell: 954-649-0258, email: janpubpromo@yahoo,com JULY 2009 CALENDAR OF FILMS AND EVENTS AT CINEMA PARADISO, FORT LAUDERDALE Cinema Paradiso, is operated year-round by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. Below is a calendar of events. Cinema Paradiso Location Details and Advance Ticket Sales www.FLIFF.com or 954-525-FILM (3456) FILM & EVENTS SCHEDULE Wednesday, July 1 Cinema A La Mode 5:00PM Happy Hour / 6:00PM Cooking Class / 7:00PM Movie General Admission $9.00 | Seniors and Students $7.00 | FLIFF Members $5.00 With the French Film Festival just weeks away, Cinema Paradiso is kicking off the new monthly series, Cinema A La Mode. The evening starts off with a 2 for 1 Happy Hour followed by a demonstration of how to prepare crepes, by Cinema Paradiso’s own Chef Michelle. The feature presentation will be the sinfully delicious romance "Chocolat", starring Juliet Binoche, Judy Dench, Alfred Molina, Lena Olin and Johnny Depp. About Chef Michelle Michelle’s passion for the culinary arts began at a young age while watching her two grandmothers’ cook. After living in Italy and visiting most of Europe with her diplomatic family, she began cooking upon her return to the U.S. helping with her Aunt’s catering business. Her dream of owning and being the chef of a restaurant came true with “Roma De Noche” in Cancun, Mexico from 1999 -2001. Michelle has been in the culinary arts for 25 years. Recently catering events for Miami Short Film Festival and Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. July 3 - July 8 WHATEVER WORKS – The new Woody Allen film Friday, July 3, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 8:15 PM, 9:50 PM General Admission $9.00 | Seniors and Students $7.00 | FLIFF Members $5.00 From Woody Allen, Whatever Works, is a comedy follows an eccentric New Yorker (Larry David) who abandons his upper class life to lead a more bohemian existence. He meets a young girl from the South and her family and no two people seem to get along in the entanglements that follow. Also starring Evan Rachel and Wood, Ed Begley Jr. July 3 – 7 JULIA Friday, July 3, 5:00 PM General Admission $9.00 | Seniors and Students $7.00 | FLIFF Members $5.00 Julia, 40, is an alcoholic. She is a manipulative, unreliable, compulsive liar, all strung out beneath her still flamboyant exterior. Between shots of vodka and one-night stands, Julia gets by on nickel-and-dime jobs. Increasingly lonely, the only consideration she receives comes from her friend Mitch, who tries to help her. But she shrugs him off, as her alcohol-induced confusion daily reinforces her sense that life has dealt her a losing hand and that she is not to blame for the mess she has made of it. Glimpsing imminent perdition, and after a chance encounter with Elena, a Mexican woman, Julia convinces herself - as much in panic and despair as for financial gain - to commit a violent act. As the story unfolds, Julia's journey becomes a headlong flight on a collision course, but somehow she makes the choice of life over death. Starring Tilda Swinton, Saul Rubinek, Kate del Castillo. Saturday, July 4 10:00 AM - FAB! Films for Kids The Spirit of America will be celebrated with the Animated Academy Award nominated "An American Tail". Following the movie, the holiday is kicked off with Hot Dogs and Burgers in the Courtyard. Plus, a prize will be awarded for the kid that shows the best Red, White, and Blue spirit. FAB! Films for Kids is a free monthly event featuring films for families followed by an activity for kids and sponsored by Funding Arts of Broward and presented by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. July 9 – 12 & 14 Thursday, July 9, 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM General Admission $9.00 | Seniors and Students $7.00 | FLIFF Members $5.00 'Every Little Step' explores the incredible journey of 'A Chorus Line,' from ambitious idea to international phenomenon. Through 15 years of continuous performances from the 70's to 90's and a revival beginning last year, 'A Chorus Line' has touched generations around the world with stories so poignant, they could only have come from truth. The film goes behind the scenes with exclusive interviews and footage of the revival's audition process, revealing the dramatic journey of the performers, and unfolding the story of life imitating art. The film compares and contrasts the original musical with the current revival. It investigates the societies in which they've debuted, and why the themes are so timeless and universal. A monthly film event starting with Brunch and followed by an independent or foreign film and discussionfacilitated by Shelly Issacs, an instructor of foreign language film appreciation at Florida International University, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Presented this Sunday is, VIVA LALDJERIE, a 2004 film from Algeria. The film tells the story of old and young in Algeria through a mother and daughter hiding out in a hotel from local terrorists. Monday July 13 & Saturday July 18 I PURITANI -Opera in Cinema Monday, July 13, 7:00 PM General Admission $20 | FLIFF Members $18 Performed by the Teatro Comunale di Bologna ans part of Italy’s Grand Operas Series, I Puritani is the story of love between Elvira and Arturo amidst the English civil war of the 1640s. Elvira's hand has been promised to Sir Richard Forth, whom she does not love. Instead, she is madly in love with Arturo Talbo. Realizing his niece's sadness, Sir Giorgio convinces her father, Lord Gualtiero, to allow her to marry Arturo. At the wedding celebration, Arturo discovers that Queen Enrichetta is a prisoner in the castle. By covering the queen in a wedding veil, Arturo helps the Queen escape from the castle. Meanwhile, Elvira thinks that she has been abandoned. In the end, Arturo and Elvira are reunited to live in happiness. Conducted by: Paolo Vero | Directed by: Michele Mariotti | Cast: Ugo Guagliardo, Nino Machaidze, Yolanda Auyanet, Juan Diego Florez, Celso Albelo July 17 - 19 Friday, July 17, 6:00 PM General Admission $9.00 | Seniors and Students $7.00 | FLIFF Members $5.00 The story of the Women of the Wall is a test case for the deprived status of women in Israeli public life. The film is an outcry protesting religious coercion and the violent silencing of women. It's a film that raises many questions about the battle of the sexes within the religious Jewish world. July 17 - 19 AFGHAN STAR Friday, July 17, 8:00PM General Admission $9.00 | Seniors and Students $7.00 | FLIFF Members $5.00 Winner Audience and Directing Award - 2009 Sundance Film Festival In Afghanistan you risk your life to sing. After thirty years of war and five devastating years of Taliban rule, pop culture is beginning to return to the country. Since 2005, millions have been tuning in to Tolo TV’s wildly popular American Idol-style series Afghan Star. Like its Western predecessors, people compete for a cash prize and record deal. More surprisingly, the contest is open to everyone across the country despite gender, ethnicity or age. Two thousand people audition, including three extremely brave women. And when viewers vote for their favorites via cell phone, it is, for many, their first encounter with the democratic process. Saturday, July 25, 2:00PM Stravinsky & The Ballets Russes General Admission $15 / FLIFF Members $10 / Students under 16 $8 General Admission $15 / FLIFF Members $12 Friday, July 24 BACK TO BACK ROCK OPERAS Admission: $5 each film. In the tradition of Cinema Paradiso’s monthly Rocky Horror Pictureshow, Repo! The Genetic Opera features shadow cast Midnight Cinema. This marks first shadow cast performance of Repo! The Gentic Opera in the nation ! REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA takes place In the year 2056 -- the not so distant future -- an epidemic of organ failures devastates the planet. Out of the tragedy, a savior emerges: GeneCo, a biotech company that offers organ transplants... for a price. Those who miss their payments are scheduled for repossession and hunted by villainous Repo Men. In a world where surgery addicts are hooked on painkilling drugs and murder is sanctioned by law, a sheltered young girl searches for the cure to her own rare disease as well as information about her family's mysterious history. After being sucked into the haunting world of GeneCo, she is unable to turn back, as all of her questions will be answered at the wildly anticipated spectacular event: The Genetic Opera. ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is a Rock and Roll party with a full bar, a Transvestite floor show and the live cast with all the feathers and sequins you can shake a stick at. "Don't Dream It Be It !" -Alexandra Gronskaya (The Queen) 6:00PM - MIAMI VICE 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY Admission: Free with donation of hair care products to be donated to the Broward Partnership for the Homeless Come dressed in your best 1980's South Florida attire as we celebrate 25 years of Crocket and Tubbs and the rest of the gang that redefined South Florida and Television. Included will be a screening of the original pilot episode, a silent auction of Miami Vice paraphernalia, plus other surprises. Saturday, July 25 THE AUTEUR EXPLOSION 9:00PM – 2:00AM Admission: $5 The monthly showcase produced by Underlab Studios, showcases the local creative community and the flavor of the South Florida culture. On July 25, local artists, musicians and filmmakers strut their stuff with a 1980's theme to compliment The Miami Vice 25th Anniversary Party. July 30 – August 2 (COMPLETE SCHEDULE ATTACHED) THE 8TH ANNUAL PERRIER FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL Thursday, July 30, 6:00PM Soiree, 7:00PM Film Friday, July 31, 6:00PM & 8:00PM Saturday, Aug 1, 10:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:00PM. 5:00PM, 7:00PM & 9:00PM Sunday, Aug 2, 10AM Café Cinematheque, 2:00PM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM, 7:00PM Wrap Party Admission: Opening Night Film & Party $25 non-members and $15 for FLIFF members. Closing Night Film & Wrap Party: $15 General Admission and $10 FLIFF Members Café Cinetheque and Films Only: $10 general Admission, $8 Seniors & Students, $5 FLIFF Members Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) takes you to France from the comfort of their plush, stadium style seating at Cinema Paradiso, as the 8TH Annual Perrier French Film Festival lifts off July 30 – August 2, 2009. Over 12 French films will be featured over the four-day fest featuring an eclectic array of historical dramas, scenic adventures, and side-splitting comedies. As no one does funny like the French, FLIFF will open and close with a heavy dose of laughter. The fest opener on July 30 is HELLO GOODBYE, starring Gérard Depardieu (Cyrano de Bergerac) and Fanny Ardant (The Secrets) in a romantic comedy about a married Jewish couple that undergo an identity crisis when their only son marries a Catholic girl. They decide to move from their home in Paris to Israel only to face the bureaucratic miseries of relocating to a new country, putting their marriage to the test. Closing the fest on August 2 is A PAIN IN THE ASS(L'emmerdeur), the latest film from France’s master of comedy, writer-director Francis Veber (The Valet, The Closet, The Dinner Game), who again reveals the hapless Francois Pignon (Patrick Timsit) to audiences, this time as a hapless neurotic who’s unlucky in love. The films in between are just as entertaining including: GROWN UPS, a wistfully charming comedy about a single French father and his shy teenage daughter who each discover romance during a summer holiday. WELCOME a thrilling drama about a swim coach who trains a young refugee to help him swim the English Channel in order to join his lover. And, THE WEDDING SONG - Karin Albou's (Little Jerusalem) sophomore feature confirms her status as a rising star in this taboo-breaking, sensual and political story of a Muslim girl and a Jewish girl who bond intensely during the Nazi occupation. To give audiences the flavor of being in France, FLIFF will host their popular Opening Night Soiree with a sumptuous buffet of classic French cuisine. French wines and coffee will be featured throughout the four-days and the Closing Night Wrap Party will feature more casual French fare. # # #
503 SE 6 Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale, one block east of Broward County Courthouse on south bank of New River.
Saturday, July 4, 1:00 PM , 5:15 PM & 7:15 PM
Sunday, July 5, 3:15 PM & 7:15 PM
Monday, July 6, 8:00 PM
Tuesday, July 7, 6:00 PM
Wednesday, July 8. 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Saturday, July 4, 3:00 PM
Sunday, July 5, 1:00 PM & 5:15 PM
Monday, July 6, 5:45 PM
Tuesday, July 7, 8:00 PM
Admission: Free
EVERY LITTLE STEP
Friday, July 10, 5:45 PM , 8:00 PM & 9:45 PM
Saturday, July 11, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Sunday, July 12, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Tuesday, July 14, 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, July 12
10:00 AM - CAFE CINEMATHEQUE INTERNATIONAL
General Admission $10 | FLIFF Members $8
Saturday, July 18, 2:00 PM
PRAYING IN HER OWN VOICE
Saturday, July 18, 7:30 PM
Sunday, July 19, 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM
This powerful film documents the courageous struggle of a religious women’s group called Women of the Wall, movement for equality, next to the wailing wall - perhaps the holiest place on earth for Jews.
Playing with short film - Today You Are A Fountain Pen
Set in 1989, during the historical week in which the Berlin Wall came tumbling down. The film is a poignant story about a unique relationship between a grandfather and his grandson before the boys Bar Mitzvah. The grandfather teaches the boy a small lesson about growing up, while the boy helps the grandfather, a holocaust survivor, open up and tell his story, for the first time. Stars Len Lesser (Uncle Leo) from Seinfeld.
Saturday, July 18, 5:30 PM
Sunday, July 19, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Winner of the Directing and Audience Awards in Sundance’s 2009 World Documentary competition, Havana Marking’s timely and moving film follows the dramatic stories of four young finalists—two men and two women—as they hazard everything to become the nation’s favorite performer. By observing the Afghani people's relationship to its pop culture, Afghan Star is the perfect window into a country’s tenuous, ongoing struggle for modernity. What Americans consider frivolous entertainment is downright revolutionary—and more human—in this troubled part of the world.
July 21 & 25
STRAVINSKY & THE BALLETS RUSSES (Ballet)
Tuesday, July 21, 7:00pm
An evening of one-act ballets on the music by Igor Stravinsky featuring "The Firebird", "The Rite of Spring", and "The Wedding". As part of the "From Russia With Dance" series, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and Emerging Pictures present the world's most famous ballet company in HD, in the comfort of Cinema Paradiso's plush comfortable seating right here in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Wednesday, July 22
6:30PM - SENSES OF CINEMA Food, Film, Wine, and Discussion
The evening begins at 6:30pm as we celebrate Asia with a sampling of foods from the Far East with a glass of wine. At 7:30pm enjoy the award winning film BLIND SHAFT, introduced by Shelly Isaacs and presented with English subtitles. Following the film, join Shelly for his post screening commentary. BLIND SHAFT, by director Li Yang is a thriller from China, is about two Chinese coal miners who have hit upon the perfect scam: murder one of their fellow mine workers, make the death look like an accident, and extort money from the boss to keep the incident hushed up. For their latest "mark," they choose a naive teenager from a small village, and as they prepare to carry out their newest plan, things start to get complicated.
10:00 PM Repo! The Genetic Opera
11:55 PM Rocky Horror Picture Show
Featuring live shadow cast performers!
Saturday, July 25
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
Announces the 8th Annual Perrier French Film Festival
Fort Lauderdale, FL – June 16, 2009 - Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) in conjunction with The French Consulate-Miami, take you to France from the comfort of their plush, stadium style seating at Cinema Paradiso, as the 8TH Annual Perrier French Film Festival lifts off July 30 – August 2, 2009.
Twelve (12) French films will be featured over the four-day fest featuring an eclectic array of historical dramas, scenic adventures, and side-splitting comedies. As no one does funny like the French, FLIFF will open and close with a heavy dose of laughter.
The fest opener on July 30 is HELLO GOODBYE, starring Gérard Depardieu (Cyrano de Bergerac) andFanny Ardant (The Secrets) in a romantic comedy about a married Jewish couple that undergo an identity crisis when their only son marries a Catholic girl. They decide to move from their home in Paris to Israelonly to face the bureaucratic miseries of relocating to a new country, putting their marriage to the test.
Closing the fest on August 2 is A PAIN IN THE ASS (L'emmerdeur), the latest film from France’s master of comedy, writer-director Francis Veber (The Valet, The Closet, The Dinner Game), who again reveals the hapless Francois Pignon (Patrick Timsit) to audiences, this time as a hapless neurotic who’s unlucky in love.
The films in between are just as entertaining including: GROWN UPS, a wistfully charming comedy about coming of age – at any age. WELCOME, suspenseful romantic thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. And, THE WEDDING SONG - Karin Albou's (Little Jerusalem) sophomore feature confirms her status as a rising star in this taboo-breaking, sensual and political story of a Muslim girl and a Jewish girl who bond intensely during the Nazi occupation.
There’s even a film for families sponsored by Funding Arts of Broward – THE RED BALLOON, followed by a French language activity.
To give audiences the flavor of being in France, FLIFF will host their popular Opening Night Soiree with a sumptuous buffet of classic French cuisine. French wines and coffee will be featured throughout the four-days and the Closing Night Wrap Party will feature more casual French fare including a Chocolate Fountain.
Admission:
- Opening Night Film & Party: $25 non-members and $15 for FLIFF members.
- Closing Night Film & Wrap Party: $15 General Admission and $10 FLIFF Members.
- Café Cinematheque : $10 general Admission, $8 FLIFF Members
- FAB! Films for Kids: FREE!
- Films Only: $10 general Admission, $8 Seniors & Students, $5 FLIFF Members
Details and Advance Ticket Sales: www.FLIFF.com or 954-525-FILM (3456)
Cinema Paradiso location
503 SE 6 Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale, one block east of Broward County Courthouse on south bank of New River.
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Highlights
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival with director Rob Margolies
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival 2008 Best Film Winner
RESEÑA DE LA PELICULA PARAISO TRAVEL
RESEÑA DE LA PELICULA PARAISO TRAVEL Presentada en el Festival Internacional de Cine de Fort Lauderdale del 15 de Octubre al 11 de Noviembre de 2008. ParaÃso Travel, basada en el exitoso libro del mismo nombre escrito por Jorge Franco, quien también escribió el guión junto con Juan Rendón, ha tenido un éxito total en este Festival que ya conocemos como FLIFF. Muy buena dirección de parte de Simon Brand, quien logra visualizar las escenas de una manera conmovedora. Relata la historia de Marlon Cruz, (Aldemar Correa) un muchacho de MedellÃn, quien es seducido por Reina, (Angelica Blandon) quien tiene la fiebre del sueño americano. Marlon, no muy convencido, pero débil de carácter, se deja llevar por Reina, una mujer manipuladora, con una meta fija y no deja que nada se atraviese en su camino. Inclusive Marlon renuncia a todo lo que tiene valor para el, para irse a Nueva York, cruzando por México en un viaje muy arriesgado. Al llegar a Nueva York sin dinero y nada de lo que les habÃan prometido, el sueño americano se convierte en pesadilla cuando la pareja se separa accidentalmente, y esta terrible y desconocida ciudad de hierro se traga a Marlon, quien a punto de morir de hambre y de frÃo, es rescatado por compatriotas generosos. Marlon, completamente iluso y vulnerable se propone encontrar a Reina, pase lo que pase. Al final, Marlon ha sido transformado por las duras lecciones de la vida de un inmigrante ilegal. Otros personajes en esta historia revelan esta terrible verdad: Raquel (Margarita Rosa de Francisco), y Milagros (Ana de la Reguera). Todas las actuaciones son fenomenales. Le recomiendo que vaya a ver esta pelÃcula. 5 de 5 estrellas Reseña escrita por LucÃa Obregón
Kassim 'The Dream" Ouma Interview
BART GOT A ROOM-FLIFF
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Mini Reviews
FT. LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST- Mini Reviews
(www.fliff.com)
By John Delia
The following are quick reviews and descriptions of some of the films playing at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in the coming weeks. Please consult HYPERLINK "http://WWW.FLIFF.COM" WWW.FLIFF.COM for more information as to prices, locations and time of screenings.
KASSIM THE DREAM
Directed By: Kief Davidson
One of the most shattering documentaries at this year's FLIFF, Kassim the Dream brings viewers into the world of Ugandan-born boxer Kassim Ouma, the 29-year-old former Int'l Boxing Federation light-middleweight champion, and his struggle with his deadly past. Abducted from school at the age of 6 and forced to become a child soldier, Ouma fought in the National Resistance Army during Uganda's harrowing “bush war” in the 80's, engaging in brutal acts that still haunt him to this day. Later, he discovered boxing and fled for the U.S. to try his hand at going pro. Since then, under the tutelage of his manager Tom Moran (whom he affectionately calls “Uncle Tom”), Ouma has become not only a renowned athlete but also an outspoken advocate for African issues.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The amazing cinematography and heartfelt story are worth a look. (4 of 5 stars) Runs October 29
CAIO BELLA
Directed By: Mani Masserat-Aghat
Mustafa, a Swede of Iranian descent is sixteen years old and his most intense wish is to lose his virginity. But all the girls at home in Gothenburg's middle class suburbia seem to think of him as a kind and considerate “nice enough Turk” and “just a friend” and prospects look bad… until the day he accidentally stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime. When Mustafa travels to Gothenburg's summer youth soccer tournament with his high school team, a clever series of events results in him playing on the Italian side. The confident, attractive Italians attract gaggles of gorgeous Swedish girls. Renamed Massimo by teammate Enrico, Mustafa is transformed into a Latin lover.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Well acted, the coming of age storyline makes the film enjoyable to watch. (3.5 of 5 stars) October 29 and October 30
OCEAN
Directed By: Mikhail Kosyrev – Nesterov
At a small fishing village on the shores of Cuba Joel, the oldest brother in the traditional fisherman family is deeply in love with Marisel. By chance, Joel learns that his fiancé got married to someone her family prefers. Heartbroken he moves to Havana. Full of hope to find a new life, he is impatient to try his luck in the big city, only to discover more betrayals and disappointments. Tragic confrontation leads to Joel's fall from the grace bringing even more drama into his young life.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This Russian made Cuban film is both heartfelt and tragic. It reminded me of the exasperation exhibited in City of God. (3 of 5 stars) October 29 and October 30
CAPERS
Directed By: Julian Mark Kheel
Three teams of criminals share the same Brooklyn block, but each exists in a separate genre of film. The Amateurs are trapped in a 1970's anti-hero movie. The Sputniks live in black and white. The Moolies can't escape their rap video life. But they all share a hatred of Connie, a racist local pawn shop owner and mafia widow. So when Connie has a heart attack, each team decides it's time to find out what's inside her legendary safe. Unfortunately they all plan their big score for the same night...
FINAL ANALYSIS: My pick for best comedy in the festival. Capers pulls out all the stops for laughs and chaos. (5 of 5 stars) November 1
LOST EVERYTHING
Directed By: Kim St. Leon
A closeted movie star arrives in Miami, and immediately begins a steamy love affair with a hot South Beach bartender. His manager tries to “protect” his image by running interference against the reporter hell-bent on outing her client. A happy gay couple faces a televangelist, as a tormented hit man observes them from afar. A glammed-up Diva Crime-boss, and a hooker with a heart of gold complete this multi plot line thriller. As the storylines begin to cross and spiral out of control, lives begin to unravel and sizzle in the scorching, South Florida sun. Lost Everything is a controversial, multi-plot line thriller that takes you on a ninety minute roller coaster ride of celebrity outing, deception, and undying love against all odds. Some people will do anything… to keep the things they have.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Probably the most intriguing and thought provoking film in the festival. (4 of 5 stars) November 1
TERROR INSIDE
Directed By Jozef Lenders
A well driller unearths a strange substance that changes the lives of everyone in the small town of Montverde. Townsfolk are unaware as they are exposed to the primordial virus. The illness alters each victim's deepest instincts for survival and reverses their sense of pain and pleasure. Fear takes hold, as love becomes hate with bloody consequences. As university researchers fall ill an opportunity for profiteers brings more danger to the small town. A handful of survivors must fight more than just the disease to stay alive.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Slips in directing, a weak gory storyline and amateur acting, make the film hard to watch. (1 of 5 stars) November 2
SATELLITES & METEORITES
Directed By: Rick Larkin
A quirky love story set in the subconscious imagination of two coma patients after a car accident in which they were both involved. Having never met prior to the accident, Daniel and Lucinda literally have a meeting of minds as they start down the windy road of romance, however, when the hospital where they both lie asleep tries to wake them up, they have to fight to stay in their dream, and to stay together.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A different kind of love story with a heavenly twist. (3.5 of 5 stars) November 3
TAOS
Directed By: Brandon Schmid
John works round-the-clock as a corporate attorney in a large Washington D.C. law firm, trading his nights and weekends for extra cash and the promise of a secure future. Lyndsey, John's girlfriend, wants more. She's blue-blood, well-bred and has plans for John as soon as he accepts a job with her father's bank. On his way to Aspen for her family's Christmas holidays, John's car breaks down alongside a lonely highway in northern New Mexico. Stranded in Taos for repairs, old wounds surface and new perspectives emerge as John gets caught up in the events of the mystical town. Lost in the high mesa of the desert southwest – where life finds its balance – John must decide if dreams can truly become reality.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Although a good plot with fair acting, the film seems to play out in slow motion. (2 of 5 stars) November 5
PLAY THE GAME
Directed By: Mark Fienberg
A ladies' man, David (Paul Campbell), teaches his dating tricks to his lonely, widowed grandfather Joe (Andy Griffith). But as David's games begin to fail him, Grandpa quickly transforms into the Don Juan of the retirement community. Slowly, the teacher becomes the student, and it's up to Grandpa to teach David that the best way to win the game of love is not to play games at all. But both David and Grandpa may have met their match in more ways than one…
Andy Griffith and Paul Campbell have great chemistry and look like they had a lot of fun making the film.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The festival saves a great one for the final week with this touching comedy. Andy Griffith still has it with a heart-warming performance at 82 years of age. (4.5 of 5) November 5 and November 6
I DO AND I DON’T
Directed By: Steve Blair
Three weeks before their wedding, Bob and Cheryl discover they have not taken the pre-marital classes required by their Catholic church. Their pastor arranges private classes for them with the Stelmacks, a couple whose seventeen-year marriage is the definition of dysfunctional lunacy. Unfortunately the Stelmacks are determined to enlighten them, and encourage indiscriminate “sharing.” As the wedding approaches, Bob and Cheryl's emotional and physical scars accumulate.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The funny little romantic comedy shows well on the big screen. I loved all the screw-ups by the groom. (3.5 of 5 stars) November 7 and November 8
FLING
Directed By: John Stewart Muller
By all appearances, Samantha and Mason are the picture perfect couple: young, attractive, successful and madly in love. At her sister's idyllic spring wedding, Samantha finds herself irresistibly drawn back into the arms of her dashing ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile, Mason barely thwarts the flirtatious advances of his best friend's 18-year-old sister. But when Samantha confesses her affair, Mason's reaction is not quite what you would expect. So begins "Fling", a lively, sexy and provocative exploration of young adults navigating the hazards of an open relationship.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This modern love story has a great plot, wonderful actors and a 90’s romantically tragic ending. (4 of 5 stars) November 7
THE MAP READER
Directed By: Harold Brodie
Sixteen-year-old Michael escapes the realities of his small-town New Zealand life by immersing himself within a world of maps. Yet his seemingly happy isolation is broken by the serendipitous arrival of two young women into his life. Mary is twenty and blind from birth, on the verge of voyaging into the world on her own. Alison is Michael's peer, whose grace betrays darker secrets. Suspended beside it all is Michael's single mother Amelia, who cherishes her son, while simultaneously pushing him away.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A charming coming of age film that has excellent acting and direction. (4 of 5 stars) November 8
STRENGTH AND HONOR
Directed By: Mark Mahon
The story of an Irish-American boxer, Sean Kelleher, who accidentally kills his friend in the ring, promises his wife that he will never box again. However, years later, circumstances force him to take back that promise in order to save everything he loves.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Great character build up, a good story and impressive acting make this heart wrenching film a winner. (4.5 of 5 stars) November 8 and November 9
PANTS ON FIRE
Directed By: Colin Campbell
Brad Spoofer is a compulsive liar who moved to LA to become a star. But he's a dismal failure. His only clam to fame comes with being an extra in movie Dusty Town. When his hometown buddies surprise him with a visit, he pretends to be the next big thing. Thanks to a housesitting gig in Bel Air, he keeps the lie going, until he foolishly claims to be friends with Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite. Now his friends want to meet their idol. Meanwhile, Brad's fallen for Lucy, a cute painter. As his lies multiply and his checks bounce, he has to dodge creditors, woo the girl, and somehow, deliver Pedro.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The running gags of Dusty Town, a couch that won’t fit through the door of his apartment, a bouncing check, a pirate gig and more, make this film a fun watch. (3 of 5) November 8.
BART GOT A ROOM
Directed By: Brian Hecker
"What other evening in your life is as big? Maybe your wedding, but odds are that's gonna end in divorce anyway," says Danny's best friend Craig as the two nerdy pals lounge poolside in the Florida community they call home. The night in question is the Prom, of course, and high school senior Danny Stein wants what any reasonable young man wants on prom night - to get to home plate with the perfect girl. He's got the hotel, the limo, and the tux, and his recently divorced, slightly dysfunctional parents are rooting for him. He's only missing one thing -- the girl.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A great closing night choice with witty performances by William H. Macy, Steven J. Kaplan, Cheryl Hines, and Alia Shawkat. This teenage angst film was shot entirely in Broward County with a lot of familiar locations. Don’t miss it. (5 of 5 stars) November 9 (Plays twice)
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