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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)

Film Lover’s Guide to the 2008 Ft Lauderdale Int’l Film Festival
By Denise Castillón

The on-going Ft Lauderdale Film Fest will gift festival-goers with a first-rate selection of special film screening events. Beginning this weekend with I‘VE LOVED YOU SO LONG and SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK, then, into next week with NOTTURNO BUS (Night Bus).

French novelist and literary professor, Philippe Claudel debuts as a scriptwriter and director with I‘VE LOVED YOU SO LONG (Il Y A Longtemps Que Je T’aime), starring Kristin Scott Thomas as a woman with a secret past hiding an unspeakable crime, who, after many years, reunites with her younger sister (played by Elsa Zylberstein). (French language, with English subtitles). A Sony Pictures Classics release.
Screens at FLIFF on Friday, October 24th, 7PM at AMC Coral Ridge.

Charlie Kaufman, the surrealist writer of “Being with John Malovich” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, makes his directorial debut with his latest scripted comedy SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK [pronounced Sih –NECK-doh-kee]. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as a regional theater director in Schenectady, who escapes his messy personal life by relocating to a New City warehouse, where he confines an ensemble cast to rehearse his latest play. Hoffman is supported by an impressive array of actors, such as Samantha Morton, Michelle Williams, Catherine Keener, Emily Watson, Dianne Wiest and Hope Davis. A Sony Pictures Classics release.
Screens at FLIFF on Saturday, October 25th, 7PM at AMC Coral Ridge

In NOTTURNO BUS (Night Bus), a noir-styled caper comedy from Italy, Franz is a night bus driver with a heavy gambling debt. During his airport destination route, he picks up Leila, a beautiful thief who has unknowingly stolen a top secret microchip. Together, they embark on a thrilling and zany adventure. (Italian language, with English subtitles).
Screens at FLIFF on Wednesday, October 29th, 7PM and Thursday, October 30, 7PM at AMC Coral Ridge

For more information, go to www.FLIFF.com

Film Lover’s Guide to the 2008 Ft Lauderdale Int’l Film Festival

By Denise Castillón
Here are recommendations for festival-goers attending FLIFF’s Opening Weekend, October 18th & 19th, for must-see indie arthouse, foreign language and/or documentary films:
From FLIFF’s American Independent Program:
THE 27 CLUB USA/Running Time: 85 min

“THE 27 CLUB” invites its audience to a moving drama about friendship and surviving loss. Though measured flashbacks, accompanied by an awesome original acoustical and lyrical soundtrack, the backstory reveals the path of two childhood friend’s to rock star fame that ends tragically.
Elliot (JOE ANDERSON) is devastated after his best friend and band mate Tom (JAMES FORGEY) dies from a drug overdose. By his death at age 27, Tom becomes the latest member of “the 27 Club”, and joins fellow famous musicians, such as Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain.

Desperate to escape his fame, an over-wrought Elliot hires a driver to take him from Los Angeles to New York for Tom’s funeral. Elliot’s journey across America enables him to eventually reclaim his humanity and his music.
Starring Joe Anderson (“Across the Universe”, “Control”), and James Forgey, who perform both as actors and musicians, and are supported by the excellent acting talents of David Emrich as “Three Words” and Eve Hewson (Bono’s daughter) as the beautiful hitchhiker, “Stella”.
Also appearing as the fictional bands’ talent managers are Alexie Gilmore, who is receiving the 2008 FLIFF Star On The Horizon Award, and Kyle Luker (Gilmore’s real-life manager).

Written, produced and directed by Erica Dunton. Cinematography by Stephen Thompson. Edited by Les Butler.
The director’s father, celebrated cinematographer and camera technician Joe Dunton, designed new 35mm anamorphic lenses to created the film’s very unique composition and very specific color palette.

Music composed by Michael Tremante, who also scored several award-winning independent feature films, (including “Village Barbershop” starring John Ratzenberger, also screening at FLIFF). Original music written and performed by Joe Anderson and James Forgey, (lead singer of electro-acoustic band, “Sleep Control”) as the fictional band “FINN”.

Also appearing in the film and performing are the “Down by the Wayside” Choir and Peter Stampfel, (one half of The Holy Modal Rounders, of the infamous “Fly Like a Bird” track from “Easy Rider.”).

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Screens on Sunday, October 19th, 2:55PM at Cinema Paradiso

View the Trailer for THE 27 CLUB

From FLIFF’s World Cinema Program:
A DEAL IS A DEAL (AKA “Three and Out”)

United Kingdom/ Running Time: 95 min

A warm-hearted comedy full of generous belly laughs, starring Mackenzie Crook, (“City of Ember”, BBC’s TV series, “The Office”), and Colm Meaney, (“Kings”, “Layer Cake”), as an oddly coupled two-some, who embark on a road trip. A good ear for British and Irish slang will ensure that you won’t miss any of the hilarious dialogue between these bickering buddies.
By unfortunate circumstances beyond his control, London subway driver, Paul (MACKENZIE CROOK), has run over two subway riders within weeks of each other. A remorseful Paul is advised by co-workers that if one more rider met their death beneath his subway car their company would offer him a payoff called “three and out”. It’s a company benefit policy for drivers traumatized by three deaths by train to receive a lump sum severance equal to ten years of salary.

Such an unexpected windfall could make Paul (MACKENZIE CROOK) realize his dream of owning a cottage on an isolated Scottish island, where he can write his first novel. He now only needs to find a willing suicidal volunteer to jump in front of his subway car before the month ends. Enter Tommy (COLM MEANEY), who Paul offers his rent money for his cooperation. Paul proposes Tommy he could use the money to fulfill an unmeet dream or make amends with his estranged family of wife, Rosemarie (IMELDA STAUNTON) and now-grown daughter, (GEMMA ARTERTON). Together, they embark on a road trip full of hilarity and touching emotional reconnection.

Starring along with Mackenzie Crook and Colm Meaney, are Gemma Arterton (“Rocknrolla”, newest Bond Girl in “Quantum of Solace”), Imelda Staunton, (Oscar-nominated for “Vera Drake”).

Directed by Jonathon Gershfield, written by Steve Lewis and Tony Owen, cinematography by Richard Greatrex (“Shakespeare in Love”; “Run Fat Boy Run”), edited by Jon Gregory (“Four Weddings and a Funeral”) produced by Wayne Marc Godfrey and Ian Harries.

Screens on Sunday, October 19th, 6:45PM at Cinema Paradiso

Q & A session with Gordon Synn, associate producer, follows screening.

View the Trailer for A DEAL IS A DEAL aka "Three and Out"


From FLIFF’s Documentary Program:
SAVING FACE (Running Time: 81 min)

“Saving Face” is an engrossing documentary about an unremorseful criminals’ road to redemption. Matt Kern was an over-achieving high school student, with an attraction to trouble. Matt participated in a carjacking that ended in murder. His wealthy family dutifully turned him in to the law for punishment. Unfortunately, Matt flourished in prison by running a gambling and drug operation behind bars. Matt surprises himself, and his family, by finding God after spending 13 months in solidarity confinement. With his family now on his side, they rigorously work to have Matt’s sentence commutated and receive clemency.

Written, directed and edited by H. James Gilmore, cinematography by Gareth Paul Cox, produced by James. A. Kern, James W. Kern and Eleanor Kern Buff.

Screens on Saturday, October 18th, 7:40PM at Cinema Paradiso.

Q & A session with H. James Gilmore, Matt Kern and representatives of the judicial system follows screening.

View Trailer for SAVING FACE


www.FLIFF.com


THE DUCHESS

Starring: Kira Knightly, Ralph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell, and Charlotte Rampling

Directed By: Saul Dibb

PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity and thematic material

By John Delia

Kira Knightly plays nobility with aplomb and a fiery dignity in The Duchess, a brilliant period piece with an uncompromising tale of love, deception and dishonesty. For all you lovers who like their movies well acted, beautifully photographed and totally immersing that this film is for you.
The true story takes place in England at the end of the 18th Century where we find The Duke of Devonshire William Cavendish (Fiennes) making a contract with Lady Spencer (Rampling) for her daughter Georgiana’s (Knightly) hand in marriage. Since Lady Spencer’s bloodline has birthed a long line of boys, The Duke has found Georgiana not only lovely but also his chance to have an heir to his dukedom. After siring three girls with some male miscarriages in between, The Duke has become disillusioned with Georgiana that leads to an affair with Bess Foster (Atwell), an outcast Lady with three boys who has befriended Georgiana. When things become uneasy in the household with Georgiana’s new best friend, she retaliates by taking interest in Lord Charles Grey (Cooper).
The movie gets a lot of help from the excellent acting of Knightly and Fiennes. The two veteran actors play out their roles with style bringing the 18th Century characters to life. In a pivotal scene where The Duke and Georgiana are at odds with each other over his affair with Foster, Knightly delivers a standout performance with her decisive retort. Later when the Duke finds out about Georgiana’s discretions, Fiennes shows the dark side of The Duke in his confrontation and punishment.
Direction by Dibb is very good with smooth transitions and strong detail to the period. His ability to make the cast perform to the peak of their ability gives the film the necessary assurance to make an 18th century period piece enjoyable to watch. Of the films that come to mind that are equally good would include; Howard’s End, A Room with a View, and The Remains of the Day. Cinematography in this film goes beyond great from the vibrant beauty of Bath, to the dismal fields where Georgiana has to give up her child, to the opulent castle halls. It made me fell as if I were there.
The film contains a brief shot of the back of a nude woman, implicit sex and a scene of implied rape.

FINAL ANALYSIS: The Duchess is a wonderful film for those who want a fervent tale of 18th Century British reality. 3.5 of 5 stars

THE GODFATHER: The Coppola Restoration Edition DVD

Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, James Caan, Lee Strassberg, Talia Shire, and Andy Garcia

Directed By Francis Ford Coppola

Rated R for violence and language

By John Delia

It has been years since The Godfather has been up on the big screen where it shines the most, and after it was released on DVD I purchased the set. Now the film has been fully restored to its original brilliant cinematography and in addition to the trilogy being available on ordinary DVD, is for the first time on Blu-ray Disc. The package has over 4-hours of supplemental material along with the three complete films. And, in conjunction with the release of the DVD, The Godfather I has been digitally remastered and will be playing at some of the local theatres around the country starting Friday, October 3. If you live in South Florida, the theatre showings will be at the Muvico Palace in Boca Raton, Florida.
Most everyone knows the saga of The Godfather as told in three separate movies, but to refresh your memory the following is a brief as possible description of all three episodes. The film centers on three phases of the lives of a New York Mafia family including Don Vito Corleone (Brando) the patriarch, Michael Corleone (Pacino) the son who becomes his heir to the ‘throne’ and the weakening of the New York criminal families.
In The Godfather Part I we are scooted ahead to a time where Don Vito Corleone is living in his guarded enclave and we get a glimpse of the family’s personal lives and their business. Here we become aware of each of the main characters including the Don’s three sons Sonny, Michael and Fredo who become the loyal soldiers under the godfather’s big business crime. During this period a lot of action takes place that keeps the central plot hot and interesting.
The Godfather Part II gives us flashbacks as we are treated to young Vito Corleone (DeNiro) who is eking out a living on the streets of New York in the heavy populated Italian section. During this period we see the rise of Vito to Don status and the power he gains over the community. This is where we obtain the pieces of writer Mario Puzo’s puzzle that magnifies the present day family as depicted in The Godfather Part I. This episode also show’s Michael’s rise in the family.
In The Godfather Part III all the loose ends of the two pervious films are tied together and Michael shows his power over rival New York crime lords. It may be the weakest of the three, but totally necessary to the overall story.
I love this story, the characters and the actors who portrayed them. It is probably the basis for all the future mafia related films that followed. Having this set provides hours of entertainment that cannot be found on this genre anywhere. If you are a collector of the best films ever, this trio should be in your library to replay whenever you want to enjoy a great crime drama. The Oscar winner for Best Picture for The Godfather Part I and Part II, if you have never seen this Trilogy, it’s a chance to see it in all its glory.
The bonus features that were on the previous trilogy release are included in this one, they feature commentary by Director Francis Ford Coppola, making of The Godfather, additional scenes, filming locations, the Corleone family tree (a must see after you seen I), the music of The Godfather (this is the thread that keeps you in focus during the trilogy), The Godfather historical timeline (a must after you have seen parts I and II), profiles of the characters (watch this after The Godfather I), photo galleries and storyboards (not that interesting and probably used for fill).
The new bonus features on the DVD with this release include; “Godfather World,” “the Masterpiece that Almost Wasn’t,” “When the Shooting Stopped,” “Emulsional Rescue Revealing The Godfather,” “The Godfather on the Red Carpet,” “Four Short Films on The Godfather,” “The Godfather vs. The Godfather Part II,” Cannoli, Riffing on the Riffing, and Clemenza.
Please note that the Blu-ray edition does contain a additional selection of Bonus features in HD including, a crime organizational chart, Connie and Carlo’s wedding album, behind the scenes, on location, Francis Coppola’s notebook, Coppola and Puzo on screenwriting, Gordon Willis on cinematography, and others.
The films do contain some strong violence, language and a scene of gory animal cruelty so please be cognizant when youngsters are present.

FINAL ANALYSIS: The Godfather is a brilliant trilogy that translates very nicely to DVD. (5 of 5 stars)