Tom's Death is short, sharp, and shocks. I laughed. I cringed. I laughed again. As you can surmise from the title, Tom dies. But it's the manner by which he dies - and dies again - and again that makes this award-winning short film (at this year's inaugural Texandance Film Festival in New Braunfels, Texas) worth watching (again and again). Tight editing is the film's strength and, despite his youth, Alex Alston looks through his camera with the eyes of an old soul. But the pressure is on for his next production and I expect much, much more in the future from this creative young director and his troupe of Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know stalwart young actors!
Reviews
3 Reviews
Tom's Death
(2009 Video)
An amazing first effort (spoiler-ish, not a true spoiler)!
19 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Best in Show
(2000)
A must see, a must own...
20 October 2000
This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen, period. I'm not involved in the dog show circuit, but have attended many of them over the years, as an observer. Even though the characters are obviously caricatures, they are not that far off the mark. But one needn't be an afficionado of dog shows (or even dogs) in order to appreciate the "biting" satire - Guest and crew are superlative. I'm certain to see this again and will not hesitate to purchase it when it becomes available, if for no other reason than to catch the lines I missed the first time because I was laughing so hard.
Local Hero
(1983)
Pure magic...
8 January 1999
I have no idea what provoked me to see this film in the theatre lo those many years ago, but I am grateful to the serendipity which has brought this piece of magic into my life. I am constantly amazed that a piece of fiction (and not even a written one) could have such an impact on my heart and soul.
From the edgy humor of Happer's encounters with his analyst (I will always consider this to be Mr. Lancaster's most charming performance in a body of excellent work) to the poignant scene in which (an albeit drunken) Mac confesses his coveting Gordon's life, this film draws me in like no other. Whenever I am asked my favorite film, I answer Local Hero without hesitation - there is never a question of its position on my list.
I must confess, I am surprised there are no other reviews of Local Hero by women. I've always found the lyrical nature of the film to have a distinctly female sensibility. But on the other hand, I don't know any other women beyond myself who have seen it (or recall having seen it). The best recommendation I can make for this film is, when I find the world closing in on me, I watch Local Hero. I smile. I laugh. I even cry a bit. But most importantly, I come away knowing that I might someday find that very possible magic in my life.
From the edgy humor of Happer's encounters with his analyst (I will always consider this to be Mr. Lancaster's most charming performance in a body of excellent work) to the poignant scene in which (an albeit drunken) Mac confesses his coveting Gordon's life, this film draws me in like no other. Whenever I am asked my favorite film, I answer Local Hero without hesitation - there is never a question of its position on my list.
I must confess, I am surprised there are no other reviews of Local Hero by women. I've always found the lyrical nature of the film to have a distinctly female sensibility. But on the other hand, I don't know any other women beyond myself who have seen it (or recall having seen it). The best recommendation I can make for this film is, when I find the world closing in on me, I watch Local Hero. I smile. I laugh. I even cry a bit. But most importantly, I come away knowing that I might someday find that very possible magic in my life.
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