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Reviews
The Rum Diary (2011)
Interesting Hunter S. Thompson adaptation
If you are a huge Hunter S Thompson fan, you will like this film. As a casual fan of his work, I still enjoyed the movie.
As a film, it had all the things most movie buffs look for: the acting was very good, with some great direction by Bruce Robinson, who also did a nice adaptation from Hunter S. Thompson's novel, and it's backed up by wonderful locations and some great music.
Johnny Depp is especially good in the film, playing Kemp opposite a nice turn by Aaron Eckhart as Sanderson. Some of the characters differ a bit - not overwhelmingly though - in tone from Thompson's novel.
In retrospect, even if you're not a Hunter S. Thompson fan, you will likely still find the movie enjoyable.
Business is Dead (2011)
Interesting short film at the Golden Door Film Festival
Saw this interesting short film at the Golden Door Film Festival recently and was surprised when I learned it was made by a local police officer.
While there were some elements that could have been refined, I am eagerly awaiting this officer's second film, as I believe with a little more seasoning, his films will only get better.
The plot revolves around a down on his luck Funeral Director, who begins selling body parts to pay off his debts. I'm not going to give too much away, other than to say if you can find this film at a local festival or art house, do your best to catch it.
More importantly, I can't wait to see what comes next for this particular filmmaker.
The Mandala Maker (2009)
Interesting look into warm darkness
Couldn't wait to see this film at the 2011 Golden Door Film Festival for several reasons: First it was made by the same director who made the opening-night feature, "Night Club," which I enjoyed very much.
Secondly, it qualified for the Oscars in 2009 and I wanted to see the caliber of short it took for that kind of distinction. It didn't disappoint.
As I said in the summary, it was an interesting look into warm darkness. More likely the darkness turns to warmth, because of the healing powers of these "mandalas," circular designs which supposedly promote calmness and the aforementioned healing.
The lead female, who was nominated for Best Actress in a short was very good, as was the music in the picture. The direction was solid, and overall the majority of the cast did a nice job. There were some picture-esque moments and nice cinematography.
Really enjoyed it - a different kind of movie (even for a short). Do hope I can find this on the internet on DVD somewhere.
Night Club (2011)
Night Club is Golden!
Saw this wonderful picture at the recent Golden Door Film Festival, and it was nice to actually see a movie that wasn't filled with explosions and violence. In essence, it was naughty without being dirty. It was fun without being violent.
Really loved, loved, loved the message about three youngsters who take a job at an old folks home, initially for the money, but end up actually having a life-changing experience.
But then again who wouldn't if they had Ernest Borgnine as their mentor? Or Sally Kellerman to teach you valuable life's lessons? Or Natasha Lyonne constantly citing the "state law" as he rides your butt to not break rules. There were plenty of wonderful performances though such as seeing 90-year-old Mickey Rooney, playing Borgnine's roommate. Huge. Or Paul Sorvino giving a wonderful rendition of "Come Back To Sorrento." Or seeing an old friend, Chuck McCann appear in a gut-busting cameo.
See Night Club, and my guess is, you won't be sorry you did. I wasn't.