New Written Reviews

New written reviews are available from the Cinebanter co-hosts.

Michael recently saw RECOUNT, while Tassoula watched SURFWISE.

Click on the film titles to be taken to their blogs.

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SIFF Sighting: BUTTERFLY DREAMING (thriller, USA)

Take a Seattle mathematician and add an angry wife, multiply that by a beautiful mistress then divide that by a mysterious therapist and police officer. That will ultimately equal an unexpected death.

Rufus Williams' debut film BUTTERFLY DREAMING has all of the intrigue and mystery of a classic episode of Twin Peaks, as his main character Rob (Andrew Bowen) struggles to determine what his reality is in the wake of his wife's death.

Bowen's confused, yet pedantic nature in his portrayal of Rob allows us to witness what it must be like when a person with a highly functional, technical brain, begins to short circuit. What's special about this story is that you're not sure if his mental malfunctioning is due to grief or guilt.

And that leaves you struggling with the choice of who to root for.

Do you empathize with the mathematician, who was in love with his mistress and ignoring his wife's pleas to curb his online gambling? Do you feel sorry for the wife as the innocent victim, despite the fact she drove her husband into the arms of his mistress and refused a divorce? Do you write the married couple off as crazy and wish for the mistress to finally find happiness?

All questions that will undoubtedly continue to be debated as more folks see the film.

That and the big question: How do we all know who we really are?

BUTTERFLY DREAMING had its world premiere at the 34th Annual Seattle International Film Festival on May 29. The film will screen again on May 31 at the Harvard Exit Theatre.

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SIFF Sighting: MERMAID (comedy; Russia)

The sarcastic irony of Anna Melikyan's MERMAID draws you in at the very start, with an unexpected nude scene that sets the tone for the whole film. First you want to laugh, then you want to cry.

Alisa (played by three separate actresses as the character ages) is a young dreamer living in a seaside shack who longs to be a ballerina. When that doesn't pan out, her mother enrolls her in choir and a sequence of events leads Alisa to discover that she can command nature with a special power in her mind.

This unique "gift" if we can call it that, alternately causes trouble and pleasures as Alisa grows up, leaves the Seaside for Moscow and falls in love.

Saying anything more would spoil the surprises of the film, but I will say I was entertained throughout, though the twist near the end left me disappointed.

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Cinebanter Bonus Show: INTERVIEW WITH RUFUS WILLIAMS AND ANDREW BOWEN

The Mp3 of this bonus show can be found here.

In this episode, Tassoula talks to Director Rufus Williams and Lead Actor Andrew Bowen from the new film BUTTERFLY DREAMING, which will premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival on May 29.

The trailer for BUTTERFLY DREAMING is here:

http://www.butterflydreamingthefilm.com/Site/Trailer.html

Once you've seen the film, drop us a line at cinebanter@gmail.com, or leave comments right here on the blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the music in today's show.

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SIFF Sighting: ASK NOT (documentary; USA/Iraq/UK)

ASK NOT provides a telling look at how much the American military is losing by continuing to discriminate against its gay and lesbian soldiers (or would-be soldiers).

The filmmakers interview several men and women who were successful in the military but were discharged when their sexual orientation was revealed. Many of them are expert linguists in Arabic, Korean, etc. (a.k.a. the translators we need most) and have a strong sense of duty that is now being unfulfilled. A particularly harrowing scene shows a former soldier lecturing a community about how the last Al Quaeda memos prior to 9/11, which may have prevented the depth of the attack, went unread because there weren't a sufficient amount of linguists to translate them in ample time.

Another part of the film shows young would-be recruits going on a "right to serve" tour to various military offices, where they attempt to enlist (on camera) but are then rejected when they reveal they are gay or lesbian. Many of the military representatives are kind and sympathetic to their mission, but simply have to uphold the law and deny them entry.

The movie is made in an honest and forthright manner, presenting the facts with statistics to back them up and hopeful glimpses from other countries (Ireland, England, Israel, etc.) that have lifted their bans on gays in the military with favorable results.

Every registered American voter should be required to see this film. It's amazing in this day and age that injustices such as these still reside in the "land of the free."

ASK NOT will be shown Thursday, May 29 at the Harvard Exit theater as part of the 34th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

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SIFF Sighting: A MAN'S JOB (drama; Finland)

How far would you go to save your family from financial ruin?

The main character in this film, Juha (Tommi Korpela), decides on male prostitution. He's recently been fired from the plant and realizes he has no other marketable skills, so he enlists his friend Olli (Jani Volanen) to act as his "driver" (a.k.a. pimp) and organize the escort operation for a sizable commission.

At home, Juha's depressed wife Katja (Maria Heiskanen) cares for their three children and spends her days hating life; at his new job, Juha sexually caters to everything from senior citizens to disabled teens (even one who beats him with a brush as she bathes with him).

At first, you can't help but hope his "business" succeeds. He genuinely loves his family and he genuinely seems out of options.

But the deceit of lying to loved ones, coupled with the emotional toll of intimacy with strangers soon begins to decay Juha's world and his reality spins out of control.

I couldn't take my eyes off this, and if you see it you won't be able to either. The man sitting in the seat of life that's vulnerable is a refreshing, if not uncomfortable change to witness in film.

Kudos to these storytellers for not being afraid to make the movie, and for doing it so well.

A MAN'S JOB will be shown Monday, May 26 at Uptown Cinema as part of the 34th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

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SIFF Sighting: HAIR: LET THE SUN SHINE IN (documentary; USA/France)

The documentary HAIR: LET THE SUN SHINE IN, by Paula Rapaport and Wolfgang Held, takes a look back at the landmark musical with many of the filmmakers and stars of the original stage production.

If you're a fan of the musical, or even of the film that was based on the musical, you'll probably enjoy this brief stroll down memory lane, which includes footage from the era as well as recent interviews and interpretations by inspiring young actors and singers.

Noticeably absent was the original "Sheila," Diane Keaton, whom they only mention briefly when discussing how re-casting her role with a black woman was a big deal at the time. Otherwise, aside from those who have passed, most of the key players are present and happy to talk up the impact this socially daring production had at the time of its release.

I'll admit I'm biased, because HAIR is my favorite stage musical and I play the Original Broadway Soundtrack often, but in addition to those of us who already like the topic, I could see this documentary being useful to high school teachers covering the 60s in their classrooms because it stresses so much what was going on in the world at that time.

Not a bad way to spend an hour.

HAIR: LET THE SUN SHINE IN will play at SIFF Cinema on Monday, May 26 as part of the 34th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

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Take a PiQ at the PiQ Magazine Blog

Michael and Tassoula are again honored to be recognized by PiQ—this time on their blog.

Click here to read the entry.

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SIFF Sighting: The Photos I Promised

Here are just a few of my pics from the red carpet. To see the rest, visit our Cinebanter photostream on Flickr.

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SIFF Sighting: Live from the red carpet!

6:40 p.m. It's amazing that I made it out of there alive! The moment Stuart and Charlize took their stroll down the carpet, all of the friendly press pals became savages and threatened each other's survival. But being short has its advantages—I was able to scramble my way underneath other people's legs and get a few choice shots...which I will post in a few hours. All I can say is that if humanly possible, Charlize is better looking in person.

6:20 p.m. Things are getting very quiet inside, which probably means I should get myself outside to await the glorious red-carpet-arrival, so you may not hear from me for a bit. Don't want to miss that money shot!

6:15 p.m. Apparently many members of the esteemed Seattle film-snob community are unaware that if they have a ticket to tonight's film, they also have a ticket to the gala. Shame about the staff having to repeat themselves 458 times.

6:07 p.m. This place is buzzing like a chainsaw. I'm mildly enjoying watching all of the folks who expected to walk up and purchase a ticket for tonight's screening (which has long been sold out) be told that the only hope they have is a rush ticket, and the chances of getting one of those is next to nothing. CHARLIZE THERON is in town, folks. Come on.

5:55 p.m. I just took a lap around the red carpet and peeked into the VIP tent. It's filling up. There are a lot of hybrids pulling up with people in couture clothing getting spit out on the curb. You've gotta love Seattle.

5:42 p.m. A big shout out to the SIFF publicity team who is treating us bloggers like gold. They couldn't be more accommodating and the space to work that they're allowing us is much appreciated (right now I'm inside the lovely air-conditioned SIFF Cinema at McCaw Hall). In a few more minutes I'll head back out to the carpet for the big arrivals.

5:03 p.m. Greetings from the opening night festivities at the 34th Annual Seattle International Film Festival!

I'm here in the press area watching all of the people-who-are-dressed-much-more-formally-than-me walk by and make a beeline for the red carpet. I just took a photo of a few of them who seemed to be important (but I have yet to learn why).

Oh, and about those photos...when I left my home this morning in the wee hours, I neglected to pack the cord that pulls the pictures from my camera and plants them onto my trusty laptop, so those will have to follow when I return home later tonight (the photo you're seeing right there is a stock photo from the film being made). I promise I'll post mine before I go to bed.

What's coming up in the meantime? Stuart Townsend, the director of BATTLE IN SEATTLE, which is the opening gala film AND his lovely partner Charlize Theron, who stars in the film.

Check back often for updates on their arrival!

Cinebanter #51 - IRON MAN

The mp3 of Cinebanter 51 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula unify in their praise for IRON MAN, which stars the ever-charismatic Robert Downey, Jr. During the Last Five®, Michael gushes over a military movie (of all things), while Tassoula survives a popular animated flick. The hosts also respond to Listener Feedback about their shows on SNOW ANGELS and FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 IRON MAN Discussion
• Break
• 23:53 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 24:19 The Last Five®
• Break
• 48:43 Listener Feedback (Steven in Milwaukie and Charlie in Northern Virginia)
• 56:06 Credits and Outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

And, if you're compelled to donate to the show, there is a PayPal button labeled 'Make a Donation' to the left of this blog. All donations are much appreciated.

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: OLDBOY, MANUFACTURED LANDSCAPES, 49 UP, CARRIER and LADY VENGEANCE. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: THEN SHE FOUND ME, BOTTLE SHOCK, ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Take a PiQ at Where Michael and Tassoula Have Turned Up

The June issue of PiQ magazine features a summer movie preview, which includes discussion on the topic and all-time greatest summer movie recommendations by various film podcasters—the Cinebanter co-hosts are humbled to be included in this group.

You can find PiQ at your local Barnes & Noble (and other major booksellers). We hope you'll check it out!

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An American Crime

Ellen Page and Catherine Keener star. Michael's link is here.

Starting Out In The Evening

Michael caught this film today and has posted his review here. It stars Frank Langella, Lili Taylor (who has shared an elevator with Michael), and Lauren Ambrose.

SIFF Sighting: MY EFFORTLESS BRILLIANCE (comedy, USA)

Note: I'll be periodically posting reviews from the Seattle International Film Festival throughout June. These write-ups will begin with "SIFF Sighting" so you'll always be able to distinguish them from our regular posts. And of course, for our most recent Cinebanter episode, please scroll down the page.

Sometimes taking a trip with friends is a great idea, but other times you know before you get there that you should've never gone in the first place.

That's how I felt watching MY EFFORTLESS BRILLIANCE, starring Sean Nelson and Basil Harris.

The story begins with writers block--both for its main character and its screenwriter apparently.

A Jonah Hill-ish novelist isn't making his deadline, isn't scoring a woman and isn't being a good friend to the person who seems as if he's the only friend he has. There is forced dialogue, an attempt at being quick-witted and awkward conversations. And that's all before we go to the woods of Eastern Washington.

What transpires is a guys' weekend in the mountains for apparently no purpose at all. The writer shows up uninvited at the cabin which belongs to the friend who can't stand him and there's an extra guy there too, who could be a boyfriend of the friend, but we're really not sure.

They drink, tell stupid jokes that feel as if they were there all along and the movie was written around them (not a good thing), and then go hunt a cougar. Yes, hunt a cougar.

Put simply, the film is a mess. Aside from the rare glimpses of beautiful Washington scenery, there isn't much worth seeing.

MY EFFORTLESS BRILLIANCE will screen Monday, May 26 at 4:00 p.m. at the Egyptian Theater as part of the 34th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

Cinebanter #50 - FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL

The mp3 of Cinebanter 50 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula realize Judd Apatow is not infallible during their review of FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. During the Last Five®, Michael angers several foreign countries with his pronunciations of their films, while Tassoula dives into the first English-language film from Wong Kar Wai. The hosts also respond to two Listener Last Fives® from some of their longtime listeners. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL Discussion
• Break
• 21:17 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 21:45 The Last Five®
• Break
• 52:09 Listener Last Fives (Scott in Florida and Paul in the UK)
• 1:04:48 Credits and Outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

And, if you're compelled to donate to the show, there is a PayPal button labeled 'Make a Donation' to the left of this blog. All donations are much appreciated.

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: THE PORNOGRAPHERS, THE DARJEELING LIMITED, 12:08 EAST OF BUCHAREST, AN ADOLESCENT and OLDBOY. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: MR. DEATH: THE RISE AND FALL OF FRED A. LEUCHTER, JR., THE BIG BAD SWIM, THE SAFETY OF OBJECTS, MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS and DAN IN REAL LIFE.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

SIFF Sighting: BOTTLE SHOCK (comedy, USA)

Today I screened BOTTLE SHOCK, which will be the closing night film at the 34th annual Seattle International Film Festival next month.

The movie tells the true story of a California winery in 1976 that beat the French and earned "Best Chardonnay" status in a famous Paris wine tasting competition. That feat, unprecedented at the time, was not an easy achievement and this narrative proves it.

Bill Pullman plays Jim, the rough-around-the-edges owner of the winery who is too hard on his son, too hard on his employees and too pessimistic to realize he's doing something right with the production of his chardonnay.

Alan Rickman plays Steven, the British sponsor of the competition, whose only motivation for holding the match is to revive his failing wine business.

The supporting characters Bo (Chris Pine), who is Jim's son; Gustavo (Freddy Rodriguez), Jim's employee; Sam (Rachael Taylor), the girl they're both in love with; and Maurice (Dennis Farina), who is a business neighbor of Steven's, all border on being unecessary at times, but them mostly redeem themselves by the film's end.

As would be expected, the scenery (mostly Northern California wine country) is stunning, but that coupled with the fact that the movie has a fairly slow start makes it very challenging not to nod off.

That said, if you're able to stay with it until the main events at the end, it's quite delightful. Alan Rickman is perfectly cast as the uptight Brit and it's nice to see Six Feet Under's Freddy Rodriguez stretching his legs in a meatier role as the flawed employee.

The humorous situations toward the end redeem the rest of the slow-paced scenes and you'll learn a little something about the French-Californian wine rivalry in the process.

It's also a requirement that you stock your cellar with at least one bottle of chardonnay before you leave for the theater, because once the film is over, you will salivate for a glass (or two).

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Once Upon a Night

As many of our regular listeners will know, Michael and I discussed the film ONCE at length on our show last year. In fact, it was Michael's #1 of 2007 (Tassoula's #11).

Tonight (or rather a few hours ago, which was last night), I was blessed with the opportunity to see the stars of that film, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, in concert at The Moore Theatre in Seattle.

The set was beautiful from start to finish, but I couldn't help favoring their Oscar® award-winning song "Falling Slowly," which they invited the crowd to sing along with at the second verse. Amazing.

Truly Amazing.