SIFF Sighting: THE LITTLE DEATH (comedy; Australia)

Tassoula reviewed THE LITTLE DEATH, which screened at the 41st annual Seattle International Film Festival this evening.

You can read her review on her blog.

Cinebanter #125 - THE WORLD'S END

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula return to familiar British ground with their review of THE WORLD'S END. In the Last Five®, Michael revisits a female favorite, while Tassoula is moved by a 9/11 documentary. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of THE WORLD'S END

• Break

• 13:14 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 13:54 The Last Five®

• 50:50 Credits and Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: GORE VIDAL: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; PERTH; MAGIC MIKE; THE SPECTACULAR NOW and LOVELACE. Tassoula's Last Five were: WAR GAMES; THE SPECTACULAR NOW; DRINKING BUDDIES; OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY and RAISING ARIZONA.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

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

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

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

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

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #123 - THE HEAT

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula clash over the humor of THE HEAT. In the Last Five®, Michael dives into some HBO documentaries, while Tassoula takes in a mediocre horror flick. The two also respond to Listener Feedback about their BEFORE MIDNIGHT episode. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Review of THE HEAT

• Break

• 21:27 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 22:15 The Last Five®

• Break

• 57:06 Listener Feedback

• Break

• 1:07:27 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: UNTOLD SCANDAL; HANNAH ARENDT; BEHIND THE CANDLEABRA; THE CRASH REEL and GASLAND. Tassoula's Last Five were: LOLA VERSUS; LOVE, MARYLIN; MORE THAN HONEY; CHERNOBYL DIARIES and THE EAST.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

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

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

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

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: LOVE IS IN THE AIR (romance; France)

Julie (Ludivine Sagnier) is a woman living in New York, headed home to France to marry her boyfriend, who is a respected lawyer.

Antoine (Nicolas Bedos) is a mess—traipsing through life with one woman after another, none satisfying him for more than two weeks.

As often happens in romantic comedies, our two stars here have a "meet cute," and this time it's on an airplane in the seats right next to one another.

They both discover (Julie in horror; Antoine in delight) who they're seated with and we quickly learn they were longtime loves before Antoine did something horrible to wreck it all.

Through glasses of champagne and an abundance of turbulence, they recount their relationship for those within earshot and remember why they parted.

As often happens, the memories recalled make the mood bittersweet and the two must contemplate if they'll go their separate ways once the plane lands, or try one more time to be a successful couple.

Sagnier's manner is reminiscent of early Meg Ryan performances; Bedos nails his role as a careless playboy effortlessly, but what stops this film from being as charming as it wants to be are the continued formulaic scenarios.

The ending also risks leaving a bad taste in the mouth. Anyone who has ever had another person sabotage them for selfish reasons may not appreciate the resolution here.

The classic French Kiss would probably be a better option for those seeking a happily ever after rom com.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR screened at the 39th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

Cinebanter #114 - TED

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula are surprised at how funny they find TED to be. In the Last Five®, they enter a heated debate about the merits of MAGIC MIKE. They also respond to a Listener Last Five from one of their regulars, who is now all grown up. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 Discussion of TED
• Break
• 16:55 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 17:34 The Last Five®
• Break
• 58:28 Listener Last Five (Jordan in South Bend)
• 1:09:01 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: NORTH BY NORTHWEST, MAGIC MIKE, OFFSIDE, CARY GRANT: A CLASS APART and MARINA ABRAMOVIC: THE ARTIST IS PRESENT. Tassoula's Last Five were: MOONRISE KINGDOM, PUBLIC SPEAKING, RAMPART, MAGIC MIKE and HARD TIMES: LOST ON LONG ISLAND.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

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

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

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

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: RENT-A-CAT (Comedy, Japan)

Sayoko (Mikako Ichikawa), a single twenty-something, is sad following the death of her beloved grandmother.

To cope, she raises cats as companions, then builds a business out of it, renting the felines out to other lonely folk.

What makes her enterprise so charming is that she treats it much like a modern-day adoption agency. She makes her prospective customers pass "tests," which include a visit to their home from her to ensure the surroundings are suitable for her cats. And those who are serious about renting the animals happily comply.

All the while Sayoko is meandering through her own life, hoping to marry, taping goals on the wall for herself to hopefully achieve.

Bridget Jones she's not, but she does have a familiar desperate-single-girl-with-spunk essence.

Thought the film doesn't reach any unexpected heights, the situations our heroine finds herself in (a nightmare sequence is particularly hilarious) are a delight to watch.


RENT-A-CAT screened at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: FAT KID RULES THE WORLD (Comedy, USA)

Troy (Jacob Wysocki) has been medicating himself with food since his mother died. His father (Billy Campbell), a tough ex-marine, is worried about the friend he’s made in Marcus (Matt O’Leary), a junkie that’s using Troy for room and board in exchange for a promise to join his punk band.

The harsh dynamics of high school life are well-represented in this charming directorial debut from Matthew Lillard. Go see it—you’ll laugh a lot!

FAT KID RULES THE WORLD screened at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: LIBERAL ARTS (Comedy, USA)

Jesse (Josh Radnor), 35, travels to his alma mater to speak at a retirement ceremony for one of his beloved professors and meets 19-year-old Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen). They develop a 'connection' and Jesse has to determine whether or not the risks of being with her outweigh the joy.

The all-star cast, featuring Richard Jenkins, Allison Janney and Zac Efron are all wonderful, as are the leads in this charming 'what if' about morality.


LIBERAL ARTS screened at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: YOUR SISTER'S SISTER (Comedy, USA)

The great friendship of Jack (Mark Duplass) and Iris (Emily Blunt) is tested when Jack visits the remote cabin that belongs to Iris's family, and her sister Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt) is already there. What's more, Iris shows up the next morning.

To say that the next few days become complicated for the trio would be an understatement as the twists and turns of this entertaining, heart-filled comedy unfold.

Lynn Shelton's YOUR SISTER'S SISTER opened the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: PRICE CHECK (Comedy, USA)

I've always been a fan of Parker Posey and the types of films in which she stars, but her character in this drama-that-wants-to-be-a-comedy has to be an exception.

Pete (Eric Mabius) is an uptight, seemingly unhappy marketing expert that had to take a job with a grocery chain because the industry he really wants to be a part of (music) is failing.

Posey plays Susan, an obnoxious executive brought into Pete's regional office to save the day. She arrives guns blazing and at first we can't tell if she's calculated or just crazy. The further we travel through the story, we realize she is both.

Susan seems to crave an idyllic family life like the one Pete has, so she ingratiates herself into his—befriending his wife and showing up at their son's school parties. She rewards Pete with a generous raise and heaps of ego-boosting attention, which leads him to make some poor decisions in his personal life.

The problem is, the film leaves no one to root for. Susan is nuts; Pete is boring and apparently easily corrupted; his wife is money-hungry and the other folks in the office are borderline cartoonish.

It's a shame this misses the mark, as the premise was a good one.

PRICE CHECK will screen at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival. For tickets, visit the SIFF website.

SIFF Sighting: KILLING BONO (Comedy; United Kingdom)

Neil McCormick was a childhood friend of the members of U2. Like Bono, The Edge, Larry and Adam, he had big dreams of being a rock star. But his path took a different turn than theirs.

McCormick wrote about living the life of Bono's doppelganger in his book Killing Bono, upon which this film is based.

The book is hilarious, smart, sentimental—even sad at times—but very satisfying. The movie is some of those things, but not all.

First of all, Ben Barnes does a fantastic job of portraying McCormick. As someone who has spent a few hours with the real Neil, I can safely say that Ben captures his essence and energy well. He sort of looks like him too.

The rest of the cast is fine (though Martin McCann could've dialed down his Bono a bit; especially in the earlier scenes), and overall the characters are well-drawn. It was especially nice to witness the final performance of Pete Posthelwaite, who the world sadly lost earlier this year.

The screenwriters took great liberties with the truth, which is also fine, except for one scene that featured a gun. It was unnecessary. The dots that your brain can't help but connect while you're watching it (especially with an earlier reference to Lennon's murder) take the film to a much darker place than it needs to go.

That said, at the end of the day, Neil's story is a fun ride, and the fashion in which it's told here is pleasurable in the simplest way.

If you go in for a U2/McCormick history lesson, you'll most likely be disappointed. But if you enter wanting to have a laugh at the expense of a relatable hero who is his own worst enemy, you'll leave with a smile.

~~~

Cinebanter #89 - IRON MAN 2

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula bust into the summer film season as they review IRON MAN 2. They also deliver their Last Five® and answer a Listener Last Five. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 Discussion of IRON MAN 2
• Break
• 23:33 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 24:08 The Last Five®
• Break
• 46:29 Listener Last Five ("Mr. Chicago")
• 1:03:21 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: HOLLY, EXTERMINATING ANGELS, SHIRI, MAMA MIA and CHLOE. Tassoula's Last Five were: THE 27 CLUB, WILLIAM KUNSTLER: DISTURBING THE UNIVERSE, BETTER OFF DEAD, HOTEL GRAMERCY PARK and VOLLMOND (a.k.a. FULL MOON).

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here. Please leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

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

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

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

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

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #86 - HOT TUB TIME MACHINE

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula relax in an 80s jacuzzi as they review HOT TUB TIME MACHINE. They also recap their time at the Cinequest Film Festival, resurrect the WHAT WENT WRONG AT THE THEATER segment and answer Listener Feedback. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 Discussion of HOT TUB TIME MACHINE
• Break
• 26:25 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 27:01 Cinequest Film Festival Re-cap/WHAT WENT WRONG AT THE THEATER
• Break
• 47:23 Listener Feedback (Top 10 of 2009 & PRECIOUS star weight debate)
• 1:10:22 Credits & Outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here. Please leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

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

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

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

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

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #82 - PIRATE RADIO

The MP3 of Cinebanter #82 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula rock the boat as they review PIRATE RADIO. In The Last Five®, they both discuss PRECIOUS, the "buzz film" of the year. In addition they announce the PIRATE RADIO giveaway. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 PIRATE RADIO Discussion
• Break
• 25:12 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 25:45 The Last Five®/PIRATE RADIO Giveaway
• 58:19 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: LOOK BACK IN ANGER, THE MESSENGER, CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY, PRECIOUS and NIGHT OF THE HUNTER. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: AN EDUCATION, 2012, ELEGY, COUPLES RETREAT and THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE.

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.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

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!

Cinebanter #79 - THE INFORMANT!

The MP3 of Cinebanter #79 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula follow the trail of THE INFORMANT! as portrayed by Matt Damon. In The Last Five®, Michael searches for the ultimate in depression films, while Tassoula remembers the late Patrick Swayze. The hosts also respond to Listener Feedback about their most recent show. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 THE INFORMANT! Discussion
• Break
• 12:25 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 12:49 The Last Five®
• Break
• 43:39 Listener Feedback
• 48:41 Credits & Outtake

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: WHICH WAY HOME?, THE WAY WE GET HOME, INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, EXTRACT and PROZAC NATION Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: BIG FAN, COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER, SERAPHINE, GHOST and EXTRACT.

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.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

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: BABY LOVE (comedy; France)

In Vincent Garenq's BABY LOVE, dedicated pediatrician Manu (Lambert Wilson) has a strong desire to become a father, though his partner Phillipe (Pascal Elbé) agrees with the French law that dictates gay couples should not be parents. "It's unnatural," he says, though he clearly doesn't believe his love for Manu is so.

Unable to convince Phillipe that parenthood is the right choice for them, Manu breaks up with him and takes matters into his own hands by pretending to be straight for an adoption agency consultant, which backfires terribly.

Desperate, he begins searching for a woman to be his surrogate and finds one in Fina (Pilar López de Ayala), an adorable Argentinian woman who he accidentally hit with his car.

From there the film takes a few twisty turns (some predictable; others not) that carry viewers through the lives of characters who are both appealing and familiar.

Fina is especially charming with her delicate features and aura of sweetness; Manu is the man all women (and most men) would probably like to have in their lives. As a member of the audience you can't help but root for all of them, even when their goals unfortunately differ.

BABY LOVE is a tender, light-hearted glimpse into a very real problem that many gay couples face. Let's only hope that a decade from now, those problems won't exist.

BABY LOVE screened at the 35th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

```

Cinebanter #60 - BURN AFTER READING

The MP3 of Cinebanter #60 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula troubleshoot their problems with BURN AFTER READING. In the Last Five®, Michael overcomes one of his embarrassing indie oversights, while Tassoula's trip to a cinema finds her in Michael's birthplace. They also provide an update on their current TV obsessions, and announce the film they'll see for show #61 (hint: it's a documentary). The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 BURN AFTER READING Discussion
• Break
• 22:19 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 22:44 The Last Five®
• Break
• 49:15 Fall TV Update/Show Notes
• 1:02:40 Credits and Outtake
• 1:03:20 Post-show note from Tassoula

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: LIVE NUDE GIRLS UNITE, NIKUTAI NO MON, BOTTLE ROCKET, NEVER FOREVER and TELL NO ONE. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: BLIND SPOT: HITLER'S SECRETARY, KIRA'S REASON: A LOVE STORY, JUNEBUG, HUMBOLDT COUNTY and SEX: THE ANNABEL CHONG STORY.

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: 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.

```

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!

Cinebanter #45 - JUNO

The mp3 of Cinebanter 45 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula can't stop talking about the indie hit JUNO. During the Last Five®, Michael surprises Tassoula with an impromptu serenade and she praises the filmgoing habits of Alaska residents. The hosts also respond to a Listener Last Five®, announce their next show and clue listeners in on how they can see a movie with Tassoula later this month.

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 JUNO Discussion
• Break
• 39:53 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 40:22 The Last Five®
• Break
• 56:51 Listener Last Five® (Scott in Florida)/Show Notes
• 1:05:04 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, Pop Current, Podcast-Review 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: INFERNAL AFFAIRS, THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISE, THE WIRE: SEASON THREE, MATCH POINT and THE DEPARTED. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY, LADY CHATTERLEY, THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY, THE BEALES OF GREY GARDENS and I SHOT ANDY WARHOL.

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!