SIFF Sighting: FAMILY UNITED (Spain; Comedy)

When childhood sweethearts schedule their wedding during the 2010 World Cup Final, drama is bound to ensue.

The father of the groom falls ill; the friend-who-still-has-feelings-for-the-groom waits in the wings and a whole host of the groom's brothers descend on the "wedding ranch" to cause a healthy mix of havoc. Plus, everyone who is anyone just wants to watch the game.

Really, it's a lot of fun.

The film is shot in gorgeous pale hues and the cast is infinitely likeable. Despite silly traditional wedding-film plot devices (predictable affairs, lost rings, etc.), the story works; at times equally parts charming and tragic.

This is one nuptial event that viewers should look forward to attending.

FAMILY UNITED will be shown at the 40th Seattle International Film Festival May 30, June 2 and June 3. For tickets, go here.


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Cinebanter #62 - RACHEL GETTING MARRIED

The MP3 of Cinebanter #62 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula walk down the aisle of disagreement in their review of RACHEL GETTING MARRIED. In the Last Five®, Michael repeats his distaste for the latest Spike Lee film, while Tassoula discovers a psychological thriller that she wants everyone to see. The hosts also announce what they'll see for their November 10 show (hint: there's some Oscar® buzz surrounding it). The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 RACHEL GETTING MARRIED Discussion - Part 1
• Break
• 18:17 RACHEL GETTING MARRIED Discussion - Part 2
• Break
• 33:07 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 33:37 The Last Five®
• 48:56 Credits and Outtakes

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Michael's Last Five in this episode were: TELL NO ONE, MALENA, MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA, THE LUCKY ONES and THE STARMAKER. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: RELIGULOUS, NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST, MULHOLLAND DRIVE, TRANSSIBERIAN and IN THE REALMS OF THE UNREAL.

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!