Sleepwalk with Me

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from IFC Center inviting me to a screening of Sleepwalk With Me, with Q&As with Mike Birbiglia and Ira Glass at every screening. Every screening! Turned out I was going to be in NYC that weekend so I called the kids, bought tickets and jumped on the PR band wagon. Birbiglia and Glass were very generous with interviews. With a small advertising budget, they used social media and public radio to promote the film, along with the weekend event in NY. We arrived at the theater around 3 to retrieve tickets for the 4:00 show. They were already setting up the line. We went around the corner to a small pub for a drink and came back to the theater around 3:30 to join the line. The IFC staff sweetly offered my 8 month pregnant daughter a seat in the theater (which she declined) Thank you. We sat second row in the beautiful main theater and my son-in-law immediately said, "what is that pinned to the curtain?" The film was charming, funny and heartfelt. After the credits Ira Glass and Mike Birbiglia took the stage. Obviously stoked by two days of sold out shows, they were friendly, chatty and generous with their time. The 25 minute Q&A explained that the thing pinned to the curtain was the first dollar made by the film. In the end, we decided that the Q&A was as good as the movie. A wonderful film, a wonderful time. PS I saw the film again a few weeks later. Holds up to multiple viewings.

ParaNorman

Going into ParaNorman I thought it was just another goofy kid's monster movie. But this wonderful film from the folks at Laika has heart, smarts and humor. Themes of belonging, family and bravery are handled well, and with a sense of humor.  I loved this film and can't wait until my grandchildren are old enough to share this film with me.

Ruby Sparks

What would happen if you could write your dream girl? This question is answered in the film Ruby Sparks. Imaginative story, beautifully shot, well acted. I liked the dark turn the story takes, and the ending is very satisfying for me. The music did its work, I liked the score. Well done

The Intouchables

Watching the trailer, I had a feeling that The Intouchables would be one of my favorite films this year. Seeing the film today, I was right. The story of an invalid and his caretaker is a story of growth, love and living life despite your limitations. Based on a true story, this film is well written, acted and shot. Well done.

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Beasts of the Southern Wild is a poetic story of a young girl coping with a difficult life. The scenes move from fantasy to reality like a dance. Her reality is harsh, but she is strong for such a little girl. I really liked this film about survival.

Margaret

In Margaret I found a very unlikable female character. Lisa is an intelligent teenager with a very self righteous attitude. A brilliant performance by Anna Paquin is a character study of a girl whose careless actions have dire consequences. To make herself feel better, she lies, points fingers at others and acts drastically on issues that are none of her business. Her sexuality plays a part that shows how confused and self-involved teenagers are. This film is also an interesting study of NYC through visuals and the character's attitudes. The editing is a bit choppy and this film is long, but this is a fascinating piece.

Conan the Barbarian (1982)

I've always thought that my timeline for seeing Conan the Barbarian was never. Once again, the discussion of the film on Cort & Fatboy, sucked me in to a movie I've never had any interest in. With a plate of tots, a cold lager and a very funny commentary, I would declare The Summer of Schwarzenegger a success. Thanks guys.