mysticwit Reviews

Tantura (2022)

1948 Never Ended

[9/10 · 4 February 2024]

First person accounts, a master's thesis, a newspaper article about the thesis, and the scandal of truth makes Tantura is a gateway documentary about truth vs the manufactured myths of state creation.

Told in non-linear format, individuals connected to an Arab village recall 1948 events on camera as well as through decades old audio interviews. Memories and rationalizations clash as the true and hidden stories of atrocities are revealed.

All but exclusively interviewing Israelis, Tantura the documentary might be better entitled, Testimonies of Tantura, as only a few Arab voices are heard. While there are some village witnesses who survived interviewed, the focus is on Israeli perspectives, peeling away layers of taboo and myth to reveal the shocking truths, some told so casually, and justified so brazenly, that anyone watching will rightly start questioning the creation myth of the state of Israel.

Tantura is more than examination of an obscured massacre, it's an examination of the relationship Israelis have with the truth.

Pair Tantura this with 1948: Creation & Catastrophe (2017), another documentary relying on first-person accounts to gain better insight into the history of Israel and current events in Palestine.

Jo (2013)

A waste of Jean Reno, of Paris

[3/10 · 29 December 2023]

This Jean Reno vehicle stalls at the start. I had to check that it was supposed to be based in Paris as only one actor (Reno) sounds or looks the part. The rest of the cast are primarily English speaking with American accents. With a city like Paris, you expect it to be a character in itself, but it's not. This is a police procedural that feels like the first storyboard version, without any actual development. It's large ensemble cast doesn't get any character development, and seem to just walk on set to utter a sentence or two, then walk off. Even Reno can't make this interesting. If it weren't 10 years old, I'd swear it was written, directed, cast, and edited by a chat bot.

Picket Fences: Frank the Potato Man (1992) Season 1, Episode 5

Insightful Look into Groping and Harrassment of Teen Girls

[7/10 · 4 December 2021]

I've been trying to identify this episode for years, and finally, it's on Hulu and I have Hulu, so I was about to find it. A "serial bather" seems to be targeting the homes of teen girls, bathing in the tubs, and more. Kimberly and Kenny have multiple conversations about inappropriate touching and attention, and Kimberly points out how often teens have to navigate unwanted attention and how hard it is to even confirm it's intentional, let alone seek justice for it. While this doesn't go far enough in exploring this topic, it's a good starting point.

Rutherford Falls: Terry Thomas (2021) Season 1, Episode 4

Best character study in a single episode - and educational to boot!

[10/10 · 2 December 2021]

Give Michael Greyeyes all the awards just for this episodes. Rutherford Falls is a groundbreaking, exceptional television show, but Greyeyes proves his comic genius. He's funny smart, endearingly funny, and ferociously sharp. Every scene he's in is perfect, from his off the record soliloquy to the casual, covert generosity, to being chuffed at the iconic Billy Jack throwaway line.

Perfection.

Viceroy's House (2017)

A different perspective.

[8/10 · 5 August 2018]

Viceroy's House sketches through the convoluted history of India's Independence, and the partition between India and Pakistan, but does it in a beautiful, touching way. It's a very complicated story, and Chadha uses key people to coax out the human factor from a single, physical location. Don't let the simple approach fool you; it teases out the much bigger stories by focusing on the personal. And it is personal. Do watch through the end, because Chadha proves how personal it is with a coda that ties the story to actual people.

Hopefully, you'll walk away with wanting to learn more about this particular part of history. Or you will walk away feeling a part of your own history has been shared that is often overlooked in western cinema.

Kollegiet (2007)

Caution when renting; it's overdubbed

[6/10 · 2 November 2008]

Rating based on US DVD of Room 205 (Kollegiet), not the original version. I'd rate this higher, but apparently Ghosthouse Underground doesn't trust the audience to be literate enough to read subtitles. What would have been a very good horror film was ruined by overdubbing the original dialogue with English. It's not the 70s anymore, trust the audience to be able to follow subtitles. The vocal performances are lost under new, studio polished American voices, which takes away from the quality of the film. It's a shame, because it's nice to have a film based on fear, not gore. It's not a perfect film, and I wasn't scared, but it made me want to see more from this cast and director.

But shame on Ghosthouse Underground for overdubbing! I know they've ruined Vikaren (The Substitute) based on the overdubbed trailer at the beginning of this DVD. I've seen that subtitles, and I shudder to think of how they ruined that one.

So know if you rent this, you aren't going to get the full benefit of the original film.

Made of Honor (2008)

Better off Renting My Best Friend's Wedding and 27 Dresses

[4/10 · 4 May 2008]

Judd Apatow would have done a better job with random "male" comedy moments. You can tell that two men had writing credits on this one; I have to wonder about the age and experience of the woman listed with them.

If you want a good rom-com, check out My Best Friend's Wedding and 27 Dresses. Both have better stories and do a better job with the stories and portraying both sexes as three dimensional characters, instead of caricatures.

There are a lot of distracting "comedic moments in Made of Honor, from an unnecessary character there strictly for comic relief to a bad running joke about a heavy bridesmaid.

I will say, the highlight for me was hearing Kevin McKidd drop a line about werewolf movies. I doubt anyone else will get the reference.

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)

An absolute Must See

[10/10 · 15 March 2008]

I cannot praise this heartfelt documentary enough. Too often documentaries with such a personal tie have touch (or more) of vanity. Not Dear Zachary.

Kurt Kuenne could have easily turn this tribute to a dead friend into a vanity project, or overly sentimental. The evolution of this project is full of sentiment, indeed, but is done so in such a way that the viewer is completely engaged in the story and feels the loss on a personal level.

This is the hardest film to review because to explain it, is to spoil the experience of it. Let's just say that Andrew Bagby was a very loved person, and this tribute to a man whose life was brutally cut short could have easily been a depressing, dark tale. Instead, while it has some wrenching moments, it's ultimately a love story of family and friends, and the powerful influence people can have in each others lives, for good and for ill.

If you have the opportunity to catch this film, do not hesitate to do it. This is one I'm adding to my DVD collection as soon as it's available.

Across the Universe (2007)

Not Just for Beatles Fans

[9/10 · 8 February 2008]

I was quite pleasantly surprised by ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, as I am not a big fan of The Beatles. I resisted seeing this in the theatres for fear it was too Beatles-centric.

While the film isn't perfect, it's flaws are easily forgiven by the amount of heart that comes across, and the homage to the spirit of the period. It's actually quite magical, and this is one I wouldn't mind having in my DVD collection. And now I'm regretting not seeing it on the big screen.

I really enjoyed her vocals. The cast in general has good chemistry and seems to have enjoyed the experience of making the film. I was especially impressed with Dana Fuchs channelling the spirit of Janis Joplin.

What Would Jesus Buy? (2007)

MUST SEE Film of 2007: Entertaining and Informative

[10/10 · 11 March 2007]

I just got home from the world premiere of WHAT WOULD Jesus BUY at SXSW. It received multiple standing ovations, especially when the audience was treated to a song by the Stop Shopping Choir. It wasn't just because of Morgan Spurlock, a festival favorite, was a producer. The film stands on it's own as a world class fun and informative documentary on the cancer of consumerism.

Focusing on the anti-consumerism crusade the Church of Stop Shopping, director Rob VanAlkemade focuses on the irrepressible Reverend Billy while touching on the facts. At first Reverend Billy simply seems outrageous, but he quickly brings his message home, using comedy. VanAlkemade uses several experts, and even allows Wal-Mart representatives to counter points.

This film is a Must-See before any shopping splurge. And you'll likely find you're going to spend more time researching where you shop and what you buy. Go out of your way to see this one!

A Lion in the House (2006)

Too long and poorly structured

[3/10 · 4 February 2007]

A Lion in the House has good intentions, but the filmmakers are timid in their approach. The wandering style used, with occasional voice-over gets really old long before the nearly four hours of the film ends. In a period when documentaries are in vogue, and breaking new ground in refreshing ways of telling stories, A Lion in the House seems like a throwback.

The subject matter is interesting, and the filmmakers may be oversensitized to the subject matter, unable or unwilling to edit it down into a more dynamic film. It seems like they went into without a real plan, and having had experience with the subject matter, that makes it a shame.

If they went into the editing room, they could cut out at least an hour, and make a film with more impact.

Chalk (I) (2006)

Ha Ha Only Serious

[9/10 · 22 October 2006]

Delightful mockumentary about new teachers. Well cast, well acted, and a brilliant structure that not only plays for laughs, but more than little 'only serious' edge to it. Basically if you were ever a student or a teacher, or a parent of a student, you'll get something out of this film. There's not much more I can say about it besides go see it when it hopefully releases in March. Oh, and it's so good, there's talk about it becoming a series. Think thats premature? Wait til you see the most refreshing sendup on spelling bees ever imagined. Then think about the fact that the extras playing students and teachers are just that. It's fresh and kinetic, and doesn't take itself too seriously.

Babel (I) (2006)

Poetry

[9/10 · 12 October 2006]

Alejandro González Iñárritu's direction is brilliantly layered and intricately woven. He deftly uses different film stock, imagery, sound, and stories to weave a single tale out of four disparate ones, a talent he's shown in other films.

The story by screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga and Iñárritu has one incident ricochet around the globe, and peeling back the layers of culture to show the frustrating inability to communicate, and the poignancy and universality of familial love.

Each story is complete, but a series of snapshots that leave as many questions as answers. As the stories unfold, the backstories and the futures of the characters are chock full of possibility and pain. As one commenter during the Q&A said, it was frustratingly beautiful. Each storyline deals with family and conflict from the inability to communicate or to understand.

All the performances are incredible, and very touching. Brad Pitt did an excellent job, and the always outstanding Cate Blanchett, a powerhouse actor if there ever was one, has the least screen time of any of the leads. Few can do so much with so little. But the really outstanding performance is Rinko Kikuchi as a deaf-mute Tokyo teen.

To say any more would possibly lesson the experience, so let me just say this: it may seem confusing at times, but by the end, it will seem like poetry.

The Fountain (2006)

Absolutely Fantastic

[10/10 · 28 September 2006]

Fantastic in every sense. This film is indeed poetry, and a beautiful testament to love and the cycle of life, and the impermanence of death. Wow. The script is tight, and the non-linear presentation works very well. The scene compositions were exquisite. The score enhanced without being overbearing, which is so often the case in contemporary film.

The acting is absolutely superb, but then it's got Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. I can't imagine Brad Pitt doing any sort of justice to this film. Darren Aronofsky lucked out in the long run by getting someone who has the range to portray the vast emotions required for Tomas/Tommy/Tom. Weisz has the depth for regal intrigue and spirited grace. Their chemistry makes their stories even more entrancing.

This film does require a thinking brain to be appreciated.

Independent Lens: Stolen (2005) Season 8, Episode 18

Superficial, with Such Potential

[3/10 · 13 July 2006]

STOLEN was one of the most disappointing film experiences I've had in a long time, more so because it had so much squandered potential.

The story was intriguing: in 1990, thieves dressed as Boston Police stolen several paintings from the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum, and their heist included "The Concert" by Vermeer, and is considered the most valuable painting ever stolen. If you don't think you're familiar with Vermeer, thing "Girl with a Pearl Earring." The story unfolds with thieves, politics, the mob, and all sorts of shady characters being tracked by a renowned art recovery expert, Harold Smith, a character in himself. And that's not even mentioning Isabella Stewart Gardner and her art museum.

What should have been a fascinating tale was one of the most haphazard and boring documentaries I've seen in years, and reeked of attention deficit disorder, from disorienting and senseless shots, to the sudden direction changes and long silences.

It would touch on elements, and then discard them, and when it did explore them, it was so superficial it was like hearing a good joke told by someone with no timing. And being from Boston, I know elements touched on in the piece that really could have been developed to make it more interesting and coherent.

It really could have been an incredible documentary, but it failed.

Shadow Company (2006)

Very Informative

[9/10 · 13 March 2006]

Almost everything you ever wanted to know about mercenaries, Shadow Company objectively provides historical background as well as poses questions on the importance of being informed about contract military today.

The filmmakers neither condemn or glorify those who chose this line of work, although in the backlash against military in general after Abu Ghraib stories broke, it may appear to be more sympathetic to at least some of the subjects in the film. In fairness, it is balanced, and focuses not on the right or wrong of contract military/security firms, but on history, structure, and how they fit into global military action, from Sierre Leone to Iraq.

It's a thoughtful, articulate documentary.

Eve and the Fire Horse (2005)

Captures the Magic and Confusion of Spirituality

[9/10 · 11 March 2006]

This just screened at SXSW and there were too many empty seats for this outstanding film.

It balances reverence and playfulness, and the essence of being a child who finds joy and magic in spirituality as much as it does the cultural conflicts within religion. The story literally brings to life the religions in question as well as extrapolating how a child processes myth and faith, especially from a very different culture, emphasizing what's alien, and what's similar, if not the same.

The direction and plot make the story accessible without dumbing itself down for the audience. It mixes languages and uses subtitles so the characters interact authentically in a household mixing immigration and acclimated generations.

BloodRayne (2005)

why?!

[2/10 · 27 October 2005]

This is singularly one of the worst films I've ever seen. After seeing a wide selection of decent horror at Fantastic Fest a few weeks ago, I expected this to have some substance because it was picked to screen at the Austin Film Festival. All I can think of is that someone must have blackmailed the programmers because it's terrible.

The dailogue is either very cliché, or very stilted (and often both). There are serious continuity issues. The gratuitous sex scene was so completely sudden it seemed like an excerpt from a porn movie. The wigs are terrible, and the costuming as bad. There is no character development, and the motivations shown on screen seem more like red herrings than anything else.

I can't think of anything redeeming about this film other than I didn't pay money just to see it.

Unknown White Male (2005)

disappointing

[5/10 · 23 October 2005]

The subject matter is intriguing; for no apparent reason, a man loses his memory. He doesn't know his name, or friends or family, and has to rebuild his life.

Unfortunately, his friend, the filmmaker, takes too much artistic license in trying to create mood. Between too many shaky camera sequences and gratuitous b-roll, it loses the audience quickly. It reminded me of WILD BLUE YONDER which spent too much time with atmosphere and not enough time with content.

It's worth a view to be a voyeur, and watch a man rebuild his life, and decide on what to embrace from his past, and how to continue into the future.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Outstanding

[9/10 · 21 October 2005]

This just screened to a packed house (1300 seats) at the Austin Film Festival. Judging from the sound of the audience, everyone enjoyed this as much as I did. The only downside is laughs and shouts were so loud and so frequent I missed a lot of the lines. But that's OK, as I intend to see it again and buy the DVD.

KISS KISS BANG BANG is an outrageous send up of potboiler fiction and film noir, and works on every level. The direction is oustanding, the story engaging, and arguably the best performances by Robert Downing Jr and Val Kilmer.

The very first scene sets the story up well; it seems like a standard scene type, and then gives the cliché'd scene a bronx cheer. It continues to do so throughout the film, within the noir genre. You'll expect one thing, and it twists it around in some outrageous way.

Downey rarely delivers a less than outstanding performance, and his hapless Harry is one of his most memorable. His voiceovers alone are worth the price of admission.

Kilmer's portrayal of "Gay" Perry is sublime. This is the best performance of a gay character in recent memory. The character is the cynical, competent 'straight' man to Downey's bumbling Harry, who's good intention lead to particularly hellish moments.

Michelle Monaghan enthusiastically owns her role as the female lead, with brass of a potboiler heroine, and holds her own against the other two leads.

Sin City (2005)

Ultra-Noir

[9/10 · 1 April 2005]

There are all sorts of prosiac, film studious ways of describing FRANK MILLER'S SIN CITY. But the best way to describe it is that it takes film making to a new level, especially for graphic novels/comic books.

In a word, SIN CITY rocks. Unapologetic, in your face, makes you want it bad rocks.

The scene compositions, the dramatic lighting, the high contract adjustments to simulate the look and feel of the original graphics novels proves that Rodriguez is a master of film. He also assembled a stellar cast, and used them all to the best possible advantage. It's impossible to single anyone out, because then all the actors and their performances would have to be listed.

Rodriguez and Miller, co-directors, did an amazing job. If you aren't already aware, Rodriguez resigned from the Director's Guild to do this, as he felt Miller had to be co-director. He also won over Miller by producing the opening sequence to show him his vision of SIN CITY.

The Guerilla film-making mentality of Rodriguez, who scored, shot, edited, and more, as well as co-directing, proves yet again that while it may take cajones to do it yourself, it pays off in the end.

FRANK MILLER'S SIN CITY is a must see, pay prime money, and get the DVD

Green Street Hooligans (2005)

SXSW'05 Best Narrative Feature (Jury and Audience)

[9/10 · 28 March 2005]

As one of the privileged few who saw the world premiere at SXSW (even badge holders were turned away), Hooligans is sure to be one of the most talked about films of the year.

Lexi Alexander, who, according to her Q&A answers at the premiere, grew up amongst the type of men depicted in Hooligans. The choice to use an American as a central character was deliberate, to quickly get into the story and see the lifestyle from an outsider's perspective.

As a wrongfully expelled Harvard student, Matt (Elijah Wood) decides to stay with his sister in England, and is reluctantly befriended by his brother in law's brother Pete (Charlie Hunnam). Wood deftly plays the passive introvert ripe for the seduction of group-bonding violence Hunnam's charismatically surly Pete, who introduces him to football (aka soccer) and the 'firms' who are known for their violence against rival teams' fans.

Without glorifying the violence, fully realized and likable characters explore how easily someone can be drawn into hooliganism. Instead of using broad strokes, Alexander demonstrates through Matt how even the most unlikely people get caught up in mob mentality and violence, through the bonds of friendship and belonging.

With an edgy soundtrack and strong performances, Hooligans leaves a lasting impression.

Deadroom (2005)

Intriguing

[9/10 · 28 March 2005]

Despite a title that may suggest horror, DEADROOM is a psychological anthology that explores the possibility of meeting with the departed.

The four writer/directors take the concept and run with it, with four very different tales of people who wish to speak with the dead, all with their own twists. If you're good at predicting plot twists, you'll find them, but you will still thoroughly appreciate the storytelling. The decisions for when to cutaway to another story were thoughtful, and enhanced the stories. The set designs and costuming also worked well. The somewhat unsettling opening sequence puts the audience into a questioning mindset that enhances the experience.

Out of over thirty new films I saw at SXSW '05, DEADROOM is one of the most memorable, and in my top five in a very strong and diverse program.

Waterborne (2005)

Timely, Provocative

[9/10 · 28 March 2005]

The impact of current paranoia about domestic terrorist threats are brought home in an provocative story that plays out in a Los Angeles neighborhood when it's discovered that someone has contaminated the water.

Screenwriter/Director Ben Rekhi articulately features differing points of view from disparate characters who eventually intersect as they all struggle with the reality of the lack of water. There are no clichés in this story, which is filled with fully realized characters and some excellent moments as characters face their fears, and the consequences of their actions.

Don't let the fact that Waterborne only received a second runner up audience award at SXSW fool you. The SXSW program this year was full of excellent films that showcased the power of independent film making, and considering Hooligans, arguably the most anticipated world premiere at SXSW '05, the fact that Waterborne placed with an audience award is telling.

Waterborne is a memorable film that deserves a wide audience.

The Education of Shelby Knox (2005)

Must See for Teens

[9/10 · 21 March 2005]

Shelby Knox is a role model for all teens. She questions the way things are and what's she's told and stands up for her beliefs and for others.

While sex education is the focus of the film, it is more the foundation of the issues Shelby faces. Shelby takes on the battle of sex ed despite the fact she is not sexually active; the fact that sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy are epidemic in her town is the driving force behind her campaign for fact-based sex ed.

THE EDUCATION OF SHELBY KNOX is about more than what Shelby is fighting for, but about young people standing up for themselves and wanting to make a difference. Her strength and integrity is a role model to other teens (and all ages, for that matter).