Sunday night at AFI was all about TX film makers as Justin Hilliard and crew released the world premier of their new movie, The Other Side of Paradise. Shot on location in Dallas, Waco and Austin TOSOP brought not only familiar surroundings but is a film sure to bring deserved attention to these up and coming filmmakers.
(more)

What I love about festivals is finding that gem of a film that is tucked away in the midst of all the others. The one that everyone is excited about but still catches you by surprise. I had such an experience Saturday at AFI.

(more)

I was a guest of sponsor Barefoot Eric Dorton's at yesterdays screening of Haze, a documentary about a freshman at college who died because of a hazing incident after having only been away at college for a month. it was such a tragic story! Actress Robin Wright penn has taken up this cause and was present at the showing. i had my trusty camera and was going to snap a pic, but I was so mesmerized by this cause and the Q and A session after, I never got around to it. I want for my 20 year old to see this and for every friedn i have who is a parent.

One mother stood up and said she thought she knew what binge drinking was until she saw this movie. it was atrocious, the things college kids do, to themselvrs and to each other, when they have no parental supervision. And the number of kids and young adults who die, people ahve no idea!

i was so touched, i felt as if i have to do soemthing. i'm afraid i've taken up yet another cause. i offered to rent a theatre and hold an event to get people to see this, it is that important to me. Look for my event, I promise I will do it, and if you're a parent of any age child, especially one going to college soon, please see this movie! 

Saturday and AFI is in full swing. It can be a little overwhelming with so much to see and do. Remember the key is to plan ahead and then show up early. Give yourself plenty of time to park and get inside. The lines can fill up quick and it is best to have your tickets purchased and be in line no less than 30 minutes before the show starts, and with the more popular screenings even earlier.

 

(more)

I had a great time at the first day of the AFI Film Festival. There's loads of films to check out. I saw the following films on Friday:

• Gigantic - dark, odd comedy with Zooey Deschanel and Paul Dano that's fun, quirky and peculiar.
• Rosencratz and Guidenstern are Undead - a wacky, fun comedy about Hamlet as done by a group of vampires - should be a cult favorite.
• Prom Night in Mississippi - a relevant documentary about a small Mississippi town's high school who has their first integrated prom in 2008, with help from local resident and movie star Morgan Freeman. Superbly affecting and thought-provoking.

If you don't have tickets or a pass, it's not too late. Films are filling up quickly at both venues, Northpark Mall and The Magnolia theater in the West Village. It's a great time to see some different films, some of which are still looking for a distributor. This weekend should be very busy, have a plan on what to see and allow yourself plenty of time to get through the crowds. 

Happy AFI Festing!

(more)

The new animated release from Dreamworks, Monsters vs. Aliens, made me laugh and not once did I roll my eyes or look at my watch to see how much of the 94 minutes I had left. That alone should be enough for a positive review. Since most of you will go with a younger viewer in tow you more than likely want to know if it is adult friendly. And it is. The humor and slapstick are enough that while the preteens are laughing at the silly, jiggling blob you can laugh at the reference to Global Warming, etc.

(more)

I have come to terms with the fact that if my wife is ever kidnapped by a crazed psycho who is holding her life in the palm of his sadistic hand, she is probably not going to make it. Not if I have to do the things that movie heroes do. Hopefully for her sake nutso will demand I solve a crossword puzzle in 15 minutes or edit audio with one hand tied behind my back instead of scaling a building, climbing an elevator shaft or driving a fire truck across town at blazing speeds.  We can only hope. But granted that would make one boring of an action flick.

(more)

When you think of AFI and film festivals in general there is the tendency to focus on the must see films from edgy directors or any celebrity sightings from the parties and events. A place where adults mingle over cocktails and bite sized shrimp and contemplate the depth of the latest short. But we sometimes forget the mini movie fans in our midst. But at this years AFI there is plenty for the family to do.

(more)

The AFI Film Festival kicks off today and there is a lot to see over the next several days. It can be overwhelming so I thought I would give you a list of what I plan on seeing and those I have seen prior that you don't want to miss. There are tons of shorts and special features plus classics being reshown on the big screen. So losts more than the ones I have listed here. For more detailed info and ticket info on each film, visit www.afidallas.com
(more)

Comes now one of the most difficult yet instructive films of the year, Sin Nombre, dealing with the dilemma of émigrés from Central America as they attempt to get past border constraints and into the United States.

This is an art house film, a film students film, and a work for sophisticated film aficionados to view, study and learn about the tragic and disturbing events experienced by those seeking asylum here. Although this is a fictional recounting of events, viewers can almost be lulled into the sense that they are watching a documentary so effective is the tight plot and the visually astonishing cinematography.

(more)