fbombmoviereview

Edge of Darkness Trailer
Now back from the cold of “Sundance”. I must watch mainstream films. So, this week I tackle Mel Gibson and “Edge of Darkness”

Tom Craven (Mel Gibson) a Boston detective. Welcomes home his one and only daughter. The visit is short lived. When unexpectedly she is gunned down on the front porch. Assuming Tom was the intended target. The police follow that trail. But, as they discover there was no reason to kill Tom. Tom takes it upon himself to track down the truth. And what he discovers is a much larger problem.

Yes, the storyline sounds familiar. But, Hollywood doesn’t have much originality left. Despite that. It was well done. Mel Gibson did a find job. Despite his 8 year hiatus from playing a lead character. I give this a luke-warm

Low budget allows one to create big art. This film captures that. Directed by Todd and Brad Barnes. This film takes a unusual approach to a romantic comedy.
Mike (Anslem Richardson) is recently paroled felon. Currently working as a locksmith. Living in a work release program. Mike is called out to repair a lock. This particular job is far more than Mike had bargained for. This is where we meet Margo (Ana Reeder). Margo is free-spirited gal. Who thinks her boyfriend is having an affair. As Mike helps Margo get into an apartment. Yes, I said an apartment. This is where the all day adventure begins. From a slightly misplaced work van, to harmless spying. The movie is filled with screwball behavior.

I am not sure this film is going to be picked up for wide release. But, if it is released in some form. It is worth checking out. The acting by Anslem is spot on. The direction is big budget on no budget. I give this film a solid

Happythankyoumoreplease is about Sam a twenty something New York short story writer. After a long night and mad rush to an important publishing meeting he is burden with the responsibility of returning a lost child, Rasheen.

Written, directed, and starring Josh Radnor of How I Met Your Mother fame has assembled a complex multi layered story. A confused anti-hero, a young couple grappling with progression, and a women suffering from alopecia that finds beauty in the most curious way. Radnor executes this romantic comedy without forcing his characters into insincere moments and still manages to make us feel warm and fuzzy inside… Just as the genre intended.

The Romantics is a story of eight college friends who all come together for a wedding between two of them years later. This is a film about love, friendship, family and betrayal.

The director did a great job with her casting choices and managed to get a group of A- list actors for this independent film. This film Is not only entertaining but will make you think about the different relationships people hang on to and why. It is definitely worth seeing, I give this an

Located in the “NEXT” category of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. Brings light to the “NEXT” big thing. Director Michael Mohan sheds the excess baggage of relationships. And brings to the screen a raw depiction of youth, love and drinking.
Shot in black and white. The film takes place in a church. Where Fisher lives free of rent and coaches youth soccer. His friend Pete drops by unexpectedly. Pete tells his boss his father died. And then proceeds to tell Fisher that was a lie. And that his girlfriend cheated on him. So, Fisher sets out to get Pete laid. Cougars no doubt. As the film develops. Fisher’s crude behavior takes spotlight. His drinking takes hold and drives him to regret his actions. Finally, when all truths are revealed. We get a great sense of understanding.
Although this film has a “Swingers” feel to it. It doesn’t have the acting ability to carry that feeling. I did enjoy the film. I laugh and felt the hardships. So, I will give this a mild

I liked the directors personality when he introduced the movie but then I saw the movie.
Description:
Shot of sky, shot of tree, zoom, 2 words of dialog, s#%t twighlight zone type music… Then repeat.
This was cliche arthouse drivel and a huge

Douchebag is the story of Sam, who is about to be married and his fiancés concern that his absentee little brother will not be attending the wedding. She has never met the brother and doesn’t understand the animosity between the siblings. So, she decides to surprise Sam with the gift of family.

This is a remarkably fresh take on relationships and the dynamic of brotherhood. Andrew Dickler gives a break out performance along with the principle cast. His character’s dry wit, the need to be right and in control of everyone is hilarious and painful. It’s like watching an articulate monkey manipulate and bully a group of reasonable people… Comedy gold!

I believe Douchebag and Andrew Dickler to be the dark horse breakout of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. I give this movie a huge

Sundance did it to me again. Suckered me in and made me cry. There is always a film or a subject matter that tugs at your heart strings. This film and it’s subject did that to me.

James (Ryan O’Nan) returns home. After a tour in Iraq. Now home in his Texas small town. James must get back into a civilian lifestyle. His transition is going to be his biggest war. Not remembering a significant event in Iraq. Which killed two and wounded others. James drives a wedge between his family and friends. His wife Sarah (America Ferrera) leaves him do to his constant aggressive flashbacks. His best friend (Jason Ritter) tries desperately to help. But, James refuses any help. So, he sets out to find what happened that day in Iraq. He is joined by his fellow Army buddy (Wilmer Valderrama). The two ex-soldiers head to Walter Reed Medical center. To visit one of the injured soldiers. What James learns. Haunts him and filled the void of that unanswered question. The trouble of his Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome will lead James down a rocky road.

We may have seen films touch on this subject matter. But, none quite like this. Director Ryan Piers Williams did a phenomenal job tackling this subject. The acting was solid. The need for this film today is warranted. Soldiers are coming home daily. We need to support them. With the suicide rate of returning soldiers out numbering the casualties over seas. We have to bring this to the table. Discuss it and help!

We all watched “March of the Penguins”. Now prepare yourself for “AvaToad”. A 3-D journey through the Australian continent. As the infestation of the Cane Toads becomes overwhelming.

Director Mark Lewis released a documentary in 1988 called “Cane Toads: An unnatural history”. And now he catches up with these ever growing (Population) toads. This documentary is enlightening and witty. The 3-D aspect lends a lot to it. Not sure if there is a market for this film. But, well worth checking it out.

Now Sundance has this category called “Spotlight”. A category exclusive to films that have played before somewhere else. But, they find impressive. This film was one of their selections.

A father divorced and alone. Lenny (Ronnie Bronstein) has his two sons for two weeks a year. It is clear from the opening scene. Lenny is not the father type. Loose and childlike in his behavior. Lenny struggles with work, relationships and his kids in those two weeks. One bad choice followed by another. You begin to feel sorry for him. And at the same time loathe him.

This is by no means a “Mainstream” movie. It has Art House written all over it. But that is why I liked it. It was real, gritty and honest. If you enjoy raw artsy films. See this.