A quick update from SIFF--and a few video suggestions

5/23/10

Ah, variety. Film festivals have a lot of it. TVOR started the third day of SIFF with a fine family-friendly film and ended it with the latest by the Duplass brothers, the makers of The Puffy Chair (truly a great title and pretty good movie) and Baghead. And here's what she saw--all films have at least one more festival screening.

From Time to Time--Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, and that cute kid from Millions in a British film appropriate for grade school kids that their parents can enjoy too. Most of the action takes place in the waning days of World War II, with occasional forays back a century or so courtesy of some mostly benevolent ghosts.

The Robber--A well-done Austrian film about a guy equally dedicated to marathon running and bank robbing. It's all about the endorphins, TVOR supposes. Based on a true story.

Cyrus--An appealing American indie from the Duplass brothers about the perils of dating people with adult children who won't leave home. John C. Reilly, Marisa Tomei, Catherine Keener, and Jonah Hill are in it.

Video notes:

If you're not in Seattle, or don't want to leave the house, here are some of the better movies of 2009 now available on video--a veritable potpourri of cinema. You probably know of or have seen most of them, but there might be a new idea or two.

Crazy Heart
The Young Victoria
An Education
Bright Star
The Messenger
The Informant!
District 9
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Up in the Air
A Serious Man
Precious etc.