Tonight I saw the short film Stuck, starring Steve Blackwood and Sandy Bainum.
"It's not a crime scene, it's a situation!"
George (Blackwood) and Helen (Bainum) want to take their intimacy to the next level, so they order a sex machine to spice things up. It arrives the evening of an important dinner they're hosting for clients ... but they hit a snag when the delivery boy gets stuck in the contraption, rendered unconscious.
The remainder of the film is witnessing the couple as they feverishly try to troubleshoot their way out of this predicament and prepare for their evening. Their banter alternates from manic to borderline sentimental as they explore the possibility of how their guests would react if they knew what was upstairs, while simultaneously brainstorming ways to conceal their issue.
Blackwood's high energy is reminiscent of his character Bart on Days of Our Lives, and Bainum is definitely a match with her expressive actions and speech.
All-in-all a fun, 14-minute romp.
~~~
Showing posts with label short film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label short film. Show all posts
Friday, February 28, 2020
Monday, February 03, 2020
Documentary Short Film Nominees (Oscars 2020)
Yesterday I saw all five of the nominated films in the Documentary Short category. I'll present my reviews in the order the films were shown.
LIFE OVERTAKES ME (Sweden, USA)
A mysterious illness is breaking the hearts of refugee parents all across Sweden. This film shows real-life cases of Resignation Syndrome, where children effectively enter into a coma after a series of traumatic events renders their bodies unresponsive. Facing deportation, the parents often have to parent children not afflicted by the ailment and tend to every basic need of those who do while battling for asylum. It's devastating to watch and I found myself hungry for additional answers when it came to an end.
LEARNING TO SKATEBOARD IN A WAR ZONE (IF YOU'RE A GIRL) (USA)
A group of young girls in Afghanistan get to experience school—and learn how to skateboard—in a special program that's empowered thousands. Not only do they gain the practical skills of basic education, but they gain a self-confidence not usual for girls in their community. An inspiring slice of hope for change ... that really goes on a bit too long. Shame about the lack of editing.
IN THE ABSENCE (South Korea)
In the spring of 2014, over 300 lives were lost when the MV Sewol ferry sank in the wake of an incompetent government rescue response. Those who did survive were largely saved by area fishing boats and commercial vessels who arrived and intervened before the Coast Guard showed up. Even worse, among the dead were hundreds of children who were on board for a school trip. This film superbly recalls the order of events of this preventable disaster using archive footage and audio mixed with recounts from survivors and the families of the dead. The strongest of the five, I was thinking about this one long after I left the theater. This is my pick to win.
WALK, RUN, CHA-CHA (USA)
A couple who escaped Vietnam during the war (facing certain death because they were Chinese), makes a new life in Los Angeles, bonded by the love for dance that started their romance when it was forbidden in their former country. We see them learning new moves, practicing for a formal performance and telling the history of their love story—all very endearing, but at times unfortunately a bit slow-paced and repetitive. My least-favorite of the five nominated films this year.
ST. LOUIS SUPERMAN (USA)
A young black man in Missouri, Bruce Franks, Jr., vows to ignite change after the Michael Brown incident happens, having grown up knowing violence first-hand after his young brother was killed in a gunfight being used as a human shield. He runs for office and wins—fighting for a bill that declares gun violence a public health risk. An excellent look at how change may take time, but is absolutely possible.
A young black man in Missouri, Bruce Franks, Jr., vows to ignite change after the Michael Brown incident happens, having grown up knowing violence first-hand after his young brother was killed in a gunfight being used as a human shield. He runs for office and wins—fighting for a bill that declares gun violence a public health risk. An excellent look at how change may take time, but is absolutely possible.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Documentary Short Film Nominees (Oscars 2018)
Today I saw all five of the nominated films in the Documentary Short category. I'll present my reviews in the order the films were shown.
TRAFFIC STOP (USA)
Director Kate Davis gives us a first-hand look at a subject that's all-too-familiar across our country: white police misusing their power on black citizens. In this case, the city is Austin, Texas (often known for its liberal, accepting nature) and the victim is Breaion King, a 26-year-old schoolteacher, who is caught speeding and pulls into a Wendy's parking lot. There, the white cops treat her like a violent criminal (though all she's does is question why she's being arrested) and toss her around like a rag doll (a gifted dancer, she's only 112 lbs.)—she sustains physical injuries that were completely avoidable and emotional damage from which she may never recover. Should be required viewing for all cadets entering the force—in any town.
EDITH + EDDIE (USA)
In the lush greenery of a quiet neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia lives Eddie, a 95-year-old white man and Edith, his 96-year-old black wife. They share a happy existence, attending church with their community and enjoying the picturesque water near their home. Their happiness is disrupted when Edith's daughter Patricia, anxious to sell her house, challenges her sister Rebecca for custodial rights to their mother. Since they can't come to an agreement, a stranger is appointed legal guardian and threatens to separate the beautiful life Eddie & Edith built. I could barely make it through this one; as the laws meant to protect elders in this case are doing just the opposite. Frustrating and painful to watch, but incredibly well done.
HEAVEN IS A TRAFFIC JAM ON THE 405 (USA)
Mindy Alper is an accomplished artist with works exhibited in one of the top Los Angeles galleries, but she has struggled all her life with severe mental health issues. These problems have pulled her to and from her family, and her art over the course of her 56 years. This film allows Mindy—and those closest to her—to share her story unfiltered and shows how powerful validation can be on one's journey toward contentment.
HEROIN(E) (USA)
Many may write off Huntington, West Virginia as a lost cause for a town considering its overdose rates are 10 times that of the national average—but there are three women in the community who refuse to give up on these citizens and this film tells their story. Necia runs the Brown Bag Ministry, handing out meals and finding shelter for addicted working girls on the street; Jan is the fire chief who personally saves countless lives when addicts overdose; Patricia is the drug court judge who holds sobriety graduation ceremonies for her criminals who go clean. The love is there and because of that love there is hope.
KNIFE SKILLS (USA)
A lot rests on the opening of Edwins restaurant in Cleveland. It's not just another place in the city to eat; it's a life-changing factory for recently released inmates who are working toward a better life. The founder himself is a former convict and he recognizes what's at stake by trusting these new recruits. He also knows that he'll never find more loyal or dedicated staff members because everyone on his team has something to prove. As expected, they all don't make it to the finish line, but for the ones who do the results are inspiring. Most of all, we're reminded that when it comes to reforming criminals, there's a better way to do it than the usual: Just give them a sense of purpose.
~~~
Friday, February 10, 2017
Documentary Short Film Nominees (Oscars® 2017)
Tonight I saw all five of the nominated films in the Documentary Short category. I'll present my reviews in the order they were shown.
JOE'S VIOLIN (USA)
Joseph Feingold survived the horrors of the Holocaust (though some of his family didn't). When he came to the United States after the war to begin a new life, he went to a flea market and bought a violin. It cost him only a carton of cigarettes and became his constant companion for over 70 years. When he heard an announcement that there was an instrument drive for local schools, he decided to finally part with it, and it landed at the Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls. There, 12-year-old Brianna Perez was chosen to borrow it during her time at the school. When she learned of the instrument's history, she invited Feingold to a performance. He went, and it was magical. This film is less than a half an hour long and I cried through at least half of it. Beautiful story, beautiful people, beautiful music.
EXTREMIS (USA)
Highland Hospital in Oakland, California treats patients of all walks of life in their Intensive Care Unit. This film showcases the work of Dr. Jessica Zitter, a palliative care specialist, and her team as they navigate their way through heartbreak after heartbreak, helping families make the toughest decisions of their lives. Their care, stress, compassion, intelligence and warmth are on raw display day after day, week after week. This short glimpse only captures a fraction of it, but reminds us who the real heroes are in this world.
4.1 MILES (USA)
Life as a Greek Coast Guard on the quiet island of Lesbos used to be stress-free for Captain Kyriakos Papadopoulos. That is, until the refugee crises began. Now his days are filled acting as a ferry between Turkey and his town as thousands risk their lives to cross the Aegean for a chance at a better life. He has no CPR or medical training, but continues to rescue and attempt to resuscitate those in need. Sometimes he succeeds; sometimes it's too late by the time the bodies float to his boat. Thinking of the times I splashed in that same Sea as a little girl, carefree and safe with my family in Greece, this film hit me especially hard. To see the terror in the eyes of parents not knowing if their children would live, or the fear in the children who were scarred by the horrors of war was borderline unbearable.
WATANI: MY HOMELAND (UK)
A Syrian couple tried to have children for eight years before conceiving, and then, God blessed them with four. Now their one son and three daughters dodge bullets and hide when shells come flying into their formerly peaceful neighborhood as their father, a Free Syrian Commander, dedicates his life to the revolution. Mom gives them cough syrup to relax, but they insist on staying by their father's side ... until their father is captured by ISIS. Unable to continue living in a constant state of chaos, the family seeks asylum in the small German town of Goslar. There they receive a clean home, a monthly salary and the warm welcome they so rightly deserve. They're grateful to their new hosts, but miss their family and homeland. The most in-depth look I've seen into the lives affected by the conflict, and one that will stay with me indefinitely.
THE WHITE HELMETS (UK)
As bombs fall onto their neighborhoods and explosions light up their Syrian skies, members of The White Helmets run toward the danger to rescue whomever survived or recover the bodies of those who did not. Members are former builders, former blacksmith—good, kind blue collar men that simply want to do the right thing in the midst of the most grim humanitarian conditions they'll ever face. Civilian volunteers with limited (or no) training who have saved over 58,000 lives to date. But those good deeds don't come without sacrifice. Each day they venture into the rubble is a day they may never come home. Many White Helmet lives have been lost "on the job." Despite this, they support each other like brothers (some even learn of their own deceased family members while being filmed for this documentary), crying, hugging and taking well-earned emotional breaks when they just can't keep going. Films like this should be mandatory in schools, in homes, in governments.
~~~
JOE'S VIOLIN (USA)
Joseph Feingold survived the horrors of the Holocaust (though some of his family didn't). When he came to the United States after the war to begin a new life, he went to a flea market and bought a violin. It cost him only a carton of cigarettes and became his constant companion for over 70 years. When he heard an announcement that there was an instrument drive for local schools, he decided to finally part with it, and it landed at the Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls. There, 12-year-old Brianna Perez was chosen to borrow it during her time at the school. When she learned of the instrument's history, she invited Feingold to a performance. He went, and it was magical. This film is less than a half an hour long and I cried through at least half of it. Beautiful story, beautiful people, beautiful music.
EXTREMIS (USA)
Highland Hospital in Oakland, California treats patients of all walks of life in their Intensive Care Unit. This film showcases the work of Dr. Jessica Zitter, a palliative care specialist, and her team as they navigate their way through heartbreak after heartbreak, helping families make the toughest decisions of their lives. Their care, stress, compassion, intelligence and warmth are on raw display day after day, week after week. This short glimpse only captures a fraction of it, but reminds us who the real heroes are in this world.
4.1 MILES (USA)
Life as a Greek Coast Guard on the quiet island of Lesbos used to be stress-free for Captain Kyriakos Papadopoulos. That is, until the refugee crises began. Now his days are filled acting as a ferry between Turkey and his town as thousands risk their lives to cross the Aegean for a chance at a better life. He has no CPR or medical training, but continues to rescue and attempt to resuscitate those in need. Sometimes he succeeds; sometimes it's too late by the time the bodies float to his boat. Thinking of the times I splashed in that same Sea as a little girl, carefree and safe with my family in Greece, this film hit me especially hard. To see the terror in the eyes of parents not knowing if their children would live, or the fear in the children who were scarred by the horrors of war was borderline unbearable.
WATANI: MY HOMELAND (UK)
A Syrian couple tried to have children for eight years before conceiving, and then, God blessed them with four. Now their one son and three daughters dodge bullets and hide when shells come flying into their formerly peaceful neighborhood as their father, a Free Syrian Commander, dedicates his life to the revolution. Mom gives them cough syrup to relax, but they insist on staying by their father's side ... until their father is captured by ISIS. Unable to continue living in a constant state of chaos, the family seeks asylum in the small German town of Goslar. There they receive a clean home, a monthly salary and the warm welcome they so rightly deserve. They're grateful to their new hosts, but miss their family and homeland. The most in-depth look I've seen into the lives affected by the conflict, and one that will stay with me indefinitely.
THE WHITE HELMETS (UK)
As bombs fall onto their neighborhoods and explosions light up their Syrian skies, members of The White Helmets run toward the danger to rescue whomever survived or recover the bodies of those who did not. Members are former builders, former blacksmith—good, kind blue collar men that simply want to do the right thing in the midst of the most grim humanitarian conditions they'll ever face. Civilian volunteers with limited (or no) training who have saved over 58,000 lives to date. But those good deeds don't come without sacrifice. Each day they venture into the rubble is a day they may never come home. Many White Helmet lives have been lost "on the job." Despite this, they support each other like brothers (some even learn of their own deceased family members while being filmed for this documentary), crying, hugging and taking well-earned emotional breaks when they just can't keep going. Films like this should be mandatory in schools, in homes, in governments.
~~~
Monday, February 16, 2009
Live Action Short Film Nominees (Oscars® 2009)
Tonight I saw all five of the nominated films in the Live Action Short category. I'll present my reviews in the order they were shown.
AUF DER STRECKE
The lengthiest of the nominees, Switzerland and Germany's narrative about a mall security guard who is in love with a bookshop clerk, feels like it could go a number of ways.
First, you see him apprehending shoplifters and wonder if the whole short will be a series of these situations, then once you see him zeroing in on Sarah (the bookshop clerk) with the security camera, you think he may be stalking her.
In a sense, he is.
So much that he makes sure to ride the same subway home and inadvertently witnesses a tragedy connected to her because of it.
Will he reveal what he saw? Will it make any difference to her if he does?
A lot happens in the 30 minutes to allow you to ponder these possibilities...which is what makes it good.
The ending, however, could've been better.
NEW BOY
Ireland's dramedy based on a Roddy Doyle short story packs a lot of punch.
It tells us of Joseph's arrival in an Irish elementary school and the adjustments that come with such a shift.
Joseph, we learn through flashbacks, is from war-torn Africa and is still dealing with the horrors he experienced in his homeland.
Christian is the resident troublemaker who does everything in his power to make the new kid feel out of place.
True to form, there's a tattletale and a short-tempered teacher who round out the cast (and the story).
Will the new boy survive in his new surroundings?
Amazingly, 11 minutes is all you need to find out.
TOYLAND
This heart-wrenching, yet profound holocaust story from Germany is reminiscent of LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, as it is centered around adults making the horrors of war metaphorical (concentration camps are referred to as "Toyland") to protect their children.
The friendship of two boys is in jeopardy as one is Jewish and the other is not.
What transpires is a beautiful exploration of "what if" and perhaps the best ending I've seen to a movie in recent years.
THE PIG
In this Denmark film, an old man is having "butt surgery" and takes comfort in a whimsical painting of a pig that faces his hospital bed.
He appears to have no loved ones attending to him, and is told he may in fact have cancer (though what he is having the surgery for is less serious). The pig makes him smile and chuckle to himself—so much that he tells the nurse he likes it.
Unfortunately, when he wakes from surgery it is gone at the request of his Muslim roommate.
After that, as an audience member you're asked to determine the definition of tolerance—and then react to a twist at the end that could change your mind.
MANON ON THE ASPHALT
In this French film, a young woman (Manon) is happily riding her bike around the winding streets of her town when she is struck by a car.
After that, she narrates instructions, regrets and meaningful memories about her life as she "floats" near her body and witnesses the unfolding events (folks gathering in the street, medics arriving).
It's a brief exploration of what could happen to any of us at any time, and more so a painful reminder that we should be living every day to the fullest—reminding those we love how much we appreciate them.
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
So which film would I pick to win the Oscar®? Really, I think they're all worthy, but if I had to narrow it to one it would have to be TOYLAND.
Please remember to tune into the Cinebanter Live Blog for the Spirit Awards this Saturday and of course, the Oscars® on Sunday.
AUF DER STRECKE
The lengthiest of the nominees, Switzerland and Germany's narrative about a mall security guard who is in love with a bookshop clerk, feels like it could go a number of ways.
First, you see him apprehending shoplifters and wonder if the whole short will be a series of these situations, then once you see him zeroing in on Sarah (the bookshop clerk) with the security camera, you think he may be stalking her.
In a sense, he is.
So much that he makes sure to ride the same subway home and inadvertently witnesses a tragedy connected to her because of it.
Will he reveal what he saw? Will it make any difference to her if he does?
A lot happens in the 30 minutes to allow you to ponder these possibilities...which is what makes it good.
The ending, however, could've been better.
NEW BOY
Ireland's dramedy based on a Roddy Doyle short story packs a lot of punch.
It tells us of Joseph's arrival in an Irish elementary school and the adjustments that come with such a shift.
Joseph, we learn through flashbacks, is from war-torn Africa and is still dealing with the horrors he experienced in his homeland.
Christian is the resident troublemaker who does everything in his power to make the new kid feel out of place.
True to form, there's a tattletale and a short-tempered teacher who round out the cast (and the story).
Will the new boy survive in his new surroundings?
Amazingly, 11 minutes is all you need to find out.
TOYLAND
This heart-wrenching, yet profound holocaust story from Germany is reminiscent of LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, as it is centered around adults making the horrors of war metaphorical (concentration camps are referred to as "Toyland") to protect their children.
The friendship of two boys is in jeopardy as one is Jewish and the other is not.
What transpires is a beautiful exploration of "what if" and perhaps the best ending I've seen to a movie in recent years.
THE PIG
In this Denmark film, an old man is having "butt surgery" and takes comfort in a whimsical painting of a pig that faces his hospital bed.
He appears to have no loved ones attending to him, and is told he may in fact have cancer (though what he is having the surgery for is less serious). The pig makes him smile and chuckle to himself—so much that he tells the nurse he likes it.
Unfortunately, when he wakes from surgery it is gone at the request of his Muslim roommate.
After that, as an audience member you're asked to determine the definition of tolerance—and then react to a twist at the end that could change your mind.
MANON ON THE ASPHALT
In this French film, a young woman (Manon) is happily riding her bike around the winding streets of her town when she is struck by a car.
After that, she narrates instructions, regrets and meaningful memories about her life as she "floats" near her body and witnesses the unfolding events (folks gathering in the street, medics arriving).
It's a brief exploration of what could happen to any of us at any time, and more so a painful reminder that we should be living every day to the fullest—reminding those we love how much we appreciate them.
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
So which film would I pick to win the Oscar®? Really, I think they're all worthy, but if I had to narrow it to one it would have to be TOYLAND.
Please remember to tune into the Cinebanter Live Blog for the Spirit Awards this Saturday and of course, the Oscars® on Sunday.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Om natten (At Night)
Today I saw Om natten, which is an Oscar® nominee in the Live Action Short Film category.
Set in a cancer hospital in Denmark, three young women bond over their "death sentences," their family problems and their hope for recovery (or lack thereof).
I always think one way to measure a good film is if it feels like the characters are still in existence after you leave the theater. With this one, I truly did.
The actresses that portray Stephanie, Sara and Mette deserve nominations of their own for their convincing moments as sick and conflicted women. The fact the film is set over the holidays only compounds the tears you'll shed as you dive into their world head-first, but you'll still be glad you spent time with them when all is said and done. After 39 minutes, I'm bargaining you'll feel grateful for your own blessings more than you did prior to seeing this.
If I could vote, this would easily be my pick to win.
Set in a cancer hospital in Denmark, three young women bond over their "death sentences," their family problems and their hope for recovery (or lack thereof).
I always think one way to measure a good film is if it feels like the characters are still in existence after you leave the theater. With this one, I truly did.
The actresses that portray Stephanie, Sara and Mette deserve nominations of their own for their convincing moments as sick and conflicted women. The fact the film is set over the holidays only compounds the tears you'll shed as you dive into their world head-first, but you'll still be glad you spent time with them when all is said and done. After 39 minutes, I'm bargaining you'll feel grateful for your own blessings more than you did prior to seeing this.
If I could vote, this would easily be my pick to win.
The Tonto Woman
Today I saw The Tonto Woman, which is an Oscar® nominee in the Live Action Short Film Category.
For a short film, this sure went on for a long time.
The story is based on an Elmore Leonard work about a woman who is kidnapped by the Apaches and traded to the Mojaves, then returned 'tainted' to her husband. A friendly Mexican happens upon her bathing topless in the desert one day and becomes her confidant. He convinces her of her worth (which her husband seems to be ignoring), then something happens at the end which I won't spoil here.
I couldn't help but think that the only nominee in this category that is spoken in English would hold my attention more than the others, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Aside from the gratuitous (and non-sensual) nudity, I felt that what could've been a shocking story became very stale in this delivery. I wanted to care about the characters, but really didn't, and the ending was quite predictable.
It wouldn't get my vote if I were a member of the Academy.
For a short film, this sure went on for a long time.
The story is based on an Elmore Leonard work about a woman who is kidnapped by the Apaches and traded to the Mojaves, then returned 'tainted' to her husband. A friendly Mexican happens upon her bathing topless in the desert one day and becomes her confidant. He convinces her of her worth (which her husband seems to be ignoring), then something happens at the end which I won't spoil here.
I couldn't help but think that the only nominee in this category that is spoken in English would hold my attention more than the others, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Aside from the gratuitous (and non-sensual) nudity, I felt that what could've been a shocking story became very stale in this delivery. I wanted to care about the characters, but really didn't, and the ending was quite predictable.
It wouldn't get my vote if I were a member of the Academy.
Il Supplente
Today I saw Il Supplente, an Oscar® nominee in the Live Action Short Film category.
Italy's Andrea Jublin brings us rapidly into the classroom where all hell is breaking loose with the new substitute teacher. Usually when this happens, it's because the teacher has lost all control of the students. In this setting, the instructor is purposely wreaking havoc, chiming in with others to make fun of the fat kid, persuading one girl to hand over her diary and generally acting like an asshole.
This should be funny, but to me no part of it was. I thought the ending may redeem where the story had gone, but instead it carried the same cheap torch to the finish line.
It's disappointing this is even in the running for an Academy Award®.
Italy's Andrea Jublin brings us rapidly into the classroom where all hell is breaking loose with the new substitute teacher. Usually when this happens, it's because the teacher has lost all control of the students. In this setting, the instructor is purposely wreaking havoc, chiming in with others to make fun of the fat kid, persuading one girl to hand over her diary and generally acting like an asshole.
This should be funny, but to me no part of it was. I thought the ending may redeem where the story had gone, but instead it carried the same cheap torch to the finish line.
It's disappointing this is even in the running for an Academy Award®.
Tanghi Argentini
Today I saw Tanghi Argentini, one of the Oscar® nominees in the Live Action Short Film category.
In this 14-minute wonder, Belgium's Guido Thys brings us the sweet story of a man desperate to learn the tango so he can impress a date he's met on the Internet (with a screen name like "Bing Crosby" you can't help but root for him).
After much persuasion, he convinces a co-worker to teach him the crucial moves and what unfolds after that is pure delight.
This easily earned its nomination.
In this 14-minute wonder, Belgium's Guido Thys brings us the sweet story of a man desperate to learn the tango so he can impress a date he's met on the Internet (with a screen name like "Bing Crosby" you can't help but root for him).
After much persuasion, he convinces a co-worker to teach him the crucial moves and what unfolds after that is pure delight.
This easily earned its nomination.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Paris Je'Taime
Yesterday I saw Paris Je'Taime, starring Natalie Portman and Elijah Wood.
It will be the topic of Cinebanter 33, so tune in on July 3 for our review.
It will be the topic of Cinebanter 33, so tune in on July 3 for our review.
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