Fantastic Fest Early Party Volume One
World's Greatest Dad - ** My review is pretty much identical to Cosmic Bus'. After the first half hour, it isn't really a black comedy anymore and is no longer funny. People clamoring that this is a staunch black comedy are probably people who still think South Park is on the edge. Interesting premise that could have been 100 times funnier perhaps if Neil LaBute didn't become a fucking cop out. Was featured as a Fantastic Fest early feature this year.
Not Quite Hollywood - *** 1/2
While I think a better documentary could eventually be made about the subject, perhaps more fleshed out and detail orientated but perhaps it wouldn't be best suited since while it is filled with factoids, it makes all the Australian genre films look so fucking cool and wants you to go out and watch them all (well maybe not the sex romps in the first third but they would still be alright all things considered). I added Man from Hong Kong to my cue. Played at last year's Fantastic Fest.
Bronson - ***
While there are many things I don't like about Bronson, this is easily probably the best biopic that can be made about Britain's most famous prisoner and there quite a few generally really funny moments. The tea scene in particular is going to be one of my favorites of the year. Tom Hardy has this great chemistry for his character too even though I thought some of the theatrical scenes didn't work well. There is a great energy in this film too that made me smile. Playing at this year's Fantastic Fest.
Dirty Mind - ***
Reminds me of a really fun cult film from the 70s, the lead is charming too and my favorite thing about this film is that even by the final act, it never feels tired. I couldn't give this any less than *** on the fact that has two of the funniest jokes about Parkinson's ever. With films like this, this year's Fantastic Fest looks to be way better than last years. Oh yeah, playing this year at Fantastic Fest.
Chaser - ***
Finally get around to this one, Chaser is a good thriller that keeps you on edge the entire way. It is really well made though and doesn't seem to drag. I love how it felt quite unpredictable too even though I hate it when the main character figures out clues and then they have flashbacks to those clues. Errr. Ah well. Played at last year's Fantastic Fest.
Breathless - **** Expect this one to rack up tons of top 10s at the end of this year and is so far the best film I have seen released this year. I think Breathless does for abuse who Gran Torino did for racism and make it into a really heartfelt tragic comical film. I really hope a bigger distro handles the film than someone that would fuck it up like Magnet or IFC. I wonder if this is going to be South Korean's entry for their foreign nominee pick? I hope this becomes a sleeper hit. This is playing at this year's Fantastic Fest.
