SXSW 2015 Film Review
The Nymphets Director/Screenwriter: Gary Gardner A well-to-do 30-something man invites two rowdy young girls to party in his loft, leading to a night of provocation and cruelty, all in the name of getting laid. Cast: Kip Pardue, Annabelle Dexter-Jones, Jordan Lane Price, Paulina Singer. (World Premiere) (film synopsis from sxsw.com)
OVERALL I consisted felt like I was stuck with oddly aggressive teenagers who spent the majority of time looking at each other and giggling. Add to that a guy who really makes ignorant, frustrating decisions, and it just feels like I'm stuck. The interesting thing is, I think that's what Gardner is going for. There are moments of curiosity here, but they never last long enough for me. Dexter-Jones is someone I will definitely keep an eye on. She does good work. And because Gardner does create the vision he wants, I am looking forward to seeing what he does next. FINAL SCORE: 4/10
The Visit Director/Screenwriter: Michael Madsen This film documents an event that has never taken place – man’s first encounter with intelligent life from space. (film synopsis from sxsw.com)
OVERALL Isn't that description exciting? The documentary isn't. It feels like the longest, slowest movie trailer I have ever seen. When finished, it's shocking to realize the film isn't even an hour and a half. The scientists and experts speak, the slow motion techniques in the film are constant, and it doesn't feel like we're close to understanding what to do if intelligent life is out there. FINAL SCORE: 2/10
Pod Director/Screenwriter: Mickey Keating A family intervention goes horrifically awry within the snowy confines of an isolated lake house. Cast: Lauren Ashley Carter, Dean Cates, Brian Morvant, Larry Fessenden, John Weselcouch. (World Premiere) (film synopsis from sxsw.com)
OVERALL I can't give this movie a score, because I left after 45 minutes. It felt like the director didn't know how to help these actors act, so he told them to yell. Then yell. And yell some more. FINAL SCORE: ?/10
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