A Festival for "Steve Chong..."

The New Orleans Film Festival, run by the New Orleans Film Society, was recently listed as one of MovieMakers’ film festivals worth the entry fee for filmmakers. While I have never submitted a movie to the fest (I’m a critic), I can tell you that the NOLA audience appreciates indie cinema. And if you have an exceptional indie film, the benefits you receive will match the quality you give.

Like most fests, there is a submission process, where a plethora of films are whittled down to dozens. Competition is fierce on the festival circuit. The more organizations turn your movie down, the more youtube looks like a viable option. Good movies ought to be viewed on good screens.

To the people behind NOFS, allow me to recommend a good movie for this years fest, during this submission season - Steve Chong Finds Out That Suicide is a Bad Idea. 

I reviewed this local indie a while back, using a rough cut as my source. Since then, the filmmakers have continued editing, and have produced what I feel is a much better movie.

Steve Chong has reached a dead end in his life. Having just been fired from a sushi restaurant, he is heavily considering suicide. At the last minute, he organizes a weekend vacation with his closest friends. They drink, they goof off, they reveal secrets and they grow as people. But will all of this help Steve? Is he going to go through with his plan?

This new cut is much more polished, and features some excellent edits; an opening credit sequence that hints at a very dark moment works really well. But nothing about the story is sacrificed with more cutting. If anything, the story is streamlined, unfolding in a much smoother way. And any movie that uses a Silent Cinema song is a winner in my book. 4/5 *s all the way.

Lots of people in the region know about Steve Chong (some strangers I talked with over a year ago brought it up out of nowhere), but few have seen it complete and on a big screen. Lets make it happen at NOFF. 

Contact NOFS here, and like Steve Chong on facebook.

@NOFS Review: "Herman's House"

Cross posted from MoviePass:

A good friend of mine and I have had many a late night discussion about scripts involving characters in prison. This is mostly because of our deviant interest in HBO's OZ and our willingness to write characters who live tortured lives. The one thing that always comes up in our talks is the idea of redemption. Is it possible for an ex con to live a normal life in public AND be accepted by others?

Usually, there is a stigma attached to former prisoners (especially sexual offenders) that prevents them from gaining employment, making friends and even enjoying their freedom. And, in some cases, they go right back behind bars because of a community's inability to let them move on. Can any one prisoner - current or former - change people's minds?

Artist Jackie Sumell began a pen pal kind of relationship with Herman Wallace, an inmate at Angola Prison in Louisiana, after learning about his solitary confinement. A 30 some odd YEAR solitary confinement. For a crime he and others say he didn't do. In an effort to help spread the word about his plight - and to help him mentally/emotionally - she asked him "What kind of house does a man who has lived in a six-foot-by-nine-foot cell for over 30 years dream of?”. Thus began an intriguing art installation setup, and a noble community home project.

"Herman's House" is wonderful in how it paints its central figure, Herman, without ever showing his face. He is heard through phone conversations and seen in old, faded pictures. You would think that a documentary crew would be granted some one on one time with this man... But this only further illustrates not only how cut off Herman is from society, but how he perseveres despite this lack of contact.

Mr. Wallace is extremely articulate, compassionate and inspiring. A young former inmate beams with energy when talking about meeting this man, and how he changed his life. A fellow black panther gladly represents him on the outside. And a lawyer is stunned when Herman offers evidence for a case he is working on; one that would cause Herman's family much grief. When asked why he would be willing to do this against the wishes of his kin, he said "Because it's the right thing to do."

Much of the movie involves Jackie and her efforts to make Herman's House a real home for local NOLA children a reality. She faces roadblock after roadblock, much to the detriment of her own well being. However, she doesn't see it that way. She may be in debt, making little to no money and have a lack of support for this campaign, but she moves on anyways. She believes in Herman, and will continue to fight for him "because it's the right thing to do".

For one man to be such a beacon of inspiration while living under horrendous conditions is amazing. In my opinion, people like Herman Wallace - reformed ex cons, social workers, activist parents - ought to be in the spotlight more often. THEY are fighting the battles that REALLY matter. Sure, they may not be on tv, throwing out zingers at political opponents, but that's only because it would be a waste of time. They are leading strikes, forming community projects and changing minds. Because it is the right thing to do. I'd be willing to bet that most regular people would agree.

4/5 *'s

"Herman's House" will be screening at this years New Orleans Film Festival on October 14th and 15th (filmmaker in attendance on the 14th). Get your tickets here.

@NOFS Review: "True Family"

Cross posted from the MoviePass blog:

When you think of New Orleans, what comes to mind? Food for some. Hurricanes for others. Movies for me. And, of course, no thought about the city should be without the most obvious answer - music. You don't even have to leave your stoop to hear a juicy tune playing. Without that element, this city wouldn't be as alive as it is.

And which performer best represents this?

Meschiya Lake is a sort of revivalist style jazz singer, belting out wonderful notes on street corners for tourists and city dwellers alike. She has a background in circus acts, a plethora of tattoos and looks/sounds dynamite. She bikes around town, joyfully training her voice for the next song. She is strong, fun and very talented. Alive is the perfect word to describe her.

Before watching "True Family", I had never heard of Meschiya (I ought to be shot). I knew of bands like Tuba Skinny (who were nice enough to let me use their music for my #TeamNOLAFilm podcast), but that was about it. Knowing what I know now, I'm hit with a wave of sadness that there was a whole musical community in the area that I was unaware of - This was followed by absolute happiness when I discovered her album on Spotify. But what really impresses me here is how, through this singer, we are given a novel glimpse of a thriving young creative crew.

You see, this is really more a profile on an artistic circle - one that works with one another. Musicians help each other out, floating from band to band, getting the word out and improving the culture. Others like dancers and designers get in on the act, contributing their talents not so much for the money (the little that is available), but for the joy of expression. This look at the New Orleans music culture makes my heart flutter. 

Recently, there was a tiny spat that spilled onto social networks between two local film organizations, with one accusing the other of monopolizing venues. Ironically, both groups encourage teamwork from everyone involved in the movie community, from directors to critics. Can we call the NOLA film community a true family? Well, sometimes families do argue...

3/5 *'s

"True Family" will be showing at this years New Orleans Film Festival on October 15th. Buy your tickets here.

@NOFS Review: "Dead Man's Burden"

Cross posted from MoviePass:

For most of New Orleans, Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" will be THE western film event of the year. While I don't doubt that it will be an event, to call it a western is way too simple. I think it's obvious that Tarantino's works - especially since "Kill Bill" - have been beyond traditional notions of genre, and fit more under the term remix. I will most certainly be in line for that movie, but what flick should local (or any) western fans catch? What would I pick as a must see?

I would not only recommend "Dead Man's Burden" - which will be playing at this years New Orleans Film Festival - as a great western, but also as one of the best films of 2012. I'm not sure where it would be ranked exactly, but I would bet it'd be in my top 5.

The story is about a young married couple. The wife has just buried her father, and is ready to sell the land she lives on to an opportunistic mining company rep. Just before finishing business, her long thought dead brother shows up, wanting to catch up on time lost. Secrets are unearthed, justice is had and bonds dissolve. A real American tragedy unfolds.

There were two scenes in this movie that represent for me why this was extraordinary. In the first example, the mining company rep appears as the only person in the shot. No score, just the man. Suddenly, the brother moves from into the shot, and the score kicks in. I paused this moment and recorded the timecode - 00:49:50. While this bit might seem too silly (and maybe lame) as an example of a movie's great attributes, I assure you it is THAT GOOD, and just ONE OF MANY similar shots/edits. It's wonderful how a modern first time feature filmmaker has a knowledge and execution mastery of such filmmaking techniques. Too often will I see independent films that are just the screenplay on camera. Use ALL THE TOOLS at your disposal, and you will amaze!

The second example shows the level of tension. In the scene, the wife, husband and mining company rep are about to enjoy a drink and make their deal official. Before a drink could be enjoyed, the brother comes into the room, and drops a bullet into the reps drink. While he doesn't say it, we know - and the characters know - that he dug it out of his father's corpse(!). The mood is thick here. This is western storytelling at it's most hardcore. Emotions run as high as the heat in New Mexico...

"Django Unchained" comes out just before the year ends, but "Dead Man's Burden" is already making the festival rounds. The jury is still out on Tarantino's latest, but Director Jared Moshe's first is an expertly crafted cut of cinema. It is what I would pick as a must see.

5/5 *'s

@NOFS Review: "Now, Forager"

Cross posted from MoviePass:

There is a scene in the independent film “Now, Forager” that deserved not only some more time, but its own movie. It features a meeting of sorts between one of our protagonists and two Eastern European men. The two foreigners rob our main character with a machete and some vague dialogue. The loot? A bundle of mushrooms.

Yes, you read that correctly – this is a movie that has mushroom bandits in it. Well, briefly has them in it, as they are only on screen for a few minutes, and never return. Had those two thieves been in this more, my enjoyment would’ve been greater.

We follow Lucien and Regina, a married couple who live off of selling exotic mushrooms they find in the wilderness. They sell these items to New York restaurants, but barely make enough income to put gas in their car. Lucien would rather continue what they are doing, as it makes him happy, but Regina wants more stability; she wants to make cooking a career. Their individual passions lead both of them on different paths, which will ultimately test the strength of their relationship.

It’s hard to pick a side with this couple. You got Lucien, who is easily annoyed by people and is deliciously passive aggressive – scenes between him and an upperclass woman write themselves – and Regina, who is warm and a bit naive. I suppose both have personalities to agree with, but in the end, they are too idealistic to last with each other, and with others – namely the audience.

Now, I’m not saying that the main characters are unlikable, but I am saying that there isn’t much to like. They’re smart and their job is interesting, but that’s about it. The majority of the story, they talk about food and mumble about their relationship. This would’ve worked much better as a short.

Wouldn’t a sequel starring the mushroom bandits be amazing? Two thieves who’ve decided to ONLY rob mushroom foragers; something interesting has GOT to be found in that somewhere. Well, as long as they don’t spend their screen time wasting my time.

2/5 *'s

You can follow the movie @NowForager and catch a screening of it at the New Orleans Film Festival on October 13th and again on the 18th. Get your tickets here and follow @NOFS for more festival info.

Help Kickstart Movies To Geaux

Image via Wikipedia

I'm old enough to remember what going to a drive in movie was like. It was similar to watching a Fourth of July fireworks display; lots of people, lots of cars, lawn chairs, and snacks under a starry night.

You would think that watching a movie in a quiet setting and more enclosed environment would be preferable, but outdoor cinema provides an excellent communal / party like atmosphere, perfect for socializing.

Unfortunately, the State of Louisiana no longer has any operating drive in theaters. Can outdoor cinema make a comeback and thrive in the Pelican State? The New Orleans Film Society certainly hopes so:

"For the first time, in 2011, NOFS decided to offer movies al fresco and hosted the largest outdoor film events the city had ever seen (nearly 1,000 people gathered for our first event at NOMA's Besthoff Sculpture Garden!). In 2012, we're expanding in this arena and are eager to purchase equipment so we can essentially be "on the geaux" with our very own mobile cinema system. We want to bring together audiences for exciting free and low-cost film events in neighborhoods around the city. We see the potential to show a wide range of films as part of Movies To Geaux: classics, cult films, Louisiana favorites and more."

This is excellent news. Maybe it's not a "classic" drive in, but it is able to bring movies to any/every park, rooftop, neighborhood and side of building in the area, providing moviegoers with an extremely one of a kind event. Imagine a horror double feature in the abandoned Six Flags site, or watching a classic like "All The Kings Men" in Duncan Plaza (across from City Hall). Maybe "Steamboat Bill, Jr." by the lake? These are the type of events that NOFS can bring to life.

And outdoor cinema easily trumps 3D, in my opinion. Sure, in Southeast Louisiana, you'd be trading in air condition for humidity and maybe mosquitoes, but any film fan can live with that; watching Hal 9000 plot murder under a crystal clear night while discussing the movie with friends easily beats watching Nicolas Cage throwing an axe at the screen of a corporate multiplex while remaining absolutely quiet.   

To fund this project, NOFS need to raise $4,500 in 28 days (as of this posting). A modest investment would go a great way to providing a more social movie going experience for the NOLA community. Why not chip in?

The Joy Is Back! Let's Book A Movie...

Since posting my previous entry on The Joy, the theatre has re-opened and played host to musical acts and stage productions. It's great to know that the venue is up and running again, but one thing concerns me; no movie screenings have been scheduled.

With its' history as one of THE premiere movie palaces on Canal St., it surprises me that a screening hasn't at least been booked. It can't be a lack of interest from the local film community, can it? Whatever the reason, I have a few ideas for possible movie events at the revamped Joy: 

Movie Pitchers Revival

I never had the opportunity to visit when it was in operation, but from the stories I've listened to and read, Movie Pitchers was a house with character. From Mike Miley Online:

"Yes, Movie Pitchers was a complete dump, but it was a film lover’s dump. For $5, you could see all the foreign and arty indie films that didn’t play anywhere else in town other than the overpriced Canal Place in the French Quarter … and you could drink while you were there. Magnolia, The Big Lebowski, Deconstructing Harry,Hands on a Hardbody - I saw them all at least twice at Movie Pitchers. Plus, they showed Disco Dolls in Hot Skin, which, if you don’t know, is a 3-D porno starring John Holmes (remember what I said about the couches?). It was disappointing, but it has one of the most messed-up flashback structures ever put on film. How could a film lover not live at a place like this?"

Unfortunately, the theatre was demolished in the early 00's.

So, what am I proposing? Let Movie Pitchers take over The Joy for a night! Call it a revival of sorts; the original owners/fans, programming a series of films they used to show. Original ticket prices, original drink brands/prices (The Joy has a bar), maybe even decorate the screening room with original furniture (a longshot), all for one night of nostalgia. Currently, there is a Facebook group, set up by dedicated fans, calling for their return - they might have some ideas...

Film Festivals

The New Orleans Film Society presents, every fall, the New Orleans Film Festival, and books screenings at theatres across the city. Maybe this year, The Joy can play host to the opening/closing night events? 

Taking place soon after is the NOLA Horror Film Fest. To screen on Canal St. would bring plenty of attention to this young fest.

And, of course, there is this:

Our Worst Film Festival (which also played at Movie Pitchers) was revived a few years ago, and has since existed as gatherings held throughout the year. Why not give it a bigger venue? Maybe it could become a regular thing; showing bad movies once a month. People show up to Prytania's midnight movies, why not come to The Joy for notoriously bad/incredibly obscure films? And maybe this could merge with B Fest; 24 hours of bad movie programming. Consider that ticket bought.

Hollywood South Premieres 

New Orleans has seen many major film productions, but very few film premieres. Let's fix that. I call on all producers and distributors to world premiere your NOLA shot films IN NOLA. You did a red carpet type event for Sandra Bullock at The Prytania, you can do the same for Sylvester Stallone at The Joy.

However it happens, I'm sure a movie will eventually screen at The Joy. When it does, I'll be there. Unless it stars Dane Cook.

Review: "The Last Lullaby"

The following entry is cross posted from InvadeNola:

Ever find yourself digging through the discount DVD bin at Wal Mart in the middle of the night? You’re not really looking to buy something, and you’re really not looking for anything in particular – you’re just trying to fill the time. For some, a wide eyed walk around the local store is all that’s needed to burn that last bit of energy. For others…

The Last Lullaby is a story lead by two such people; two restless souls, troubled by sleepless nights and haunted pasts. When their paths inevitably cross, they will have to work together, not only to resolve their more immediate problem, but to ultimately get a good night’s sleep.

We are first introduced to our male lead, a nameless ex hitman who goes by whatever alias He can think of. Played by Tom Sizemore, Jack (his primary alias) lives a fairly comfortable life, but does so uncomfortably. Weathered and restless, Jack visits a convenience store where, by chance, He overhears a kidnapping plot. Out of sheer boredom, He rescues a woman, only to demand a ransom for her safe return. While He handles this situation with the expertise you’d expect, He seems to be going through the motions; punching a thug in the face is just like going to the store or watching Nick at Nite for this guy.

Months later, He is contacted by the woman’s father to perform a job; to eliminate a witness. He hesitantly accepts, and proceeds to go about his former routine. This is where He meets (well, observes) his target Sarah, played by Sasha Alexander. Probably breaking a golden rule, Jack makes his presence known to her, only to end up striking an immediate relationship.

Just as restless as Jack, Sarah also has an equally troubled past. Having witnessed the murder of her mother at a young age (the incident that has now made her a target), Sarah has been unable to sleep, or live, easy for years. Travelling from town to town, and picking up calm nerving habits like swimming or gun shooting, She has been unable to forget, and unable to, well, move on. In this way, she is Jack’s kindred spirit. Both need to drop their past, but have been unable to do so alone. Together, they will try again. Jack will protect Sarah from and eliminate for her the men who seek her silence, and Sarah will try to fill the void Jack has lived with for so long.

I first saw this movie a few years ago at the Prytania Theatre during the New Orleans Film Festival. It impressed me then, and impresses me now. For starters, the film has a very nice mood to it. Despite the loud gunshots and occasional blood, I found things to be relatively calm (exactly what Jack and Sarah are wanting). From the musical score, to the lighting/color scheme, to the use of quiet environments like small towns, swimming pools and empty roads, the film just has an all around soothing tone.

The casting/acting of Tom Sizemore is equally noteworthy. Seen mostly in direct to dvd titles in the last decade (including a short stint in self made porn), as well as being in and out of trouble with the law, Tom’s performance is a sort of reflection of his real life. Similar to Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” and “Kill Shot”, the role of Jack – a weathered, lonely, tired yet sleepless assassin – was meant for an actor that not only looks like He’s lived a rough life, but has the experiences/memories to back it up. The way He walks, the way He talks, and the way He stares at you all tell a story on their own. Letting Tom play Jack is like giving a baseball to Nolan Ryan – Tom nailed it.

Filmed in Shreveport by hometown filmmaker Jeffrey Goodman, “The Last Lullaby” ought to be added to your Netflix queue as soon as possible. With a movie as surprisingly good as this, you have every reason to stay in bed. No need making that 2AM trip to Walgreens, as you can always buy an extra gallon of milk later. 

4/5 *'s