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Reviews
An Unlikely Weapon (2008)
This motion picture is worth more than 1,000 words
Very interesting documentary about Eddie Adams, the legendary photographer whose career spanned 13 wars, 6 US presidents, and 50 years of movie stars. His most famous picture is that of a Vietcong being shot during the war by a Saigon police chief.
His friends and co-workers talk about Adams, who died a few years ago, and say how much he influenced them and how much his photos influenced the American people. There are a lot of interviews with Adams before he died that the director found while rummaging through piles of tapes in Adams' photo studio. People like Peter Jennings and Tom Brokaw and Kim Phuc (she was the girl running naked on the street during Vietnam with severe burns) are interviewed as well.
The stories of his time in Vietnam are amazing, especially the moment he took that famous photograph. Apparently that photograph is what influenced Michael Cimino to make The Deer Hunter.
I also had no idea that among other things, Adams is the one who took the photo of Clint Eastwood that became the poster for Unforgiven.
This was a great documentary, I really enjoyed it.
Yonkers Joe (2008)
A great character study about a father and his son
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Yonkers Joe stars Chazz Palminteri as the title character, a great con artist who makes a lot of money from working the tables at casinos. He and his girlfriend Janice (Christine Lahti) have a pretty good life. But then Joe gets a call from an institution telling him that his son Joe Jr. (Tom Guiry) who has Down's Syndrome is being disruptive there and thus must be taken out. Joe doesn't know how to take care of his son and this new change in his life is ruining a lot of his plans and ways of making money. Over time, the father and son try to live with each other while at the same time try to help each other out.
This film had a great cast. Palminteri was wonderful as Yonkers Joe, a conflicted and confused parent who doesn't know how to take care of his troubled son. Lahti is a delight trying to play the role of the one that hopes to ease the tension and make Joe Jr. feel like he's welcome. And Tom Guiry is excellent and very believable as Joe Jr. Someone after the screening even asked the director if the actor who played Joe Jr. really had Down's Syndrome. Guiry gives a lot of depth to the character, making Joe Jr. both entertaining and emotional.
There are many clever moments throughout the film, all of the con acts are fun to watch. The dialogue is well written and the plot unravels nicely. The scenes in Las Vegas are also very well shot in all of the different locations.
With a talented cast and crew, Yonkers Joe is a great and enjoyable film that people she really look out for.
Doubletime (2007)
Jump in for some fun
This was the opening night film at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Doubletime is a fun and energetic documentary following two Double Dutch teams who are heading to Harlem to compete in an international competition at the Apollo Theater. In the film we see some of the members from North Carolina's Bouncing Bulldogs and South Carolina's Double Dutch Forces and we meet the two trainers. These kids put everything they've got into competing and they are extremely impressive. It's unbelievable the things they can do with jump ropes.
The film is well structured showing all of the training that goes into preparing for the competition while giving some history to some of the kids. There are some great shots in the film showing all of the techniques and stunts they perform, it's really fun to watch.
This is an exciting film that focuses on an event that many take for granted. It's hard to believe that such wild things can take place with just a couple of people and some rope.
Bart Got a Room (2008)
A very enjoyable teen comedy
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Bart Got a Room is a funny and clever film starring Steven Kaplan as Danny Stein, a senior in high school who isn't sure what to do about the Senior Prom. His best friend Camille who he's known for many years (Alia Shawkat) seems like the obvious choice, but after another friend mentions that everyone that's going to prom has gotten a hotel room for the big night, Danny realizes he needs someone other than his "best friend" to take back to a hotel room.
This film is very well made an well written. Kaplan is a natural actor, he does a wonderful job playing Danny, he's like a teenage Woody Allen, having trouble finding someone to go out on a date with and not knowing how to talk to women. And Cheryl Hines and William H Macy are also perfect as Danny's separated parents. Macy is a delight having many of the big laughs in the film, which I'm sure is increased by his hilarious hair. John Polito is great as well playing Cheryl's new love interest. And there's also a funny cameo near the end of the film.
Writer/Director Brian Hecker made a great teen comedy. The audience at the screening loved it, applauding many times throughout. Seek this one out, it's a very entertaining film that's sure to please. See it then spread the word.
Oh, and be sure to stay for the end credits.
Man on Wire (2008)
A perfect heist film
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Man on Wire is an exciting documentary about Philippe Petit who, thanks to his friends, managed to sneak into the World Trade Center in 1974 and do a high-wire act between the Twin Towers.
From the very start of the film it pulls you in, this is an amazing story and Petit is an amazing person to document. Sure, he's a reckless person and has a wild personality, but he's fascinating to watch. The interviews with him and his friends and "team" who helped pull off the stunt are extremely interesting and great to watch. It's fun watching old footage of Petit performing some of his previous acts, this guy really has talent, and may be a bit too determined and crazy. The reenactments are also well filmed and a nice job of telling the story.
This documentary plays like a classic heist film. It's filled with suspense and has many of those caper moments of mistakes that may ruin the entire job. Even though the final outcome is already known, it's still thrilling and you don't know if they will pull it off.
A well crafted film that does a wonderful job of telling the story of one man's dream and how he managed to make it a reality.
Summerhood (2008)
This movie makes me want to be 10 again
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
What a wonderful film, so much fun and entertaining. It's the basic story of children at a summer camp and how they spend their time there. But the cast is just so great, it's obvious everyone was having a blast making it.
The film stars Lucian Masel as Fetus, a little kid at camp who has a crush on Sundae (Reva Timbers) one of the girls there. It focuses on Fetus and the rest of the kids from his cabin as they go through crazy antics and adventures and trying to avoid getting caught by the camp Assistant Director (Christopher McDonald in a great performance).
There were just so many fun moments throughout this film, all of the characters were great, with their hysterical names and personalities (Fetus, Reckless, Careless, Grandpa, The Raincoat Kid). And the dialogue sounds like what the kids would actually say and not like it was just written for them. Oh, and the soundtrack was just perfect, great uses of songs and perfectly placed during each of the scenes.
This film was one of the best at the festival. Actor Scott Beaudin who played Reckless was at the screening for a Q&A and he told some nice stories about the making of the film and how all of the cast had a great time working on it. I hope to see many of these young actors in future projects.
Narrated by John Cusack, Summerhood is an extremely entertaining comedy that's another wonderful addition to the summer camp comedies. Everyone should check this film out.
The Flyboys (2008)
A great ride!
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck Michigan.
The Flyboys is a wonderful adventure film starring two young talented actors Jesse James and Reiley McClendon. Kyle (McClendon) is the new kid in town and after a little trouble on his first day of school, he befriends Jason (James). Jason's uncle works on and flies small airplanes, and after Jason and Kyle get a little taste of flying in planes, they want more.
Soon, Jason and Kyle unexpectedly get on board a plane that is carrying a bomb. This is just the set up of the very entertaining film. The whole cast is great, Tom Sizemore and Stephen Baldwin are great together, and the side characters are also very impressive. There were also some very exhilarating moments throughout, even a simple scene involving kids being chased by a bully was made into a thrilling moments. The score is perfect in the film adding to the acting and excitement. And I particularly loved the use of sound during the final action sequence in the film.
After having seen over a dozen films at the Waterfront Film Festival, this was the final film I saw and it was definitely my favorite one. The entire audience was having a blast watching it. There were numerous bursts of applause for many scenes and a lot of laughs throughout. Everyone had a great time.
The Flyboys is sure to please everyone, it's fun, funny, and an overall great picture. Be sure to check this one out. See this film then spread the word.
Kabluey (2007)
Hilarious and creative film people are sure to enjoy
I saw this film at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Kabluey is a wildly entertaining and hilarious film. Scott Prendergast, the writer, director, and star of the film, made a very creative comedy that's so much fun to watch.
Leslie (Lisa Kudrow) needs help taking care of her two wild kids because her husband is off fighting in Iraq. Her brother-in-law Salman (Prendergast) decides to help out, after all, he needs a place to stay anyway after recently getting fired. But Salman has no idea what he's gotten himself into. The two children (perfectly played by Landon Henninger and Cameron Wofford) are far too much to handle and do everything they can to make Salman's life miserable. And somehow Salman manages to get a job as a mascot for Leslie's company.
I loved this movie, it's a very clever script. Sure, it's sort of a familiar story about a guy trying to look after some wild kids, but there are so many original and inventive moments throughout, especially the entire story of Salman as the office mascot. I also loved all of the little touches throughout, things in the background that aren't don't further the plot but add to the comedy. And Conchata Ferrell steals the show a Salman's employer. Every moment she's on screen is hysterical, she's so perfect at comedy, I wish she had a movie of her own.
There are many huge laughs throughout this film. Everyone at the screening was laughing wildly and applauding during many scenes. It really is a wonderful film and I hope people get a chance to see it. Seek out this film, watch it, and then spread the word.
Let Them Chirp Awhile (2007)
A very entertaining film and a very impressive debut
I saw this film at the East Lansing Film Festival.
Director Jonathan Blistein has made a wonderful and entertaining film starring Justin Rice as a hopeful screenwriter suffering from writer's block in the Big Apple. The very opinionated Rice has to look after a friend's dog which only adds to the insanity of his hectic work. This film is about relationships, falling in and out of love, and trying to make everything work out, no matter what the consequences.
The cast was great, I really enjoyed Justin Rice, he seemed so relaxed and really became the character. There were also a number of great supporting performances and a lot of great bit parts (including a very amusing cameo). And the dog is so hilarious, it nearly steals the show in every scene it's in.
The whole New York setting was great, it was basically a character of its own. All of the different locations and settings, it shows parts of the city that aren't normally shown in films. There were also some creative camera tricks and editing techniques.
The entire play sequence is extremely entertaining, it really shows how much effort needs to be put into making a film, especially an independent one. Trying to be creative and coming up with new things, having clever dialogue that doesn't come off as being too clever, working with numerous actors and extras, and all of the changes in lighting and locations. Everything is pulled off in these scenes, this is a great film for aspiring filmmakers to watch and take notes on.
The director was at the screening of the film and told some very amusing stories about the making of it. You could tell he put everything he had into making this film. And the work paid off. Blistein made a very impressive feature film debut. Let Them Chirp Awhile is funny, entertaining, and it has a lot of great moments that stick with the viewer long after seeing the film. I'm really looking forward to seeing where he goes from here.
My Name Is Bruce (2007)
If Bruce Could Kill
When a small town in Oregon is attacked by a evil monster, who do you call? Bruce Campbell of course.
My Name is Bruce is a hilarious comedy directed by and starring the great Bruce Campbell. It's a creative low budget film that does so much with so little. The whole cast is enjoyable, it looks like they all had a fun time filming it, like a bunch of friends getting together and shooting a film. And Ted Raimi is awesome as always, playing several roles, it looks like they just put the camera on Ted and told him to do his thing, and man the Rhyme Throwah sure delivers.
There are a lot of laughs throughout, I was smiling the whole way through. It's filled with a bunch of inside jokes that all Bruce Campbell fans will appreciate it. But this isn't just for people that love Bruce. This is a movie for everyone that appreciates film-making, and most importantly films that aren't trying to make millions of dollars. My Name is Bruce knows what kind of movie it is and doesn't try to be anything else. It makes fun of itself a lot of times (and Bruce rips on himself so much throughout).
I saw this at the East Lansing Film Festival and the audience could not sit still. There were so many cheers and constant laughter throughout the film.
It's an entertaining and funny film. Seek it out, watch it, then spread the word.
In the Shadow of the Moon (2007)
Extremely entertaining with incredible footage
I saw this at the Traverse City Film Festival and it was quite the thrill.
Another great documentary about the Apollo program and the astronauts that went to the moon. Some very interesting and inspiring interviews including incredible actual footage of the Apollo 11 mission as it traveled from the Earth to the Moon.
The film contains interviews from many of the astronauts, Mike Collins (the astronaut from Apollo 11 that didn't walk on the moon) was probably the highlight, he was so funny and entertaining. I was a little disappointed that Neil Armstrong wasn't interviewed, but oh well, it was still very good.
Captivating, fun, and an excellent score, I'm sure people will enjoy this well made film.
Grace Is Gone (2007)
A good film that could have been great.
I saw this at the Traverse City Film Festival.
Grace is Gone stars John Cusack as a husband whose wife has just been killed in Iraq. He doesn't have the courage to tell his two young daughters that their mother has died, so instead he decides to take them on a road trip, perhaps not to just make it easier on the girls but to make it easier for himself.
This film was pretty good but I felt it was flat at parts and some tears were forced. It didn't have as much emotion as I thought it would have. John Cusack does a great job acting in the film, but most of the time his character is just trying to hide the sadness from his daughters. Some scenes drag on and others don't seem to really fit in with the rest of the story.
My favorite scene in the film takes place in a store and involves the younger daughter wandering off on her own. The scene is so subtle and the drama isn't as obvious as other parts in the film, but it's quite an emotional scene. I wish the rest of the film had moments like that.
Politics aren't really discussed much in the film, at least not as much as I thought there was going to be. However, when it does, it goes with the typical cliché of family members differing in beliefs and trying to get their own point across. People will probably be interested in this film because of the subject matter and the modern storyline, but apart from the cause of death of the wife, the war is never really mentioned. In a way, that's why this film doesn't work at times. Apart from the one scene with his anti-war brother, Cusack's character never gets a chance to express his emotions and regrets because he's always with his children.
Nonetheless, as a film about a father trying to reveal to his children the death of their mother, it's a good film. But if you're seeing the film because it involves the war in Iraq, you'll be disappointed because the war is hardly mentioned.
The King of Kong (2007)
Fun and exciting documentary that everyone will enjoy
I saw this at the Traverse City Film Festival and it was probably the best film of the festival.
This excellent film has everything that a movie fan loves to see: the classic hero and villain story, action, suspense, drama, and comedy. Who would have thought all of this would come out of a documentary about Donkey Kong? The story follows Steve Wiebe, a family man from Washington trying to beat the arcade juggernaut Billy Mitchell's world record score on Donkey Kong. The film is perfectly edited by introducing both characters, showing their history in the video game culture, and giving the viewers a sense of which person to root for. It's hysterical the way this simple story is made out to look like an action adventure film. Steve is the underdog, the man that has a big journey ahead of him. But to overcome the challenges and try to claim the title of Donkey Kong master, he must face the opponent Billy Mitchell and his video game minions.
This film is one of the most fun times I've had in a theater in long time. The whole audience was involved, cheering on some characters, laughing at others, and applauding many times. It's so much fun to watch an underground culture and see people you didn't know existed.
My favorite part in the film is probably when Steve has to show up in person and prove his ability. It's so hilarious, suspenseful, and inspiring.
The King of Kong is a terrific film. It's a lot of fun, there's never a dull moment, and it really shows what a great film is supposed to be like.
Available Men (2006)
Well executed short film
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Fetival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
This movie was hilarious. Directed by David Dean Bottrell, it was the funniest short film of the festival. It's about a Hollywood agent meeting up with a screenwriter and a gay man waiting for his blind date. After a case of mistaken identities it's nonstop comedy. I would love to see this film again and show it to all my friends. It's so perfectly executed and made, I loved every moment of it. The acting was great, the editing was cool, and the sound choices were perfect. If only more short films like this were made. I hope it will be made available for the general audience, everyone will love it.
The Angel (2007)
Awesome short film
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan and it was probably my favorite short of the festival.
This short was awesome. An old woman lays dying in an eerie hospital holding onto her granddaughter's hand, believing her granddaughter is the one person who can keep her alive. There was some very cool action in the film, and the one legged star in the film was one legged in real life, so it was even more impressive.
The director Paul Hough was at the festival and he was a really nice guy and had some great stories to tell about the making of the film and he gave me some great tips about what to do in the film business after graduation. I can't wait to see more of his work.
I really hope to see this film again. It would be cool if it showed up on the internet in the future. Look out for this one.
Death to the Tinman (2007)
Hilarious, well made short film.
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan and it was one of my favorite short films of the festival.
This short was great. So funny and original. It's a modern day retelling of how the Tinman lost all of his limbs, his lover, and his heart. It was wonderfully made, the acting, the cinematography, it was a really cool movie. I particularly loved the music that played throughout the film, it really added the entertainment.
You should really check this film out. It was an award winner at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. I'll be looking out for more of director Ray Tintori's films.
Blue State (2007)
Funny movie but some of the dialogue sounds like a political debate
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Funny movie about a political activist John Logue (played by Breckin Meyer) who makes a drunken promise that if George Bush is elected president, he will move to Canada. After John Kerry is defeated by George Bush, it seems like Logue's life has lost its purpose. Finally, after his friends insist that he keeps his promise, Logue decides to take the trip to Canada. To do so he places an ad for a road partner and chooses the mysterious Chloe (Anna Paquin).
In case you didn't notice by the synopsis, this film does rip on President Bush quite often, so don't be upset if you're from a certain political party, you know what was in store before seeing the film. It started out very well but I felt that it lost some steam in the second half and never really recovered. It's still a good movie, but I wish it would have kept its same charm and comedy that it had in its first half.
Breckin Meyer and Anna Paquin were very good together, they were well cast and did a good job acting. However, there are times where it seemed the film was written by someone the day after the 2004 presidential elections. It probably would've been a better film if some of the dialogue didn't sound like people debating on CNN.
It's a nice film and worth looking out for, but just remember to read what it's about before seeing it because it's not for everyone.
Strictly Background (2007)
Entertaining and informative film about the life of an extra
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Interesting documentary about people that make a career out of being movie extras. It followed ten people around and showed how they handle being another face in the movie crowd. I really enjoyed this film because I'm interested in going into the film business and it would be fun to be an extra in at least one film.
It was great seeing how dedicated some of these people are. The documentary covered many of the basics about being an extra. How to get cast in a film, how to dress, how to act around the big stars, and many other things. I also loved how they showed the film clips and pointed out where the stars of the documentary were.
This movie will be really helpful to anyone that wants to travel out west and go into the movies.
Eagle vs Shark (2007)
Okay movie but not very memorable
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Not that bad of a film but I wish it had a better script. Lily is a sweet woman that works at a fast food place. She has a crush on Jarrod, a geek that works at the computer store across from her. She manages to get an invitation to his "Dress as your favorite animal" party and the two hook up. Jarrod convinces Lily to travel with him to his hometown so he can get revenge on the bully that picked on him in school.
The movie's funny at times, but I wish there was more of a storyline to it. There were a few nice little gags throughout the film, like all of the funny t-shirts everyone wore or the stop motion animation that appeared a couple of times. Though the set up was nice, it started to turn into the usual story of someone breaking off a relationship and then feeling bad about it and wanting to get back together. I wish more was focused on the history of Jarrod and the bully he wanted to beat up. I also would have liked it if Lily's brother appeared more in the film, he had some of the great comedic qualities that started to disappear from the film after he left.
It's an okay movie, but to be honest, I'm writing this review just days after I saw the film, and already I've forgotten some of it. Had it been written better it probably would have been a more memorable film.
Midnight Clear (2006)
Pretty good holiday film that needs a better script
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
This was an okay film, but I felt with a better script it could have been a lot more engaging. It takes place on Christmas Eve in a small town in Arizona. Following a lonely old woman, a jobless man, a gas station worker, a grieving mother, and a young depressed youth pastor, the film shows them crossing paths and experience the holiday evening in different ways.
The problem with the film is that some of the story lines aren't as interesting as the others and some of them aren't as developed. I personally preferred the jobless Lefty (played by Stephen Baldwin, in a well acted dramatic role) and the old woman (wonderfully played by K Callan). There wasn't enough time spent on the youth pastor thus making his story seem unfinished. And there was too much time spent on the mother and the gas station worker, it wasn't a very interesting story.
The ending was nice, in fact, a little too nice, it seemed like everything came together too perfectly. But it wasn't that bad of a film. If during the holiday season, you're looking for a film to watch, I'd recommend this film before recommending one of those studio films that get released every holiday season to make big bucks.
The Life of Reilly (2006)
Quite the character, a great filming of his one man show
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
As the film opens, some people on the street are asked if they know who Charles Nelson Reilly is. Several of them say they've heard his name but don't really know him. Well, before seeing this film, I feel into that category. I didn't even realize until right before seeing the film that he has recently passed away.
The movie was very entertaining. I hadn't heard of the stage production, so I didn't know that the movie was a filming of his one man show. But I really enjoyed it. Charles Nelson Reilly was quite the character. He was funny and witty and never worried about making fun of himself. In the film, Charles mostly talked about his childhood and how he started out in the entertainment business. There were a lot of great stories and some inside jokes. I liked whenever he talked about a new person from his family or someone close to him that he would cast a famous person to play the part.
This film was a lot of fun and I really got to know who the real Charles Nelson Reilly was. It's sad that he's gone, but he lived a long life and the film seems to show that he enjoyed every bit of it. And he gave an excellent finale.
Independent Lens: Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore? (2006)
I hope the public and the politicians see this film
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
This was an excellent film about unknown first time candidate Jeff Smith running for congress to replace the retiring Dick Gephardt. It follows Smith as he makes an excellent campaign trying to defeat big name candidates including Russ Carnahan (son of former governor Mel and former senator Jean). The Carnahan name is like the "Kennedy" of Missouri, so everyone thought Smith shouldn't bother to run. But this documentary perfectly displays Jeff Smith and his group of campaign runners' determination.
This is a great display of how the underdogs campaign. Smith started out with no money, the people running the campaign consisted of his friends and college students that had no previous political campaign experience. But somehow Smith managed to get his name heard.
Of course, the film's main message is that many politicians rely on money to get elected and not by spreading their views and ideas. Though there have been documentaries like this before, this one is wonderfully edited and really does a great job of displaying this issue.
After the film, the director/cinematographer/editor Frank Popper and Jeff Smith were there for a Q&A. It was really cool to talk with the two about the filming of the movie and the events that took place. Jeff Smith is a really nice guy (not just because it's his job to be nice).
This was one of the documentaries eligible for the 2006 Academy Awards. It was really good and I would have loved for it to have been nominated.
On Broadway (2007)
Wonderful film about the importance of family and friends.
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Jack O'Toole's beloved uncle Pete dies unexpectedly. After the wake, Jack decides to write a play based on the wake and to celebrate the life of his uncle. With the help of his fellow Boston friends, he attempts to put on the production of the play, even if it means having it performed in a little Irish Pub.
Written and directed by Dave McLaughlin and starring Joseph McIntyre, the wonderful film was a joy to watch. I loved the whole cast, they were well written and the actors did a great job. I was very impressed by Joseph McIntyre, he has come a long nicely since his early days as a member of New Kids on the Block. I also enjoyed the small role that Mike O'Malley played. The soundtrack was also amazing, the songs fit the story perfectly.
Dave McLaughlin, Joseph McIntyre, and Lance Greene were at the festival and they were all very nice. I hope this film gets a wider release after the festival circuit. I know a lot of people will enjoy the film and be entertained by it. It's a nice film about friends and family and how important they all are. Look for this film, see it, then spread the word.
Wrath of Gods (2006)
Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse in Iceland
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
The documentary is about the filming of Beowulf and Grendel starring Gerard Butler and Stelland Skarsgard. Jon Gustafsson, the director of the documentary, had a minor role in the film and spent many days on the set doing nothing, so he decided to take a camera and start shooting the production. Filmed in Iceland, the production of Beowulf and Grendel faced many catastrophes. Constant budget problems and horrible weather conditions nearly every day made the fall production in 2004 unbearable.
It was very interesting to watch and see how determined Sturla Gunnarsson, the director of Beowulf and Grendel, was. He had to finish the film. I have yet to see the finished film, but now I must seek it out. Regardless of how the movie turns out to be (Gustafsson himself told me I might not be impressed) I will have a great respect for the film.
Gustafsson was the festival and was a cool guy. Someone asked him if the documentary made the production of the film look worse than it really was. He replied that when he showed it to a fellow member of the film Beowulf if he thought the documentary did that, the person said, "No, it's sugar-coated".
Darius Goes West (2007)
Amazing documentary, see it and tell your friends about it
I saw this at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan.
An amazing documentary, extremely powerful, this may be my favorite film of the festival. Darius Weems is a teenager that suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a fatal disease that is the lead killer of children. He and his friends travel in an RV across the country to California in order to convince MTV's Pimp My Ride to customize his wheelchair.
I'm so glad I saw this movie. It's such a spirited and uplifting film, the audience was huge and throughout the film you could hear a lot of people crying (I was too). This film needs to be seen. Not just for its greatness, but because not many people know about DMD and how fatal it really is. If this film makes it to a wider audience then more people will know of DMD and hopefully will help contribute to the foundations that are hoping to find a cure.
The film-making was excellent. Wonderfully edited and a terrific score, unlike other documentaries at the festival, this one always kept me interested and it never dragged. I congratulate everyone involved with this film. Everyone must see this film, so see it out and spread the word.
Two of the friends from the film were at the festival. They told stories of the trip and the filming. And they passed out postcards addressed to Oprah Winfrey, telling everyone in the audience to comment on the film and mail the letter out in hopes that she will pick it up and discuss it on her show. If that happens then it will be a huge step in spreading the word about DMD.
Here's the address that was on the postcard, so please, even if you haven't seen the film, write to this address, mention Darius Goes West, and hopefully the film will get more attention.
Oprah Winfrey Harpo Productions P.O. Box 909715 Chicago, IL 60607
And if you can't do that, go to Oprah's website and send an email about the film. Every letter will help.