This past weekend, I had less work than usual so I took in a couple films, 4 to be exact. I went to see HEADHUNTERS (*** 1/2) a Norwegian film that we recently played at the Cleveland International Film Festival. Of course I work for the festival during it, so I was unable to catch this film in March.

The popularity of this film prompted us to add an extra screening. Now I know what everyone was raving about. HEADHUNTERS is a thrilling, fun, and entertaining film about a man who is a headhunter by day, art thief by night. He lives a lavish lifestyle and needs to pay the bills you see. When one of his latest “clients” turns out to be the wrong person to mess with, the film turns into a cat and mouse chase.

I’m unsure how wide this film will be released but it’s easily one of the best films I’ve seen this year.

Next up was Tim Burton’s DARK SHADOWS (** 1/2). The film is based on the 60’s tv show that I used to catch re-runs of on the Sci-Fi Channel in the 90s. Johnny Depp, plays Barnabas Collins, a man who is cursed by a witch and is forced to lay in a coffin for over 200 years. When Barnabas’s coffin in opened he finds himself in the 1970’s, which is used for some pretty funny gags.

But as with most Tim Burton films, it features good performances, and it looks great but only if the script was better. There was potential for some real good comedy, but too often things fall flat. I wouldn’t say this is a bad film but could have been much better.

Next was the fascinating SOUND OF MY VOICE (***). The film follows two young documentary filmmakers looking to expose a cult run by a young woman named Maggie (indie IT GIRL Brit Marling) who claims she preparing to take her followers to a safe place. When one of the filmmakers (I won’t and can’t reveal who) starts to really start to believe in Maggie’s message, they are asked to do something that truly tests their loyalty.

This film was made for under $1 million and played at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. It is very effective and caused good discussion with friends after. It’s another one of those films that will not be released wide but if you can catch it, I highly suggest it.

Lastly, and actually it was the first film I caught this weekend was INDIE GAME: THE MOVIE (***). This documentary follows creators of games the games MEAT BOY, and another called FEZ that are not being funded by major investors.

The film interweaves both camps and also features interviews with successful indie game creators as well as game journalists.

The film was very entertaining and was very well shot and edited. I liked how the filmmakers allowed the subjects to tell the story instead of spoon feeding us through narration or over use of title cards.

So there you have it, I promise to be back soon with looks at Richard Linklater’s latest BERNIE as well as MIB 3

It’s now been nearly a year since I have moved to the Cleveland suburb of Lakewood, Ohio. It is a largely populated area, filled with many double houses, bars, and young artsy type people. I have long frequented the Lakewood area since I was young. I grew up in the West Park neightborhood or Cleveland, and often my family would frequent the Lakewood Library and the Detroit Theater.

Being that I have 3 sisters, a night out at the movies, even 15-20 years ago was expensive, so having a theater like the Detroit, or the Brookgate (now a shopping center), or even the Riverside Theater (now a Walgreens) was good for a family like mine. But bargain theaters are quickly becoming a thing of the past, only I believe the Parma Theater and the $1.50 theater in Wiloughby remain.

That brings me to my main point here, how is it that Lakewood, a neighborhood known for having young, artistic types not have a theater to call it’s own?

It was announced almost 2 years ago that, the Detroit Theater was looking to sell and that McDonalds was looking to buy the property, because the other McDonalds in Lakewood is kind of tucked away. Several residents in Lakewood held meetings about the proposed McDonalds because some felt they wanted the Theater to remain, some also displayed concern that the McDonalds was close to some of the schools and it might contribute to more childhood obesity. News came last week that the McDonalds sale is final and construction will start soon.

So where can Lakewood residents see a movie?

One could argue that the Capitol Theatre, also located on Detroit, is a theatre that most likely serves many Lakewood residents. Since it was remodled and reopened in 2009, it has been the west side home to many great independent, mainstream, and revial/cult films. While it is a great theater, it is located in Cleveland.

AMC Westgate (in Fairview) and Regal’s Crocker Park (in Westlake) are just a few exits off of I-90 from Lakewood, and I am sure they also serve for a contingent of Lakewood residents.

So, while there are several options out there, I still feel it is odd that a city with the population and diversity that it has, does not have a movie theater to call its own. Some might question where one could even be placed, but I feel a small 2-3 screen neighborhood-style theater would be best. One that shows art house, and some mainstream fare. But if anyone had the money and resources to start such an endeavor.

The Akron Film + Pixel Festival has really had some good programs again this year. On Thursday, they will be hosting the Ohio Premiere of INDIE GAME: THE MOVIE. The film recently played at Sundance and SXSW. Tickets are free but I hear they are going fast. It currently has a 100 percent rating on Rottentomatoes! More info at akronfilm.com

Hello Everyone!

Last time I announced my triumphant return to Tumblr. Well I got busy once again so my promised posts got pushed back.

But I will say this : The Avengers (*** 1/2) delivered on all it’s promise. As Joss Whedon showed in the equally awesome CABIN IN THE WOODS, he brings his sharp wit and writing skills and mixes it with the special effects. It’s obviously now one of the biggest hits ever and its a testament to Whedon.

On the other side of the spectrum, we also have DAMSELS IN DISTRESS (***) the new film from Whit Stillman. This follows a group of young women in college who feel they need to rescue people from following into the wrong life path. While not Stilman’s best film, I found it to be a quite engaging satire. Greta Gerwig once again proves that she is and will be a big talent

Finally, Sasha Baron Cohen is back with a new character in THE DICTATOR (***). Once again not his best film (I loved BORAT, and even found BRUNO to have its moments), but this made me laugh pretty hard in spots. There are a few moments where the jokes fell a little flat but the funny thing about Cohen is how he goes for it full out.

Ok now this brings me to the title of this post, most of you might be aware BATTLESHIP was just released. Now, I used to play this game a lot when I was growing up. So I thought maybe a fun flick could be made from this. Then I saw the trailer..it looked pretty bad.

I haven’t seen the film yet, though I had the opportunity to see it early. Maybe I’ll catch a matinee if the air conditioner is broken in the house.

But I really think making it humans vs aliens is pretty worn out, I mean AVENGERS at least makes it fun but after the latest Indiana Jones, and 3 Transformers flicks, it’s a tired premise.

So here are a couple different plot scenarios I would have proposed if given the opportunity:

Have it take place in the 80s, during the height of the COLD WAR. The Dolph Lundgreb Russians are threatening nuclear war and only Sylvester Stallone and company can save the world. I mean ok a little Rocky IV but put those together I’m sold. It would end with Stallone saying, “I sunk your battleship, bitch”. Nothing like a good old USA vs Russia flick.

How about a young video game programmer developing a naval attack game accidentally starts WW3 , WAR GAMES style, when he hacks into a ship that accidentally unleashes a bomb on an ally.

I don’t know I mean something like that..I dont fault Peter Berg, he made a very good film in FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, and who knows maybe the movie is fun but try something different from the alien thing, it’s old and tired.

So my first post in a while and something is wrong on it, such is life. But I’m happy to be back in action. Lately, I’ve been getting back in the groove of seeing films and working on some film/video projects which I can share pretty soon. I plan to have an THE AVENGERS review up before the weekend. I also hope to have a review of the new Whit Stillman film,  DAMSELS IN DISTRESS, sometime in the next week but that  all depends when I can get to the Cedar Lee. Personally, I love that theater but sometimes the drive (or the trek) over there can add up the miles on my crappy car, but that’s a different story for a different day.

So look out for a fixed BEST OF 2011 post tomorrow and also for some new reviews!