The Chef aka Comme un Chef (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

Daniel Cohen's The Chef is a lighthearted romp through the world of French cuisine and stars Michaël Youn alongside the one and only Jean Reno. The accomplished director has cooked up a dish of a movie that has had audiences asking for seconds by serving them equally healthy portions of belly laugh inducing comedy and heart warming drama.

The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

Set in late 19th century China, "The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake" is based on the true story of Qui Jin who embodied the quest for equality between men and women during a time of political revolt and upheaval. Her determination to affect change in her people would become a catalyst for removing the idealogical status-quo of the Qing Dynasty.

Grassroots (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

"Grassroots" is a movie that tells the true story of struggling Seattle resident Phil Campbell (Jason Biggs) who, after losing his job at the Stranger, decides to become his best friend Grant Cogswell's (Joel David Moore) campaign manager for an unlikely run at a seat on the Seattle City Council in 2001. The film was directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal with an independent spirit that matches its subject matter and manages to entertain on multiple levels.

Earthbound (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

With "Earthbound", writer/director Alan Brennan has put together a very charming and intimate science fiction story as well as a sort of tribute to the movies and directors that helped to shape his own creative mind. You feel and see the influences from from Star Wars to Superman yet this remains a very unique story that is absolutely worth watching.

The Sorcerer And The White Snake (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

"The Sorcerer and the White Snake" is a highly stylized, action packed adventure that relies heavily on martial arts action while telling a classic story of forbidden love. Jet Li, Shengyi Huang, and Raymond Lam star in this fantastic tale that was pulled from an ancient Chinese legend. 

V/H/S (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

How many times have you gone to watch a horror movie and walked out having not been scared except for maybe one or two jump moments? Many films in the genre promise a scary, tension- filled experience, but few are actually able to deliver. The makers of "V/H/S" hope to give audiences what they have been missing.

Game of Werewolves aka Lobos de Arga (SIFF 2012) Movie Review

Spanish film maker Juan Martínez Moreno did not set out to parody or make fun of the horror movie genre although a movie that combines scares with comedy can easily be viewed in that light. "Lobos de Arga", known as "Game of Werewolves" in the United States, successfully pulls off a beastly film that provides just the right amount of scares and laughter to keep fans of both genres happy.

Roller Town (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

"Roller Town" is a 70's throwback movie set during the time when video game arcades began to take over roller skating rinks as the national past time of teenagers everywhere. The movie stars members of a Canadian comedy troupe called Picnicface and was directed by Andrew Bush.

Xingu (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

"Xingu" is based on the true story of three brothers looking for adventure who end up changing the course of Brazilian history. Told in dramatic fashion with an emphasis on sweeping visuals that make the jungles as much of a character in the story as any of the people, this movie draws its audience in to the story and makes everyone feel like they are part of a truly historic experience.

Kong Curling (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

"Kong Curling" is a Norwegian movie that centers around a competitive curling team and the personal struggles they must overcome to maintain their reign as the kings of one of the world's most unique sports.

That may sound like a really odd backdrop for a gripping drama, but this tale is actually a comedy that has no shortage whatsoever of hilarious moments to go alongside what is actually a very heart warming story.

As Luck Would Have It (SIFF 2012) Movie Review

This was a late addition to my SIFF schedule and I'm glad I was able to check it out. "La Chispa de la Vida" aka "As Luck Would Have It" is part drama, part comedy, part social commentary, and part satire which can really be a deadly combination if not done well.

Safety Not Guaranteed (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this movie since I knew very little about it other than reading a brief synopsis and watching the trailer a few times. The use of time travel as a plot device in a small film like this was still very intriguing so I was certainly excited about the possibilities.

Also, there's the fact that this film was not only set in Washington, but the whole thing was filmed in and around the greater Seattle area which means you should go see it for no other reason than to support a locally produced movie. Oh, and its also really good.

Two Oh Six at the Seattle International Film Festival

With this year's festival fast approaching, people have been asking me what movies I will be seeing during SIFF and will there be any Two Oh Six events during the festival. Here are your answers, my friends!

Headshot (SIFF 2012) - Movie Review

This review features the first film that I watched during the 2012 Seattle International Film Festival and it turned out to be a great way to set the tone for what was still to come. Directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang and billed as a crime noir, "Headshot" tells the story of a man who literally has his world turned upside down.

SIFF is Coming!

 

The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is almost here so I figured it was time to give a little preview of what you can expect during this year's event. The entire lineup of features, shorts, and documentaries will be released on Thursday, May 3rd, but today I can give you a few examples of the movies you will not want to miss.