2013 Recap: Seattle International Film Festival

This was my first year as a member of the press for the Seattle International Film Festival and it turned out to be quite the experience. I saw more movies than I ever thought possible during the festival run, took photos during red carpet premieres, and conducted my first ever cast and crew interview. This article compiles all of the reviews and articles I have posted from the festival.

Fanie Fourie's Lobola (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Fanie Fourie's Lobola is a heartfelt comedy from South Africa that was written and directed by Henk Pretorious. Eduan van Jaarsveldt, Zethu Dhlomo, Jerry Mofokeng, and Marga van Rooy all star in this delightful tale of people from vastly different cultures who manage to fall in love despite everything working against them.

Drug War (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Johnnie To's latest in what seems like an endless stream of quality motion pictures is Drug War and this action packed thrill ride may be his best yet. Louis Koo, Honglei Sun, Ka Tung Lam, and Yi Huang star in a movie that was celebrated with enthusiastic applause during the 2013 Seattle International Film Festival.

Afternoon Delight (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Afternoon Delight could either be called a dramatic comedy or a comedic drama and either one would be correct. Director Jill Solloway's debut feature film comes complete with a very solid cast including Kathryn Hahn, Juno Temple, Josh Radnor, and Jane Lynch.

Mutual Friends (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Mutual Friends is a movie set in Manhattan and revolves around a group of friends over the course of a day as they prepare for an ill fated surprise party. Put together by a team of writers and directed by Matthew Watts, this unique romantic comedy stars Caitlin Fitzgerald, Cheyenne Jackson, Peter Scanavino, and Michael Chernus.

Pieta (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Pieta is a South Korean drama written and directed by Ki-duk Kim who is a highly respected and decorated filmmaker. This dark and brooding film stars Jung-Jin Lee as Gang-Do and Min-soo Jo as Mi-Son.

Nightfall (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Nightfall is the second feature film written and directed by Chow Hin Yeung Roy. This crime thriller from China stars Simon Yam, Michael Wong, and Nick Cheung.

Cheap Thrills (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Cheap Thrills is a movie directed by newcomer E.L. Katz. The story was written by David Chirchirillo and Trent Haaga and stars Pat Healy, Ethan Embry, David Koechner, and Sara Paxton.

Cockneys Vs Zombies (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Cockneys vs. Zombies is the latest entry into the increasingly crowded zombie genre and director Matthias Hoene hopes this outrageous comedy will fit right in with similar titles like Shaun of the Dead and Tucker and Dale vs Evil. Rasmus Hardiker, Harry Treadaway, Michelle Ryan, and Georgia King star in a movie that also features legendary performers Honor Blackman and Richard Briers.

Drinking Buddies (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Drinking Buddies is a movie about love, friendship, and beer that was written, produced, and directed by Joe Swanberg and features some outstanding performances from the likes of Jake Johnson, Olivia Wilde, Anna Kendrick, and Ron Livingston. There is also lots of beer.

Byzantium (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Once upon a time, director Neil Jordan brought Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire to movie screens and gave mainstream movie going audiences their first taste of a more modern vampire tale. Almost twenty years later, Mr. Jordan steps back into the same genre to direct Byzantium which is based on a play originally written by Moira Buffini.

100 Bloody Acres (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Every so often, a movie comes along that captures the world's attention and changes how movies are made forever. 100 Bloody Acres is not one of those movies. What you will get from this Australian independent film is a mixed bag of ingredients that includes humor, gore, scares, action, and even a little romance all of which might leave you a little soiled by the the time its all said and done.

Monsters University (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Disney and Pixar studios are back again with what they hope will be yet another box office hit with Monsters University which reunites Billy Crystal and John Goodman as everyone's favorite scary characters along with Helen Mirren, and Aubrey Plaza. Dan Scanlon takes his first stab at putting together an animated feature while teaming up with Monsters Inc and Cars writers Daniel Gerson and Robert L. Baird.

The Bling Ring (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Sofia Coppola's latest directorial effort is based on the inexplicably true story of a group of teenagers who decide its a good idea to break into celebrities houses and take their stuff. The Bling Ring stars Emma Watson, Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Taissa Farmiga, Leslie Mann, Claire Julien, and Paris Hilton's house.

Much Ado About Nothing (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

If you ever find yourself wondering what Joss Whedon does in his spare time when he's not creating hit TV shows or being the mastermind behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe, here is your chance to check out one of the "other" things he has done lately. Much Ado About Nothing is a contemporary retelling, with original dialogue, of the classic Shakespeare comedy that features a host of "Whedonverse" family members like Clark Gregg, Amy Acker, and Nathan Fillion.

The Bling Ring Red Carpet - SIFF Closing Night Gala

On Sunday, June 9th, Katie Chang and Israel Broussard were on hand at the Cinerama Theater in downtown Seattle for a Q&A session following a screening of their movie, The Bling Ring at the Seattle International Film Festival. TwoOhSix.com was on hand to get photos of these two rising stars on the red carpet as they entered the theater.

Last I Heard (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Writer and director Dave Rodriguez has put together a movie that shows a different side of what its like to be a mob boss in the heart of New York. Last I Heard features a truly original story and includes a fine roster of acting talent that includes Paul Sorvino, Michael Rapaport, Chazz Palminteri, Johnny "Roast Beef" Williams and Renee Props.

TwoOhSix Interviews (SIFF 2013) - "Last I Heard" Director Dave Rodriguez and Cast Members

Marc Morin of TwoOhSix.com interviews Last I Heard director Dave Rodriguez as well as cast members Renee Props, Andrea Nittoli, Andrea Nevado, Paul Ben-Victor, William DePaolo, and Mario Ruffo. This fine group of filmmakers was in Seattle for the world premiere of Last I Heard which took place on Saturday, June 8th at the SIFF Uptown Theater as part of the Seattle International Film Festival.

Twenty Feet from Stardom (SIFF 2013) - Centerpiece Gala

On Saturday, June 1st, the Seattle International Film Festival held its "Centerpiece Gala" at the Egyptian Theatre in Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle which featured a screening of Twenty Feet from Stardom. The event also included a Q&A session featuring director Morgan Neville and two of the film's subjects, singers Tata Vega and Merry Clayton.

Fateful Findings (SIFF 2013) - Movie Review

Fateful Findings is the brainchild of Neil Breen who wrote, produced, directed, acted in, catered, and did just about anything else you can think of to get this movie made. Taking the term "low budget feature" to a new extreme, this movie goes deep into the mind of an author who believes he is about to shock the world with his most recent discovery.