International Falls - SIFF 2019 Movie Review

The Movie: International Falls

The Director: Amber McGinnis

The Cast: Rachael Harris, Rob Huebel, Matthew Glave, Kevin Nealon, Erik Griffin

The Story: A wife and mom with secret dreams of being a stand-up comic uses a one night stand with a burned-out touring comedian to face the harsh but funny truths of her failing marriage, neglected aspirations, and individual identity.

The Review:
As this year's festival unfolded, this movie was nowhere near my radar until a friend spoke highly of the acting performances so I figured why not give it a try. As the credits started scrolling on the screen and I started typing this review, I have to say I am in full agreement with my friend. Rachael Harris and Rob Huebel are fantastic in their roles and really sell their characters with an honesty and vulnerability that I wasn't expecting from what seemed like would be a pretty simple comedy film.

While the story is essentially a comedy, and it is very funny, there is a very mature and dramatic tone to the film that, in lesser hands could have come off as just a depressing mess. The pair play off ff each other perfectly and you really understand the struggles they are going through in their respective lives and what that baggage brings to their chance meeting. The magic of the story comes from how the two characters needed to cross paths in order to take a necessary turn in life that they have each been avoiding for years.


International Falls is an official selection of the 2019 Seattle International Film Festival.


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TwoOhSix at SIFF 2019

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Official Secrets - SIFF 2019 Capsule Review

The Movie: Official Secrets

The Director:

The Cast: Keira Knightley, Matt Smith, Ralph Fiennes, Matthew Goode, Rhys Ifans

The Story: The true story of a British whistleblower who leaked information to the press about an illegal NSA spy operation designed to push the UN Security Council into sanctioning the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The Review:
This is Gavin Hood's first film since Eye in the Sky which also shed light on questionable activity from the U.S. government. Keira Knightley is pretty freaking amazing in the lead role and also look for a strong performance from Ralph Fiennes because that's kind of what he does. If you enjoyed Spotlight then this is definitely a film you want to check out as it has a very similar tone and style.


Official Secrets is an official selection of the 2019 Seattle International Film Festival.


To see more reviews, interviews and festival coverage please go to:

TwoOhSix at SIFF 2019

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The Art of Self Defense - SIFF 2019 Capsule Review

The Movie: The Art of Self Defense

The Director: Riley Stearns

The Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Imogen Poots, Alessandro Nivola, Steve Terada, David Zellner

The Story: A man is attacked at random on the street. He enlists at a local dojo, led by a charismatic and mysterious sensei, in an effort to learn how to defend himself.

The Review:
So, you're looking for a dark, dry comedy filled with social satire? This movie does all of that brilliantly and so much more and features a performance from Jesse Eisenberg that will make you think he was born to play this role. This is the second full length feature from Riley Stearns and it is one you do not want to miss.


The Art of Self Defense is an official selection of the 2019 Seattle International Film Festival.


To see more reviews, interviews and festival coverage please go to:

TwoOhSix at SIFF 2019

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Metal Heart - SIFF 2019 Movie Review

The Movie: Metal Heart

The Director: Hugh O'Conor

The Cast: Jordanne Jones, Leah McNamara, Moe Dunford, Aaron Heffernan, Sean Doyle

The Story: There is much rivalry between twin sisters Emma and Chantal, quite different in just about every way, when their mysterious young neighbour moves back in.

Sink or Swim (Le grand bain) - SIFF 2019 Capsule Review

The Movie: Sink or Swim

The Director: Gilles Lellouche

The Cast: Mathieu Amalric, Guillaume Canet, Benoit Poelvoorde, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Virginie Efira, Leila Bekhti, Marina Fois

The Story: A depressed man joins a synchronized swimming team made up of middle aged men.

The Review:
Oh man, this was such a fun, heart warming, and inspirational movie. The time tested underdog triumph formula is executed to perfection complete with training montages and  dramatic side stories. More importantly, the film makers do some real exploration into mental health topics and presents them in very valid and constructive ways that made the experience even more rewarding in the end.


Sink or Swim is an official selection of the 2019 Seattle International Film Festival.


To see more reviews, interviews and festival coverage please go to:

TwoOhSix at SIFF 2019

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