In a world… where I review the trailers of FilmfestDC flicks.
One man wanted to go to the movies…
FilmfestDC kicked off this week, this year featuring films from Italy and Romania, among others. For your viewing enjoyment I have aggregated trailers from some of tonight’s films; after each clip I’ll provide a review (based on the trailer), and give thumbs up or down. Youtube k-hole, commence.
The White Stripes tour across Canada, filmmaker Emmett Malloy employs a saturated retro aesthetic as a backdrop for interviews and cuts of the duo implying they’re “of the people” rockstars. Must love Canada and the White Stripes.
[sideways thumb] Wow, that’s a lot of boobies! Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister, rose to power as a sort of king of all media in Italy from the late 70s to 90s. Videocracy sets Berlusconi’s rise to political power in Italy by featuring historical (boobies) footage from his work in the entertainment industry, and by tracking a rising TV exec who thinks he’s the modern day Robin Hood (rob from the masses to make himself rich).
[One thumb up. Who doesn’t love a little star fucking]
Hmm, no subtitles in the trailer… this is awkward… It looks like an awesome spy thriller set in the early 80s. Intrigue. Russia. A family. A letter. A border crossing. Reel to reel audio. A library. A single red balloon. What?! The Green Goblin, I mean Willem Dafoe is the American President!? A Wolf! Danger!
Actual Synopsis: “Farewell is a trip inside Russia’s private past for the story of how an unassuming French engineer (Pierre Froment) helped bring on perestroika and end the Cold War. Set and filmed largely in Moscow during the tense days of the Reagan administration, Farewell follows disaffected KGB officer Sergei Gregoriev (Emir Kusturica), who decides he can make a better world for his son by destroying the corrupt Soviet system. In an environment where there is a “babushka behind every curtain” and people “lie in lies,” the viewer is never entirely sure who is playing who, and for what reason. And even though the events are long past, when Gregoriev turns over plans for Air Force One, the Space Shuttle, and much more, the goosebumps appear.”
Ok, I was right.
[Two thumbs up. Who doesn’t like a cold-war thriller]
And two bonus reviews, from Hollywood with love
Kick-Ass! Looks like a Kill-Bill meets the Incredibles romp! Is it in 3D?
[Two thumbs up. It’s been a while since I’ve had an adrenaline fueled good time at the theater.]
As I once said after viewing Borat, “Hollywood can stop making movies, this is the best movie. ever.” In that spirit, Hot Tub Time Machine looks awesome, a perfect cheesy comedy; an amazing, near snakes-on-a-plane brilliant title. A ski resort in the 80s. And that guy from The Office!
[Two thumbs up. I want to go to there.]
- 2 years ago
The 2010 Immigration reform rally in Washington DC. ¡Si Se Puede!
- 2 years ago
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A park ranger on a snowmobile on Dupont Circle #snOMG2
- 2 years ago
New Census Data: DC Nears 600,000, Now 5th Fastest Growing 'State'
Decades of population decline appear to be reversing in the latest census estimates. DC is now the 5th fastest growing “state” [nope; still no representation in Congress] behind Wyoming, Utah, Texas, and Colorado. Despite some controversy in recent urban re-development, things are looking up for Washington’s rich culture and vibrant city center.
After spending some time in the up-and-coming Atlas District (H Street NE), and of course in my U street NW stomping grounds, I can safely say that DC’s neighborhoods are flourishing and still hold great opportunities for expansion in surrounding areas. Growing and popular neighborhoods such as Logan Circle are starving for shops, services, and businesses, and now they’re finally arriving.
For 2010 and beyond it is critical that DC continues to grow and revitalize its best assets, and at the same time take care of its citizens with increased mixed-income and affordable housing (and I mean for real). The improved prosperity should not coincide with increased displacement. Development also does not need to be a four-letter word; looking South and East (Anacostia), there are entire swaths of Washington with nearly zero supermarkets. Residents, no matter where, want and deserve to enjoy the benefits of neighborhood prosperity.
- 2 years ago
