Film Threat » Scott Knopf

MEN RAPIST

Scott Knopf — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 04:01:38 +0000

Packed full with disturbing, stomach-wrenching scenes and captivating acting, "Men Rapist" comes off as a non-supernatural "American Horror Story"...

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LOOKING FOR LENNY

Scott Knopf — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 04:01:23 +0000

Gale's film pieces together a terrific selection of audio footage of Bruce’s performances and some video interviews from his career with a wide array of comedians, Bruce’s friends and business partners, and other celebrities...

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IN SEARCH OF LA CHE

Scott Knopf — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 04:01:22 +0000

"In Search of La Che" is a no-budget feature that starts off on a rough note and doesn’t get much better after that...

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HICKS ON STICKS

Scott Knopf — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 04:01:02 +0000

Johnstone tells a captivating story which deserves to be seen. It’s very entertaining and absolutely worth watching...

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BEING SOLD

Scott Knopf — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:53:48 +0000

Commenting on the desperation that comes with economic recessions and the disingenuous ways this desperation is framed by the media, "Being Sold" is an effective indie dramedy with a lot of heart...

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SOMETHING FROM NOTHING: THE ART OF RAP

Scott Knopf — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 06:21:50 +0000

"Something from Nothing" is a must-see for real hip-hop heads...

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UNDER AFRICAN SKIES

Scott Knopf — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:04:18 +0000

2012 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SELECTION! For fans of Paul Simon’s music, and fans of “Graceland” specifically, there is a lot to enjoy here...

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LOVE AFTER

Scott Knopf — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:01:13 +0000

The short is drenched in Nia Vardalos-styled voiceovers. They serve no other purpose than to tell the viewer what Jessica’s conflicts are rather than having her actions show them...

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BUSTED WALK

Scott Knopf — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:03:39 +0000

Anyone who worked on the film should already know it’s good. It’s really good. Anyone who’s seen it should have recognized this too. There won’t be a lot of debate over the quality of Tanenbaum’s short...

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WAY FAR GONE

Scott Knopf — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:10:34 +0000

Why doesn’t anyone ever talk about the upsides of meth?

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TILTING AT SKYSCRAPERS

Scott Knopf — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:10:33 +0000

Mental illness isn’t something to laugh at. That is, unless, the mentally ill guy duct-tapes a telephone to his head and sets out into his neighborhood on a Top Secret mission armed with a plunger...

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FLUSH WITH FEAR

Scott Knopf — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:38:58 +0000

What started as a terrible relationship drama quickly rectified itself into horror...

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QUEEN

Scott Knopf — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:20:30 +0000

Adam Rose directs this terrific short with a high level of skill...

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SHREDDER

Scott Knopf — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:10:24 +0000

The sound quality is high, the visuals are economical but clear, and the plot works. Plus, there’s not a bad performance to be found...

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CHOCH

Scott Knopf — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:56:43 +0000

"Choch" is a slow-moving film (shot in black and white, to boot) with a lot of introspection and contemplation but all of this self-examination never comes off as boring, especially not during this terrific ending scene...

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THE NOCTURNAL THIRD

Scott Knopf — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:23:50 +0000

Produced for under $10,000, "The Nocturnal Third" has raised the bar for low-budget filmmaking. Writer/director Benjamin Stark has helmed an impressive and entertaining thriller for next to nothing...

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RED HOOK SUMMER

Scott Knopf — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:40:01 +0000

2012 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL PREMIERES SELECTION! Once your brain adjusts to the over-the-top, stage-styled performances, there’s a strong chance Spike Lee’s latest effort, "Red Hook Summer," will come off as a poignant project with a lot to say...

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SHADOW DANCER

Scott Knopf — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:37:19 +0000

2012 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL PREMIERES SELECTION! Andrea Riseborough deserves to be one of 2012’s breakout stars. Her performance as Colette McVeigh is outstanding...

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BIG BOYS GONE BANANAS!*

Scott Knopf — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:26:49 +0000

2012 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL WORLD DOCUMENTARY FEATURES SELECTION! Gertten spends his second banana film defending his first banana film without offering enough factual information to really defend either...

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FOR ELLEN

Scott Knopf — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:32:56 +0000

2012 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL U.S. DRAMATIC FEATURES SELECTION! In fact, there were many opportunities for this film to take expected, clichéd turns but Kim’s taste level is strong enough to avoid them each and every time...

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FILLY BROWN

Scott Knopf — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:25:51 +0000

2012 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL U.S. DRAMATIC FEATURES SELECTION! This will be the performance that puts Gina Rodriguez onto people’s radars. It’s hard to believe that she wasn’t an emcee before starting this project...

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MY BROTHER THE DEVIL

Scott Knopf — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:52:09 +0000

2012 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL WORLD DRAMATIC FEATURE SELECTION! Sally El Hosaini has produced a tremendous debut feature. All of her actors, from the leads to supporting players deliver noteworthy performances...

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BONES BRIGADE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Scott Knopf — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:21:55 +0000

2012 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL DOC PREMIERES FEATURES SELECTION! This is the coolest documentary I’ve ever seen. That’s the sentence that kept running through my head as I watched "Bones Brigade"...

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BLACK ROCK

Scott Knopf — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:21:53 +0000

2012 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL MIDNIGHT SELECTION! "Black Rock" is an intense thriller that does a lot of things right...

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HEART BREAKS OPEN

Scott Knopf — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:01:38 +0000

With films like "Weekend" and "Beginners" catching the public’s eye this award season, there’s no reason why Rain’s film shouldn’t be brought up in the same discussions...

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THE DROUGHT

Scott Knopf — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:15:29 +0000

Lyndeck’s performance as Jonas is top-notch. He’s captivating when he speaks and even more so when he doesn’t...

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HOLY MOLY

Scott Knopf — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:08:33 +0000

'Holy Moly" captures those post-break-up moments where all knowledge goes out the window and you keep hitting redial until the restraining order is filed...

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NOWHERE ROAD

Scott Knopf — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:01:08 +0000

The clear cinematography is only outshined by the fantastic sound work (complete with disgusting hack and slash sound effects). The film is succinct, tightly edited and riveting from the first frame until the last...

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GENREFINITY: THE COMPLETE SERIES

Scott Knopf — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:01:42 +0000

There are only four episodes of "Genrefinity" but I wish there were more. Despite the atrocious, circus-esque score, this is exactly what a comedy series should be...

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AFTER THE FIRE

Scott Knopf — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:05:14 +0000

"After the Fire" is one of the most compelling documentaries from the past few years...

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MY FAVORITE MOVIE

Scott Knopf — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:05:16 +0000

The film never really finds its footing and can’t decide what type of film it wants to be...

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SESSIONS OF THE MIND

Scott Knopf — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:45:19 +0000

As far as plot, the second half is ultimately much more captivating and was actually a nice surprise once Act I had finished...

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DIDI’S LAST WISH

Scott Knopf — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:25:55 +0000

The randomness ranges from ill-timed farts and illegal body disposal to white rappers named Q-Bonze and Antwon singing songs called "Playwichaself" and "Bitch Please"...

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MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Scott Knopf — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:03:25 +0000

IN LIMITED RELEASE! Beginning as a short film, T. Sean Durkin’s enthralling tale of a young woman entering and exiting a religious cult progressed into a captivating debut feature...

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TAKE SHELTER

Scott Knopf — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:01:07 +0000

IN LIMITED RELEASE! While the film boasts quite a few noteworthy performances, none stand out more than Shannon’s...

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STIGMA

Scott Knopf — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:06:11 +0000

Thirty minute shorts are notorious for editing problems, overlong and unnecessary scenes, and a lack of tautness. "Stigma" doesn’t have any of these issues...

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BAD IS BAD

Scott Knopf — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:03:15 +0000

Kent Lamm and Chris Fornataro are names to remember. Their debut feature, "Bad is Bad," is a tremendous thriller that cost a mere $6,000 to make but looks like it cost a great deal more...

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LOVE AND WAR

Scott Knopf — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Overall, the film is a compact project with content to match the dynamic style. Director L. Gabriel Gonda and Executive Producer Aron Michael Thompson clearly subscribe to notion that low budget doesn’t mean low quality...

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POINTS OF INTEREST

Scott Knopf — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:10:42 +0000

The visual elements of the film serve to showcase the music but it never comes off as a music video or, more importantly, a sales pitch...

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SECOND-STORY MAN

Scott Knopf — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:01:53 +0000

There’s quite a lot to see and hear in "Second-Story Man" and while the plot might take the back seat to style and ambiance, it’s still worth the watch...

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GHOST TREK: THE KINSEY REPORT

Scott Knopf — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:01:58 +0000

Even with the show’s interesting premise and wacky comedy style, none of the actors ever come off as too over-the-top or annoying. Everyone plays their part well and the ensemble works as a whole...

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OYSTERS & PEARLS

Scott Knopf — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:01:18 +0000

Director Saul Herckis and his crew have created an entertaining and highly stylized short which benefits from its post-production animation effects...

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WATER PEST

Scott Knopf — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:01:06 +0000

This four-minute short is briskly-paced and entertaining. The action is comedic and the dialogue is even funnier...

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CLEANERS

Scott Knopf — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:02:16 +0000

Combining a documentary aesthetic with an unconventional narrative, Reese constructs a feature film where others would have settled for an experimental short...

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TIME ALWAYS MOVING

Scott Knopf — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:01:16 +0000

At times, Aristodemou walks the line between captivating and melodramatic but, overall, her performance is successful—as is the film itself...

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MARS AND VENUS

Scott Knopf — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 04:01:11 +0000

"Mars and Venus" would have thrived with a much longer running time. Nine minutes was not enough time to effectively give the organization’s history, establish their present-day role in society, and detail their beliefs and worship structure...

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AWESOME OUIJA BOARD

Scott Knopf — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 04:01:10 +0000

While it’s fun to play dress-up and make a quick little video for you and your buddies, sharing it with the world as an “independent film” is something different...

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WAKING EYES

Scott Knopf — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:01:13 +0000

Director Sarah R. Lofti tackles a difficult undertaking in portraying a subconscious journey yet she does it with confidence and competence...

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COMPANION

Scott Knopf — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 04:01:07 +0000

Ruderman’s beautiful protagonist, played by Australian-born actress Faye Kingslee, remains sympathetic thanks to a nuanced performance that steps right up to the line of melodrama but never crosses over...

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IN THE NAME OF MY PEACE

Scott Knopf — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:01:47 +0000

Rolando Felizola’s twenty-minute project has a So Bad It’s Good quality that inspires a lot of laughs, headshaking and groans, in the best sort of way...

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SENNA

Scott Knopf — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 13:05:58 +0000

2011 LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL SELECTION! Composed entirely of archive footage, the film, in a way, allows Senna to tell his own story...

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HEAVY TIMES

Scott Knopf — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:01:43 +0000

Technically, the film thrives. The cinematography is clean, the sound levels are all mixed well, and the soundtrack is surprisingly kick ass...

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LYING NEXT TO LARRY

Scott Knopf — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:01:41 +0000

Writer/Director John Franklin has made a capable film with a strong production value. His two protagonists, played by John Byford and Kent Kasper, play their respective roles well...

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TYRANNOSAUR

Scott Knopf — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:30:44 +0000

2011 LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL SELECTION! "Tyrannosaur" is not a subtle film but it makes no claims to be. At points, it’s difficult to watch but the viciousness has its purpose...

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BLIND DATE

Scott Knopf — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 04:01:45 +0000

2011 LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL SELECTION! It’s cute, quirky, and wholly unpretentious. The story is taut and the performances are stellar. The film sounds great and looks even better. Even the opening titles are great...

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OPEN 24 HOURS

Scott Knopf — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 04:01:39 +0000

Enough things worked in Francis’ first directorial effort to hint that a string of successful films might be what’s coming next...

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HALF A BEE

Scott Knopf — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:01:10 +0000

Busko deserves a lot of credit for presenting an image of his subject that remains non-exploitative--with no sense of mockery--that allows Morder to speak for himself...

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FOLLOWED

Scott Knopf — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 07:09:43 +0000

The film ends on a beautiful song by London-based singer-songwriter, Essie Jain. Her track “Glory” is by far the most understated and impressive aspect of the film...

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THE CAR WASH

Scott Knopf — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:34:48 +0000

Writer/Director James Kicklighter has unfortunately created an overly dramatic, sappy short film that tries too hard to teach us a lesson on civility and kindness...

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I HATE

Scott Knopf — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:19:00 +0000

The filmmaker attempts to explore ideas of self-image, self-loathing, and complicated psyches and even though the film overall comes up short, the core of the film is worth investigating...

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SALVATION BOULEVARD

Scott Knopf — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 05:01:38 +0000

2011 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL PREMIERES SELECTION! While the film does poke fun at religion, labeling it as “religion bashing” would be inaccurate...

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HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN

Scott Knopf — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 05:01:23 +0000

2011 SXSW FILM FESTIVAL MIDNIGHTERS SELECTION! The film makes no excuses, it delivers where it promises to deliver, and it’s eighty-six of the most entertaining minutes you’ll ever experience...

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THE INTERRUPTERS

Scott Knopf — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:53:21 +0000

2011 SXSW FILM FESTIVAL FAVORITES SELECTION! It’s a well-crafted film with captivating subjects and brutal honestly. It’s rare that even after 162 minutes, a film leaves the viewer wanting even more...

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LITTLE BIRDS

Scott Knopf — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 07:20:55 +0000

2011 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITON SELECTION! A touch of tact and some reeling in could have gone a long way for "Little Birds"...

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THE REDEMPTION OF GENERAL BUTT NAKED

Scott Knopf — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:15:55 +0000

2011 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION SELECTION! There are plenty of informative and interesting elements about the film but it’s hard to call the narrative complete...

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ON THE ICE

Scott Knopf — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 06:08:49 +0000

2011 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION SELECTION! MacLean’s thriller is a straightforward genre work in the best ways possible...

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BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST

Scott Knopf — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:31:18 +0000

2011 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION SELECTION! Simply put, the film begins at the beginning and ends at the end, relating childhood friendships and capturing present-day relations...

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PARIAH

Scott Knopf — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 08:22:33 +0000

2011 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL U.S DRAMATIC COMPETITON SELECTION! Even with its minimal faults, "Pariah" is definitely worth watching, rewatching, and even recommending to friends...

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KNUCKLE

Scott Knopf — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 05:01:26 +0000

2011 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL WORLD DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION SELECTION! There are heroes and villains, conflicts and resolutions, and an overarching storyline reminiscent of the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud from the late 1800s...

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HIGH SCHOOL

Scott Knopf — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 04:01:51 +0000

2010 PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL SELECTION! This movie isn’t rocket science. It’s an over-the-top stoner comedy that would probably be even funnier after a few bong hits...

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BLUE VALENTINE

Scott Knopf — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 04:01:27 +0000

2010 PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL SELECTION! Both Gosling and Williams play their roles to perfection. Everything about their interactions, both physical and verbal, is completely believable...

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WAITING FOR “SUPERMAN”

Scott Knopf — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:01:15 +0000

2010 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SELECTION! Almost a decade later, Guggenheim returns to the subject of public education in an attempt to get at the root of whatever it was that was turning schools into “dropout factories” and leaving many students without viable options for their futures...

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CYRUS

Scott Knopf — Sun, 23 May 2010 04:10:47 +0000

2010 SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SELECTION! So, with a mainstream premise, mainstream actors, and a mainstream budget (as least compared to their previous work), have the Duplass brothers created a “mainstream movie?” Are there any signs of the style, humor, and charm that made "The Puffy Chair" and "Baghead" must-see films for Indy Cine lovers?

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EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP

Scott Knopf — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 04:03:53 +0000

IN LIMITED RELEASE! Using one-of-a-kind hand-held footage and featuring exclusive interviews with the world’s most prolific and inexhaustible street artists, "Gift Shop" provides insights into the graffiti world like no other film before it...

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KICK IN IRAN

Scott Knopf — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:03:01 +0000

2010 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SELECTION! Sara Khoshjamal qualified to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Her sport: kickboxing. Her country: Iran. Her “something extra”: she was the first to ever do it...

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WINTER’S BONE

Scott Knopf — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:03:44 +0000

2010 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SELECTION! Countless films feature Backwoods Hillbilly characters that are known more for their empty brains and chainsaw massacres than for anything that accurately represents the culture that they’re supposed to hail from...

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THE EXTRA MAN

Scott Knopf — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 04:01:48 +0000

2010 SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT FEATURE! "The Extra Man" certainly bears substance but where the film really stands out is in its style. It’s dripping in style; it oozes style, from the dress of the gentlemen to the bowl of shiny Christmas balls prominently displayed in their apartment’s living room...

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JACK GOES BOATING

Scott Knopf — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:09:20 +0000

There are a lot of things to like about "Jack Goes Boating." The performances are strong, the depiction of New York City shows a whole different New York than audiences will be used to seeing, and the music (mostly performed by indie rock group Grizzly Bear) holds all of the pieces together...

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FROZEN

Scott Knopf — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:06:22 +0000

Minimalist thrillers like "Open Water," "The Blair Witch Project," and "Open Water 2: Adrift" have gained enough popularity over the last few years to pave the way for flicks like "Frozen." This second generation (see also: "Buried") have larger budgets, bigger stars, and in this film’s case, more gruesome deaths...

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THE PERFECT HOST

Scott Knopf — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 02:42:27 +0000

Effective storytelling is what it’s all about and the last time I checked, it doesn’t take $20 million dollars to tell a story...

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500 DAYS OF SUMMER