film: reviews (sundance '06)
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SUNDANCE 2006 — Part 2
John C. Lyons reviews Art School Confidential, The Science of
Sleep, Half Nelson, and The Descent.
By John
C. Lyons
Film Critic
ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL
7/10
Comedy/Drama
Directed by
Terry Zwigoff
Starring
Max Minghella
John Malkovich
Sophia Myles
Anjelica Huston
A talented young freshman tries to understand women and art. The movie had so much promise with its great cast of characters and its nutty director behind the wheel, but ultimately it sabotages itself. The film had a really funny first 3/4s, focusing on the quirky and stereotypical lives of art students, but then for some reason it got all serious regarding a murder back story that never worked and I couldn’t take it seriously because it didn’t match the tone of the rest of the film. The letdown from the audience was pretty obvious during the lackluster Q&A to follow, that last 1/4 just stunk, too bad, too. We got to talk with John Malkovich afterwards, so that more than made up for my disappointment.
John C. Lyons (R) and
wife Dorota Swies-Lyons (L) meeting John Malkovich
(C).
THE SCIENCE OF
SLEEP
8.5/10
Fantasy/Romance
Directed by
Michel Gondry
Starring
Gael Garcia Bernal
Charlotte Gainsbourg
A young man with a powerful imagination struggles between his dreams and reality. Director Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) takes his visual creativity to the next level. A “visual orgasm” may be more appropriate. Wonderfully fun, original, and very sweet in its own bizarre way. As soon as the credits started rolling, I wanted to see it again – multiple viewings definitely required. Much like his Y Tu Mamá También co-star’s Solo Dios Sabe, Bernal has great screen chemistry with co-star Gainsbourg and their odd adventures and inventions are a real trip to watch. Drugs are not needed; this film will take you there all on its own if you can handle the over-the-top style. While it definitely won’t be for everyone, for me this was one of the most memorable ones we saw at Sundance.
HALF NELSON
9.5/10
Drama
Directed by
Ryan Fleck
Starring
Ryan Gosling
Shareeka Epps
An inner-city teacher with a drug problem finds a connection with one of his students after his secret is discovered. This was the strongest movie I saw at the fest and ultimately my highest rated. Ryan Gosling (along with real-life girlfriend Rachel McAdams) should further solidify himself as a star after his work here. Kudos to young newcomer Epps for holding her own and turning in a touching performance as well. While a lot of the film is kind of a downer, there is a nice light at the end of the tunnel. Great movie!
THE DESCENT
9/10
Adventure/Horror
Directed by
Neil Marshall
Starring
Shauna Macdonald
Natalie Mendoza
A crazy group of adventurers look for their next thrill in unexplored Appalachian caves, soon finding out they are not alone. This is the best horror movie I’ve seen in awhile. It made me jump in my seat (as did most in the in the audience) quite often. Scary and sexy, with a cast of strong women who I never once felt were stretching the limits of their acting or the action. The great cinematography totally pulls off the claustrophobic feel of the caves to perfection; you really do feel tense and uncomfortable. And once their visitors drop by the film never lets down for a second. Intense! If you like a good scare and no holds barred action, you will love this movie.
(2006-0202)
