It’s been a ton of fun watching more than 1 movie a day on the big screen. Thanks to TCFF, October is surely going to be my best movie-going month this year! Before I go to the reviews, I just want to say the film fest is going really well, nice to see the ShowPlace ICON Theatres abuzz with people coming and going all day long. Just want to give a shout out to Ingrid Moss, TCFF’s social media director for continuing to get the buzz out, and Lee Jordan and Don Stoltz who did a great job coordinating all the volunteers, and Lee actually doubles as a merchandise sales guy. You go guys!!
TCFF has a big red carpet area right next to the ticketing booth, and my blog friends and I couldn’t help posing in front of it 🙂
Ok, on to the reviews:
It’s A Disaster
I knew I wanted to see this movie as soon as I saw Julia Stiles‘ name in the cast, and the premise sounds like a good recipe for an oddball comedy. Set in a suburban house in California, the story centers on four couples who meet periodically for Sunday brunch. It seems like a ‘normal’ group thing, that is until they soon discover that the world may be about to end and they’re stuck in a house together.
You could call this a relationship comedy as we meet a bunch of quirky (read: crazy) characters all gather in one room together trying to attempt a civil brunch together. Stiles plays a doctor who’s bringing history teacher Glen (David Cross) on their third date to meet her friends. The hosts are married couple Emma (Erinn Hayes) + Pete (Blaise Miller), and the guests are free-spirited married couple Lexi (Rachel Boston) + Buck (Nic Cage-lookalike Kevin M. Brennan), and the long-engaged Hedy (America Ferrera) + the alien conspiracy-obsessed Shane (Jeff Grace).
I think the less you know about the plot the better, as the joy is in discovering just what in the world is going on with each character. Most of the couples know each other for some time—Glen is the only ‘outsider’ if you will— but all of them create a bizarre dynamics that makes you wonder just how could they survive a brunch like this without killing each other in the end!
Todd Berger assembled a pretty good cast and arm them with sharp dialog filled with off-the-wall dry humor. He also has a cameo as the neighbor in the biohazard suit and his appearance is one of the funniest parts of the movie. The comedy isn’t slapstick or forced, I mean the situation themselves just lend to thigh-slapping laughter. These couples are so absorbed in their own universe that they’re so blatantly oblivious of what’s happening all around them, and even when they do find out, the way each of them cope with it is just hilarious. I think the sharp script and the dead-pan delivery is key here, and despite it being set in just one house the entire time, it doesn’t feel at all boring. The feeling of claustrophobia and isolation is intentional however, and it just adds to the whole zaniness of the whole thing.
Beneath all that craziness though, there are some moments of poignancy, even something a bit profound, that life is short and one really can’t take things for granted. It definitely makes you think that when doomsday looms, just what would you do with your last few hours of your life, and what’d happen to the relationship between you and whoever you happen to be stuck with in that given moment.
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| 4 out of 5 reels | ||||
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It’s a Disaster is playing again at TCFF this Wednesday Oct 17 at 9:15pm
Get your tickets now »
BRO
Bro was okay as far as movies go, but for it being the director Nick Parada’s first major film, it was pretty solid. For me, the cinematography was the shining attribute, then came the story.
The narrative falls almost into a Trainspotting formula, where people get involved with the wrong crowd, get in over their head, hit rock bottom, but ultimately they are able to regroup and learn valuable life lessons from their own mistakes. Instead of it being centered around English youth, it takes place in the Motocross subculture, where Cocaine, sex, and alcohol are the drugs of choice.
This is similar to movies like the ones in the Step Up series, where the acting and story aren’t as valued as the the athletic performances. Danny Trejo does have a minor role, but Beau Manley, a professional motocross racer, was the most interesting as far as actors go. The movie comes out for home viewing in December, and I was told that the deleted scenes and interviews that are included on the disc are worth a watch.
Maybe too many expletives were used, and the rhythm that the lines were delivered felt, well, like lines being delivered. Some of the scenes felt extraneous but all in all, this felt like a first attempt at directing and acting – but not unsuccessful by any means.
– review by Emery Thoresen
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| 2 out of 5 reels |
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Read what fellow TCFF blogger June Neely thought of It’s A Disaster
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What are your thoughts on either one of these films?
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
Great, great stuff! I really envy you. Looks like a fantastic time!
Thank you Keith! It’s really been fun. Haven’t been disappointed with anything so far 😀
Its a Disaster sounds interesting. Will try to see it when i can
Yeah, I think you’ll enjoy this one, Julian.
It’s a Disaster sounds like an amusing offbeat comedy. I will definitely look for it when it hits Netflix. Good to hear TCFF is going well so far and that you are having fun Ruth! 😀
It’s a Disaster will be played again at TCFF this Wednesday, October 17th at 9:15pm, so if you want to see it sooner you still can 🙂 Check your DM btw.
The poster for It’s A Disaster looks old school. I’m glad you said the less we know about the plot the better. At this point I know nothing, haven’t even seen the trailer. I’m aiming to keep it that way too.
Yeah, I kind of like that, and it’s quite appropriate actually. Hope you get to see it, Asrap, It’s A Disaster was quite a hit at LA Film Fest too.
Hadn’t heard about It’s a Disaster until your review Ruth but I’m glad I read it. I love films based mostly in one location so this is right up my street. The end-of-the-world thing feels a bit downbeat but im looking forward to seeing it.
Oh yeah, I remember your list of movies set in one location and this one certainly is worth to be included. Despite the downbeat topic, the film is actually a lot of fun and hilarious!
Excellent!! You guys look right at home on the red carpet!!!
I am so pleased you are having a great time. OH GOSH I wish 15th November would hurry up
He..he.. thanks Scott! I don’t usually like posting pics of myself on my blog but I figure I make an exception once in a while. Yeah, BFF is coming right? Very excited for you matey!
Hadn’t heard much of It’s a Disaster but it sounds good. Another to check out. Can’t say I’m overly keen on Danny Trejo’s Bro though.
It’s A Disaster kind of flies under the radar but I read that it was a hit at LA Film Fest. It’s a good one to check out if you like oddball comedy! Bro is not my cup of tea either Mark.
It’s a disaster plays again at TCFF this Wednesday, October 17th at 9:15pm Go to http://www.twincitiesfilmfest.org for tickets.
Thanks for that info Bill! I’ll add that to the post also.
I’m excited for ‘It’s a disaster’ I miss seeing Julia Stiles in movies! Great review.
She’s excellent in this one, definitely worth checking out!
I’ll skip Bro, but It’s a Disaster looks good. Glad to see Julia Stiles back in a movie.
You’re a fan of Julia Stiles too? Yeah, I’ve always liked her, I wish she does more films.
Thank you so much for putting It’s A Disaster on my radar. Sounds right up my alley. I’m on the lookout for it going forward. That’s what I love about film festivals. The different sort of films flying just a bit below Hollywood radar cover.
Exactly Nick. I’m glad I got to see these delightful little films I otherwise might never even hear about. Btw, I got the review of It’s A Disaster done as well if you’re interested.
Seems like you’re having fun 🙂 I really need to see Julia Stiles again, so I’m looking forward for ‘It’s A Disaster’.
Glad to hear another fan of Stiles! Hope you get to see it soon, Andina.
I think my thoughts mirror those already mentioned. Looking forward to checking out “It’s a Disaster!”
Looks like you are having a great time at the festival, Ruth! I’m going to have to keep an eye out for It’s a Disaster. Sounds like a fun little comedy, and Julia Stiles & David Cross should make for an interesting pairing.
Nice reviews. It’s a Disaster sounds like fun.