I thought as we start the new week, I’m doing something different. Yesterday I was guest podcasting at St Paul Filmcast, an awesome & prolific Twin Cities-based entertainment podcast that talks about movies and interviews various filmmakers. I’m privileged that podcaster/graphic novelist Nick Palodichuk invited me to talk about some of my favorite movies we saw in 2019.
Take a listen by clicking the logo below:
At the beginning of each episode, there’s a spot for dedication… I’m dedicating this podcast episode to all my wonderful BLOG CONTRIBUTORS: Laura S., Holly P., Ted S., Vitali G., Vince C. and most recently Andy S. Thank you guys!!
Here’s a sampling of some of the films I talked about in the episode…
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I’ll be seeing Tarantino’s ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD on Wednesday, so look for my review by this weekend!
Before the episode ended I also got to talk about the recent exciting news that BOND 25 will be introducing a female 007!
I had already talked about some of the things revealed in Bond 25 reveal last April where they introduced Lashana Lynch as one of the new cast members, along with Ana de Armas and Rami Malek. Well, now we know just who she’ll be playing!
“The 25th film opens with Bond (Daniel Craig), retired in Jamaica, being called back to action to fight a new villain. There is a pivotal scene at the start of the film where M says, ‘Come in 007,’ and in walks Lashana who is black, beautiful and a woman. It’s a popcorn-dropping moment. Bond is still Bond but he’s been replaced as 007.”
Now, it’s entirely possible that the fact that Phoebe Waller-Bridge is one of the Bond 25 screenwriters has something to do with this. After all, she is the creator of the hit series Killing Eve where Sandra Oh who’s a woman of Korean descent plays an MI5 agent. Now, to those who are up in arms over this [puh-leeze], 007 is just a spy code name. Yes, there is only going to be one James Bond (and will likely always be portrayed by a white male), but anyone could be assigned to be a 007. I really think this is a step in the right direction for the 57-year-old franchise, while still maintaining status quo.
Now, as for the casting of Lashana Lynch, I’m glad they went with a British-Jamaican actress, as is Naomie Harris who plays Moneypenny. It totally make sense the fact that some parts of the film takes place in Jamaica, a key location for the Bond franchise as the place the franchise was created by Ian Fleming. So they’re going back to their roots, so to speak. Despite all the behind-the-scenes and on-set dramas surround this movie, I’m now even more excited to see what director Cary Joji Fukunaga would do with Bond 25!
So tell me what’s your favorite movie(s) you’ve seen so far? And what do YOU think of the female 007 news?
Once again, the 11-day film festivities runs from October 17-27 at Kerasotes ShowPlace ICON Theatres at The Shops at West End with ICON•X. Click the handy schedule grid below in PDF format.
Now, it’s hard to pick just a few to get excited about as there are simply too many great ones premiering at this year’s fest. So I come up with twenty of must-see movies, broken down by two categories. I’ve also posted the list of the daily schedules below. Films by female filmmakers are marked with an asterisk (*).
Indie and MN-connected Features:
Time For Ilhan*
Director: Norah Shapiro
An eye-opening documentary that follows the 2016 Minnesota House of Representatives campaign of Ilhan Omar, a Somalian immigrant who sets out to unseat a 43-year incumbent and other challengers.
As an immigrant living in Minnesota, this film obviously resonates with me. It’s a film by women AND about women. But surely this is an important film regardless of your background, and I’m thrilled to see this documentary be a part of this year’s TCFF!!
Inventing Tomorrow*
Director: Laura Nix
“Inventing Tomorrow” follows six young scientists from Indonesia, Hawaii, India and Mexico as they tackle some of the most complex environmental issues facing humanity today right in their own backyards. Each student is preparing original scientific research that he or she will defend at ISEF, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Framed against the backdrop of the severe environmental threats we now face, the audience is immersed in a global view of the planetary crisis, through the eyes of the generation that will be affected by it most.
I love docs that highlights young people, especially young people of color! Yes the fact that I’m from Indonesia and there’s a student from my homeland immediately appeals to me but really, this sounds like an inspiring doc that would make us hopeful about our future.
Rich Kids*
Director: Laura Somers
A group of troubled teens from a low-income community break into Los Ricos, the local mansion with a border fence, and spend the day pretending to be rich in order to forget their difficult lives.
It’s another film by a female filmmaker which subject matter intrigues me. Who hasn’t tried to escape from difficult circumstances in our lives? But for these kids, that escape seems more elusive than most.
Noah Wise
Director: Ben Zuckert
As a saxophonist’s quartet comes to an end, he meets a singer-songwriter whose career is just beginning.
I love indie movies that deals with music/musicians. The preview just looks like something I’d enjoy. It reminds me a bit of the indie romance Dust Storm from a years ago that premiered at TCFF, and the storyline also has a bit of that A Star Is Born vibe to it.
Origin Story*
Director: Kulap Vilaysack
Twenty years after learning about her biological father, Kulap Vilaysack finally asks the questions that will lead her to him.
As someone who grew up without a dad, I feel fortunate that at least I knew who my dad was even if he didn’t raise me. I can’t imagine the intricate and likely painful journey of those trying to track down their biological parent. This sounds like a heart-warming tale that’ll sure to linger after the end credits roll.
Lez Bomb*
Director: Jenna Laurenzo
A comedy about a young woman who struggles telling her overbearing mother that the friend she brought home for Thanksgiving is actually her girlfriend.
Thanksgiving with family can be a wonderful as well as stressful time, and that’s why it always makes for an intriguing subject matter. This comedy will sure resonate with anyone who’s ever had a trepidation about sharing a secret with a family member, especially during the holidays.
Sadie*
Director: Megan Griffiths
“Sadie” is the story of a girl who will stop at nothing to preserve her father’s place on the home front. Sadie (Sophia Mitri Schloss) is the daughter of a soldier and models herself after his military example. When her mom (Melanie Lynskey) begins dating a new man (John Gallagher, Jr.), Sadie vows to drive him out by whatever means necessary. He is the enemy, and if she’s learned anything from the world she inhabits, it’s that the enemy deserves no mercy. Also starring Tony Hale, Danielle Brooks, Tee Dennard and Keith L. Williams.
I LOVE Melanie Lynskey and so I’m glad to see her in a film in this year’s fest! But sounds like Sophia Mitri Schloss is the breakout star here in this emotional family drama.
Humor Me
Director: Sam Hoffman
“Humor Me” is a heartfelt father-son comedy about a struggling playwright who is forced to move in with his joke-telling dad in a New Jersey retirement community and learns, as his father often says, “life’s going to happen, whether you smile or not.”
I feel like this ‘down on his luck guy moving back in with his parents’ story has been told many time before, but it instantly feels fresh with Jemaine Clement, one of the awesome musical duo of Flight of the Concords and of course, my all time fave vampire comedy What We Do in the Shadows!
American Tender
Director: C.J. Renner
It was never just a date.
I’ve become a fan of MN filmmaker CJ Renner since I saw his innovative noir GUNN (see my interview last year with him here). He said this one sort of ‘sneaked up on him’ as he seemed to have shot this film fairly quickly. I was immediately hooked by the cool, mysterious trailer!
When Jeff Tried to Save the World*
Director: Kendall Goldberg
Starring Jon Heder in attendance (Napoleon Dynamite) & Jim O’Heir (Parks & Recreation): When the manager of an old-school bowling alley discovers the owner’s plans to sell, saving Winkys World means pulling himself out of the gutter, too.
Can you believe ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ was 14 years ago?? I really enjoyed that one when I first saw it. Well, Jon Heder is back and he’ll actually be in attendance in October!! This sounds like another comedic winner that sure to warm the hearts.
Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me
Director: Sam Pollard
The first major film documentary to examine Sammy Davis, Jr.s vast talent and his journey for identity through the shifting tides of civil rights and racial progress during 20th-century America.
I love Sammy Davis Jr.’s voice and music but I don’t know anything about his life. Given the era when he grew up, this sure to be a fascinating documentary not to be missed!
Point of No Return
Director: Noel Dockstader and Quinn Kanaly
Two pilots attempt to fly their fragile, experimental solar airplane – Solar Impulse – around the world to prove the potential of clean energy.
I love docs about innovative technology and this looks amazing visually plus the idea of solar plane is just so darn cool!
Studio Features:
Green Book
Director: Peter Farrelly
A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.
Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali is a cinematic duo I didn’t think I need but now I can’t imagine living without. Last time I saw Ali was in the phenomenal Oscar-winner Moonlight (which I also saw at TCFF!) and Viggo was in the excellent family drama Captain Fantastic. Together they’d surely electrify the screen!
A Private War
Director: Matthew Heineman
One of the most celebrated war correspondents of our time, Marie Colvin is an utterly fearless and rebellious spirit, driven to the frontline of conflicts across the globe to give voice to the voiceless.
I’ve been a long admirer of Rosamund Pike, long before she starred in career-turning Gone Girl. This sounds like an Oscar-worthy performance from the versatile and talented Brit.
The Favourite
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne (Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Weisz) governs the country in her stead. When a new servant Abigail (Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.
Whenever Yorgos Lanthimos directs something, it seems to always get tongue wagging. ‘The Lobster’ is one of those bizarrely-wonderful movie that makes you go ‘just what the heck is going on?’ This time he seems to apply that same strange sensibilities to a royal family period drama.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?*
Director: Marielle Heller
Lee Israel (Melissa McCarthy) who made her living in the 1970’s and 80’s profiling the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estee Lauder and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen. When Lee is no longer able to get published because she has fallen out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack (Richard E. Grant). An adaptation of the memoir Can You Ever Forgive Me?, the true story of best-selling celebrity biographer (and friend to cats).
Melissa McCarthy is tackling a dramatic role in this biopic that’s originally supposed to star Julianne Moore. I’m even more intrigued the fact that she’s the lead here, and for me, I’m always intrigued by films about writers.
Widows
Director: Steve McQueen
“Widows” is the story of four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities. Set in contemporary Chicago, amid a time of turmoil, tensions build when Veronica (Viola Davis), Alice (Elizabeth Debicki), Linda (Michelle Rodriguez) and Belle (Cynthia Erivo) take their fate into their own hands and conspire to forge a future on their own terms.
When I first saw this trailer, I knew I had to see it!! I mean Viola Davis going full bad-ass mode a la Liam Neeson in ‘Taken’, and hey he actually played her husband!! Then I saw Steve McQueen directing… so yeah, bring. it. on!!
If Beale Street Could Talk
Director: Barry Jenkins
“Widows” is the story of four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities. Set in contemporary Chicago, amid a time of turmoil, tensions build when Veronica (Viola Davis), Alice (Elizabeth Debicki), Linda (Michelle Rodriguez) and Belle (Cynthia Erivo) take their fate into their own hands and conspire to forge a future on their own terms.
I mentioned one of TCFF’s gala films ‘Moonlight’ earlier. Well glad to see Barry Jenkins’ follow-up feature made it to TCFF this year. This looks like a tear-jerker and absolutely heart-wrenching. I was instantly smitten by the two young leads KiKi Layne and Stephan James.
Saving Flora
Director: Mark Taylor
An unbreakable bond between an elephant and girl is put to the test, How far will you go to save a friend?
A family drama about a kid bonding with an elephant? Well this looks like a heart-warming and less-fantastical version of ‘Dumbo’ that’s out next year. Glad to hear David Arquette and Tom Arnold might attend the premiere on October 22!
Chef Flynn
Director: Cameron Yates
Ten-year-old Flynn transforms his living room into a supper club using his classmates as line cooks. With sudden fame, Flynn outgrows his bedroom kitchen, and sets out to challenge the hierarchy of the culinary world.
This doc about young culinary whiz will sure wet our appetite and wish you had even an iota of his talents around the kitchen! So interesting that he even involves his classmates as cooks. Renowned chef Andrew Zimmern who’s now based in MN is scheduled to make an appearance on Thursday, Oct. 25’s premiere!
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* Films directed by women
Great things come in small packages! Don’t forget about the wonderful short films selections. Check out what’s playing in the seven SHORT BLOCKS that’s been curated by TCFF programmers!
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2018 TWIN CITIES FILM FEST DAILY SCHEDULE
Wed – October 17
5:45p.m.: Time for Ilhan, Noah Shapiro*
8:15p.m.: Green Book, Peter Farrelly*
Thurs – October 18
1:30p.m.: The Eyes of Thailand, Windy Borman
2:00p.m.: Lez Bomb, Jenna Laurenzo
3:30p.m.: After Hours Trading, Fredrick Johnson
4:00p.m.: Inventing Tomorrow, Laura Nix
6:15p.m.: Point of No Return, Noel Dockstader and Quinn Kanaly
7:00p.m.: American Tender, C.J. Renner*
8:40p.m.: Time Trap, Mark Dennis & Ben Foster
9:15p.m.: Laugh ’til You DIE Shorts, Various
Fri – October 19
2:15p.m.: Nor Any Drop to Drink, Cedric Taylor
3:00p.m.: Coby, Christian Sonderegger
5:00p.m.: The Shingle Life, Peter Marcy
5:15p.m.: One Bedroom, Darien Sills-Evans
7:20p.m.: When Jeff Tried to Save the World, Kendall Goldberg
9:35p.m.: Strange Nature, Jim Ojala
9:45p.m.: In This Gray Place, R.D. Womack II
Sat – October 20
10:00a.m.: Through the Windmill, Amanda Kulkoski
11:45a.m.: Kids Incorporated Shorts, Various
12:00p.m.: F.R.E.D.I, Sean Olson
1:45p.m.: Not in My Lifetime, Pam Colby
2:30p.m.: Chasing the Thunder, Mark Benjamin + Rhino Shield, Billy Ward
3:45p.m.: Noah Wise, Ben Zuckert*
5:10p.m.: Summer ’03, Becca Gleason
6:15p.m.: Widows, Steve McQueen*
7:30p.m.: Black, David J. Buchanan
7:30p.m.: Humor Me, Sam Hoffman
9:10p.m.: Long Lost, Erik Bloomquist
9:45p.m.: Gags, Adam Krause
Sun – October 21
10:10a.m.: Rich Kids, Laura Somers*
11:00a.m.: Belong to Us, Patrick Rea
12:30p.m.: Regarding the Case of Joan of Arc, Matthew D. Wilder
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