Wednesday, June 18th

Tonight: “Tapia” and “Forev.”

Tuesday, June 17th

For the most part, the more obscure works by the masters are obscure for a reason, and “Two Men in Manhattan” (Jean-Pierre Melville’s rarely seen 1958 film) is no exception. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have it’s pleasures. In this case, it’s seeing the sorrow-eyed director star in his own film, it’s a ripping jazz score and it’s New York playing itself in all it’s noire, 1959 glory (this was the only film Melville shot in the states).

I didn’t know what to expect from “Workers” before I saw it and I’m not sure what to make of it now that I have. A quiet, dark comedy of sorts about two people in Tijuana living lives of silenciosa desesperación, it doesn’t go out of it’s way to tell you how to think or feel about the characters – and keeps you deeply engrossed as you search for clues. Minimal in the extreme and yet deeply satisfying, there is no doubt that director José Luis Valle is an artist with a vision; seeing the work of a master-to-be is why we go to film festivals!

My first (and hopefully only!) bitter rant from the LAFF! I have to say that I had my first really bad experience tonight, thought it was no fault of the festival except that it is a festival. Before the Melville movie started, a critic and film writer who will go unnamed was sitting near me, holding court with a couple of sycophants, talking endlessly (and in his mind fascinatingly) about film this, that and the other. But besides being a pretentious boor, he was also terribly, terribly negative about the festival, the films in it and the people who run it. Now, my experience is that, contrary to popular belief, talented critics are not wanna-be filmmakers. They are not bitter, angry people who attempt to show their intelligence by tearing things down. They are film lovers who’ll do anything to build film up. Which I think says something more about this person (and the many like him you’re liable to encounter at a festival) than anything else. Don’t know why it bugged me so much, but I feel better. Thanks for listening.

Oh – to end on a positive note – I ran in KCRW’s Michael Silverblatt (there to see the Melville movie) talking to evil genius Bruce Vilanch in the hallway. I didn’t have the nerve to say hi to Bruce or take a picture with him. #missedarareopportunitybecauseImsuchapussy.

Sunday, June 15th

Grace Lee Boggs is an activist and philosopher who’s been preaching a message of “revolution and evolution” for 60 years. Now in her ’90′s, this Chinese-American and former black power revolutionary (along with husband Jimmy Boggs) has lived a fascinating life, literately and intellectually, and the wonderful new doc “American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs” delves deeply into both worlds. She – and this fine doc – are an inspiration to do more for change – both in our community and within ourselves.

Kevin Pearce was one of the best snowboarders in the world when a horrific accident caused a traumatic brain injury. With the support of his incredible family, he managed to return to some sense of normality. But then – against everyone’s protestations – his injured brain told him he should go back to competing even though one more good fall could cost him is life. Lucy Walker captures all the drama in the taut doc “The Crash Reel” – and you can bet it was emotional when “KP” took the stage afterwards for the Q&A. Though I got a little chuckle when he said (unironically) ”Wear a helmet. It’s a no-brainer.”

After the movie, I really felt drained - and not just because it was so emotional. I think it’s because a really great festival like this one keeps immersing you in new worlds, introducing you to new people, taking you on an emotional ride and then two hours later, before you have time to catch your breath, plunges into a whole new situation, with a whole new set of people. And that happens over and over. I feel like I have made a lot of friends – and then lost them – in just a few days!

Tomorrow night, I won’t be downtown – I’ll be interviewing documentary maven Morgan Spurlock at the Cinefamily on Fairfax for one the IDA’s “Doc U” terrific events. Click HERE for more info! I’ll be back downtown for “Two Men in Manhattan” on Tuesday!

Saturday, June 14th

You could spend $200 million (and the studios have) and you still probably wouldn’t make a sci-fi thriller as well, thrilling, as “Europa Report.” Amazing, innovative filmmaking that stays satisfyingly within the tropes of the genre while seemingly rewriting them. When you really think about it, nothing really happens for the first 60 minutes of this film, and yet you’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole time.

“In A World” is the cliche’ movie trailer intro, and also the name of fresh, light comedy directed, written and starring the lovely and talented Lake Bell. Graced by some of the hippest funny people working today – Nick Offerman, Dmitri Martin, Tig Notaro – the movie shines brightest during the easy banter between Bell and her movie-sister Michaela Watkins.

Friday, June 13th

Started my first evening at the taco truck across from the Regal Theaters downtown and ran into the Meerkat Collective, the group responsible for the doc “Brasslands.” They tell me to show up early for their screening tomorrow night…there will be live Serbian music…sounds like a hoot!

Ran into the Ecuadorian director of “Europa Report.” The actors were locked inside a small pod for hours at a time for the filming of what sounds like an amazing sci-fi film. The director’s excited for the first screening…and so am I!

“Short Term 12” is my first movie of the fest and the theater is packed and filled with excitement. And with good reason. This is an incredibly fun film with a terribly serious story. Only indie films can combine those two elements so amazingly well. Don’t miss this one when it screens next.

Then: “The Act of Killing.” This is one of the absolutely do-not-miss films of this fest, but do not expect to walk out of the theater necessarily feeling glad you saw it. You’ll have a head spinning with thoughts and emotions. Me and my friends sat in the theater afterwards until they kicked us out talking about it. We were all deeply bummed that there was no Q&A – this movie begs 1,000 questions.

Walking down the hall in the Regal Cinemas after “Killing,” “Crystal Fairy” had just let out as well. Star Michael Cera was there hanging with Juno Temple, Natasha Lyonne, (I think) Mamie Gummer and their coterie. They looked like they were having a grand old time!

More to come!

If you want to hang out with me during the evenings of the 13th through the 23rd, don’t call or text – just come by the LA Film Festival downtown! I’ll be living there…so many great films to discover and such a great opportunity to hang out with other movie lovers!

Besides the amazing films, I dig the LAFF because it doesn’t feel so “exclusive” – like there’s a lot of stuff going on but you’re not invited. The focus is on film and filmmakers and the people who love them. And there are wonderful talks (Elvis Mitchell will tape an episode of The Treatment with director Justin Lin on the 19th), events and special screenings (can’t wait to finally see Jean-Pierre Melville’s “Two Men in Manhattan!”).

Of course, everyone wants recommendations, and I’m happy to oblige with some “under the radar”picks. Note that depending on when you read this, some of these films may already have screened…

1) One insider calls ”Four Dogs” this year’s “Breakfast with Curtis” – the wonderfully homemade 2012 LAFF meta-movie featuring real people in their natural habitat reenacting their largely true story. I love the warning in the fest guide: “This cutting, close quarters chamber piece will hit awfully close to home for many viewers.”

2) Even in her 90′s, Grace Lee Boggs is a provocateur and clear-eyed critic of the inequities of the status quo. “American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs” is sure to be a wonderful look at this former icon of the Black Power movement (though she is of Chinese descent) and an inspiration for us all to say “no!” to things as they are.

3) I am a fan of documentary-as-experimental cinema (think “Bestiare” at last year’s LAFF) and that’s what I’m told to expect from “The Island of St. Matthews” – the next film in Kevin Jerome Everson’s continuing exploration of the African American experience. LAST CHANCE TO SEE MONDAY NIGHT!

4) “Europa Report,” just because I’m a giant sci-fi geek and the best sci-fi is always small-scale, story driven sci-fi (did you see “Moon?”). What’s it about? Well, according to Wikipedia “Europa has emerged as one of the top locations in the Solar System in terms of potential habitability and the possibility of hosting extraterrestrial life.” You do the math.

Frankly, my best fest experiences have always been extremely random…just show up, buy a ticket to whatever’s about to start and then just enjoy the ride! Then you get to make the buzz, not just follow it. But, if you insist on planning ahead and want more suggestions, check out the LA Times cheat sheet HERE.

See you downtown!

Just Opened

While he was wrapping “Avengers,” Joss Whedon invited friends from the “Whedonverse” (“Buffy,” “Angel,” “Dollhouse” et al) to come over to his house and shoot a low-budget black and white version of Shakespeare’s beloved romcom “Much Ado About Nothing.” They had a helluva good time doing it, too – and you can feel the fun on screen. It’s light, funny and very romantic. Amy Acker gives an Oscar-worthy turn as the beautiful, sharp-tongued Beatrice.

Opening This Weekend

“The Wall” is a quiet, lyrical film about a woman trapped in an hunting lodge in the Austrian Alps by a mysterious forcefield. But it’s much more psychology than sci fi – ignoring the “why” of the situation in favor of a mesmerizing  contemplation on solitude. This is a movie that will stick with you…like it or not!

I love art that explores the thing behind the thing. The wonderful doc “Twenty Feet From Stardom” does just that, in a way, looking at the people literally behind the people;  the back-up singers that perform with the biggest stars in music. It’s fascinating just how long those 20 feet really are.

                               See Them While You Still Can!

“The Kings of Summer,” “Stories We Tell,” “The Iceman,” “Mud“

And don’t forget - The awesome LA Film Festival starts downtown this weekend!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Everyday life is suspended and a surreal life-and-death drama ensues in “A Hijacking,” an amazing new film about a ship seized by pirates – and the man trying to negotiate its release. This a movie seething with quiet suspense, and unlike most thrillers, it only seems to get more quiet as the story unfolds. Check out the fascinating background videos at the movie’s website.

We’ll screen “A Hijacking” for KCRW Angels on Wednesday the 12th in West LA.

Piracy in this week’s news! Click HERE.

Not an Angel? Join now HERE and then sign-up for our screening!

“A Hijacking” opens in limited release June 14th.

Ever since he (almost) burst on the scene with “Super Size Me” in 2004, Morgan Spurlock has 

Spurlock returns to television on June 23rd with the CNN Original series “Inside Man” as host and producer. The one-hour weekly series will provide an intimate look into diverse sectors of American life and offer a deep-dive into pressing issues facing our country – from an examination of elder care to the effects of drought.

I’ll be hosting an evening with Morgan as part of the Independent Documentary Association’s fabulous “Doc U” series on Monday the 17th at the Cinefamily on Fairfax. Whether you’re a filmmaker or just a fan, I can promise you the evening will be fascinating and fun. We’ll chat about having a good time while saving the world, take your questions and then adjourn to the back patio to raise a glass to the future of movies and TV that make a difference.

Click the graphic below for tickets!

The International Documentary Association Presents:

Doc U: A Conversation With – Morgan Spurlock
Hosted by KCRW’s Matt Holzman

Monday, June 17, 2013
7:30pm – 9:00pm Discussion & Audience Q&A
Reception to Follow

Cinefamily
611 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Inside Man, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, Supersize Me) comes to Doc U! Known for his intimate portraits of subjects and deep examination of topics, Spurlock embraces cutting edge storytelling formats, including 3-D and web only broadcast, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from a documentary. Join KCRW’s Matt Holzman (Matt’s Movies, The Business) for a conversation with Spurlock, a look at the evolution of his storytelling form, and discussion of his latest project, Inside Man, with CNN Films, premiering Sunday, June 23 at 10:00PM.

You didn’t see “Comic-Con?” Wow, is it super-great.

Click here to view the embedded video.

CHECK OUT KCRW’S THE BUSINESS
FOR KIM MASTERS’ INTERVIEW WITH MORGAN SPURLOCK!

The word “quirky” has become cliche’ in the indie film world, but I think it’s safe to use that term to describe any movie that features banjos and laser guns. “The History of Future Folk” is an endearing little movie about space men who fall to earth, fall in love with folksy American music and save both their home world and our humble little planet. Tenacious D comparisons aside, I really loved the music.

“The Kings of Summer” beautifully captures that perfect sun-filled summer of youth – frolicking in the great outdoors with best friends, filled with unbounded joy and an ever-growing sense of self. It’ll make you nostalgic for a time that only really exists in movies and memory.

Melodramatic, contrived, but undeniably enjoyable, “The East” is the story of an agent infiltrating an anarchists’ collective that’s trying to save the world one “action” at time…imagine an eco-minded “Mission Impossible” crew living in a squat.

Also opening, “Hannah Arendt,” a look at the life of philosopher and political theorist who reported for The New Yorker on the war crimes trial of the Nazi Adolf Eichmann.

The new “History of Future Folk” trailer!

Click here to view the embedded video.

5/28/13- I had an eye-opening conversation about Sarah Polley’s amazing movie at a Memorial Day BBQ with producer Ted Skillman. I think he really had a bead on the film I think I – and most reviewers – really missed.

We both agree that this movie is indeed about the amorphous nature of the stories we tell about our lives (an obsession of most doc makers) and the people in them. But he points out that the specific story wasn’t “Who was Sarah’s father?” but “Who was Sarah’s dad?”  Think about it: the dad she grew up with pitches himself as a disappointment, especially compared to the memory of his exciting, vibrant wife. But by the end of the movie you see how untrue that really is – yes, he may not have been the doting husband she wanted or needed, but clearly he is an artist – a man of deep passion and keen insight into the human condition. It’s incredibly moving when you realize that he is reading his own writing, and reading so beautifully and so… publicly. His wife, in comparison, seems like a person with great appeal and personality…but perhaps not much more? Is it possible that she could not see into his depths, or help him mine them?

It’s something to think about. In any event, if you haven’t seen this film, run don’t walk to see it while it’s still in theaters. It’s a wonderful movie, and a great conversation starter!

SORRY - OUR MATT’S MOVIES SCREENING IS NOW FULL
BTW, folks who follow me @KCRW_Matt find out about screenings first!

Click here to view the embedded video.

In “Stories We Tell,” actor, writer and Oscar-nominated director Sarah Polley turns the camera on her father, siblings and friends to better understand the life of her mother Diane, a fascinating and complex woman. What she unravels is a revelation for her and her family; the way she tells the story is a revelation for the audience.

Matt’s Movies will screen “Stories We Tell” for KCRW Angels on Wednesday, May 1st in West LA, followed by a Q&A with Sarah Polley.

“Take This Waltz” and “Away from Her” proved that Polley is a filmmaker to be taken seriously, but the tact and technique she used in making this most personal film is really more akin to movie magic.

Director Joss Whedon invited a few friends to his house to shoot a movie – a cool new version of Shakespeare’s beloved romcom “Much Ado About Nothing.” On Wednesday, June 5th, the Academy will launch season two of Oscars Outdoors with a sunset screening of “Much Ado” in their spectacular open air venue in Hollywood. Joss and cast will be on hand to intro the movie and answer your questions after - and you can be there too if you’re a KCRW Angel.

Click here to view the embedded video.

 PLEASE NOTE! 

• Your confirmation e-mail will include a voucher…prepare to show it (on your phone or printed) for parking!
• We will try to accommodate everyone, but this event (like all Matt’s Movies screenings) is first-come first-served!
• Get there early for best seats
• Be sure to dress warmly, and bring a blanket or low lawn chair
• Picnic baskets, beer, and wine permitted
• No pets (service dogs allowed)
• There will be food trucks on site
• I pray thee: if you don’t know the story, read the Wiki synopsis…it will dramatically increase your enjoyment of the film! 

Not an Angel? Join now HERE and then sign-up for our screening!

“Much Ado About Nothing” opens in limited release June 7th.

Well, I would love them, if they weren’t so lame. I mean, for $250 million you should be able to have things blow up and come up with a story that makes sense. Wow, you might even throw in characters you could give a damn about, too. I mean, I know those big bloated action pix make a ton, but might it be possible for the studios to even make more bringing intelligent adults (like me) back into the multiplex?

I do go occasionally, if only to be reminded why I don’t go more often (can you say “Prometheus?”).

So why don’t the studios think that story is important? In my recent interview with Morning Edition and LA Times critic Ken Turan, he explained it this way:

This is a dollar driven business. And it’s not clear to the studios…first of all it’s hard to make an intelligent film. It’s just harder…with special effects you just throw money at it and you’ve solved the problem. You throw money at a script and you may get nowhere. So it’s harder to get it done, or it’s not clear that it means more money and it just becomes something the studios are not averse to but it’s not a priority.

Me and my friend Megan before “Star Trek: Into Darkness”

Which is why I left the first J.J. Abrams “Star Trek” movie so excited a few years back and why I returned to see “Into Darkness” last night. And loved it.

Now admittedly, I have a relationship with this franchise (see picture), and that makes it easier for the filmmakers to create a world that is emotionally satisfying in a way that the majority of blockbusters are not. But a reboot also poses it’s own set of problems – you’re often trying to please two, often mutually exclusive, audiences – in this case, altacockers like me who grew up with Kirk and crew and are attached to the “old ways,” and the young folks who don’t know Sulu from Hulu and expect some bang for their buck.

I just can’t believe how Abrams and crew succeed for both crowds. And I think that’s because they are so focussed on story as the starting point.

Yes, we can sit here and pick the plot apart for logic flaws. But the point is that with a focus on story and character and great dialogue, those flaws are not so glaring. And when you do identify them, you’re much more forgiving. I had to really put my mind to it to figure out what really didn’t make sense in this film (of course there’s plenty), but frankly I don’t go to movies like this to think.

I understand the reticence to put a priority on story. But I think the studios are leaving money on the table. Look at the top grossing movies of all time. What’s a common denominator for most of them? Underlying all that expensive production value and star power, there’s a real story (I cannot explain the success of the “Transformers” movies). 

I know I’m not breaking any new ground here, but I think it bears repeating. Mostly because I want to be able to put my Spock ears (or other geeked-out fanboy accouterment) and head back to the theater for a popcorn movie more often!

I want to give a shout out to Jon Favreau, another director who gets this concept. I loved the first “Iron Man” and don’t forget “Zathura,” a great – if overlooked - sci-fi film with story and character. His use of practical (rather than CG) effects also gives the film a kind of heart that the big digital epics just can’t touch. The DVD has a great featurette about how they used in-camera effects…I’m trying to get my hands on it. Here’s a sample…

Click here to view the embedded video.

KCRW’s Jenny Radelet put together this great piece about pilot season, and why it might be time to change it. Listen HERE.

And check out David Duchovny in “The TV Set”, a terrific 2006 movie written and directed by Jake Kasdan that hilariously – but accurately – caught the essence of pilot season craziness.

Click here to view the embedded video.

And congratulations to everyone who signed a deal to make or work on a pilot, got one produced, or even had one picked up. And to the rest of you, best of luck in next year’s pilot season lottery!