Film Feature: Preview of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival

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StarKnock Knock

Knock Knock
‘Knock Knock’

Sundance Synopsis: Two beautiful young girls walk into a married man’s life and turn a wild fantasy into his worst nightmare.

Director: Eli Roth
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo, Ana De Amras, Aaron Burns, Ignacia Allamand, Colleen Camp

Keanu Reeves’ undying crowd-pleasing presence actually seems primed for an Eli Roth movie, especially with the actor coming into fuller form with the likes of his ass-kicking kung fu directorial debut “Man of Tai Chi.” Roth is of course the other curious element, whose unappetizing cannibal horror story “The Green Inferno” seems to have dropped off the face of the Earth after previews were shown in 2013. Roth’s humor has always been a challenge, from its gallows giggles in his grotesque “Hostel” movies, or even his brief appearance as the “Bear Jew” in “Inglorious Basterds.” But throw in a post-“John Wick” Keanu Reeves, and this could be more than just another gnarly Roth joint.

StarLast Days in the Desert

Last Days in the Desert
‘Last Days in the Desert’

Sundance Synopsis: Ewan McGregor is Jesus — and the Devil — in an imagined chapter from his 40 days of fasting and praying in the desert. On his way out of the wilderness, Jesus struggles with the Devil over the fate of a family in crisis, setting himself up for a dramatic test.

Director: Rodrigo Garcia

Not really sure what to do with a film of this background and synopsis but simply see it. I wasn’t a big fan of Garcia’s previous Oscar-nominated film “Albert Nobbs,” but I remember being in emotional tune with his 2009 adoption story “Mother and Child.” One can only wonder for now as to how his sensitivities about humanity from within those films will come into play with one of the stranger chapters of the Bible, nonetheless performed by the same actor.

StarThe Mask You Live In

The Mask You Live In
‘The Mask You Live In’

Director: Jennifer Siebel Newsom
Documentary

Is there a “boy crisis” in America? Is our male population suffering due to our emphasis on power, dominance, and aggression? “The Mask You Live In” explores how our narrow definition of masculinity is harming our boys, men, and society at large and unveils what we can do about it.

Any film that provides an in-depth discussion on masculinity has my attention. And that these ideas are sponsored by a female director makes it even more enticing. Here’s hoping that this one starts a huge conversation; everyday it seems like masculinity could use a “Blackfish”-type humbling.

StarNasty Baby

Nasty Baby
‘Nasty Baby’

Sundance Synopsis: A gay couple try to have a baby with the help of their best friend, Polly. The trio navigates the idea of creating life while confronted by unexpected harassment from a neighborhood called The Bishop. As their clashes grow increasingly aggressive, odds are someone is getting hurt.

Director: Sebastián Silva
Cast: Sebastián Silva, Kristen Wiig, Tunde Adebimpe, Alia Shawkat, Mark Margolis, Reg E. Cathey

“Saturday Night Live” legend Kristen Wiig has been on the hunt for indie comedies that take her to unexpected places, like “Girl Most Likely” or most recently “The Skeleton Twins.” Add “Nasty Baby” to this list, from Sebastián Silva, the director who made TWO unexpected Michael Cera movies in 2013, “Crystal Fairy & the Magical Cactus” and “Magic Magic.” Another title in Sundance’s “Next” category that seems both like a misjudgment, but nonetheless a promising sign.

StarPeople, Places, Things

People, Places, Things
‘People, Places, Things’

Sundance Synopsis: Will Henry is a newly single graphic novelist balancing being a parent to his young twin daughters and teaching a classroom full of college students, all the while trying to navigate the rich complexities of new love and letting go of the woman who left him.

Director: James Strouse
Cast: Jemaine Clement, Regina Hall, Stephanie Allynee, Jessica Williams, Gia Gadsby, Aundrea Gadsby

Director James C. Strouse’s humdrum “Lonesome Jim” and “Grace Is Gone” aren’t exactly the most memorable mopey films but they did feature notable turns from Casey Affleck and John Cusack, respectively. With an often-energetic Jemaine Clement now taking on Strouse’s lead, perhaps things will budge towards a special direction, even if the plot synopsis itself sounds kind of needy.

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