Sundance Day 2. The Coverage Continues with Max and Mary, Helen and Spring Breakdown.
Today film fans were able to get tickets for the first official day of screenings to the over 50 films debuting in Park City and the surrounding areas. It was another early day of film watching as we attending the premiere of Mary and Max, which coincidentally was the opening night movie for the festival. Mary and Max is the brainchild of Academy Award winning shot animation Harvie Krumpet.
I have to admit- that I found it very interesting that an claymation animation film was selected to open the festival- but later convinced myself it made sense. Sundance is about new and different- they pride themselves of diversity and new technology. A bit too long (at 92 minutes) for my taste explores a range of topic such as friendship and autism to alcoholism to obesity. The most amazing thing about the film was the way the animation told a very complex story- unlike animation styles that we previously have seen, hence the reason that this was selected to open a very somber Sundance 09.
Then it was off to join out TiVo partners to plaster the streets of Sundance with Independent Films. We handed out tons of hot chocolate and movie tickets. Which reminds me, check this out and get in on an exclusive offer. Okay enough shameless plugging.
It was off to see two more movies- because that what we do best. First it was a screening of Helen by director/screenwriter Sandra Nettelbeck. The German filmmaker used her life events to craft a truly realistic and haunting depiction of depression. Ashely Judds portrayal of Helen, who seemed to have the perfect life until she suffers a breakdown not only scratches the surface of a disease, but go into detail with family struggles and the power to fight.
Then it was off to see the highly anticipated Spring Breakdown by director Ryan Shiraki and screenwriter Rachel Dratch. I couldn’t of been more excited about this film. You have the perfect formula which include the comic genius of SNL’s Dratch, on screen candy with Amy Poehler, Parker Posey, Jane Lynch and Missi Pyle and the cheap thrill of a story line that captures a young audience- triple check. The story follows three friends and they go from highschool to their mid-thirties- sound familiar- the same plot was used for Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion- but without the advent of post-its. Becky, played by the indie-dream Parker Posey works for a state senator who is next in line for VP of the US- but is worried that her daughter may be exposing too much of the family jewels over Spring Break in South Padre. Becky heads out to watch over her, while dragging Judi, played by Rachel Dratch and her husband, who turns out to be gay and Gayle, played by Amy Poehler who discovers her inner slut. The film itself was funny at times with the one liners and was saved by Missi Pyle’s performance. I had such high expectations of the film- and I think that what the problem was- I should of gone lower. The movie ended at 2:30am with a short QA by the actors. If you enjoy these women and their work- then you may be let down, but if you go in with low expectations you might actually enjoy it.
Spring Breakdown Trailer
