alanalantt Reviews

Everything and Everyone (2011)

painful

[3/10 · 30 May 2012]

Just walked out (2/3 of the way through) of a screening at the Seattle International Film Festival. So discount my review, if you must, but I couldn't sit through it all.

Seriously painful dialogue and some of the most amateurish, non-nuanced acting I've seen on film a very long time.

Sure the premise is somewhat hackneyed (death/dying, family, father-son disconnect, etc.), but there is certainly a way to craft it so that it doesn't illicit as many walkouts as this screening received. There were at least a dozen in a half full, small house, before we gave up and left.

Some of my favorite films ever are Canadian (The Hanging Garden is one), so I was eager to see a new Canadian voice.

I'm still eager to see a new Canadian voice. Not this one.

A Better Life (2011)

great performances, lovely film

[9/10 · 30 May 2012]

Just saw this last night at the Seattle International Film Festival. None of the 4 of us knew much about it and we all enjoyed it immensely.

Refreshingly bleak slice of life about folks on the slippery slope of life's troubles.

Fantastic performances, particularly from the lead actor. I will certainly check out more of his work.

The scenes with his young co-star are lovely, showing the best of a chosen family, even in the most desperate of times.

I loved the time and space the director allowed for quiet character compositions.

Sleepwalking (2008)

yep, wanted it to be better

[3/10 · 15 March 2008]

Totally agree with the 2nd comment -- kept wanting this to be better and it never did.

Stahl was right on and the reason to keep watching, but he had some horribly written important moments with which he had to contend.

Teenage actress is OK, poorly executed final scene, though. One specific gripe: her sleeping/restful shots show her to be in full make-up and far more styled than her character/lifestyle would suggest.

Hopper is primarily one note, fault of the script. He plays it with gusto, but it isn't nearly as full/rich as it could have been.

This is a personal, pet project that never left the personal/pet gate.

Puccini for Beginners (2006)

central character flaw

[4/10 · 23 October 2006]

Nice NYC comic romp with a fatal flaw: central character just isn't likable. She's cheating, she's lying, she's whining, she only talks about herself -- so why is everyone falling all over her, aside from sex...

Ms. Mol was a true bright spot in this film. Central character needed some of her charm and warmth -- both in writing and delivery.

This was Closing Night film of a very successful 11th Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival with director and star Justin Kirk in attendance. It received a very warm reception.

Filmed in 18 days 9/05 and doesn't look nearly as low budget as it was.