JDIFF 2014

Baze

The film before The Stag (cough cough) felt like it was four hours long. Can't see it holding children's attention for too long on release.

The Stag I enjoyed, in parts - as I kinda knew I would. It is what it is really.

I would criticize it's failings more if it pretended to be more, but to be fair, it doesn't and so you get the run of the mill non-offensive, safe comedy that it pertains to be from the get go.

Butler is relatively young and so I feel he can be forgiven for playing it safe here (it being his first full length film).

Haven't seen his TV and docu stuff, so can't comment on how it compares but to me, his / their writing has a touch of the Richard Curtis'es about it (a good thing some would say, but I'm not so sure as it's very 90s for me). Still enjoyed the laughs though and thought the performances from all the male cast were top notch (for this type of comedy drama at least). Scott in particular was excellent.Amy Huberman leaves me cold in each role I see her though, not sure why.


Just on the whole embargo thing: I can't understand how people could be asked to sign forms and then not asked for them, and if you're gonna make such a hoopla about your film, then how come mobile phones were not asked for on entering as has been the case with many other preview screenings where distributors are nervous about piracy and / or early slating of a film. I notice they were quick to jump on anyone with a phone out mind.

Film of the festival for me: The Double with Starred Up a close second.

johnny_ultimate

Baze wrote: »

Amy Huberman leaves me cold in each role I see her though, not sure why.

Probably because she's a dreadful, dreadful actress :P Have you seen her (I think) Waterford Crystal Newbridge Silver ads? They are pretty much the most vomitous things I've ever seen in my life, and am hard pressed to take her even remotely seriously as an actress after seeing them.

I notice they were quick to jump on anyone with a phone out mind.

Yeah, I've been to a few advance screenings before (phones taken off us and the like, as well as announcements they had guards wearing nightvision goggles :pac:) but I've never seen a 'security' guy actually go up to a torch with someone and tell them pretty sternly to put away their phone like I did today!

I'd say the logistics of having a red carpet premiere immediately after was the reason there wasn't stricter security at the doors - it takes ages when they have to give people back phones.

e_e

Baze wrote: »

The Stag I enjoyed, in parts - as I kinda knew I would. It is what it is really.

I would criticize it's failings more if it pretended to be more, but to be fair, it doesn't and so you get the run of the mill non-offensive, safe comedy that it pertains to be from the get go.

Honestly I felt like The Grand Seduction would've been the more appropriate closing film. It was warmer, funnier and I felt it earned its happy ending a lot better, would've been a nice dovetail with the Brendan Gleeson connection too.

Bozo Skeleton

So another Film Festival is over. I love those 11 magical days every February. My favourites this year:

JDIFF Shorts (Particularly Rubaí and Breakfast Wine)
Concrete Night
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Ida
Borgman
The Double

I liked the surprise film, I haven't followed the franchise, but it was a good laugh. I was relieved it wasn't the new 300 movie.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Probably because she's a dreadful, dreadful actress :P Have you seen her (I think) Waterford Crystal Newbridge Silver ads? They are pretty much the most vomitous things I've ever seen in my life, and am hard pressed to take her even remotely seriously as an actress after seeing them.

I thought she was great on Comedy Central's Threesome

e_e

I wonder is there a copy of Gervais' video introduction. Couldn't hear some of it 'cause of all the cheering and laughter!