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CinePhillyist Reviews... The Men Who Stare at Goats
The festival's wide variety of great films mean there's something for everyone - of course, with this many movies, it can be tough to sort out the best ones. Here are a few previews, complete with suggestions on who and what to bring.
A few FYIs:
- Featured films (aka "Centerpiece Screenings"), movies with good buzz, and special events tend to sell out quickly, so buy your tickets in advance.
- Check the festival website - there are often last-minute venue and time changes.
- If you can't get into the film you want, just pick another one! No matter what you choose, you'll be supporting great independent film in Philadelphia.
Barbarella
Bring: Divas, Disco Queens, those guys from the AV club.
In the 1968 science-fiction-erotica cult classic Barbarella, the eponymous queen of the galaxy (the scantily clad Jane Fonda) must find scientist Duran Duran. Adventures - and removal of clothing - ensue! And don't be late: Barbarella's opening credits feature a zero gravity striptease. Best of all, this campy classic is free and outdoors.
Info: Sunday, July 17, The Great Plaza at Penn's Landing. Barbarella costume contest (with prizes from TLA video) begins at 8:45, movie follows shortly thereafter. FREE.
Bring: Your Chick Lit-Loving Best Friend, tissues.
This documentary trails four gay couples as they seek marriage licenses from the City of San Francisco. Their long-traveled paths to this point and their quests for official recognition of their relationships show a human side to this political controversy. And who doesn't love a wedding?
Info: Sunday, July 10, 7:30, Black Box at the Prince, $9.50.
Keep Not Silent
Bring: Your Social Activist Friends, your Hebrew School notebook.
Reminiscent of the deeply moving Trembling Before G-d, this Israeli documentary takes us into the hidden community of ultra-Orthodox lesbians in Jerusalem. A thought-provoking take on religion and sexuality, this award-winning film shows the decisions these women make to remain both within their faith and true to themselves. In English and Hebrew with English subtitles.
Info: Saturday, July 9, 2:30, Black Box at the Prince,Sunday, July 10, 12:30, Wilma Theater, $9.50.
The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green
Bring: Your Dating-Impaired Co-Workers, your lack of faith in the singles scene.
The single person's rule of three: the perpetual search for a relationship, an apartment, or a job. Sexy but neurotic Ethan Green (think gay Carrie Bradshaw, but with Seinfeld-ian relationship hangups) is only looking for the first two in this comedy, and it's anything but simple. According to the festival, Ethan is "a film that might just make your own love life actually look easy." If that's true, it's definitely worth the price of admission. Bonus trivia: the movie is based on Eric Orner's underground comic strip and features Family Ties's Meredith Baxter.
Info: Saturday, July 9, 7:30, Prince Music Theater, $9.50.
Happy Endings; The Dying Gaul
Bring: Your Screenwriter-Wannabe Friend, Your Us Weekly-loving Ex.
The film festival's got two star-studded, much-hyped films that are sure to be blockbusters. The comedy Happy Endings, directed by Don Roos (of The Opposite of Sex) intertwines plots with Lisa Kudrow, Maggie Gyllenhall, Jason Ritter and Tom Arnold. Think sex, babies, and videotape. The Festival's closing night film, The Dying Gaul, is a meta-meditation on Hollywood's smarminess and backstabbing. Peter Sarsgaard plays a playwright/screenwriter with a difficult choice to make, and endless surprises along the way.
Happy Endings: Sunday, July 10, 7:15, Prince Music Theater, 9:15.
The Dying Gaul: Closing night film; check website for details.
Festival House Party
Bring: Your Sorority Sister, a cameraphone.
Had enough movies? This benefit for the Philadelphia Film Society, producer of the festival, takes place at the Real World Philadelphia house. Like you haven't been dying to get a look inside. Support the festival and enjoy a hosted (we think this means "open") bar for the first two hours and $1 bottles and $3 martinis after 11:00pm.
Merchant Seamen's Center, 249 Arch Street, Thursday, July 14, 9:00 PM, $30.00 in advance / $40 at the door, Must be 21+
Remember: this is just a brief look at a few of the films - check the festival website for more!
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And who wrote the shopping cart for that website? That's right, yours truly, Food & Drink writer for this very blog.