"Grace and the Storm"
A Manhattan drug dealer comes across a mythical drug that stimulates parts of the brain humans don't know how to use. Seeking to get out of the business and to elevate his image in the eyes of the girl he lost, he plans a once-in-a-lifetime drug deal to fund his retirement. But as the deal draws closer, more and more distrust surfaces, and the result is an unpredictably chaotic and devastating chain of events.
Low-budget crime films usually are hit-or-miss, but this one definitely is above par. Good cinematography and a nice curveball finale highlight a thriller that is decidedly nonviolent, given its drama, and makes for a believable story.
"Hip Hop Immortals: We Got Your Kids"
A refreshing documentary that provides insight on the evolution of hip-hop, from underground clubs to corporate America and mainstream airplay. The film is narrated with a soundtrack to describe how hip-hop has influenced American pop culture, beginning with breakout artists Run-DMC.
Some of the most impressive insights into the hip-hop world are told through interviews with some of the industry's most famous, including Jermaine Dupri, Queen Latifah, Wyclef Jean, Redman, the late Jam Master Jay, Snoop Dogg, Coolio, Lil' Kim, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes and many others. They provide an insider's insight and predictions on how the hip-hop phenomenon has crept into generations to create unique cultural influences in graffiti, sex, fashion, body art and film.
The star-studded cameos alone make this a worthwhile film, not to mention the superior soundtrack, creative visuals and editing techniques.
"Martin & Orloff"
Subversive, absurd, chaotic and utterly hilarious, "Martin & Orloff" easily is one of the funniest films in recent memory. The film, a project by cult-comedy superheroes the Upright Citizens Brigade, follows the post-suicide attempt adventures of Martin, a mascot-costume designer haunted by the death of an actor wearing one of his costumes. He meets up with Dr. Orloff, a psychiatrist who acts like a cross between a jerk older brother, a rowdy frat boy and a glue-sniffing mental patient. Dr. Orloff drags the reluctant Martin into a series of insane situations, including a fateful softball game, a strip club and a dinner theater. The results are absolutely side-splitting.
Featuring members of the Upright Citizens Brigade and cameos by David Cross, Tina Fey and more, "Martin & Orloff" is the most surprisingly offbeat film around - a must see for fans of twisted and oddball comedy.
"Noora"
A captivating story of a 10-year old Iranian boy, Niaz, who lives with his family on small farm in the forest. He takes his younger sister, Noora to see a train in the village, but after an accident, she becomes paralyzed. Niaz becomes clouded with guilt for not watching over her. His family can't afford medical treatment, so Niaz sets out in the forests to find a way to heal her. The movie focuses on how the two children journey on a spiritual quest for a miracle.
Although many of the subtitles are lost within the light scenery, the film's simple story still will attract an audience with an appreciation for a a heartfelt message.
"Robot Stories"
Science fiction goes sentimental in this award-winning film set in four installments. Sometimes invigorating, sometimes overdramatic, the film delves into issues of evolving technology and its effects on humanity, told with equal parts of heart and humor.
"My Robot Baby" focuses on an adoption agency's policy of giving potential parents robot children to care for before they get the real deal and a young businesswoman's struggle to treat the robot like a human child. "The Robot Fixer" showcases a mother's attempts to restore her comatose son's toy robot collection as a means of reconnecting with him spiritually. "Machine Love" humorously features android office drones seeking love in a world they don't fully understand. And "Clay" (the best of the lot) gets very philosophical as a dying man must choose to expire naturally, or have his consciousness forever embedded in a digital program. Ranging from silly to mind-racking, this film is definitely worth a look.
"The Weather Underground"
A compelling and insightful documentary, "The Weather Underground" chronicles the rise and fall of the Weathermen, the militant offshoot of a college peace movement during the Vietnam War. Former members of the Weathermen candidly speak of the group's involvement in an underground war against the system, which included several bombings (among them, the U.S. Capitol), springing Timothy Leary from prison, and the "Days of Rage," during which hundreds of young people stormed the streets of Chicago.
The film, which will appeal to anyone interested in the civil unrest of the 1960s and '70s, also touches on a large number of other groups, including the Black Panthers, the FBI and more. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, and including some grisly war footage, the film serves to explain the causality behind the group's actions without making them look like monsters. It's a film that certainly will get you thinking.
"Wilbur (Wants to Kill Himself)"
A darkly comic and stirring Scottish melodrama, "Wilbur (Wants to Kill Himself)" is the story of two brothers, their interdependence on one another and the formation of a new family in the wake of the death of their patriarch. Wilbur is a charming, irreverent young man who constantly (and unsuccessfully) attempts to kill himself, and constantly finds himself in a support group. His brother, Harbour, keeps an eye out for him while the two keep up their family-owned bookstore in Glasgow. While Wilbur seeks love, Harbour finds it in a single mother who wanders into the bookstore. But Harbour is keeping a devastating secret, and Wilbur's desires begin to wander too close to home.
"Vibrator"
"Vibrator" starts off as a daring and disturbing sexual escapade. But after 95 minutes, this film by Japanese director Ryuichi Hiroki turns into a touching and tender story.
Shinobu Terajima plays Rei, an alcoholic, bulimic woman who hitches a ride with Takatoshi, a truck driver played by Nao Omori. The two are sexual partners right from the start and later become confidants as they travel across the Japanese landscape, en route to self-discovery.
Terajima displays impressive ability as she interprets the highs and lows of her diseases in a performance that earned her best actress honors at the 2003 Tokyo International Film Festival. While Omori is forgettable as the lone trucker, his low-key performance allows Terajima to shine.
"Vibrator" is a raunchy road-trip film, but it doesn't get sidetracked by sex or the scenery. Everything we learn about these characters is heard in their own words within the confines of the truck's yellow cab. The situation can get tedious at times, but these characters are worth it.
Reviews by A.P. Kryza, Amy Davis and Maggie Bernardi
