SURVIVING SEX TRAFFICKING (2022, doc)

March 24, 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. Director, Jain monk, war veteran, and sexual abuse survivor Sadhvi Siddhali Shree follows up her 2017 documentary, STOPPING TRAFFIC: THE MOVEMENT TO END SEX-TRAFFICKING, with a focus on the rare survivors/escapees of the horrific global issue labeled sex trafficking. The initial statistics she provides state 45 million are trafficked each year, and only about 1% ever escape or are rescued. We learn this “industry” generates approximately $150 billion (with a b) in annual profit.

The film allows five victims to bravely tell their story, concentrating not just on the ordeal they survived, but also what has happened since. Their stories are about healing and recovery, and we hear from three women in the United States, one from Ethiopia, and one from India. Their stories are different, yet they share the similarities of being forced into a tragic and dark underworld.

The women are often asked, “Why didn’t you just leave?”, and their answers revolve around such things as fear, shame, and violence. Threats against themselves and their families were commonplace. One of the survivors defines Sex Trafficking as ‘sex for money through force, fraud, and coercion.” Another revisits the condo where she was violently attacked for wanting to leave. She re-enacts that night and we see photographic evidence of the brutal beating she endured.

Director Shree tells the details of her sexual abuse at age 6, and we learn the target age for traffickers can be 12 to 17. With their pain often invisible on the outside, the women discuss what they have done while attempting to rebuild some semblance of a “normal” life – always looking over their shoulder and living with the memories. Two key points emerge and those are opening more shelters for victims and training law enforcement on how best to treat those who have been sex trafficked … contrasting from runaways, for example. Therapy is obviously crucial, and what is most important is keeping discussions going so that, for as long as sex-trafficking exists, we are addressing the prevention, the rescue, and the treatment of victims.

In limited theaters on March 25, 2022 and on VOD beginning April 15, 2022

WATCH THE TRAILER


CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH (SXSW 2022)

March 23, 2022

SXSW 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. It seems society has reached a point where most of us are at least a bit skeptical of someone being nice. We assume there is an ulterior motive for acts of altruism. Writer-director-actor Cooper Raiff won a SXSW award for his first feature film (a title I can’t print here), and he follows that up with this feel-good dramedy that may very well inspire us to have a bit more faith in humanity … well at least some of humanity.

When we first meet Andrew (Mr. Raiff), he’s attending the Bar Mitzvah of a classmate, and finds himself attracted to Bella (Kelly O’Sullivan, who was so good in SAINT FRANCIS, 2019), the older ‘party starter’. What really hits home with Andrew is how Bella takes an obviously unsettling phone call in the stairwell before flipping her smile back on and returning to her hosting duties. We then jump ahead 10 years, and Andrew has just graduated college. His girlfriend heads off to Barcelona while he moves back in with his mother Leslie Mann) and stepdad (Brad Garrett), sleeping on a blow-up mattress in his younger brother David’s (Evan Assante) room. As he contemplates his next step in life, Andrew works the counter at ‘Meat Sticks’, a shopping mall based fast food stop that forces him to wear a royal blue vest and bright red visor. Talk about motivation for transitioning into adulting.

This ties back into the early scene of young Andrew because when he accompanies David to a Bar Mitzvah, Andrew is attracted to the beauty Domino (Dakota Johnson), mother of autistic Lola (Vanessa Burghardt). We watch as Andrew’s charm convinces to Lola to dance for the first time, a friendly gesture that intrigues her mother. Things change quickly for Andrew. Other Jewish moms take note of Andrew and hire him as a ‘party starter’, Domino hires Andrew to periodically babysit Lola, David starts eliciting romance advice from big brother, and Domino and Andrew begin their “will they or won’t they” flirtations.

Of course, things aren’t as simple or rosy as they might seem. Domino has a lawyer fiancé (Raul Castillo), and she’s burdened with emotional pain that she barely acknowledges – though she does admit to Andrew that she struggles with depression. There are also mental health issues associated with Andrew’s mother, and we infer that plays an important part in his own makeup and desire to help others. It turns out Andrew and Domino are both defined (perhaps burdened) by their need to help others, while ignoring their own well-being. Neither are saints, as both have flaws. An engaged Domino battles her urges with Andrew, while he drinks too much, has a jealous streak, and snaps at loved ones when upset.

Filmmaker Raiff benefits from a terrific and fully engaged performance from Ms. Dakota. Raiff himself is not a polished actor, but this is an advantage for his role as Andrew – a young man drifting at a time he should be focused. The film takes a sincere approach to characters we know. The cringe-factor rarely, if ever, pops up. The most cynical might find it saccharine, but most will appreciate the sweetness Andrew displays as he fumbles around with what love means. He may be somewhat goofy, but he’s also good-hearted, and enjoys making a difference and helping others. Raiff’s film may be as eager to please as its protagonist, yet that’s not such a bad thing.  And yes, the “Cha Cha Slide” does feature in a dance scene, so the film’s title isn’t totally off the wall (but almost).


JAZZ FEST: A NEW ORLEANS STORY (SXSW 2022, doc)

March 23, 2022

SXSW 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. We are informed that the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival features 7000 musicians across 14 stages over 8 days. It’s a massive and popular event and co-directors Frank Marshall and Ryan Suffern set out to highlight the festival’s 50th anniversary in 2019, and ended up with a blend of music, history, and culture. Mr. Marshall, along with his wife Kathleen Kennedy, is a frequent producing partner of Steven Spielberg, and he also directed the 1990 favorite ARACHNOPHOBIA. Marshall and Suffern previously collaborated on music documentaries of Carole King-James Taylor, and The Bee Gees.

In New Orleans, “the air is thick with humidity and culture.” Music has long been a key element in the culture, and we see clips of late greats like Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Fats Domino, and BB King. We also hear from festival co-founders George Wein and Quint Davis, and learn that despite the festival’s name, all types of music have been featured, including jazz, gospel, soul, blues, R&B, and whatever that is that Pitbull does. In this spirit, the filmmakers include clips of live performances from such artists as the Marsalis family, Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Buffett, Earth Wind & Fire, Al Green (in a comeback), and the great Aaron Neville singing “Amazing Grace.”

Any conversation about New Orleans must also include the unique local cuisine, the craziness of Mardi Gras, and the tragedy and destruction of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The first festival held after the hurricane featured Bruce Springsteen, and we get the footage of him performing, “My City of Ruin.” The film isn’t really structured as a history of the festival, but there is plenty here to justify a viewing, especially the clips of festival performances. To cap it off, Marshall and Suffern show us 2022 as The Big Easy and the festival recover from two years of pandemic shutdown, and leaves us with … “When the Saints Go Marching In.”


THE COW (SXSW 2022)

March 23, 2022

SXSW 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. There is a fine line between movies that cheat and those that cleverly keep us guessing. The first feature from writer-director Eli Horowitz and Matthew Derby seems to fully embrace cheating as a storytelling structure, relegating us to merely observing rather than guiding us as engaged participants. The film opens with a severely mismatched couple driving deep into the woods for a weekend getaway. We’ve all heard that “opposites attract”, but Kath (an excellent Winona Ryder) and Max (John Gallagher Jr) have been together for a year, and not only do they have opposite life goals, the two can barely hold a conversation. It’s not just awkward, it makes no sense that these two could have co-existed for so long.

Their drive leads to a ‘cabin in the woods’ set-up, as another couple is already settled in. The double-booking leads to another awkward exchange with Max pleading to let them stay the night … two unfamiliar couples sharing the cabin. Taciturn and creepy Al (Owen Teague) and overly exuberant Greta (Brianne Tiu) agree and soon the four are drinking together and playing an adult board game that exposes more personality divides. Despite dating the younger Max, or perhaps because of it, Kath is transitioning into a quieter middle-age life stage. Max is a childish man constantly pressuring Kath to be ‘more adventurous. Al and Greta have an “open” relationship, and she’s unapologetically flirty with Max, while Al mostly scowls. Kath heads off to bed before the others, and when she wakes up the next morning, an upset Al informs her that Max and Greta took off together.

So, Kath does what no real person would do. She heads back to her life as a horticulturalist and enjoys the solitude … right up until she finally reacts the way every other human would have initially. She wonders why long-time boyfriend Max didn’t bother to call or text or mail a postcard. This kicks off her (too late) mission of solving the mystery, and it leads her to connect with the mysterious Barlow (Dermot Mulroney), the owner of the cabin. Kath and Barlow go on a stakeout and end up telling personal secrets to each other – including details of the genetic illness that affected his father and may impact Barlow as well. They seem to connect despite the oddity that brought them together.

Director Horowtiz abuses the flashback crutch by filling in the many otherwise unexplainable gaps that exist in the actual timeline. It’s during these segments when we learn about the characters and circumstances that brought them together, although, to the film’s credit, it does allow us to experience the final reveal as it happens. There are some nice touches throughout, including shots of a shipping container behind the cabin that is visible from multiple spots and at various times. Kath’s work with plants provides a certain symmetry, and Barlow’s backstory is interesting. Perhaps the most unique element here is with only five main characters, the story involves four distinct generations: boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z (maybe not exact birthdates, but close enough). The cabin in the woods put us on high alert early on, but the reliance on flashbacks taints the twists to such an extreme that the ultimate reveal of ‘the cow’ is a bit of a letdown, and still feels like cheating.


SERIOUSLY RED (SXSW 2022)

March 23, 2022

SXSW 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. Finding one’s self can be a long and arduous life journey for some. Along the way, they may be influenced by parents, friends, co-workers, and even public figures. This phenomenon is explored by director Gracie Otto (sister of Miranda) with a terrific script from lead actor Krew Boylan. It’s a film that starts out light-hearted and comical and evolves into something much deeper … self-actualization.

I’ll admit two things: I was not previously familiar with Krew Boylan and I was truly blown away by her performance here. She stars as Raylene, also known as the titular “Red” thanks to the ginger mop of hair on her head. She’s fixated on Dolly Parton to the point of going to the company banquet dressed as Dolly (either a prank or misunderstanding). Red has struggled to find her way in life, and is fired from her realtor job the day after the banquet due to her drunken improprieties. This is a grown woman living in her mom’s garage, and coincidences being as they are, a talent scout for a celebrity impersonation troupe offers Red the opportunity to audition as their Dolly.

We watch as she improves her act … going from a tolerable karaoke singer to actually impersonating Dolly’s singing voice, not just the big wig, heavy make-up, and frilly costumes (shout out to costume designer Tim Chappel). She becomes part of the Kenny Rogers impersonator’s act, and the two begin an off-stage relationship as well. Red finds that she enjoys the adulation and respect, and even goes so far to have implants for authenticity. Of course, we see what’s happening before Red does. In her search to find herself, she’s disappeared into the act of being someone else. Her lifelong friend asks her, “If you are busy being someone else, who is busy being you?”. Behold the identity crisis.

Exceptional work is provided by the supporting cast. That lifelong friend just mentioned is Francis, played by Thomas Campbell. We make assumptions about Francis based on the early scenes, and those assumptions later teach us a lesson. Red has a strained relationship with her mother played by Jean Kittson, who like every parent, wants happiness and reality for their offspring. Celeste Barber plays the talent scout who discovers Red, and Bobby Cannavale plays the manager of the traveling cast of impersonators (and serves up a nifty Neil Diamond impersonation himself). An unrecognizable Rose Byrne is a hoot as Elvis, and Daniel Webber is a standout as Kenny – the love interest and Kenny Rogers impersonator. Also fun to watch are the impersonators who play such icons as Marilyn, Streisand, Liz, Liza, etc.

Director Otto opens with a terrific and unconventional shot of Red in the bathtub while on a client call. It’s the perfect introduction to a character and story that leads us down many paths. We often hear that celebrities and public figures don’t consider themselves role models, but it’s indisputable that they have influence on many. Dolly Parton is a charming and talented and successful woman, and many of her insightful quotes are utilized here to inspire Red. But while icons may inspire some, it becomes clear that we all need the love and support of family and/or friends to discover our true self. This is a full Australian production, with the exception of Mr. Cannavale, who is an honorary Aussie due to his marriage to Rose Byrne. It’s a story with heart and makes for an entertaining watch.


THE PRANK (SXSW 2022)

March 23, 2022

SXSW 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. You need only know one thing to put this on your must-see movie list: beloved EGOT Rita Moreno plays a bad*** teacher in a horror-comedy. As a bonus, the film is loads of fun and is actually filled with comedy and suspense. Directed by Maureen Bharoocha and co-written by Rebecca Flynn-White and Zak White, the film allows the 90-year-old WEST SIDE STORY star to shift her pesona into Mrs. Wheeler, the demanding AP Physics teacher who thrives on intimidating her students to do better.

Connor Kalopsis plays Ben, the stressed-out over-achiever aiming for the scholarship that will get him admitted to the same college his recently deceased father attended. All he needs is to make the grade on his midterms. That plan comes to a screeching halt when Mrs. Wheeler announces she is failing the entire class due to a cheater in their midst. Ben is crushed and when he tells his best friend, Mei Turner (Ramona Young), about the unfair situation, she goes into full friend-protection mode. See Turner is not as ambitious as Ben, although she’s a brilliant computer hacker and hatches a plan to “prank” Mrs. Wheeler. She plants the rumor and “creates evidence” on social media that Mrs. Wheeler was responsible for the disappearance and possible death of one of the school’s missing students.

As you might imagine, the prank goes awry and the fallout is devastating. It becomes a viral accusation and attracts the police, causing tragic problems for the disliked teacher. Bringing just the right touch of comedy, the supporting cast includes Keith David as the Principal, Kate Flannery as the sarcastic cafeteria worker, Jonathan Kimmel (Jimmy’s brother) as the all-knowing custodian, and Meredith Salenger as Ben’s trusting mother. Each of these seasoned professionals contributes, and I found Ms. Flannery to be particularly effective.

Director Bharoocha does a really nice job blending the genres and juggling the multiple pieces. She provides a twist on the ‘skeletons in the closet’, and really let’s Ms. Moreno do her thing. If there is any complaint here, it’s that the envelope could have been pushed a bit more on the horror aspect, but that’s only a minor wish. Topping off this fun ride are the hilarious outtakes that play over the closing credits. I do wish more directors took advantage of this.


MORE THAN ROBOTS (SXSW 2022, doc)

March 23, 2022

SXSW 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. For as far back as we can trace human existence, the older generation has grumped on the younger one. It’s unlikely Neanderthal parents used the term ‘slacker’, but they undoubtedly got their point across to the youngsters who were inept at hunting and never seemed to gather much. Gillian Jacobs is best known for her acting (the TV series “Community”), and in directing her first feature length documentary she serves up proof that the rising generation offers plenty of hope for the future.

The film opens on a crowded gymnasium filled with noisy kids and action around some funky looking automated devices. It turns out what we are seeing, and what Ms. Jacobs set out to document, is the 2020 FIRST Robotics competition in Los Angeles. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is an international non-profit organization co-founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen. The mission is to encourage and develop students in the field of engineering and technology through what they term, “coopertition”, a blend of cooperation and competition.

We follow four distinctly different teams as they prepare for the competition. One team is from an upper-middle class California area and has 60+ team members. Another is from the Watts area and is much smaller. Interestingly, the adult mentors for these two teams are a married couple, displaying the true meaning of coopertition! The other two teams are from Japan and Mexico, respectively, and Ms. Jacobs wisely focuses on one student leader from each of the four team, making it easier for us to connect and follow.

The pandemic wreaked havoc on the teams as the competition was canceled for two consecutive years. However, the kids proved just how resilient they are as they committed their time and skills to building facemasks, respirators, and contributing to society in every way possible. Of course this meant even more excitement was generated as the 2022 FIRST Robotics competitions kicked back in … and we get to experience the emotions. The focus on teamwork and alliances is refreshing to see, and the joy on the faces of students makes it all worthwhile. This may seem to revolve around robots, but it’s actually life lessons for everyone involved.

WATCH THE TRAILER


I LOVE MY DAD (2022)

March 22, 2022

SXSW 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. It’s difficult to know whether the biggest story here is the one of the cringiest movies you’ll see or the fact that writer-director-star James Morosini based it on the actual relationship and events with his own father. Morosini opens the film with this: “The following actually happened. My dad asked me to tell you it didn’t.” That sounds kinda funny and sets the stage for some father-son conflict. But it certainly doesn’t prepare us for what we are about to watch.

The always terrific Patton Oswalt plays Chuck, the father. We listen to a steady stream of voicemails Chuck leaves for his son over the years, and we know immediately what kind of absentee, break-another-promise father he’s been to his son. Franklin (played by filmmaker Morosini) is finishing up his stint in therapy after a suicide attempt. By his side is his protective and worried and hopeful mother (Amy Landecker). Guess who is not there.

Being that it’s a movie, albeit one based on real life, we wonder if this is going to be a story of redemption for the father, the son, both, or neither. As part of the boundaries set by Franklin after his therapy, he blocks his father from social media. So desperate he is to re-connect with his son that Chuck undertakes a catfishing strategy. Yep, he creates a fake account using the identity of a cute waitress named Becca (a charming Claudia Sulewski) to befriend Franklin and talk about life. Of course, Franklin is so in need of human interaction that he begins to fall for virtual Becca, and Chuck’s mess just gets messier. He even involves his co-worker friend (Lil Rey Howery) and his boss/lover (Rachel Dratch), but who stand opposed to the whole thing.

The story is horribly sad and pathetic, but the actors inject enough levity that we aren’t wallowing in pain while watching. In an innovative step, Becca and Franklin appear together during their texting conversations – well, it’s a virtual representation of Franklin’s imagination. Mr. Oswalt is extremely effective at generating human emotions in a guy that could easily be vilified as public enemy number one. At his core, Chuck is just a well-meaning guy who stinks at being a parent – despite being desperate to connect with his son. As a parent, presence is crucial and much of it is about effort. Desperation can lead to bad decisions, and Mr. Morosini bravely exposes his own turmoil for a film that might hit home to more people than we imagine.


TO LESLIE (2022)

March 22, 2022

SXSW 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. We have all heard the stories of lottery winners who blow the entire pot and end up back where they started, or sometimes even worse off. There is also no shortage of stories where alcoholism ruins lives and relationships. Director Michael Morris’ first feature film combines the two elements in a script by Ryan Binaco, who based the lead character on his own mother. The two men have done their work well and, in a way, win their own lottery by having cast Andrea Riseborough in the lead. Ms. Riseborough has long been labeled underrated, but I believe the more accurate label is underappreciated.

Small town Texan Leslie (Riseborough) is seen celebrating her $190,000 lottery win by lifting the giant check for TV cameras. She admits to picking her son’s birthday as the winning number and says her plan is to buy a house and open a diner … right after she buys the first round at the local bar. We then flash forward six years to find Leslie homeless, having just been evicted from a fleabag motel. Toting her pink suitcase, she is forced to trace her steps back to the bridges still smoldering from her past actions. She tracks down her son James (Owen Teague, IT), whom she abandoned years ago.

Of course it doesn’t take long for Leslie to break James’ one house rule of ‘no drinking’, and soon he is shipping her back to their hometown to stay with the friends who raised James. Nancy (Oscar winner Allison Janney) and Dutch (Stephen Root) are a biker couple still upset with Leslie’s actions from years ago, but willing to give her a roof over her head. Leslie is a master of saying the right thing, but never doing the right thing. She can sweet talk anyone who might buy her next drink, but her history is one of burning bridges and leaving a wake of shattered emotions.

Leslie is an uncontrollable alcoholic and she’s self-destructive, but not in a LEAVING LAS VEGAS way. We sense that in her lucid moments … when she’s not screaming at someone or flirting for a drink … that she does want to be a better person and live a better life. It takes local motel manager Sweeney (Marc Maron) to give her a real shot at cleaning up. Literally cleaning up, as she’s hired to clean the motel rooms. Sweeney’s patience with Leslie stems from his past, and it’s as painful to watch his efforts as it is to watch Leslie’s swings. Andrea Riseborough delivers a raw and riveting performance – one worthy of awards consideration. She captivates us with an emotional and physical performance. Director Michael Morris has directed some terrific TV episodes for shows like “Better Call Saul”, “Bloodline”, “Animal Kingdom”, and “House of Cards”, and this film leaves us with hope that the support of one person can make a difference for someone in desperate need of help.


SPIN ME ROUND (2022)

March 22, 2022

SXSW 2022

Greetings again from the darkness. Expectations were sky high for the latest from writer-director Jeff Baena. His twisted humor was evident in THE LITTLE HOURS (2017), and he has collaborated again with his HORSE GIRL (2020) co-writer Alison Brie, who also takes the lead role. The assembled cast is filled to the brim with folks who have proven comedy chops, and much of the film takes place in gorgeous Italy. What could go wrong? Well, technically nothing goes wrong, it’s just not as right as we hoped.

Alison Brie stars as Amber, a dedicated 9-year manager of the Bakersfield, California Tuscan Grove restaurant. It’s a chain of Italian fast casual clearly meant to mock Olive Garden, and we get multiple shots of their pre-packaged bulk Alfredo sauce. When Amber’s District Manager (Lil Rey Henry) informs her that she’s been selected for an all-expense paid trip to Italy for the company’s immersion program, she’s thrilled to have some excitement in her life – plus her friend (Ego Nwodim) floats the idea of her finding love on the trip.

The group of managers is disappointed when the promised Italian villa is actually next door to the non-descript box motel where their rooms are located (Amber has a view of dumpsters). Sessions are held in a bland conference room, and those sessions are mostly unnecessary cooking lessons run by Lauren Weedman, offering no flavor of the country’s culture. The fun here is derived from the interplay between the characters/actors. Zach Woods plays Dana, an over-the-top superfan of Tuscan Grove and its owner; Tim Heidecker is Fran, the full-of-himself type; Ayden Mayeri is the giggly one; Debby Ryan the aloof participant; and Molly Shannon frets incessantly over her lost luggage and erases all boundaries once Amber offers to lend her some clothes. The facilitator of the sessions is oddball Craig (Ben Sinclair), who excels in moments that beg, “was that supposed to be funny?”

The dynamics change when Tuscan Grove owner Nick (Alessandro Nivola) drops in to the sessions with his assistant Kat (Aubrey Plaza, married to director Jeff Baena). Nick takes an immediate shine to Amber and their scene aboard his yacht is one of the film’s best. His attraction seems to stem from the fact that she favors his deceased sister. That’s wrong on so many levels. Beyond that, when Amber and Kat take off for a spin through the town, it’s another highlight, as Ms. Plaza and Ms. Brie play off each other magnificently.

There is a creepy element to the film. The manager’s retreat plays out differently than hoped, and the names Dana and Fran play a significant role in what is actually going on. Nick’s actions are a bit disturbing, and Kat’s role could easily be interpreted as falling into the Ghislaine Maxwell category. And then there is a tonal shift to the point where it seems we may be in the midst of a murder mystery. It’s all a bit chaotic, but never quite as funny or tense as we hope.

Ms. Brie has a wonderful screen presence as she bounces from naïve to hopeful to confused to concerned. Mr. Nivola is also terrific flashing the charisma in TV ads and then transitioning to the soulful, manipulative, entitled rich scumbag. The contrast in the story is as distinct as the two books mentioned, Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love”, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “News of a Kidnapping”. Few movies combine the blandness of Bakersfield, the romance of Italy, near slapstick comedy, the suspense of a thriller, the lameness of corporate America, a kinky sex party, and a pack of stampeding wild boars. It’s a lot to take on, and some parts work better than others. While we expected it to be more clever, just know going in that you should be like Amber – guarded with an open-mind.