To The Anaheim Film Festival!!

After staying home yesterday and doing absolutely nothing but Facebook and watch movies, I returned to school, with friends awaiting, a subtle reminder, that maybe I'm not as hated as I think I am. Anyway, I get back to school, and Simon and I bust out to Crack A Bottle at lunch (Thanks Aya).

But on to the stuff that you really care about. My film reviews!

I watched a Werner Herzog film called My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done starring my favorite actor Michael Shannon and produced by one of my favorite filmmakers David Lynch. Also starring pioneers Willem Dafoe, and Chloe Sevigny, this film was sure to be a hit. Alas, it was, in my eyes at least. After seeing Herzog's "reboot" of Bad Lieutenant last year, I gained the utmost respect for the man.
Anyway, the film is about a man who, after returning from a rafting trip in the jungle, and reenacting a tragic greek play, is led to slay his mother with a sword.
The film is very well acted and well directed, but the writing is less than exemplary. For some reason, the score was very distracting as well, but overall I liked the film very much, and the way it was done. Many people said it was boring and pointless, but of course, I beg to differ. I give it a B+

I watched another film called The Runaways, about the first all-girl punk band, The Runaways, led by Cherrie Curie and Joan Jett, the Runaways was a revolutionary band during the 1970's and even now.
Once again a film starring Michael Shannon, and by god, if he wasn't the reason I liked this movie. His portrayal as Kim Fowley was nothing short of genius. As for Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, this is definitely a step-up from their Twilight/Sixth Sense roots, and I really respected them as actors this time.
My criticism is that, a lot is left untold and unknown, like how they acquired other members of the band, etc. Also, sometimes I feel like the film runs a little slow at times, and doesn't tell necessary parts of the story.
Overall, I give the Runaways a B-.

But now to the important part, THE ANAHEIM FILM FESTIVAL!!
I'm going to the Anaheim International Film Festival (AIFF) this weekend in Anaheim, CA, with a VIP pass courtesy of my very own father Mr. Henry Rodriguez. A collection of independent films, rising stars, directors, and aspiring filmmakers.
I'm very excited and prepared to take millions of pictures for the enjoyment of you faithful readers.

Not much else happening as of now. Hope to be posting some cool stuff soon involving writer Ned Vizzini, author of It's Kind Of A Funny Story, with whom I've been talking to about making a little visit to Phoenix, and doing a speaking engagement at Burton Barr Library and having an interview.

Cheers For Now :)