Philadelphia Film Festival 2008 - Day 12

The last day!!

The first film today was Lucky Miles, from Australia. Funny and touching, it tells the story of a two groups of exiles who are dropped off on the shore of Australia, seeking freedom. They are told they can climb the ridge and catch a bus to the nearest city. Unfortunately, after the boat leaves they realize that they were lied to, and are now stuck in the middle of harsh desert and flat lands.

Adventures ensue as they split up, get caught be police, escape, reunite, team up, and travel for days trying to find civilization. All the while being tracked by three amiable army reservists. It’s a beautiful film that reminded many of The Gods Must Be Crazy.

Next came Blood Brothers, which I thought would be a Lust, Caution rip-off from Hong Kong. It turned out to be a well-made yet standard gangster flick. Three brothers from a small country town move into the big city. They soon join the mafia and slowly drift apart as they are forced to make hard choices. Great cinematography and competent writing and directing elevate this film to a better-than-average effort.

My first and only “Festival Favorite” for this year is The Deal, starring William H. Macy, Meg Ryan, L.L. Cool J, and Elliot Gould. This felt like a fast-talking David Mamet film. Very similar to State and Main, its tells the story of suicidal man (Macy), trying to get a film made starring L.L. Cool J as a Judaic action star. Meg Ryan is the love interest, and Elliot Gould is the concerned Rabbi. It’s very funny and fast and played well in the theater.

And finally, the last film of the festival for me: A Song of Good, from New Zealand. A young man, drug-addicted and hard up for cash, tries to steal a TV from his neighbor. When she arrives, he inexplicably rapes her. Stunned by his actions and the low he has sunk to he tries to turn his life around. Unfortunately, things just don’t seem to go right. It’s a very aggravating to watch, because you really want him to succeed but the director keeps knocking him down again and again. It’s sad, and has an interesting ending. I felt frustrated watching it, but that is what I think they film-makers wanted us to feel.

Well, the festival is over for me! There is a closing night film, but I will not be attending. So my number for this year stands at 49. I will have post a festival wrap-up later in the week.

Now, I just need to relax.