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Archive for the ‘HIFF’ Category

HIFF Review: Trouble the Water

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

By Jason Genegabus

troublethewater01.jpg
Image courtesy Zeitgeist Films

Trouble the Water (2008)
United States, 90 minutes
Reviewer’s rating: Four stars

Review by Jason Genegabus
jason@starbulletin.com

When you watch disaster coverage on television, or read about it in the newspaper or online, it’s often difficult to truly understand the scope of what’s happened.

After Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans in 2005, the rest of the country watched as millions were affected by broken levees, rising floodwaters and a government response that can only be described as pathetic at best. But while everyone else returned to relative normality a few days later, the people of Louisiana continued to struggle with the aftereffects.

That’s why it’s important to see “Trouble the Water,” the first-hand account of 9th Ward residents Kimberly Rivers Roberts and her husband, Scott Roberts.

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Posted in Nightlife, Outside The Club, HIFF | No Comments »

HIFF Review: Wings of Defeat

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

By Jason Genegabus

wingsofdefeat.gif
Image courtesy Edgewood Pictures

“Wings of Defeat” (2007)
United States/Japan, 89 minutes
Reviewer’s rating: Three and a half stars

Review by John Berger
jberger@starbulletin.com

A Japanese-American woman’s curiosity about her uncle’s wartime service – and survival – as a kamikaze pilot becomes the catalyst to a thought-provoking look at the cultural mind-set of wartime Japan, and the men who became one of the war’s most terrifying weapons, in director Risa Morimoto’s fascinating documentary, “Wings of Defeat.”

Morimoto’s uncle never talked with her about the war, and he had already died by the time she started work on the project, but a trip to Japan turned up four other men who had been assigned to kamikaze units.

Through luck and fortunate circumstances they also had survived the war and were willing to talk about their experiences.

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HIFF Review: The Wrecking Crew

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

By Jason Genegabus

twc.jpg
Image courtesy Denny Tedesco

Review by John Berger
jberger@starbulletin.com

“The Wrecking Crew” (2008)
United States, 2008
Reviewer’s rating: Four stars

It is probably impossible to exaggerate the impact that a handful of Los Angeles studio musicians had on American pop music in the 1960s.

At some point in time – no one now is quite sure when – they became known as “the Wrecking Crew,” and this lovingly crafted documentary is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the music of the era.

Director Danny Tedesco focuses the film first and foremost on his father, guitarist Tommy Tedesco, and then on three other members of the group. From there he casts a much wider net – with numerous interviews and some classic performance footage – to establish beyond doubt the importance of the Wrecking Crew on American music.

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Posted in Nightlife, Outside The Club, HIFF | No Comments »

HIFF Review: Beautiful Losers

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008

By Jason Genegabus

beautifullosers.jpg
Image courtesy Sidetrack Films

“Beautiful Losers” (2008)
United States, 90 minutes
Reviewer’s rating: Three stars

Review by Jason Genegabus
jason@starbulletin.com

Skaters. Punks. Goths. Freaks.

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, these labels were the fuel that stoked a creative flame for a group of young artists in New York City.

Hailing from different backgrounds and different parts of the country, the stars of “Beautiful Losers” found common ground within Alleged Gallery. Uninterested in the city’s established arts scene, Aaron Rose opened the space in hopes of facilitating creativity while providing his friends with a cool place to party.

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HIFF Review: The Divine Weapon

Monday, October 13th, 2008

By Jason Genegabus

“The Divine Weapon” trailer from HanCinema, via Revver.

I’m not the only one from the Star-Bulletin attending the Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival this year.

Fellow entertainment reporter John Berger went to the opening night screening of “The Divine Weapon,” a Korean action flick that reminds me of Japanese samurai movies after watching the trailer.

You can read John’s take on it after the jump.

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Posted in Nightlife, Outside The Club, HIFF | No Comments »