Day 2 - 2008

Started out early this morning to see Frozen River. This was not a very uplifting way to start the day, but let's face it, that's not why we are here. Frozen River tells a story of desperation in a small New York border town. It's based on the real-life illegal immigrant smuggling operation that exists on the Mohawk Reservation in the area. There were no big stars in it, but it was a powerful, well-told story. Unfortunately, I can't imagine it having a broad appeal and may never show anywhere except festivals.

Right after that we saw Good Dick, which incidentally, does not have any characters in it named Dick. They are using the word in "that other way." It is the story of a young man who works at a video store and develops a crush on a young woman who comes in every day to rent erotic videos. She is a recluse, very much an emotional mess and makes it clear she is not interested in him. Undaunted, the young man proceeds to "woo" her (in an almost stalker-like manner.)

This film was impressive for two reasons. First, Marianna Palka not only wrote and directed it, but she also stars in it as Anna (the love interest). Apparently she went through the line a few times when they were dishing out talent. And, second, Jason Ritter (John Ritter's son) gives an outstanding performance as the video store clerk. His nuanced expressions, comedic timing and energy are just what the story needs to catapult it from a story about two messed up people to a romantic comedy (albeit with a seedier side.)

We then had a break, so Jois and I headed over to our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Chubasca -- or, as Jenn calls it, El Chubbies. It is fast, fresh, inexpensive and authentic, plus it has the most amazing salsa bar. It's also in walking distance of both Eccles and Prospector Square Theaters.

We ran into The Oregonian Film Critic, Shawn Levy, there and I actually stopped and introduced myself. I didn't mention that I too am a film critic (hah!) or that each year I have a completely different take on Sundance then he does. I did let him know that I read his column and check out his top five picks each week, and asked what he liked at Sundance so far. (The press have separate screenings and he said he typically goes to 4-5 movies each day.) He saw The Wackness which he said was "a little long" and several others, but he didn't really comment on those. He did seem fairly impressed that we are going to see 20 movies, but here's the kicker. I sort of love to hate him, because he is always so unimpressed with Sundance each year (or at least his reporting makes it seem that way), but he was really nice. Now my whole perspective has to change.

At 5:30 we hooked up with Jenn again to see It's a Good Day to be Black and Sexy. Even during the opening credits, it became clear that a white, 40-something, stay-at-home mom is probably not the right demographic to screen this film. But beyond that, it also became clear that it just wasn't a well-made film. In a nutshell it consisted of six "vignettes" or short stories about various black couples in a variety of types of relationships. Supposedly they all tied together, but that link was weak for us. It was explicit, choppy and very random both stylistically and in its story-telling.

Some viewers walked out in the middle. I'm glad we stuck around though, because the last vignette, involving a Chinese girl trying to keep her black boyfriend a secret from her traditional parents, was my favorite. We also got to see and hear from many of the cast, who are all not only talented, but beautiful (see photo below.) The director, cinematographer and producer (who are all frightfully young) were also there.

Tomorrow we have four movies, starting at 9:15 AM. We have no breaks, which means we will either pack food or pay for overpriced bagels and pizza at Eccles. We have some terrific films, however, and should see some stars (Sarah Jessica Parker, Dennis Quaid and Thomas Hayden Church are all in one of the films we are seeing.) Stayed tuned ...