The most substantial Superman film to date is exciting, but not without some serious structural flaws.
“Everything I learned I learned from the movies.”
― Audrey Hepburn
Best of Seattle International Film Festival 2013
I caught 24 films at the SIFF 2013 - here are my top 5 films from the festival.
'Lil Bub & Friendz' review: Cute overload! Enough charm for nine lifetimes
Kitschy documentary succeeds in making the already internet famous Lil Bub - who suffers a myriad of physical disabilities - more amazing, while doing her weirdo, cat-obsessed fans no such favor.
'The Kings of Summer' review: Indie gem of a nostalgic teen adventure
Nostalgic without manipulation, funny without compromising dramatic elements and an overall fun adventure - 'The Kings of Summer' is a great addition to the coming-of-age genre.
'A Band Called Death' review: Evokes the joy of discovering new music
This is not simply the story of rediscovering a lost gem. 'A Band Called Death' is the very human documentary accounting the birth, death and rebirth of a pioneering punk band named Death.
'This is the End' review: A disjointed series of meandering improv skits
Some films are known as 'And then...' scripts. Even if the initial premise is semi interesting, movies of this type meander about and eventually stumble across the finish line. The all-star apocalyptic comedy 'This is the End' is one of those scripts.
'The Purge' review: Preachy commentary, poor acting undermine intriguing premise
Sadly, this is yet another case of a film's premise deteriorating into a base, underwhelming flick.
'The Internship' review: Not worth the hire
Facebook had 'The Social Network' ... and Google gets this unfunny, two-hour commercial.
'Frances Ha' review: Artful, off-beat comedy charms, uplifts
This off-beat, artful film does what 'The Mindy Project' and even 'Girls' fails to truly accomplish: present a truly focused, wonderfully executed story of sympathetic and realistic single girl living in the city, chasing her dream.
'Now You See Me' review: The film's fun, delight is not an illusion
Magic shows are designed to entertain and delight - and this fun caper flick is exciting from its first frame to its final act.
'The Hangover Part III' review: A walk of shame for another tired film trilogy
The first 'Hangover' was a fun ride. Its sequel was a much more dark, angry and much less fun slog. 'The Hangover Part III' is somewhere between the first two movies and brings the trilogy to a halfhearted close.
'Fast & Furious 6' review: The definition of 'stupid fun'
More arch acting, more car chases and bigger explosions. The 'Fast & Furious 6' doesn't reinvent the wheel - it's as simple, but incredibly fun, as every other entry in the 'Fast & Furious' franchise.
'Star Trek Into Darkness' review: Fun, exciting (if derivative) 'Trek'
The 2009 'Star Trek' film is arguably the greatest reboot in movie history and 'Into Darkness' further explores this new alternate 'Trek' timeline, discovering exciting and accessible new takes on familiar, beloved franchise lore.
Review: Bloated, slow but visually impressive 'The Great Gatsby' underwhelms
For all the meaningful thematic messages, its all-star cast, star-studded soundtrack and a director famed for his ability of inject infectious energy into love stories, 'The Great Gatsby' is ultimately ... underwhelming.
'Iron Man 3' review: Fun, uneven ride pushes Stark to his limits
The first post-'Avengers' Marvel film is more fun than 'Iron Man 2,' but suffers from underdeveloped villains and potholes that prevent 'Iron Man 3' from gaining a fun amount of traction.
'It's a Disaster' review: The end of world has never been funnier
Most comedies rely solely on comedy hay-makers - large, over-the-top gags designed solely for applause break laughs. 'It's A Disaster,' however, is the rare comedy that scores a KO via sharp, hard-hitting comedy jabs.
'Mud' review: A beautifully crafted drama
Part coming-of-age story, part fugitive adventure and part drama about losing faith in relationships, "Mud" succeeds wonderfully in its ambitious goal of working on so many levels.
'Pain & Gain' review: Like its protagonists, 'Pain' is idiotic but charming
Michael Bay's action-crime comedy 'Pain & Gain' is actually pretty boring for much of its running time, however, a strong third act and the charisma of Mark Wahlberg & Dwayne Johnson redeems much of its mistakes.
'Oblivion' film review: Visually beautiful, ironically forgettable
Tom Cruise's new sci-fi flick is a visually beautiful piece of film wrapped around forced plot points and unmerited story twists.