Culture

The New Zealand International Film Festival opened on Thursday night with Wes Anderson’s latest gem, the super-cute Moonrise Kingdom. Running from 26 June to 19 August, the film festival marks an annual academic slump in Sarah Baillie’s calendar – three weeks of not much study and lots of sneaky trips to the cinema in between/instead of classes. A law lecture missed to go and see West of Memphis, Peter Jackson’s documentary about wrongly accused murderers in the US – totally legitimate. Spanish 132? Nothing compared to the two films (No and The Loneliest Plan) starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Mexican super-babe, on offer this year. Because perhaps not everyone will obsessively pore over the film festival programme and highlight every second film, Sarah has narrowed down the field to a few “must sees” for the festival. Check out the website, nzff.co.nz, for more information, and head along to a few films!

Beasts of The Southern Wild

This film is my definite top pick for the festival this year. Starring an extraordinary 6-year-old actress, the film is peppered with magical realism and fosters an almost primal connection with the viewer (this is just from me watching the trailer). It looks beautiful and very moving. Screening at the Regent Theatre on Tuesday July 31 at 1:45pm

Undefeated

The winner of this year’s documentary film Oscar prize, Undefeated follows the trials and triumphs of a Memphis High School football team in a very poor area. I couldn’t care less about football, but I still loved this film! If you enjoy a feel-good, underdog documentary, check it out. Also for sports fans. For more info, check out the preview of Undefeated in last week’s Critic, or at critic.co.nz. Screening at Rialto August 15, 16 and 19th.

On The Road

I’m interested to see whether Kristen Stewart is the downfall of the much-anticipated film adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s famed novel chronicling his coast-to-coast booze-fuelled adventures in 1950s USA. With a stellar cast including Sam Riley, Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men), and Kirsten Dunst, it’s looking pretty good, regardless of bitch-faced Kristen’s performance. Screening at the Regent Theatre on Saturday August 4th at 8:30pm and Monday August 6th at 3:15pm.

Shut Up and Play The Hits

A concert film of LCD Soundsystem’s final sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden, Shut Up and Play the Hits counts down the last days and hours of James Murphy’s brainchild. Rather than exiting the world with desperate gasps, LCD Soundsystem goes out with a bang, and will live on through this very cool-looking documentary. Screening at the Regent Theatre on Friday August 10th at 3:45pm and Saturday August 11 at 9:15pm

How to Meet Girls from a Distance

The winner of the first New Zealand “Make My Movie” feature film competition, this film follows a man who takes stalking to a new level. Is there really that much of a difference between trawling through every single Facebook photo of the hot girl you just met, and going through her rubbish? Not really, this film argues. It pays to know a bit about someone before you try to hit on them! Slightly creepy, hilarious, and self-deprecating, this film is definitely on my list! Screening at Rialto on Sunday August 19th at 8:15pm.

Bernie

Jack Black stars in Richard Linklater’s latest film, as an undertaker enormously popular in his Texas community. When he ends up shooting the town grump who he has become romantically involved with and admits to it, no one will believe him. The great thing about this film is that Black’s “larger than life” character and his exploits are based on a real guy. If you’re after something not too “arty” (as film festival films can sometimes be guilty of being), check this one out! Screening at the Regent Theatre on Friday August 3rd at 8:45pm and at Rialto on Tuesday August 7th at 4pm and 8:30pm.

Holy Motors

Likely to be one of the aforementioned “arty” films at this year’s festival, Holy Motors looks freakin’ weird. Even after having watched the trailer and reading some stuff about it, I’m still not quite sure what it’s about. But I am intrigued. Starring Kylie Minogue, Eva Mendes and set in Paris at nighttime, Holy Motors looks weird (in a good way), mysterious and very beautiful. I’m there. Screening at the Regent Theatre on Thursday August 9th 3:30pm and Sunday August 12th 8:30pm,