Authors: Esther Merono
Duck Beach To Eternity @ Tower 09.22
Hitting close to home, the screening of Duck Beach To Eternity was definitely the most interesting of the films I saw at the festival over the weekend. The documentary follows four Mormon singles who travel to Duck Beach, North Carolina for the annual “Mormon Spring Break” … read more
Matt and Kim @ In the Venue 11.01 with Oberhofer
The duo came onstage after a lengthy stage setup in a burst of energy that included digital fireworks on a giant screen behind them. From that moment, the party didn’t stop until the lights came on at the end of the night. … read more
Magic Camp Film Review
The image of a career magician has somewhat conflicting connotations in our society. From the faux glamor and extravagance of Vegas staples like David Copperfield and David Blaine, to the depressing depictions of socially awkward teens doing parlor tricks in front of heckling 5-year-olds and Gob Bluth––regardless of their success, they all started somewhere: As magic-obsessed kids. … read more
Beautiful Godzilla: I Don’t Wanna Grow Up
Bicycles became this representation of youth and freedom from authority that seemed impossible to attain when I was a dependent little kid––and I think that’s what brings some of us back as adults. … read more
Sundance Film Review: When I Walk
When I Walk self-documents DaSilva’s entire journey with multiple sclerosis over the past 8 years in one of the most honest and sincere films ever to grace the Sundance silver screen. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Fallen City
In May of 2008, the Sichuan earthquake completely demolished the small mountain town of Beichuan, China, killing 20,000 of its citizens. Director Qi Zhao puts a magnifying glass on the lives of three Chinese families affected by loss after the earthquake in her directorial debut, Fallen City. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Austenland
Directed by BYU grad, SLC local and the co-writer of Napoleon Dynamite, Austenland is big. The jokes are over-the-top, the costumes and set are gaudy, Jennifer Coolidge is practically bursting at the seams in both hilarity and bosom, and the flops, well, they’re pretty big, too. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Stories We Tell
In this unique and introspective documentary, Canadian actress/director Sarah Polley (Away From Her, Take This Waltz) compiles a narrative around the life of her mother, actress Diane Polley, who died when Sarah was 11 years old, and the mystery surrounding a specific time period, which leads to a surprising discovery. … read more
Sundance Film Festival: Cutie and the Boxer
Cutie and the Boxer, more than anything, is a beautiful love story. In this fantastic directorial debut, Zachary Heinzerling captures the tumultuous and oftentimes dissatisfying relationship between Japanese artists Ushio and Noriko Shinohara. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Fruitvale
Directed by a 26-year-old, first-time feature filmmaker, Fruitvale is a near-perfect, emotionally driven drama with a strong-hitting political agenda. … read more