Authors: Jimmy Martin
Sundance Film Review: Valentine Road
In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the issue of firearms and classrooms has sadly become a daily topic of discussion. When you add the element of a hate crime to these unspeakable acts, it only adds fuel to the vicious fire. … read more
Sundance Film Review: In a World…
The concept to immerse a film in the competitive world of movie trailer voice-over gigs is certainly an original notion. Lake Bell, who makes her directorial debut, has molded a hilarious well-rounded romantic comedy that is filled with heart, soul and a handful of delightfully awkward moments. … read more
Sundance Film Review: MANHUNT
Before you jump to the conclusion that “MANHUNT” is only the documentary version of “Zero Dark Thirty” (and you’d be partially correct), Greg Barker’s accounting of the hunt for Osama bin Laden takes a further step back into history and recalls the actions of “The Sisterhood”, a group of C.I.A. analysts who were responsible for uncovering the existence of the terrorist network al-Qaeda. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Animation Spotlight
In the 12 years I have been coming to Sundance, I have never seen the Animation Spotlight program contain such risqué subject matter, which is fully embraced by this film critic. It’s nice to enjoy some lewd material with a sold-out theater of guests. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Houston
The idea of following the occupational responsibilities of an alcoholic German headhunter whose marriage is on the rocks is about as appealing as it sounds. When Clemens Trunschka (Ulrich Tukur) is given the task to locate and make contact with an American CEO for a large German organization, the task takes our leading man to the Lone Star state where his life continues to sink deeper into despair with every passing moment. … read more
Sundance Film Review: Prince Avalanche
Director David Gordon Green returns to his independent origins at the Sundance Film Festival after helming a handful of raunchy Hollywood comedies (Pineapple Express, Your Highness and The Sitter) and attempts to reignite a sense of grounded and heartfelt substance, but the result is a lingering nature video that neglects its actor’s potential with copious amounts of silence. … read more
Sundance Film Review: The World According to Dick Cheney
No matter whether you admire or despise him, former Vice President Dick Cheney has unquestionably left a permanent mark on our nation’s political history. Directors R. J. Cutler and Greg Finton gain impressive and intimate access with Cheney and explore the politician’s staggering transformation as a screw-up from Wyoming who flunked out of Yale (twice) and was arrested for multiple D.U.I.s to one of the most powerful and influential men in our nation’s capitol. … read more
Something Old, Something New and Something Borrowed, Something Askew
In a state most well known for Mormonism and meth addictions, it’s mildly surprising that we are also home of the Sundance Film Festival. … read more
Patton Oswalt: Breaking Out of the Shell
As he marches along the frontlines with an arsenal of ingenious wit, eclectic comedian, Patton Oswalt, stands out among the masses with his droll pop-culture references and uncanny dedication to all aspects of the art form. … read more