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Reviews
Public Domain (2003)
Very cool movie...great concept and great follow-through
I saw "Public Domain" at a screening during South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin. I loved this movie, it was one of my top picks.
The editing was very good with lots of cutting-edge and innovative techniques. The premise is not necessarily new - though other movies like "Truman Show" have explored this idea, "Public Domain" takes it in a whole nother direction and in an entirely different way. The movie is funny, well-acted, had a great cast and crew, and is thoroughly enjoyable. I would strongly recommend seeing it if you get a chance.
The movie also has a great website that is just as bitingly funny as the movie.
Before Sunset (2004)
Great movie completely dependent on dialogue
Though not due out in theaters until July, I saw this film at a screening at the South By Southwest Film festival in Austin last week. The movie is completely dialogue-based, and in order to pull a movie like that off, you must have an amazing script and amazing actors. In this case, both are present. The movie flows so well, and Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy interact so well, you would think that Linklater encouraged them to improvise practically the entire movie, but during the Q&A session after the screening he said that not one line was improvised. It's rated 'R' for some language, but nothing is too shocking because it all fits together so well.
I would strongly encourage everyone to see this movie - especially those true romantics out there. Depending on the marketing of the movie, it might come across as a chick flick, but I saw it with a group of three guys and another girl, and the guys all loved it also.
I would also like to point out that though this is a sequel, you don't need to see "Before Sunrise" to really get and enjoy this movie. It stands alone quite well.
On a side note - As well as being the lead actress, Julie Delpy also was one of the screenwriters, and also wrote and performed much of the music in the movie. She is amazing!
Rick (2003)
Weird movie that doesn't quite work.
I saw this movie at a screening during South By Southwest in Austin.
While I couldn't put my finger on any one thing that I don't like about this movie, I just didn't leave the theater with a good feeling about this movie.
**SEMI-SPOILER AHEAD**
This might be because the movie offers absolutely no redemption at the end - the bad guy doesn't get it, the good guy does, etc. I also was uncomfortable with the amount of sexual tension that was created between Rick (Pullman) and his daughter (Bruckner). I understand why it was included, but think it was unnecessary.
**SPOILER OVER**
There were a lot of things that could have been better, and a lot of things that could have been worse. Bruckner is going to be big, I think - watch for her! Pullman doesn't quite pull off his performance, but is watchable.
I Love Your Work (2003)
All-star cast doesn't save this move that will leave you wondering "What??"
I saw this movie at a screening during the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin.
The editing was cutting-edge, the cast was full of great actors who played their parts expertly, there were some great lines, great cinematography, the sets and scenery were perfect, the cameos were good...but somehow, it still doesn't work. I don't know what happened or where it went wrong, but it will leave you questioning what you just saw and if you missed some critical part of the movie that would make it make sense. But you didn't. Towards the end, it just becomes too convoluted to work. And having had many discussions with other film-goers from the festival, I can tell you with certainty that I was not the only one who felt that way.
Luck (2003)
Very funny movie that truly gets the audience involved
I saw this movie at a screening in Austin during the South by Southwest Film Festival. I have to say that, though I saw many amazing movies, this was my true favorite. The audience was completely caught up in the movie, with collective gasps and laughter in all the right places.
The movie is very well written, and the acting superb. I could not find any one flaw that stood out. It's not quite as "glossy" as a large-studio movie, but that actually works to the movie's advantage.
Luke Kirby is wonderful in his role as Shane, and Sarah Polley is great as the best friend/girl that he wants.
The movie offers great one-liners, incredibly emotional moments, and a perfect ending. I don't know if this will ever be released widely, but if you get a chance to see it I strongly encourage it.