The best Hollywood had to offer in May and June were both substantially lacking in quality and movie-goer interest. And, surprisingly, the next two weekend of July are shaping up to be good movie-going weekends with quality blockbusters from seasoned directors taking center stage. Many of these pictures, including "Predators," "Despicable Me," and "Inception" are receiving positive reviews from a majority of the critics who attend the indie film festivals.
What is a local film fan to do for the next 10 days: Attend MIFF, go see a well-reviewed blockbuster, or both? Here is what the Waterville film festival has to offer:
The 10-day film festival has a plethora of films from all over the world, including those made in or shot by Maine filmmakers. 100 films in 10 days is almost too much for any passionate cinephile. With the Full Festival pass, a movie fanatic can see as many documentaries, feature films, and shorts as he or she can handle in a little over a week. Hollywood does not boast so much variety in so short a time period.
Also, MIFF offers a more personal experience than the Hollywood blockbuster. Imagine the director or writer of the picture actually attending the screening with you and answering your questions afterwards? Hard to imagine for a 3,000+ screen released film? The Waterville film festival offers the chance to interact with the stars, directors, and writers of many of the pictures seen at the festival. There are panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions for people interested in the film-making process. Normally, a trip to Hollywood, New York, or London would be required for such an opportunity for a major motion picture. For the next 10 days, from July 9th to July 18th, that experience is available at the Railroad Square Cinema and Waterville Opera House.
What does Hollywood have that can compete with MIFF? Surprisingly, the best crop of releases this summer from "The Kids are All Right" to Disney’s live action "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice." Should you save your money and go see a flick at your local multiplex? Here’s why you might want to consider it:
Rogue action director Robert Rodriguez and his protégé, Nimrod Antal, bring the "Predator" film franchise back in a big way with "Predators." Based on a script written by Rodriguez in the ‘90s, Antal takes the series back to its roots with a group of elite soldiers being tracked by the deadly, alien Predators. Oscar-winner Adrien Brody ("The Pianist") stars with an eclectic cast of co-stars including Laurence Fishburne ("The Matrix") and Topher Grace ("Spiderman 3"). The movie is receiving good reviews from usually anti-action flick critics.
The animated "Despicable Me" includes the comedic voice talent of TV and film superstar Steve Carell. The premise is amusing: What if a stereotypical supervillain was left in charge of caring for three young children? The cartoon is played for the comedy, but may pluck a heartstring or two. It is receiving strong reviews, which seems to be setting apart the animated pictures from the live action releases this summer.
"The Kids Are All Right" is a wide-release picture with more of an indie film flavor. It stars a respectable cast including Annette Benning, Mark Ruffalo, and Julianne Moore. Presented at the 2010 Sundance festival, this movie is a dramedy about two teenagers trying to find their real familial roots. It is receiving especially strong reviews from critics.
Next week, Disney’s "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice" is released in all its live-action glory. A family film with plenty of magic and humor, the critics haven’t had a chance to see this one yet. But when Nicolas Cage and director Jon Turteltaub joined forces before, the well-received blockbuster franchise, "National Treasure," was born. Can these two deliver the goods again for Disney?
Lastly, next weekend the most respected young director in Hollywood, Christopher Nolan ("Memento," "The Dark Knight," "The Prestige") releases his latest mind-bending picture, "Inception." The early previews show a science fiction based film with incredible visuals and an all-star cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Caine, and Marion Cotillard. The early reviews may help "Inception" give "Toy Story 3" a run for its money as best reviewed picture of the year.
My advice as to whether to go blockbuster or go film festival for the next 10 days is to try and do both. Spend a few days at MIFF to get the flavor of the experience and pick the one or two pictures that appeal to you most from Hollywood’s offerings. Just remember to enjoy yourself. Any excuse to get out of the humid air and into the air conditioning, ayuh.