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Reviews
Against the Current (2009)
Great cinematography, but a disappointing Sundance Official Selection.
Attended a Q&A screening of Against The Current at Sundance, and I must say, the film left me in a bad mood.
Yes, I enjoyed the cinematography of the Hudson River Valley, and the water photography was impressive. However, the subject matter and dialogue were contrived and predictable. Joseph Fiennes and Elizabeth Reaser's performances were a disappointment, and I felt Mary Tyler-Moore's cameo was unnecessary and distracting.
Poor Justin Kirk; I've loved him in every project, but his talent was wasted here. His "funny guy" lines were so terrible, but his attempt to make them palatable is to be commended.
I've come to expect more from Sundance, so I had to shake my head when the lights came up. Granted, writer/director Peter Callahan made a valiant effort with Against The Current, but I would have rather seen a more substantial, creative, forward-thinking film from him.
Recommended as a rental, if at all.
Abbie Cancelled (2009)
Great short at Sundance
I saw a ton of great films at Sundance this year, but Abbie Cancelled had to be one of the better shorts on the program. Cinematography was on point, clever story, and the no-name talent was impressive.
Basically, it's a dinner party gone wrong. Two couples are forced to eat a meal together without their mutual friends, who cancel abruptly. Sounds like an average premise, but the funny moments deliver. An innocent evening turns into debauchery. (Just wait until the guys go to the basement.) I would have liked to see a different ending, though. Felt like it was an easy choice, but overall, I enjoyed it.
Hope to see it on Sundance Channel or as part of a DVD compilation. Recommended.