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Austinist is running around town (just like you) catching as much South By action as is possible this week. The following are our thoughts on the first three films we caught on Friday and Saturday:
The Last Western (Documentary) - This short feature (65 minutes) tells stories from Pioneertown, CA, a small outpost built in the 1940's to film western movies. An oddball mix of drifters, eccentrics, and Roy Rogers fans have made the town their own, and this doc looks at their atypical existence. The most compelling character in the film is a drifter/blues singer/drug dealer named Buzz. Buzz gets a lot of screen time, and rightfully so, as many of the other residents seem either boring or just plain crazy. Buzz is a shady guy, but he's very human, and you can't help but be fascinated by him. Like Easy Rider when Nicholson's not on screen, the doc feels empty when Buzz isn't around. He is ultimately the true subject of the film rather than Pioneertown itself. The Last Western could play well on PBS or the IFC Channel with about 5 to 10 minutes of cuts, but it won't be seen by a mass audience. A mixed bag.
Next showing: 11am Wednesday, Alamo South Lamar.
Reel Shorts #1 (Narrative and Documentary shorts) - Austinist can't recommend seeing short films enough. After all, where else do you get to see them? This and the fact that even the ones that suck are over quickly make us love the shorts collections. Program #1's standout is K-7, a great looking, hugely funny tale of the strangest job interview ever. The documentary short Viva Morrissey is very nicely done: it tells the surprising story of Moz's cult following among Los Angeles Latinos...who knew? We also enjoyed Miles From Home, a comic tale of taquerias and dysfuctional relationships. The other entries are not quite as good, with the sub-par Shortstop taking our vote as the perfect time for a restroom or cell phone break outside. Overall, Shorts #1 is recommended.
Next showing: 11am Thursday, Alamo South Lamar.
Live Free Or Die (Comedy/Drama) - Given the film's pedigree (written by 2 Seinfeld alums) and interesting cast (including the great Zooey Deschanel, utility man Michael Rapaport, and Judah Friedlander), we expected a lot from it. Unfortunately, this is one of those occasions where you say "this is like (insert film), only not nearly as good." The writers clearly drew inspiration from Bottle Rocket and Big Deal On Madonna Street in this tale of a small town petty criminal and his dumb stoner buddy. Despite the premise's comic potential, the movie just isn't very funny, and the jokes wear thin too quickly. Even the quality actors present here have walk-ons where there's very little for them to do. Despite a few funny scenes, the overall result left us very underwhelmed. Not recommended.
Next showing: 7pm Friday, Alamo Downtown.
What have you liked or hated so far, Austinist readers? Let us know in the comments section.
Image via Matt Wright of Austinist
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i liked "live free of die."
"the oh in ohio" was good, along with "the last romantic" and "95 miles to go."
I liked "Live Free or Die" too- very funny. But I may be biased as a fan of Paul Schneider- and he was there [dead sexy, and not at all disappointing in person].
agree. schneider was hilarious and dead sexy. i wouldn't have expected any less. and his character's "hair flip" made me laugh every time.