Sundance Film Festival - 2006 - Part A

The mountain snows have begun to fall in earnest tonight (Saturday) as the awards for this year's Sundance Film Festival are about to be announced. In my 3rd annual visit to this festival in Park City, Utah, I have to say that the caliber of film continues to rise. I have really enjoyed every movie I've seen so far, different as they are, one from the other. Using a four star rating system, I particularly encourage you to see the 4 star films listed below when the opportunity arises. And remember, you can watch all of the 47 short films in the comfort of your home on www.sundance.org.

American Blackout - ****
Winner of Special Jury Prize (Documentary) Award
A newly revealing documentary that probes into the fundamental right to vote in America and illuminates disturbing actions that plagued both the 2000 and 2004 elections. Everyone should see this movie.
Directed by Ian Inaba
Distribution: Check out http://americanblackout.gnn.tv for updates on distribution plans.

Little Miss Sunshine - ****
Laugh-out-loud funny story about a dysfunctional family as they travel to a beauty pageant for their 7 year old daughter Olive.
Directed by Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Starring Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin
Distribution: Fox Searchlight (paid $10.5 million breaking Sundance record)

Right At Your Door - ****
Tense and thoughtful drama centering around a couple living in Los Angeles as they struggle through the hours immediately following the detonation of multiple dirty bombs that engulf the city. Emotional storytelling that captures the isolation, fear and panic of the situation at an elemental level.
Directed by Chris Gorak (debut)
Starring Mary McCormack, Rory Cochrane
Distribution: Lions Gate (paid nearly $3 million)

The Secret Life of Words - ****
A must see movie that is intensely revealing of recent history in the Balkins through a wrenchingly cathartic love story.
Directed and written by Isabel Coixet
Starring Sarah Polley, Tim Robbins and Julie Christie
Distribution: Focus Features

Thank You For Smoking - ****
Crisp, hilarious film based on the novel by Christopher Buckley. The ensemble cast ranging from Robert Duvall and Sam Elliott to Aaron Eckhart and Maria Bello executes the smart script written (and directed) by Jason Reitman to simultaneously make you laugh and think.
Distribution: Fox Searchlight (release date is March 17, 2006)

Flannel Pajamas - ***
Honest and truthful romantic comedy.
Directed and written by Jeff Lipsky
Starring Julianne Nicholson, Justin Kirk
Distribution: Washington Square Films

Stay - ***
Perceptive romantic comedy that adeptly explores honesty, family, forgiveness and courage.
Directed and written by Bob Goldthwait
Starring Melinda Page Hamilton (from 'Desperate Housewives')
Distribution: Roadside and Goldwyn (paid $600k)