Philadelphia Film Festival UPDATE 10/25

Over the past two days I've managed to catch three festival films. My Sunday afternoon began with this year's winner at Sundance, Like Crazy. Immediately following that was Butter, a surprise comedy that ended in a loud applause from the entire audience. Then, on Sunday evening I took a break from the festival and headed over to the Ritz Bourse to catch Take Shelter (expect my review shortly). Finally, on Monday evening I ventured down to the city again to catch another festival darling called Martha Marcy May Marlene. The viewing was sold out, but the credits rolled to what appeared to be mixed reviews from the audience. I'm taking off today (Tuesday 10/25), but I'll be returning to action Wednesday through Sunday for plenty of more movies. Here's a brief summary of the last three films I saw at the festival:

Martha Marcy May Marlene follows a young girl who struggles to adjust to a normal life after spending two years living in a cult. Elizabeth Olsen, the younger sister of twins Mary Kate and Ashley, stars as Martha and further demonstrates her family's natural ability to act. Caught somewhere in between a thriller and a drama, the film has cruised through the festival circuit generating some serious Oscar buzz.

Butter, which was a late entry into this year's festival, is a rather unknown film that caught every audience member by surprise. It's a politically incorrect piece centering around a state butter carving competition in Iowa. With a star-studded cast including Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, Olivia Wilde, Alicia Silverstone, Rob Corddry, and Hugh Jackman, Butter is filled with laugh out loud humor that strongly backs its R rating.

Like Crazy appeared on the radar immediately following it's big win at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. The movie examines the origins of young love between Jacob and Anna, two college students who begin to face a world of challenges in order to be together. After failing to return to London when her visa expires, Anna's decision proves costly when she tries to return to the United States to be with Jacob. The film has plenty of heart and authenticity to its delivery.

On the slate for Wednesday and Thursday are The Good Doctor starring Orlando Bloom, The Artist (a much raved about silent, black and white film), and Snowtown. So until next time ...