As it's quickly becoming a recurring theme in my life, Christmas will come early again this year. After having the opportunity to catch some of 2011's premier films such as Best Picture winner The Artist, The Descendants and My Week with Marilyn at last year's Philadelphia Film Festival, I couldn't wait for the announcement of this year's lineup. Well the wait has officially ended (click here for a full list of films playing at the 21st annual Philadelphia Film Festival). Here's a preview of what's in store for this year's festival which will take over the City of Brotherly Love from October 18th to 28th. Tickets go on sale to the general public for all movies in about a week and any other information can be found online at Filmadelphia.org.
OPENING NIGHT FILM
Kicking off the festivities on Thursday night (October 18th) will be this year's Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Winner Silver Linings Playbook starring Bradley Cooper and up-and-comer Jennifer Lawrence. Filmed locally and directed by Oscar Nominee David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook follows Pat (played by Cooper), a former teacher who's forced to move back in with his parents after a stint in a mental institution. While attempting to get his life back in order, Pat gets sidetracked when he meets Tiffany (played by Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own. While Silver Linings Playbook isn't scheduled to hit theatres until Thanksgiving, you can see this highly regarded gem a month in advance at this year's festival.
Closing Night Film
Closing the festival this year will be Robert Zemeckis' Flight starring Denzel Washington. After an airline pilot (played by Washington) miraculously saves a flight from crashing, an investigation into the malfunction discovers something troubling about the hero. It's been announced that Forrest Gump director Robert Zemeckis will be in attendance for the closing night's events. Flight isn't set to arrive in theatres until November 2nd, so this is one you'll definitely want to take advantage of seeing.
Other Notable Selections
While Silver Linings Playbook and Flight are two excellent features scheduled at this year's festival, there's plenty of other big time pictures to get excited about. For example the much anticipated Cloud Atlas will be playing, as well as Quartet, Stand Up Guys, Shadow Dancer, and the Audience Award Winner at this year's Sundance Film Festival The Sessions (pictured below)
If you happen to be a big fan of documentaries, there will be plenty of interesting subject matter floating around the festival as well. Two of the most highly regarded documentaries selected for this year's festival are Ken Burns' own The Central Park Five and emotionally moving Brooklyn Castle. Brooklyn Castle tells the remarkable true story of the nation's number one ranked Junior High chess team which continues to dominate the sport, despite the surprising fact that 65% of its students live below the poverty line.
The 21st annual Philadelphia Film Festival is, once again, shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Don't find yourself on the outside looking in, visit Filmadelphia.org and figure out how to get the most out of the experience. I look forward to the 11 day affair and giving you frequent updates throughout, so stay tuned.
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