PFF: Thursday Recap

While still trying to get over this cold I've had the past few days, I couldn't resist seeing the three movies I had slated for Thursday at the Philadelphia Film Festival. Starting the second week of the festival in intellectual style, I found myself at the Ritz East in Old City at noon in order to catch the informative documentary The Atomic States of America. The piece of work examined the risk vs reward involved with building nuclear power plants to sustain future energy demands. Filmmakers Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce open your eyes to the dangers of nuclear energy created by a laughable regulation system put in place by the United States government. Eye opening and compelling, The Atomic States of America was clearly my favorite film of the day. Next up was the independent film Future Weather by director Jenny Deller. Deller benefits from a strong collection of actresses, including a budding young star named Perla Haney-Jardine who steals the film from its first frame. Attempting to parallel the dysfunctional relationship between humans and the environment with a dysfunctional family living in rural America, Deller brings an original story to life. And although this isn't generally my "cup of tea", I was largely impressed by the director's camera work. Future Weather was filmed very well and the editing was stellar, therefore, I expect to continue to see impressive work from Jenny Deller in the future. Wrapping up my screenings for the day was the one-time Oscar dark horse Hyde Park on Hudson starring Bill Murray and Laura Linney. While I am as big a Bill Murray fan as any, I must admit that Hyde Park on Hudson left plenty to be desired. Bill Murray stars as FDR while the film dives into the former president's personal life. Laura Linney plays Roosevelt's 5th (or 6th, as even she doesn't know) cousin with whom, it was later discovered, he has an ongoing affair. Although the story was interesting and the acting was fine, Hyde Park on Hudson fails to resonate and lure in the audience. It becomes overly difficult to sell adultery to the crowd and have them become accepting of the ordeal. And while Hyde Park on Hudson clearly fails at the attempt, subtle humor and delightful acting help it sustain some semblance of life.

A Look At Today:

As we approach the second and final weekend of the 21st annual Philadelphia Film Festival, I have two movies on the docket for Friday evening. First up is the highly praised foreign film Holy Motors, which I am very anxious to check out and see what all the hype is about. Holy Motors will then be followed by a fitting thriller/horror treat in the form of Antiviral.  Directed by first timer Brandon Cronenberg (son of filmmaker David Cronenberg), Antiviral follows a man who is in a race against time. After Syd March has been infected with the same virus that killed superstar Hannah Geist, he must solve the mystery surrounding her death in order to save his own life. After that synopsis, I'm sold! Check out the theatrical trailer for Antiviral below and remember to keep checking back for a quick glance into what the festival has in store and what it has already offered.