Oslo, August 31st (AFI Fest 2011)

Oslo, Ausgust 31st is a depressingly good slice of Norwegian cinema. The film follows a 34-year-old rehabbing from drug abuse, who in one day, must decide between finding purpose and losing his grip on reality. Anders Danielsen Lie (Reprise) gives a powerful performance in this tragically moving story that highlights a city, a place and a decision.

Michael Nordine of NotComing.com captured it nicely...

"Oslo, August 31st has an ear for dialogue and an eye for natural movement; it employs a documentary-like approach that uses little but communicates much." [source]

The somber tone bleeds through the screen haunting every scene quite perfectly.

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Young Goethe in Love

Young Goethe soars with exquisite cinematography. Alexander Fehling (Inglorious Basterds) and Miriam Stein offer two charismatic performances in a delightful story about first love. Fehling plays Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a famous German poet, who nearly quits before his breakthrough work. Fans of Bright Star and Pride & Prejudice will find enjoyment in this spitfire romantic tale. It's one of my favorite movies of the year and the musical score accentuates its beauty.

Now playing in select theaters.




Official Site: www.younggoetheinlove.com

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Parked (LA Irish Film Fest)

Parked is one of the best films I've seen. It showcases the beauty of storytelling, quiet in tone but powerful in spirit. It's the kind of movie you feel, and feel deeply. The cinematography is dreamy, lots of ghostly shots by the water. But its richness comes in the subtle scenes between Colm Meaney (Law Abiding Citizen) and Colin Morgan (Merlin) who offer two solid performances.

Lonely and beleaguered Fred Daly (Meaney) returns to his native Ireland with no place to call home except his car. When pothead Cathal (Morgan) parks next to him, the two strike up an unlikely friendship. With Cathal’s help, Fred begins to put his life back together little by little, and starts by introducing himself to cute, unusual music teacher Jules.

In theaters March 2012. (For those in Ireland, it opens on October 14th)

Official Site: www.parkedmovie.com

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