The 2016 Cinetopia International Film
Festival kicked off this past Friday and MCB was there to take it
in.
Here's what we saw on DAY ONE...
Captain Fantastic
What THEY say:
Deep in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, non-conformist Ben (VIGGO
MORTENSEN) and his wife guide their six children toward exceptional adulthoods
through rigorous outdoor activities and highly intellectual homeschooling.
Capable of surviving in the wilderness, knowledgeable of the details of
reproduction, and seasoned in the works of Noam Chomsky, the family seems ready
for any challenges that come their way – any challenges except functioning in
the outside world. When tragedy strikes, Ben and his brood are forced to leave
their utopia and venture into a world that is simultaneously unfamiliar,
terrifying, and exciting. Writer/director Matt Ross (28 Hotel Rooms) has molded
a delightful story that is as poignant as it is funny, with Mortensen leading an
outstanding cast including six brilliant young performers who each shine in
their own way. Captain Fantastic is a heartfelt story about parenthood,
conformity, and the joys and perils of finding your way.
What MCB says:
The College for Creative Studies viewing room reached
capacity for the Michigan premiere of Captain Fantastic this past Friday
evening. It's always nice to see a packed house for a film as it adds a aura of
excitement to the viewing experience. Nothing like a full room of laughs and
emotion. And that's exactly what Captain Fantastic gave us during it's 118
minutes. The film was stellar. The writing and story are masterly
crafted. A great movie should be able master of the art character development.
Identifying with the cast of characters in a film is where the emotional
investment comes from and once vested, and if the story is there, then you have
yourself a winner. Captain Fantastic nails it with both and that's no easy task
especially when the lead character has six children that all have sizable roles
in the film. Viggo Mortensen may be the biggest "star" attached to the film, but
the young cast playing his children act as his solar system
who are always orbiting around him and scoring lots of laughs. Frank Langella,
Steve Zahn, and Kathryn Hahn add to the film in their respective roles in the
film as well. And yes ladies- There is a Viggo Mortensen full
frontal scene to be enjoyed. Captain Fantastic is a quirky, character-driven and fun filled film. For these very reasons is
why I can easily see the film being a success when it receives a wide release on
July 8.
Captain Fantastic still has a Cinetopia screening ahead and that takes place on Friday, June 10 at The Michigan Theatre Screening Room in Ann Arbor. Do yourself a favor and go see it!
The Alchemist Cookbook
What THEY Say:
Young outcast Sean has isolated himself in a trailer in the woods, setting
out on alchemical pursuits, with his cat Kaspar as his sole companion. Filled
with disdain for authority, he has fled the daily grind and holed up in the
wilderness, escaping a society that has no place for him. But when he turns from
chemistry to black magic to crack nature’s secrets, things go awry and he
awakens something far more sinister and dangerous. Grand Rapids based director
Joel Potrykus (Buzzard, Cinetopia 2014) marries the heady nature of isolation
with the hard and fast realities that come along with being a hermit on the
fringe. Potyrkus fills our lungs and brains with the same caustic elements that
turn Sean inward, dragging the audience along for one of the trippiest rides in
the entire festival.
What MCB says:
I wish some of the above plot statements above came across more in the
film. For example- "a society that has no place for him" and "he turns from
chemistry to black magic to crack nature’s secrets". There is nothing
specifically in the film that would show that the world has no place for Sean
(Ty Hickson). In fact, with his good taste in music I can easily see Sean being
accepted in the music scene. Sean being a hermit is quite obvious in the film,
but his reasons for being so and many other actions of his in the film are not
so obvious. This is where the film lost me. I never felt a connection to the
character and his alchemical ways. I didn't see Sean cracking any of natures
secrets and didn't really see any point in including some scenes that basically
led to nothing. Highlight of the film for me was the inclusion of music
from Detroit's own Esham. I only wish the film itself stirred as much
emotion in me as the opening song did.
Michigan director Joel Potrykus was in attendance for the screening and
gave a intro to the film and took part in a Q&A with fellow crew
members post screening. I enjoyed the Q&A and the candidness of everyone. Nice to hear stories about the making of the film from the actually people behind it.
The Alchemist Cookbook still has a Cinetopia screening ahead and that takes
place on Wednesday, June 8 at The Michigan Theatre Screening Room in Ann Arbor. Director Joel Potrykus will once again be doing a Q&A after the film's screening.
The Cinetopia International Film Festival is running now till Sunday, June
12.
Visit cinetopiafestival.org for full film
descriptions, trailers and dates/times/locations of all screenings and
events.