SXSW Day 5: Drive-By Reviews

Less and less sleep, more and more people to keep in touch with. Oh, and if you don't know, the Alamo brunch menu is indeed available during the entire film festival run. SXSW is more than just conference panels and screenings, it's about community.

St. Nick (Emerging Visions)
Director/Writer: David Lowery
Shot in Forth Worth, this definitely had a Texas look. With very little dialogue, a lot is conveyed, as two youngsters turn an abandoned house into their home. Ultimately, the conclusion didn't work for me, but I'm open to persuasion.

Hurt Locker (Spotlight Premieres)
Director: Kathryn Bigelow. Writer: Mark Boal
Considering an "EOD" guy thanked the filmmakers during the SXSW, I'd say it's authentic. I found a few scenes too long, but it's still a watchable film. Jeremy Renner gives his usual strong performance, but the entire cast is good, including a few cameos from David Morse, Ralph Fiennes, and Guy Pierce.

Grace (Midnighters)
Director/Writer: Paul Solet
I was going to go to see this Saturday, but I was encouraged by the director to see it tonight, especially since he'd not be here for the last screening. The biggest compliments I can give this film is it's nightmare worthy, and first-time moms and moms to be shouldn't see it. The main plot centers around a first time mother, a miraculous birth, interfering in-laws, and a fussy baby, with an unusual twist. It's Solet's first feature, but it certainly won't be his last, as the Q&A proved he's very passionate about film, and I'm fairly sure he's going to become an Alamo fan favorite, at SXSW and hopefully Fantastic Fest.