Fantastic Fest 2009: What I've Seen So Far

It's super late (for me) so I'm going to do this quick and dirty. Refer to the official web site for synopses and more info about the films.

Van Diemen's Land - a slow burn about Australian prison camp escapees who become cannibals in the 1870s. Good family fare.

Gentlemen Broncos - should be a hit with the Napoleon Dynamite crowd. Didn't quite tickle my funny bone as much as others in the crowd but I quite liked Sam Rockwell and the ending was sweet.

AntiChrist - I may not like Lars von Trier's movies but I totally respect his ability to get them made. This was hideous and I strongly warn parents and those with weak stomachs against seeing this movie.

Kamogawa Horumo - Battle League in Tokyo - predictable and tedious in character development but sheer joy in the action sequences. To tell you more would spoil it. A great romp. I'm so glad I went into this without knowing anything about it other than it's Japanese and it's wacky.

Animated shorts - so much fun! The Austin premiere of Pigeon Impossible!

Zombieland - Exactly the movie I wanted it to be. A spiritual successor to Shaun of the Dead and quite possibly the greatest cameo in a movie. Ever.

Secret Screening #2 - Men Who Stare At Goats - not bad but in an unfair comparison I will say that George Clooney's work is stronger in Up in the Air, also due out this fall.

The Highball lounge - the perfect Fantastic Fest party venue. Bowling, karaoke, themed food, skee-ball, and seating that is both comfortable and plentiful. A joy to behold and to inhabit.