Below are a look at some of the highlighted films as chosen by Epoch Times film contributors.
Christine Beal’s Picks
‘Whatever Works’
Love him or hate him, Woody Allen’s films are usually quintessential New York. Whatever Works marks Allen’s return to New York-set films after making several movies in Spain and England. Teaming up with “Seinfield” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” mastermind Larry David should prove interesting.
‘Easy Virtue’
Kirstin Scott Thomas and Jessica Biel face off in this comedy set in England. Colin Firth plays fiancé to Biel, who brings her home to meet his parents, who are less than accepting of the glamorous American woman.
The late writer, director, and actress Adrienne Shelly’s remaining screenplay is directed by her Waitress supporting actress Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”). Meg Ryan stars as a high powered lawyer who discovers that her husband (Timothy Hutton) has taken an interest in a younger woman (Kristen Bell).
‘In the Loop’
A political war satire based on the U.S. and U.K. cooperation prior to going to war. The film stars James Gandolfini (The Sopranos) as U.S. General Miller, so that alone makes it worth a peak.
Joe Bendel’s Picks:
‘Black Dynamite’
Blaxploitation films have proved remarkably amenable to satirical send-ups in recent years, even though many of the original films nearly approached self-parody. Given the buzz already generated for Dynamite, it ought to be a blast.
Director Raymond de Felitta is also a jazz musician who made a thoroughly entertaining documentary about the underappreciated vocalist Jackie Paris. It will be intriguing to see if his jazz aesthetics influence his approach to the family drama of City Island. It also has a great cast, headed by Andy Garcia.
‘Fish Eyes’
Yu Yan’s Fish Eyes certainly sounds like it opens up an honest window on the reality of contemporary China, while telling its story in a mysterious, art-house style. It might prove interesting to compare it with recent films of other relatively independent Chinese filmmakers, like Li Yang.
‘Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench’
Think of Damien Chazelle’s debut feature like a classic MGM movie musical, as directed by John Cassavetes. For jazz listeners, it is the must-see film of the festival, starring Boston-based trumpeter Jason Palmer as the romantic lead, and also featuring Andre Hayward, well-known for his work as part of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.
‘Yudok Stories’
For three years I have been curious about Yudok Stories, a stage musical about the horrific conditions in North Korean prison camps. While the show never made it to Broadway (for obvious reasons), Andrzej Fidyk’s documentary hopefully will give us a good sense of what this unlikely musical was like.
For more information, and to purchase tickets online, please visit www.tribecafilm.com