Day 2 at Sundance 2020
Black Bear
Photo courtesy of Tandem Pictures
When an independent filmmaker (Aubrey Plaza) arrives at a remote cabin to flesh out new ideas for her next project she meets a bickering couple (Christopher Abbott and Sarah Gadon) who inspire her creativity in more ways than one. With shades of "Marriage Story" and fellow Sundance alum "Living in Oblivion," "Black Bear" delivers some of the best thrills and laughs at Sundance so far.
Rating: B+
Falling
Photo from the film “Falling”
Viggo Mortensen (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy”) makes his directorial debut in this overlong, one-note story of a grown man coming to terms with his angry and out-of-touch father. Mortensen also steps in front of the camera as the son, and his presence is welcome for the most part; but it’s Lance Henriksen (“Aliens”) as the senile father who makes his scenes loud and ridiculous instead of nuanced. Both Laura Linney as Mortensen’s sister and famed director David Cronenberg (“Eastern Promises”) in a small role make welcome appearances. Overall, though, the film is a slog.
Rating: C
La Llorona
Photo courtesy of Shudder
Not to be confused with last year's jump scare misfire "The Curse of La Llorona," this tale relies more on creepy atmosphere than cheap gimmicks to spook its audience. At the center of the film is a retired Guatemalan general who has recently been acquitted for a genocide he helped orchestrate. Trapped in his home by angry protesters threatening violence outside, he and his family are forced to rely on the maid service he's taken for granted to survive. But those neglected helpers have plans of their own.
Rating: B
Zola
Photo courtesy of A24
Also known as the movie inspired by a viral tweet, "Zola" starts with a bang as two mismatched girls seemingly run into each other by chance and quickly become best friends. What follows is a fast and loose escapade through a sex and cash infused stupor. "Zola" might read on paper as something completely unwatchable, but is quite the opposite. It's a fun ride with lots of shock and humor that ultimately downshifts in the third act as it meanders into unnecessary exploitation. But overall "Zola" makes its mark amidst a crowded Sundance field.
Rating: B-
Mucho Mucho Amor
Photo courtesy of Netflix
If you grew up watching Spanish television in the 80's and 90's, you're most likely familiar with rock star astrologist Walter Mercado. Dressed like Liberace and giving life advice like a top notch guru, his syndicated astrology show was mandatory viewing in countless homes. This recent documentary chronicles the ups and downs of his career with many celebrity fans, like Mexican superstar Eugenio Derbez and "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, filling in the gaps. It's a very entertaining look at how Walter has kept the passion and energy of his success going well into 2020.
Rating: B
