BODIES BODIES BODIES

A group of young and very wealthy friends end up getting more than just a fun night out when a mean-spirited game turns deadly serious. Arriving at a lavish mansion, each vapid member has brought their own emotional baggage to this twisted party, ready to take center stage regardless of the psychological fallout. The screws in this fun thriller start to tighten with each passing dare until things go too far and literal bodies start piling up. “Bodies Bodies Bodies” pulsates with a quick and zany energy that grabs you from the start, producing many laughs and squirms (sometimes in the same scene) that will keep you guessing until the bloody end.

THE COW

Kath (Winona Ryder) and Max (John Gallagher Jr.) have been eagerly anticipating a couples retreat to strengthen their relationship and see if things can move to the next level. But upon arriving at the remote cabin, they find the place has been accidentally double-booked and another duo has already checked in. That’s just the first of many odd twists and turns in this wild comedy, mixing laughs with a science-fiction subplot. Dermot Mulroney co-stars as a friendly ally assisting in the film’s central mystery and his motivations are uniquely and deliciously twisted.

I LOVE MY DAD

After too many broken promises to his young son Franklin (James Morosini), divorced dad Chuck (Patton Oswalt) has seemingly hit rock bottom. He’s been blocked from all communication and the last refuge to connect with his family is through the internet. What starts as mild online stalking, quickly escalates to full-blown catfishing as Chuck’s delusional tales start snowballing into a hilarious and cringe-worthy finale. Fans of Robin Williams’ “World’s Greatest Dad” will notice parallels between both films but the unique twist is Morosini himself. Not only has he written, directed and starred in this wild tale but it’s also inspired by the love-hate relationship with his own father.

THE LOST CITY

Romance novelist Loretta (Sandra Bullock) is known for her robust paperback adventures and Alan (Channing Tatum) is the dim-witted face of the franchise. They barely get along at promotional events requiring them to do the bare minimum but a kidnapping plot will send the mismatched duo on a jungle crusade with shades of “Romancing the Stone.” Bullock and Tatum have great onscreen chemistry together, making “The Lost City” stronger than it otherwise would be. Their heavy-lifting along with a Brad Pitt cameo as a grizzled mercenary make this fun populist entertainment.

SOFT & QUIET

At times equally revolting and engrossing, “Soft & Quiet” is sure to test viewers who choose to engage with its hot-button issues. Emily (Stefanie Estes) is a kindergarten teacher with a low tolerance for social issues. From her offhanded racism toward the school custodian to the deliberate planning of a hate-filled meeting at the local church, it’s very clear that whatever her issues are, they won’t end well. Things come to a head when Emily and her like-minded friends provoke a powder keg of violence that will dare audiences to keep watching. Shot in real time to add weight to the film’s atrocities, “Soft & Quiet” is scarier than any horror movie you can imagine.

SPIN ME ROUND

Amber (Alison Brie) isn’t used to life outside of her Bakersfield bubble. She manages an Olive Garden-style Italian restaurant and she’s content with doing just that. Her tune changes when the corporate office extends the overworked manager a chance to visit Italy on a company retreat, making Amber immediately pack a suitcase despite some obvious red flags. Espionage and sexual intrigue will be on the menu during this unique holiday, as co-stars Alessandro Nivola and Aubrey Plaza put in strong supporting turns and come very close to stealing the show.

THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT

Threatening to be the most Nicolas Cage movie ever, even before the lights go down, “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” absolutely claims that title once its end credits begin to roll. You don’t have to be a die-hard Cage fan to get all the references to his past films and internet personas, but knowing that information only adds to the film’s incredible fun. In the film, Cage plays a version of himself, down and out, without many prospects for his acting future. When a wealthy fan (Pedro Pascal) offers him an easy payday to attend his birthday party, what should’ve been a laid back retreat quickly escalates to a mind-bending Nicolas Cage adventure through his past lives. It’s a hysterical ride and one of the most original movies of the year.

All photos courtesy of SXSW