Long story short, Barry remembered me from a few years back in Virginia and told me of his new opportunity. He also purchased a film at Tribeca but alas I dont know which it was.

On to the good stuff:
The Ballad of Esequiel Hernandez – brilliant documentary – if it comes to Silver Docs – get out there and see this. Esequiel Hernandez was the first person murdered on US land by armed forces since the Kent State killings. He lived in a small Texas border-town and was herding goats when he was taken out. Brilliant, brilliant film and for thsoe that think this sounds familiar – Tommy Lee Jones film “The Three Burials” is this story. Tommy Lee Jones did narrate this film and the filmmakers worked on Three Burials.

Fraulein – a Yugoslavian film (yes I know there is no more Yugoslavia) that is an interesting story of women who have had to leave the country and all converge in Switzerland. A Bit slow, but the filmmakers were adorable (and all-women!) that it definitely added to the film. Nice story, but I wasnt terribly moved by it.

Gardener of Eden – This is Kevin Connolly’s directorial debut (of Entourage – plays Vince’s manager, Eric) and is produced by Leo DiCaprio (does he even need a last name). Major major disappointment. Big names, wanted and needed a much better script. Kid from NJ ends up getting kicked out of school and ends up going back home to NJ to live with his parents. One day, out of pure frustration, he beats the hell out of a guy and is claimed local hero the next. naturally, the guy was a serial rapist. The kid thinks he’s now super-cop and goes out trying to solve all the crimes and fix the world. Eh, had its moments, but is only worth maybe $6 or netflix (which obviously it will come to with such big names behind it).

note to self: dont see blockbuster movies at film festivals.

Day Zero – I have not seen the whole movie (I was working) but from what I did see, this movie has promise (the fact that I know the ending KILLS me) but its the story of 3 friends from NYC (naturally, right?) who end up getting drafted into the war. this takes place in current day and is a fictional (so far) account of what would happen if we reinstated the draft. One guy (Chris Klein) is trying to find a way out of going; he has just made partner at his firm. another friend is gung-ho about going to war and killing people and the other friend (Elijah Wood) is indifferent and doesnt know what to do. Seems great from what I’ve seen. Oh how my skin crawled at the thought of reinstating the draft.

The last movie (as of today) was from John Dahl, director of Red Rock West (please tell me someone has seen this) and The Last Seduction (with Linda Fiorintino) is You Kill Me.

This film I have not yet seen the entire thing, but saw most of the film. The acting is great with an incredible story. The writers seem very cool, and after the Q&A, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more of their films.

In this smart, darkly funny drama by John Dahl (The Last Seduction) about addiction and recovery, Ben Kingsley delivers a bravura performance as Frank, an alcoholic contract killer forced to go through a twelve-step program and become a funeral home assistant. Also starring Tea Leoni and Luke Wilson

Thats it for now!