It’s time for a second update, right from the grounds of the IFFR. I just got back from an exquisite screening of Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder… in 3D! Back in the ‘50s the film was intended to be released on 3D, since it was a huge hype then and the ultimate weapon to fight the uprise of television (history seems to be repeating itself). But when the film was finished ,the hype was over and it was released in normal format. It is fun watching this classis in its original format. The funny thing is, I watched the film some weeks ago (not knowing it was scheduled for 3D here at the IFFR) and I never noticed how Hitchcock had deliberately placed objects like lamps and flowers in front of the screen to emphasize the 3D-effect. It does not add a lot to the original theatrical version, though, but it is fun seeing a huge theater filled with people watching a classic.

Today’s update will include two reviews: of Korean horror film Possessed and of the hailed Un prophète.
Continue reading…

This first update derives from an incredible lack of sleep, a very smelly hostel room (causing some of the lack of sleep) and hardly any time available to write. This year, the festival’s organization should be praised, worshipped almost, for the absolute flawless ticket system. Being a member of press, I don’t have much trouble obtaining tickets anyway, but many of my loved-ones have to get tickets the regular way. They usually end up cursing behind their computers because ordering tickets is an utter mess. This year, it all went extremely smooth, leaving them speechless behind their computers. Even picking up the tickets was a delight. So kudos for the IFFR!

This first report contains two reviews: for Wes Anderson’s The Fantastic Mr. Fox and Australia’s entry for the Oscars: Samson & Delilah.

Continue reading…

The 39th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam will be held from Wednesday January 27th to Sunday February 7th. The line-up of the festival is a continuation of last year’s change in which the amount of films was slimmed down into a more streamlined schedule. The 2010 issue has a total number of fifteen films that will compete in the VPRO Tiger Award Competition, the festival’s annual attempt to put beginning film makers in the spotlight. Other films screened at the festival include François Ozon’s latest, Le refuge, two films by Roman Herzog (including his David Lynch produced horror flick My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done?) and Wes Anderson’s Roald Dahl based fable The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Traditionally (or call it good custom), the IFFR has a strong emphasis on Asian cinema and this year is no exception. The opening film of the IFFR will be the South Korean Paju by director Park Chan-Ok.

Like previous years Choking on Popcorn will report exclusively from the IFFR with small reviews and impressions.

For more info and the full program go to www.iffr.nl (also available in English)

Continue reading…

It’s difficult to find a parking spot in this part of downtown Los Angeles where you aren’t afraid you’ll be mugged or your car broken into. After 20 minutes of navigating trough the one-way streets I found a location not too far from the theater for a reasonable price. The theater itself buzzed with a motley crüe of people mulling around, buying drinks and popcorn or listening to the band playing in the screening room itself. The band, Third Grade Teacher, commanded the attention of the audience as I walked in and found a seat. Their music was earnest and entertaining if not a bit unconventional. After a while, the band wrapped it up, the lights around the theater dimmed, the crowd hushed – some of them sitting on the floor since there were no more seats left, and the show began.

Continue reading…

If you’re a fan of The Beatles, then you’ll probably love this movie. It gives a rare insight into the complexities of John Lennon’s youth and documents problems he encountered, which inspired some of his music. If you’re not a fan of  The Beatles, you’ll probably still love this movie, as it contains a powerful story about a dysfunctional family.  Lennon led an interesting and action packed life, even before he became famous. The title ‘Nowhere Boy’ is clearly derived from the popular track ‘Nowhere Man’, which was written about this this stage in Lennon’s life, when he didn’t know where he was going or what the future held.
Continue reading…

Sommersby is a period romance that covers themes of redemption, identity and jealousy. At the heart of the film is a beautiful love story about two people finding each other in unusual circumstances, and altering their lives for the better. Movie romances rarely go smoothly though and this love story has to deal with a jilted lover, a court case, and the Ku Klux Klan before the happy or unhappy ending is revealed
Continue reading…