#Cinequest Film Festival day ten
What a fantastic film festival. Perhaps I’ve simply been lucky because by this time last year I had seen two movies I should have walked out on (1 of 5 stars) and several more that were merely bad (2 of 5 stars). Yet this year I’ve only seen two disappointing movies and none that I would walk out on. In fact I’m surprised at the number I’ve rated 5 of 5 stars that deserve broad release.
Film #24: “In the Company of Women” contrasts the approach to relationships of two distinctly different men. One is an elderly professor who is hoping to learn how to date after several decades of marriage by engaging the services of a male escort for $20,000. The other is a young suave escort (i.e., gigolo). But are they really as different as initial impressions suggest? The interaction between the two male protagonists is very believable and both actors provide very good performances. However, I found the younger males performance to be just a trifle too slick and obviously manipulative. Also, the premise is frankly absurd. Nonetheless I enjoyed the movie and rate it 3 of 5 stars.
Film #25: “Halfway” was an immense surprise. I only watched this film because there wasn’t anything else scheduled in that time block that I found more enticing. I didn’t expect to like the film. I am overjoyed that I made the choice to see it. This is a delightful comedy that explores loss, sorrow, and moving on. A recently divorced man moves into a house whose previous owner died in the house (suicide or accident?) and is now haunting the home. Neither the new (living) or prior (dead) owner is willing to give up the home to the other. This provides for many comedic scenes as each owner tries to convince the other that they won’t retreat. Closure is ultimately reached when they decide to help each other. I rate this 5 of 5 stars.