Upcoming Films that Need More Attention
Like a lot of people I usually find independent films that I want to see by going to Hulu trailers and watching to my heart’s content. There are several films that I have been eyeing, and though you never know how good a film is just from its trailer, these films are looking mighty interesting:
Grandma
There’s no trailer yet, but there’s already considerable buzz from Sundance around this awesome, Lily Tomlin helmed film. Paul Weitz (“Admission”) directs this modest film, that centers around a misanthropic grandmother and her granddaughter on an odd road trip of sorts. Besides the fact that Lily Tomlin is the oldest badass there's ever been, a comedic genius, and a living legend, she is really funny in her newest film, evidenced by the following clip.
Release date is set for August 21, 2015
Unexpected
I have high hopes for this independent film, starring the incomparable Colbie Smulders. From the trailer I see that a central female character is dealing with intense, relatable issues in an intelligent way. Tackling huge issues with what seems to be humor and grace, I can only hope that this isn’t the maudlin “Expecting,” or the white-woman solves black problems “Freedom Writers,” “Music of the Heart,” etc.
Release date is set for July 24, 2015
I Am Big Bird
Made thanks to the love and buzz around the Kevin Clash “Elmo” documentary, this film is about the puppeteer behind Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch: Carroll Spinney. The man is a godsend to children, as he is gentle, calm, patient, sweet natured, and philanthropic with his time and energy. His love for making children happy is evident from this trailer, and I am beyond excited to meet and love him, as I have his puppet equivalents.
Available on Amazon, ITunes, and Google Play
Adult Beginners
Nick Kroll has been gaining speed steadily and without obstacle for the past couple years. He hasn’t had many indie films, except, “A Good Old Fashioned Orgy.” His deadpan humor and sarcastic delivery in the trailer will make for a great black comedy. Hopefully this will cement Kroll’s status, as it will show that he can carry an entire film.
Released on April 24, 2015
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Though it occurs to me that this film somewhat mirrors the grief in “The Fault in Our Stars,” when watching the trailer I didn’t make this connection at all. This film looks like some kind of hybrid of this new catastrophic romance genre, and the regular indie conventions of a coming-of-age tale. This film looks to be both heartbreaking and yet humorous, a blend that has historically been achieved only a handful of times, though I have high hopes.
Release date set for June 12, 2015
The Yes Men are Revolting
There are just some documentaries that have subjects that can only be tamed by certain directors. The revolutionary tendencies of the activist group “The Yes Men” are hilarious, crazed, and all in the spirit of activism. In a time when attention for causes is not easily reigned, these demented lunatics find ways to harness it and use it for the greater good.
Release date set for June 12, 2015
Amira & Sam
I will watch any indie romantic dramedy. I don’t care how clichéd, fraught with stereotypes, or unfunny it is. This film doesn’t seem to have those tendencies. This film deals with Arabic culture, military life, and star-crossed lovers, and looks sweet and emotionally draining, in the best of ways. I will sit captivated at the emotional journey of these protagonists, for sure.
Available on Amazon, Drafthouse Films website, ITunes, and Vudu.
