AuroraTroll

I am excited about the new crop of American comedies that have been emerging lately. This Rogan/Apatow crew has consistently brought audiences modern stories full of honest characters ("Knocked Up" being the exception) and jokes that have not been dragged through movie mud over and over again.

At first, I was unsure of where the comedy was going with this one. It starts off a little shaky, but then finds its groove and carries the audience laughing all the way through the credits.

The plot is simple: A guy gets dumped. Her tries to et over her, and winds up running into her. Her falls in love with another woman, and the ex now wants him back. Easy enough, right?

But with the dead on humor (some raunchy, some just genuinely hilarious), this movie shines as a comic tour-De-force for all involved. The jokes are timely but not dated (whereas "Knocked Up" lacked credibility with its Hot-Girl-Loves-Slob routine and its dated references to movie lines and TV shows.) This one is funnier than "Knocked Up" and "40 Year Old Virgin," but not quite better than "Superbad." All in all, these original comedies are fresh, exciting and genuine to the core.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

The attempt of "Leatherheads" to bring back the screwball comedy is greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, it just misses the mark, leaving a lifeless comedy that is just too long and stale to rise above the common trappings of the genre.

George Clooney plays a over-the-hill professional footballer in he days just before professional sports were brought to the mainstream by advertising dollars. (A subject which the film touches on, thankfully.) Renee Zellweger plays the fast talking reporter out to get the scoop, whatever the costs (YAWN!). That kid from "The Office" is the only substantial character in the film, playing a college football wunderkind recruited by Clooney to help save professional football.

The problem I found was with the timing of the gags. What makes the screwball comedies of Billy Wilder so perfect are the snappy dialog scenes between say, Grant and Hepburn (see: Bringing Up Baby). They're lines and ad-lib were terrifically witty, and best of all - they knew when to quit. If they joke was funny, great: End Scene. But in "Leatherheads" the joke is funny, then it is run into the ground and the scene ends on a stale note.

NOT Recommended.

Easily the best film I saw at a local film festival, "Windcroft" paced itself beautifully. Starting slow, then building to a frenzied climax no one saw coming. I was on the edge of my seat from the start, and was filled with a sense of dread throughout.

Basically, this guy's father dies and he is left the family farm. So, he and his newlywed wife go check the place out. There they meet the guy's ex-girlfriend. There's a love triangle of sorts, and then everything just goes all wrong in all the right ways.

The small cast of characters was perfect for the isolated setting, and their skills as actors out-shined all others at this fest. I've never seen any of them before this, but it won't be the last time I'm sure. The look of the film was great. It was dark and creepy, but stunningly beautiful in setting. The farm became a character of its own.

If you can find it, SEE THIS FILM.