Godfather’esque J.C. Chandor film, Robin Williams classic Hook and documentary about Watts-based musical festival in 1970’s L.A.
By Kaleb Quast
Running through Friday the 23rd and Thursday the 29th is A Most Violent Year, directed by J. C. Chandor. A crime drama following the life of immigrant Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) as he traverses his way through the ladder of success while his business, family are threatened and placed in the delicate balance between corruption and morality. Set in 1981 in New York –statistically the most violent years in New York’s history– the trailer gives off an almost Godfather vibe in its level of intensity and path through underground criminal activity and its impact on the family. The trailer sent shivers along my spine (mostly because of Jessica Chastain’s character, powerful women – sign me up) but it doesn’t appear to be one of those movies where the trailer is better than the actual film, since it won Best Picture, Best Actor (Oscar Isaac), & Best Supporting Actress (Jessica Chastain) from the National Board of Review.
• Fri 1/23 3:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM
• Sat 1/24 3:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM
• Sun 1/25 3:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM
• Mon 1/26 6:30 PM 9:30 PM
• Tue 1/27 6:30 PM 9:30 PM
• Wed 1/28 6:30 PM 9:30 PM
• Thu 1/29 6:30 PM 9:30 PM
If you’re one of those poor souls afflicted with children –who knows, you may actually like them— you can spend this Sunday (25th) on the lawn at the Enzian watching Hook, Steven Spielberg’s 1991 take on Peter Pan, starring Robin Williams. It’s only $5 and what’s that compared to quality outdoor time with your children? This is a part of Enzian’s Peanut Butter Matinee Family Film series that happens every 4th Sunday of the month. The show starts at noon, I recommend arriving early, in order to secure a spot. A special kids menu will be offered, and hopefully Eden Bar will be open.
On Tuesday the 27th the Cult Classic film is Wattstax, a 1973 documentary film, directed by Mel Stuart, about the 1972 Stax music festival – held in the Los Angeles community of Watts– which was considered to be the African American equivalent of Woodstock. The film covers performances by Isaac Hayes, Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers, and many more. Wattstax was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1974. Fans of music will be sure to enjoy this.
It’s around that time of year again. The cool weather is lingering, but we know it’ll be replaced with 80 degree days soon enough. Oh, plus the Florida Film Festival starts up. This year it’s going on between April 10th and 19th. Passes and packages are already on sale, even though the films aren’t announced until March 18th. If you think you have good taste in movies, submit your opinion on whichever film you found most interesting here for your chance to select the Wednesday night Pitcher Show during FFF 15. Consider your words carefully; if they select your suggestion, your submission will be printed on the Special Edition 2015 brochure!
Kaleb is a senior in the Creative Writing & Journalism program at the University of Central Florida. Quast previously served as an editing intern and writer for the Orlando Weekly in 2014 before joining the East Orlando Post. Kaleb also serves as an editor for UCF’s literary magazine and worked as a staffer for the Florida Democratic Party in the 2014 election cycle. In his spare time, he makes black out astrology and is growing an avocado tree.
