No real street party comes without drunken moms reliving their high school proms, when they had the best moves in school. And Saturday night’s Filmmaker’s Party didn’t disappoint. Among the blaring trumpet and hard-driving power chords of a traditional Irish rock band tossed and turned one lonely woman grooving the way she did so many years ago. As I sat there chuckling every time a dance move was interrupted by a stutter or an off-beat clap, I couldn’t help the urge to join her. Unfortunately, the paper frowns upon drinking on the job. So, I stayed put and let her do the heavy lifting. More »

So, I had elaborate plans — thanks to the encouragement of my editor — to branch out and see a movie I had originally rejected because the plot didn’t interest me. Through a fluke, I received a ticket to the movie “Humpday.” A film that explores the “what if?” question involving two heterosexual men who attempt to make an dude-on-dude erotic art film. Whatever that means. It’s not that I won’t watch anything that involves homosexuality, but I’d rather fill my time with other stories. But, after a playful conversation with the ole’editor I decided to give it a whirl. After all, my only other option was watching “The Goonies” for the millionth time with some friends.

After a long day at the beach and walking around Front Street for the city’s Friday Night Live (when street vendors, local bands and smiling faces litter downtown between Park and Cass Streets) my friends and I decided to head to the Open Space and watch “The Goonies.” I told myself I’d only stay until 11:30 p.m., then head off to the State to catch my queer indie film. More »

Last night I attended the midnight screening of “Dead Snow,” and for the first time I actually got a genre of film that has eluded me since my first movie. It was a great watch. All the blood and intestines I could handle, and then some. But it was masterfully shot by a director who clearly understands the genre and what people like about cheesy horror. And he nailed it.

I must admit, I requested a ticket to the film just to meet the interesting crowd who enjoys that kind of movie and planned on leaving early to hang out with some friends. Halfway through I found myself laughing, jumping and ignoring every phone call that lit up my pocket. I had it on silent, of course. More »

“Films were born in the age of Einstein, where the only constant was the speed of light.”

I picked this sound bite up at the first film school session of the Traverse City Film Festival. Jim Burnstein, head of the screenwriting program at the University of Michigan, gave an interesting lecture about the mechanics and style of screenwriting. He gave interactive examples and kept the crowd laughing and interested as he imparted knowledge upon a room almost as diverse as Serenity Tea Room in downtown Traverse City. More »

Tonight was the first time I’ve ever seen Michael Moore in person. In the cozy velvet of the State Theatre, I watched as Mr. Moore help director/producer of “Troubled Water,” Erik Poppe, field questions. He seemed to look exactly as I remember seeing him in countless of his documentary scenes: Simple black shirt, jeans, sneakers and of course his trademark ball cap with hair flipping out on the sides.

I was early. Too early for my film festival premier: a 10:15 p.m. screening of “Troubled Water.” More »

Movies have always been a passion of mine. When I was growing up, my mom hated scheduled television and as soon as she could, she canceled our big screen’s subscription. Looking back, I’m glad because my DVD player taught my older brother and me how to watch good movies.

With rental fees and DVD prices putting a dent in our small bank accounts, we learned very quickly to appreciate quality films like “Goodfellas,” “Blow,” “Braveheart,” and “Cool Hand Luke,” not just for mindless entertainment, but rather for works of art. We’d spend hours after watching a movie analyzing and dissecting each part — the acting, costumes, set, directing and cinematography. Not that we were exactly sure what cinematography really was, but it sounded legitimate saying the word. More »

Oh, the good times are gone. No more movies, no more lines, no more popcorn, no more asleep bottoms from sitting through the 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 movies. Yes, the Fourth Annual Traverse City Film Festival is over. What will I do with all my free time?

At this year’s festival, we saw womanizing Spanish painters, prison guards, Iraq War vets and suicidal movie producers. Port-a-potty business owners, African children, Madonna and suicidal drama teachers. Heavy metal bands, inventors, dust and homicidal substitutes. It was an interesting year. More »

Only from Larry Charles. Charles, the director of Traverse City Film Festival hit, “Borat,” has now teamed up with comedian Bill Maher for “Religulous,” a documentary about the ridiculousness of organized religion.

Despite being ridiculously controversial, “Religulous” raises plenty of questions. And that is this film’s strength. More »

I’m not sure if you heard, but Madonna was in Traverse City.

I was born in 1990, so I missed Madonna’s biggest years, either by not being born yet or being too young to appreciate it. So, I can’t exactly call myself a Madonna fan, but I thought it would be fun to see her.

I got to the line two hours in advance. But once again, I think Film Festival lines are fun. This line especially. Everyone was so excited and that excitement was contagious. More »

I have always thought the Iraq War was wrong, but even in knowing that, I didn’t truly know the extent of the horrors this war has caused. And that in itself is horrific.

But, after seeing Phil Donahue’s “Body of War,” I know now. “Body of War” is a documentary that follows a 25-year-old Iraq War veteran, Tomas Young, who, after spending only five days in Iraq, was shot just below the shoulder blade and is now paralyzed from the waist down. He now speaks out against the war. More »