JoBlo does Tribeca #3

by Jenny Karakaya

Things have finally wound down and the press screenings have
ended. Looking back on the week, there wasn’t a dull moment or a
good night’s rest for that matter. I’ve
had my first taste of the film festival mayhem, and undoubtedly will
be better prepared for the next (Cannes?).
I checked out several cool films and met a few intriguing
celebrities. However, the exhaustion and lack of sleep have finally
caught up. Admittedly, I am beat and in desperate need of a
vacation. Before retiring though, I leave you with my last two indie
flick reviews. Check out my previous Tribeca Film Festival review
here: PART 1
& PART 2.

THE
GRAND
Directed by: Zak Penn
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Cheryl Hines, Ray Romano

Taking reality poker to another, perhaps more riveting level
is this extremely funny improvisational mockumentary with an
all-star ensemble cast. THE
GRAND is a comedic film starring Woody Harrelson, Cheryl Hines,
Richard Kind, Ray Romano, Dennis Farina, Chris Parnell among many
others. The film follows around six players that make it to the
final table of the world’s most famous high stakes tournament.
Harrelson is on a quest to win the Grand Championship of Poker to
save his dead grandfather’s hotel-casino from the clutches of a
high-end real estate developer. The story unfolds with an improvised
dialogue between different personalities that gather around a poker
table and get down to business in old

Las Vegas

.

Penn is a daring director who films the events and adlibbed
conversations as they take place only to edit later on. It’s
interesting to watch an unscripted conversation without limitations
transpire between these comedic actors. In most cases it is very
amusing and so are the up close shots of the actors’ facial
expressions. Although the dialogue is improvised during the actual
poker tournament, it is nonetheless captivating even with silly
stretches by this talented ensemble cast. The fact that THE GRAND
was one of the few Tribeca films to sell out weeks in advance, is as
bold a statement as the film itself. Cameos and guest appearances
made by professional poker players and other movie stars keep the
intrigue alive especially for someone like me who doesn’t like
gambling which, is an affirmation that anyone, poker player or not,
will enjoy this funny flick. — 8/10

CHARLIE
BARTLETT
Directed by: John
Poll


Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Hope Davis

Another funny, and inspiring film to hit Tribeca this year
was Charlie Bartlett. Uplifting
and very funny. This film about a fearless and innovative teenage
boy named Charlie played by Anton Yelchin.
Also starring the super talented Robert Downey Jr and Kate
Davis, who are both magnificent in their roles as father/daughter.
Charlie is a teenage boy in therapy who uses his knowledge
and prescriptions to becomes the school’s heroic resident
“psychiatrist,” setting up office in the boys washroom and
transforming the lives of everyone around him.
The film touches upon the many teenage problems that have
plagued us all at one time or another. If only all high schools and
teenagers were so lucky to have a friend or confidant like him.

The cast, young and new, is extremely talented, funny and
delivers the script beautifully. Yelchin has an adorable innocence
about him and carries his own weight opposite brilliant actor Downey
Jr, who ironically lectures him about substance abuse, generating
unanimous laughter in the theatre. The film’s photography and
editing intensifies its comedic moments, especially in one scene
that morphs into a Ritalin rave. In a time of violence and hatred,
this film reflects a refreshing and positive twist to teenage angst
in high school life. Definitely a cute film worth checking out! —
7/10