MoviePatron.com is not just about the mainstream film. Sure, we like the big budget hoopla of a Hollywood blockbuster as much as the next guy; but we also appreciate and respect the little guy as well. After all, these might be our future. Without them, there would be no Hollywood blockbuster. So iMP has been developed to tip our caps to the truly independent film maker. Sometimes honesty can be brutal, but often times our harshest critics can also be our most important teachers.
Bill's Big Pumpkins dir: Ryan Foss & Bill Nagel Here is a fun, inspiring documentary about an offbeat corner of American gardening and the dedicated, hard-working, and possibly slightly nutty people who inhabit it. Follow giant pumpkin grower Bill Foss as he attempts to grow the biggest pumpkin in Minnesota history. From his basement laboratory, to his multiple gardens, to various giant pumpkin weigh-offs, fairs and festivals and see how to grow giant pumpkins. Will he beat the Minnesota record for largest pumpkin?
My Big, Fat, Homeless, Berkeley Movie dir: Johnny Allen Shaw A documentary so unique partly becasue the "characters" are so strange and abnormal (though real people) and also because director Johnny Allen Shaw does not peer into the homless from the outside, but because he himself is homeless! A series of vignettes and clips interviewing and filming various homeless characters in and around the Berkelely as they attempt to explain everything from how to roll the perfect joint to the "mysteries of the 2000 galaxies." A fascinating and thought provoking doc that is devoid of anything resembling dullness.
Drop Box dir: Anesty Carasoulos, Spiros Carasoulos Ever returned the wrong video back to the rental store? That's what happens in this story of a pop diva getting a taste of her own medicine when she tries to get the tape back from a very uncooperative clerk. Funny I should mention the word "Clerk." Though funny and witty with some great characters and several pop-culture references (which I always love), haven't we seen this movie before?
LovecraCked dir: Elias Since I know very little of HP Lovecraft or his work, it was hard to "get" this film as it focusses several vignettes of interpretations of various Lovecraft works. It was too silly for words in a lot of places with some (purposefully) campy lines. Though there are a lot of redeeming quaities and terrific scenes; as well as some genuinely hilarious moments.
Shoot-Out dir: David Branin A game of basketball to the death? That's right. An action packed, superbly shot basketball game with the ultimate of consequences for the loser. Shot in black and white to give it some raw power and maybe a bit of metaphor as well, Shoot-Out is gripping and powerful, though not without its share of flaws. Check out Tony's full break-down of the film to get the scoop.
Siren dir: Andrew Mandapat Neo-noir that comes to life with exceptional dialogue and great acting. Where Siren shines is in its style. Shot entirely in black and white, the film offers the harsh contrasts in picture to serve as a counterpart to the slippery, sly plot and theme. Director Mandapat also manages to use some nice trickery with framing and off-kilter camera angles while never crossing the line to the overt, obtrusive, “Hey! Look at me!” types of gimmickry.
B R O K E N dir: Alex Ferrari It's nearly inconceivable that this film was put together for less than $8000. The effects, lighting and action are uber-cool that caught me totally off guard. Great editing and camera movements add to the surreality and fun of this short film that just oozes wickedness.
