THE 2021 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL:
THE BEST OF FEST AND ALL THE REST
– By Adam Mast –
Given the current status of the world, The 2021 Sundance Film Festival opted to go mostly virtual this year. As someone whose been attending since 1994, this proved to be quite a different experience. While the theatrical experience was sorely missed, it should be noted that the lineup was stellar! At press time, the festival still had a few days to go. That said, here’s a look at a few of my favorite films from the festival so far. For our extensive look at Sundance 2021, be sure to check out our next article at suindependent.com later on in February!
THE BEST OF FEST
STREET GANG: HOW WE CAME TO SESAME STREET
This is a wonderful exploration into an iconic television staple that has been known for perfectly marrying entertainment with education for the better part of five decades. “Street Gang: How We Came to Sesame Street” isn’t only affectionate but it’s also quite insightful. True, it tends to be a little overstuffed and there are some things that are skimmed over but it’s still a lovely tribute that pulls back the curtain on “Sesame Stree.” Further still, I honestly could have watched hours of outtakes and behind the scenes moments alone, but thankfully, this film has a lot more to offer. As a doc, “Street Gang” isn’t quite in the same league as the similarly structured “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” but it’s still easily one of the best films of this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Grade: B+
HOW IT ENDS
This offbeat, introspective, funny, and thoughtful little charmer from writers/directors Zoe-Lister Jones and Daryl Wein was shot during the pandemic and follows an endearing Jones as Liza, a lonely (and isolated) woman who wanders the streets of her hometown alongside the metaphysical manifestation of her younger self (wonderfully played by Cailee Spaeny) meeting colorful strangers and making amends with estranged friends and family members the night before an asteroid is set to destroy the planet. It’s all a little precious but man is it entertaining! It’s also strangely hopeful showing a society that’s surprisingly upbeat despite the fact that the world is coming to an end. With a pair of engaging leads and an onslaught of memorable cameos, “How It Ends” is pretty darn likable and for all its messages, loving one’s self is the one that shines brightest.
GRADE: B
JOCKEY
Character actor Clifton Collins Jr. is positively outstanding as Jackson, an aging horse jockey who finds his life at a crossroads when coming face to face with an intense health issue. This is an eloquent character study that opts to steer clear of rousing underdog sports movie tropes (although it is a crowdpleaser in its own way). Instead, it focuses on relationships. At the heart of the movie from writer/director, Clint Bentley is Jackson’s bond with a younger new arrival on the jockey circuit. Stellar performances, a supporting roster of real-life horse jockeys, beautiful cinematography, and an understated sensibility aid in making “Jockey” an absolute winner.
Grade: B+
MASS
From actor-turn-director Fran Cranz (“Cabin in the Woods”) comes this intimate and undeniably provocative drama about a couple seeking answers from the parents of a boy who perpetrated a school shooting resulting in the death of their son as well as a handful of others. This is gut-wrenching, emotionally charged stuff and it’s anchored by superb performances, most notably Ann Dowd and Martha Plympton as mothers looking to navigate through a parents’ worst nightmare. Kranz stages the quiet, thoughtful proceedings like a play and he’s careful to simpy present the situation rather than putting an emphasis on politics. This is a tough watch but it’s a powerful one.
GRADE: B
THE SPARKS BROTHERS
The great Edgar Wright (“Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz,” “The Worlds’s End,” “Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World,” and “Baby Driver”) makes it 6 for 6 with an immensely entertaining documentary called “The Sparks Brothers.” This comprehensive film traces the career of the underappreciated music duo, the Sparks Brothers; A career that has spanned nearly 50 years. Wright has always been musically inclined, particularly from an editing standpoint, and never has that been more apparent than it is here. At 2 hours and 15 minutes, you might think this film would run out of steam. You’d be wrong. What’s more, I’m not particularly well versed when it comes to the Sparks Brothers but no matter. By the time this movie was over, I wanted to dive right into their extensive catalog of music, and that is, perhaps, the best compliment I can pay this movie. By way of interviews with the Sparks, discussions with fellow musicians and fans, and plenty of concert footage, the high energy joy that is “The Sparks Brothers’ is a blast from beginning to end.
Grade: A-
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