tiger trax

I had high hopes for both of these movies.  They are similar in that they aim to please niche groups of viewers.  One succeeds and one fails miserably.

Good Movie - Once (wiki / trailer)

This is the most realistic movie I’ve seen about being a musician.  What makes this movie different is that the actors are not actors, but real musicians.  But unlike music documentaries that show real musicians often acting for the camera, Once contains a fictional plot told by two real musicians acting like themselves through their “fictional” characters.  Yeah, it’s not for everyone.  At times the movie plays like a music video created from b-footage, which will put some to sleep.  If you are only into music/band movies for the Mötley Crüe aspects of the story, this shouldn’t be on your Netflix list.  If you play music and have collaborated with other musicians, or if you like offbeat low-budget films about awkwardly charming life situations, watch Once.

Bad Movie - The Ten (wiki / trailer)

I tried.  I wanted to like this movie.  Wet Hot American Summer is a favorite of mine, so I figured The Ten would join the ranks of movies I rent from Blockbuster and never return.  I laughed one time.  I was amused about five other times.  I love these guys but unfortunately this movie is an embarrassment to the camp.  Usually these minds are very hit or miss with their humor, but this was a complete miss.  Maybe I needed more Showalter (only a small cameo).  But to rinse out the taint, check out the movie Diggers— a touching dark comedy period piece with a unique plot and deep character development.  I caught a viewing of it at last year’s SXSW fest followed by a Q&A sesh with lead Rudd, writer Ken Marino, and director Katherine Dieckmann.