The Avenue: Movies and TV - The Independent Florida Alligator

The Avenue

Director of Oscar–nominated film visits Gainesville

By JESSICA METZGER | Sep. 17, 2008

Tania Hermida is an independent filmmaker with a vision to show truth and important stories. Best known for her role as second assistant director for the Oscar-nominated independent film "Maria Full of Grace," her first feature film "Que tan lejos" (How much further), which will be shown at the upcoming Gainesville Latino Film Festival, was a product of her desire to create a "road film."

The Avenue

Latin film directors visit Gainesville for first time in 4th Annual Latino Film Festival

By JESSICA METZGER | Sep. 17, 2008

The Latina Women's League wants to share the diverse stories of Latin America with the Gainesville community. With six independent films, it has organized the Fourth Annual Gainesville Latino Film Festival, which will be different than the past three in that two of the film's directors will make presentations and hold bilingual readings for young children.

The Avenue

Stellar acting in 'Burn Before Reading' lights up screen

By DAVID STUZIN | Sep. 17, 2008

To try to stick "Burn After Reading" into a genre is absolutely impossible. One could call it a comedy, as IMDB.com does, but I think this label does the movie a disservice. Don't get me wrong, you will laugh your head off, but you will also question yourself for laughing at each character's rather depressing life. It's really not a drama, a romance or even a political satire. Rather, the movie transcends genre and focuses on plot, making the style both distinctive and amazingly entertaining.

The Avenue

Hitman finds emotional side in “Bangkok Dangerous”

By JACK BENGE | Sep. 10, 2008

"Bangkok Dangerous," a new thriller starring Nicolas Cage, manages to deliver some action along with a heavy dose of tired plot devices and distracting camera-work. Taking a cue from Michael Haneke, the Pang brothers decided to direct a remake of their own film in English. In the remake, Cage plays a hit man named Joe who only lives by four rules. The most important of these rules is to know when to get out. This theme plays at the heart of "Bangkok Dangerous."

The Avenue

"Encounters": Documentary shocks with beauty

By HUNTER SIZEMORE | Sep. 3, 2008

"Why is it that a sophisticated animal like a chimpanzee does not utilize inferior creatures? He could straddle a goat and ride off into the sunset," asks "Encounters at the End of the World" director Werner Herzog, who also directed "Grizzly Man" and "Fitzcarraldo."

The Avenue

"Traitor" betrays audiences' high expectations

By DAVID STUZIN | Sep. 3, 2008

In this post-9/11 fantasy world, everyone is split into two sides: freedom fighters and terrorists, with no room for middle ground. Based largely on this premise, "Traitor" comes off as rather unbelievable, and at times almost ridiculous, as it channels Cold War-era nuclear fears brought about by propaganda.

The Avenue

“Hamlet 2”: A B movie or not a B movie?

By DAVID STUZIN | Aug. 27, 2008

While watching "Hamlet 2," you may be bombarded by a number of questions that seem important. "Who is Steve Coogan?" you might find yourself thinking. "How did a barrage of misfits in Tucson magically learn to act and sing?" and "Why is the funniest joke about Elizabeth Shue, an actress who has been a blip on the blockbuster radar since the late 1990s?" Though these questions may seem minor, they'll consistently make you question the validity and overall merit of the movie at large.

The Avenue

‘Swing Vote’ fails to win over audience with hazy plot

By Allison Griner | Aug. 6, 2008

Just in time for our own election season, "Swing Vote" enters theaters and, like most politicians, tries hard to reflect the thoughts and feelings of the average American.

The Avenue

“X–Files” movie will leave you wanting to forget

By Allison Griner | July 30, 2008

Don't expect awards for "X-Files: I Want to Believe." This extremely disappointing thriller lacks the sense of urgency and the satisfying, yet open-ended, conclusions that made the TV show a hit.

The Avenue

“The Dark Knight” no joke

By Allison Griner | July 23, 2008

The new Batman movie will leave no one wondering, "Why so serious?"

The Avenue

"Hellboy" burns out in second movie

By Allison Griner | July 16, 2008

"Hellboy 2: The Golden Army" is flashy but hardly golden. Director Guillermo del Toro's latest feature is a visual marvel, but it succumbs to the same clichés that characterize the comic book genre.

The Avenue

Locals gear up for Batman

By ERICA BLAKE | July 16, 2008

A 44-year-old preschool teacher by day, Shawn Bauldree flirts with the dark side once the sun sets.

The Avenue

Pixar’s latest blockbuster “Wall–E” makes disaster fun

By Allison Griner | July 9, 2008

Self-aware robots rebelling are the stuff of science fiction horror. However, Pixar succeeds at making that the subject of its latest family film, "WALL-E."

The Avenue

"Get Smart" goes dull

By Allison Griner | July 2, 2008

The tuxedos, guns and gadgets are back. "Get Smart," a big-screen adaptation of the 1960s show parodying the spy genre, indulges in every James Bond and Pink Panther stereotype to create an enjoyable spoof.

The Avenue

“The Incredible Hulk” fails to continue Marvel’s success

By JESSICA METZGER | June 18, 2008

"The Incredible Hulk" is an incredible disappointment. I had such high hopes for this remake after Marvel Studios' success with "Iron Man" and the film's reported box office numbers. True, this version is better than the 2003 "Hulk" but this film is still not up to par with what you would expect from a superhero movie.

The Avenue

‘Zohan’ delivers stylish, silly humor

By JESSICA METZGER | June 11, 2008

Don't mess with the Sandman. Adam Sandler has done it again with his combination of ridiculous characters, raunchy humor and crazy fight sequences that help make his new flick, "Don't Mess With the Zohan," gut-bustingly funny.

The Avenue

“Sex and the City” finishes with style

By EMILIE WILLIAMS | June 4, 2008

The premiere of "Sex and the City" on Friday night brought out Gainesville's most devoted fans, and some even dressed the part. I wanted to get really carried away and dress in a pink leotard and pink tutu, which Sarah Jessica Parker dons in the show's opening sequence, but my roommates thought that was taking it a little too far.

The Avenue

‘Sex and the City’ scores in big screen debut

By ANNA MONTANO | May 28, 2008

Any fan of the show will tell you that one of the most anticipated films of the year is the "Sex and the City" movie. Set three years after the series' end, this flick had a lot to live up to.

The Avenue

On new record, Scarlett’s letter is a lowly ‘F’

By ROBERT HILSON | May 21, 2008

In hindsight, the Woody Allen films should've been a big, waving red flag. Scarlett Johansson simply doesn't care anymore - not about her image, not about her career and not about the poor bastards who will actually spend money on "Anywhere I Lay My Head."

The Avenue

Thomas Center offers silm screenings of lesser-known works

By BRETT LABO | May 21, 2008

A crowd of about 100 college students and Gainesville residents gathered underneath a starry sky with pillows, blankets and lawn chairs Tuesday night.