Over the years I’d see a movie here or there, but didn’t really get into the film fest and develop a strong appreciation for it until good friends of ours, Kevin and Kate, showed us a new side of the Cleveland International Film Festival. (this mighty duo is also responsible for the trailer.)
The film fest gets underway March 18 – 28. Tickets are on sale now. This year, the folks behind CIFF are making is super easy for all of us to stay connected. Of course there’s the site, but also a smart phone app and Twitter. And finally, special perks for ‘the mayor.’ (On a side note, I personally love how many local companies are catching on to the beauty of Foursquare and awarding their mayors).
This year, I was lucky enough to be asked to blog on behalf of the fest and given the opportunity to preview a few movies ahead of time. Here are my thoughts on what I have seen so far. As for what I haven’t seen but what looked good to me and I plan to try, these films include: 8, Convention, Love Hurts, The Baby Formula, Cooking History, Harvest, and the opening night film, Timer.
Ingredients// Fans of Food Inc. and anything by Michael Pollan will surely love this food documentary that focuses on local foods and supporting farmers. In fact, if you regularly read this blog, it’s probably preaching to the choir but still a must-see as it’s a good reminder – just be sure to bring your chain-lovin’, mass food supporting friends as it will surely open their eyes. The best part about this film? A nice spotlight on The Chef’s Garden and Farmer Lee Jones along with his dad and brother. In fact, Lee will be at the 3/20 screening of Ingredients to discuss the future of the American farmer.
Handsome Harry// This movie is about an ex-Navy officer who upon reuniting with a dying Navy buddy relives a mysterious crime they committed and travels from friend to friend to unlock the truth and in part, make amends. I really wanted to like this movie. Good cast (Aidan Quinn, Steve Buscemi and Campbell Scott) and I was intrigued by what I read ahead of time. But in the end, neither of us were fans. Not even halfway through and we figured out the rather predictable ending. In general, it was just too choppy and had too many things going on and random storylines being introduced. It had all the makings of a good flick, but in the end just didn’t win us over. I will say this though, I was not familiar with the lead (Jamey Sheridan) prior to this movie, and did enjoy his acting and wouldn’t mind seeing his other films.
Dear Lemon Lima// Thanks to my love for all John Hughes movies, I am a sucker for any teen-esque movie (even though this, and most movies out today, couldn’t be further from a Hughes flick). This quirky, family-friendly movie wasn’t as funny as I had hoped, but it was touching and overall enjoyable. If you have pre-teens or teens at home, they’d likely enjoy this one as well.
The folks at CIFF gave me 6 tickets to give away. I’ll give away in pairs, so three of you will win. For a chance, leave a comment with your favorite movie quote. Winners will be randomly selected Thursday at noon. Even if you don’t win, be sure to go to a movie and support the film fest. Parking is free, there are lots of great eateries right there to grab a bite before or after, and the festival itself is one of the best on the country. It’s something we should all try to support.
It’s also worth nothing that there will be three “off-site” CIFF nights:
- March 23, Shaker Square
- March 24, Cedar Lee
- March 25, Capitol Theatre (I was just there for TEDxCLE – what a beautiful theater!)





Supermodels are beautiful girls, Will. A beautiful girl can make you dizzy, like you've been drinking Jack and Coke all morning. She can make you feel high full of the single greatest commodity known to man - promise. Promise of a better day. Promise of a greater hope. Promise of a new tomorrow. This particular aura can be found in the gait of a beautiful girl. In her smile, in her soul, the way she makes every rotten little thing about life seem like it's going to be okay. The supermodels, Willy? That's all they are. Bottled promise. Scenes from a brand new day. Hope dancing in stiletto heels.
-Paul "Beautiful Girls"
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