What to See at the Philadelphia Film Festival
If you were one of the lucky people to see last night’s screening of Silver Lining’s Playbook—the opening film of the 21st Philadelphia Film Festival—it’s hard not to be excited for the rest of the festival. But with more than 200 screenings of 100 films, it can be overwhelming to decide what to see. Here are a few—very few—of my suggestions. But make sure you check out the festival’s website for up-to-date show times, film listings, and ticket information. And like Silver Lining’s Playbook, many screenings sell out fast!
For Those Already Working on Their Oscar Ballots
The Sessions
John Hawkes (Oscar-nominated for Winter’s Bone) stars as a paralyzed poet who, wanting to lose his virginity, hires a sex surrogate, played by Helen Hunt (Oscar-winner for As Good As It Gets). Already garnering an ensemble award at Sundance, Hawkes and Hunt will be on acting shortlists.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Saturday, October 20, 2:15pm at Prince Music Theater; Saturday, October 27, 7:25pm at Prince Music Theater
Cloud Atlas
Lana and Andy Wachowski (Matrix) and Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) bring David Mitchell’s bestselling novel to the screen. Starring multi-Oscar winners/nominees Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, and Susan Sarandon, it should be visually and emotionally stunning.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Tuesday, October 23, 7:15pm at Prince Music Theater
Flight
Robert Zemeckis’ first live-action film since 2000’s Cast Away will close the Film Festival. Denzel Washington plays a commercial pilot that saves all passengers during an emergency landing, but falls under suspicion of having alcohol in his system at the time. Also stars Don Cheadle, John Goodman, and Melissa Leo.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Saturday, October 27, 7:00pm at Annenberg Zellerbach Theater
For Those Who Want to Laugh
The Comedy
How can you pass up a movie described by The New Yorker as “Arthur meets Jackass”?
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Sunday, October 21, 7:05pm at Rave; Wednesday, October 24, 10:10pm at Ritz Bourse
Gayby
While the story — straight woman and gay male friend want to have baby — is nothing new (Will & Grace covered similar territory 10 years ago), the movie promises to be a bit more. PLUS, the short, The Procession, starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family) and Lily Tomlin, will be shown with it.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Friday, October 19, 9:35pm at Ritz East; Sunday, October 21, 7:15pm at Ritz East
Stand Up Guys
Fisher Stevens directs Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Alan Arkin as retired gangsters who reunite for one last job.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Saturday, October 20, 5:00pm at Prince Music Theater
For Those Who Want Something a Little Different
The Final Member
The Penis Museum in Iceland tries to obtain a human penis to complete its collection. Oh, it’s a documentary.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Friday, October 19, 9:40pm at Ritz Bourse; Sunday, October 21, 4:45pm at Rave
Holy Motors
The somewhat surreal French film, starring Eva Mendes and Kylie Minogue, had Cannes buzzing.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Saturday, October 20, 5:15pm at Ritz East; Friday, October 26, 7:10pm at Ritz East
For the Horror Fans
The ABCs of Death
26 letters. 26 directors. 26 short horror films.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Friday, October 19, 9:45pm at Rave
Dead Sushi
Like Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, but instead of tomatoes it’s killer sushi.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Wednesday, October 24, 9:30pm at Rave; Saturday, October 27, 10:15pm at Ritz Bourse
The Shining
Don’t miss the rare opportunity to see Stanley Kubrick’s dark, twisted masterpiece on screen.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Sunday, October 21 at Ritz East.
For Those Who Want Something from Another Country
Diaz – Don’t Clean Up This Blood
A recreation of the brutal events that took place at the 2001 G8 Summit in Genoa, Italy.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Wednesday, October 24, 9:45pm at Ritz East; Friday, October 26, 9:50pm at Ritz East
Lore
Australia’s entry for this year’s Foreign Language Oscar tells the story of five, German siblings who travel hundreds of miles to escape Ally-occupied Germany.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Sunday, October 21, 4:45pm at Ritz East; Monday, October 22, 5:00pm at Prince Music Theater
War Witch
Set against the backdrop of child soldiers in Central Africa, a young girl tries to escape.
When to see it at the Philadelphia Film Festival: Saturday, October 20, 12:00pm at Ritz East; Tuesday, October 23, 5:15pm at Ritz Bourse
