Had it not been for his usual "A Spike Lee Joint" credit at the beginning of Inside Man, it would have been hard to identify this film as such. For the most part, it's a typical heist flick: Bad guys who deem themselves the perfect criminals attempt the perfect bank job, while a beleaguered cop waits outside and tries to wrangle his way inside the minds of said criminals. The difference here is that when the actual motive of the robbers is revealed, you side with them and hope they get away with it. If this were any other heist film by anyone else, it would be pretty good, disposable entertainment. But, because it's "A Spike Lee Joint," you feel he's just phoning it in. Louis Fowler
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Gigantic: A Tale of Two Johns (NR)
Directed by AJ Schnack
Plexifilm
Usually, when a band is the feature of a "rockumentary," it's because somewhere along the road, they effed-up. The genre, as a whole, is that of tell-all reiterations of Bacchanalian nights and Dionysian days of excess, indulgence and a middle finger to moderation. That's why Gigantic is so incredibly refreshing. They Might Be Giants represent the absolute zenith of nerd rock, brilliantly mixing lifelorn pathos with a jaunty beat you can twist to. And their life together has been wholly controversy-free. No drugs, no bitter divorces, no paternity-tests. Yet, even as it's basking in normalcy, Gigantic is still one of the best music docs I've seen in a long time. Laments about overdosing ever so wear out their welcome. Louis Fowler
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October Moon (NR)
Directed by Jason Paul Collum
Tempe DVD
October Moon is a milestone in film. Not only is it a great horror film, it's also a great stepping stone for the new breed of queer cinema. Here you have a horror film, featuring all gay characters, placed in a horror atmosphere and a terror-filled situation not because they're gay but because of the situation. This is no guilt- ridden morality play.
Elliot is a shy, closeted young man who, when he starts to work for Corin, an out gay man, finds himself falling for him. But, coming from a severely homophobic upbringing, Elliot is ultimately conflicted about his feelings to the point wherein it drives him to madness. Consider it Gaytal Attraction. October Moon is a great scare film that transcends all boundaries. Louis Fowler
