Tribeca Film Festival 2019 Round Up #1: COME TO DADDY, STANDING UP, FALLING DOWN & SOMETHING ELSE

Tribeca… I’m back! There was an immediate sensation of home in the streets of NY when I arrived, and an absence when I departed. Akin to an airport in the way that there are swarms of people, all going somewhere, but each with a very distinct destination in mind. For me, it’s a passion. My intended locale? Film. Film. Film.

There were a lot of moments, and there will surely be more in the future, where I found myself bursting with admiration for this film festival. For the kind staff members or New Yorkers on the street who smile and give me directions. So many hands, and ultimately hearts, are involved in this creation, and everyone’s part is crucial. A labor of love, a chance to showcase upcoming talent, and to also appreciate those who have a firm and undying foothold in the industry.

Tribeca Film Festival is a must-see experience for you, and the setting, well, that’s just a wonderful bonus.

This year I was able to see lots of movies (shorts, documentaries, features), interview some amazing individuals, and partake in some inventive VR programs. The only downside was I couldn’t do it all.

My first three films couldn’t be any more different, but there’s a common thread of relationships that is central to each. Whether it be reconnecting with a father, making an unexpected friendship, or the hardship after a break-up, each of these three stories were enthralling and memorable.

Come To Daddy (Ant Timpson)

There’s a special place in my heart for the absurd, wild, hilarious and dark, so Come To Daddy already had its claws in me before it even started. Add in Elijah Wood, who I have watched and appreciated since I was young (he was always a little older than me, just enough to be my hero in a lot of his early movies, as well as the epic LOTR), and Come To Daddy seemed like a must-see for me.

Norval (Wood) heads to meet the father he doesn’t know (Stephen Mchattie) after receiving a letter inviting him to his home. Right away he seems out of place, between his haircut and attire, dragging a suitcase behind in such a way that pronounces his fish-out-of-water status. When the two meet, and Norval tries to get to know his inebriated, antagonizing father, this feeling is further embraced. The first act of the film inches towards one thing, before ripping it away at the last second. There’s a sense of parental discord, and Norval struggling to find himself. However, things quickly shift from flush to a bright and bloody red.

Director Ant Timpson uses a story based on a personal experience and runs with it. The screenwriter, Toby Harvard uses the inspiration for the two to concoct something unique, sure to leave your head spinning when it’s through. There is a very particular brand of dark comedy infused with a terrific character arc and portrayal by Wood, that’ll draw viewers in with the performances and thrill you with the direction (as well as the excellent cinematography). You expect to be shocked, but the film does its diligence to keep what’s coming marred, and it succeeds.

Within the jagged lines is a tale of father and son, and by its end, that’s still very much the case. There’s nothing faint about Come to Daddy, and if you’re resistant to gore, coarse humor or outrageous violence you might not enjoy it. Which is too bad, because even in its most extreme the film gets kudos for being savagely inventive. Wonderfully macabre, and bitingly funny, Come to Daddy is a must-see for those who enjoy genre-mashing entertainment.

Read my interview with Ant Timpson, Elijah Wood and Stephen McHattie here.

Standing Up, Falling Down (Matt Ratner)

Scott (Ben Schwartz) is forced to return to his parent’s house in Long Island after his fledgling stand-up comedy career doesn’t work out. In the area he grew up, he seeks out past comforts, including rekindling things with his ex Becky (Eloise Mumford). Soon after he arrives, he meets the colorful Marty (Billy Crystal), a dermatologist, and the two build a meaningful friendship that allows them each a second chance.

Haven’t we all been here at some point?

A dynamite duo crafted expertly by marrying an iconic comedian with a younger (also very talented) one makes this Tribeca premiere an absolute joy. Together these two make  Standing Up, Falling Down ultimately easy to love, as it tackles what it means to be at the bottom, and how we – through our relationships and our struggles – keep going. Also, don’t forget to laugh. And there’s plenty of those to go around.

The combo is excellent, with Billy Crystal as inviting as ever, and Ben Schwartz delivering a plausible and potent portrayal that shows he has significant depth outside of just being hilarious. Though, it needs to be said…I want more Billy Crystal. He takes on this role with such a veracity that is so natural and funny that we’re reminded how much better cinema is with him in it. Some of the absolute best moments of this movie are when the two of them converse, playing off one another’s strengths in a completely believable way; it’s comedy gold.

Matt Ratner makes a poised feature directing debut, and Peter Hoare writes a script that exudes with ample smiles and tears. At times some of the expected moments of clarity and advice are a bit lurid, but the other softening elements make the movie work. Even with the occasional cliche turning point, there’s ample light and soul to make you forget those details, and embrace these characters that feel authentic. Standing Up, Falling Down is for fans of comedy, drama, the beauty of NY, and the intricacies between it all.

Read my interview with director Matt Ratner here:

Something Else (Jeremy Gardner, Christian Stella)

A slow burn about a man struggling with a break up, and (possibly) a monster? I’m game!

Jeremy Gardner is Hank, whose girlfriend Abby (Brea Grant) recently left. Where did she go? With only a note left behind, the curiosity builds as to where Abby may be. Through flashbacks we’re shown the couples early memories, sweet moments moving into Hank’s family’s estate, and ultimately – the aftermath of her unexplained exit. Gardner agonizes in a tenable fashion, showing the several stages of uncertainty and pain that he feels.

Also, there’s a creature.

While Something Else chooses to bide its time with the reveal, it’s okay because the moment it does is perfect. There’s something claustrophobic as Hank’s emotions build, and the film continues down an uncertain spiral.  Directors Jeremy Gardner and Christian Stella do a great job of inter-splicing memories with Hank’s worn down, paranoid self, shooting holes through his front door at the menacing monster who won’t seem to leave him alone. A contemplation on emotional well-being, paranoia, and of course, the relationships that bind us, it’s more of a character study than a genre film.

Some important supporting roles include Abby’s brother Shane (Justin Benson) and Hank’s friend Wade (Henry Zebrowski). They are each central in reconciling Hank’s desperation and help to further our main character’s familiar sentiments. All of the acting in the film is key to delivering a more breathtaking voyage than one might initially expect from a quick plot description.

Is there something stalking him? Is he losing his mind? The film has just the right amount of intensity, and I appreciate the absence of the potential creature, as it adds tension and an eeriness that shouldn’t be overlooked. It feeds off all the requisite human emotions in a way that works wonderfully. And, it’s worth noting… the “creature” is top notch too. There’s an honesty in Something Else that makes this man against (his) monsters story one that’ll give you deep meaning, beautiful cinematography, and just the right amount of WTF.

All three of these films premiered at Tribeca Film Festival. Stay tuned for more coverage!

Were you able to see any of these movies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!