Among the many highlights of the El Dorado Film Festival is its continued support of short films from around the world. A highlight of Day 3 was Short Film Block #1, a curated collection of eight short films spanning a wide variety of styles, themes, and visions. The block featured an eclectic blend of voices from filmmakers who told their stories through an array of genres including drama, dark comedy, science-fiction, and more.

Here are a few impressions out of the eight films included in the block…

From director, writer, and producer Marta Roncada comes “Deliberate”, a compelling and urgent short film that examines predatory relationships with unflinching honesty. Roncada’s film is rooted in personal experience which informs her courageous approach to the story. Kelly Lou Dennis plays Alice, a young woman who pays a surprise visit to her former favorite teacher, Mr. Jacobs (Carl Beukes). As their classroom conversation intensifies, we learn the two had a sexual relationship when she was his student. Roncada employs two fascinating perspectives, finding the humanity in both characters while shrewdly exposing what lies at the heart of such abuse. This is a powerful treatment that will resonate with abuse survivors while calling others to much-needed awareness.

VERDICT – 4.5/5

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In director Thomas Glinkowski’s “Draft Night” we follow a highly-touted basketball prospect (played with an infectious charisma by Joseph David-Jones) through one tense and stressful evening as he waits to see if he will be the #1 pick in the NBA draft. The young prodigy’s facade is one of confidence and swagger. But underneath he struggles to suppress a growing anxiety brought on by the weight of expectations from his family, his agent, and himself. The film is brilliantly conceived, shot, and edited. And while it can be a little on the nose with its messaging, Glinkowski and screenwriter Shawn Williams challenge us to look beyond the glitz and the glamour to see the young man’s soul underneath. That alone is a powerful lesson we all should take to heart.

VERDICT – 4/5

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Director Alex Hanno and screenwriter Wes Hopper tackle our modern day digital addictions in “Detox”, a horror(ish) short film laced with breezy yet spot-on satire. Like so many of us, Shelly (Caitlin Morris) spends too much time online, perusing social media and consuming hours of content. So she makes the bold decision to go on a 48-hour “digital cleanse”. She follows the advice of a self-help guru (voiced by Bill Prokopow) and rents out a remote rural house to focus solely on herself. But when the most unexpected thing in the world happens, we learn that she (and probably a lot of us too) need more than a couple days at an Airbnb to cure our digital addictions. Clever, well-crafted, and wildly entertaining.

VERDICT – 4/5

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Once again the El Dorado Film Festival had the distinct honor of showcasing the Top 5 finalists from the recent Louisiana Film Prize. The growing Louisiana Film Prize is a Shreveport-based short film competition and festival that was founded in 2012. To no surprise, this year’s block included an exciting range of compelling voices from a host of intriguing filmmakers.

Here are a few impressions out of the five films included in the block…

Writer-director Michael Cusumano brings together two estranged siblings to settle their recently deceased father’s estate in the acidic and smart comedy “Napoleonic Code”. Charity Schubert plays Kat, a New Yorker who travels to Louisiana in order to meet with her brother Mason (Josh Talley). As the two begin sorting through their father’s affairs, Mason broadsided Kat with an unexpected secret. But little does he know, Kat has a pretty big secret of her own. The two stars fully commit and deftly handle what is potentially tricky material. They help Cusumano deliver a smart and witty two-hander that adds a deliciously toxic twist to sibling rivalries.

VERDICT – 4/5

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Logan (Logan Sledge) has been a loving and devoted son to his mother, Pam (Pam Dougherty). But with her deteriorating health due to Parkinson’s disease, Logan is confronted with the new responsibilities of being her full-time caregiver. But while he feels guilty about his frustration, he finds joy in the most unexpected thing. Written and directed by Chris Alan Evans, “Toots.” is an extremely personal work (Evans is a caregiver to his own mother) which is evident in nearly every frame. Both Sledge and Dougherty are terrific while DP Alexander Jeffery relays a wealth of emotion through his graceful lensing. “Toots.” is a touching drama with moments of well incorporated humor. But it’s the profound human pulse that resonates most.

VERDICT – 4.5/5

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Erica Michelle Singleton shines both in front of and behind the camera in the strikingly raw and authentic “Three Sessions”. Singleton directs, writes, produces, edits, and stars in this deftly written and superbly acted drama about a couple whose marriage is on the rocks. Elaine (Singleton) and Paul (Jamad Mays) are at a critical point in their relationship. In a desperate attempt to save their marriage, the two sit down for individual counseling sessions with a therapist named Connie (a terrific Moriah L. Hicks). Singleton’s film is brimming with truth and empathy. Not one single scene comes off as false making this struggling couple’s plight painfully real and worthy of our total investment.

VERDICT – 5/5

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It’s a sad day in Hollywood and in every circle of movie lovers. Authorities have confirmed that screen legend Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were both found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. An investigation is underway, and while it has been stated that no foul play is suspected, their deaths have since been categorized as “suspicious”. Gene Hackman was 95.

With a career that spanned six decades, Gene Hackman deservedly became a top name in Hollywood. He has excelled in countless iconic roles across nearly every genre. He won two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, one Screen Actors Guild Award, and four Golden Globes. So many of his movies are considered timeless including “Bonnie and Clyde”, “The French Connection”, “The Conversation”, “A Bridge to Far”, “Superman”, “Hoosiers”, “Mississippi Burning”, “Unforgiven”, and “The Royal Tenenbaums”.

Hackman retired on his own terms in 2004. As a huge fan of his work, I really missed seeing him on screen. But he has left us with so many treasures to enjoy – treasures that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. Rest in peace Mr. Hackman.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” is returning to theaters on April 25th. “Revenge of the Sith” premiered May 15, 2005 at the Cannes Film Festival before releasing wide on May 19th. It was the final film in creator George Lucas’s ambitious prequel trilogy and to this day it remains one of the franchise’s very best movies.

“Revenge of the Sith” is the final chapter in the story of Anakin Skywalker’s rise and fall from a powerful young Jedi to the villainous Darth Vader. Returning Star Wars alum Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, and Peter Mayhew fill out the spectacular ensemble.

To promote the movie’s return to theaters, Disney and LucasFilm has released a killer new poster. Check it out below and let me know what you think.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics is bringing “Uncle Buck” back to home video in a new combo-pack complete with new special features and sharp new 4K transfer. Directed by the late John Hughes, this 1980s comedy classic stars the wonderful John Candy who’s in vintage form playing a lovable but irresponsible Buck Russell. With his brother in need of an emergency babysitter, Buck agrees to help. But he’s ill-prepared for the challenges ahead of him. Comedy hijinks ensue in this timeless Hughes gem.

This terrific new 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray combo edition of “Uncle Buck” will be available to purchase on February 18th. See below for a full synopsis of the film as well as release info including a list of special features.

About the Film:

Year: 1989

Runtime: 100 Minutes

Director: John Hughes

Screenwriters: John Hughes

Cast: John Candy, Amy Madigan, Macaulay Culkin, Jean Louisa Kelly, Laurie Metcalf, Gaby Hoffmann, Jay Underwood, Elaine Bromka, Garrett M. Brown, Mike Starr, Brian Tarantina, Suzanne Shepherd, William Windom, Anna Chlumsky, Dennis Cockrum

Rating: PG-13

The great John Candy (“Summer Rental”, “Spaceballs”) stars in this outrageous comedy as an idle, good-natured bachelor who’s left in charge of his nephew and nieces during a family crisis. Unaccustomed to suburban life, fun-loving Uncle Buck soon charms his younger relatives Miles (Macaulay Culkin, “Home Alone”) and Maizy (Gaby Hoffmann, “Now and Then”) with his hefty cooking and his new way of doing the laundry. His carefree style doesn’t impress everyone, though—especially Tia (Jean Louisa Kelly, “Mr. Holland’s Opus”), his rebellious teenage niece, and Chanice (Amy Madigan, “Field of Dreams”), his impatient girlfriend. Uncle Buck is the last person you’d think of to watch the kids. But with a little luck and a lot of love, he manages to surprise everyone in this heartwarming family classic from iconic filmmaker John Hughes, writer-director of “Sixteen Candles”, “The Breakfast Club”, “Weird Science”, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”.

Special Features:

Product Extras :

DISC 1 (4KUHD):

• Brand New HDR/Dolby Vision Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative 
• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson
• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian Joe Ramoni
• 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
• Triple-Layered UHD100 Disc
• Optional English Subtitles

DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):

• Brand New HD Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative
• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson
• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian Joe Ramoni
• Sixteen Going on Seventeen: NEW Interview with Actress Jean Louisa Kelly
• Theatrical Trailer
• 5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
• Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
• Optional English Subtitles