The El Dorado Film Festival treated cinema lovers to an awesome variety of short films from all around the globe. But it also took time to showcase an exciting range of filmmakers with Arkansas connections. The Short Films with Arkansas Ties block featured a diverse group of films which offer just a sample of the immense talent coming out of the Natural State. Here is a rundown with some impressions of the seven films included.

“Pretty Canoe”

Deep in a lush forest, two escaped prison inmates, Terrance (Dustin Prince) and Travis (Trace Collie), are on the run. With the sheriff and his deputies on their heels, the convicts seek shelter in a remote cabin owned by Terrence’s cousin Jo (Janet Travis). Terrance has their escape plan all figured out, but as Jo is quick to inform him, “Lots has changed since you’ve been gone.” The early Coen brothers influences are all over this entertaining and tension-driven southern crime thriller from director Nicholas Holland and writer Justin Collie. (4 STARS)

“Arkansas Maternal Health Community Hackathon”

The lone documentary in the block takes on the critical issue of maternal health in the state of Arkansas. Directed with urgency by Ringo Jones, the short film does a good job clearly defining the problem but is a little murkier when describing the hackathon and the efforts being taken towards prevention. The statistics Jones offers are staggering including Arkansas having the highest maternal mortality rate in the country. And it’s sobering to learn that 91% of case are preventable especially in rural counties. The call to awareness alone makes this a worthwhile watch. (3 STARS)

“Banana Triangle Six”

Based on a Louis Bayard short story, “Banana Triangle Six” is a tender, heart-wrenching, and challenging film that poses some weighty questions while offering no easy answers. Directed with sincerity and empathy by Marc Crandall, the film follows the crusty Hank Crute (Bill Rogers), a resident of the Spring Valley retirement home. There’s a playfulness to the early scenes but things take a more serious and eye-opening turn with the appearance of Dr. Landis (Cassie Self), a cognitive function tester. From there Crandall’s thoughtful direction guides us through some difficult and thought-provoking material, prompting us to wrestle with considerations I never saw coming. (4 STARS)

“Criterion”

Oh those critics. They can be an insufferable sort. Such is the case in “Criterion”, Jeremy Enis’ brutal analysis of the world of art competition and criticism. Enis directs, writes, produces, shoots, and edits this unsettling thriller that follows a timid young artist who enters her work into an intense competition that’s being judged by a revered yet vilely pretentious art critic. The terrified entrants hinge on the critic’s every haughty word and crumble under his pitiless critiques all the way to the twisted finale which almost feels yanked out of an early David Fincher movie. It’s shaky in spots but “Criterion” really leaves an impression. (3.5 STARS)

“Mama Love”

Elegantly shot and emotionally layered, “Mama Love” takes a touching look at mortality, mother-daughter relationships, and the realization that there are things about our loved ones that we’ll never know. Writer-director Mary McDade Casteel guides us through the memories of family matriarch Mama Love (played by Gail Cronauer) as she lies on her death bed. Past moments with her daughter Sybil (Laura Cayouette) reveal a complicated relationship that I wish had been given more time. Instead it’s Mama Love’s friendship with a woman named Nora (a superb Rhonda Johnson Dents) that takes center stage. Evocative visuals and fabulous performances drive the heartbreaking drama. (3.5 STARS)

“The Book Club”

Let me start by saying this is no ordinary book club. Six local women gather together each month to enjoy fellowship, refreshments, and conversations about their latest books of choice. A soft-spoken young housewife named Lucy (Victoria Fox) is attending for the first time and she thoroughly enjoys herself. But when her angry husband shows up unannounced to take her home, the other women sense that something is wrong. I won’t dare spoil where director Johnnie Brannon takes his story, but it’s devilishly unexpected, lightly sinister, and utterly satisfying. (4 STARS)

“How Do I Tell You This”

Ted (Jeff Pearson) is a seemingly content local artist who has never left his hometown. Elizabeth (Misha Molani) is an outgoing philanthropist who travels the world. Ted is surprised when Liz comes to town, leading the longtime long-distance friends to spend an afternoon together. But as they walk and talk in person for the first time, hidden feelings surface and heartfelt questions about their relationship arise. From its opening frame to its final cut, there is a palpable sense of longing that runs throughout the film. It’s conveyed through the two terrific performances and from director Lara Hill whose deep affection for these characters is seen in every smart and savvy choice that’s made. (4 STARS)

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced Volume 4 of the Columbia Classic Collection. The studio is once again taking six more films from their Columbia Pictures library and bringing them to 4K Ultra HD for the very first time. Included in this latest box set is “His Girl Friday”, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, “Kramer vs. Kramer”, “Starman”, “Sleepless in Seattle”, and “Punch-Drunk Love”. This stunning set includes an 80-page hardbound book and over 30 hours of new and archived special features.

The Columbia Classics: 4K Ultra HD Collection Volume 4 is available NOW. See below for a full movie rundown and release information.

From the Studio…

Continuing the fan-favorite and award-winning series, and as part of the upcoming 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is proud to debut six more beloved films from its library on 4K Ultra HD disc for the first time ever, exclusively within the COLUMBIA CLASSICS 4K ULTRA HD COLLECTION VOLUME 4, available February 13. This must-own set includes films with which audiences around the world have fallen in love: HIS GIRL FRIDAY, GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER, KRAMER VS. KRAMER, STARMAN, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE and PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE. Each film is presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range, and five of the films have all-new Dolby Atmos mixes.

The six films in the COLUMBIA CLASSICS 4K ULTRA HD COLLECTION VOLUME 4 are only available on 4K Ultra HD disc within this special limited edition collector’s set. Included with the collection is a gorgeous hardbound 80-page book, featuring in-depth sections about the making of each film within the set via six all-new incisive essays from renowned writers and journalists, plus rare photos from deep within the Columbia Pictures archives. The set also includes hours of special features across the films, including both newly created behind-the-scenes featurettes and commentaries and never-before-seen archival materials, plus the entirety of the 1986 “Starman” TV series, exclusively debuting in high definition!

All six films will also be available for purchase at digital retailers in 4K with HDR, and the physical set includes Movies Anywhere redemption codes for each film. With redemption of the Movies Anywhere codes, the movies are available in your digital collection, across your linked and participating digital accounts, to enjoy at home or on the go.

Special Features…

HIS GIRL FRIDAY
Synopsis: A classic screwball comedy in which Rosalind Russell plays reporter Hildy Johnson, who, on the eve of her remarriage, is talked into one more assignment by her editor and ex-husband, played by Cary Grant. While interviewing a condemned man, Hildy realizes that his hanging is planned as a vote-getting measure.

HIS GIRL FRIDAY Special Features…

• 4K Ultra HD Includes:
• Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, restored from the original camera negative
• Mono DTS-HD Master Audio
  Blu-ray Includes:
• Feature presented in high definition, sourced from the 4K master
• Mono DTS-HD Master Audio
• Special Features:
  o Audio Commentary Featuring Film Critic and Author Todd McCarthy
  o NEW: Screwball Style: The Iconic Costumes of Robert Kalloch Featurette
  o NEW: Breaking the Speed Barrier: The Dialogue of His Girl Friday Featurette
  o Lighting Up with Hildy Johnson Featurette
  o Ben Hecht Featurette
  o On Assignment: His Girl Friday Featurette
  o Cary Grant: Making Headlines Featurette
  o Rosalind Russell: The Inside Scoop Featurette
  o Howard Hawks: Reporter’s Notebook Featurette
  o The Funny Pages Featurette
  o Vintage Advertising
  o Theatrical Trailers
  HIS GIRL FRIDAY has a run time of approximately 92 minutes and is not rated.

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
Synopsis: Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn (who won the Academy Award® for Best Actress for her
performance) are unforgettable as perplexed parents in this landmark 1967 movie about mixed marriage.
Joanna (Katharine Houghton), the beautiful daughter of crusading publisher Matthew Drayton (Tracy) and
his patrician wife Christina (Hepburn), returns home with her new fiancé John Prentice (Sidney Poitier), a
distinguished Black doctor. Christina accepts her daughter’s decision to marry John, but Matthew is shocked by this interracial union; the doctor’s parents are equally dismayed. Both families must sit down face to face and examine each other’s level of intolerance. In GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER, director Stanley Kramer has created a masterful study of society’s prejudices. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER Special Features…

• 4K Ultra HD Includes:
• Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, restored from the original camera negative
• Dolby Atmos English audio
• 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• Mono DTS-HD Master Audio
• Special Features:
  o Audio Commentary Featuring Eddy Friedfeld, Lee Pfeiffer and Paul Scrabo
  o Theatrical Teaser
• Feature Blu-ray Includes:
• Feature presented in high definition
• 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• 3.0 DTS-HD Master Audio
• Special Features:
  o Introductions
  Karen Kramer
  Steven Spielberg
  Tom Brokaw
  Quincy Jones
  o A Love Story for Today Featurette
  o A Special Kind of Love Featurette
  o Stanley Kramer: A Man’s Search for Truth Featurette
  o Stanley Kramer Accepts the Irving Thalberg Award
  o 2007 Producers Guild Stanley Kramer Award Presentation to An Inconvenient Truth
  o Photo Gallery
  o Theatrical Trailer

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER has a run time of approximately 108 minutes and is not rated.

KRAMER VS. KRAMER
Synopsis: Winner of 5 Academy Awards® including Best Picture, KRAMER VS. KRAMER is a groundbreaking drama about the heartbreak of divorce and the struggle between work and family. Young husband and father Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) loves his family – and his job, which is where he spends most of his time. When he returns home late one evening from work, his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) confronts him and then leaves him, forcing Ted to become the sole caregiver to their six-year-old son. Now, Ted must learn to be a father while balancing the demands of his high-pressure career. But just as Ted adapts to his new role and begins to feel like a fulfilled parent, Joanna returns. And now she wants her son back. Celebrating its 45th anniversary.

KRAMER VS. KRAMER Special Features…

• 4K Ultra HD Includes:
• Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, restored from the original camera negative
• Dolby Atmos English audio
• 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• Mono DTS-HD Master Audio
• Special Features:
  o NEW: Audio Commentary with Film Professor Jennine Lanouette
  o NEW: 5 Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
  o 4 Featurettes
  Robert Benton on Directing
  Justin Henry on Acting
  Mothers and Daughters
  Points of Pride
  o Theatrical Trailer
• Blu-ray Includes:
• Feature presented in high definition
• 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
• Special Feature:
  o Finding the Truth – The Making of Kramer vs. Kramer

KRAMER VS. KRAMER has a run time of approximately 105 minutes and is rated PG

STARMAN
Synopsis: Director John Carpenter presents a romantic science fiction odyssey starring Jeff Bridges in his Oscar-nominated role as an innocent alien from a distant planet who learns what it means to be a man in love. When his spacecraft is shot down over Wisconsin, Starman (Bridges) arrives at the remote cabin of a
distraught young widow, Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen), and clones the form of her dead husband. The alien
convinces Jenny to drive him to Arizona, explaining that if he isn’t picked up by his mothership in three
days, he’ll die. Hot on their trail are government agents, intent on capturing the alien, dead or alive. En
route, Starman demonstrates the power of universal love, while Jenny rediscovers her human feelings for
passion. Celebrating its 40th anniversary.

STARMAN Special Features…

• 4K Ultra HD Includes:
• Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, restored from the original camera negative
• Dolby Atmos English audio
• 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• 2-Channel Surround DTS-HD Master Audio
• Blu-ray Includes:
• Feature presented in high definition, from the 4K master
• 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• 2-Channel Surround DTS-HD Master Audio
• Special Features:
  o Audio Commentary with Director John Carpenter and Actor Jeff Bridges
  o NEW: Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
  o NEW: Behind-the-Scenes Time Lapses
  o They Came from Hollywood: Revisiting Starman Featurette
  o Making-Of Featurette
  o Music Video
  o Still Gallery
  o Theatrical Trailer

STARMAN has a run time of approximately 115 minutes and is rated PG

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE
Synopsis: Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in Nora Ephron’s wonderfully romantic comedy about two people drawn together by destiny. Hanks stars as Sam Baldwin, a widowed father who, thanks to the wiles of his worried son, becomes a reluctant guest on a radio call-in show. He’s an instant hit with thousands of female listeners who deluge his Seattle home with letters of comfort. Meanwhile, inspired in equal parts by Sam’s story and by classic Hollywood romance, writer Annie Reed (Ryan) becomes convinced that it’s her destiny to meet Sam. There are just two problems: Annie’s engaged to someone else and Sam doesn’t know yet that they’re made for each other. Co-starring Rosie O’Donnell, Rita Wilson and Rob Reiner.

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE Special Features…

• 4K Ultra HD Includes:
• Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, restored from the original camera negative
• Dolby Atmos English audio
• 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• 2-Channel Surround DTS-HD Master Audio
• Feature Blu-ray Includes:
• Feature presented in high definition, sourced from the 4K master
• 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• 2-Channel Surround DTS-HD Master Audio
• Special Features:
  o NEW: 30th Anniversary Critic Commentary with Karen Han & David Sims
  o NEW: A Conversation on Sleepless in Seattle with Gary Foster and Meg Ryan
  o Audio Commentary Featuring Nora and Delia Ephron
  o 4 Deleted Scenes
  o Love in the Movies Featurette
  o “When I Fall in Love” Music Video
  o Theatrical Trailer

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE has a run time of approximately 105 minutes and is rated PG for some language

PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE
Synopsis: Winner of the Best Director Prize at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, this misfit love story of disconnected people trying to find one another in an antagonistic world is a comedy of discomfort and rage that turns unexpectedly sweet and pure. Adam Sandler gives an amazing and unusual performance as Barry Egan, a socially impaired owner of a small novelty business, who is dominated by seven sisters and is unlikely to find love unless it finds him. When a mysterious woman comes into his life, his emotions go haywire, fluctuating between uncontrollable rage, lust and self-doubt. From the writer/director of Boogie Nights and Magnolia, PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE is a dark, lovely and unique film experience.

PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE Special Features…

• 4K Ultra HD Includes:
• Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, approved by director Paul Thomas Anderson
• Dolby Atmos English audio, approved by director Paul Thomas Anderson
• 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• Feature Blu-ray Includes:
• Feature presented in high definition, sourced from the 4K master
• 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• Special Features:
  o 2 Deleted Scenes
  o Mattress Man Commercial
  o Blossoms and Blood
  o 12 Scopitones
  o Jon Brion Featurette
  o Recording Session
  o Theatrical Trailers

PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE has a run time of approximately 95 minutes and is rated R for Strong Language including a scene of sexual dialogue

EXCLUSIVE BONUS DISCS INCLUDE:

• STARMAN – the complete 1986-1987 22-episode follow-up series, based on the feature film—
  exclusively presented in high definition! HD episodes included on 4K UHD discs for maximum space.

The El Dorado Film Festival had the distinct honor of showcasing the most recent Founder’s Circle Winners from the 2023 Louisiana Film Prize – a Shreveport-based short film competition and festival founded in 2012. The group includes an exciting range of compelling visions from a host of intriguing filmmakers. Here is a rundown along with some impressions of the seven short films shown.

“Caught on Tape”

The kinda silly, often funny, and relatively chaste “Caught on Tape” takes a playful look at the warped allure of porn to boys in their early teens. Shot in three days and pulling inspiration from classic coming-of-age movies as well as teen sex comedies, co-directors Chris Alan Evans and Alexander Jeffery put us in the heads of the kids, namely the charming young Finn (Finnegan Collins) who goes looking for salacious treasures hidden in his father’s tool shed. It’s far from a serious examination of the subject, and it feels like there’s so much more story to tell. But sometimes wetting our appetites is the mark of a good short film. (3.5 STARS)

“Pink Suit Black Suit”

There’s a really good idea at the core of effervescent “Pink Suit Black Suit” that’s just waiting to be realized. But beyond the delightfully playful and often funny banter, I can’t escape the feeling that there is so much more to be explored. Directed by Jacob and Jaya McSharma working from a script by Jaya, the story follows a woman named Bianca (played by Jaya) who we meet as she is attending an art show. But what should be a fun and relaxing time is constantly interrupted by two competing voices inside her head. Artfully shot by DP Alexander Jeffery and well acted throughout, it’s the film’s script that ultimately teases more than it delivers. (2.5 STARS)

“Dead Flesh”

The emotionally intense “Dead Flesh” from writer-director Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz is a mesmerizing film from its very first moments despite being a bit murky in its messaging. Rather than anything resembling a plot, the story is more of an internal reckoning. It unfolds within a boxing ring as a young fighter dukes it out with his fiercest challenger – himself. The film is strikingly shot by cinematographer Joewi Verhoeven whose visual shifts from color to monochrome give the movie a charge. As do the impassioned physical performances from brothers Joseph Dodson and Joshua Dodson. (3.5 STARS)

“Clownfish”

“Clownfish”, the third short film from filmmaker Clayton Henderson, immediately strikes you with its sweetness and charm. But the more you watch the more you begin to see the emergence of deeper themes such as finding our self-confidence and embracing our true selves. The story revolves around two people, Frank (Chris Alan Evans) and Elle (Sheilava) who have connected through an internet dating service. They’ve yet to meet in person, content to hide behind the online identities they have created for themselves. But when the opportunity arises, will they have the courage to seize it? Henderson injects his story with warmth and humor. And one somewhat jarring flashback aside, he shows a great knack for character building and storytelling. (4 STARS)

“Off Sides”

I have a real soft spot for mockumentaries and first-time filmmaker Kaitlyn Brown delivers a really good one with “Off Sides”. This hysterical spoof of suburban soccer parents sees Brown taking and playing with an assortment of parent types that nearly anyone with a child in sports will recognize. As for the documentary style, it’s a great fit and deftly handled by Brown. And it helps to have such a terrific cast who all seem perfectly in tune with what the film is going for. “Off Sides” is start-to-finish hilarious yet ever so slyly critical. More than anything, it left me wishing we could get a full feature film somewhere down the line. (4.5 STARS)

“The Capitalist”

There is a lot packed into “The Capitalist” – a little too much to be honest. But there’s also a lot to appreciate in this compelling yet slightly overstuffed short film from writer-director Gian Smith. It could be called a lot of things – a sociopolitical commentary, a character study, a heist film, and perhaps most of all a gritty southern crime thriller. It’s undoubtedly ambitious which turns out to be both a strength and a weakness. Yet the performances are superb and Smith impresses with his management of tone and ability to immerse us in his rich setting. (3.5 STARS)

“The Candy Lady”

The big winner at the 2023 Louisiana Film Prize was Monique Derouselle’s enchanting Deep South fantasy comedy “The Candy Lady”. In it, Debra (wonderfully played by Cheryl Shelton) is a beloved mother figure and candy lady for her entire neighborhood. She’s also an aspiring short story writer who has been tripped up by a frustrating case of writer’s block. But then something…magical happens. Her nephew Marvin (Chris Jones) brings her an old typewriter that when used causes her ideas to hop off the page and into real-life. It’s an entertaining premise and Derouselle has a lot of fun blending genres. Sign me up for whatever she decides to do next. (4 Stars).

Day 3 of the 2024 El Dorado Film Festival was jammed packed with short films and features of every make and model; style and flavor. Among them was Short Film Block #2, yet another curated collection of shorts from around the world. As before, Block #2 featured an eclectic group of selections spanning various genres and telling a wide range of stories. Here is a rundown and some impressions of the EDFF’s second block.

“Wheel”

In director Honora Talbott’s “Wheel” we’re introduced the jittery Louise (Nancy Friedrich) who is a longtime Wheel of Fortune enthusiast. Hoping for a chance to appear on her favorite game show, Louise seeks the help of videographer Soph (Thea Lux) to help her shoot an audition tape. Louise is sweet yet neurotic, blowing every take with her inability to focus. But to our surprise it’s Soph who just might be the most…troubled. Things get a little loud and abrasive, but Talbott, along with writers Friedrich and Lux, still manage warmth and a few good laughs in their story. (3 Stars)

“Florence in Customer Care”

A fabulous Tiffany Trainer plays the titular lead in “Florence in Customer Care”, an absorbing psychological thriller about a quiet and reserved customer service representative who develops an irritable rash that seems to worsen with every bad encounter she has. Co-directors Jordan Sommerlad and Cory Stonebrook do a great job putting us in Florence’s skin which manages to create both empathy and unease. Meanwhile Trainer conveys her character’s insecurities and discomfort with alarming detail. Her performance is a big reason the film works so incredibly well. (4 STARS)

“Beer Club”

Five neighborhood friends gather together for the inaugural meeting of their new beer club. The club’s organizer, Dan (Vincent Sarowatz) is hoping it will be an opportunity to appreciate special craft beers. And he’s especially excited to learn that his wealthy new neighbor has agreed to come. But wouldn’t you know it, things don’t go exactly as planned. In fact, it’s pretty much a disaster. Writer-director Nate Shively’s big screen comedy influences are obvious. But “Beer Club” feels more like it’s imitating those influences rather than doing something fresh and original with them. (2 STARS)

“The Bathtub”

In “The Bathtub” exasperated Ramon (Abel Folk) sits down in a warm soothing bath when his phone suddenly rings. Annoyed, he answers the call and hears the voice of a telemarketer named Clara (Paula Jornet). He tries politely brushing her off, but her persistence leads to him angrily unloading on her. After Clara bursts into tears, a guilt-ridden Ramon apologizes. It sparks a conversation that just might change both of their lives. Writer-director Sergi Martí reveals a lot through this one phone call. And both Folk and Jornet deliver emotionally rich performances that give the audience a look beyond the simple exchange we hear. (4 STARS)

“Smoke”

Delving beyond the well-documented physical dangers of firefighting, “Smoke” offers a clear-eyed examination of the psychological and emotional traumas associated with such a high-stress occupation. It focuses on an Allen, Texas fireman named Jesse (David DeLao) who returns home after a distressing day at work. His wife Tanya (Anna Antonia) senses that something is wrong, but Jesse insists he’s fine. It quickly becomes evident he’s not. As things play out at home, director Joshua Gallas shrewdly cuts back to Jesse and his company fighting a fire. These scenes are filmed with an intense and unshowy realism that adds to the emotional heft of Jesse’s story. (4 STARS)

“Credit”

There is a lot to admire about “Credit” from the filmmaking duo of Patrick and Susan Kirton. They tell the touching story of the unlikely friendship that forms between a young pop star (Eric Mason Kirton) and a down on his luck veteran actor (Brad Maule). One’s star is skyrocketing while the other has watched his career unfairly stall. One is terrified of what lies ahead of him; the other has years of wisdom from his former life in the spotlight. The relationship that blooms is organic and authentic, driven by strong performances from Maule and Kirton. And while it may get a little melodramatic, the story has some thoughtful things to say about loyalty, respect, and giving credit where credit is due. (3.5 STARS)

I remember seeing “Twister” in the theaters on opening weekend back in May of 1996. And I can’t count home many times I watched it on home video. Who could have guessed that 28 years later we would get a $200 million standalone sequel. Yet here we are only a few months away from “Twisters”. To get us ready, the first trailer was released and it looks fun. Silly beyond measure, but fun.

“Twisters” is directed by Lee Isaac Chung (“Minari”) and stars the captivating trio of Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos. The action-packed trailer promises us plenty of danger, plenty of destruction, and plenty of scenes showing Powell flashing that signature smile. Written by Mark. L Smith (“The Revenant”), the film is an entirely original story set in the modern day and will feature none of the characters from the first film. Who knows what to expect, but by the looks of it we could be in for a good time.

“Twisters” opens exclusively in theaters on July 19th. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.

Among the highlights of the 2024 El Dorado Film Festival’s first full day was Short Film Block #1, a curated collection of six dramatic short films spanning a wide variety of styles, themes, and genres. It was an eclectic blend that featured drama, comedy, science-fiction, and even a musical. Here is a rundown of the short films along with a few impressions.

“Music for a While”

With “Music for a While”, writer-director Kelvin Z. Phillips has made an aching yet beautifully lyrical short film that taps into the filmmaker’s longtime love for musicals. Exquisitely shot in New York City, this elegant and heartfelt poem uses the ambiance and aura of the city and melds it with the transportive power of music. Drawing inspiration from Baroque composer Henry Purcell and pulling from some of his own experiences, Phillips delivers something that you will see, hear, and feel. (4.5 STARS)

“Break”

Director Sam Henderson’s “Break” follows a jazz trio minutes away from performing a live television recording that could finally put them on the map. The problem is they had to scramble to get a new drummer, ending up with a nervous young kid fresh out of Juilliard who has never laid eyes on the music. Tension builds as their time approaches sending the story to an unexpected and slightly unfulfilling conclusion. Shot in gorgeous 35MM black-and-white, “Break” looks great and feels plucked out of time. (3.5 STARS)

“Chairs”

Writer, director, and producer James Hughes takes an utterly absurd premise beyond its limits in the simple yet fittingly titled “Chairs”. A terrific Georgina Campbell plays a psychiatrist whose new patient Joel (Akemnji Ndifornyen) has a most unusual issue – he is aroused by…plastic chairs. I won’t give away the weird places this wacky comedy goes, but writer, director, and producer James Hughes takes some crazy leaps that are often funny but hard to stay onboard with. (2.5 STARS)

“Outpost”

Science-fiction lover and bonafide Star Wars enthusiast Jamie Costa jumps feet-first into the genre he clearly loves with “Outpost”. This sci-fi swashbuckler sees Costa playing a scoundrel shooting his way out of an old bunker after snatching a highly sought artifact. But before he and his snarky robotic orb can escape, they’re attacked by a mysterious stranger who turns out to be the last person they expected to see. Filmed in just one day, writer-director Ben Anklam does a lot within that short time. And while his story sets up more than it reveals, “Outpost” captures what so many of us love about the sci-fi genre. (3.5 STARS)

“Purgy’s”

Writer-director Robbie Bryan’s fascinating “Purgy’s” plays like a neo-noir episode of “The Twilight Zone” with some spiritual flavor. The film is built around a terrific premise that has deeply personal roots for the filmmaker. And you can sense Bryan’s heart in every frame. The story is set in a bar where people come together and discover they have more of a connection than they first realize. I know that’s vague, but “Purgy’s” is a film best experienced blind. It won’t take you long to figure out what’s going on. But Bryan’s visual savvy and heartfelt storytelling sucks you in. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to have the great Richard Riehle as one of your stars. (4.5 STARS)

“They Grow Up So Fast”

John Beach writes, directs, and stars in “They Grow Up So Fast”, a lightning-paced comedy that earns its title in ways you might not expect. For Brian (Beach) and Amy (Emily Althaus), a wild night on the town leads to a one-night stand. And that’s when things get weird. As Brian tries to sneak out Amy suddenly informs him she’s pregnant. A minute later she’s in labor. Another minute later their son is ready for pre-school. Is Brian in some kind of time warp? We never know. It can be needlessly crass but also very funny as Beach packs some pretty big laughs into his zany story. (3.5 STARS)