Now that the Tribeca Film Festival has officially wrapped and all of the competing films hopefully wait to be purchased and distributed to a theater near you, I thought I’d take a moment to officially wrap-up my coverage of the festival. Take a look below at the films you should see in theaters, wait for rental, or skip completely…

SEE IT IN THEATERS:

ANY DAY NOW

Without a doubt my favorite film at the festival (it also won Heineken’s Audience Award so I guess I wasn’t the only one). The story of a gay couple fighting against the courts for custody of a young boy is not only heartbreaking, but perfectly compelling. And Alan Cumming shines as the eccentric Rudy Donatello. Check out my review here: http://www.themoviebanter.com/2012/04/tribeca-review-%E2%80%93-any-day-now/

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

An enjoyable quirky comedy written by (and also starring) Glee’s Chris Colfer. While the film is filled with high school stereotypes, there’s a certain realism to it thanks to its dark and unforgiving tone. See it if not just for the impressive ensemble cast this film has rounded up. Check out my review here: http://www.themoviebanter.com/2012/04/tribeca-review-%E2%80%93-struck-by-lightning-starring-chris-colfer/

EDDIE THE SLEEPWALKING CANNIBAL

The strangest movie I saw at the festival, and also the most fun I’ve had at a theater in a long time. Take the title literally, that’s actually the plot of this film. If you can embrace it for its cheesy greatness you will have a blast with it. Check out my review here: http://www.themoviebanter.com/2012/04/tribeca-review-%E2%80%93-eddie-the-sleepwalking-cannibal/

RENT IT:

KEEP THE LIGHTS ON

A very realistic (and often gruesome) look at a relationship from start to finish. Think ‘Blue Valentine’ but with a New York City gay couple. I enjoyed this film a lot, but the quarrels of this couple start to get a bit repetitive and rather frustrating for the audience to watch (like most couples films out there). Check it out but be warned, just like the relationship depicted, this film drags a bit towards the end.

SKIP IT:

DEATH OF A SUPERHERO

My least favorite film at the festival for the sheer fact that it was extremely depressing. I’ve seen morbid movies before but this one takes the cake. Maybe it was the filmmaker’s intention? Either way, with a combination of unlikable characters and a devastating portrayal of a young cancer-stricken teen, you should stay clear of this one. Check out my review here: http://www.themoviebanter.com/2012/04/tribeca-review-%E2%80%93-death-of-a-superhero/

DEADFALL

I walked out of this theater in absolute confusion. Boasting an extremely impressive cast (Olivia Wilde, Sissy Spacek, Kris Kristofferson, and Eric Bana) this film will have no trouble getting purchased and distributed to mainstream cinemas. It’s packed with action, a slick icy setting, and sultry romance scenes. But what it lacks is a story that makes any sense at all. Every plot development is contrived; there are strange storylines that are touched upon but never fully explained (that bizarre incestual relationship?), and wooden performances from Kate Mara (sister of Rooney Mara) and Channing Tatum wannabe Charlie Hunnam. I imagine this is a perfect film to be distributed in January of next year, known as dump-month to people in the industry, but some teen audiences will be interested in checking it out just for Olivia Wilde’s nude scenes. But if you have a brain, skip this one.

Well there you have it folks. Another spring has passed, another Tribeca Film Festival has wrapped. Hopefully, some of you were able to check out a few films at the festival, and if not keep your fingers crossed they get picked up for distribution, there were definitely some great ones!

We’ll see you next year at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival banters!