Upstream Struggle for Limited Releases

February 4, 2005

As usual, there is an eclectic mix of limited releases this week with inspirational sports stories, a musical documentary , a mockumentary, Oscar hopefuls that just missed the cut, and more.

Assisted Living - Reviews
Michael Bonsignore is Todd, a stoned janitor at a nursing home who treats the residents as if they are there for his own amusement, (for instance, he makes prank phone calls pretending to be their dead relatives in heaven). The film was shot in a real nursing home using a mix of actors and actual residents and was a fan favorite on the festival circuit winning the Grand Jury Prize at Slamdance. However, when it comes to jokes about aging, there's a fine line between humorous and cruel. Depending on your personal opinion, this film may cross that line frequently.

Daybreak - Reviews
An interwoven story, taking place over 24 hours involving several people in a small Swedish town. An ambitious project, but the ending isn't as tight as it should be. The film was made in 2003 and won several Golden Beetles, the Swedish equivalent to the Oscar. The film opened at the Film Forum in New York City on Wednesday.

Nobody Knows - Reviews
When a mother of four flakes out one day and leaves, her children must survive on their own, even though they have never been to school and barely left their apartment. This film was Japan's official entry for Best Foreign Language Oscar, and that is reflected in the unanimous praise it has earned. The film opens at the Landmark Sunshine in New York City before expanding in the coming weeks.

The Nomi Song - Reviews
He came from outer space to save the human race. Klaus Nomi was one of the most eccentric artists of the late 70s early 80s, combining Opera and Rock 'n' Roll. But while his star was still rising his life came to an end, as he became one of the first celebrities to die from AIDS. The documentary tells his story from the point of view of those who knew him and opens tonight in New York City and Los Angeles.

Rory O'Shea Was Here - Reviews
After meeting in a residential home and striking up a friendship, two severally disabled men decide to movie out and make it on their own. With that subject matter there's a great potential for uncomfortable scenes, which accounts for the mixed reviews. The cast (mostly newcomers) is receiving high praise, and the film won the coveted Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The film, which also goes by the name Inside I'm Dancing, opens tonight in Los Angeles and New York City before expanding over the coming months.

Sons of Provo - No Reviews
A mockumentary about a Mormon boy band, Everclean. A Mighty Wind for the LDS set. The film opens in seven theaters in Utah tonight, but too many inside jokes will limit its appeal outside that market.

Swimming Upstream - Reviews
The real life story of Australian swimming champion Tony Fingleton. Great performances and an inspirational story are held back by an unsatisfying ending, but overall the film is still worth watching. The widest limited release of the weekend, it opens in 17 theaters in major markets tonight and should expand further in the coming weeks.

Also worth noting, multiple Oscar Nominee, Hotel Rwanda nearly doubles its theatre count to 823 theaters. Still not enough to challenge for a spot in the top ten, but the film should have its best weekend nonetheless.

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Filed under: Limited Releases, Hotel Rwanda, Nobody Knows, Rory O'Shea Was Here