Sidewalk Film Festival 2016

 

This past weekend was one for the books! I actually think I need a weekend to recover from this one. Not only did I get to see Drake in ATL on Friday night (amazing!) but Atlanta was only a short visit and it was back to Bham since Saturday and Sunday were booked up for the 18th annual Sidewalk Film Festival! As you may know I love movies and this is the perfect way to see indies, local and even some I probably would never check out if they weren't at the festival!

Tickets

 

This was my second year at Sidewalk and like last year I opted for the VIP Pass, it can get pricy as the festival gets closer so I recommend purchasing yours earlier rather than later. They also have weekend passes as well as single day passes you can purchase as well. I like VIP because it guarantees you get into each film, front of the line access, free snacks, VIP lounge and is an overall good deal.  For the least expensive price on any tickets be sure to buy early!

 

Getting Around

 

Everything is pretty much within walking distance of each other, there are several venues to watch each film so check your program and see which spots you will be in. I always like to park in the lot across from the Alabama Theater, it cost $10 but it is very convenient plus safe! There are signs along the way to direct you and if you don't feel like walking to the venues there are trams and bicycles for you free of charge. We felt safe the entire weekend and there was a good amount of security but as with any bigger city or any event for that matter be aware of your surroundings, pay attention and be smart.

 

VIP Lounge

One cool thing that is included with the VIP pass is the lounge. This year's was really well done! Light snacks since it was super hot outside, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and you got to be in the air condition for a bit if you needed a break from the walking!

Oh and they even had massages! The lovely ladies from the Aveda Institutes South were giving free neck, back and hand massages. Let me tell you the neck massage was a God-send after craning my neck for a few hours at films (I know such a hard life #firstworldproblems) but I have such a bad neck and back from my former cheerleading days that it was heavenly! You also got a card for a free massage at their spa for the future which will definitely be put to use.

 

Films, Food and More

 

When you get your event guide be sure to look it over and start selecting which films are your "must-see" now when you are in a group things can get a bit more complicated. Odds are that not everyone is going to like the same things so I think it's best to compromise and have each person pick at least one film that is their "must". Or you can always split up and meet up before another film, it's up to you! And if all of your group wants to see the same films then snaps to you because you've made you life easy (yay).

 

Film festivals like Sidewalk are the perfect way to see some great documentaries (Chicken People, it's legit a thing), beautiful cinematography (The Love Witch), brilliant style pieces (Cheerleader, maybe my favorite film of the fest), and fantastic indies (the terrific Morris Comes to America). I also love the short films! Especially the horror shorts, it's great seeing lots of film styles in a short time and you get more than one story so you feel like you are experiencing more.

 

If you get hungry there are tons of food trucks (shout out to Big Spoon Creamery and Mimi's Soda) as well as your standard movie theater snacks in each venue! I would recommend brining cash since a lot of the theaters are older so it's easier to pay cash plus with food trucks, theaters, etc. you never know if the system might go down so keep cash handy!

What to Wear

 

You will be sitting down. A lot. You will be walking in the heat a lot of the time in between films so dress comfortably! This is not the time for that form fitting bodycon dress (save that for next weekend) but breezy sundresses, sandals, tees and tennis are my go to! Guys if you are reading just stick with shorts, jeans and tees. Everyone just needs to be comfortable so they can enjoy the movies! And so you can eat your popcorn and milk duds with no remorse or shame.

 

Final Thoughts

Birmingham has come such a long way in the past couple of years and events like Sidewalk are drawing in more people than ever. The event is well priced, unique, and fun for those that live here and those that are traveling just for the festival. Trust me you won't be disappointed! Very well organized, safe, and it offers a bit of a break on an otherwise monotonous August weekend. I highly recommend Sidewalk!

For more information on next year's event click here! Start making your preparations now!

Are there any film festivals in your area? Which ones do I need to visit? Let me know!

Happy Film Watching!

xoxo,

See It or Skip It: March Movie Edition

Hey guys! Hope everyone is having a productive and happy hump day! It's been a busy few weeks, who is ready for summer!? I know I am and with warmer months that means it's almost summer movie season! Right now though we are still in spring mode but there have been plenty of movies that pack a summer punch.

Zootopia



One glance at the cute Disney poster and you may think Zootopia is just a fun kids movie. It is but in reality it is much more. The film which takes place in the fictional world of Zootopia, where predator and prey live in harmony together, yes, that means none of the animals eat each other, covers racism, sexism, tolerance and everything in between. In today's world it is important for kids to see a film like this and some adults could benefit a lesson or two from the movie. While young ones will enjoy there are jokes for the older crowd too (try and spot the Breaking Bad nod!). One of my favorite films of the year so far! Check out the trailer now!

SEE IT

10 Cloverfield Lane



Hyped as a follow up to the 2008 found footage film, Cloverfield, the J.J. Abrams vehicle did not disappoint. The trailer was released weeks before the film premiered and left very little clues to what the film was about. I don't want to spoil it for you but it's not what you think it is. I'll just leave it at that. The movie proves monsters come in all types of shapes and sizes and some aren't always the aliens you see destroying a city. John Goodman is excellent in the film as a paranoid, conspiracy theorist housing two civilians after what looks to be a terrorist attack. I won't give away much more but you can check out the trailer here!

SEE IT

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2




Ok, I'm Greek and when the original premiered over a decade ago, my family loved the movie! It is still one of my favorites and if I ever see it on, I always stop to watch. It's a romantic comedy classic that was smart, charming and different. When I saw there would be a second one after all these years, I did not have high expectations. What a pleasant surprise! The entire cast is back and while not as original as the first, it is still a fun film that is perfect for girls night, family movie outing or a date. My theater was actually sold out when we saw it and the audience loved it. Yes, Greeks are very similar to the way they are portrayed although my family has never used Windex. We aren't that crazy. I don't think. See the cast Opa! 13 years later in the trailer here!

SEE IT

London Has Fallen



Gerard Butler is back to the save the day and President (again) except this time it's across the pond. When a master terrorist attack takes place in London, the president has to be saved and there's only one man who can do it. The film, a sequel to the 2013 Olympus Has Fallen, is non-stop action from start to finish. I liked the original, did it need a sequel? Probably not but we were granted one and for what it is, it's not half bad. The plot is basically a reason to see Gerard Butler take down a room full of bad guys reciting one liners and all while wearing an expensive suit. The movie is not bad, it isn't great either but if you are looking for a film to get your adrenaline pumping then this is the one for you! Check out the high energy trailer here!

SKIP IT in theaters and save for a Redbox or Netflix night at home. Unless you LOVED the first one or an action buff SEE IT in theaters.

Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice



One of the most highly anticipated movies of the year is here and has already made millions this past weekend. Opening to mixed reviews from critics, Batman vs. Superman is a thrill ride with two of the biggest comic legends finally meeting on the big screen. Why are they fighting you ask? Well, Bruce Wayne aka Batman witnesses Wayne Tower falling after Superman saves the city of Metropolis, an event that took place two years ago in the film Man of Steel. Not knowing what Superman exactly is, I mean he is an alien who has super powers, Batman worries Superman will go all villain on the world at some point thus destroying humanity. Or something like that. Watch the trailer here!

The plot is a bit muddled, Lex Luthor and Wonder Woman are also involved, but people want to see action and fight scenes with the title characters and they get both. I am not a comic book fan but I do enjoy the movies, not knowing everything about the characters and back history, I still really liked the movie. This film is not on par with the Christopher Nolan trilogy from a few years ago but I will say Ben Affleck is probably the best Bruce Wayne/ Batman of all the films made to date. As a rule, I don't listen too much to what critics say, I suggest the same for you. This is a superhero movie so I have no idea why it has gotten such a bad rap. It's not an Oscar contender but who cares? Sometimes you just like to go to the movies and have fun. Form your own opinions! Then blog about them :)

SEE IT

Hope you enjoyed my See It or Skip It for the month! Now go grab some candy and go to the nearest theater!

xoxo,


 

See it or Skip It: Movie Edition

Hello all! Hope everyone has started out 2016 with a bang! We all wanted cooler weather back in December to get into the Christmas season. Well Christmas has come and gone but now in January we have the cold weather! When it gets cold out I love going to the movies with my friends, seeing a movie then getting dinner or drinks after is my all-time favorite. If you go to the movies a lot like we do then check out Deal Flicks on ways to save at your local theater.

Let me give a see and skip it of some of the movies I've seen the last couple of days!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens



Ok, unless you have been living under a rock this has been the biggest movie of the year. We are talking Avatar-Titanic beating records big movie. I will admit I know next to nothing about Star Wars. I've seen all the films including the truly terrible Episode 1 (hey Jar Jar) but could I tell you the exact plot of all them? Not exactly. All you need to know is a simple...good vs. evil. Good (Jedi) vs. Siths (Darth Vader,etc..) bad.  I went with my whole family to see this on Christmas Day and we were all pleasantly surprised, even if you are not a huge fan or don't know tons about the franchise, you will enjoy this movie! Oh and all my Girls fans, Adam Driver is in this so reason enough to check it out.

SEE IT

Watch the trailer here!

Sisters



Y'all...I flat out loved this movie. Tina Fey and my spirit animal Amy Poehler are perfect in this film about two sister, one is perfect and the other not so much. When they return to their childhood home and discover it has been sold they decide to throw one final party to commemorate their time in the house. It is the party to end all parties with some sweet, racy and dramatic scenes in between. Wonderfully written and fantastic casting make this film a must-see, I've actually seen it twice!

SEE IT

Watch the trailer here!

Daddy's Home



I really wasn't expecting too much from this one, it looked cute but just ok. Will Ferrell plays the straight laced stepdad and Mark Wahlberg is the cool, edgy dad who comes back into the kids lives seemingly to get his ex-wife and family back. The movie was actually pretty funny and would make a great date night and a film pretty much everyone would enjoy. There is also a pretty good cameo at the end!

SEE IT

Watch the trailer here!

Joy 
 

Jennifer Lawrence is back in Oscar form in this empowering film based on the woman who created the the "Miracle Mop". Even with her house filled with crazy family members she rises to the top and transforms into the matriarch she was always destined to become. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and would not be shocked if J.Law picks up her second Best Actress Oscar this year. The film also reunites her and Bradley Cooper on screen as well as director David O' Russell from Silver Linings Playbook.

SEE IT

 

Watch the trailer here!
 

And one I can't wait to see...

 

The Revenant

 

The Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy venture looks to be one of the biggest of the upcoming awards season. I love Tom Hardy and think he is one of the most talented actors out there and will this finally be the year Leo snags his much anticipated Oscar win? This one hits theaters everywhere Friday, January 8th!

Look at the trailer here!

Hope you enjoyed those recaps! Tell me your thoughts on these movies and any that you have loved recently! We are getting ready for awards season and I want to check out all the nominees this year!

Let's all go to the movies!

xoxo,