YAMag Editor Mordechai Laub attended the whirlwind festival in Austin last month, reporting back to us on the films he caught:

 

WHAT IT’S ABOUT – The story of two boys in search of adventure. What they find is a man named Mud, without a past and hiding an unknown agenda.

THE YA TAKE – This is a piece that deserves recognition. Mud is played by Matthew McConaughey, who delivers a powerful performance. He pulls himself together in this one and shows a side we have never seen before. Reese Witherspoon again shows us an Academy Award-worthy experience, guiding two young adults, played by Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland, who in turn evoke the notion that even when you’re young, you can be a hero.

 

 

Spring Breakers

WHAT IT’S ABOUT – Four girls (Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine) looking for a fun time on spring break end up landing themselves in jail after getting caught up with Alien (James Franco).

THE YA TAKE – LOUD. There was this undeniable intensity throughout the whole film; the insistent sound of a trigger at every turn. A standout scene shows the girls in a parking lot singing Britney Spears, like a dream come true (of sorts) for young adults who just want to feel accepted. After seeing the film I’m not sure I would send my kids on spring break, but watching this film is harmless fun.

Don Jon

WHAT IT’S ABOUT – Young adult Don Jon, played by the brilliant Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is addicted to porn. His computer takes away all imagination and tells him what sex can be, but when Barbara (Scarlett Johansson) is ready to take the next step, his real life sex life doesn’t stack up.	THE YA TAKE – This film was remarkable. I wanted more. Real life versus make believe. Usually we see the boy and girl live happily ever after, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but here, we go the other way and see the guy’s more ‘balls out’ side of things. The film explores how men just want women to understand them, just as much as women want to be understood. A tall order, but this film deals with one man in one	situation. Favorite line: “Have you ever done it without the Internet?” (uttered by the inimitable Julianne Moore ofBoogie Nights fame). Don Jon really says a lot about who we are and how baby steps can change the course of our lives and loves.

 

Coldwater

WHAT IT’S ABOUT – Newcomer P.J. Boudousqué plays Brad Lunders in this epic story of a young man who knows his wrongs but gets put away for it anyways. Thrown into military camp with no way out, he finds himself working towards a suicide rebellion.

THE YA TAKE – Best film at the festival. Reminiscent of Stephen King’s Shawshank Redemption, the feeling of being trapped in camp with the rest of the crew is palpable here. Most of this has to do with the brilliant work of Boudousqué. If I were to recast Gale in The Hunger Games he would be my pick—he’s like a fresh Ryan Gosling. Without any prior training, his performance was remarkably fascinating; P.J. is able to communicate exactly what he has to say without speaking any words. I give the film an A++ and would like to see more from everyone who was a part of it, music included (Chris Chatham and Mark Miserocchi).

 

Drinking Buddies WHAT IT’S ABOUT – Two buddies, Olivia Wilde (The O.C. and House) and Jake Johnson (New Girl), work at a brewery, both with significant others. Question: can a boy and girl remain JUST friends? THE YA TAKE – This film was a refresher from all the artsy and intense dramas throughout the festival. The conclusion took note from old classics—not the predictable Hollywood ending you might think, but was the Hollywood ending it should be.

Snap

WHAT IT’S ABOUT – Jim Whitman is a young hacker, played by Jake Hoffman, who is not aware of his surroundings. What seems to be Asperger syndrome turns out to be something more.

THE YA TAKE – The only likable thing about this film was Thomas Dekker and Nikki Reed. It’s too bad their talent was wasted. Though, there was one interesting moment when Jim tries to get Jake (Thomas) out of his ear with a screwdriver.

—ML