FAIRYLAND – ★★★★

Thank goodness for cry-baby sessions. Well done to MIFF for being inclusive and offering these to parents of babies, so they too can enjoy MIFF. I didn’t realise going into it that it was one of these, but it was helpful; the gurgle and noise of the babies was the right amount of distracting to stop me from being far more emotional during this film. It’s primarily set in San Francisco over the 1970s and 1980s, and unlike Fremont the other day, San Francisco had a starring role. Was lovely to see shots of the Sutro Tower and other landmarks. It’s about a widower gay dad raising his daughter, and is based on the memoirs written by the daughter. Scoot McNairy who plays the father was brilliant. I’ve loved his work since his role on Halt and Catch Fire. Sometimes predictable, but didn’t overly sugar-coat and had several scenes that made you laugh, and cry (though not as much, thanks to the crying babies). Probably the best of the festival so far.

THE CARNIVAL – ★★☆

Slightly similar to another documentary, “Because We Have Each Other” from MIFF last year. In this one, it follows an Aussie family who’ve been running a touring carnival for the past century. Similar to last year’s; it’s interesting enough to watch, but I’m not really clear on the intent. And similarly, I think this could have just as easily been an hour long Australian Story episode.

HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE – ★☆

Oh my, this was so bad it was nearly “so bad it’s good”. But, it didn’t get there. For a seemingly well-financed film, they desperately needed someone overseeing the production to say something before it was released as is. It’s the story is about a bunch of young angry folks who want to blow up a (you guessed it) pipeline. Their intent is to make a statement against oil companies. Tries to be a clever heist movie with twists, but takes itself so seriously, with near constant foreboding soundtrack while simultaneously not really delivering. I felt no empathy for the protagonists, and given the purpose of the film, not showing the results of their action was odd. (did they succeed in making a difference? How did the media cover it? And so on). I think I audibly groaned.

SHORTCOMINGS – ★★★☆

After so many films in one day, and knowing I’d have to experience the sub-standard seats and sound of The Comedy Theatre for this one, I’ll admit I was dragging my heels to come to this final session of the day. I almost walked out 2 minutes in, but luckily the opening cliche-ridden, groan-inducing scene was a film within the film. I’m glad I stuck around, as the actual film was pretty good. An American comedy with a predominantly Asian American cast, this appears to be an “Answer film” of sorts to Crazy Rich Asians. it deals with modern relationships and the settings of San Francisco and NYC were nice to see again; seems to have been a theme this MIFF. Several laugh out loud moments, and doesn’t play by the numbers when setting up well used tropes.