The SXSW film festival finished with another astonishing line up of films, making the beast that is SXSW continue to grow with a strong lineup that once again proves the beast that is SXSW is a formidable player in the international film festival world. Sprinkle a little Sundance and a hint of Austin weirdness with thousands of film lovers and dozens of filmmakers rubbing shoulders.
It wasn’t always this way. SXSW used to focus more on micro-budgeted indie features and documentaries, but in recent years studios have also started to flock to Texas, which has given SXSW more star power and clout. Here are our favorite films from this year’s festival.
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL is almost like an adult version of an adventurous 1980’s youth adventure, when the grown-ups are the bad guys, as the kid takes on the star role and headlines the harrowing journey. Only this time, the kid has super powers and there are actually a few more adults acting as good guys. Jeff Nichols helms this film as, MIDNIGHT SPECIAL highlights a chase across the country as a couple of creepy religious zealots, a bunch of government spooks and a couple of grown-ups trying to do the right thing harness the super human powers of a special child in the effort to capture him or guarantee his freedom.
Sausage Party gives the vibe of a film that features a few of Hollywood’s best actors and comedians for another random animated film. But this outrageously raunchy, CG ‘animated film will actually have viewers saying “holy s**t!”, while laughing uncontrollably. Dreamed-up from twisted minds of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, this R-rated animated comedy is like a perverted Pixar film with weed and twisted humor. While the film wasn’t presented in it’s full final edited cut, the story and humor is the to your laughter heart attack you’ll most likely encounter during the film.
Richard Linklater’s long-awaited “sequel” to Dazed and Confused delivers a masterpiece of college debauchery with it’s ensemble cast. The film explores the perverted moments of freedom after our teenage years as we enter the world of college adulthood when a house of sin, heavy booze, babes, and sports, ruled the life of young men. This is coming of age comedy is easily Linklater’s funniest film since Dazed, as he reigns king of comedic ensemble story-telling. The film is slated to hit theaters this April.
It’s been a really long time since we’ve seen Pee-wee’s big-screen adventures. Can you believe Paul Rubens is 63 years old? Judd Apatow and director John Lee developed an enjoyable continuation film filled with some of Pee-Wee’s old playful gags funny gadgets that surround the character’s life in this made for Netflix movie. It may not be a hit with the millennial crowd, but some of us that grew up in the 80’s and 90’s will appreciate Paul Reubens’ beloved character on the big screen (after 1985’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”). “Big Holiday,” is the first Netflix film to premeir at SXSW.
Tower, directed by Keith Maitland, explores the 1966 University of Texas clock tower mass shooting that took place here in Austin. The film doesn’t get any more local than this as it features archival news footage and audio recordings with reenacted scenes and witness interviews established in a beautiful and almost watercolor animation process. The film is loaded with tense drama making it an extremely emotional film for those who lived through the terrifying moment in history.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…