Title: Downtown Express Director: David Grubin Starring: Philippe Quint, Nellie McKay, Michael Cumpsty, Ashley Springer, Carolyn McCormick An old-fashioned, squarely sentimental immigrants’ tale that marries a familiar story of generational rebellion to the New York hipster fusion music scene, director David Grubin’s “Downtown Express” is a wide-eyed if not particularly adroit charmer. If its awkward cycling through various stodgy subplots and general lack of a more starkly defined contrast and stakes mark it as somewhat lazy and functional on a narrative level, its relative freshness of setting — as well as the fact that its music absolutely sings — makes the movie a marginal recommendation for those with an interest in musically-focused cinema. The [ Read More ]...
- 8/24/2012
- by bsimon
- ShockYa
David Grubin’s first feature film will prove quite the experience for musicians, music lovers and, well, pretty much everyone else. In Downtown Express, the esteemed television documentarian and producer marries his passion for classical music to his deep interest in the American immigrant’s personal, political and cultural experience. The resulting product is a story not entirely unfamiliar to the viewer or the big screen: after immigrating to the States, a parent and child clash as they develop conflicting notions of the American Dream. However, the musical essence of the film (which has no score, but a constant, live flow of...
- 4/23/2012
- Pastemagazine.com
Since her 2004 debut album Get Away From Me, musician Nellie McKay has proved herself to be astonishingly versatile. The London-born, New York-raised songstress can change genres during the running time of a single tune. "Sari" features her rapping to a Bach-like accompaniment, and "I Want to Get Married" sounds romantic and even a bit creepy because the subject of the tune is losing one's own identity in a relationship. The gentle piano chords hide some pretty disturbing lyrics. She also offered a sincere appreciation for the artistry of Doris Day in her Normal as Blueberry Pie album, and her Home Sweet Mobile Home album is something we in Kansas can relate to. It's not that McKay is merely flitting with styles or even media; she's astonishingly good at whatever musical instrument she touches or even which medium she chooses. She won a Theatre World Award for playing Polly Peachum in...
- 4/20/2012
- by Dan Lybarger
- Moviefone
Texas is known for some great film festivals. apart from SXSW and Fantastic Fest, both held in Austin – Houston also hosts some wonderful events. Among them is the Cinema Arts Festival. This year’s line-up is extremely strong, with titles that include Pina, David Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method, The Artist and the World Premiere of Art Car: The Movie. Sadly we do not have any contributors over in Houston, but I did feel the need to quickly promote the festival. Here is the press release.
Houston – Now in its third year, Cinema Arts Festival Houston, which runs from November 9 to 13, 2011 will bring an ambitious program of films by and about artists to the vibrant Texas city known internationally for its dynamic art scene. From painting and dance to classical music and multimedia work, this edition will also include appearances by directors, actors, musicians, and special tributes to Ethan Hawke and documentary master Patricio Guzman.
Houston – Now in its third year, Cinema Arts Festival Houston, which runs from November 9 to 13, 2011 will bring an ambitious program of films by and about artists to the vibrant Texas city known internationally for its dynamic art scene. From painting and dance to classical music and multimedia work, this edition will also include appearances by directors, actors, musicians, and special tributes to Ethan Hawke and documentary master Patricio Guzman.
- 10/31/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
The 3rd annual Cinema Arts Festival Houston will run from November 9-13 and will present a number of notable films making their regional premieres, including "Coriolanus," "A Dangerous Method," "The Artist," "Pina" and "Crazy Horse." The festival's opening night film is David Grubin's "Downtown Express" and the closing film is the world premiere of "Art Car," a new documentary about local artists preparing for the 2010 Houston Art Car Parade. ...
- 10/18/2011
- Indiewire
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