Capsule Movie Reviews From the 2018 Florida Film
Capsule Movie Reviews From the 2018 Florida Film Festival
The 27th annual Florida Film Festival, produced by the Anglian Theater and held in Central Florida each April,
features nearly 200 feature and short films from around the world, in addition to celebrity guests, special events,
film forums and parties. This year’s festival includes feature films and feature films from the documentary program,
as well as special screenings of food films, international films, midnight films, family programming and Florida
films. Below is a sample of the films reviewed in various categories.
Three identical strangers
In Spotlight Films. Documentary.
Capsule Movie Reviews From the 2018 Florida Film Festival
This fascinating documentary tells the story of three young men living in New York who, at the age of 19, find out
that they were separated at birth and adopted by three different Jewish families. Their bizarre reunions – with their
handsome faces and outgoing personalities – found them on the cover pages of print media and invited them to talk
shows across the country. Their incredible similarities were noticed: they smoked cigarettes of the same brand, liked
older women, and were on their high school wrestling team. They became good friends and lived together, and they
also opened a restaurant called Triplets. The story takes a dark turn when their three parents start asking for answers
as to why they were originally separated. A journalist gets caught up in their case and things get even more
confusing. The story is effectively told through some recreated scenes, which are more useful than artistic, but they
also help to evoke the emotions of the audience. Older home videos, news footage, and current interviews with
family, friends, and researchers shed some light on the mystery of their separation, but viewers – like brothers – are
still left questioning when the credit roll. Directed by Tim Wardal. The stars are David Kelman, Robert Shaffron,
Eddie Galland. Running time: 96 minutes. MPAA Rating: Not rated. 4/5
Return to Burgundy
Capsule Movie Reviews From the 2018 Florida Film Festival
In the Food Films sidebar. In French, Spanish and English with English subtitles. Story feature.
This heartwarming descriptive drama captures the intoxicating atmosphere of the French Vineyard where most of
the film was shot. Jean’s father kicked him out of the house with his cold criticism, and now, 10 years later, his father
is pulling him back. The return visit is more important than the departure, because his father is dying. Jean’s new life
begins when his father’s life ends. The eldest of three children – all equally home and vineyards – Jean must decide
whether he wants to stay in the long-term family business, rent or sell his stake. Using his feelings about his siblings,
his relationship with his father, and his time to separate from his wife and child, Jean has to face important
Capsule Movie Reviews From the 2018 Florida Film Festival
decisions, and this time he cannot escape. Shiny, rich and multi-layered, the film has beautiful cinematography,
delightful performance and telling story. Enjoy it with a glass of wine. Directed by Cedric Klapisch. The stars are Pio
Marmai, Anna Girardot, Francois Civil, Jean-Marc Roulette, Maria Valverde. Running time: 113 minutes. MPAA
Rating: Not rated. 4/5
Ramen Heads
In the Food Films sidebar. In Japanese with English subtitles. Documentary feature.
This mouth-watering documentary introduces ramen noodles in a completely new way for non-Japanese, where a
Capsule Movie Reviews From the 2018 Florida Film Festival
fanatical culture exists for the slurp-able noodles found in this everyday dish. The story focuses primarily on Tomito
Osamu, a chef who wins the Best Ramen Award for his unique broth cooked a full three days before serving. To
celebrate the tenth anniversary of his small restaurant, he enlists the help of two other well-known Ramen chefs to
help create something special for the day. Just as his ramen elements combine “witch brew” elements, so this
documentary covers this and that. In addition to Tomito’s professional and personal life, the film explores other
Ramen restaurants for their chef’s tips, provides an animated history of Ramen Noodles, visits the Ramen Festival,
and then returns to the restaurant’s 10-year anniversary feast. It’s a weird mix of ideas that ultimately satisfies.
Directed by Koki Shigeno. Stars Tomito Osamu. Running time: 93 minutes. MPAA Rating: Not rated. 3.5 / 5
Borg McEnroe
In Spotlight F
Capsule Movie Reviews From the 2018 Florida Film Festival
ilms. Story feature. In English and Swedish.
The play begins with a study of the character of Bj बोrn Borg (Sverier Goodnasan), a quiet controlled tennis event in
Sweden. Flashbacks show how he learned to suppress his emotions, which now thwarts 1980’s efforts to maintain his
position as the world’s top tennis player. After all, against the fierce American tennis sensation John McEnroe (Shia
Labeuf), both men need to control their emotions in order to dominate their opponent. The two actors seem perfect
for their roles – both emotional and shari.