EccentricCattle-2 I recently attended a screening of MAN OF THE YEAR, starring John Ritter. Here is a movie which was shot on something like 22 cameras at once. On a multi-split screen, we view the action of several stories simultaneously. Naturally, all of the stories eventually dovetail into one story. I found it to be totally engaging.It's the kind of concept that could either really work, or really fail. This movie works. I enjoyed the sort of voyeuristic thrill of watching these characters interact in a way that felt totally candid. As it turns out, their stories were scripted, but the performances were all improv.It was incredibly well done. I hope to see more from this filmmaker in the future, and from John Ritter, who was actually amazing as a totally sleazy oil executive.Hopefully, this picture will play at the multiplexes one day. It's a refreshing break from so much of the unoriginal, formulaic stuff Hollywood asks us to digest.Go and see it.

hazbegoten The concept is simple: 20 or so people, 20 or so cameras, the whole thing shot live and the throughline being the downfall of a big kahuna whose great success every celebrates at a dinner party. A little ALTMAN, a little TIME-CODE, for sure, but this piece has its own identity because it's so tight. Every single character seems to be the star of his/her own story. Nearly everyone is interesting in some way. But, because you know that the John Ritter's character is about to crash and burn, he's the one you look out for the most.There's something about unscripted humor that's borne of a situation. It hardly ever happens in movies, but this one has loads of it. Some comes from editing, the balance comes from the actors, whose roles seem almost improv.There are a few soft moments. The tension lags and some storylines get in the way of the better ones. But, perhaps the most interesting part is that this could be a prototype of a new genre, a post-modern New Wave in this "reality-driven" age (of TV, at least).All in all, an incisive, hip effort. It'll be great to see if it get some proper theatrical play.

moviestar-7 I just saw this movie with a full house at Slamdunk. A totally daring movie. They really pulled it off! Great performances all improv. Very Cool Well Done. I especially liked the Pineapple. It's also very funny albeit dark humor. John Ritter is really Good.

olliechangroses I just saw Man of the Year in Park City. Wow. Despite its obvious budgetary restrictions, this movie more than makes up for it in its unique editing style, fun and interesting story and memorable characters. John Ritter as Bill is a real head turner...one of his best characterizations ever. Up there with Slingblade. This film has real theatrical potential. The audience really went for it. Lots of laughter at first, but the film gradually turns, with some interesting twists. Well worth it.