by, Cameron Lui

Ive seen 7 movies at the festival and counting, so here's my thoughts on the best ones so far. 

1. The Lobster-hands down the best film in the festival thus far. It has a clear agenda that is executed with aggression and creativity. The acting was flawless, the writing beautiful, and it packs one of the biggest punches in cinema to date. 

2. The Irrational Man-beautifully depressing film that has the honesty that only Woody Allen could deliver. The simplicity of the surreal situation makes a film that is both relatable and frightening. 

3. Mad Max-easily the coolest movie here. The two hour adrenaline rush makes you leave the theater questioning some major flaws in our society. 

4. Tale of Tales-The family relationships that get developed through fantastical stories makes for both and exciting adventure and a thought provoking film. 

5. Inside Out-Pixar got it right once again with yet another heart warming tale with insightful social commentary. The only reason why I didn’t come out of it too amazed was because of the unfairly high expectations I have for Pixar movies at this point.

6. Sea of Trees-there are so many good movies in the festival that somehow this film is not even in my top 5. The film got rough reviews but it was beautifully done and anyone who has experienced love will enjoy the honesty of the relationship between Mathew McConaughey and Naomi Watts.

7. Cemetery of Splendor-This is the only film I do not recommend. It got good reviews but most movie-goers will probably not make it through the movie awake. It has a trippy premise with loads of potential but the plot never goes anywhere and it leaves the audience feeling like nothing was accomplished.