What Happens at CineVegas

Is there a cooler, creepier film than this in existence?

CINEMATIC BLISS IN SIN CITY! A CINEVEGAS PREVIEW!

For those of you who love The Sundance Film Festival, but are tired of escalating ticket prices and waiting long hours in line, why not head down to Sin City and attend CineVegas? This ten day film festival was created by Sundance senior programmer Trevor Groth, and while it doesn't showcase as many films as the famed Northern Utah cinematic staple, there is still a wide variety of movies to choose from, and this particular festival benefits from easier accessibility. In addition to screenings, this fest also offers up film making seminars and film maker tributes. CineVegas takes place at the breathtaking Brenden Theaters in the luxurious Palms Hotel and Casino, June 6th-16th. One of the many perks of this intimate, star studded affair, is that it all takes place in the comfort of one movie theater. That means no shuttling from one screening facility to the next. And, as is the case with Sundance, many of these films are being screened for the first time, meaning that the buzz starts here. If you're a big time movie fan or even just a casual film goer, CineVegas is definitely worth your time. Festival packages are available online now, or you can purchase individual screening tickets on the day of show at the theater. For a complete schedule and ticket prices, log on to cinevegas.com. In the meantime, here's a look at some noteworthy titles screening at the festival. The Boneman, Kyle, Tyler, and I are attending the festival and should have extensive coverage up as soon as it's over.

OCEAN'S 13
Kicking off the festival, is a special red carpet premiere screening of Ocean's 13. In the highly anticipated sequel, Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and his gang take on new opponent Willie Bank (played by Al Pacino) after the scoundrel double crosses Ocean's buddy Reuben (Elliot Gould). Most of the cast (including Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Casey Affleck, and Scott Caan) returns as does director Stephen Soderbergh..

MY NAME IS BRUCE
When an evil creature attacks the residents of Gold Lick, Oregon, a group of townsfolk go in search of a warrior who can help them defeat the beast. Their quest leads them to a smarmy B-movie actor whom they perceive to actually be one of the tough guy characters the actor plays in the movies. What makes this the most anticipated film of the festival for me, is the identity of the actor. It's none other than the brilliant Bruce Campbell. Not only does the Evil Dead star play a heightened version of himself in the movie. It also happens to be the actor's directorial debut. This one should be loads of fun.

BLUE VELVET
CineVegas also prides itself on retrospective screenings and this year, they're proud to present David Lynch's surreal nightmare classic, Blue Velvet. In this dreamy masterwork, Kyle MacLachlan plays a man who finds a severed ear in the middle of a field. This ear leads him to a brilliant array of colorfully odd characters including a scenery chewing Dennis Hopper. David Lynch and Dennis Hopper are expected to attend this not to be missed screening.

ROCKET SCIENCE
This independent gem was my favorite film at Sundance. Set to the backdrop of high school debating competitions, Rocket Science benefits from a wonderfully quirky screenplay (that brought to mind Alexander Payne's Election) and a winning turn by newcomer Reece Daniel Thompson who hits all the right notes as a socially withdrawn stutterer who's brought to the debate team by a young girl he just so happens to have a crush on. A terrific film. I can't wait to see it again.

YOU KILL ME
Noir master John Dahl (The Last Seduction, Red Rock West) switches gears by throwing characters from his genre of choice, smack dab in the middle of a romantic comedy. The film stars Ben Kingsley as a Polish Mob hit man who, while trying to put his messy life back together, finds love in the oddest of places.

THE GRAND
Directed by Zak Penn (a screenwriter by trade–he worked on the last two X-Men films), The Grand is a mockumentary that delves into the world of professional poker. The film stars Woody Harrelson as a burn out who can inherit his dead grandfather's prized casino but only if he can win the big poker tournament. The film also stars the hilarious Michael McKean.

I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN YOU: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SIMON WIESENTHAL
An intimate documentary about the life of Simon Wiesenthal, a Jewish architect who would dedicate a big portion of his life to tracking down fugitive Nazi war criminals and bringing them to justice. The film was made by Oscar winning director Richard Tank and narrated by Nicole Kidman.

A TRIBUTE TO BEN KINGSLEY
CineVegas will present tributes to producer Jerry Weintraub, director Mike Newell, actress Charlize Theron, and Sir Anthony Hopkins, but I'm most excited about the tribute to Ben Kingsley. I've been a huge fan of this actor from years. His brilliant work in Gandhi is beyond description, but he's also turned in amazing performances in a wide range of films including Schindler's List and Sexy Beast. The actor is expected to be on hand for a Q & A and to present a screening of his new film, You Kill Me.