SXSW 2022 review: ‘LINOLEUM’ is an expected journey filled with whimsy.

LINOLEUM

When a satellite falls from orbit and crashes into the home of a dysfunctional family in suburban Ohio, the father seizes the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut by re-creating the machine as his own rocket ship. While his wife and daughter believe he is experiencing a midlife crisis, surreal events begin to unfold around him, forcing him to reconsider how interconnected their lives truly are…


In Linoleum, Cameron hosts a small science show for kids called “Above & Beyond.” With his marriage on the verge of divorce, his children, and his job disrespecting him, a strange crash landing in his backyard reignites his aspirations of being an astronaut. But, Linoleum is not what you’re expecting. It’s a manifestation of memory and dreams. 

Rhea Seehorn as Erin is amazing. The nuance of this performance is extraordinary. Take notice of every single beat. Katelyn Bacon plays Nora with sass and innocence that blend to perfection. You cannot help but sit up and pay attention when she’s on-screen. 

Jim Gaffigan is adorable. And yes, I did use that term to describe a grown man. His childlike wonder drives Linoleum‘s tangible whimsy. Do not overlook the emotional journey of this character.

Be on the lookout for the appearances from Tony Shalhoub and Michael Ian Black. The score is light and sweet, perfectly setting the tone for a film that pulls at our grown-up heartstrings. Linoleum is ultimately more complex than you’ll see coming. Filled with surprises, writer-director Colin West has given SXSW22 audiences something special. It’s a bit of a wonder. Linoleum begs multiple viewings.


SXSW 2022


Director:

Colin West

Executive Producer:

Gabrielle Nadig

Producer:

Chad Simpson, Dennis Masel, Chadd Harbold

Screenwriter:

Colin West

Cinematographer:

Ed Wu

Editor:

Keara Burton

Production Designer:

Mollie Wartelle

Sound Designer:

Arjun Sheth

Music:

Mark Hadley

Principal Cast:

Jim Gaffigan, Rhea Seehorn, Katelyn Nacon, Gabriel Rush, Amy Hargreaves, West Duchovny, Michael Ian Black, Tony Shalhoub, Elisabeth Henry, Roger Hendricks Simon

Additional Credits:

Colorist: Alastor Arnold, Co-Producer: Derek Rubin, Casting Director: Jessica Sherman, Art Director: Kaili Corcoran, First Assistant Director: Dayna Schutz, UPM: Marie Bardi, Sound Mixer: Jose Ramirez, Stunts: Corey Pierno, Gaffer: Chad Dougherty, Costume Designer: July Rose White


 

Review: ‘THE ASSIGNMENT’ flips the script on your average action flick.

THE ASSIGNMENTDirector Walter Hill gives the revenge film a modern neo-noir twist with this electrifying thriller. Hitman Frank Kitchen (Michelle Rodriguez) is given a lethal assignment, but after being double-crossed, discovers he’s no longer the man he was.  Having been surgically altered, Frank now has the body of a woman. Seeking vengeance, he heads for a showdown with his assailant (Sigourney Weaver), a brilliant surgeon with a chilling agenda of her own.

The film is structured in a Sin City meets iZombie format with graphic novel transitions and narration. The premise is interesting and certainly engages your attention without pause. The Assignment has caused some stir in the transgender community, as our hero/villain’s view of his/her transition is on the rather negative side. That being said, if you woke up the opposite gender, you might be a tad peeved as well. The action is tempered with monologues from Sigourney Weaver‘s character. My only complaint there? I wish there had been more visual to back those stories up as some run at quite a length.Michelle Rodriguez does a great job with both genders, keeping the masculine edge once she wakes up a woman. Without prior knowledge of the plot, you may think that a very thin Oscar Isaac had tackled the first half of the role. It’s pretty uncanny. Her past work in action films is on full view with her natural handling of weapons and aggressive presence. `It’s a pretty fearless performance. Weaver as Dr. Kay has an eccentric air to her speech patterns and carriage, even when she’s in a straight jacket. Tony Shaloub as Dr.Galen is a perfect foil for Weaver and the appearance by Anthony LaPaglia is casting heaven. On the whole. The Assignment is different in a good way. Engrossing and lively, you can’t go wrong. Check out the trailer below.

In Select Theaters and On Demand April 7th

 

Directed by: Walter Hill
Screenplay by: Walter Hill, Denis Hamill
Story by: Denis Hamill, Walter Hill
Producers: Said Ben Said, Michel Merkt
Cast: Michelle Rodriguez, Tony Shalhoub, Anthony LaPaglia, Caitlin Gerard, Sigourney Weaver
Distributor Saban Films, Lionsgate
Release Date: Ultra VOD on March 3rd, in select theaters April 7th
Running Time 95 minutes

Rating

Synopsis:

R

Director Walter Hill gives the revenge film a modern neo-noir twist with this electrifying thriller. Hitman Frank Kitchen (Michelle Rodriguez) is given a lethal assignment, but after being double-crossed, discovers he’s no longer the man he was.  Having been surgically altered, Frank now has the body of a woman. Seeking vengeance, he heads for a showdown with his assailant (Sigourney Weaver), a brilliant surgeon with a chilling agenda of her own.