Article by Alyssa Vitrano

On the Line: I was at a Women in Film panel over the weekend, and Patricia Clarkson was talking about how the movie had 3 really strong female lead roles (played by her, Felicity Huffman and Elle Fanning). You never know if that means it’ll be chick flicky, but later an older guy was telling me he saw it and afterwards called his wife practically in tears saying how the film made him want to be a better father. Wow, ok. Was also curious to see if Elle Fanning was as freakily good as her sister Dakota.

In the Theater: The scenes with Elle and Felicity, who plays a writer whose trying to figure out what kind of disorder her daughter has, are completely heartbreaking. I was sitting next to an older man and we were both crying. But the scenes where the kids put on the Alice in Wonderland play go on way too long and feel like you’re at a grade-school production–only kids’ parents should have to sit through that.

Verdict: The mother-daughter scenes were incredibly strong, but the film’s a bit uneven. Felicity Huffman is brilliant–she always has a different and intelligent interpretation of her characters. And Elle Fanning definitely IS as freakily good as Dakota. (What was in their baby formula?) But in between all of the emotional scenes, you get a lot of kind of poor kid acting from the other children in the movie and the play scenes could’ve been much shorter. But overall, completely worth it for the riveting mother-daughter storyline.

[Source : MTV Movies Blog]

Sean Combs — not to be confused with the music world’s Diddy — is very proud to be a part of “A Raisin in the Sun” at Sundance In fact, he all but refused to talk about anything except the direct-to-TV movie (the film isn’t getting a theatrical release), and isn’t partying in Park City so he can give the movie all of his attention. Check out the full text of our Sean Combs interview here or watch the man himself below.

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival — including breaking news, celebrity interviews, red carpet photos, movie clips and tons more.

[Source : MTV Movies Blog]

Although “The Hottie and the Nottie” isn’t actually playing at Sundance, Paris and her co-stars still came to Park City to celebrate their upcoming film. Although she says she could never don a “nottie” look like Christine Lakin’s mole, Paris does mention an upcoming role where she wears prosthetic make-up.

Check them out on the red carpet along side the other Sundance hotties, and then click here to watch more of our Sundance coverage, including interviews with Sarah Jessica Parker, Method Man, Colin Farrell, Nick Cannon and so many others.

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival — including breaking news, celebrity interviews, red carpet photos, movie clips and tons more.

[Source : MTV Movies Blog]

Article by Alyssa Vitrano

In the Line: Heard it was a Spanish-language film about a guy who’s life unravels and so he heads to a beach town in Peru. Had heard it was ok, but not much other buzz on it.

In the Theater: Solid, but kind of slow. Wasn’t unengaging, but at the same time nothing ever really large happens. They get to the beach, party, hook up, fight, do drugs. Meh.

Verdict: Wasn’t blown away. Plus, the storyline of a young guy hightailing to a beach to party to escape life… Felt like been there, done that in a way. Overall just didn’t seem to have much of a point. Nothing horrible about it, but nothing excellent either

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival — including breaking news, celebrity interviews, red carpet photos, movie clips and tons more.

[Source : MTV Movies Blog]

Those who’ve seen “Juno” know that the iconic movie teen is wise beyond her years. Now, one source of that wisdom is eager to return the love.

“I was honored by that,” grinned legendary punk rocker Patti Smith at Sundance Monday, discussing a shout-out to her in the hit film. “It makes me really happy; I get really excited when I walk on stage and see teenagers and people in their twenties.”

These days, Smith is enjoying her recent induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and is performing packed concerts in Park City to promote a documentary entitled “Patti Smith: Dream of Life.” And thanks to that now-famous scene when Jason Bateman asks Ellen Page what she considers the greatest music of all time (resulting in quick shots of punk pioneers, including Smith), the 61-year-old is once again being discovered by a new generation.

“I’ve always tried to inspire people, especially young people, to think for themselves,” Smith said, flattered that Juno’s confident nature and willingness to go her own way was inspired by her music. “I want people to feel they’re not alone. When I recorded [her landmark debut album] “Horses,” I was trying to speak to people like myself who were maverick, outside society, didn’t quite fit in. I’ve always been like that; I still am like that.”

Which might explain why, thirty years later, the album continues to inspire teenagers both real and fictional. “Somebody asked (if they could use my image), and we said sure, of course,” explained Smith, also acknowledging a recent quote from Page that the #1 person she’d like to meet is the “Because the Night” singer. “That’s so nice … I haven’t been able to meet her yet.”

As for character’s authority-defying decision to keep her baby, Smith can only smile. “Good for Juno,” she laughed.

See our complete coverage of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival — including breaking news, celebrity interviews, red carpet photos, movie clips and tons more.

[Source : MTV Movies Blog]