North by Northeast kicks off on June 13th, and the NXNE film list for this year’s event is a mixed bag of awesome, original flicks that are sure to stir up some major buzz.
Here are the top 5 must-see NXNE flicks to check out:
Luck’s Hard
Seeing its world premiere at NXNE, “Luck’s Hard” follows character Ron Hawkins of the ‘90s alternative-rockband Lowest Of The Low as he strives to create the perfect band. He succeeds so resoundingly that his Do Good Assassins project seems to demand nothing less than a double album. The tale of taking this show on the road includes much angst and at least one near-fatal illness.
Riot On The Dance Floor
Directed by Steve Tozzi, “Riot On The Dance Floor” features the stark and iconic photography of Thrasher Magazine’s Ken Salerno, and includes his unique take on his work through in-depth interviews and archival footage, bringing to life the gritty story of one of New Jersey’s most fabled clubs, City Gardens, and its larger-than-life promoter. City Gardens was a venue for underground music, and during its time it traversed the entertainment spectrum: from the comedy of Henny Youngman to Nine Inch Nails, New Order to Nirvana.
Well Now You’re Here, There’s No Way Back
For those who remember the ‘80s, Quiet Riot were fun incarnate, but there was a dark side to the music that made us smile. Regina Russell’s documentary “Well Now You’re Here, There’s No Way Back” follows a crossroads in the life of Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali, who decided to re-form the band after lead singer Kevin Dubrow died from an accidental drug overdose. Banali will also be in attendance.
Whoops!
Sometimes, serial killers don’t mean to be serial killers, right? In the vein of the Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg oeuvre, directors Tony Hipwell and Miles Watts create this indie tale of an ordinary office worker and mother of two named Rose (Elaine Glover) whose bad habit seems to be a form of murderous bad luck (running the gamut from impaled eyeballs to rivers of blood.) Can a pair of determined-but-perplexed police officers piece together her trail of lethal klutziness?
Lies I Told My Little Sister
Following the death of her oldest sister, Cory Webber, a globetrotting nature photographer, is guilted into a vacation to Cape Cod intent on bringing her family together. She is forced to reflect on her once-lively sister and haunting childhood, resolve old personal conflicts, and ultimately embrace life as a beautiful thing. “Lies I Told My Little Sister” stars Ellen Foley, star of “Night Court.”
NXNE Film is turning 14 this year.
Photo: NXNE
