Another Fantastic Fest has ended…perhaps the morning after the closing night party is not the best time to reflect; as it is all still a blur. This was my fifth FF and I have to say that is is probably the most solidly programmed year yet. Although there aren’t as many “my new favorite” standouts this year (Fish Story, Love Exposure, etc…), I also didn’t run into any films that I completely abhorred.

As always, the best part of the fest is spending 8 days with old and new friends making ourselves crazy with film, food & beverage overloads. The confluence of Drafthouse regulars, out-of-towners who are staples of the fest, and Twitter acquaintances turned IRL friends provides the best energy imaginable. The days quickly flew by. Now, I get to dive into the experience of the past week…in list form (hurrah!).

Films Seen – 34 (in chronological order)

1. Michael
2. Kill Me Please
3. Human Centipede 2
4. Penumbra
5. Milocrorze
6. Invation of Alien Bikini
7. Extraterrestrial
8. Livid
9. New Kids Turbo
10. Calibre 9
11. You Said What?
12. Last Screening
13. The Yellow Sea
14. Can’t Post Title Until October
15. Take Shelter
16. Underwater Love
17. Rabies
18. Juan of the Dead
19. Bullhead
20. Aardvark
21. Beyond the Black Rainbow
22. Sleepless Night
23. Boys on the Run
24. Smuggler
25. Snowtown
26. Manborg
27. Retreat
28. Sleep Tight
29. Summerland
30. A Lonely Place to Die
31. Paranormal Activity 3
32. Blind
33. The Stoker
34. Comic-Con Episode Four: A Fan’s Hope

My Top 5

• Bullhead
• The Yellow Sea
• Livid
• Snowtown
• Michael

The Bottom 3

• Paranormal Activity 3
• Calibre 9
• Retreat

Biggest Misses

• You’re Next
• Headhunters
• Seeing our bumper [Bibliophile] with an audience – Take Shelter went over after starting 45 minutes late. The only bumper I missed was our own.

Most Giggles

• Manborg – After Snowtown, this was the most perfect possible movie to catch. The maniacal giggles from the audience were infectious. Manborg taught me a new, and now favorite, word…

Favorite New Word

• Shenanigrams – See above.

Favorite Moments

• Meaty Meetup at SaltLick before the Fest – A whole lotta film nerds in one place.
• Don’t Save Seats!!! – Was it a volunteer power trip? Did someone actually get into a fight over saved seats? Who knows.
• Closing Night Party – Drunk guy in the pool who shorted out half the lights, yet never even noticed – we love you.