Ok, so it’s possible that I am already a bit biased about this movie, since I started tweeting with the cast and director before I even saw it! In my defense, however, it was on my list of movies to see this weekend even before that.

After ending the night with two deep drama films last night, it was nice to see something a bit lighter first thing today. Well, light as far as comedy… but definitely not one for kids! The Shower is about a group of unemployed, underemployed, and former members of show business, all with hopes of someday making it in Hollywood. But, well, life happens and that climb to stardom can be slow.

The movie takes place at a baby shower (hence the title) where this group is experiencing a pretty normal day… until something happens. They find out that some sort of virus has been unleashed in the area, and one by one members of their group start exhibiting some very strange behavior. They lock themselves in the house and try to wait it out, but that proves to be more difficult than they think. The members of the group fight hard to protect themselves from what is going on outside, until it gets in.

The Shower takes on the horror-comedy genre as a film with great cinematography, and a large but well-developed cast of characters. Horror movies tend to have characters that you either don’t understand or don’t like, just because by nature of the genre you don’t know how long they will live, but this movie gives you a glimpse into a group that you will get attached to. Too bad you don’t know which will be the first or last to go!

One of the reasons I like attending the Phoenix Film Festival is because they know how to pick good, entertaining movies and this one is no exception. I definitely enjoyed this flick, and if you’re ok with a little (ok, a lot) of blood and some laughs, I recommend catching it when it comes to the nearest film festival (or hopefully theater) near you.

This was the second of two deep movies in a row tonight at the film festival! I sure know how to pick them. Or something. This was one of the last films that Philip Seymour Hoffman did before he passed away. He’s such a great actor, and this film was no different. I think that he was a guy that if I’d ever met him in person, I would have liked him. He always plays great characters, and it seems like through his characters that he was just a guy trying to get along in this crazy world.

The film is about a guy, Mickey, and his wife that live in a place called God’s Pocket. God’s Pocket is a place where you grow up and don’t leave. It sucks you in. It sucks your soul in, until it becomes a part of you. Most of us grow up somewhere and somehow identify with that place, but God’s Pocket just seems like the type of place you don’t get out of. The local newspaper columnist (played by Richard Jenkins) has plenty to say on the subject.

When Mickey’s stepson is killed in a construction “accident”, it further complicates his life. God’s Pocket becomes the playground where events play out, as his wife grieves her only son and Mickey tries to help her through it as best he can. The movie makes you think, about life, death, where you come from, and how wrong and right are not always black and white.

If you’re a fan of Philip Seymour Hoffman, this movie is one to see. It’s exactly what you expect from him, and a good legacy to leave. Here’s to you, Mr. Hoffman… thank you for blessing us with many well-portrayed and genuine characters that will live on on our screens for many long years even since you’ve gone.