SXSW 08

All in all, we saw an amazing group of films and experienced a festival atmosphere that is second to none — but these 10 stood out at the best of the fest.

Director Erik Nelson’s engaging doc serves as a great introduction to the crazy world of author Harlan Ellison. [Grade: B]

One of the most charming and fun docs from all of SXSW — nay, of the entire year.

Director Brett Simon’s noir-based high school comedy, the fusion of Chinatown and a John Hughes movie, brings the house down in Austin.

When director Kimberly Peirce took the stage, she called Stop Loss a tribute to the troops. Considering her own brother is a soldier in Iraq, why would she make them all look like incompetent, drunk messes of human beings?

Kevin holds down the fort with David from Bullz-Eye.com while Neil checks in with some special guests from SXSW in Austin.

At first glance, it appears to be a doc painted with a broad stroke, giving it a jumpy, unfocused feeling — that is, until it evolves right before our eyes into something special…

More shenanigans from the streets of Austin!

Mark Webber’s directorial debut may have won the big award in Austin, but was it a fair contest? After reading this, you may not think so.

Want to know what happens when you mix a great concept with bad filmmaking…?

We are playing catchup in the middle of the week. Why? Because we are having a little too much fun…

Nerdcore is rising… Have you heard?

Zombies rise up at SXSW and bring out one of the surprises of the fest…

Stand-up comedian Doug Benson embarks on a Morgan Spurlock-esque ride that will determine what it would be like to get high, day and night, for thirty days.

Finally! A movie about rock bands within the Harry Potter universe.

Judd Apatow’s camp comes through again with a comedy that is a lot smarter than you would initially think… [Grade: B+]

Seann William Scott and John C. Reilly play two grocery store managers battling for the big job in this quirky, intelligent film. [Grade: A]

We take a break from drinking like sailors to see movies, stalk celebs and then… drink more!

The film is a visceral experience that grabs you by the collar and yells, “Hey! Watch, listen and enjoy.”

The fans of the cult classic Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle have waited four long years to see their favorite pothead heroes on the big screen again. [Grade: C+]