Imagine a quiet, two-story house on a dark small-town street. Inside, a group of teens prepare to watch a movie, something scary, something hi-def. They have wealthy parents. As they drink their respective beverages and the FBI warning sits on the screen unobserved, the phone rings. One of the teens answers. On the other end, a high shriek emits, a shriek the other teens hear coming from outside. They go to the window to look, and flying through the air, headed straight for them, is a tropical bird. It has recently been launched from a giant slingshot jutting up out of the front yard. The bird’s target has been set. The teenagers are unsuspecting. Some of them might die this night. They scream, and thus begins this week’s Reject Report, Rio vs. Scream 4.

New York has been colored in all sorts of cinematic lights. From the romance of its buildings, to the insanity of its free-flowing nightlife, to the comedy and wisdom of its inhabitants. Even the splendor of its drug-smuggling Hasadic Jewish citizens. But maybe there hasn’t been a movie about this side of Manhattan just yet. The Imperialists are Still Alive! paints a portrait of the cosmopolitan scene, the cultural blend, and a romance that seems to be struck with hilarious accusations of terrorism. It’s tough to make out what it’s all about, but what it is, looks funny and charming as hell.

By the time you reach the end of 12 days at the Sundance Film Festival, nothing seems right anymore. After seeing so many movies, it is hard to keep on writing. So I’m going to do my best…