Theater Camp

It’s exactly the kind of awkward, absurd mockumentary we’ve come to expect from Sundance, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This time the camera is focused on a kids theater camp in the Adirondacks, complete with every ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard about over-committed child performers to failed actors re-channeling all their “art” into teaching. The cast is fun, particularly some of the child actors, and there are some genuinely sweet moments mixed in with the silliness. If mockumentaries are your thing, you definitely want to give this one a try.

Polite Society

This action comedy from creator Nida Manzoor is one of the most delightful surprises at the festival. It starts out as a classic outcast teen comedy, focusing on an Indian girl named Ria Kahn who wants nothing more than to be a stuntwoman. When her sister drops out of art school and gets engaged, Ria becomes determined to stop her from making the biggest mistake of her life.

I don’t want to give spoilers – the movie is hitting theaters this April – but “Polite Society” is not the film you start out thinking it is. The ride through the transformation is absolutely hilarious, with great performances from all the leads. Priya Kansara, who plays Ria, is a particular delight. I hope to see more of both her and movies like this one.

“STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie”

“STILL” is less a traditional documentary than a frank discussion with the actor, but that doesn’t make it any less engaging. Fox is open about everything from letting stardom get to his head to hiding his Parkinson’s and the alcoholism that came from it. He’s also still as funny as ever, with the laughs making the serious moments that much more poignant. When the normally talkative Fox goes speechless for a moment, it’s heartbreaking.

The editing on the movie is incredible. Several flashback scenes feature a mix of from-the-back re-creation and scenes from Fox’s old movies, all carefully chosen and cut to blend seamlessly together. The result almost looks like we’re watching a young Fox experience all these things in real time, which only adds to the experience.

Poacher

If you like detective thrillers, then you’ll love “Poacher.” This Indie Episodic entry from India delivers on all the best parts of the formula, from the boss with the great one-liners to the grizzled investigator with a troubled past. They come together to make an incredibly gripping story, with all the right twists and moments that will have you on the edge of your seat. The most interesting part is that the criminal everyone is hunting isn’t a drug lord or a serial killer, but an elephant poacher.

“Poacher” is in Hindi with some sporadic English, with subtitles to help you smooth over the transition. The Sundance screening includes the first three episodes of the limited streaming series, but it ends at such an exciting point that it will leave you wanting more. If this lands on a streaming service that can be accessed in America, I need to get my hands on the whole series.

Jenniffer Wardell is an award-winning movie critic and member of the Utah Film Critics Association. Find her on Twitter at @wardellwriter or drop her a line at [email protected].