Cinema Society

Salute to Jewish Film Festival--DOWNTOWN EXPRESS

Average
Rating

3.7

Tuesday, February 05, 2013, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

4:30PM or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

Salute to the 22nd Anniversary of the San Diego Jewish Film Festival

DOWNTOWN EXPRESS

Discussion will follow screening

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Salute to the 23rd Anniversary of the San Diego Jewish Film Festival

DOWNTOWN EXPRESS

The Cinema Society of San Diego is proud to salute the San Diego Jewish Film Festival, which celebrates its 23rd Anniversary this year. For the celebration, we are pleased to be presenting one of the many delightful films shown over their 11-day celebration.

Starring Russian violinist—and Grammy nominee—Philippe Quint, DOWNTOWN EXPRESS tells the tale of Sasha, a Juilliard-trained violinist (as is Quint himself) at a crossroads. One path is traditional in every way, playing classical music recitals, heading toward a career in the great concert halls of the world and living a life overseen by his loving yet domineering father. The other is the path less traveled, which takes him into New York City’s bohemian underground where he is playing music, and falling in love with a singer/songwriter played by the acclaimed and singular musician, Nellie McKay. An engaging film with an equally eclectic and dynamic soundtrack.

Running Time: 90 Minutes

Not Rated

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8-Feb-13: also Jim - Rating: 4

Philippe Quint is clearly a better musician than actor. He often looked silly with his immature looks and appearing at time to be just goofy when he wasn't performing. Often great music creates opportunities for a film and I think we all enjoyed the music more than the thin script. It was still quite enjoyable overall and so the benefit of some doubt with my rating.

7-Feb-13: Mroe - Rating: 3

Yes, the music was great and it’s always enjoyable and appreciated when the classics are played so exquisitely, however I felt the film was very “one note” (pardon the pun). Once the basic foundation of the story was set (which is pretty much done in just the description of the film from our newsletter). There really wasn’t enough of a story to keep me interested but again yes the experimental use of a classic violin with a indie-pop band was “unique” but it wasn’t enough for me to like the movie that much.

6-Feb-13: RichG - Rating: 4

The critic you quoted was dead on. The album would get lots of use. The story was weak. All else was fun. The lead musicians were wonderful throughout.

6-Feb-13: Jim - Rating: 4

Great music although the theaters sound system had a very annoying buzzz. Incredible violin playing! Really enjoyed McKays music and lyrics as well.