Before attending Thursday’s showing of “The Kitchen” I had the opportunity to attend a soiree. Cinequest soirees are a signature of the festival. A place where the film Mavericks meets up, talk shop, and trade film recommendations. I was fortunate enough to talk with Nick Martinez of the production company Spartan Films about what projects they had on the horizon.

Thursday’s movie “The Kitchen” takes place in one room a kitchen. A talking heads movie about the complicated relationships developed between a group of young adults. Jennifer (Laura Prepon, That ’70s Show) is the honored guest at a party that she couldn’t care less about. Her sarcasm is the driving force throughout the movie and the catalyst of the conflict.

The continuous background noise of a full fledged house party and the way the film was shot made you feel like you were actually at the party. The movie has a neo-realist feel. At the end of the party, having eaves dropped on the conversation and situations that unfold in the kitchen you have to reflect, “Wait, what just happened?”

It’s this demand of reflection from the film that makes it so wonderful. If you are in your thirties, extremely hip and unsure about everything this movie will speak to you.

– James Eitel, Alice@97.3/San Francisco

JOIN ALICE AT CINEQUEST FILM FESTIVAL 23
FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 10, 2013

Alice applauds Cinequest Film Festival 23. Cinequest unleashes its most breathtaking line-up yet. Featuring 86 U.S and world premieres, leading technological innovations and a spectacular meeting of artists. Find the complete film schedule and purchase tickets at www.cinequest.org.