posted by Tom Fuchs on September 27th, 2012

It’s that time of year again. A time I like to refer to as "film geek Christmas," where everyone is making a list (checking it twice, or in my case, a dozen times in an effort to cram as many films in as humanly possible) and looking for films both naughty and nice. Which is a perfect fit for our opening night film, Starbuck. The story follows David Wozniak, perennial underachiever, who finds that the generosity with which he had given of himself in his youth has resulted in 533 kids, 142 of which are hoping to find their father’s identity, anonymity clause be damned.

 

A disappointment to all those around him, not the least of which his newly pregnant girlfriend, David sees this prodigious output as a chance to make good on something for once in his life and sets out to prove himself as a "guardian angel," protecting his secret offspring anonymously. Equal parts funny and touching, this coming-of-middle-age story has left a massive list of delighted festival audiences in its wake. And while I hate to use my best punnery upfront during this year’s blogging (hopefully this will spurn me to greater heights in future posts), it must be said that Starbuck has spunk. 

The remake rights have already been secured for an American version, also from director Ken Scott (starring Vince Vaughn); and while I like to stay eternally optimistic about films, especially during the abundance of quality that is film festival time, I will diplomatically state that the success rate of comedy remakes is infrequent at best and encourage you to catch this film festival favorite now so you can brag to your friends about how you saw it when. 

And there is literally no better time than during a film festival, where you get the rare opportunity to see a crowd-pleasing film with an energetic full crowd to please! Afterwards, celebrate the completion of the first leg of this year’s movie marathon* at the Opening Night Party! This is the beginning of another great year we have planned for you with this year’s festival, and I can’t wait to see you all there.

Advanced tickets to Starbuck are no longer available. If there are any unclaimed tickets/seats, they will be sold in the Rush ticket line. Rush tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are made available 15 minutes prior to showtime. Rush tickets cost $10. CASH ONLY. No discounts. 

*Literally the best kind of marathon: one where you spend the majority of it seated with snacks and drinks.

 

*****

 

Tom Fuchs is returning for a third year as our featured festival blogger, telling you all about our daily festival picks. Tom has been on our shorts programming committee for all four years of the Milwaukee Film Festival.