This past weekend I had the opportunity of attending the Landlocked Film Festival in Iowa City.  Among meeting an array of amazing people, and coming across a surprisingly happenin town, I unfortunately was only able to see two pictures in the actual festival.  "Route 30" a narrative comedy piece directed by John Putch and a documentary titled "Hand Made Nation" directed by Faythe Levine.

While "Route 30" seemed to be quite a crowd pleaser, I seemed to be out of the loop.  After being approached by a fellow audience member, she asked if I found it even funnier because I grew up close to the picture's location.  I simply stated, I really couldn't connect too it in anyway.  Now, whether it's because I am from the area or not, this picture lacked for the most part, any redeeming qualities.  It's story, not only being defunct, dropped it's most interesting characters right as we were starting to build a relationship with them, only to introduce new, even more unkempt people, that quite frankly, I couldn't have cared a cent about.  Indulgent, possibly.  Worth it, not really.

I found "Hand Made Nation" extremely intriguing and interesting.  It brought me into a world I knew nothing about and simply informed and entertained.  I believe it could have been cut down a bit, but for the most part, this was a very interesting piece of work.  

Overall, the festival was great, and I would recommend anybody in going to visit this town, and or festival.