MovieChat Forums > Angels Sing (2019) Discussion > Saw this at SXSW Film Festival

Saw this at SXSW Film Festival

posted 11 years ago by dchintx
8 replies | jump to latest

Just saw this fantastic movie at SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas (3/10/13) and hope it will be a Fall release. When Angels Sing could become the modern day answer to It's a Wonderful Life. It's more than a one tissue movie, but with a definite uplifting and feel good ending. Nick (Willie Nelson), our modern day Clarence, befriends cynic Michael (Harry Connick Jr), who rivals George Bailey, is searching to find out what is really important in life -- like family and building those special memories. Sit back and enjoy the cameo performances of many Austin TX musicians. Let the residents of Live Oak Lane welcome you to their extended family and let's hope that When Angels Sing becomes a perennial holiday favorite for years to come.

[–] straw_hat_boy_luffy 11 years ago

I hope it's out this year. It's been delayed so long that I actually got and read the book waiting for it and I fell in love with the story.

Have you read the book to know how it compares? I'm not one to buy into the "book is always better" argument. But the trailer did seem to be playing up the "Scrooge" aspects of the story in an almost comedic way and almost entirely ignoring the emotional drama that the book had almost all the way through. This never really struck me as a comedy given all the drama that's there. So how much of that does the movie keep?

But either way, I really like the casting. CC seems like an ideal pick for David. Hopefully the movie will live up to my expectations as it's been a few years since we've had a really good new Christmas classic.

__
Writing is my favorite hobby. Writing something that many can enjoy is my favorite dream.

[–] dchintx 11 years ago

I haven't read the book, but it's on my "to do" list. This is not a comedy. Yes, there are definitely light hearted moments, but it is about family ties and family values and family dynamics. Michael (Harry Connick) never could quite come to grips with a childhood tragedy and thus his "Scrooge" outlook on Christmas. It took a similar tragedy that his son endured for him to realize he had been looking at his tragedy wrong. When he realizes he was wrong, he does an about face and embraces Christmas and helps his son do the same. If that's what the book says, then the movie follows the book. I cried, but I left the movie with a smile on my face. That's MY kind of movie. Tender, touching moments where you really empathize with the characters, but you leave the theater feeling good about everyone. Perhaps it means so much to me because a lot of my childhood AND adult memories are because of family memories at Christmastime.

[–] dchintx 11 years ago

Finally got to read the book and the story line does follow the book, but there are some major changes (who dies, setting for story, etc) but the theme was still there. In many respects I think I like the movie better, but maybe that was just my soft spot for Connick & Willie.

And yes, I do agree that the trailer seems to play more toward the scrooge aspect and that isn't in the book that much and I didn't feel that way toward the movie at all.

[–] straw_hat_boy_luffy 11 years ago

Awesome to know the heart of the book is kept intact. Can't wait to see this. Been waiting a good 2 years. Hopefully this is the year we finally get it. And here I thought itd be a TV movie. lol

[–] ngchild35 10 years ago

Does anyone know who the woman singing with Lyle Lovett's character near the end of the movie?? Great voice!

Loved this movie!! LOVED!

Work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt & dance like nobody's watching!

[–] dchintx 10 years ago

She is Kat Edmondson and I think she's performed with Lyle Lovett before, maybe even touring with him or recorded with him. Performed in Austin and has gone on from there.

Glad you liked the show. I loved it and was so glad that the Hallmark Channel picked it up and was on TV this past July 2014. I hope it becomes a Christmas classic.

[–] Jazznme2 9 years ago

Just saw it for the first time! I loved it. Though painful at times, it was true to the vein. Packed with stars! WOW! I've always liked Kris K and Willie. And I've liked HCJr. since the first time I saw him on Sunday Morning back in 1990 or 91. He is so awesome in person. Loves his audience. The little boy in this was an incredible actor. Adorable! I was shocked to see that anyone gave it below a 7. Something really deficient in those people!

[–] shigui 9 years ago

Thank you! I came here to ask the same thing. Wonderful voice!

Death lies dormant in each of us and will bloom in time. Odd Thomas