I attended the opening night movie, "Troubled Water," a thoughtful film on redemption and forgiveness, Norwegian with subtitles. It tells the story of a young man just released from prison after serving eight years for a terrible crime. A gifted organist, Jan (Pål Sverre Valheim Hagen) is on a quiet path to redemption, playing in a church and even winning the heart of the church’s pastor and her young son. But he’s soon forced to confront his past when a woman whose life has been forever scarred by his actions visits the church with her class.

Plus, I sat next to a lovely gentleman who works for Warner Bros. in television sales, and when I told him I’m the assistant editor at TV Squad, he said, "Hey, we work for the same company!" The two companies recently merged. So we exchanged business cards and who knows, maybe we’ll meet up at another film this week! I make so many new friends at the film festival every year.

The director of "Troubled Water," Erik Poppe, was in the audience and answered questions after the screening. It’s always great to hear the inside scoop on a film that you’ve just seen, especially one as well-made as "Troubled Water."

Afterwards, I wandered down to the Traverse City Open Space, where they’re playing free movies each night — "Men in Black" last night — on a massive inflatable screen. How fun to see hundreds of people – families, couples, and children – on blankets and chairs watching a great movie. There were even boats moored in the harbor. How cool would it be to watch a movie from your boat?!

As always, the festival runs like a well-oiled machine, thanks to the efforts of founder Michael Moore and hundreds of volunteers promoting the cause of "Just Great Movies!"

Tonight: "The Answer Man," "Woodstock: The Director’s Cut," and possibly "Harmony and Me," if I have it in me to be cognizant enough for the midnight movie!

Image: Jane Boursaw

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This little film is fantastic, and I think Kate Hudson has a nice directing career ahead of her. It’s only 16 minutes long, and is playing at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. 

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There’s some pretty cool movies there, too – “Cliffhanger,” “The Film Crew: Killers from Space” (that’s the MST3K crew), and “The Mod Squad” among them. And they’re even letting me embed them here! Watch Morgan Spurlock’s “Super Size Me”: 

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According to a Hollywood Reporter story, the movies and shows will be streamed on a separate section of YouTube, and include titles from Sony and Lionsgate, as well as TV networks and independent studios.

YouTube has already made deals with MGM (for TV shows and full-length films) and Disney (excerpts from ABC and ESPN shows). Titles include the James Bond flick "Casino Royale," CBS’ new mystery series "Harper’s Island," Morgan Spurlock’s "Super Size Me," and Richard Linklater’s "Slacker."

This is pretty cool, and I can’t really think of a downside. Of course, I’ll always see movies in theaters, because I just love the experience of it. The popcorn, the dark theater, a great movie on a big screen … nothing compares with all that.

But I can see how sites like Hulu and YouTube are a great place to catch up on TV shows and films I missed in the theater.

What about you? Do you watch movies and TV shows on these sites?

Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. 

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If you’re in the area of Traverse City, Michigan, catch a free film or two or three at the State Theatre in downtown Traverse City. My kids and I saw “Meet the Parents” this afternoon, and it’s a thrill to see old favorites on the big screen. Plus, it’s a fun thing to do on their spring break.

Consider supporting the State Theatre in Traverse City by becoming a member; and/or supporting the Traverse City Film Festival.

After the jump, the rest of the schedule this week!

Wednesday, April 1
The Shaggy Dog (Not Rated) 11:00 am
LOTR: The Return of the King (Rated PG-13) 1:00 pm
The Notebook (Rated PG-13) 5:00 pm
Thelma & Louise (Rated R) 7:30 pm

Thursday, April 2
Toy Story (Rated G) 11:00 am
LOTR: The Return of the King (Rated PG-13) 1:00 pm
Twilight (Rated PG-13) 5:00 pm
Let the Right One In (Rated R) 7:30 pm

Friday, April 3
Toy Story 2 (Rated G) 11:00 am*
*Bonus Free Film!

Photo Credit: Jane Boursaw

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