So Sunday was a much more relaxed day. Sunday was the last official day of Sundance, and traditionally there are fewer screenings both in Park City and in Salt Lake City. Today is also the day when they literally start rolling up the sidewalks, tearing down the banners, and packing up the Festival for another year. And with the impending storm front rolling into the area, I was glad that I didn't have to drive out to Park City. So the whole house got up at a much more leisurely time. Yes, even ME!

We hung out for awhile and Mel and Deb began planning their day's adventure, as they were planning to head out for a snowshoe and sled excursion up in Pinecrest. My schedule today included only one film, down in Salt Lake at Rose Wagner. My friends Matt and Wendy (Drake's owners), were going to join me. Fortunately for me they also agreed to drive. Funny thing out here in the winter, as the rental car companies all have a habit of giving you inferior vehicles with light treaded tires. I knew that when the storm broke, my little rental was not about to make the trip down into town. And even if it was able to maneuver into town, there is NO way it could climb back up through Emigration Canyon and back to the house.

So I spent some time today catching up on World news, answering abandoned e-mails and in general, just relaxing until it was time to go into town for today's film: Jim Strouse's "The Winning Season". Before I knew it, it was time to head to town to screen today's film. We were off and the roads were already snow-slick, with lesser cars struggling to hold a steady line. Matt's Volvo just plowed through the mess and made short work of the messy roadways.

A little preface to today's film, "The Winning Season". i first met the director, Jim Strouse, 4 years ago here at Sundance. At the time he was out here with his first feature film, "Lonesome Jim",  directed by Steve Buscemi. I was quite impressed with Jim's writing skills and saw him as the next big thing in filmmaking. I have not yet been proven wrong, and actually quite the contrary. The next time I met up with Jim was 2 years ago, again here during Sundance, when he was screening his directorial debut, "Grace is Gone". If you're not familiar with the film, it's a heart-wrenching story about s young father, faced with the difficult task of telling his daughters that their mother was killed in Iraq. The film again exemplified Jim's ability to tell a good story, whether it be comedy or drama. The subject was topical and John Cusack in the lead role was wonderful. I was again fortunate enough to catch up with Jim after his screening and subsequent Q&A. And although this filmdid not make big money at the Box Office theatrically, it gained critical acclaim both for it's script and its direction.

And that brings me to this year's Sundance film from Mr Strouse, "The Winning Season", featured in the Sneak Peak category. I was so excited to see that Jim Strouse would be premiering his latest feature, "The Winning Season", at Sundance this year. I was anxious to see the film, as it was a "must see:" on my screening wish list. I was also anticipating being blown away by Jim's continued growth and development as both director and writer. My friends Matt and Wendy were joining me for today's screening, and I was excited about that as well. Matt and Wendy have two wonderful children, Hanna and Peter, so I know that once in awhile they simply need some "adult" time, and I was hopeful that they'd be able to arrange a babysitter for this afternoon's screening at Rose Wagner. And of course they welcomed an opportunity to get out  for the afternoon.

"The Winning Season" is a Dramedy (Drama/Comedy), featuring Sam Rockwell as a down and out former basketball coach, now working at a busboy at a local restaurant. Rockwell's character is a divorced father of a teenage girl, struggling with self-esteem, alcoholism, and a lifetime of bad relationships with women, from his wife to his daughter. Rockwell's given an opportunity to again get back in the game, coaching a High School Basketball Team, a WOMEN's Basketball team, that is. The film's script is well-timed and well directed. The character development is amazing, and the lesson is  clear: a lesson of hope, recovery, and second chances. The entire cast is remarkable, and although the subject matter deals with High School kids, the story reaches  all ages. The comedic timing and delivery are amazing, and the casting is dead-on. The film is so impressive, that it happens to be the first film purchased for distribution at Sundance this year.

Jim Strouse has again proved himself to be a filmmaking force, maturing in leaps and bounds with each film I see. I couldn't tell you when I last laughed this hard at a film, but the film was balanced with drama and heartbreak. How many times can one person get a "second chance"? Can people really change? At what point does a person "get it"? Dealing with many issues, including alcoholism, self-esteem, relationships, sexuality, and personal failure and triumph, "The Winning Season" successfully delivers on all fronts. Matt, Wendy, and I were thoroughly engaged, giggling during some of the more humorous moments, and fighting back tears at more intimate moments. My anxiety was unfounded, as every time I bring a friend to a film I've recommended, I am concerned as to whether or not they will appreciate and enjoy the film. We ALL enjoyed this film, not just the 3 of us, but the entire audience. if there was any disappointment with the screening, it was the fact that Mr Strouse could notattend the screening, and in turn I was unable to catch up with him, congratulate him, and express my appreciation of his efforts.

After the film we did a little shopping and then headed back home through the snow covered Emigration Canyon. I was invited to Matt and Wendy's for a wonderful dinner. I was able to not only enjoy more of the company of two more of my friends, but was also able to spend a little time with their adorable kids. After dinner and some adult conversation, it was time to head back to the house and catch up with Mel and Deb. Another successful day at Sundance.

More to follow. In the meantime... Butter up that popcorn, turn down the lights, and crank up that projector baby, I want to see some more films!

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