Waterfront films impress, draw 16,000+

SAUGATUCK, Mich. (WOOD) - By the end of the weekend, about 16,000 people attended the 11th annual Waterfront Film Festival, organizers estimate.

And despite the poor economy, more passes sold this year than last year.

There also was an increase in day passes, weekend passes, and the number of people who attended seminars.

24 Hour News 8 film blogger Aaron Lafferty attended the Saugatuck film festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It featured more than 70 films.

On Saturday, he checked in with documentary filmmaker and Michigan native Tom McPhee, who wrote "An American Opera." The film documents the pet rescue in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

McPhee spent more than three years on the project.

Play the video (above) to hear commentary from McPhee.

Lafferty called the documentary a powerful, moving documentary on his Twitter page.

"The Answer Man" is a comedy that stars Michigan's Jeff Daniels, along with Lauren Graham and Lou Taylor Pucci. The characters are looking for answers to the universe. Lafferty says: It's laugh out loud funny; a great romantic comedy. An 8.5.

"Women in Trouble" is written and directed by Sebastian Gutierrez, who did "Snakes on a Plane." It features Carla Gugino of "Watchmen," Connie Britton of "Spin City," Adrianne Palicki of "Friday Night Lights" and Marley Shelton of "Eleventh Hour." Lafferty says: It's a smart, but raunchy comedy.

"Peter and Vandy" is a romantic comedy about a young couple in Manhattan, starring Jason Ritter and Jess Weixler. Lafferty says: It's a great romantic drama with a unique story and great acting. An 8.5.

Other quick reviews:

"Weather Girl" is cute and funny, but not great, a tad slow and predictable: 7.0.

"The Twenty" is a compelling, emotional journey, shot partially in Michigan.

"The Baker" is a smart, funny British assassin comedy.

"Dare" is not a typical coming-of-age drama. "Cruel Intentions" with a twist.

"Against the Current" is a bleak emotional journey and curiously intriguing.

For more movie reviews and information on the weekend's Waterfront Film Festival, check Lafferty's blog, Laff at the Movies.