Screenhead

A terrific film that premiered at Sundance last year is finally getting a release in select art and indie theaters this week. I happened to see Teeth last November at the Denver International Film Festival last November, and understand why this very funny horror comedy scared away the major distributors. Some of the best gags in this film are at the expense of the male characters, and are gross, graphic and just plain hilarious.The film is about a young woman who has an abnormality. The cause is not explained, but the huge, industrial smoke behind the town gives an indirect clue.What could have been a one joke film about “vagina dentata” is, in the hands of writer-director Mitchell Lichtenstein, a satirical look at teenage peer pressure and sexuality, and finally, female empowerment. Much of the credit for the film should go to Jess Weixler as Dawn, the girl who finds her particular mutation to be troubling and frightening, only to find that what may be her biggest weakness is also her source of strength.  John Hensley, best known as the troubled son on cables’ “Nip/Tuck” portrays the punk “brother”.   The official website lists the cities where Teeth is currently playing. And guys, if you’re brave enough to see this film, just remember, this may not be the film you want to see on a date.

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