Clubland

The alternative-music scene is in deep trouble if Mary Lambert's Clubland is any indication -- not to mention alternative filmmaking. Trite and sentimental, this film tells the tale of King and Kennedy, two orphaned brothers burdened with the names of '60s political martyrs who are trying to break into the Los Angeles club and recording scene. Among their obstacles, besides their lack of talent, are a dope-dealing drummer, a local mob type trying to hedge into their act, and their own unresolved sibling conflicts. Kennedy, the band's mealy-mouthed singer/songwriter, is torn between loyalty to his older brother King, who's the band's inept manager, and his own ambition. Matters end violently and happily, and the only touch of authenticity -- never mind the overlong performance numbers and softcore sex and language -- is Lori Petty's blowzy turn as a blue-haired punk-rocker à la Patti Smith. Screens at the Copley Place Sunday, September 13 at 7 and 9 p.m. and Monday, September 14 at 1, 3, and 5 p.m.

-- Peter Keough

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Film Festival Feature Films

| With Friends like These | Digging to China | Monument Ave. | Rounders | Lolita | God Said, 'Ha!' | My Son the Fanatic | The Mighty | Shattered Image | Gods and Monsters | Xui Xui: The Sent-Down Girl | Without Limits | Clubland | The Inheritors | The Celebration | Urban Ghost Story | The Boys | Living Out Loud | Stuart Bliss | The General | The Kindness of Strangers | Dancing at Lughnasa | Central Station | The Human Race | Double You Street | Oberwasser -- By U-boat to America | The Witman Boys | The Cruise | Confession of a Sexist Pig | Melting Pot |

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More Boston Film Festival information, film descriptions, and show times

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