RIFF Review bundle: "The Red Machine" (***1/2), "Out on a Limb" (***)

Lee Perkins and Donal Thoms-Cappello star in "The Red Machine"

"The Red Machine" has been juicing the festival circuit for years, after first going into production in 2009. The Depression-era caper has two solid leads in Lee Perkins and Donal Thoms-Cappello and an equally strong supporting cast, featuring the Thelma Ritter-like Mo Byrnes in a standout role. Perkins and Thoms-Cappello are perfect foils for one another and while there could have been a tad more development on their friendship, the chemistry is certainly there. Completely self-aware and self-confident, colorful edits go to show that no one is taking themselves too seriously along this quick, fun ride. "The Red Machine" is more of a period piece "White Collar" than it is "The Lives of Others," but that's totally fine with me. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

"Out on a Limb" after the jump.

2012 Rome International Film Festival in review

The DeSoto Theatre marquee.

I had a great time up in Rome this weekend. Bookended with great films, the 9th Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) was filled to the brim with quality features, docs and shorts. Fourteen different countries were represented and several filmmakers, producers, actors and industry tradesmen were in attendance. Great venues situated among a vibrant downtown scene really gave the fest a cosmopolitan, but cozy vibe. It is easy to see why RIFF has a great reputation, even among the older and larger festivals.

You've already seen the reviews I posted for "American Songwriter" and "Born & Raised." Starting this week, I'll be posting reviews for more features from the fest, including "Lessons in Forgetting," "Out on a Limb," "Hombre y Tierra," "La Source," "The Red Machine" and "Heathens & Thieves." In addition to these features, I'll share brief reviews for over two dozen of the short films I screened.

Keep checking back for more RIFF coverage. I've posted some photos from around town after the jump.