I would choose Obvious Child and Ida.

So, is there a Best of SIFF this coming weekend by any chance?

Is there a requirement that Carl Spence be within five feet of any celebrity at SIFF?

I dug Frank quite a bit. I also loved Alex of Venice and was more than a little dazzled by Messina's style. I thought the closing night's The One I Love was utterly unexpected and terrific.

I also fell madly in love for the Brazilian film How He Looks.

@2 Yes. @3 I really liked Frank, too.

Starting last night's party at 9:00 and cutting off booze at 10:30 was kind of lame, SIFF. Can I redeem my unused drink ticket at the Uptown?

Count me in the Hated everything about Alex in Venice crowd. Give me How Stella Got Her Groove Back any day over that tripe.

But, then my three standouts were far different than anybody else's, not having had a chance to see Boyhood. Pierrot Lunaire, Wetlands and Palestine Stereo were my fest faves. I suspect Wetlands will gain a lot of traction later, though.

I only saw about 30 movies this year, but Ida and Boyhood were also at the top of my list. I have sappy sentimental affection for Chinese Puzzle and God Help the Girl and was so glad that I followed Jen Graves's commandment to "not miss" Ballet 422.

I was also very pleasantly surprised by The One I Love, though SIFF generally does such a much better job with closing night selections vs. opening night.

@7 I agree regarding SIFF's closing night selections (I caught the encore screening of The One I Love at 9:30pm). I was sorry to miss God Help the Girl, which wasn't on my list until I starting to hear good things about it from you, Amie Simon, and others.