SXSW Will Open With Kick-Ass

Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Kick-Ass
(Image credit: Lionsgate)

It already played like gangbusters at one Austin-based film festival, the AICN hosted Butt Numb-A-Thon. So why shouldn't Kick-Ass return to Texas for a repeat performance for a larger audience? The SXSW film festival announced today that Kick-Ass will be their opening night film, kicking off the festival in grand, violent style on March 12.

They also announced several other titles that will be premiering at the festival, including Elektra Luxx, the sequel to last year's SXSW film Women in Trouble, and SATURDAY NIGHT, a documentary by James Franco about the behind-the-scenes machinations at SNL.

Given that I'm both dying to attend SXSW and to see Kick-Ass, and will likely not be doing either this March, all of you planning to buy badges can go to hell. Just tell me all about what you saw before you get there.

Here's a list of the five other films that will be playing. Expect the full schedule to be announced sometime in February:

Cold Weather--SXSW Alum Aaron Katz directs this feature about a former forensic science major and avid reader of detective fiction, who, after making a mess of his life in Chicago, returns to his hometown of Portland, Oregon. There, he, his sister Gail, and new friend Carlos become embroiled in something unexpected.Elektra Luxx--Following the successful world premiere of Women In Trouble at SXSW 2009, writer/director Sebastian Gutierrez returns with the world premiere of its hotly anticipated sequel. The film follows a hectic day in the life of former adult film superstar Elektra Luxx as she tries to survive in the straight world. The film stars Carla Gugino in the title role, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Timothy Olyphant, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Malin Akerman.Hubble 3D--SXSW will present the first public screening of Hubble 3D at the Bob Bullock IMAX® Theater. Through the power of IMAX® 3D, Hubble 3D will enable movie-goers to journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history. The film is directed and produced by Toni Myers.Lemmy--A documentary from director Wes Orshoski, the film delves into the personal and public lives of heavy metal icon and Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister. Nearly three years in the making, and featuring appearances by such friends/peers as Metallica, Dave Grohl, Billy Bob Thornton and pro wrestler Triple H, the film follows Kilmister from his Hollywood bedroom to the hockey arenas of Scandinavia and Russia.SATURDAY NIGHT--Directed by actor James Franco, the documentary looks at what it takes to create an episode of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live. Follow behind the scenes as the actors, writers and producers go through one frenetic week of trials and tribulations as each volley to get sketches on air.

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Katey Rich

Staff Writer at CinemaBlend