‘Skills Like This’ sure to shine at Starz Film Fest

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Max Solomon has just finished his last play and come to the awful realization that he’s just not that good at being a playwright. While dining with his friends, he decides to rob a bank and discovers that larceny might be his best skill. That’s the basic plot of Skills Like This, a quirky comedy playing at the 30th Starz Denver Film Festival this week.This local indie, shot in Colorado and directed by Denver-resident Monty Miranda, is a great way to kick off Trashwire’s Denver Film Festival coverage.

With a fun visual style and a tone reminiscent of Wes Anderson, it’s no wonder that Skills is getting accolades from festivals all over the world. Winner of the SXSW Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature, the film showcases the talents of co-writer and star Spencer Berger (who penned the story along with co-writer/star Gabriel Tigerman). Berger brings a realistic quality to Max that gives the whole film a truthful vibe. Max is not the slick Hollywood criminal of Oceans Eleven, rather, he is a regular dude who just happens to excel at robbery.

Berger’s performance along side an outstanding Brian D. Phelan as Max’s friend Tommy, leads to a comedic chemistry that makes the film shine. This, in combination with the quirky visual flavor of the film, is sure to make Skills Like This a standout at the Starz Denver Film Festival.

Skills was originally scheduled for two screenings at the fest, but due to overwhelming response, another screening was added for Monday November 12th. Get your tickets at denverfilm.org while you can because they’re going fast.