Jumat, 30 April 2010

Hot Docs 2010 - Day 2 Vlog





Day 2 is my first day at the festival and started off with the screening of the lovely film Women with the 5 Elephants. Vlog is a little dark, so maybe just listen as this film is well worth hearing about.

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival runs from April 29 - May 9, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Film Fan Fridays for Friday April 30, 2010

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday April 30, 2010! It's a great week for film here in Toronto. Not only has Hot Docs just started but we have 2 Canadian releases hitting screens today. Let's take a look at what's out there.

In limited release this week we begin with Passenger Side, a Canada's Top Ten 2009 selection and it's a unique urban road movie starring Adam Scott and Joel Bissonnette as brothers on an inadvertent joint journey around town. Although set in the States, the dry wit and brilliant dialogue is where it shows it's distinctly Canadian stamp. The humour and dynamic between the two leads is fantastic, I'd recommend checking out Passenger Side while you can. We also have the inspired by true story baseball film The Perfect Game and two films from India: English Butler Masala Chai and Housefull.

In wide release this week we have our second Canadian release of the week with the western/comedy Gunless starring Paul Gross as an American gunslinger who find himself in a Canadian town and no one to pick a fight with. Yes, a western/comedy... haven't seen one of those in a while! Also in wide release if A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), a re-make of Wes Cravens 1984 classic horror film this time starring Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children, The Bad News Bears) as Freddy Kruger and Rooney Mara as Nancy. The horror re-make in the past few years haven't had the results, but I know I'll be giving Nightmare a go because I just can't resist being fond of the original and horror in general. Last up is family comedy Furry Vengeance starring Brendan Fraser as a real estate developer who faces the ultimate protesters - nature itself retaliates, with fur and vengeance.

Be sure to check out my daily coverage of Hot Docs here at Movie Moxie from April 30 - May 9, 2010 for reviews throughout the festival. If you are trying to decide what to go see I've put up a festival preview, reviewed some of the festival films already here and here.

Have a great weekend!

Shannon

Festival Watch

Hot Docs
Canadian International Documentary Film Festival
April 29 - May 9, 2010 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
See Movie Moxie coverage of Hot Docs here

Maximum Exposure Film Fest
Ryerson School of Image Arts graduate and end of year show
April 30 - May 2, 2010, at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Friday April 30, 2010 Releases

English Butler Masala Chai
Dir: Maneesh Malhotra
Cast: Tara Joshi, Sachin Sharma, Geoff Hymers, Richard Young
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, No IMDb Page

Furry Vengeance
Dir: Roger Kumble (College Road Trip)
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Brooke Shields, Matt Prokop, Skyler Samuels, Ken Jeong
USA/United Arab Emirates
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Gunless
Writer/Dir: William Phillips (Foolproof, Treed Murray)
Cast: Paul Gross, Seinna Guillory, Dustin Milligan, Tyler Mane, Callum Keith Rennie, Graham Greene
Canada
Official Website, IMDb Page, Trailer

Housefull
Dir: Sajid Khan (Heyy Babyy)
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Deshmukh, Deepika Padukne
India
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)

Dir: Samuel Bayer - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara, Kyle Gallner, Kellan Lutz, Katie Cassidy, Thomas Dekkar
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Passenger Side
Dir: Matthew Bissonnette (Who Loves the Sun, Looking for Leonard)
Cast: Adam Scott, Joel Bissonnette
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

The Perfect Game
Dir: William Dear (
Angels in the Outfield, Simon Says)
Cast: Clifton Collins Jr., Cheech Martin, Emilie de Ravin, Moises Arias, Jake T. Austin, Gabriel Morales, Ryan Ochoa, Carlos Padilla, Jansen Panettiere, Mario Quinonez Jr., Anthony Quinonez,
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of April 30, 2010**

Kamis, 29 April 2010

Hot Docs Day 1

Tonight is the big opening night for Hot Docs bringing two sure to be crowd pleasing experiences with Babies and Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage. I'm saving my strength for the remaining 10 days of the festival where I'm hoping to catch about 30 films. I had the opportunity to sneak in a few films that I couldn't quite fit in my actual schedule, but still I knew I had to see. Here are some highlights from those films. Amazing how a common theme in these films is not only thinking outside the box but also a great combination of awareness of 'the system' and creative ways to work with, without or around it. I like that kind of thinking.

Be sure to also check out my reviews of selections from the NFB films at the festival this year and come back for daily coverage here at Movie Moxie throughout the festival.

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Above: Disco and Atomic War

Disco and Atomic War
Dir: Jaak Kilmi
Estonia/Finland

I knew in an instant that I would have to see Disco and Atomic War. Not just because 'disco' was in the title (although, that could easily be enough), but the fact that is set in Estonia and is about highjacking TV signals from Finland during the cold war, I mean who could resist? The Baltic connection is what pulled it from curious to a must-see, being Latvian myself but living in Canada my whole life, I'm always very curious of any films from that region. I'll admit I wish had seen this one with an audience because there is a lovely and dry sense of humour when it comes to portraying the predicament of hijacking Finnish TV signals in Estonia, because we deal with a lot of funky pop culture as well as the beauty of trends that sprout up like weeds regardless of their contraband connection. From Dallas to disco, pop culture is an undeniable treat that people want to and will do their best to acquire. It gracefully blends earnest re-enactments with fantastic archival footage with a homegrown tone that has an understated mischievous tone that keeps you wondering, and smiling, throughout.

Disco and Atomic War plays at Hot Docs on:
Friday April 30, 2010 at 9:15pm at the ROM and Saturday May 1, 2010 at 2pm at Cumberland 2

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Above: The Peddler

The Peddler
Dir: Eduardo de la Serna, Lucas Marcheggiano, Adriana Yurcovich
Argentina

This film is the first time heard the terms Handicrafted films. Images of macrame instantly came to mind but only the craftiness of that spirit needs apply, the knots can be left at home. The Peddler shows us one of many journeys with Daniel Burmeister who travels from village to village in Argentina making films in the villages in exchange for room and board. Using locals as the actors, he brings a wonderful enthusiasm to the process of creating the films in and with the town. People light up when they are asked to be included in the film, and even though there are bumps on the road along the way, everyone has a good time being involved. It's a refreshing an open-style film making format that brings so much more out to play than a strict bottom line. Warm & inviting, it brings a wonderful sense of joy from everyone involved.

The Peddler plays at Hot Docs on:
Monday May 3, 2010 at 6:45pm at Innis and Wednesday May 5, 2010 at 1:15pm at Cumberland 2

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Above: A Different Path

A Different Path
Dir: Monteith McCollum
USA

I could have sworn this one was Canadian. But, no it's from USA and follows stories from Seattle seniors, Toronto cyclists, to a New Yorker all who have a common goal travelling freedom. Whether it's literally trying to get from A to B in the shortest time, or wanting to empower pedestrians, it all stems from the overwhelming car-focused culture of North American, mostly but not exclusively urban centres. I'm a big fan of power of the pedestrian, and loved seeing the Toronto footage, but that just makes it extra special experience but it's a powerful message and it's inspiriting to see people working towards taking the pavement back. It's told very organically as opposed to a straight-up talking head doc, and is very open to the challenges that you can face in this scenario. I loved the spirit of the film and how it wasn't about purely thinking out of the box, which is really important, but it's also very aware of the box in the room and that you have to deal with that box as a box. It might not be your box, but it's there. This made A Different Path a very refreshing documentary to see, it also used a storytelling style that has a very textural quality to it, incorporating different tones and techniques. In effect, it's walking it's own walk by shaking up the way we see things while at the same time showing us people who are shaking up things themselves. I loved that, not only does it give a creative quality to the film and is visually interesting, but the film resonates with integrity because it brings the same message in multiple formats. Very inspiring.

A Different Path plays at Hot Docs on:
Friday May 7 , 2010 at 7:15pm at Innis and Sunday May 9, 2010 at 6:30pm at Cumberland 3

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Above: Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio

Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio
Dir: Sam Wainwright Douglas
USA

Renegade architects. Yes, renegade architects. That is the focus of Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio which shares the vision of the late Samuel Mockbee who founded the Rural Studio, which has a program that works to create housing for people in need and often makes it the shelters through recycled materials and innovative techniques. It's a beautiful portrait and vision that we see continues to carried on through the school. It also looks at architecture from different perspectives from interviews, and reveals that not everyone has the same vision and showcases different elitisms within the field and within housing in general. Housing is one of the few things that in general, everyone needs to have and it has a serious impact on people - it's amazing to see the different points of view from dwellers to builders on what they think and more interestingly can be who knows what's best. Very informative and inspiring.

Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio plays at Hot Docs on:
Saturday May 1, 2010 at 7:15pm at Innis and Tuesday May 4, 2010 at 2pm at the ROM

For more information check the festival schedule or purchase tickets at the online box office.

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival runs from April 29 - May 9, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

NFB Selections at Hot Docs

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The NFB is a true stamp of quality when it comes to Canadian documentary film, a place where we are already had a long history of documentary film. I always look forward to their offerings at festivals and this year with Hot Docs I am once again was extremely satisfied with the the quality, creativity and important stories that resonate in the films they bring to screens. Here are some highlights.

The "Socalled" Movie
Dir: Garry Beitel
Canada

Hearing people talk about The "Socalled" Movie with a joyful enthusiasm let me know that it was one I couldn't miss at the festival. A portrait on the artist (including musician, magician and filmmaker) Socalled, we are privy to performances, jam sessions and interviews where we see things you'd never imagine being put together blend seamlessly together. One of the most prominent pairings is hip hop and klezmer music, which I admit gave me a giggle to think of them together but when you hear it, it's so beautiful you wonder why they ever were apart. The film is filled with personal history, projects, interviews with or about Socalled, where we get to see many different aspects of his creative life and how he has a beautiful curiosity to pull what would normally feel oddly juxtaposed to feel like old friends together again. In part it has a why not? perspective that is truly and inspiring. Why not put klezmer and funk together? Do it & see what happens, because it could be a beautiful thing. What we see over and over again is that it truly is a beautiful thing.

Flawed
Dir: Andrea Dorfman
Canada, 12 minutes

A true gem of a film, exploring one womans journey through her relationship not only with other people but also herself and her own body. The journey is also told visually as we watch stories come to life through ink and paint. Honest and revealing Flawed is absolutely priceless and it's beauty brought me to tears of joy through it's openness and bravery.

See a clip of Flawed here.

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Above: Flawed

Namrata
Dir: Shazia Javad
Canada, 9 minutes

A brave and telling journey portrait of a woman who life brings her from India to Edmonton through an arranged marriage to unexpected results. Passionate and personal, it's an inspiring story dealing with both conflict of courage.

Life with Murder
Dir: John Kastner
Canada

Life with Murder follows a very tragic family history. Starting with a very normal family of four, 2 parents and 2 kids, living pretty normal lives until a crime if committed that changes the family unit in a way that is hard to imagine. The suprizing thing about the scenario is it highlights how much can be left unsaid and what this can do to family dynamics. Understaned and respectfully handled, we see how the family actively chooses to deal with a horrifying event. Although the question hovers on if it's patience or denial, it's shows a truly unique perspective on dealing with different kinds of loss. The film comes together as life often does, as the puzzle pieces of life are brought together without starting with the full picture.

Warnings: Life with Murder does include real crime scene photos and footage

Check them out at the festival:

The "Socalled" Movie plays at Hot Docs on:
Sunday May 2, 2010 at 9:15pm at the Bloor and Tuesday May 4, 2010 at 11:30am at ROM

Flawed plays with Small Wonders on:
Friday April 30, 2010 at 9:30pm at Cumberland 2 and Sunday May 2, 2010 at 5pm at Innis

Namrata plays with In the Name of the Family on:
Saturday May 1, 2010 at 7pm at the Royal and Sunday May 9, 2010 at 6:45pm at the Bader

Life with Murder plays at Hot Docs on:
Saturday May 1 at 9:45pm at the Bader and Sunday May 9, 2010 at 3:45 at the Bloor

For more information check the festival schedule or purchase tickets at the online box office.

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival runs from April 29 - May 9, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Reverend’s Reviews: Footprints Through Hollywood

The Hollywood premiere last night of Footprints, a new film by Steven Peros (The Cat’s Meow), was eerily well timed in the wake of the TCM Classic Film Festival. The event took place at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre, site of numerous festival screenings, and the movie features several prominent locations where festivalgoers had trod en masse only days before.

Billed as “a Hollywood fable,” Footprints celebrates classic Hollywood and the wannabe starlets who flocked there. When an initially-nameless young woman is found passed out in the handprint- and autograph-strewn courtyard of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, a journey into her personal past and the film industry of a by-gone era begins.


The woman (played by Sybil Temtchine, a ringer for Mira Sorvino), who is seemingly suffering from amnesia, is quickly befriended by a unique assortment of boulevard dwellers. They include an elderly gentleman who may be the ghost of someone from the woman’s mysterious past; a friendly Scientologist; a Catwoman impersonator (the Halle Berry version) on the prowl for cash from photo-hungry tourists, with whom the lead character suits up as Wonder Woman; and the faded star of a faux pulp classic entitled Lola, the Tiger Girl, played by a radiant Pippa Scott, who was in John Ford’s The Searchers among other credits.

Engrossing and sweet if not particularly striking in execution, Footprints comments on the delicate nature of memories by frequently paying homage to real-life actresses Gene Tierney and Rita Hayworth, both of whom became memory-impaired in their later years. Writer-director Peros implies, intriguingly, that the cinema may well be our primary collective repository of memories as a species. The players may pass on but — thanks to Hollywood, if not some supernatural entity or process — their presence is eternal.

Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.

Rabu, 28 April 2010

Hot Docs Preview 2010 - Part 2

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With Hot Docs 2010 starting less than 24 hours, it's hard to believe the that it's been over a month since the original press conference and posting my first preview of the festival. Yesterday I headed up to the box office at Hazelton Lanes and I don't think I had been in there since last years festival! With many of the screenings going rush, it's good to know that some of the festival favourites screenings have been been inked in the schedule for the last weekend of the festival. Also on the schedule are the rooftop screenings, new this year at the festival and sure to be a fun experience complete with pre-show music performances.

I've been busy nailing down the schedule which has got me thinking about documentaries and how and why we pick which docs to see. I find that for me they can often fall into either end of the knowledge spectrum: I love seeing docs on films where I know and enjoy the subject matter, but also love seeing docs where I know absolutely nothing about the subject matter. Along with these types, portrait style documentaries focusing on one person or several with a joint theme or cause can also be very compelling - I know several of these are on my must-see list for this year. Awareness, personal journeys and overcoming challenges are also films that can resonate strongly and be very inspiring, I hope to see several of these this year as well. Now, let's take a look at a few on my must-see list:

Sport-centric
Want to know about the world's third worst rugby team? Time to check out Freetime Machos. Yep. That's a no-brainer. They had me at rugby. Always a fan of sport films but rugby holds a special place in my heart because it's a sport I actually played. Can't wait for this one! B1 centres on a blind professional judo athlete. Yep. Another no-brainer. If that isn't inspirational I don't know what is.

Amazing Women
Two portrait films that I'm very curious about are Anne Perry - Interiors on the mystery writer and comedian Joan Rivers - A Piece of Work. I've heard great things already about Dish: Women, Waitressing and the Art of Service, which may be my lone food related pick this year. Also very curious about the Sundance winning film Space Tourist, following a woman's $20 million trip to space. Wow. Talk about going for what you want.

Compelling
His & Hers program write up states "tells a 90-year love story through the collection voice of 70 Irish women". I can't begin to imagine what this is going to be like, so I know I have to see it. From love to music, another compelling premise comes with The "Socalled" Movie, focusing on musician Josh Dogin who combines funk and klezmer. It has to be seen to be believed.

Clip it to Ya!
There films that make the must-see list are purely due to clips of the films being shown at the press conference, and I'm glad they did because the description alone may not have. First was Nénette focuses on an orangutan, then Steam of Life which is about men talking in saunas and lastly Complaints Choir which is literally about a choir that makes songs from complaints. Every single one charmed me over with the clips of the film.

Personal Connections
Then there are those films that you crave to see because you feel akin to the subject matter. Several of those this year including Disco and Atomic War is set in Cold War Estonia hijacking TV signals from Finland. Being Latvian, anything Baltic is a yes for me! Less personal but very prolific is The People vs. George Lucas, which makes this list as I grew up with Star Wars and it's still, and will likely always be, my favourite movie of all time. Plus I'm always interested in discussions on intellectual property, copyright and access which actually applies to both films. Yep. Learning and fun - you can't go wrong!

Need to plan your festival? It's not to late! Check out the information on the individual programs here or see the festival schedule online at the Hot Docs website.

Opening Night Gala Ticket and festival tickets are available for purchase online.
For more information on ticketing and box office check here on the Hot Docs website.

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Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival runs from April 29 - May 9, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

She-Wolf of London

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Dir: Jean Yarbrough (Angels in Disguise, She's in the Army, South of Dixie)
Cast: June Lockhart, Sara Haden, Jan Wiley, Don Porter, Lloyd Corrigan, Dennis Hoey, Martin Kosleck, Eily Malyon, Frederick Worlock
USA, 1946

Seen: April 24, 2010

Reason to Watch & Review: For The Wolfathon *

I hadn't heard much abut She-Wolf of London, but it was on the same DVD as Werewolf of London so I thought I would give it a go for The Wolfathon, especially as there don't seem to be to many femme focused werewolf films. The focus here is a lot more on the femme than the werewolfness though, although I appreciated the almost completely female focused of the sotry and characters. The primary cast is a trio of women: the young & engaged Phyllis Allenby (June Lockhart), her aunt Martha (Sara Haden) and Martha's daughter Carol (Jan Wiley) who all live together on the Allenby estate with (gasp!) no men in the house. Shocking, isn't it? Well it did come out in 1946 and they are actually rather playful with the gender dynamics which makes it pretty entertaining.

The ladies are just going about their lives when fear is raised from attacks in a nearby park and the now there is a mystery is on to solve regarding the cause. Intertwined into the mystery are family histories, romances and local folklore. The film feels like serial in a lot of ways, using a lot of the ideas and themes from werewolf films with it's own spin on things but overall doesn't bring too much new to the mix. It actually felt more like a just a straight up drama than a werewolf film, as there wasn't a lot of horror elements or effects involved but rather kept the focus of the mystery side of things while presenting themes of remorse and regret. As a werewolf film, it's not quite up to the others I've seen but it is an enjoyable watch.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I'd recommend it to fans of classic dramas

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2010

* The Wolfathon is a marathon exploring werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Black - DVD Review

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Dir: Pierre Laffargue
Cast: MC Jean Gab'1, Carole Karemera, François Levantal, Ibrahima Mbaye
France, 2009

All set for some action? Then get ready because Black is coming your way. A heist action flick that takes us from Paris to Senegal with the premise of the ultimate job takes the heist flick to a whole new level. MC Jean Gab'1 is a charismatic powerhouse as Black, our fearless hero that has a unique sense of style and opportunity. It is a very interesting choice to make a heist film where the main character has a fair range of emotional depth including remorse, this works very well in building unexpected sympathy for a character who is essentially a criminal. The fact that MC Jean Gab'1 exudes intense energy is what truly makes it work - you are always rooting for him no matter what is thrown at him which is anything and everything. Shot on location in Paris and Senegal we see a fantastic array of settings to explore and even with so many standards notes you hit in a heist film, there are so many twists and turns keeping us on our toes the entire time. It was also refreshing to see an action film that didn't play the stereotype for comedy game, but rather present and embrace strong characters of every variety. You certainly don't want to mess with any of them! The film truly has everything - action, totems, snakes, lions, diamonds, guns fights, car chases and the list goes on and on. A wild ride which I'd be happy to ride again.

Original saw the film at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival in 2009 where director Pierre Laffargue and producer Lauranne Bourrachat were in attendance. You can see selections from the Q&A from that screening here.

I'm thrilled that this heist action flick is now available on DVD from Evokative Films. The DVD features French dialogue with optional English subtitles in yellow. The DVD packaging is an environmentally-friendly made of 100% recycled materials & totally sleek. The wrapping is 100% biodegradable cellophane.

DVD Extras: (In French)
Documentary about MC Jean Gab'1 coming to Montreal including interviews and screening (26m)
A Capsule about the Canadian Premiere at Fantasia including footage of screening Q&A, audience reactions and interviews with MC Jean Gab'1, producer Lauranne Bourrachat and director Pierre Laffargue
A Making-of on location with director Pierre Laffargue, producer Marco Cherqui, special effects make-up artist Frédéric Balmer and actors MC Jean Gab'1 & Carole Karemera (25m)

DVD Extras: (In French & English)
The packaging includes a booklet with an director's note and a foreword by Tim League (founder of the Alamo Theatres and co-founder of the Fantastic Fest) and film trailer

Black DVD is available for purchase at the Evokative Films website store, as is the awesome poster for the film

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I own it
I highly & widely recommend it, especially to fans of action & heist films

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009-2010
Originally reviewed for during Toronto After Dark Film Festival - August 19, 2009


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Dates, Hot Tubs & Resilent Dragons: Canadian, North American, UK & Australian Box Office April 23, 2010 Weekend

How to Train Your Dragon stays back on top again this week in the Canadian and North American Box Office in it's 5th week, although The Back-Up came up as a close second in both cases. Also in it's debut week is The Losers which opened at #4 in North America and #6 in Canada and The Secret in Their Eyes in limited release but still made the charts although in the high teens.

In the UK Date Night debuted in the #1 spot and went neck & neck in it's third week in Australia against Hot Tub Time Machine which nudged it's way to #1 there. New to the UK charts It's a Wonderful Afterlife which debuts at #7 and The Joneses at #10. When in Rome debuts in Australia at #6.

Overall it was a very quiet week for the box office which each and every #1 ending up being the lowest grossing #1's for each this year. Interesting to see that Avatar is still listing and making money at the box ffice even though it made it's DVD release last Thursday.

Top 20 Movies in Canada for the April 23, 2010 weekend
1. How to Train Your Dragon
2. The Back-up Plan *
3. Date Night
4. Kick-Ass
5. Clash of the Titans (2010)
6. The Losers *
7. Oceans *
8. Death at a Funeral
9. The Last Song
10. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
11. Le journal d'Aurélie Laflamme *
12. Avatar
13. The Bounty Hunter
14. Hot Tub Time Machine
15. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
16. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
17. Ekam: Son of Soil *
18. The Secret in Their Eyes *
19. Shutter Island
20. IMAX: Hubble 3D

Top 20 Movies in North America for the April 23, 2010 weekend
1. How to Train Your Dragon
2. The Back-up Plan *
3. Date Night
4. The Losers *
5. Kick-Ass
6. Clash of the Titans (2010)
7. Death at a Funeral
8. Oceans *
9. The Last Song
10. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
11. Hot Tub Time Machine
12. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
13. Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?
14. The Bounty Hunter
15. Avatar
16. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
17. The Ghost Writer
18. IMAX: Hubble 3D
19. The Secret in Their Eyes *
20. City Island

Top 10 Movies in the UK for the April 23, 2010 weekend
1. Date Night *
2. Clash of the Titans (2010)
3. How to Train Your Dragon
4. Dear John
5. Kick-Ass
6. The Ghost Writer
7. It's a Wonderful Afterlife *
8. Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang
9. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
10. The Joneses *

Top 20 Movies in Australia for the April 22 - 26, 2010 weekend
1. Hot Tub Time Machine *
2. Date Night
3. Clash of the Titans (2010)
4. How to Train Your Dragon
5. The Book of Eli
6. When in Rome *
7. Kick-Ass
8. Beneath Hill 60
9. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
10. The Last Song
11. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
12. Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang
13. Avatar
14. The Blind Side
15. The Last Station
16. She's Out of My League
17. The Hurt Locker
18. Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky
19. The Spy Next Door
20. Micmacs

* indicates opening weekend in noted location

Source: Canada & North America info, UK info, Australia Info

Selasa, 27 April 2010

Reverend’s Report: A Gay Old Time at the TCM Classic Film Fest

The just completed, first-ever TCM Classic Film Festival, which ran April 22-25 in Hollywood, was a class act all the way. From hosted, top-shelf cocktails at the fest’s opening night party — held in a ballroom of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel that had been converted into the lavish “Club TCM” — through three full days of celebrity appearances, filmmaker panels and, of course, screenings of classic movies in historic venues, both attendees (a number of whom were gay) and organizers exhibited an almost-religious reverence not usually found at contemporary, indie film festivals.

This may have been related to what I experienced within myself while watching childhood favorites like Bride of Frankenstein, the 1933 King Kong and The Good Earth on a movie screen for the first time rather than on TV. On one hand, I felt older than I ever have before but, on the other, I realized these classic films are a part of me to a quasi-physical degree. I felt the movies I watched in a way I hadn’t previously. They are in my blood, and clearly in the blood of many other people, who attended the festival from all across the nation and even some foreign countries, as well.

Chris with friends Mark and Kelly at Club TCM

The opening night premiere of a newly restored print of the 1954, George Cukor version of A Star is Born (it will be released June 22 on DVD and, for the first time, Blu-Ray) drew an impressive array of Oscar winners and nominees, including Cher, Alec Baldwin, Anjelica Huston, Martin Landau and a dapper Eli Wallach as well as a younger generation represented by Ben McKenzie, Chris Klein and out actor Wilson Cruz. Director Peter Bogdanovich was there, as well as TCM’s resident film host-critics Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz.

While the sound system in Grauman’s Chinese Theatre didn’t sound well-balanced on opening night, resulting in loud but tinny-sounding musical numbers and sometimes hard-to-hear dialogue, repeat viewings of A Star is Born confirm that it remains one of Judy Garland’s best vehicles as well as contains one of James Mason’s best performances (both were Oscar-nominated for their work here).


The following morning found me back at Grauman’s Chinese and in line for King Kong with a cute, chatty USC film student named David. As critic Leonard Maltin noted during his introductory remarks, we were in the same theatre where Kong had its world premiere nearly 80 years ago for the world premiere of a new, digitally restored print that included the film’s long-lost overture by Max Steiner. While I was surprised to discover the movie more graphically violent (for 1933) than I remembered it, with close-up shots of Kong’s giant foot squashing villagers into the ground, it remains one of the most gripping and mythical of all big-screen adventures.

During the afternoon of day 2, I took in two films I’d never seen: the caustic, Manhattan-set morality tale Sweet Smell of Success (1957) and Douglas Sirk’s tear-jerking account of interior racial conflict, Imitation of Life (1959). Tony Curtis, who gives a memorable performance in Sweet Smell of Success as ambitious press agent Sidney Falco alongside Burt Lancaster as vicious columnist J.J. Hunsecker, made an odd appearance prior to the screening.


Making his entrance and exit in a wheelchair (the actor has apparently suffered a stroke) and wearing shorts, a T-shirt and a cowboy hat, Curtis rambled on about his “hazardous experience” growing up in New York and his opinions on acting. Most disturbingly, he uttered the word “lesbos” at one point while referring to women who appeared less than feminine to his observation, and he recounted his efforts at “making sure some guy wasn’t trying to grope me” while watching movies as a kid in a darkened theater.

Fortunately, my festival experience regained its classy aura once Curtis was out and Sweet Smell of Success began. The script, by Ernest Lehman and blacklisted playwright Clifford Odets, holds up remarkably well in its study of journalistic ethics and power. Lancaster and Curtis give blistering studies in contempt, and a handsome young Martin (billed here as “Marty”) Milner is great as the young musician who dares to challenge them. The film also boasts excellent direction by Alexander Mackendrick and photography by the legendary James Wong Howe, and a fine jazz score by Elmer Bernstein.


The Oscar-nominated co-stars of Imitation of Life, Juanita Moore and Susan Kohner, appeared following the screening of what they both admitted was their finest achievement as actors. Moore, who will turn 100 this year, doesn’t have the best memory but looks great. Kohner spoke more fondly of her role as mother to contemporary directors Chris and Paul Weitz than she did of her brief career in Hollywood. Still, both actresses and most audience members were pleased with Sirk’s then-controversial final film that ultimately focuses on a light-skinned black girl desperately trying to pass herself off as white. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house during the finale.

Sunday afternoon’s screening of the excellent 1937 film The Good Earth, adapted from Pearl S. Buck’s China-set novel, was remarkable for a rare appearance by its Oscar-winning star, Luise Rainer. Now 100 and living in England, Rainer braved ash from the volcanic eruption in Iceland as well as the loss of her hearing aid to be at the TCM festival. The still-lovely Rainer walked down the aisle of Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre to the stage with only the help of a cane and quickly revealed a still-razor sharp mind and memory.


The audience and interviewer Robert Osborne, who had to write his questions for Rainer down so she could read them, listened with rapt delight as she spoke about the making of The Good Earth (good-naturedly dissing co-star Paul Muni and MGM studio chief Louis B. Mayer in the process) as well as about her two marriages (her first, which ended in divorce, was to the aforementioned Clifford Odets) and her admiration for fellow actresses Greta Garbo and Julia Roberts. As TCM Channel’s production chief accurately announced after Rainer’s appearance, “This was the biggest event of the year in Hollywood.”

The North American premiere of a recently discovered, nearly complete cut of Fritz Lang’s science fiction masterpiece Metropolis (1927) served as the TCM fest’s grand finale. I had never seen Metropolis all the way through in any of its previously incomplete incarnations, and it was a thrill to do so with a very enthusiastic crowd of devotees in Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. The silent film was provided with extraordinary musical and sound-effects accompaniment by a live ensemble, the three-man Alloy Orchestra, performing the original score.


Prior to the Metropolis screening, Osborne announced to a roar of approval from attendees that the first TCM Classic Film Festival was such a success that another will be held next spring. While dates are yet to be announced, fans of Hollywood classics — GLBT and otherwise — should start planning now to attend. After all, these movies are in our blood.

Report by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.

Senin, 26 April 2010

DVD Releases for April 27, 2010

Pretty quiet week for DVDs this week, possibly due to Avatar mid-last week release on April 22, 2010 and the connection for the non-Tuesday release was to correspond with Earth Day.

Now on to DVD releases for April 27, 2010! First up we have an absolutely beautiful Canadian coming of age film Grown Up Movie Star which hit theatres and Sundance earlier this year. Keeping it femme we also have the Meryl Streep divorse comedy It's Complicated.

We also have the crime/thriller 5 Minutes in Heaven starring Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt from director Oliver Hirschbieg (The Invasion (2007), Downfall, Das Experiement)

Also in releases is a Limited Edition Collector's Gift Set of Wanted along with a sequel to The Descent, called ... you guessed it... The Descent 2.

Titles on Amazon.ca(Canada):


Titles on Amazon.com (US):



No current listing of Grown Up Movie Star on Amazon.com (US)

Week in Film Vlog: April 26, 2010





Theatrical Releases: How to Train Your Dragon, The Losers, Kick-Ass
Trailer for upcoming The Expendables
The Wolfathon: Werewolf of London
101 in 1001: House of Wax
Plus: Pusher Trilogy

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Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast - Episode 48: New Moon DVD Discussion




Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast - Episode 48 is up!

Well, both Marina & I's got our hands on the New Moon DVD and so we had a chance to catch up on the extras on the 2-Disc and Borders copies so we talk about the commentary, documentary and some of the extended/deleted scenes on this week episode of Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast.

Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast is a weekly podcast meeting all your audio Twilight needs!

Poll Results: Which Team-of-Misfit-Action Flick Looks the Best?

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The results are in and the Team-of-Misfit-Action Flick that you think Looks the Best is Kick-Ass with a whopping 47%! My fave of the bunch (so far and likely will be after all being seen) is The Losers at 23% and maybe it makes sense that the real underdogs here came in second. Those both are in theatrical release right now so you can find out if you like them! Seems that people tend to like one or the other, and out of the two I'm definitely a The Losers fan.

Coming in third is The Expendables at 17%, which comes out August 13, 2010 and trailer for is just came out (I saw it with Kick-Ass screening!) for this action film with Sylvester Stallone directing as well as starring many of the action gurus including Dolph Lundgren, Jason Statham, Jet Li along with Steve Austin and Randy Couture.

Last up is The A-Team at 11%, and I think this one looks like a lot of fun as well. It hits screens June 11, 2010 and you can check out the trailer here. Looks of exciting looking films here, I found it hard to choose which film to pick on this poll!

47% - Kick-Ass
23% - The Losers
17% - The Expendables
11% - The A-Team

Thanks for voting!

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Sabtu, 24 April 2010

The Losers

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Dir: Sylvain White (Stomp the Yard)
Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Zoe Saldana, Chris Evans, Idris Elba, Columbus Short, Óscar Jaenada, Jason Patric
USA, 2010

Seen: Opening Day! April 23, 2010 at the Rainbow.

Reason to see: How do I count the ways? Jeffrey Dean Morgan is always a yes. Chris Evans is always a yes. Bunch of misfit films are always a yes. Well, that's three reason before sitting in the theatre!

Yes! Finally a movie I can get 100% behind. I loved The Losers. It won me over very almost instantly and kept winning me over again and again throughout the movie. I knew going into it that there were a lot of elements I liked, but all of those elements it took and made them even better than I expected.

The group dynamic in the team is fantastic. They really feel like a group of people that not only know how to do their jobs really well, but also know each other so well that they know each others demenors, actions and thoughts as they go along. I love seeing and believing that. Because of this it makes them pretty self-aware to the point of getting away with acknowledging elephants in the room. This led for some great, and intelligent comedy that was really refreshing.

Technically, they feel a little less misfit-y than I thought going in as the 5 guys & 1 woman that make up the ensemble cast are actually all extremely skilled in each of their specified areas. Another plus there because expertise of any kind is a beautiful thing to see. Bonus points go to the awesome camaraderie within the group, making them one heck of a unique team.

Now, it is an action film so there is lots of blowing stuff up and guns and such. But... it technically wasn't very violent and there wasn't stupid random nudity thrown in either. I was already won over by this point, but this put me over the moon happy. It doesn't stop there because they level of action (i.e. not excessive) didn't feel like a trick to sneak it to be a lower rated film, because it actually matched the characters because they don't really want to hurt people. Now those are real heroes in my book.

The cast is what really makes it all gel together to be a very fun film watching experience. All of the performances were good here, which is key in a film with such a group dynamic. First up, I have to say that Chris Evans is spectacular. Unrelenting, hilarious performance that perfectly played endearing geekiness with a backbone. Loved him in this, really loved him. I also specifically though Óscar Jaenada was fantastic as the sniper savvy Cougar, especially given that he's got a fair amount of screen time but not tons of dialogue and still made quite an impression. Very impressive. I also thought Columbus Short was great as the lovable Pooch, who had such a big heart and I even liked Zoe Saldana as Aisha which I totally wasn't expecting. She's was pretty convincing and pretty bad ass.

If these are misfit, who'd want to be anything else. I want to be a Loser, because The Losers are my heroes.

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll buy it & I might even see it again in the theatre
I'd recommend it to fans of action films that have a heart

10 minutes of preshow including 4 commercials and 3 previews: The A-Team, Inception and Lottery Ticket

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© Shannon Ridler, 2010

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Kick-Ass

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Dir: Matthew Vaughn (Stardust, Layer Cake)
Cast: Aaron Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Nicolas Cage, Mark Strong
UK/USA, 2010

Seen: April 20, 2010 at the Rainbow

Reason to see: Superheroes type films are always are a yes to seeing

By the time I was sitting in the theatre to watch Kick-Ass, I had already seen the trailer 8 times this year. Not because I hit replay on Apple Trailers, but because it played in front of 8 films I've seen in the theatre this year (
Daybreakers, Legion, Frozen, The Wolfman (2010), The Crazies, Cactus, Green Zone and Repo Men). Now, I liked most of those films a fair amount so I figured I'd be the target market. But as it turns out, I wasn't.

Kick-Ass stems on the question of why hasn't a regular person ever tried to be a superhero? Well, it's an interesting question. One that I've seen successfully explored in the fantastic Chilean martial arts film
Mirageman, also been done with a comedic slant in the Canadian film Defendor. There's also Special, which is on my to see list. Hell, I saw it done in a Fringe play well over 10 years ago. But, I never like to dismiss something just because it's been done before, but I think it's fair to point out that is has been done before for people that might not know.

Now, how the use this idea in Kick-Ass is done pretty well, our protagonist Dave aka Kick-Ass played by
Aaron Johnson goes through the journey of making himself a self-proclaimed superhero. I like journey films. Finding your inner strength is always a good thing, right? And it does this as it entertains us with humour and a lot of brutality.

And that's where it lost me - in the brutality. Now, if this was set in a super hero or fantastical world, that's one thing. But this film keeps bringing us back to the centre of reality every chance it can get, like a compass pointing to the magnetic north. So, things that's normally would fly by and be funny/entertaining in a fauxland of action cinema feels very different when you see is set in what is consistently called real. The film is completely aware and points out notions like consequence, remorse, pain, blood, etc. but then just treats it like action/comedy mode of craziness. Nothing really entertaining about that in my book. If they ignored concepts like remorse, that would be one thing. But to be aware of it and then ignore it so we can have more blood & mayhem, that just doesn't jive for me. Also, where are the hero factor here? The heroic intentions are almost non-existent and overshadowed but out & out crime world happenings along with revenge. Not very heroic. Add to that lots of focusing on women's chest and I knew even further that this film wasn't for me.

I'll give it points that it did surprize me, so kudos on the trailer for that. The plot was interesting and the characters were seriously messed up, but also very entertaining. Of course one big question was why was it Kick-Ass and not Hit-Girl? Chloë Grace Moretz steals every scene she is in and I'm sure knocked everyones socks off. She's not the protagonist, and Dave/Kick-Ass clearly is but this is really her show. Hit-Girl herself is a bit of a double edged sword too, because she's a tragically fantastic female character and I want to cheer for her but I couldn't, the brutality shut me out again here. But I'll be keeping my eye on Chloë Grace Moretz, which won't be hard as we'll be seeing her Let Me In (re-make of Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in) which is scheduled to release October 2010.

There is a lot of love kicking around for Kick-Ass, but I'll prefer my super heroes a little more heroic and a little less bloody.

Warning: brutal violence

Shannon's Overall View:
I didn't love it
I might watch it again
I'd recommend to fans of bloody action and/or extreme action/comedy or revenge-flavour films

10 minutes of preshow including 4 commercials and 3 previews: Robin Hood (2010), The Expendables and The Killers

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© Shannon Ridler, 2010

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Reverend’s Preview: Forecast: A Hot Summer at the Movies

The month of May might be best known in local GLBT circles as the celebratory start to a summer full of Pride celebrations, but it is also the annual beginning of Hollywood’s biggest season. While many of the studios’ offerings will be loud, overblown spectacles geared to kids and teens out of school, there are more than a few more adult-oriented offerings with appeal to GLBT moviegoers.

Based on advance word and my personal survey of several studio and independent films’ public relations reps, the following are films we should consider lining up for between now and the end of August. They are listed in order of their scheduled release dates, but please note these dates are subject to change.

Iron Man 2 (May 7): Robert Downey Jr.’s tongue-in-cheek performance powered the Marvel superhero’s first big-screen adventure to record grosses two years ago. Downey and Gwyneth Paltrow return and face off against Russian baddies played by the lovely Scarlett Johansson and a resurgent Mickey Rourke. While Rourke doesn’t fulfill every gay man’s ideal of physical beauty, the film’s trailer reveals The Wrestler Oscar-nominee sporting nothing more than tighty-whities in one scene.


OSS 117: Lost in Rio (May 7): I’m just going to quote from the press release to describe this one: “France’s top secret agent, a cross between James Bond and Austin Powers, teams up with a beautiful Mosad colonel whose mini skirt and kinky boots disguise dangerously forward-thinking views on women’s lib and world politics.” Mexican wrestlers, a man-eating alligator and risqué sexual humor also figure into the plot. What’s not to like?

Robin Hood (May 14): Although star Russell Crowe is on the record saying neither himself nor his male co-stars wear tights in this new take on the classic hero, Crowe is always worth watching and Cate Blanchett co-stars as Maid Marion. Maybe Crowe will at least have a skinny-dipping scene like Kevin Costner (or, rather, Costner’s butt double) did in 1991’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves!

Sex and the City 2 (May 27): In what may be the summer’s campiest movie, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her BFFs Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Miranda (out actress Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) return for a globetrotting adventure but don’t lack for high fashion or cocktails! Mario Cantone and Willie Garson are also back as the quartet’s gay pals, with no less than Penélope Cruz, Liza Minnelli and Miley Cyrus (?) making cameos.


Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (May 28): Jake Gyllenhaal of Brokeback Mountain fame sports long hair, a leather codpiece and buffed-up biceps in this video game-inspired fantasy from mega producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean). Again, I ask: What’s not to like?

Stonewall Uprising (June 18): A documentary that uses archival film footage to trace events and cultural attitudes that culminated in the infamous police raid on New York’s Stonewall Inn in June 1969. The patrons’ counter-attack marked the birth of the GLBT movement; billed as “the first non-fiction film to tell the story of the Stonewall riots by the participants.”

Toy Story 3 (June 18): Action figures Woody the Cowboy and Buzz Lightyear (again voiced by Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, respectively) resume their CG “bromance,” this time in 3-D. The series’ regulars are joined by Barbie’s boy toy Ken (Michael Keaton), as well as a new character with the unfortunate name “Mr. Pricklepants” (former James Bond, Timothy Dalton).


The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (June 30): While teenaged girls are this successful book and film chronicle’s main fans, I know a few gay men smitten by its lovelorn vampire, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), and/or heroine Bella’s werewolf friend, Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Dakota Fanning also returns as the mind-controlling Jane, and Bryce Dallas Howard (director Ron Howard’s daughter) assumes the role of Edward’s jilted former lover, the vicious Victoria.

Love Ranch (June 30): A fictional account of Nevada’s brothel industry, starring Oscar-winners Helen Mirren (The Queen) and Joe Pesci (GoodFellas) as the purveyors of one of the state’s first such legal establishments. Problems arise when a South American boxer played by hottie Sergio Peris-Mencheta comes between them. Expect plenty of skin, both female and male.

The Kids Are All Right (July 7): This dramedy focusing on two adult children raised by a lesbian couple (Oscar nominees Julianne Moore and Annette Bening) who decide to seek out their sperm-donor father (Mark Ruffalo) was well received at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Written and directed by lesbian filmmaker Lisa Cholodenko (High Art, Laurel Canyon).


Inception (July 16): From Christopher Nolan, the writer-director of Memento and the last two, super-successful Batman movies, comes a mind-bending science fiction saga about a corporate raider who steals the dreams of business tycoons, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film’s great supporting cast includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt (of the gay-themed Latter Days and Mysterious Skin) and Juno star/emerging lesbian favorite Ellen Page.

Dinner for Schmucks (July 23): Cuties Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, so funny together in The 40 Year Old Virgin, co-star as an unsuspecting dork (Carell) recruited by a callous executive (Rudd) as a pawn in a mean-spirited contest. Things don’t quite go as planned, and the two end up as friends rather than adversaries. From director Jay Roach of the Meet the Parents and Austin Powers film series.

Beastly (July 30): A contemporary spin on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, starring Vanessa Hudgens of High School Musical fame as Beauty to Alex Pettyfer’s disfigured teenager looking for true love. Out actor and awards show host Neil Patrick Harris is also featured in the cast.


Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (July 30): Bette Midler gives voice to the villainous feline of the subtitle, who is bent on world domination. This sequel to 2001’s Cats & Dogs (which featured the voice of the recently out Sean Hayes) is likely kids’ stuff, but GLBT pet owners may find it somewhat true-to-life.

The Girl Who Played With Fire (July): The second of Stieg Larsson’s international bestsellers involving bisexual computer-hacker Lisbeth Salander (strong and sexy Noomi Rapace) comes to the big screen quickly on the heels of the hit The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This time around, Salander and journalist Mikael Blomkvist go after the highly-placed leaders of a sex-trafficking ring.

The Extra Man (July): Described as “charming” and “howlingly funny,” this film centers on a young, aspiring writer (Paul Dano of Little Miss Sunshine and There Will Be Blood) who moves to New York City, where he befriends a failed playwright-turned-escort played by Kevin Kline. Think of it as The Great Gatsby crossed with Midnight Cowboy.

Also watch for several GLBT-themed movies that don’t have definite release dates yet: Spring Fever, Hideaway/Le Refuge and Out Late. And if these offerings aren’t enough for you, there will be GLBT movies galore screened as part of both the 9th Annual Dance Camera West and Los Angeles Film Festivals in June and, of course, the 28th annual Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, a.k.a. Outfest.

Preview by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.

Jumat, 23 April 2010

The Square

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Dir: Nash Edgerton - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Claire van der Boom, David Roberts, Anthony Hayes, Joel Edgerton
Australia, 2010

Seen: April 16, 2010

Reason to see: Currently loving Aussie thrillers

I'm always up for a thriller, even though I've never been a huge fan of mystery-types I wonder now if it's just because there is not enough good ones out there. Then we get The Square, which knocked even my pretty high expectations out of the freaking ballpark on all levels: amazing story, brilliant characters, chilling tension and fantastic performances.

The story line starts with the premise of regular folk tangling in committing a crime, and from there themes out to not only the how to's but also the who to's: who gets involved and various dynamics and conflicts that can create. Fascinating. It certainly kept me guessing and it was also very gutsy with it's choices. One of the things that I appreciated so much about the film was that it set itself in the land of reality and kept itself there. People who actually had reactions to horrible things, still had you know.. humanity in there. Empathy. Horror. Instead of stripping it down to only self-preservation, we actually see an actual array of emotions. Thank you!

The story itself is brilliant, but as it's a thriller/mystery I'm not going to reveal anymore than that because it's worth letting it unfold for you while watching. What I really took away from the film was the subtle depth of the characters. Often in mysteries we know we won't get the whole story at once, that's part of the whole 'mystery' thing, but in The Square there are many beautiful mysteries within the characters. Some of these mysteries are never explained, but they never feel confusing or like it's an inconsistency. It's like getting to know a real person, the depth of the relationship grows over time but you may never know or understand everything about them, yet they are still complete and whole. It's absolutely brilliant.

It's refreshing to see such a well-developed film, and one that sets the bar that much higher. I highly recommend checking it out.

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll buy it
I'd recommend if you like thrillers, crime dramas & for anyone that enjoys an excellent story, characters & acting

9 minutes of preshow including 2 commercials and 4 previews: The Trotsky, I Love You Philip Morris, Harry Brown & Exit Through the Gift Shop

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© Shannon Ridler, 2010

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