Shrek x2, Sex and the City 2 & the Prince: Canadian, North American, UK & Australian Box Office May 28, 2010 Weekend

It was a bit of an all over the place weekend with Shrek Forever After surprizingly taking the #1 spot in it's second week here in Canada and also in North America. Sex and the City 2 came in second in Canada and North America, it came in 1st in the UK and placed very high in terms of weekend grosses bringing in £6,142,718 which makes it the 4th highest weekend in the UK in 2010. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time opened this week and placed 3rd in Canada and North America and landed 1st place in Australia. One of my favourite misfit films, The Losers opened this week in the UK and Australia and placed 8th and 9th respectively.

Ne title not on the Canadian chart for this week is Avatar which after 23 straight weeks and one month after it's DVD release, it falls off the top 20. Wow. What a run. Interesting timing on that front is that Alice in Wonderland (2010) returned to the chart after dropping off last week.

Top 20 Movies in Canada for the May 28, 2010 weekend
1. Shrek Forever After
2. Sex and the City 2 *
3. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time *
4. Iron Man 2
5. Robin Hood (2010)
6. Letters to Juliet
7. MacGruber
8. Date Night
9. The Child Prodigy
10. How to Train Your Dragon
11. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
12. Kites
13. The Last Song
14. Babies
15. A Nightmare on Elm Street
16. She's Out of My League
17. IMAX: Hubble 3D
18. Mao's Last Dancer
19. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
20. Millenium 3

Top 20 Movies in North America for the May 28, 2010 weekend
1. Shrek Forever After
2. Sex and the City 2 *
3. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time *
4. Iron Man 2
5. Robin Hood (2010)
6. Letters to Juliet
7. Just Wright
8. Date Night
9. MacGruber
10. How to Train Your Dragon
11. A Nightmare on Elm Street
12. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
13. Babies
14. The Secret in Their Eyes
15. City Island
16. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
17. IMAX: Hubble 3D
18. The Back-up Plan
19. The Bounty Hunter
20. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Top 10 Movies in the UK for the May 28, 2010 weekend
1. Sex and the City 2 *
2. StreetDance 3D
3. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
4. Robin Hood (2010)
5. Tooth Fairy *
6. Iron Man 2
7. Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back *
8. The Losers *
9. The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans
10. Four Lions

Top 20 Movies in Australia for the May 27 - 30, 2010 weekend
1. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time *
2. Robin Hood (2010)
3. The Kings of Mykonos: Wog Boy 2
4. Iron Man 2
5. The Back-up Plan
6. Street Dance 3D *
7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
8. Letters to Juliet
9. The Losers *
10. Harry Brown
11. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
12. The Secret in their Eyes *
13. Animal Kingdom
14. Warren Miller's Dynysty *
15. How to Train Your Dragon
16. I Love You Too
17. The Concert
18. Kites
19. New York, I Love You
20. Beneath Hill 60

* indicates opening weekend in noted location

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

Wolfathon

Somehow I managed to get more than halfway through this marathon without writing about what and why I'm doing it. Weird! Well, better late than never!

You all know I'm a huge fan of marathons, and with a Twilight film on the horizon I'm of course going to tie that into to a marathon. I decided to go furry this time round and hide away the silver, as I present The Wolfathon: a marathon to explore werewolf films in anticipation of the 2010 release of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

Werewolf films tend to be way less popular than their often screen foe the vampire, but creature will all be treated equally here at Movie Moxie. Also, they do always come back such as this years The Wolfman (2010) which I rather enjoyed. So, bring on the fun, gore, guts, mayhem and hopefully a few creative interpretations along the way as we take a look through films that flourish under the full moon.

Titles up for consideration to be reviewed include: Ginger Snaps, The Fury of the Wolfman, Brotherhood of the Wolf and The Howling. Feel free to make suggestions if you have favourite werewolf films!

Wednesday April 14, 2010: The Wolfman (1941)
Wednesday April 21, 2010: Werewolf of London
Wednesday April 28, 2010: She-Wolf of London
Wednesday May 12, 2010: Bad Moon
Wednesday May 19, 2010: Wolfen
Wednesday May 26, 2010: An American Werewolf in London
Wednesday June 2, 2010: Ladyhawke
Wednesday June 9, 2010: The Fury of the Wolfman / La furia del Hombre Lobo
Wednesday June 16, 2010: The Howling
Wednesday June 23, 2010: Ginger Snaps

Ends: Wednesday June 30, 2010: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

In summary, my Wolfathon Vlog going through all the film I saw for the marathon.

Ladyhawke

Dir: Richard Donner (Superman, Superman II (2006), Lethal Weapon, The Goonies, Timeline)
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leo McKern, John Wood
USA, 1985

Seen: Many times in the 80's from my local video store
Revisited: May 30, 2010 on DVD

Reason to Watch & Review: For The Wolfathon *

Ladyhawke is one of those films that I have such fond memories of, that it's hard to... or rather it's not all that fun to look at with a critical eye. It is much more fun to just rather kick back and enjoy the ride.

Technically I'd have to say that it is a fantasy film, but I prefer to think of it as a historical set film with a little magic. On top of that we also get a fair amount of action and buckets and buckets of comedy. I don't know how the film manages to get all that in - not to mention the tragic love story - but it does, and it does it with charm and flair.

Matthew Broderick stars as Phillipe "Mouse" Gaston, our protagonist and continual comedic relief in the film, who reluctantly tags along with the ousted Captain Etienne Navarre played by (swoon) Rutger Hauer. Not a great start for them, but inadvertent companions tend to make for really good stories. Add to the mix the mysterious Isabeau d'Anjou (Michelle Pfeiffer), and we are well on to our way to not only adventures but romance as well.

One of the things I love about Ladyhawke is how it breaks convention. Matthew Broderick is obviously the protagonist of the film, but he's only part of the main story of the film. He's performance is charming and funny, and has many great one-liners that have stuck with me for years. Also, the effects in Ladyhawke are one of my favourite parts of the film, which is something that feels rare in 80's film, but what they've done is use creative interpretations of what is actually happening and uses that as the spirit of what we see. They may not be obvious choices, but they certainly are effective choices and I love how they were used in the film. Addd the rugged and handsome Rutger Hauer and charming Michelle Pfieffer to the mix, whom are both fantastic in their roles, what more could you ask for in a film?

I'm going to be straight with you. Saying Ladyhawke is a werewolf film is a bit of a stretch. Yes, there is a wolf, but it's completely separate from any werewolf lore I've ever encountered. I decided to include it in The Wolfathon because it's quite beloved not just to me but to many people I know. Also, it's actually the most aligned in theme in story to The Twilight Saga: Eclipse that any other film in the marathon so far, as the central storyline involves a romance and it also has a lot of action to boot.

Overall, I love this film and will always love it. The love story is beautiful, the effects are creative and the characters win me over time and time again. But. And there is a big but here, and that is the music. The music is so cheesy 80's that it's almost distracting. Okay, it is distracting. Every time I finally settled into it thinking "okay, I can handle that", somehow it got more 80's. It's a little crazy. But, it does add to the charm of the film as it wouldn't be the same without it. Fair warning for those who are going in as first time viewers. It's totally worth it, but you've been warned!

Fun fact: John Wood, who plays the Bishop of Aquila in Ladyhawke also co-starred with Matthew Broderick in the 1983 film Wargames, where he played the reclusive Falken. Took me a bit to place it, but it all comes down to the voice. Very recognizable.

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I own it, and I'll re-watch it again and again
I'd recommend it to fans of fantasy with a love story, but note that you are braving a very 80's soundtrack

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

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2010 Day 1 - Tuesday June 1, 2010

Nothing like an opening night! The Worldwide Short Film Festival 2010 kicked off last night at the Bloor Cinema to a bustling and enthusiastic crowd all set and reading to see the Opening Gala: Award Winners from Around the World program. As a special treat, Runaway director Cordell Barker was in attendance to discuss his award winning short with Festival Director Eileen Arandiga before the screening. You can see video clips of that discussion along with opening night and welcome speech here.


Eileen Arandiga, Festival Director

Opening Gala: Award Winners from Around the World

See my review of Runaway here (from TIFF'09).

Seeds of the Fall / Slitage
Dir: Patrik Edlund
Cast: Anki Larssojn, Jacob Nordenson
Sweden, 17 minutes

Offbeat comedy of bizarre interconnecting events between 2 neighbourhood couples that lead to an odd proposition. This one was certainly a crowd pleaser.

Tungijoq
Dirs: Paul Raphaël, Félix Lajeunesse
Cast: Tanya Tagaq, Zacharias Kunuk
Canada, 7 minutes

Absolutely stunning short that is so gorgeous I almost felt out of my seat and wanted to launch into the film itself. Ethereal, hypnotic and beautiful, the atmosphere and world created in the film is filled with life and energy at every turn. Alive and intense against the backdrop of a tundra setting, we follow the journey of a shape shifting woman and a seal hunt. This short film is a total stand out for me, hypnotic and beautiful I felt completely transported watching it. Gorgeous.

You can watch Tungijoq online here.

The Six Dollar Fifty Man
Dirs: Mark Albiston, Louis Sutherland
Cast: Oscar Vandy-Connor, Celina Russo-Bewick
New Zealand, 15 minutes

Escapism to ideas of superheroes, Andy prefers these ideas as a means for coping with school bullies. The perfect casting with the character of Andy takes the film from a fun idea to a great treat, he's got the rough and tumble look and is mischievous by default, but certainly not malicious by nature. Refreshing and charming take on being the underdog, we cheer along through the magical realism to the actual realism.

It's Sunday! / C'est Dimanche!
Dir: Samir Guesmi
Cast: Elise Oppong, Illiès Boukouirene
France, 30 minutes

Charming (long) short that's builds up from the result of young Ibrahim's attempt to hide the truth from his father. I wasn't convinced at first in the characters, but the slow burn eventually won me over as it showcased really touching relationship moments that were unexpected, believable and heartwarming. Fantastic.

The Opening Gala: Award Winners from Around the World program also screens on Sunday June 6, 2010 at 9:30pm at the Cumberland.
For more information on the festival, check out: Worldwide Short Film Festival website, Program Descriptions, Film Schedule, Symposium Details, Location Information, Box Office Information or Purchase Tickets online.



The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs from June 1-6, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Reel Thoughts Interview: Indecent Proposition

They say, “If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention.” Reed Cowan knows this well. As a gay Mormon, he’s experienced discrimination and abuse, and as a filmmaker, he’s received death threats for “mocking God”. Cowan originally planned to make his documentary about gay teen homelessness and suicide in Utah, but as the events of Proposition 8 and the Mormon Church’s covert involvement became known, he knew what the real subject would be.

8: The Mormon Proposition is a riveting and incendiary condemnation of the Mormon Church’s more barbaric practices and attitudes. Targets include the Church hierarchy, captured on recordings and in letters laying out a detailed battle plan to derail marriage equality, first in Hawaii and then in California, as well as strong arm techniques used to compel members to donate to the anti-gay legislation. The scenes of homeless youth and accounts of teen suicide are still included, but they come late in the film, more as a way to show the harsh and unforgiving church tenets that tear families apart. The hopeful story of newly married Tyler Barrick and Spencer Jones is contrasted with the crazy musings of folks like Utah State Senator Chris Buttars, who likens gays to radical Muslims and accuses them of engaging in “pig sex”.

The film is narrated by screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who won an Oscar for Milk, and his passionate delivery combines with personal accounts of Mormons like writer Carol Lynn Pearson to create the perfect wake-up call. If Fox News, the Mormon Church and other equally overreaching religious leaders can inflame the right wing to enact travesties like Prop 8 and the recent Arizona Immigration law, it seems only fair that 8: The Mormon Proposition returns the favor.

I wanted to hear from Cowan now that his film is reaching a broader audience after its buzz-worthy premiere at Sundance; it opens in theaters on June 18 followed by a DVD release on July 13. He challenged audiences to let the film spur them to action.

NC: Your film really stirs up a lot of anger in people that a church would focus so strongly on denying the rights of non-members (since the Mormon Church doesn't accept homosexuality in its followers). What did you hope to accomplish with the film? What can viewers do to fight back against this kind of campaign?
RC: I would hope the film would stir up more of what the bible calls “righteous indignation”. What I mean by that is that I think anger is an empty emotion unless it is not channeled in to something substantive and positive. We have to learn from the history that is Prop 8. And we have to be stirred up to action through a healthy dose of indignation. What can viewers do? Simple. Don’t spend your money where it will end up being used against the equality of all people and don’t elect people who hold bigoted views. Also, demand that the IRS hold accountable any religion or 501(c) (tax-exempt organization) who participates in politics such as the Mormon Church did.

NC: A fellow reviewer (who's Catholic) felt that you let the Roman Catholic Church off the hook for their work to pass Prop 8. Here in Arizona, the Bishop sent around a video to be shown during church services telling parishioners to vote for our version (Prop 102). What was your opinion of other churches that overstepped the separation of church and state?
RC: All churches who cross the boundaries between church and state are up for examination and criticism as long as our nation desires a democracy and not a theocracy. For years, Mormon leaders have intimated that they were invited to join a coalition and I believe hid behind Catholics and their leaders. I'm proud that our film vindicates good Catholics who have been pushed out in front by Mormons — and as a result took heat. The fact is, Mormons organized the coalition. And they let Catholics take the fall. I have heard from thinking Catholics who appreciate the record being set straight. True, Catholic leaders have fought against marriage equality. But they were not the leaders of the crusade.

NC: What is the Mormon Church's reaction to the film?
RC: Their leaders are on record saying they haven't seen the film, but that it lacks truth. I think that's strange. "We haven't seen it, but look elsewhere for truth." We held seats for Mormon leaders in every screening of the film. So far, none have taken us up on it. Additionally, we have asked Mormon leaders to articulate what is inaccurate about our film so that we can perhaps reflect more accuracy. So far ... Mormon leaders have not done that.

NC: What have you heard from GLBT Mormons and other viewers about the film?
RC: Tears of gratitude. Some of the most poignant reactions can be seen at the 8: The Mormon Proposition page on Facebook.

NC: What is your personal stake in the film and the events it depicts? How has your life changed since playing at the Sundance Film Festival (in Utah, no less)?
RC: It isn't about my personal stake. It's about the interests of my children who are being raised in a same sex relationship that is not protected by the laws of this land. My life has changed in many ways. Most of all, I feel like I've become a man because of this. Meaning, I always heard people talk about that time in life when you take notice of the fact that you have come of age, become a man. This fight has done that. It has set me apart from the religion of my birth, from my family ... and set me on a path of fighting for what I believe in: equality for all.

NC: What will you tackle next? What is the next stage of the equality fight?
RC: Well, for now I'm doing all I can to make sure that 8: The Mormon Proposition is the best it can be for the audience who deserves it. As to the next stage in the equality fight, I predict some shifts. I predict some of the mainstream gay advocacy organizations will either change radically or be replaced by a youth-driven grass roots approach.

UPDATE: 8: The Mormon Proposition is now available on DVD from Amazon.com.

Interview by Neil Cohen, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and Phoenix's Echo Magazine.

Worldwide Short Film Festival 2010: Opening Night Vids

The following video clips are from the Opening Night screening of Worldwide Short Film Festival 2010 at the Bloor Theatre:

Festival Director Eileen Arandiga addresses the opening night crowd at the Bloor:


Festival Director Eileen Arandiga introduces Runaway director Cordell Barker for a Q&A before the screening:


The Worldwide Short Film Festival runs from June 1-6, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

DVD Releases for June 1, 2010

First up for the week isn't a DVD but rather a different kind of film tie in. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella, is a novella by Stephenie Meyer that explores a character Bree from the book Eclipse. The novella hits shelves later this week on June 5, 2010 and is also going to be available online to read for free between June 5 and July 7, 2010, which gives you time to enjoy it before the film adaptation of Eclipse hits screens June 30, 2010!

Several 2010 releases are hitting the shelves this week including Tim Burton's fantastical vision of Alice in Wonderland (2010), which I quite enjoyed. The Wolfman (2010) is also out and teh DVD version included 2 versions: a theatrical cut & an unrated directors cut, which I'm very curious to see. Also out is the WW1 war film The Red Baron starring Matthias Schweighöfer, Til Schweiger, Lena Headey and Joseph Fiennes.

I'm thrilled to see another release of 44 Inch Chest out, the one that we saw a little while ago disappear pretty quickly! We also have The Sun / Solntse directed by Aleksandr Sokurov (Russian Ark0 and starring Issei Ogata & Robert Dawson. We also have Small Town Saturday Night starring Chris Pine (Star Trek) and Bre Blair.

Looking for blasts from the pasts we have a 25th Anniversary Edition of The Last Starfighter. 25 years. Wow. Where does the time go. We also have Jean-Luc Godard's 1965 futuristic sci-fi film Alphaville which I'm looking forward to checking out on DVD as I've only seen it on VHS.

Gather lots and lots of candles and we can all sing Happy 80th Birthday to the one and only Clint Eastwood (belated for yesterday). This week we see lots of new editions of Eastwood titles including The Man with No Name Trilogy on Blu-Ray, along with DVD releases of: Bird, Tightrope, The Dirty Harry Collection and Essential Eastwood Director Collection Vol I (includes Letters from Iwo Jima , Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River and Unforgiven)

Titles on Amazon.ca(Canada):


Titles on Amazon.com (US):


44 Inch Chest is already available in this version in the US, new version of Alphaville not currently listed on Amazon.com