Film Fan Fridays for Friday April 27, 2007!!!

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Just the facts this week. Enjoy!

Festival Watch

hotdocs
Canadian International Documentary Film Festival
Continues until April 29, 2007
www.hotdocs.ca

Have a great weekend !!!

Shannon

Friday April 27, 2007 Releases

Black Book / Zwartboek
Dir: Paul Verhoeven (Hallow Man, Starship Troopers, Showgirls, Basic Instinct)
Cast: Carice van Houten, Sebastian Koch , Thom Hoffman, Halina Rejin, Waldermar Kobus
Netherlands / Belgium / UK / Germany
Limited Release

The Condemned
Dir: Scott Wiper (A Better Way to Die)
Cast: 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, Vinnie Jones, Rick Hoffman, Robert Mammone
USA

Everything's Gone Green
Dir: Paul Fox (The Dark Hours)
Cast: Paulo Costanzo, JR Bourne, Steph Song, Aidan Devine
Canada
Limited Release

The Invisible
Dir: David S. Goyer (Blade: Trinity)
Cast: Justin Chatwin, Margarita Leviena, Marchia Gay Harden
USA

Kickin' it Old Skool
Dir: Harvey Glazer - directorial debut
Cast: Jamie Kennedy, Maria Menounos, Miguel A. Núñez Jr., Michael Rosenbaum
USA

Next
Dir: Lee Tamahori (Die Another Day, Along Came a Spider, Once Were Warriors)
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Julianne Moore, Jessica Biel
USA

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on April 27, 2007**

Film Fan Fridays for Friday April 20, 2007!!!

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Lots of releases and the continuation of 2 film festivals give everyone lots of film options out there! I am thrilled to see that there is not one but two Canadian releases this week: That Beautiful Somewhere as well as Crossing. Which to choose? Maybe both would be a good idea!

One highly anticipated releases this week is Hot Fuzz, which had me at the preview which claims that it's "Brought to you by the guys who watched every action film". The premise seems hilarious and charming all at once and also bears quite a resemblance to the April 6/07 release Young Triffie. Bizarre.

One of the weirder sights seen in this week's releases is Meg Ryan as 'the Mom' in In the Land of Women. I'm not sure if I can handle that! It does look quite charming though. On the total flip side of charming is Vacancy which when doing my research the majority of the character names were 'victims', I know that it will not go on my to see list. Too scary for me!

Festival Watch

Sprockets
Toronto International Film Festival for Children
Continues until April 22, 2007, Toronto
http://www.sprockets.ca/

hotdocs
Canadian International Documentary Film Festival
Continues until April 29, 2007
www.hotdocs.ca

Have a great weekend !!!

Shannon

Friday April 20, 2007 Releases

Avenue Montaigne / Orchestra Seats
Dir: Danièle Thompson (Jet Lag / Décalage Horaire)
Cast: Cécile de France, Valérie Lemercier, Albert Dupontel, Claude Brasseur, Sydney Pollack
France
Limited Release

Crossing
Dir: Roger Evan Larry (Tested, Knocking on Heaven's Door)
Cast: Sebastian Spence, Fred Ewanuick, Alan C. Peterson, Crystal Bublé, Bif Naked
Canada
Limited Release

Fracture
Dir: Gregory Hoblit (Hart's War, Frequency, Fallen, Primal Fear)
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Anthony Hopkins, David Strathairn, Rosamund Pike, Embeth Davidtz
USA

Hot Fuzz
Dir: Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead)
Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine, Bill Nighy
UK

In the Land of Women
Writer/Dir: Jonathan Kasdan - directorial debut
Cast: Adam Brody, Kristen Stewart, Meg Ryan, Olympia Dukakis
USA

That Beautiful Somewhere
Writer/Dir: Robert Budreau - directorial feature film debut
Cast: Roy Dupruis, Jane McGregor, Gordon Tootoosis, David Fox, Ron Payne
Canada
Limited Release

Vacancy
Dir: Nimrod Antal (Kontroll / Control)
Cast: Luke Wilson, Kate Beckinsale, Frank Whaley, Ethan Embry
USA

Year of the Dog
Writer/Dir: Mike White - directorial debut
Cast: Molly Shannon, Laura Dern, Regina King, John C. Reilly, Peter Sarsgaard
USA
Limited Release

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on April 20, 2007**

Film Fan Fridays for Friday April 13, 2007!!!

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

What a week!! 6 films, 4 festivals and a special screening, oh my! I think my pick of the week would have to be After the Wedding, which received an Oscar nomination for Best foreign language film of the year. Or the Canadian Sleeping Dogs. Or Pathfinder with Karl Urban (who played Eomer in Lord of the Rings). So many films to choose from, so little time!

Festival Watch

Images Festival
Continues until April 14, 2007, Toronto
http://www.imagesfestival.com/

Reelworld Film Festival
Celebrating diversity in film, video, and new media
Continues until April 15, 2007, Toronto
http://www.reelworld.ca/

Sprockets
Toronto International Film Festival for Children
April 13-22, 2007, Toronto
http://www.sprockets.ca/

hotdocs
Canadian International Documentary Film Festival
April 19-29, 2007
www.hotdocs.ca

Special Screening

The Abandoned
Dir: Nacho Cerdà
Cast: Anastasia Hille, Karel Roden, Valentine Ganev, Carlos ReigSpain
Thursday April 19, 2007, 9:30pm at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto
Cinemacabre Movie Nights Presented by Rue Morgue
This film I've included on my list of the Scariest Movies of all Time. Click here to read my review.

Have a great weekend !!!

Shannon

Friday April 13, 2007 Releases

After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet
Dir: Susanne Bier (Brothers / Brødre, Open Hears / Elsker dig for evigt)
Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Rolf Lassgård, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Stine Fischer Christensen
Denmark/Sweden
Limited Release

Disturbia
Dir: D.J. Caruso (The Salton Sea, Taking Lives)
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, David Morse, Sarah Roemer, Carrie-Anne Moss
USA

Journey to Armenia / Le Voyage en Arménie
Dir: Robert Guédiguian (The Last Mitterrand / Le Promeneur du champ de Mars)
Cast: Ariane Ascaride, Marcel Bluwal, Gérard Meylan
France
Limited Release

Pathfinder
Dir: Marcus Nispel (Texas Chainsaw Massacre <2003>)
Cast: Karl Urban, Russell Means, Moon Bloodgood, Nathaniel Archand, Jay Tavare
USA

Perfect Stranger
Dir: James Foley (Confidence, The Corruptor, The Chamber, Fear)
Cast: Halle Berry, Bruce Willis, Giovanni Ribisi, Richard Portnow, Gary Dourdan
USA

Sleeping Dogs
Writer/Dir: Terrance Odette (Saint Monica, Heater)
Cast: Brian Stillar, Tony Adah, K. Alan Sapp, Jennifer Daniels
Canada
Limited Release

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on April 13, 2007**

Offside

Dir: Jafar Panahi (Talaye Sorkh / Crimson Gold, Dayereh / The Circle, Badkonake Sefid / The White Balloon)
Cast: Sima Mobarak Shahi, Safar Samandar, Shayesteh Irani, M. Kheyrabadi, Ida Sadeghi
Iran, 2007

Seen: September 6, 2006 as part of TIFF

Reason to see: it fit in my schedule

This review mentions the plot of the film.

The setting for this film is girls trying to get into a qualifying game for the World Cup, although women are banned from all sporting events. It's a fascinating subject and the film is very layered. Why do these girls go? What are the varied reactions they receive? Who will help, take advantage, turn a blind eye or turn them in?

For me it inevitable brought up more questions or answers. For one, why are they banned? What would happen to them? There was always did feel like there was an undercurrent for the concern of their well being which I didn't expect.

I have to say while researching this film I found a lot of references that is considered a comedy, funny or a satire (see examples here, here and here - check under Now Playing). I did not get that from it at all. Although, I didn't see it as a dry drama, but I don't think I (or anyone else) in the theatre laughed at any one point. To me it felt like a serious look at a social issue, albeit in a sport situation. I could maybe go as far as saying that sometimes it was light-hearted, but a comedy? I don't think so.

Shannon's Overall View:
I found it thought provoking
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it

More Film Reviews here

Return to Film Fan Fridays

Sharkwater

Writer/Dir: Rob Stewart - directorial debut
Canada, 2007

Seen: April 10, 2007 with Jamie & Justin at the Varsity

Reason to see: I was invited (thanks Jamie!) Who could say no? It's has been on my 'to see' list as it's Canadian, it is a selection from Canada's Top Ten, the preview rocked, I always get drawn into films that are blue and it is week 16/52 of #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. Is that enough reasons for ya?

Amazing documentary and personal journey film about sharks, and the growing concern for dwindling existence. Who knew that the shark population is quickly becoming smaller and smaller so much so that the great white shark is now considered, endangered? Well, you do now! There is so much more, but the film says it much better than I. It is a truly heartfelt look at something we normally think of as scary, but really sharks are creatures too and don't they deserve to live their lives? I think they do! And I bet you will too.

Warnings: Creatures in distress

Shannon's Overall View:
I thought it was great!
I'll buy it
I highly recommend it

Want to know more? Check out the Sharkwater website here.
How can you help? Check out the Saving Sharks website here.

11 minutes of preshow with 5 commercials and 3 previews: Paris, Je T'aime (looked absolutely compelling), Evan Almighty and The Kingdom (this one has been 'coming soon' for quite a while...)

More Film Reviews here

Return to Film Fan Fridays

Blood Diamond

Dir: Edward Zwick (The Last Samurai, Legends of the Fall)
Cast: Djimon Hounsou, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly
USA, 2006

Seen: February 14, 2007 at the Carlton

Reason to see: Numerous Oscar nominations, recommended by a few people as a good film and part of third attempt of #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is from week 8/52.

First off, I'd have to say I did almost leave the theatre. Not for the reasons listed in the warnings but the fact I went to see it on Valentine's Day and when I walked in there was only 1 couple there. I thought to myself "If no one else comes in, I'll leave and let them have their night". But, there ended up being quite a good crowd so I stayed and watched it.

I found myself really conflicted while watching this film. All the trailers really made if feel like an action adventure flick but on the recommendation of a few different people that insisted it actually had a message I decided to give it a go. I found it very hard to watch. The situations and the violence was very disturbing, but it wasn't really just that. What I wasn't expecting was to see child soldiers - and I found that truly horrific and those scenes still disturb me.

I would have to say that it was well done though, the story is compelling and the acting is good. I thought Leonardo DiCaprio's accent was a little hit and miss but was better than I expected. Am I happy I saw it? Not really, it's not a film for me. The awareness of issues are always good but for me this format made it too hard to take in.

Warnings: Extremely violent, maiming, torture, drug use, child soldiers, brainwashing

Shannon's Overall View:
It was better than I expected, however....
I watch not watch it again
I recommend it to people interested in films about moral issues and the world at large

More Film Reviews here

Return to Film Fan Fridays

Less than 5 min of preshow with 1 commercial and 2 previews (The Kingdom, Breach)

The Host / Gwoemul

Dir: Joon-ho Bong (Memories of Murder / Salinui chueok)
Cast: Kang-ho Song, Hie-bong Byeon, Hai-il Park, Du-na Bae, Ah-sung Ko
South Korea, 2007

Seen: April 5, 2007 at Paramount

Reason to see: South Korean Monster film that smashed domestic box office records, very cool preview as well as working towards #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is week 15/52.

This is going to be a tough review to write, as I really don't want to tell you the story. Maybe I'll start with what did I get from it? I was thoroughly entertained. I laughed, I gasped, my heart panged and my eyes widened. It made me think and feel, which was delightfully more than I was expected. A wonderful cast of characters and a good story that really goes further than just a monster movie but touches on many more things including the strength of the human spirit.

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll buy it
I highly recommend it, and recommend to see it in the theatre if you can for the sound and the experience as a whole

More Film Reviews here

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10 minutes of preshow with 3 commercials and 3 previews: Hostel II (too scary!), Grindhouse and Hot Fuzz (can't wait for it!)

Old Joy

Director: Kelly Reichardt (Ode, River of Grass)
Cast: Daniel London, Will Oldham
USA, 2006

Seen: March 29, 2007 at the Bloor Cinema

Reason to see: Heard about it from a few different sources, and I am on my third attempt of #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is from week 14/52.

This review does mention the plot of the film. You have been forewarned :)

I was a little surprized to find out after watching this that it was only 76 minutes long, it really felt like a full 2hr film. The pace often feels like real time or possibly longer but I don't see that necessary as a negative. The film is set around two friends venturing to a hot springs, but the friends are old friends. Not as in 'known each other forever and get together every weekend', but more like 'someone you ran into, decided to meet up and now notice you are different people than you once were'. It is an interesting exploration but I'm not sure if it was trying to get to more than just that exploration, I think it was because I often felt a vague sense of tension that continued through the film. Both actors are quite good, and it does feel very realistic relationship. The outdoor scenes were beautiful and made me think of when I visited my sister in B.C., however it was filmed in Portland Oregon (according to it's info on imdb).

Shannon's Overall View:
I thought it was interesting
I may watch it one more time
I'd recommend it to people who like calmly paced films about friendships

More Film Reviews here

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No commercials, no previews, lots of latecomers (all per norm for this theatre)

The Reaping

Dir: Stephen Hopkins (Lost in Space, Predator 2)
Cast: Hilary Swank, Idris Elba, David Morrissey, AnnaSophia Robb
USA, 2007

Seen: April 6, 2007 with Jamie at the theatre formerly known as Paramount at Queen & John

Reason to see: Looking for some 'shlock' on a holiday afternoon. This also falls into my See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is the second film for week 15/52.

This was way more interesting and a lot better than I had expected. I was really surprized to see that one day after opening it was already in one of the little-r theatres. It was still big enough to get completely absorbed into it though, so that was a plus. As this is another strongly seeped in a plot film I'm not doing to talk about that, but if you are interested in thrillers this is a good bet. The only thing I wasn't impressed by was some of the effects were so CGI. I know it may date me but it just doesn't do anything for me, I don't even usually find it scary I just think to myself "That isn't real, it's CGI" and I wait for the scene to end. The complete reverse to that I was delighted to see the friendship between Hilary Swank and Idris Elba's characters. It is so great and refreshing to see a genuine woman-man friendship.

Great quote:
"I've heard you're not much of a bible reader"
"I've read it"

Shannon's Overall View:
I was surpringly entertained
I'd watch it again
I recommend it to thriller fans

More Film Reviews here

Return to Film Fan Fridays

Preshow had 5 commercials and 5 previews:
Vacancy (too scary!)
28 Weeks Later (sequel to 28 Days Later)
1408 (looks interesting, based on Stephen King something....)
In the Land of Women (Meg Ryan playing 'the Mom'? Now that is a first....)
Lucky You (preview appeared to show the whole film)

CaC - Getting to Know You - Let's go to the movies!

Thank you Tammy for this weeks Getting to Know you - Let's go to the Movies at Create a Connection. Due to the film nature of this post I decided to post it here on my film blog, however most of you know me from my ah.. 'regular' (?) blog over at Planet Shannon.

Name your all-time favorite movie! (Or if you're like me, narrow it down to your top five!)

Wow,... I've not done fave's yet I don't think! I've got a list of my The most influential films to me, Scariest Movies of all Time and Movies to Cry By, but just cut-to-the chase fave's? It'll be hard to pare it down but here goes:

Star Wars
The Professional
Gidget
Harry Potter
Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion
Aliens
Pitch Black
Serenity
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings

What genre of movie do you like best?

Sci-Fi Fantasy

What movie made you cry the most?

Hard call, I'd have to say it's between Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Pratical Magic and Whale Rider.

Have you ever applauded during a movie in the theatre? Which one? If not, what would make you do that?

Yes, several. Star Wars: Episode One The Phantom Menace and Dreamgirls for sure. Often people applaud when you see a film at a festival so I know I've done that numerous times as well. I also know I've cheered in movies, like in X-Men when a family friend who played an extra we could see him I know I yelled 'WOOHOO!!'

Do you own any soundtracks from movies? Which is your favorite and why did the music inspire you?

Empire Records
Tank Girl
The Crow
Dance with Me
All the Real Girls (on of my favourite albums of all time)
Pulp Fiction
Laurel Canyon
The Replacement Killers (the score).

I'm not sure I would say the music inspired me. I know two of them I got for free at screenings, the rest it was mostly because they were popular music at the time and I liked the songs but didn't know any of the artists and/or it was a genre I was just coming to know. I find the score to The Replacement Killers very soothing, even though I'm not a fan of instrumental music in general.

Is there a particular actor or actress who inspires you? Why do you like him or her?

Again, I'm not sure I would say inspire but I do tend to like:

Cate Blanchett, Maggie Smith, Meg Ryan, Parker Posey, Sandra Bullock, Jean Reno, Russell Crowe, Antonio Banderas, Vin Diesel, Clive Owen

I take that back, I do find Roy Dupuis inspiring (from The Rocket / Maurice Richard)

On the whole, I'm more likely to go to a film based on a director than actor. Luc Besson, Ridley Scott and Michael Mann are all high on that list.

Is there a particular actor or actress who you just dislike and will not see their movies? Why?

I will shy away from this question, I prefer not to flame. I also don't really 'get' why people dislike people they don't even know so strongly, especially when it's usually due to media coverage of their lives and not the work they do as actors.

On a weird side note I have an uncanny inability to recognized Gary Oldman.

Have you ever dreamed of being an actor? Which role would be your dream role?

I actually did try out for an acting program when I was about 16 and took drama in high school. It's not really for me, if I was to perform it would be to dance not to act, I'm not overly verbally articulate :)

If there was ever a movie made of your life, who should star as you?

The only person people ever say I look like is Christina Ricci, so I would go with her.

Film Fan Fridays for Friday April 6, 2007!!!!

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!!!

We have oodles upon oodles of releases this week! I wonder if it is for the holiday weekend, perhaps? Out of the many options we have three Canadian films: Young Triffie, Who Loves the Sun and The Marsh. We also have numerous limited releases: The Page Turner / La Tourneuse de Pages (at The Royal), God Grew Tired of Us (at The Bloor), First Snow (at Canada Square) and Offside (at Carlton). I had the opportunity to see Offside at the TIFF last year and it is a very expressive film exploring the different tales of girls in Iran trying to sneak into watch Soccer.

On a complete flip side to that tone, I'm sure Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez will be out and about to see Grindhouse. Those who do choose to see it, you might wanna make note of the running time - it clocks in at just over 3 hours.

If you are looking for a monster movie that is more than just a thriller, I would recommend last weeks release of The Host / Gwoemul (playing at the Scotiabank 'formally known as Paramount' theatre in Toronto). It's worth it to see on the big screen not only due to the nature of the type of film it is but also because the sound is just awesome.

Festival Watch

Images Festival
April 5-14, 2007, Toronto
http://www.imagesfestival.com/

Reelworld Film Festival
Celebrating diversity in film, video, and new media
Apri 11-15, 2007, Toronto
http://www.reelworld.ca/

Have a great Easter & Passover weekend !!!

Shannon

Wednesday April 4, 2007 Releases

Are We Done Yet?
Dir: Steve Carr (Daddy Day Care, Dr. Dolittle 2)
Cast: Ice Cube, Nia Long, John C. McGinley
USA

Firehouse Dog
Dir: Todd Holland (The Wizard)
Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Josh Hutcherson, Bill Nunn
USA

Thursday April 5, 2007 Releases

The Reaping
Dir: Stephen Hopkins (Lost in Space, Predator 2)
Cast: Hilary Swank, David Morrissey, AnnaSophia Robb
USA

Friday April 6, 2007 Releases

First Snow
Dir: Mark Fergus - directorial debut
Cast: Guy Pearce, Piper Perabo, William Fichtner, Shea Whigham
Germany/USA
Limited Release

God Grew Tired of Us
Dir: Christopher Dillon Quinn (21 Up Ameriuca) Tommy Walker - film directorial debut
Documentary of the journey of four boys from Sudan to the US
USA
Limited Release

Grindhouse
Dir: Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Once Upon a Time in Mexico) and Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction)
Cast: Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Rose McGowan, Danny Trejo, Freddy Rodriguez, Michael Biehn
USA

The Hoax
Dir: Lasse Hallström (An Unfinished Life, Chocolat, The Cider House Rules)
Cast: Richard Gere, Alfred Molina, Marcia Gay Harden, Hope Davis
USA

The Marsh
Dir: Jordon Barker (My Brother's Keeper)
Cast: Forest Whitaker, Gabrielle Anwar, Justin Louis
Canada
Limited Release

Offside
Dir: Jafar Panahi (Talaye Sorkh / Crimson Gold, Badkonake Sefid / The White Balloon)
Cast: Sima Mobarak Shahi, Safar Samandar, Shayesteh Irani, M. Kheyrabadi, Ida Sadeghi
Iran
Limited Release

The Page Turner / La Tourneuse de Pages
Dir: Denis Dercourt (Mes enfants ne sont pas comme les autres / My Children Are Different)
Cast: Catherine Frot, Déborah François, Pascal Greggory, Xavier De Guillebon
France
Limited Release

Who Loves the Sun
Writer/Dir: Matt Bissonnette (Looking for Leonard)
Cast: Lukas Haas, Molly Parker, Adam Scott, R.H. Thomson
Canada
Limited Release

Young Triffie
Dir: Mary Walsh - directorial debut
Cast: Marthe Bernard, Fred Ewanuick, Rémy Girard, Andrea Martin, Colin Mochrie
Canada

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on April 6, 2007**

Film Fan Fridays for Friday March 30, 2007!!!!

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!!!

We have so many releases this week, it's a challenge to decide where to begin! Hmm.. well I'll just pick something I suppose! We have two Canadian releases this week, both of which were selected to Canada's Top Ten. Radiant City, a documentary on suburban sprawl as well as Congorama, a drama seeped in searching for family. I am thrilled to share that The Host opens this weekend, this South Korean horror film apparently just blew away box office records and seeing the preview I was really impressed (gotta love previews that are combination of music & visuals... you get the essence of the film with minimum content spoilage).

However, you may be looking for some giggles instead of scares in which case what could be more funny than Will Ferrell figure skating in Blades of Glory? Perhaps crime-drama's are more your thing, in which case The Lookout may be of interest. If you are looking for family fare, take yours out to Meet the Robinsons for some animated family fun.

This week, there really is something for everyone! Enjoy!

Festival Watch

Cinéfranco
10th Annual Celebration of International Francophone Cinema
March 23 - April 1, 2007 at The Royal, Toronto
http://www.cinefranco.com/

...............sneeky sneeky..................

The Hoax starring Richard Gere, Alfred Molina, Hope Davis and Marcia Gay Harden, directed by Lasse Hallström (Casanova, An Unfinished Life, Chocolat) has a sneak preview Saturday March 31st, 2007 at 7:00pm at Varsity, Silver City Yonge & Eglinton, Sheppard Grande and numerous other theatres.

Have a great weekend!!!

Shannon

Friday March 30, 2007 Releases

Blades of Glory
Dir: Will Speck and Josh Gordon (Culture)
Cast: Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Jenna Fischer
USA

Congorama
Writer/Dir: Philippe Falardeau (La Moitié Gauche du Frigo / The Left-Hand Side of the Fridge)
Cast: Olivier Gourmet, Paul Ahmarani, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Claudia Tagbo
Canada/Belgium/France
Limited Release

The Host / Gwoemul
Dir: Joon-ho Bong (Memories of Murder / Salinui chueok)
Cast: Kang-ho Song, Hie-bong Byeo, Hai-il Park, Du-na Bae, Ah-sung Ko
South Korea

The Lookout
Writer/Dir: Scott Frank - directorial debut
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeff Daniels, Isla Fisher, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino
USA

Meet the Robinsons
Dir: Steve Anderson - directorial film debut
Voices: Angela Bassett, Jordon Fry, Daniel Hansen, Wesley Singerman, Tom Selleck, Laurie Metcalf
USA

Radiant City
Dir: Gary Burns (A Problem with Fear) and Jim Brown - directoral debut
Documentary
Canada
Limited Release

Wednesday April 4, 2007 Releases

Are We Done Yet?
Dir: Steve Carr (Daddy Day Care, Dr. Dolittle 2)
Cast: Ice Cube, Nia Long, John C. McGinley
USA

Firehouse Dog
Dir: Todd Holland (The Wizard)
Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Josh Hutcherson, Bill Nunn
USA

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on April 4, 2007**

I Heart Huckabees

Director: David O. Russell (Three Kings, Spanking the Monkey)
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Lily Tomlin, Jason Schwartzman, Isabelle Huppert, Naomi Watts, Mark Wahlberg
USA/Germany, 2004

Seen: October 21, 2006 on TMN

Reason to see: Recommended by Jamie

A duo of existential investigators. That's right - existential investigators. What a bizarre premise! Bizarre yet, amazing. I had no idea what to expect and whatever I could have expected it was something completely different. Quite and impressive cast, and a creative use of language. Great film, watch it to just go along for the ride.

Favourite Quote:
"Don't use that tone with me."
"I think you started that tone."

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it, but be prepared to be outside of the box

More Film Reviews here

Return to Film Fan Fridays

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Director: Stanley Donen (Singing in the Rain, Funny Face, Blame it on Rio)
Cast: Howard Keel, Jane Powell, Russ Tamblyn, Jeff Richards, Julie Newmar
USA, 1954

Seen: January 8, 2007 on Turner Movie Classics

Reason to see: I'm a sucker for musicals

Oh my, what a fun movie. Although I don't think the premise sure wouldn't fly these days, it was still a joy to watch. Fun songs, charming characters and of course unlikely situations. I especially enjoyed the character Milly, I thought she was really inspirational - she didn't take any crap, but she also didn't give up on anyone and believed everyone could be a better person. I think that is what I got most out of this film.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I would watch it again
I'd recommend it, especially to fans of musicals

More Film Reviews here

Return to Film Fan Fridays

The Lake House

Dir: Alejandro Agresti (Valentin, Buenos Aires Vice Versa)
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Christopher Plummer, Ebon Moss-Bachrach
USA, 2006

Seen: February 27, 2007

Reason to see: Looked charming, fan of both Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves

A quietly touching romantic film, this was a joy to watch. It is one that is best seen if you get all cozy and turn off your logical mind/continuity checker and just enjoy it. The acting is solid, the characters are believable and/or accessible and you can really feel their reactions be it strong or subtle you are really there with them. Don't fret about the 'whether it's possible or not', just believe what they tell ya.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'd watch it again, in fact - I'd probably buy it
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes romantic films

More Film Reviews here

Return to Film Fan Fridays

Nashville

Director: Robert Altman (Gosford Park, The Player, MASH)
Cast: Lily Tomlin, Henry Gibson, Karen Black, Ned Beatty, Keith Carradine, Shelley Duvall
USA, 1975

Seen: March 25, 2007 thanks to the Toronto Public Library

Reason to see: It's on my List of 101 Films I Can't Believe I Haven't Seen, I wanted one film of every letter and I picked this for N; Robert Altman rocks and it was in my film textbook from college. In other words it was just 'one of those ones you think you should see'.

While watching this film I wasn't just sitting back and watching I kept thinking to myself - what is this about? What are they trying to say? Are they trying to say something? Who's that again? Oh.. the reporter I remember her, etc.

I am not saying it wasn't a good film, just that I didn't get it. I kept thinking to myself that they must be trying to make a statement but I had no idea what. Then I would be convinced that it was just stories about people, then I would flip back again, and again and then it felt like a music showcase.

The joy of it for me was Lily Tomlin. She was absolutely amazing in every scene she was in, and I was so much more interested and curious about the stories that would come back to her. For that in it of itself, it was worth it.

Great line: "Go get a Goo Goo, it's good!"

Shannon's Overall View:
I don't think I 'got' it
At 2hrs 59min, it's not likely I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it to country music fans or 70's drama fans

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Un Zoo la Nuit

Writer/Director: Jean-Claude Lauzon (Léolo)
Cast: Gilles Maheu, Roger Lebel, Corrado Mastropasqua, Lorne Brass, Germain Houde
Canada, 1987

Seen: March 25, 2007 thanks to the Toronto Public Library

Reason to see: It's on my List of 101 Films I Can't Believe I Haven't Seen for winning 13 Genies.

Ok. BIG lesson learned while watching this film. My first note in my notebook says it all:

"Does not appear to have subtitles".

Doh.

I didn't find tons of resource to find this film so when I saw the library had it I snatched it right up! I didn't read the fine print. Considering that I was having trouble finding it I decided to watch it, in French without subtitles even though my French comprehension is a lot worse than I even realized! Technically I don't think this can be considered a review due to that but I'm committed to write about all the films I see.

What I could figure out: Mostly shady characters on both side of the law, a fair amount of violence and revenge, but also included quite touching relationship. Cinematography was quite stunning, and the use of lighting & colour (especially blue) was awesome.

Warnings: Violence, drug use, sexual violence

Shannon's Overall View:
I don't think it would be fair to say if I liked it or not
I'd watch it again, if subtitled
Again, hard to assess whom to recommend it to

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Solyaris / Солярис

Director: Andrei Tarkovsky (The Sacrifice / Offret, Nostalghia)
Cast: Donatas Banionis, Natalya Bondarchuk, Jüri Järvet, Anatoli Solonitsyn, Nikolai Grinko
Soviet Union, 1972

Seen: March 12, 2007 at Cinematheque Ontario with Jamie and Justin

Reason to see: A chance to see the original version of the Sci Fi film? Are you kidding me? Sign me up! Also, I am on my third attempt of #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is the first film in week 12/52.

I was really excited to have the opportunity to see this film, of course than I remembered my reactions to other 70's sci fi film which would be in a word: scared!! (see my scariest films ever list here). Alas, this film didn't scare me and I was a little disappointed. It was pretty long, pretty slow and pretty quiet (I could hear people breathing). I also had already seen the American 2002 version of the film so I did have an idea of where the film could go, and I think ultimately that is what would have kept me from really enjoying seeing this version. There are quite a few interesting ideas in there, of which I'm not going to elaborate because I do thing they are worth experiencing as the story unfolds without knowing ahead of time.

I did enjoy the cinematography, the stylistic choices in terms of the look and feel of the environments as well as the acting, including Donatas Banionis but favourite was Natalya Bondarchuk as Hari

Shannon's Overall View:
I'm glad I saw it
I'd watch it again, probably if I could get the DVD
I'd recommend it to fans of 70's SciFi; as well as anyone who likes SciFi but whom hasn't seen the US version

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Fido

Dir: Andrew Currie (Mile Zero)
Cast: Billy Connolly, Carrie-Anne Moss, Dylan Baker, K'Sun Ray, Henry Czerny
Canada, 2007

Seen: March 21, 2007 at Paramount

Reason to see: It's Canadian! It's a Zombie film! I mean.. how could I pass that up? I am also on my third attempt of #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is week 13/52.

This film was a little different than I was expected. It has its share of "Argghhhhhhhhhhhhh" & brains!!! & regular zombie moments but the setting is very different from what I would expect from a zombie flick, it's more of an idealist 50's neighbourhood where zombies are domesticated and somewhere in between house-helpers and pet's. The premise alone is amusing, and it really feels like some kind of crazy cult classic but in a new form. It's really a hilarious idea and I did enjoy watching it.

Now, the one thing that keeps tugging at the back of my mind (Braiiinnnnnnnnnnnnss!!!). Oops, sorry... got distracted there. Considering it's Canadian, I keep wondering if there was some kind of message they were trying to get across about fair treatment to all people (and zombies). Juries still out on that one, and even if they aren't trying to 'say' anything they got me to laugh, squirm and smile.

Warnings: Gore

Great movie moment: After my ticket was teared, I was prompted to see "Zombies in 5, at the end on the right"

Shout out: A big Thank-You! to the person who got off their butt and told the theatre staff that there was something wrong with the picture in the middle of the film so it was sorted quickly and swiftly. You rock!

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'd watch it again
I recommend it

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12 minutes of preshow with 3 commercials and 4 previews: Hot Fuzz (looks hilarious), The Condemned, The Host (looking forward to this one!), Young Triffie

300

Dir: Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead)
Cast: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Dominic West, David Wenham, Vincent Regan
USA, 2007

Seen: March 16, 2007 at Paramount with Jamie

Reason to see: Epic Film, Gerard Butler as well as being on my third attempt of #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is the second film of week 12/52.

I was thrilled that I enjoyed this film. Initially when the previews came out I thought it looked like a good epic film. My only hesitation was hearing about some of the violence as well as slight worry about gender issues* but it was fine (mostly due to the connection with folks who also worked on Sin City). The violence is very comic book like, and the gender stuff is fine - in fact, better than most and sometimes even impressive.

All in all it was a fun, epic action/adventure film with interesting characters and interesting choices. Fun. Lots of fighting, adept physicality and charm. It's like watching people who are good at what they do, it's impressive to see that kind of skill and confidence. Very enjoyable indeed.

*FYI - Shannon definition of 'gender issues' is 'sexist crap' see this review for more on that. Again, I re-iterate that I found 300 fine in this respect.

Shannon's Overall View:
I really enjoyed it
I'll watch it again, tempted to see it in the theatre again
I'd recommend it

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12 minutes of preshow: 4 commercials and 4 previews (Pathfinder, The invisible, Next, Oceans 13)