January 2020
A Fall from Grace
In between takes on the set of David Fincher’s Gone Girl, Tyler Perry must’ve thought about making a crime drama or an erotic thriller; and he must’ve thought about merging those ideas into one project. But like most pipe dreams, these visions are usually filed away into our subconscious. But for Perry, A Fall from Grace must’ve been itching to get out.
Man Proposes, God Disposes
An uninhibited lifestyle of mischief comes to a halt for Karol (Mateusz Nedza) when he receives a call from Bruna (Bruna Massarelli) about their expectant child. The pregnancy comes as a surprise to both of them after a one-night-stand and Bruna arrives back to her home in São Paulo, Brazil. Angry but still taking responsibility for this new chapter, Karol relocates to Brazil to prepare with Bruna, but also to be a loyal parent – unlike his…
Color Out of Space
Color Out of Space is a supernatural invasion film that slowly creeps towards its characters and the audience.
Nation’s Fire
An ensemble story depends on memorable performances and compelling writing. Neither are found in Thomas J. Churchill’s overexposed, patriotic thriller Nation’s Fire.
Jay & Silent Bob Reboot
Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes reprise their self-made iconic roles, New Jersey’s infamous stoners Jay and Silent Bob, in Jay & Silent Bob Reboot. While the film is certainly fan service, the results are funny, off-the-wall, and – dare I say – sweet.
The Wave
By: Trevor Chartrand Director Gille Klabin hits a surprising home run with The Wave, a fast-paced, drug-fueled, comedy/thriller with an unexpectedly cathartic conclusion. It’s a film rich in tone and atmosphere, similar to the time-slipping (500) Days of Summer or even Tim Burton’s whimsical Big Fish. The movie is set in an enriched, highly-detailed world that would require multiple viewings to discover each layer of creative foreshadowing, and each hidden easter egg.
Little Monsters
Little Monsters is a common zombie movie that’s been inspired by contemporary horror comedies (especially Shaun of the Dead’s slacker humour). The reason it doesn’t fall into obscurity among the wash of other copycats is because the film stays light and merry while balancing morbid laughs.
Les Misérables
The Academy Awards have been criticized for not being ambitious or diverse enough, which is true. But, I’ve seen plenty of risks taken in the Best Foreign Language Film category; mostly from movies I admire more than I actually enjoy. This time last year, Lebanon’s Capernaum received a public theatrical run shortly after being nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. I remember walking away from the film with a heavy heart. It was…
Wrinkles the Clown
When I hear the names “Michael Beach Nichols and Christopher K. Walker” attached to a project, I drop everything I’m doing. These two filmmakers are showcasing outstanding work in the documentary genre. Their doc Welcome to Leith, about white supremacists targeting and flipping a small town into their own personal basecamp, was a terrifying look at the escalation of evil. At first glance, their latest film Wrinkles the Clown looks to be as scary. Their…