Max Lewkowicz’s documentary Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles teaches viewers about the history of the iconic musical Fiddler on the Roof, as well as the play’s cultural impact which still maintains its relevance to this day since first opening in 1964.
Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures have had luck with short films that star popular characters from their franchises; most notably those minions from the Despicable Me series. This success with the short-form platform is experimented with in The Secret Life of Pets 2, the feature-length sequel to 2016’s hit family film.
The Peanut Butter Falcon is an outstanding example of how filmmakers can make an in-the-moment crowd-pleaser and push it towards being a timeless classic. Written and directed by Tyler Nilson and Mike Schwartz, The Peanut Butter Falcon is a road movie that plays as a contemporary take on American fables; filled with recovering characters that are all endearing in their own ways.
When a film is described as “faith-based”, it seems to be a seal of fate for audiences who are ready to will it away if they don’t necessarily share the same beliefs. For filmmakers, it’s a tactic to deflect those same movie goers (and some critics) away from their work. But Overcomer, the latest film from Alex Kendrick (Fireproof, Courageous, War Room), could be a watershed for both sides.
By: Trevor Chartrand Canadian films have the unfortunate reputation for being ‘bad’ or ‘poorly produced,’ and as much as it hurts to admit, the generalization tends to be accurate. That’s certainly the case with the latest film from directors Marie-Hélène Cousineau and Michelle Derosierand. Angelique’s Isle tells the true story of a First Nations woman and her wilderness survival during the copper rush of the late 1800s.
By: Jolie Featherstone Ready or Not is a devilishly fun, macabre thriller that toys with the tumultuous nature of family and the blatantly unethical drive of the wealthy to maintain their status – with a dollop of blood thrown in for good measure.
By: Jessica Goddard In the delightful tradition of remaking films and gender swapping the leads – which no one is getting tired of at all – After the Wedding struggles to be convincing in its premise.
Spice It Up does something really special that I hope will translate to general audiences. It rips on practically everything that has to do with making a movie, including those brave enough to take on such a task. It even doubles down on its niche by teasing student filmmakers and the amateur qualities they have yet to grow out of. Spice It Up isn’t mean, but it’s self-aware enough to shoot off some well-meaning friendly…
Eddie Mensore’s environmental thriller Mine 9 is a succinct depiction of trapped coal miners in Appalachia. Coming at a time when the preservation of the coal mining industry is improbably and invariably debated, thanks to a political climate incapable of addressing an alternative to fossil fuels, Mine 9 satisfyingly addresses worker’s safety, while interrogating large corporations who allow fatal accidents like this to happen.
Marlon Wayans has gone soft, and it’s the best thing that could’ve happened for his film career.