Family
TIFF Kids ’18: Supa Modo
Supa Modo hit an emotional sweet spot with me, as I’m sure it will with TIFF Kids audiences. It’s easy to engage with a film that has this much optimism and zest.
Let There Be Light
Let There Be Light is a gratuitous entry into the popular faith-based sub-genre, but it acknowledges some interesting albeit heavy-handed ideas about being open to change.
Considering Love & Other Magic
I didn’t believe anything in Considering Love & Other Magic. These characters are so disengaged, you could set them on fire and all they would do is shrug. They’re all too busy pondering about death; mostly the long-term existentialism that lingers when a loved one passes away. The press release describes Dave Schultz’s film as a “family movie”. Try explaining that pitch to your kids. You’ll owe them ice cream after the show.
Wylie Writes @ TIFF KIDS ’17
Currently, the TIFF Kids International Film Festival (April 7 – April 23) is hosting a variety of content; including exclusive film premieres, industry insight, and interactive activities. I was fortunate enough to catch a couple of the premieres at this year’s TIFF Kids, and both films were encouraging examples from future storytellers.
Sieranevada
Sieranevada is an often charming, occasionally tedious, and relentlessly honest family drama written and directed by Romanian filmmaker Cristi Puiu (The Death of Mr. Lazarescu).
The Great Gilly Hopkins
The titular Gilly Hopkins (Sophie Nélisse) hasn’t had a proper home. She’s barely a teenager and already she’s earned a reputation within the foster care system that’s best described as “difficult”.
Ice Age: Collision Course
It’s hard to believe that Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and the animals they voice are on their fifth feature-length lap with the Ice Age series – that’s a long time for any franchise. Then again, there’s always going to be a crowd for these adventurous, likeable mammals because Blue Sky Studios knows how to make a slick-and-quick movie for families. Ice Age: Collision Course is no different.