Reintegrating kidnappees into society is familiar territory, but Dave McCary’s Brigsby Bear adds a charming, unique twist to the narrative. With a cast and crew populated by Saturday Night Live staff (including director Dave McCary, co-writer and star Kyle Mooney, and producer and co-star Andy Samberg), Brigsby Bear lacks the cynicism typically associated with themes of nostalgia; instead, Brigsby is rather heartwarming in its absurdity.
By: Nick Ferwerda Set in the 19th century, Lady Macbeth follows the story of Katherine (Florence Pugh), a young middle-aged woman who is bought and sold into marriage. She ends up in a loveless and violent relationship with Alexander (Paul Hilton). Stuck against her will in a large home with nothing to do, Katherine grows tired. She dreams of being free again, but starts to realize that may never happen again.
It’s that time of the year again, when people in suits infest the city and everyone becomes a cinephile for a week-and-a-half. It’s TIFF time, as the 42nd annual event gets ready to come down upon us.
I’ve always wanted to know more about the late Dr. John Sarno and his psychological practice ever since Howard Stern praised him for getting rid of his severe back pain. Other celebrities who endorse Sarno include Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Larry David, former 20/20 reporter John Stossel, and Bored to Death creator Jonathan Ames.
It stings to call Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan an indistinguishable documentary because of who the film is about.
This Summer, audiences will be able to experience A Ghost Story as it opens in various cities across Canada. This unique film from writer/director David Lowery (Pete’s Dragon) is about love, loss, and longing for connection, and also features two outstanding performances by Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is an astonishing film. Visually, it could even be described as a masterpiece. Unfortunately, a formulaic third act and a lack of chemistry between the two leads sink one of the most promising films of the year.
The 4th marks the second Fourth of July comedy to be released this year, and it’s certainly the better flick over Mad Families. The shoestring slacker comedy isn’t necessarily anything to write home about either, but writer/director/star Andre Hyland uses an unusual blend of schadenfreude and repetition to make his audience chuckle.
Film, as a physical material medium, is an unusual object: film reels can often survive in strange settings, remaining undiscovered for decades, and yet these same reels can suddenly go up in a blaze, often taking their surroundings with them. This is an underplayed theme in Dawson City: Frozen Time, the newest work of filmmaker Bill Morrison. Film is at once destructive and salvageable, destroyed and saved.
By: Nick Ferwerda Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and Academy Award winner Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea) play M and C, a couple who lives in an old fashion country home that holds a lot of history. After C is killed in a car accident nearby, M is left with the haunting image of her love and debates moving despite adoring the house. C returns to the house as a ghost…