Tron Legacy

Okay so I have to admit that I went into this movie ALREADY pumped and ready to love it.  Growing up in the 80's and remembering the original Tron I just couldn't help myself.  The nostalgia was just too much for me.   Fortunately I didn't have to worry too much as the movie did deliver for story, action, and visual effects. The three things I was looking for.   I did watch the movie in 3D but once again.. I left feeling that the 3D really didn't offer much more to the overall movie.  I could have very easily watched the movie in 2D and felt the same.  (4.0/6.0)

The Tourist

There was alot of this style of movie this year I found.  The fish out of water, every day, person paired with the super slick, sophisticated international spy.  The difference in "The Tourist" compared to "Killers" or "Knight And Day" is that in this case the, every day person, is played by a male, namely Johnny Depp and let me tell you this makes all the difference.   It's VERY refreshing seeing this take of things and Depp plays awesome against Angelina Jolie's super spy.   I found "The Tourist" to be extremely entertaining from start to finish, with just the right amount of humor and action to be able to pull things off.  The story line is intricate and new... not rehashing any of the other similar movies.   The cinematography was interesting...  I loved seeing the different visuals from Venice.   Definitely a great movie to see at the theater. (4.5/6.0)

Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader

This is the third in C. S. Lewis's epic tale. This time only Lucy and Edmund Pevensie are returning to Narnia along with there annoying cousin Ustace.  Lucy and Edmund of course are over joyed to be back but Ustace is far from happy.  In this tale the Pevensie children must face and over come temptation in order to save there beloved world from evil.

This is by far the best of the three movie adaptations of Lewis's work.  It's by far the most faithful.  Retaining much of the Christian allegory and inferences placed in the story by Lewis.   You can definitely see the Christian influences throughout the movie.  (5.5/6.0)

It's A Wonderful Life

The "Classic Film Series" being put on by the Cineplex theaters was airing the Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life" this month.  It'd been years since I had seen this movie.. and in my mind I have always had the opinion that I didn't like this movie.. some how.  Because of that I have been avoiding re-watching this for many years now.  Having seen it again the other night.. I must admit that I was stupid as the movie really is pretty good.  That being said.. seeing it in its original black and white as well as on the big screen.. definitely added to the experience.  Seeing it with friends and a loved one made it fantastic.  If you haven't seen this movie yet.. or even if you have not..  see it again.  It's a great Christmas movie worthy of seeing again.  (5.0/6.0)

T.F.S. Weekend In Havana

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

"Weekend In Havana" is a light hearted musical starring Carmen Miranda and Cesar Romero.  Although the plot line is a bit light.. the dancing and singing shine in this truly enjoyable movie.

After a steamship line (think cruise ship back in the day) ship runs aground off the coast of Florida the executives are anxious to get all the passengers to sign a waiver to indemnify them of any wrong doing.  They are able to do this for everyone except for one persistent passenger who insists that she be shown a good time to replace her lost vacation.  A weekend in Havana seems like the trick...  hilarity ensues as one man tries to show her a good time and romance at the same time.

It was great to see Carmen Miranda..  I had heard of her of course from my folks and through her fame but I had never actually seen one of her movies.  She was excellent and her energetic style sets the movie.  I enjoyed this movie for just that...  a light and entertaining movie.  (4.0/6.0)

Maltese Falcon

It's kind of cool..  the Cineplex chain of movie theaters for the next year is hosting a program called the "Classic Film Series" where once a month they show classic movies from film history.  Yesterday they screened "The Maltese Falcon", which, believe it or not, I hadn't seen yet.    Yeah I know.. hard to believe.  Going in, I KNEW it was going to be an excellent movie.  I mean, for a movie to be around as long as it's been, it HAS to be great.  I wasn't dissapointed that is for sure.   Bogart is such a classy act.   He plays Sam Spade to a T.  The film-noir atmosphere is perfect for this type of movie.   The dark shadows and rich blacks make for a gritty and intense scene.  A EXCELLENT movie, worthy of the term classic.  (6.0/6.0)

T.F.S. Edge Of The City

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

In 'Edge Of The City' we are introduced to Axle, a guy seemingly at the end of his rope.  He can't go home and is in trouble enough that he needs to stay out of the public radar.  Taking a job at the docks as a stevedore he only wants to be left alone.  His life changes though when he meets and is befriended by Tommy Tyler a gregarious and fun loving black man, who sees the good in Axle.   Through 'T' Axle learns to live and love again...   but how long can it last before Axle's past catches up with him and what will he do when it does.   

This movie had a good story line and I enjoyed the interaction between Axle and Tommy...  I am not sure about the ending though.  Not saying it was bad.. .but I found it a bit abrupt.   Everything was resolved but I felt that more could have been said.   I REALLY liked Sydney Poitier in this film.  Man he was young.  I didn't realize though how old Poitier is currently.  He doesn't look as old as he really is... which is a compliment I assure you.  He's aged very well.   (3.5/6.0)

T.F.S. Thieves' Highway

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

Thieves' Highway tells the story of a veteran returning from war only to find that his father has been injured and has lost his legs to an unscrupulous produce marketer.   Seeking revenge, the son travels to San Francisco, looking for the man and to extract payment for what was done to his father.   During his journey, he learns that friendship and loyalty are more valuable than money and that money does strange things to people.  

I liked this movie, in spite of its edginess.   It's dark atmosphere did not subtract from it's feel good ending, which   I appreciated.   It's alway nice to see a movie where justice prevails and the good guy wins.  (4.0/6.0)

Megamind

Okay for a year of plenty of FANTASTIC animated movies; "How To Train Your Dragon", "Despicable Me", etc... "Megamind" lands somewhere in the middle of the pack.  The animation was decent and the story line was entertaining.   I would say the best part of the movie was the voice work by Will Ferrell and Tina Fey.   Although it was fun to watch I think this one could wait for DVD.  (3.5/6.0)

RED

Frank (Bruce Willis), Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malcovich) and Victoria (Helen Mirren) used to be the CIA's top agents—but the secrets they know just made them the Agency's top targets. Now framed for assassination, they must use all of their collective cunning, experience and teamwork to stay one step ahead of their deadly pursuers and stay alive. The team, along with civilian Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker) in tow, embarks on an impossible cross-country mission to break into the top-secret CIA headquarters, where they will uncover one of the biggest conspiracies and cover-ups in government history.


Man... what a fantastic action movie with humor and mayhem to boot.  I LOVED this movie from start to finish.  Seeing all of these older actors in a movie together acting like tough as nails secret agents was hilarious.  Definitely see this movie if you can.  (5.5/6.0)

Secretariat

The story of one of the most amazing horses in the horse racing scene. Secretariat who had a magical combination of endurance and speed went on to win the triple crown and capture the hearts of the nation.   A great movie with a lot of heart and a up lifting story.  Definitely worth checking out.  (4.0/6.0)

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole

Soren is a young owl enthralled by his father's epic stories of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole, a mythic band of winged warriors who had fought a great battle to save all of owlkind from the evil Pure Ones.
While Soren dreams of someday joining his heroes, his older brother, Kludd, scoffs at the notion, and yearns to hunt, fly and steal his father's favor from his younger sibling. But Kludd's jealousy has terrible consequences—causing both owlets to fall from their treetop home and right into the talons of the Pure Ones. Now it is up to Soren to make a daring escape with the help of other brave young owls. Together they soar across the sea and through the mist to find the Great Tree, home of the legendary Guardians—Soren's only hope of defeating the Pure Ones and saving the owl kingdoms.

Okay... This movie is definitely visually stunning and I can't fault it on its cinematography, 3D effects or story line.   That being said.. I just can't find much love for this movie.  That could be just me though.  The character's just didn't grab me and so I never found much sympathy for them.  (3.5/6.0)

Sammy's Adventures: The Secret Passage

As many of you know I have a bit a picky outlook to 3D movies.  I like 3D but it needs to be done correctly and can't be done as an after thought.  My point was proven with Sammy's Adventure, which in my mind, has just surpassed Avatar as the BEST 3D movie ever.   I got to see this movie as one of the screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival and man am I glad I went to see it.   I went in not expecting much, except an enjoyable animated movie and left totally floored.   The 3D in this movie was totally immersive, transporting the viewer into the world of Sammy as he grows from a baby sea turtle to adulthood.   What was cool was that because this was a TIFF event, following the movie there was a QA session with the film's director/producer.   Ben Stassen has been making 3D and IMAX movies for the last 20 years.  His company leads the world in IMAX movies, having produced 9 of the currently available films.   So he has a boat load of experience with the 3D medium.  What was interesting was to learn that there are actually two techniques to producing a 3D film.  The more common (especially today) method is to use a special camera (convergent camera) to film the 3D action.  The other method, used by this movie, is the dual camera method.  In essence filming the action with 2 cameras shot from different perspectives, like the human eye works.  Stassen states that this latter method is superior BUT harder to do correctly, without experience.   Without experience a 3D film shot with the dual camera method can become unwatcheable.. (making the audience motion sick) so most directors opt for the convergent camera method.   Let me tell you...  though.. you can DEFINITELY tell the difference..   the quality of the 3D in Sammy's Adventures was SUPERIOR to anything I have seen to date.  I  would recommend anyone who can get to see the final showings (Sat, Sun) at TIFF should do so.  It's definitely worth the price of admission.  The sad thing is that the distribution of this film is somewhat in doubt..  the chances of it going mainstream are small, which is a shame.  

As for the other aspects of the film, they too are extremely good.  The voice acting, plot line, and likeability of the film were high.  I left the theater with that feeling I so love when watching movies.   Leaving with the.. WOW.. that was AWESOME, feeling.   You can always tell a GREAT film from a GOOD film when that feeling still persists days after, and that is true with this movie for me.    (6.0/6.0)

Casablanca

Some of you maybe surprised but I had never seen this movie before last night.  I know, I know...  Casablanca is a CLASSIC film if ever their was one.   Some of the best lines ever have come from this movie.  "Here's looking at you kid", "Louis, this looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship", and "Of all the gin joint's in the world, she had to come walking into this one."  I guess I just never got the chance to see it...  some many good movies and so little time.  Last night, that changed as TIFF played it on its last open air summer movie behind the Light House center... in Metro park.   I must say I wasn't disappointed.... and I can definitely see I was missing out.   What a fantastic movie.  Romantic and full of drama.   I wish I had seen it earlier.   So this is the second Bogart I have seen this year... the other being The African Queen....  I think I will need to make a point of catching The Maltese Falcon now... another movie I have yet to see.   Can't wait.   (6.0/6.0)

The Expendables

Okay, now this has got to be the most EPIC action movie I have seen in years.  Definitely a  "man" movie, Stallone set out to make one last 80's style action movie.  Getting together all of the old school action stars, (Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren) mixing in some of the newer action stars (Jason Statham, Jet Li, and then making the ultimate action movie.  One of the best scenes in the whole movie is a three way conversation with Stallone, Willis and Schwarzenegger, who after all these years finally agreed to share screen time with Stallone.   Man was that ever satisfying... let me tell you.  I have been wanting those two to be in the same movie forever.  I am a firm believer that the 80's was the decade of the action movie.  Today's action movies just don't hold up to the ones of the past and The Expendables proves it.

So as I alluded to...  the action scenes MAKE this movie.   Stallone's skill in capturing the action can be seen throughout the movie.  The scenes are well choreographed and shot to give the watcher the maximum thrill.   That being said the story line is definitely pretty shallow.   Basically there is enough there to get the characters from one action sequence to the next.. and that is about it.   Of course I wasn't expecting Shakespeare going in...  :-)   Where the movie excels is in the acting.   Stallone was able to recruit the BEST action stars from both the past and present and you can definitely see it.   These actors are COMFORTABLE in their roles.   My only complaint, if you can call it that.. is that there is SO many cool stars that sometimes I felt that they each didn't get enough screen time for themselves.

I definitely recommend going to see this movie at the theaters...  just to see history in the making...  Stallone and Schwarzenegger together was worth the price of admission.  (5.0/6.0)

T.F.S. Androcles And The Lion

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

Androcles And The Lion (1952) tells the story of Androcles a bumbling tailor living during the Roman persecution of the Christian's.  Androcles, a Christian, hasn't met an animal he doesn't love and that includes lions.  It's not long before Androcles is captured by the Romans and sent to Rome, with other fellow Christians, to be martyred in the Coliseum.  Will Androcles and the rest of his faithful friends be able to keep their faith or will they bend and sacrifice to the Roman gods to spare their lives and keep them from being fed to the lions, that he loves so much.   (4.0/6.0)  

T.F.S. One Touch Of Venus

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies

One Touch Of Venus (1948) tells the story of a statue of Venus (Goddess Of Love) that comes to life when a hapless store clerk gives it a kiss one night.  The beautiful Ava Gardner who plays Venus falls in love with the clerk and the comedy ensues as she turns his life upside down as she pursues him.  In the end everyone finds their true love, although they aren't who they originally intended.  I LOVED this movie.  I would have to say this is the best of the T.F.S. movies I have seen this season.   It is a definite feel good movie and it brings a smile to my face just remembering.  Definitely a must see if you can find a copy.  (5.0/6.0)

Step Up 3D

Okay so this is definitely not Shakespeare or anything close but in the end it was an enjoyable, feel good movie with a somewhat interesting story line.  It didn't have much depth, I will admit, but that is not what it's purpose was.  It being a dance movie... the plot was only strong enough to carry the story from one dance routine to the next.   It's these routines, though, are what we the audience were wanting to see and they are impressive.   The choreography and cinematography of the movie were excellent.  I didn't end up seeing this movie in 3D but that wasn't necessary in my opinion... actually I truly don't think that 3D would have added much to my enjoyment... as I was already impressed enough with the 2D version.  Definitely a fun movie.  (3.5/6.0)

Eat Pray Love

After all the hype surrounding this movie, it was a surprise to be so disappointed in the end.  I truly did not like this movie, for reason's discussed below, and I left the theater feeling let down for what could have been a great up lifting story.  Some will say that maybe that was not what the film maker was intending but I don't think so.  That being said, the movie did have some redeeming qualities in its filming.   The cinematography was pretty impressive showing scenes from Italy, India and Bali...  it could have almost been a better travelogue movie as opposed to a drama.   Julia Roberts is, as always, a phenomenal actress and she does bring her professionalism and presence to her part.  (2.5/6.0)

**** SPOILER ALERT ****

Julia Roberts plays Liz Gilbert...  whom we discover is feeling "unbalanced" in her current life and is extremely unhappy about this.   The movie tells the story of her taking "control" or her life by divorcing her husband and going on a quest of self-discovery over the course of a year... spending 4 months each in Italy, India and Bali.  Where the likability fails in my opinion is my emotional attachment to Liz's character.  In order for us to care for Liz's plight, I think we need to feel some emotional attachment, that I just couldn't bring myself to feel.  In the beginning I found myself feeling that she was spoiled and self centered as opposed to being a person to feel sorry for.   The film didn't go into any detail of what was wrong with her marriage, only that she was unhappy.   Her poor husband begs her to stay with him... stating he is willing to do pretty well anything to work things out and she refuses.  Because we don't have anything to dislike her husband for, I ended up feeling MORE sorry for him than her.    Through out the rest of the movie this keeps happening over and over, so we watch as she goes on a journey of self discovery that has hurt people in her life, for her to take.   So in the end I truly did not feel sorry for her.

Cairo Time

Last night the people from the TIFF aired a free outdoor viewing of Cairo Time in Metro Square.  For those of you who don't know Toronto hosts quite an extensive list of free outdoor movies during the summer.  The movies range from popular main stream movies to more artistic/independent fair.  If you love movies and want a fun night out, I highly recommend that you check some of these out. Google, as always, is your friend for finding out times and locations of these events.

I found Cairo Time to be a complicated movie with, in my opinion, two faces.  At face value, its a movie about a women, Juliette, who arrives in Cairo to visit her husband who works for the U.N. in the region.  We are told early on that her husband will be delayed, due to a crisis, and so she is left to her own devices in this strange (to her) city.  It's during his absence that Juliette befriends and falls in love with Tariq, her guide in the city.  Many people will say that this is the main purpose of the movie.. but.. I would suggest that on the other side of the coin the movie is an expose to the area and culture of the region and that the plot line is just a means of knitting that together.   Throughout this visually stunning movie we are shown all the beautiful areas and regions of Cairo, its culture and unrests.   We are shown it's people and there differing attitudes about women, marriage, poverty, and religion.  In the end I enjoyed the movie for this latter aspect.. but found the story line, a bit sad, and distracting.  (3.5/6.0)

T.F.S. That Uncertain Feeling

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies

That Uncertain Feeling (1941) is a hilarious comedy about a shaky marriage and a women's infatuation with a crazy musician.  Jill and Larry Baker have been married for 6 years... but Jill is starting to feel that MAYBE she picked the wrong man.  When a "tell it how it is" musician comes into her life she is entranced by the difference in life styles.  The comedy ensues as the wife is swayed by the new life style but then realizes that the grass is NOT always greener on the other side of the fence.   (4.5/6.0)

T.F.S. Separate Tables

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

Okay this is one of the best movies I have yet to see at the T.F.S. I must say.  It stars Rita Hayworth, Burt Lancaster and David Niven in a drama around a group of broken people living in a Hotel in England.  Each of the characters has a serious fault or faults as the case may be.. and all are seeking refuge in what they think is an anonymous hotel where no one will see.  The hotel owner cares for her lodgers and makes them feel safe.  What the characters don't realize at first is that they aren't alone in their brokenness.. that although they are strangers sitting at separate tables... they have become closer than family.  Personally I liked how all the stories played out...  coming together at the end for a satisfying ending.  The acting was extremely strong... with each of the characters seeming to be fully developed.  For instance one of the characters a timid and brow beaten women was played excellently by Deborah Kerr.   (5.0/6.0)

Eat Drink Man Woman

So I went to see this film down at the Harbour Front Centre in Toronto.  All during the summer they are having a series of free outdoor movies that the public can come and enjoy.  Eat Drink Man Woman is a Taiwanese foreign film directed by Ang Lee.  So yes its subtitled.  LOL.  Senior Master Chef Chu lives in a large house in Taipei with his three unmarried daughters, Jia-Jen, a chemistry teacher converted to Christianity, Jia-Chien, an airline executive, and Jia-Ning, a student who also works in a fast food restaurant. Life in the house revolves around the ritual of an elaborate dinner each Sunday, and the love lives of all the family members.  You can definitely tell that this is a foreign film... I very much doubt that many North American movie goers, in general, would find this movie appealing.   Not that the story line is bad.. but just the pacing and atmosphere is a bit off from what I think most people are used to.  That being said.. I DID like this movie.  I found the family dynamics portrayed here to be heart warming and at time funny.  The difference in culture is obvious.. but at the same time there are similarities.. that you can pick up on.   (4.0/6.0)

Salt

So I was kind of curious going into this movie about how it was going to be.  I had read that original main character of Salt was meant to be male and that it was modified to be female at the start of shooting in order to accommodate Angelina Jolie.  Knowing Angelina's penchant for action movies I had no doubt that she could pull it off... but I was wondering how the dynamics of the movie would be changed with the switch.  In the end though I wasn't disappointed.  Salt is a extremely entertaining action summer block buster.  With plot twists and chase scenes abounding.  The audience is constantly flipping...  is she a russian spy or not.. and you don't REALLY know till the end... which I won't spoil for you.   Angelina Jolie does a commendable job keeping the character believable and plays well of Liev Schreiber.  The action sequences are tight and well choreographed, flowing nicely from scene to scene.   On the whole this movie is well worth seeing at the theaters.  (4.0/6.0)

T.F.S. Bitter Sweet

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

The second movie this week was Bitter Sweet (1940) starring Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy pictured above.  This Oscar nominated musical begins when we find out that a well to do daughter of an aristocrat has secretly fallen in love with her music teacher.  Already engaged through an arranged marriage the two are desperate to be together so they elope to Vienna..  The story continues as the couple try to make a go of a life there in Vienna.  A good story line and some great singing acts make this a wonderful film to watch. (3.5/6.0)

T.F.S. Kiss Me Again

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

The movie Kiss Me Again (1931) is an extremely enjoyable musical staring Bernice Claire (pictured below) and Walter Pigeon.  The storyline follows the lives if a rich aristocrat, a poor little shop girl with big dreams, and a pair of meddling fathers who want their children to marry the people THEY want, no matter what.  Kiss Me Again is actually a re-work of a longer movie... Toast Of The Legion.   Unfortunately the studio decided that the longer version wasn't working well so they reedited the movie removing alot of the song footage of Pigeon.  Although Kiss Me Again works extremely well, I still would have like seeing the longer version.  The comedy of the busy body dads.. and a great comic performance by Frank McHugh make for a fantastic movie.  (4.0/6.0)

Inception

Okay, easily the most intelligent movie of the year.  Definitely not a movie where you can go in and distractedly pay attention and expect to get much out at the end.  I loved this movie and that is just because of the fact that there is SO little good science fiction being made lately...  and I would say Inception surpasses the good category and borders on the great.  Like District 9 the previous year Inception raises the bar and enters the group of truly mind blowing sci-fi.   Now the problem of writing a review for this movie is that it's almost impossible to describe what the movie is about, without either losing its key essence or having to write a novel.   At it's core Inception is a heist movie but instead of money or riches.. the criminals are stealing thoughts and ideas.   In the beginning we are introduced to Cob (Leonardo Di Caprio) a thought their.. people hire him to enter peoples dreams and steal their ideas and secrets right from their brains.  Cob is a reluctant thief though... he wants nothing more than to get back to his children... but because of a unfortunate circumstance in his past he cannot.   Then someone offers him the opportunity he is seeking.. one more job and he will be given a clean record.  The job??  To not STEAL a thought.. but PLANT a thought in the marks mind.. without getting caught doing it.   Okay.. that is a TREMENDOUSLY simplified version of the storyline.. I am hardly doing it justice.  The cinematography was eye popping.. as Christopher Nolan attempts to bring his idea of the dreamscape to the big screen.  The laws of gravity, time, space and proportion are broken... as people enter each others dreams.   Leonardo Di Caprio gives his usual stellar performance as the trouble anti-hero and Ellen Page does a creditable job playing up as the rookie "dream thief" of the group.   This is definitely a movie you need to see at the theaters... more than once if you can.  I know I want to see it again just to take it all in.  (6.0/6.0)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Okay... so here is the second Jerry Bruckheimer movie of the summer.. the first being The Prince Of Persia: The Sand Of Time.  On the whole they seem very similar.  The same amount of action.  The same quality of the story.  The same level of star power.. IE Jake Gyllenhal vs Nicolas Cage.  The thing I like about Bruckheimer movies is that they ARE very similar.  It's very comforting going in knowing what to expect.  In Bruickheimer's case that is a half way decent popcorn/action movie, that will entertain me for a couple of hours.    That being said...  I definitely LIKED The Sorcerer's Apprentice more than Prince of Persia and I think it was due to a couple of things.   The main one being Jay Baruchel playing the role of the apprentice.  I thought he was awesome portraying the geeky physics nerd thrown into extraordinary circumstances.  I liked the humour he brought to the role and his subtle one liners flowed easily.  I also liked how the writers were able to flesh out the whole Sorcerer's Apprentice story line.   I mean it's impressive taking a 5 animated clip from Fantasia and making a feature length movie out of it.  I don't think you NEED to see this at the theater... DVD will be fine... but you also wont feel you wasted your money if you do go.  (4.5/6.0)

T.F.S. My Sister Eileen

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

My Sister Eileen (1942) is an Oscar nominated comedy about two young women who move to New York from Ohio in order to establish their careers.  The havoc that ensues as they try to establish themselves makes for a fantastic fish out of water story guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.   I didn't quite like this movie as much as I liked Dream Girl but I think that came down to personal preference.  When I think about it there really wasn't anything in this film that I disliked.   A great cameo by the 3 Stooges at the end makes for an amusing ending to a good movie.   (4.0/6.0)

T.F.S. Dream Girl

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

I found Dream Girl (1948) to be light hearted, funny and easy to watch.  The story is about Georgina played by Betty Hutton who is constantly day dreaming about what a life that could be but isn't.  Until the day she meets her match in a hard nosed sports writer who wants her to live her life and not dream about it.   Spark's fly as the two butt heads over their differing world views... but is Georgina's distaste a cover for a secret attraction??   The movie is a bit corny in areas... but not distractingly so.  I really enjoyed the banter between the two leads... as they slowly came together.   (4.5/6.0)

Despicable Me

Okay... another HOME RUN for animated movies in 2010.  After seeing How To Train Your Dragon.. I was wondering how Despicable Me would compare.  I am happy to report that it is on par, if not better than Dragon.  In Despicable Me Steve Carell voices the character of Gru of the world Super Villains.  His dream is to pull off the a truly horrible despicable crime and cement his status as the top villain.  When three orphan girls come unexpectedly into his life he is ill prepared to be the "daddy" type.  From there the comedy ensues as the girls worm there way into his "stone cold" heart and start to defrost his icy interior.   The 3D is once again amazing in this movie.  Animated movies seem to suit this new technology, as I have yet to see a bad example.  The writing was also superb... with a ton of inside jokes and sly references to the every day world. I am looking forward to seeing this movie again.. just so I can pay closer attention to what is being said.. to pick up on all the humour.   The minions.. Gru's trusted henchmen.. are hilarious.. and will keep the young folk watching in stitches..  (even us "older" young folk) Definitely go see this movie...  It's well worth the price of admission.   (6.0/6.0)

Knight And Day

So it was interesting this summer that we were treated to two movies following the theme of having an "everyday" women being thrown into the world of espionage and adventure when they meet a handsome stranger who happens to be a secret agent.   The first movie was Killers with Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher.  Now, I liked that movie..  but that win in spite of the fact that it really wasn't that great.   Knight and Day on the other hand, has succeeded in almost every aspect where Killers failed.   This movie stars Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise as the major characters and they seem to have way more chemistry as a couple than Heigl and Kutcher were able to pull off.  Cruise is a way more believable secret agent and he has a great sense of comedic timing that plays well off Diaz.  The action sequences are a bit over the top but I found I didn't mind too much as the story was so engaging.   It's really too bad that Cruise is such a "freak" in real life.  Although I wouldn't call him a great actor, he is decent... and I usually like the movies that he is in.  I have been a fan of Cameron Diaz from way back so it was great to see her in this movie.  A fun summer popcorn movie definitely worth seeing at the theater.   (4.0/6.0)

Predators

Ahhhh finally!!!  A worthy successor to Arnie's great 1980 science fiction action flick Predator.  I remember bugging my dad incessantly for a week to go see that movie when I was a boy.  In my mind, what could be better than Arnold Schwarzenegger (a boyhood hero of mine) up against a 9ft tall alien behemoth... to see who would come out on top.  (I had NO doubt Arnie would come out on top)  My fond memories of seeing that movie with my dad is what makes seeing this modern day sequel so exciting to see.  Especially after the DISMAL and DISAPPOINTING sequels that they have tried to pass off over the past 20 years.   The first sequel with Danny Glover was definitely weak sauce compared to the first.. and I wont even comment on the two AVP movies.  I deny that those even exist.  I am happy to report though that this new sequel has come close to the greatness of the original.  Although Arnold isn't in it.. Adrien Brody does a credible job of portraying a relentless survivalist.. willing to do anything to beat the aliens.  The special effects are excellent... with a spare amount of CGI use.   The aliens are substantial being portrayed by actual actors in costume and makeup as opposed to computer generated.   The story/plot line is intricate and intriguing enough to keep your attention.. and the action sequences flow naturally without being forced.   For all those of you who have a nostalgic attachment to the old Predator movie.. you will love this sequel.  Those of you who haven't seen the orginal.. (you have lived a sheltered life) you can watch this movie fresh.. and still enjoy.   (4.5/6.0)

T.F.S. Twentieth Century

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

Twentieth Century is a wacky comedy about a megalomaniac stage director (Barrymore) and his star pupil / actress (Lombard).  After Lombard's character leaves because she can't stand the overbearing director.. Jaffe..  he soon finds himself in bitter straights after a series of flops at the box office.  Desperate.. Jaffe flees the city aboard the Twentieth Century train, only to find that he is on board with his former star.  These two over the top characters (who are more alike than they want to admit) spar with each other.. as each tries to get one better over the other.  Although the comedy in this movie was funny at times... I found I didn't like the over bearing John Barrymore.  I know that is they way he was SUPPOSED to be... but I found it unappealing a bit.  On the whole the movie was good...  just that small bit though made it not as appealing as We're Not Dressing.   (4.0/6.0)

T.F.S. We're Not Dressing

This past Monday I had the opportunity to attend one of the screenings of the Toronto Film Society.  This local club or society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the appreciation of film.

We're Not Dressing is a light hearted musical starring Bing Crosby, Carole Lombard, George  Burns and Gracie Allen.  Crosby plays a sailor who is comically shipwrecked with a spoiled socialite played by Lombard.  Crosby and Lombard's characters are in love with each other but their differing world views makes a comedy of errors ensue.  George Burns and Gracie Allen liven things up as well, playing a geologist and his dim-witted wife also on the island (unbeknown to the shipwrecked couple)  I loved the chemistry that both Bing Crosby and Corole Lombard had together.. and of course George and Gracie are famous for just the same thing.  (5.0/6.0)

Jim.. I knew you'd come

Hey guys... I just thought I would pass this on.  I just heard this today and it definitely spoke to me.   Hope you like it.

Horror gripped the heart of a World War I soldier, as he saw his lifelong friend fall in the battle ground.  Caught in a trench with continuous gunfire whizzing over his head, the soldier asked his Lieutenant if he might go out into the "no man's land" between the trenches to bring his fallen comrade back.  "You can go," said the Lieutenant, "but I don't think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may throw your life away."

The Lieutenant's words didn't matter, and the soldier went anyway.  Miraculously, he managed to reach his friend, hoist him onto his shoulder, and bring him back to their company's trench.  As the two of them tumbled in together to the bottom of the trench, the officer checked the wounded soldier, then looked kindly at his friend. "I had told you it wouldn't be worth it," he said. "Your friend is dead and you are mortally wounded."

"It was worth it, Sir," said the soldier.

"What do you mean, worth it?" responded the Lieutenant "Your friend is dead."

"Yes Sir," the private answered, "but it was worth it because when I got to him, he was still alive and he said...

"JIM ... , I KNEW YOU'D COME."

The A-Team

For those of you that remember the action packed TV Series staring Mr. T, George Peppard, Dwight Schultz and Dirk Bennedict, you will find this movie to be EVERYTHING you remember and more.  Even those of you who never grew up with the A-Team will find this to be an entertaining summer movie.. filled with great action sequences and roller coaster plot twists.  The A-Team definitely is what it is.. a movie based on an old T.V. series.. but that being said, it is about the best example I have seen of this.   WAY better than Charlie's Angels and for sure better than the abysmal Dukes Of Hazard.  The choice of using Liam Neeson as Hannible Smith was at first (in my mind) a bit weird... but he does a credible job portraying the Colonel who loves it when a plan comes together.   If any of you have seen District 9 you will recognize the actor who played Wikis as Howling Mad Murdock.  Once again he also does a great job in his part.   The actors protraying B.A. Baracus and the Face man Peck also do a good job.   The action sequences and cinematography are decent if not memorable.  The story line is a bit outlandish but so was the original series.   Could go either way on this one for watching at the theater.   I think it will be equally entertaining at either the big screen.. or in front of your T.V.  when it comes to DVD.  (4.0/6.0)

Oh what the heck... :-)

Oh what the heck.. who needs a spoon. I am going for the gusto. Why is mommy rolling on the floor laughing... weird.

MMMMM Chocolate

You know getting the LAST dredging of the chocolaty goodness at the bottom of the bowl is the hardest part. Mommy tells me that I am wearing more of the ice cream than I am getting in me. That may be true.. but it SURE is fun scraping the last of the choclate from the bowl.

Chocolate Ice Cream

You know being a good girl definitely has its benefits... sometimes.... I suppose.  Like now, when mommie gives me TWO of the best things in the whole world. Ice Cream AND Chocolate. At the SAME TIME. Whoever invented that has GOT to be genius, in my opinion.

The Karate Kid

So I went into this movie not really knowing what to expect.   I had heard from people who had seen it that it wasn't bad and so I was cautiously optimistic.  Happily, I wasn't disappointed and I found myself actually enjoying this remake of the successful 1980's movie.   First off, as many have noted, as the movie is set in China, they characters aren't actually learning Karate (the Japanese martial art form) but Kung Fu.   This is explained during the movie when the bullies picking on Jayden Smith's character, tease him by calling him the karate kid when he tries to defend himself.  I know... it seems like kind of a hack way of allowing them to use the same title... "The Karate Kid"  and I agree..   I don't know why they couldn't have called the movie "The Kung-Fu Kid" instead... but that's Hollywood for you.   It seems they wanted to cash in on the previous movie... and didn't trust the audience to be smart enough to make the connection between the two movies without that tie-in.  The cinematography in this movie was pretty spectacular and some of the shots of China, Beijing, the great wall, the country side, etc where phenominal.  I loved seeing the mix of the modern and the ancient parts of the city.   Jayden Smith played a decent part and makes a convincing student to Jackie Chan's character who steps in for Patrick Moriarty as the teacher.  Actually, I must say that Chan steals the show in this movie, in my opinion.  Delivering a credible performance as the forlorn maintenance man/teacher.   The movie is a bit long but I struggle to think where they could have cut scenes without taking away from showing China.    If there is one flaw in the movie, it was that they left the story TOO similar to the older 1980's movie.  I wished the writers might have changed some of the story while keeping the under lying plot line.   Still... all in all...  this is a decent summer movie worth seeing at the theater if you can.   (4.0/6.0)  

Mao's Last Dancer

Mao's Last Dancer is a FANTASTIC movie what was first screened in Canada during last years TIFF.  It is now currently showing in a limited release at a few select theater's around the city and country.  After seeing it, I would highly recommend seeing it if you get a chance.   The whole movie is a heart lifting look into the life of a boy/man who goes from the depths of poverty to critical acclaim on the ballet circuit.  It show's perseverance through adversity and the love and support of friends/family through thick and thin.  Based on the the autobiography of Li Cunxin, the storyline has a depth and background that you don't normally get from completely made up stories.    It was great to see Kyle Maclachlan and Joan Chen in the movie but there were many great performances by the less known actors as well.  The small boy that they got to play the young Li was especially inspiring. The cinematography was decent, although I would have liked to have seen more scene's set in China.  On the whole, its too bad that this movie is not being given a full release.   I think alot of people would be surprised how well they liked it if they got a chance to see it.  (5.0/6.0)

Killers

Have you ever gone to a movie and liked it, in spite of the fact that when you think about it.. it wasn't really that good?   This is what I thought of this movie.  The plot line wasn't bad, but at the same time I have seen it a few times before, Mr. And Mrs. Smith comes to mind.   The acting by Katherine Heigl and Aston Kutcher wasn't bad for the material they were given.. but nothing to stand out.. and the filming was again mediocre at best.   That being said...  like I alluded to above.  I liked this movie and found myself either chuckling or laughing out loud a couple of times throughout the movie and upon leaving the theater and thinking about it...  I can't say I was disappointed in going.  (3.5/6.0)

Micmacs

Okay... I know you are going to say it.  Dave it's another foreign language film.  French this time.. don't you ever watch movies in your own tongue anymore.  LOL  What can I say... sub-titles really don't bother me.  Especially when they are tagged onto great movies like Micmacs.  From the same director of the movie Amelie we are treated to another whimsical look at life from a slightly skewed perspective.   Micmacs tells the story of Bazil...  who has a double tragedy, as first his father is killed by a land mine and then he himself is shot in the head (he lives) during a failed robbery.  Getting out of the hospital with no money, no place to live and no prospects, he soon ends up on the street begging for money.  Bazil is fortunate enough to run into a "family" of eccentric misfits (The Micmacs) living on the money they can make from salvaging every day items.   This is the start of his new life, as they show their love for him.   The Micmacs, you see, stick together through thick and thin, and so when Bazil decides to get some justice, from the arms dealers who ruined his life... they of course are all in to help...    This is where the comedy ensues...   The whole movies style is similar to Amelie.. with rich colours and dreamy atmospheres.   The acting was excellent, with the characters drawing you in...  even with me having to read the sub-titles.   I truly enjoyed this movies eccentricities... (4.5/6.0)

Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time

Definitely a wild ride of a movie and an excellent start to the summer blockbuster season.  Jerry Bruckheimer does it again with an engaging, action packed, roller coaster of a movie.  Mr. Bruckheimer, often times gets panned by the critics as his movies generally suffer from a lack of detailed plot... focusing more on action sequences to keep people entertained.   The Prince Of Persia does follow this same formula and you pay attention you can instantly tell you are watching a Bruckheimer movie.   That being said, I STILL really liked Prince Of Persia.   The plot line, although a bit weak, was substantial enough to get the audience from one amazing visual to the next... and it also logically tied everything together.  The action sequences were of course amazing...  and everything you expect from a summer movie.   Casting Jake Gillenhal, on the other hand I am not too sure about.  Not that he isn't a good actor... but this is his first foray into the action movie genre..and I had a hard time swallowing it.   Gemma Atterton did a MUCH better job though, playing the female lead.   If you are looking for a good pop corn movie to start your summer off right... you could do worse than Prince Of Persia.  (4.0/6.0)

Letters To Juliet

Some of my male friends might be clamoring to have my "man" card revoked after learning that I went to see this movie but REALLY it was actually pretty good.   :-)  After watching the trailer I was a bit intrigued about this movie.  The trailer made it seem like it might be a good romantic drama, without going overboard on the sappiness.  Much to my relief I was right... Letters To Juliet, I would characterize as being more of a drama about a womens search for a lost opportunity, with a touch of romance thrown in.  The views of Verona and Sienna are BEAUTIFUL... and the movie is worth watching just to see these in themselves.   Vanessa Redgrave plays an excellent part as the women looking for her former "soul mate".   The story line, like I said earlier, is light and easy to follow and doesn't bog down into sentimentality.  A good movie to take a wife or girl friend to that won't make you squirm in your seat or fall asleep out of boredom.   (4.0/6.0)

Robin Hood

Despite the lack luster reviews that this rendition of the popular legend is getting I thought that this was one of the best that I have seen.   This is NOT the Robin Hood that you are used to seeing though.  Although I would probably call it a origins story as opposed to a re-imagining of previous movies.   The movie is set during the time BEFORE the man who becomes to be known as Robin in the Hood starts his famous campaign to take from the rich and give to the poor.  One of the things I liked was that they didn't portray Robin necessarily as a hero born.. but more like a man shoved into the role because of circumstances and a sense of justice.   Left to his own devices he would have rather have gone on into obscurity.   Russell Crowe plays a fantastic part..  as an understated hero.  SO much better than the annoying false bravado and "goody goody" part that Costner played.  Cate Blanchette is also excellent as Lady Marion... The cinematography was also fantastic which isn't surprising coming from Ridley Scott.   He is WELL used to making movies on this scale...  Gladiator.    If there is one nitpick its with some scenes that felt kind of contrived.  Without going into details and spoiling anything.. there was a few scenes that felt...  well... like they were put in to please the producers as opposed to being logically part of the story.  This is a small thing though and doesn't detract from the overall movie too much.  This is definitely a movie worth seeing at the theaters...  (4.5/6.0)

Iron Man 2

This was an excellent second act to the Iron Man story.  I must admit I was a bit nervous going into this one.  The first Iron Man was such a great movie and generally speaking sequels never work.  In this case the boys from Marvel entertainment did a fantastic job coming up with both an intriguing story and a bad guy on par to take on Tony Stark and Iron Man.   The romantic chemistry between Tony and Pepper is ratcheted up a notch and the addition of Scarlett Johansson's character Natasha Romanoff also adds a bit of sexual tension between the three.  The action cinematography was on par with the first Iron Man movie and the acting was superb from Downey, Paltrow, Johansson, Rourke and Cheadle.   Those of you seeing it at the theater make sure to stay past the credits to see a teaser clip from an upcoming Marvel movie.   Definitely worth seeing at the theaters.  (5.0/6.0)

The Losers

Okay so The Losers is your stereotypical action movie.  Complete with your group of friends, betrayed by the bad guy and left for dead, who need to clear their names and get revenge.  Now, don't get me wrong... THAT is not a bad thing.  :-)   I don't know about you but there is sometimes when the tried, true, and familiar are just what the doctor ordered.  There is something comforting about watching a familiar plot line with just a small difference or take.  Some may not agree but that's me.   So for me the like-ability was pretty high for this one.   The acting was also great...  Zoe Saldana once again is fantastic and shows that she can role with the punches, so to speak.  You can tell she is having a BLAST acting against the big boys in this action flick.   The action sequences and cinematography are also very good.   Like I alluded to earlier... where the movie fails a bit is in the story/plot.   Which is not very original.  It is, what it is though.  I would say that unless you are bored and want a night out... you could wait for this to come out on DVD.   If you want to get out though.. and enjoy some mindless entertainment then The Losers is the movie to see this weekend.  (4.0/6.0)

Kick-Ass

I have mixed feelings about this movie.   I am actually still trying to digest it all.  Kick-Ass in one sense is just like all the other action movies being released lately.  Lot's of action, violence, blood gun play, slow motion martial arts, wire work, etc.   The movie is chalk full of all the elements that go together to make an awesome roller coaster ride of a film.   There is nothing in it that you haven't seen before in movies like The Matrix.   Where it goes off the radar is in the character of Hit Girl played by Chloe Moretz.  In the movie she racks up MOST of the kills, swears like a trucker and gets the most laughs.  She is ALSO playing an 11 year old.   What I find I keep thinking about is that IF it wasn't for her in the movie...  I wouldn't think anything about the violence in the movie.  With her in it... its different... and really I don't that should be.   Again the cinematography was excellent and the acting as well.  It's the like-ability of the story that I am having trouble defining.   It definitely left me questioning where the line should be drawn..  Watch out for Moretz though... she is ONE talented little actress... I have no doubt she will do well.  (4.0/6.0)