T.F.S. Something In The Wind

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

In this romantic comedy, Deanna Durbin, plays Mary a lovely female disc jockey, just trying to make it big in her career.  Her life is turned upside down, when a millionaire's grandson mistakes Mary for her Aunt... who was dating her grandfather.  Thinking that Mary was having a scandalous relationship with his late grandfather... the boy tries to get Mary to sign papers stating that nothing happened.   Mary finds this infuriating and so decides to teach the boy a lesson... causing much grief.. but also romance as the two fall for each other in spite of themselves.

Deanna Durbin once again shines as her tremendous voice captures peoples hearts.  Although I didn't like this movie as much as First Love...  I found it enjoyable and fun to watch none the less.  It was interesting to see the juxtaposition from one of Durbin's first films... to one of her last.  I definitely feel the need to catch some more though... having seen these two.  (4.0/6.0)

T.F.S. First Love

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

"First Love" is a entirely enchanting and romantic hollywood version of Cinderella.  The main character Connie Harding (Deanna Durbin) is going home to live with her Aunt and Uncle after finishing boarding school.  Her rich and spoiled relatives really do not care for Connie and treat her as there personal servant... asking her to do many things.. which she does.. feeling obligated for letting her live with them.   When everyone is invited to a major social event...  Connie is overjoyed.. feeling she is being accepted finally... but her dreams are crushed when her jealous cousin Barbara sees to it that she cant go.  With the aid of her kindly uncle, and adoring house servants, Connie makes it to the ball and meets her Prince Charming.

I LOVED this movie...  the story is very simple but effective.   Deanna Durbin is perfect for the part, showing youthful innocence and sweet compassion.   She has a fantastic voice which she demonstrates several times though the movies scores.   This is a great valentines day movie... that everyone can enjoy.  (5.0/6.0)

The King's Speech

What a FANTASTIC and up lifting story.  I can totally understand why this film is up for so many Academy Awards.   The movie itself is well written and enjoyable, eliciting empathy and compassion for the King George.  Colin Firth is phenomenal playing the title role...  and you can actually feel the PAIN (emotional) of a person trying to speak and not being able to.   Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter both play well as supporting actors.  Helena especially playing the Queen...  I almost didn't recognize her until later in the film.  "The King's Speech is tremendously likeable and well worth seeing in the theaters.   I truly hope it is able to take home more than a few of the Oscar's it's up for.  (6.0/6.0)

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)