Julie's Toronto Movie Guide

Toronto in the movies. Find out which major motion pictures have been set in Toronto! Lear more about Toronto neighbourhoods immortalized on the silver screen.

Eye Movie Listings. Your guide to all the movies in Toronto all the time, by theatre and with capsule reviews.

Movie Trailers on Apple.com. Highest quality movie trailers available. All major release trailers are here for your viewing pleasure 24 hours a day, all year round. See what you're getting yourself into.

Scoreboard for movies. Rottentomatoes.com tracks hundreds of published critics movie reviews, assigning each movie a tomato rating. Make sure the movies you go to see are fresh and not rotten. Box office numbers also here.

Movie trivia. The Internet Movie Database is a complete cross-referenced online resource to all of world cinema. Have a favorite actor? Know the film but can't place the face. It's all here, for free. Ordinary viewer reviews. Great for classics too.

TIFF aka Toronto International Film Festival. One of the top three film festivals in the world. Turns Toronto on its head every September. Getting places can be tough, best to start early. Year round version is the Cinematheque Ontario located on McCaul in the basement of the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Nicole (mostly) and Julie (occasionally) Review
Movies in Toronto...

Finally Movie Reviews You can Trust

2008 New Movies

Blind - ***½

Blind is a story about Ruben, a boy who goes blind and struggles with the acceptance of his new state. He eventually falls in love with Marie, a woman who is twice his age who believes she is ugly and unworthy of affection. Ruben sees in his blindness the fantastic beauty of Marie that Marie herself hadn’t the courage to see with her eyes open. Their relationship is a perfect match: the blind is paired with one who does not wish to be seen. Dialogue is sparse and the images will haunt your imagination. The film leaves the viewers with the clichéd question: what is love? Love isn’t blind - it closes its eyes ‘perchance to dream.’

Religulous - ****

With the dearth of quality Hollywood movies lately, we went to see Religulous, Bill Maher's take on the current state of world religion. I was not familiar with Bill Maher's comedy but the trailers looked hilarious - something like Borat meets Michael Moore - and the movie definitely delivers these laughs, as Bill travels the world in search of why people believe in religion. Maher focuses the search on Islam, Judaism and Christianity; glaringly omitted are such faiths as Buddhism, Hinduism and other world religions. Of course he mercilessly roasts the usual targets (funadmentalists of every faith; Southern politicians) but he concentrates on why people believe in the rituals of these religions, not on why they believe in something greater than themselves. This makes for a film as thought-provoking as it is funny, and points out that perhaps over the millennia, something has been lost in translation as many cling to the letter rather than the spirit of these faiths. A brave and funny, always entertaining movie!

Batman The Dark Knight - *****

When Batman Begins was released, I couldn't see what all the fuss was about - I know all about Batman, I've been watching the cartoons with their Biff! Bang! word bubbles since I was a little kid, I've seen everything Michael Keaton could throw at the character...and loved it. Not a fan of Christian Bale (I know I'm the only one!) I didn't enjoy the long backstory of how Batman came to be, and found it overly moody and drawn out. But once my friends had seen this sequel not once but twice, reporting it to be the best Batman movie they had ever seen, I had to cave (ha ha). Also I'm pretty captivated by the sad, creepy Heath Ledger thing, which reminds me of the Brandon Lee tragedy and lends even more spookiness to the movie. We went to see The Dark Knight the day that blasts ripped through a propane factory, dominating the afternoon news. The movie was so dark and frighteningly real that it seemed the Joker might be at work spreading his chaos in Toronto! A masterful performance by Ledger truly steals the show. Every ounce of the hype is true. You must see this movie!

The Other Boleyn Girl - ***½

When you live with a musician you are not getting out to the theatre most nights, so I resorted to a rental. Hey, at least it's a hot new release! The Other Boleyn Girl starts out slow and it is hard to suspend disbelief when looking at Henry VIII played by hunky Eric Bana (knowing the real King Henry was more bloated monster than beefcake). However, as the plot thickens it is easy to get past historical inaccuracies and just enjoy the show. There are beautiful people like Natalie Portman & Scarlett Johanssen, beautiful clothing & rich surroundings, all kinds of sibling rivalry, much betrayal with plots for power & prestige, and Henry getting uglier by the minute as his true personality emerges. Of course a lot of the intrigue is a function of the times: today, there are 12-step programs for people with Henry's problems, and women's rights ensure no one will be tried and beheaded for not producing sons. In Canada.

Evil Dead: The Musical - ****

Ok so it's not a movie - but it was once! We got tickets as a birthday gift to see this production at the Diesel Playhouse downtown, and I dragged a very reluctant boyfriend who hates musicals. He perked up a bit at the classic rock booming from every speaker, and by intermission, was laughing his head off at the raunchy song lyrics and hilarious acting by a very talented cast! If you are wondering what's the worst that can happen when five teens on spring break bust into a secluded, abandoned cottage in the woods where unspeakable evil has recently been invoked...you have to see it. It was a really funny, laugh out loud night out. And if you sit in the splatter zone, you'll be sprayed with fake blood! Not for prudes, children, or the faint of heart - but great for those who don't normally like musicals.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army - ****½

Ah that rare beast - a sequel better than the original! Well, that's my take on it anyway. If you are a Marvel Comics fan who found the original a bit too dark, you will love the happy go lucky sequel. Who couldn't love an anti-hero sent through a rift to destroy earth, who with a little good parenting became a candy-and-kitten-loving advocate for humanity? The big red lug has cut back on his smoking, taken up with the firestarter, and is now on a quest to rid the world of ancient evil. We also get to know Abe (a.k.a. Blue) a lot better and he is just too cute - they all are. Interesting and incredible to note that Ron Perlman, who dons the big red suit, is actually pushing 60 - you'd never know it! The effects are great and there is a lot of humour. All in all, a very enjoyable experience!

The Happening - ½

Ok M. Night Shyamalan…we get it! Humans need to start working harder to protect the environment. Al Gore thought the same thing, but then he went out and made something useful, An Inconvenient Truth. You decided to make this Greenpeace ad, masquerading as a horror movie. We know… we know, your career peaked early and you’ve been suffering from delusions of Hitchcockian grandeur. All the while your movie’s ratings have been on a slippery slope, with no thanks to the predictable “twists” that we’ve all come to expect. But now you’ve released your preachiest and lowest rated film yet, the “Eco-Thriller”, The Happening. The film starts off immediately, (showing around 90% of its trailer within the first 5 minutes) as we watch people in Central Park lose their coordination and find the most immediate way to kill themselves. Is it a terrorist attack? Nuclear Accident? Killer trees? The film sets us up for disappointment early, when Shyamalan goes out of his way to include the line “It was just an act of nature and we’ll never fully understand it. Science will come up with some reason, but in the end, it will just be a theory” SPOILER ALERT! Within the first 10 minutes we know that we will not get a satisfying answer for what is indeed “happening.” In the remaining 80 minutes we follow Elliot, a character that we’re supposed to care about – With no help from Mark Wahlberg’s unusually flat performance - as he tries to survive and make sense of this “event.” M. Night apparently decided he could coast through, based on premise alone, subjecting us to dozens of unintentionally funny (if not creative) suicides, and 'subtle' messages like a large billboard for a new housing development stating “You deserve this!” I tried to be positive and hold on to hope, after all Shyamalan is a big fan of game-changing endings. The joke was on me…I don’t even think there WAS an ending! Something was happening then it stopped happening, roll credits.

The Happening - ½

Ok M. Night Shyamalan…we get it! Humans need to start working harder to protect the environment. Al Gore thought the same thing, but then he went out and made something useful, An Inconvenient Truth. You decided to make this Greenpeace ad, masquerading as a horror movie. We know… we know, your career peaked early and you’ve been suffering from delusions of Hitchcockian grandeur. All the while your movie’s ratings have been on a slippery slope, with no thanks to the predictable “twists” that we’ve all come to expect. But now you’ve released your preachiest and lowest rated film yet, the “Eco-Thriller”, The Happening. The film starts off immediately, (showing around 90% of its trailer within the first 5 minutes) as we watch people in Central Park lose their coordination and find the most immediate way to kill themselves. Is it a terrorist attack? Nuclear Accident? Killer trees? The film sets us up for disappointment early, when Shyamalan goes out of his way to include the line “It was just an act of nature and we’ll never fully understand it. Science will come up with some reason, but in the end, it will just be a theory” SPOILER ALERT! Within the first 10 minutes we know that we will not get a satisfying answer for what is indeed “happening” In the remaining 80 minutes we follow Elliot, a character that we’re supposed to care about – With no help from Mark Wahlberg’s unusually flat performance - as he tries to survive and make sense of this “event.” M. Night apparently decided he could coast through, based on premise alone, treating us to unintentionally funny, if not creative suicides, and subtle messages like a large billboard for a new housing development stating “You deserve this!” I tried to be positive and hold on to hope, after all Shyamalan is a big fan of game-changing endings. The joke was on me…I don’t even think there WAS an ending! Something was happening then it stopped happening, roll credits.

Baby Mama - **

I didn't have high hopes for this movie from the beginning, but a Friday night with no TTC lead to me desperate for any entertainment I could get. Sure the plot didn't look too mind-blowing but considering I think 30 Rock is one of the funniest shows on tv right now I placed full trust in the abilities of Tina Fey. The problems started at the opening credits when I realized Tina Fey didn't write this movie herself. Sure enough by the time the end credits rolled I was ready to go back home and hug my 30 Rock box set. The movie itself wasn't terrible, just bland (with the one exception of Steve Martin's performance as a smug, new age health guru) The movie scored some laughs, especially between Fey and Poehler, unfortunately all of these moments were already shown in the preview, leaving 90-some minutes of filler. With the cliched 'odd-couple' premise and predictable plot twists Baby Mama would have fit in better as a Saturday Night Live sketch.

There Will Be Blood - *****

Have you seen the movie that SHOULD have won for Best Picture? We were gravely disappointed in No Country for Old Men, especially after all the hype. If you think that a movie about a sociopath chasing stolen money is NOT Oscar material but rather something covered in your typical movie of the week, we're with you!

But we digress. There Will Be Blood, which won for best actor (Daniel Day Lewis) was one of the best examples of good acting we have ever seen. It's so good that the absence of dialogue for the first 14 minutes only serves to reel you in. From the creepy fundamentalist boy-minister to the neglected son to the driven, fanatical oil man who blows like a tornado through every life he touches, the parts were incredibly well played. These stellar performances set amid the harsh beauty & tumultuous times of New Mexico & Texas at the turn of the century, along with a chillingly lovely score, make for an amazing movie. Don't miss this work of art - still in theatres!!

No Country for Old Men - *****

I had heard all the buzz through the movie awards season about how this was the one to beat, so it was a must see before the Oscars – we caught the matinee the day of! I had no idea quite how gory and violent this was going to be. That would be my only negative. It is well paced, very intense, and very well filmed. From the sound of boots on the sand, the visual of the parched desert, and Javier Bardem’s long suffering haircut, this was very memorable. Josh Brolin was excellent. The Coen brothers did it again. Enjoy!

Michael Clayton - ****

This is a good movie – personally I thought it started out a bit slow, and a bit confusing, but by the end the twists and turns were very climactic and exciting. The handsome George Clooney plays a lawyer, and it is really an ideal role for him. He’s great with dialogue. Tilda Swinton was the surprise Oscar winner for best supporting actress, but anyone who saw the movie would have appreciated the win. Great cast.

Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - ****

Julie quite liked this movie. It was beautifully filmed (in Canada and nominated for an Oscar for cinematography), and I always look forward to seeing Brad Pitt and he was very good and subtle in his role (no comments!). Who knew that Casey Affleck would steal the show. No wonder that he was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar and practically every other awards show in his role as Bob Ford. It was an interesting story that didn’t move very quickly more like a drama rather than a Western with a lot of quiet contemplation. It was a long movie but didn’t feel like it.

Cloverfield - ****

The hype started last summer when a shaky trailer played before Transformers. The two minute teaser revealed very little about the movie other than something was blowing up New York City, and our only glimpse of the action would be through the lens of a handheld camera. The film had no name, only the date 1-18-08 and credit to producer JJ Abrams (Lost, Alias, Mission Impossible 3) In the 7 months that followed there was much internet speculation about what the monster was, fueled by fictitious company websites that kept springing up, hinting at secrets in the plot. January 18th approached, and Elise had to see this opening night to see what all the hype was about. With pre-ordered tickets in hand, we showed up an hour early to make sure we got good seats near the back (Necessary, as about forty minutes in, half of the front rows cleared out, dizzy from being so close to the unsteady camera shots) The movie starts with no credits, only a message on the screen saying we the footage we are about to see is "Property of the United States" pertaining to U.S. Case Designate "Cloverfield" found in an area "formerly known as Central Park" After a shaky first 20 minutes filled with obnoxious characters and worse camerawork than my five year old niece's home movies, the explosions started happening and the real story began. Cloverfield interested me as it was a monster movie that wasn't really about a monster. It focused more on the humanism of the characters than any actual destruction. This movie isn't about the origin of a monster, and a group of heroes banding together to take it down; its about 5 friends that get caught in the middle of this struggling to cope, let alone survive, while knowing as little about it as we do. In a world of reality tv, cameraphones, and You-tube; Cloverfield is a monster movie for a new generation that believes "it's not really happening unless it's on videotape"

310 to Yuma - ****

Billed as 'the best Western since Unforgiven', this movie will truly delight fans of the Wild West! I wasn't sure I wanted to see another movie about liquor-swilling hoodlums shooting each other to the tinkling of a pianer while the tumbleweeds roll by. Not really a fan of the genre, but who can resist a chance to see Russell Crowe pushing people around? Christian Bale does a great job as a desperate wounded farmer trying to hang on to his piece of dusty land. Unlike the westerns of old, there are no heroes or villains here, though Crowe's character does make a stab at giving us a modern psychological explanation of his badness, in the film's only moment of maudlin self-pity. This is a good old fashioned visually stunning movie with a simple plot and lots of great action.

Juno - ****½

One of the most delightful and insightful movies of 2007 is JUNO, launched last year at the Toronto Film Festival. Made in Vancouver by Jason Reitman with two young Canadian lead actors, Ellen Page and Michael Cera, it is an independent film that has surprised everyone with its success. Juno is a 16 year old smart and quirky high school student who finds herself pregnant after a fumbling sexual experiment with her best male friend Paulie Bleeker. The plot of the film concerns Juno’s decision to find adoptive parents for her baby when it is born. Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman are excellent as the 35+ year old potential parents, Vanessa and Mark. Vanessa yearning for a child and Mark not ready to give up being a child. Olivia Thirlby as Leah, Juno’s best friend, adds the dimension of being one of the cool kids. The musical score is perfectly attuned to the characters and the dialogue by Diablo Cody is so fast and funny that you have to listen carefully to catch it all. The relationships between Juno and her family mirror real life. Accepting, supportive, loving and mystified parents played by JK Simmons and Allison Janney provide a framework for Juno’s growth and struggle to understand love. Well worth going out to see on a cold winter’s night. Highly recommended by Brenda Kinnear (Julie's mom)

A Mighty Heart - ****

A Mighty Heart recounts the search for kidnapped Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002, in Karachi where he was eventually beheaded. Angelina Jolie plays the role beautifully as his stoic wife Mariane Pearl, and she will no doubt be nominated for many awards. Very enjoyable, as it feels quite believable version of this frustrating real -life story without being overly dramatic. Didn't do gangbusters at the box office.

2007 New Movies

I Am Legend - ****½

I won't answer the question everyone wants to know: does his dog die? Instead let's go down memory lane and remember the last movie made based on the same premise of a deadly virus wiping out most of the earth's human population, leaving only one man behind to try to find a cure: The Omega Man with Charlton Heston. While that one had spooky moaning robed figures standing outside Heston's barricaded home - not very threatening really - this one has hyper-aggressive computer generated vampires doing really nasty things with their jaws. Despite some terrifying moments, what really matters is Will Smith's amazing depiction of a man driven half-mad by grief, guilt and the crushing loneliness of being the last man on earth. He deserves an Oscar just for his facial expressions, and I am not a Will Smith fan. This is a must-see!

Beowulf - ***½

Being a fan of myths and legends, I thought it would be fun to check this movie out - especially when CinemaClock gave it an unheard of 10/10! The only experience I've had recently with the 3-D technology was the movie 300, yet another violent 'historical' drama about gods, men & monsters that I really enjoyed. Beowulf had an even more computer animated feel to it, it was hideously violent and also terribly sad, and by the time it ended, I felt relieved, as if I had just watched the Fern Gully crew on hallucinogenic drugs. Beowulf falls into two sections - the valiant hero and the lonely aging king are poignantly contrasted and the characters are very well rounded, which seems unusual for the legends these typically one-dimensional action films are based on. I'm just not sure I was ready for the...realness of it all which left me weeping for Grendel. According to the good people of imdb, I'm not alone in that.

American Gangster - ****½

Though I'm not a big Denzel fan, once I saw the rest of the cast I just had to see this movie about the drug empire of Frank Lucas, a black heroin kingpin whose organized crime ring rivals that of the top Mob bosses in 1970's New York/New Jersey. The movie was masterfully done - it's all been completely done before and has Ridley Scott written all over it, but it doesn't even matter because it is so well done. The utter despair and destruction wreaked by heroin addiction is nicely juxtaposed with Denzel in his mink coat with his irritating trophy wife on his arm, still thinking he is doing the right thing by taking care of his family. Tony Soprano could take a page from Frank Lucas' steely book! Without being overly moralistic, the flick shows us that bad guys always make mistakes, persistence and grit pay off, and crime doesn't pay - yet there are no real heroes here. By the end, it doesn't matter who wins - they have all lost something significant. An excellent gangster movie, not for the faint of heart or those who are afraid of needles.

We Are Marshall - ***

Great rental – inspiring tear jerker based on a true story, starring Matthew McConaghey and Matthew Fox (Lost and Party of Five). Nice family rental period story about a small town and how much their College Football program affects the whole community.

Knocked Up - ***½

What a fun movie! Watch out for the overboard toilet humour… always good for a laugh, but inappropriate for kids. If you’re a Grey’s Anatomy or Friend’s Fan you’ll love it more since Katherine Heigl & Paul Rudd star. Apparently written or directed by The 40-Year-Old Virgin with similar humour. Pretty amusing – especially Seth Rogen’s character with his buddies.

Across the Universe - ****

There's no way around it. This is a strange, strange movie. It is a moving, artistically stunning 139 minute ride If you allow yourself to go get lost in the experience and not focus on what its lacking (such as a cohesive plot.) This Fab Four-inspired musical had its world premiere here in Toronto at the International Film Fest. In the weeks that followed, Across the Universe has gone on to see a limited release on 276 Screens in the US receiving mixed reviews, (a total score of 51% on RottenTomatoes.com) thus proving its "Love-it or Hate-it" artistic style. In a nutshell this movie tells the love story of conveniently named Jude and Lucy, amid the war, sex, drugs, and rock and roll of the 60s; All set to the music of The Beatles. My one complaint with this movie was it seemed as if some of the characters were written in last minute, so they could receive a literal song reference. In my mind that still did nothing to take away from the beautifully directed interpretations of familiar songs. If you're a Beatles fan, its definitely worth the hefty 139 Minutes. If you only have 3 minutes to spare, just watch the trailer, somehow it's almost as good.

Hairspray - ***½

I went to see this movie with two friends who laughed and cried their way through it - it didn't provoke this reaction in me, probably because I'm spoiled by the version with Ricki Lake! Divine was much better than John Travolta as Tracy Turnblad's overweight laundress mother; Travolta plays the character saccharine-sweet and almost simple, with a strange Kids in the Hall-esque accent. However, at many times in the movie I found myself doing the waist-up watusi in my seat, and not just because the plot is largely set in my former middle school, Lord Lansdowne. The musical numbers are excellent, as are the costumes, and very sharp acting by Michelle Pfeiffer, James Marsden and Christopher Walken save the movie from descending into a Disney-type feel-good musical. Fans of the Queen will also love her performance and enjoy the moving civil rights struggle scenes, which run as an undercurrent throughout.

Black Snake Moan - ****½

If you've ever wondered whether Samuel L. Jackson can sing, whether Christina Ricci will ever grow up, or whether Justin Timberlake can act, you need to see this shocking, gut-wrenching movie about a heartbroken blues man who tries to redeem the town wild child and himself with the power of the Lord and his sheer force of will. While it requires a bit of a leap of faith, our faith is well rewarded when beauty is found everywhere in the unlikeliest of circumstances. An inspiring, thought-provoking movie set in the hot lush south and as full of raw emotion and corn liquor as the blues themselves, this is an absolute must-see.

Rush Hour 3 - ***

Tasteless, racist jokes and impossible fight scenes abound in this third installment - which you just know won't be the last! An aging Jackie Chan doesn't quite make all the right kung fu moves, and Chris Tucker is a hip-wiggling stereotype come to life. The outtakes alone are worth the price of admission; at least when they're making glaring mistakes, everyone seems to acknowledge that the Rush Hour movies have become parodies of themselves, with uber-villains evident from the beginning, 'who's on first'-type dialogue, killer ladies, and of course the ubiquitous California Girls song playing constantly. Wish they all could be as good as the first one!

Transformers - **½

Transformers is the first live action film based on the 1980s cartoon series of the same name. Since its release its been getting many mixed reviews from critics. Maybe its because I never watched the show growing up, but I didn't enjoy this movie. I found the human characters to be very shallow, two dimensional caricatures, that did nothing but pass the time between action sequences. Possibly because it was the first of a franchise writers may have been trying to introduce the story slowly, but the movie could have been called "Generic teen angst with some robots." Storyline aside, the action scenes were very well done and the animation was amazing. If you're looking to turn your brain off for two hours and go watch cars turn into robots and blow things up, this is a good movie choice.

The Simpsons Movie - ***½

I've been a Simpsons fan for nearly 20 years now, and I agree with the majority who notice the show slowly depricating in quality. Although still a fan, I'll admit it, I went into the movie with pretty low expectations. Within 5 minutes from the title sequence (and after being mocked by Homer for paying money for something you can see for free) I began realizing I was wrong. Of course it was packed with all the laughs, cultural references, guest stars and an outrageous plot that you'd see in the series. However, The Simpsons movie was a refreshing change, in that it had time to slow some of the scenes down, and focus on developing the characters, instead of rushing to introduce a plot and resolve it in 22 mins. And purely from an aesthetic standpoint the animation was amazing in widescreen. All in all, while it isn't comparable with some of the classic episodes from seasons past, it's an enjoyable movie, so if you watch and laugh at the series... even a little bit... go to the theatre. Its worth the d'oh

The Bourne Ultimatum - ****½

The third (And hopefully final!) installment of the ever-popular Jason Bourne Franchise lives up to the hype and exceeds expectations. An explosive summer blockbuster that managed to pull in the all-time highest August box office opening in history. This film picks up nicely where the first two left off, following Jason Bourne all around the globe as he tries to figure out his identity while dodging the seemingly endless stream of CIA hired assassins. While Ultimatum does follow much of the same storyline from Identity and Supremacy, its still enjoyable on its own for the edge-of-your-seat car chases, action sequences, and opportunities to watch Jason Bourne use his MacGyver-like skills to outwit CIA agents. Bourne Ultimatum brought the franchise full circle and if there isn't a fourth film on the way, Jason Bourne is going out with real style.

Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix - ****

In true Harry Potter form, this film is exciting, funny, clever, and dark. The story of a young wizard facing unearthly obstacles unfolds, as we watch Harry and his friends learn to tackle the world of magic. Although it is based on a novel from a series of books originally intended for children, this is not just a kid's movie. Political struggle and sensorship are two main themes of this film, not to mention that parts of it are actually pretty scary! Although I do recommend this film, it would be best enjoyed by those who have seen at least the previous two Harry Potter movies, as it is story with lots of characters and background info that are important to know in order to understand the story.

Sicko - ****

Michael Moore returns with a third documentary exposing what is wrong with American society - his first looking at the gun culture, the second dealing with the war in Iraq, and now he's back to attack the U.S. health care system. He's less angry and more down-home, which oddly doesn't suit the inflammatory subject matter: people are dying/going bankrupt/staying sick in droves due to inadequate medical insurance, and there's Michael Moore with a camera gently questioning them, but we have to wonder what happened to the sparks that used to fly when this courageous filmmaker confronted big business and pulled no punches. This documentary is certainly the most wrenching of the three - there won't be a dry Canadian eye in the house as we learn that just a few clicks south of the border, people like you and me are suffering in a way that would not be tolerated here.

Live Free or Die Hard - **½

An older, but still unsubdued Bruce Willis is back as the unstoppable John McClane in this fourth Die Hard movie. As a serious lover of the cheesy Die Hard franchise (especially the one with Samuel L. Jackson and lots of scary blond uber-villains), I just had to see the latest spin on the classic action tale. Although there were explosions, car chases and shootouts a-plenty, something was missing from this latest movie. Oh right, a plot. Sure, they tell us that a gorgeous young whiz kid with a grudge against the American government has decided to play internet terrorist; that the guy who plays the Mac in those annoying commercials is an innocent victim/nerdy sidekick; that only one grizzled New York cop can stop the entire crash of the world as we know it while trying to save his flippant teenage daughter. But it's completely phony, so I didn't care.

Little Children - *

Would not recommend this movie - too much nasty cheating, lying, deceit... Movies are supposed to take you away but this just made you feel kinda repulsed and not happy to have watched it. I suppose one could argue that it reached the audience by causing a reaction! Kate Winslet stars.

Miss Potter - ****

Great Mom and daughter movie! Really beautiful scenery, costume and style, plus a very woman empowering story in any era! Not sure why it was not long in the theatre. Played out a little like a fairy tale as some of Beatrix's characters were life-like. What an amazing woman Beatrix Potter was (played by Renee Zellwegger).

Half Nelson not Half Bad - ***½

Julie decided to see this because it was starring the talented Ryan Gosling - who was nominated for an Oscar as a lead actor in this role. He played a young talented high school teacher with demons who is fighting his drug addiction. Good movie - a bit dark - kept your interest, although definitely not appropriate for children.

Spider-Man III - ***½

Everyone says this is one of those 'love it or hate it' movies, but here it is: even if you warned us it was going to be total crap (like the third installment of Pirates of the Carribean) we'd see it anyway, because it's part of the franchise. This time they have some black goo conveniently dropping in from another world and sticking to Peter Parker, making his self-will run riot. It's sad that we need black goo from another world to have Spider-Man face his inner demons, but there you are. Part of the franchise. This movie has the same complexity as the first two - even the evil-doers are shown to have sympathetic qualities - but with the emphasis being on the human relationships. Which is fine because we still get lots of web-slinging and dust clouds and nasty fangs. Part of the franchise!

28 Weeks Later - ****

If you enjoy a good scare and don't mind the kind of jittery camera action that can cause seizures, this is a good bet! Fans of 28 Days Later, myself included, enjoyed the edgy British flair and unsentimental bravery of the doomed survivors of a deadly virus that makes people act like doorcrashers at a Best Buy sale, only with blood pouring from all their orifices. This sequel offers some great acting - like Robert Carlyle acting more Trainspotting than Full Monty - but they've brought in the Yanks, so it's not surprising that this version is a lot more blood & gore & patriotism. Can't wait for the next one though...

300 - ****½

Do you love action? War? Romance? Historical fiction? Monsters? Heroes? Villains? Drag queens? If so, this is the movie for you! A gripping tale of a Spartan leader's doomed attempt to hold off the hordes of Persia with only 300 men, this film consists of far more than the continuous fight scenes I had expected. Not sure how historically accurate it is, but it does have groovy costumes, serious battle tactics like the phalanx and early gunpowder, creepy rituals involving oracles and a multitude of regal names that end in -os. If you loved the Greek myths as a child, you must not miss this!!

Blades of Glory - ****

Two Wills go head to head in this hilarious spoof of the competitive world of figure skating. If you ever wondered what really goes on behind the skates, tights & sparkly thingys, or rather wondered what would happen if Will Ferrell got on the ice, this movie is for you. It tells of two Olympic ice skaters - the prissy golden boy Jimmy (Jon Heder of Napoleon Dynamite) and the drunken slob Chazz (Ferrell) who were stripped of their gold medals and permanently banned from men's single competition, but still qualify as a pairs team.
There were many laugh out loud moments and also a good message behind it all. Suitable for lovers of the sport and lovers of slapstick alike!

Children of Men - ***

This would likely have been a better movie to see in the theatre, where the full-on war scenes and shaky hand held camera sequences could have had full effect. As it was, this rental is extremely dark - thematically, cinematically etc. There is plenty of brooding as a thunderous Clive Owen contemplates the futility of life in a childless world and then goes on a mission to save humanity from itself. While there are plenty of creepy moments - soldiers bowing to a baby before resuming their killing, suicide kits being handed out like GST rebates - the most sinister thing is what my movie buddy pointed out: many people in the world actually live like this now.

Notes on a Scandal - ****½

The creepiest movie we've seen in a long time, and the best role I've ever seen Dame Judi Dench in. In a major departure from her stylish, motherly appeal in the Bond franchises and those crazy Vin Diesel films, she plays a dowdy teacher who lives only to ensnare unwitting victims and make them part of her elaborate, twisted fantasies. Her carefully constructed webs have disastrous results when she encounters Bathsheba, an effervescent new teacher at school, and takes her hostage. This movie is extremely powerful - the acting is extraordinary, and nothing is taboo: it manages to show how the prison of self-imposed loneliness, combined with possessiveness and extreme denial, conspire to ruin the lives of everyone involved, and how the schemes we set in motion have unseen consequences everywhere. It is an incredible portrait that will have you cringing and making sure your hairbrush is all cleaned out. My top Oscar pic, bar none, and Paige's too.

All the Kings Men - ****

Loosely based on the life of Louisiana Governor Huey Long, this movie has plenty of heavy hitters - Sean Penn, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Anthony Hopkins, James Gandolfini - and it's an excellent drama reminiscent of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. We get all the southern intrigue, the stark contrast between the haves and have nots, the long-buried secrets of the privileged, and plenty of Pacino-like rants by Penn. Minor player Gandolfini is awful - he just can't seem to shake chanelling Tony Soprano, and Jude's accent leaves a lot to be desired, but that is just nitpicking. We root for Penn's character despite his strange obsessions and rhetoric because in the end he is just trying to play the game with huge disadvantages at the start. Nail 'em up!

Blood Diamond - ****½

Over the holidays I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the new movie Blood Diamond, starring Leo DiCaprio as a Rhodesian diamond smuggler and Jennifer Connelly as an American journalist. Connelly's character is looking to expose the violence and corruption in Sierra Leone of the conflict diamonds (which are mined diamonds in war zones and sold to finance the conflicts). The movie is action packed with much violence and political unrest and causes one to re-think ones life back in North America where we covet those jewels so much, and whether it is worth the cost of human lives. Leonardo is up for a Golden Globe for best actor.[Julie]

Fun with Dick and Jane - ****½

Now this left me smiling - truly hilarious silliness and great fun. Quite a farce no doubt but Jim Carrey brings out the big guns with his creative expressions and physical comedy - and Tea Leoni holds her own - (of course she's gorgeous which helps). Loved the son's Spanish accent, and the tongue in cheek costumes. Apparently it is a remake of the 1977 version, never saw that one, so this was good. [Julie]

Annapolis - ***½

A cross between An Officer and a Gentleman and Rocky - this is a story of a young man from the wrong side of the tracks being accepted at the prestigious Naval Academy, and his first year of struggles. It is watchable, although I am a pretty easy audience, I must admit it is kinda cheesy and the female instructor's flirtation is totally unrealistic - no doubt Nicole would hate it! [Julie]

2006 New Movies

The Good Shepherd - **½

If you see only one movie this holiday season, please do not let it be The Good Shepherd. Never mind that it's directed by DeNiro or that it stars Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie. Come on, you don't really go to see movies just because Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie are in them, do you? Didn't you learn from The Brothers Grimm and Mr. & Mrs. Smith? Whether the story of the founding of the CIA bears any resemblence to the truth or not, seems to be in question, but that is the wrong question: we should be asking, why couldn't they make it more entertaining? In the movie, the CIA quietly takes shape with a number of acts of espionage undertaken by tense young men in shirts with the sleeves rolled up. For three excruciating hours. It is painful to witness the crumbling of a man's essence even as his career soars, however we have to imagine this pain, as Damon does nothing but purse his lips and furrow his brow throughout. I would say wait for the video, but only if everything else is sold out. [Nicole]

The Pursuit of Happyness - ****

I took a single dad up on his offer to see this movie on Christmas Day,trying to be spontaneous, thinking that for his benefit I would sit through a self-aggrandizing Will Smith holiday spectacle and squeeze out a tear or two. This skeptical movie-goer was very pleasantly surprised by The Pursuit of Happyness - brilliant acting by both Will and his real-life son, not to mention a beleaguered Thandie Newton. Anyone who has ever struggled to achieve anything, or faced financial insecurity, prejudice, or had a dream denied, will identify and be moved. Though certainly designed to manipulate our emotions, we buy into it completely. And isn't that what the holidays are all about? :) [Nicole]

Casino Royale - ****

Bond is back! A new, less refined Bond with a body like an ox and eyes like the sea. He's a tavern-brawler, a man of few words and of great gymnastic ability. He's joined by a great cast including a lovely new Bond girl. Guaranteed to satisfy Bond fans everywhere, though I doubt Daniel Craig will be anyone's 'favourite' Bond (mine is Roger Moore, just me and like five other Bond fans on the planet). This long, rambling movie has everything you'd expect from the franchise - stunning action scenes, gorgeous cinematography, simple intrigue, and some hot lovin'. Not to mention a very worthy creative opening sequence. Can't wait for the sequels. [Nicoile]

The Queen - ****

It was such a treat on the weekend to get to the movie theatre again! Being a huge Diana fan - (yes I admit having visited the tunnel in Paris, and seeing her exhibit here). I thought this movie would be an interesting take on her fateful relationship with the Royal Family. Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II beautifully, and seemingly very realistic. The glimpses into their very country life at Balmoral, Scotland, the idiosyncratic Royal protocol where so much is left unspoken, and the integral role Tony Blair played in advising the Queen in the aftermath of Diana's death is fascinating and very enjoyable. The fellow who played Tony Blair steals the show, and Prince Philip and the Queen Mother do not fare well! [Julie]

The Fountain - **½

I don't know what I expected when they said this was a love story spanning 1000 years - perhaps "All My Children"? What we get instead is Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, both shining as doomed lovers. The performances are fantastic, especially from Weisz, and though the plot alternately drags and rushes through the 1000 years, there is a lot to be had spiritually here. This movie had a beautiful, thought provoking message that could be 1000 years before its time. [Nicole]

You, Me and Dupree - ***

Another silly adventure with Owen Wilson! Not as good as Wedding Crashers, but along the same veinÃ?¢ââ??¬Ã?¦ Of course Kate Hudson is totally cute and charming in her role as new wife to husband Matt Dillon. (IsnÃ?¢ââ??‰â??¢t this the movie that sparked rumours of a real life romance between Kate and Owen ?!?) Matt's character is trying hard to please his new wifeÃ?¢ââ??‰â??¢s father and boss played by Michael Douglas. All around fun and fluff Ã?¢ââ??‰â?¬Å? lots of pranks, and over the top stereotyping. Their house and neighbourhood is really nice - very Arts and Crafts and west coast style Ã?¢ââ??‰â?¬Å? quite interesting for the realtor in meÃ?¢ââ??¬Ã?¦The message is good, and a mostly family holidays flick. Enjoy!

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan - ****

Don't take the kiddies to see this one! You might remember Sacha Cohen from Da Ali G show, which premiered briefly on Showcase this year (booyakasha!) He returns in this feature length film which manages to create the kind of belly laughs that actually burn calories. I thought it would be a bunch of Borat clips basically cobbled together, but the hilarious material translates well into movie form - we follow Borat on the kind of mission reminiscent of Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, only with subtitles and much more hilarious as the American heartland is ruthlessly trashed. I spoke to an acquaintance from Kazakhstan who said that the depiction of that country was 'only 80% true', a claim that had me rolling on the floor.

The Break Up - ***

Julie says: Quite a good rental, although there was a little too much arguing for me. When I watch movies I am looking forward to getting away from it all and this movie had a little too much domestic unhappiness pour moi. I am a fan of Jennifer Aniston, so I had to rent this after reading my People magazine weekly update on Jen and Vince Vaughn's relationship (which started during the making of this movie!) I was very glad I rented it. Enjoy - you've been forewarned!

Akeelah and the Bee - ***

Charming and filled with precious moments that make you cry like carefully manipulative cookie commercials, Akeelah and the Bee is a fine film to watch on a lazy Saturday afternoon. If you are asking yourself who has time to watch movies on a Saturday, remember that flu season is (cough) upon us and that prevention is much better (sniffle) than reaction. While the film is rather predictable, it is nevertheless enjoyable. You are guaranteed to learn some new words and develop a (passing?) love for the fattest dictionary in your house. A new love, perhaps, unless you are a former bee competitor yourself in which case we beg you, how does one spell "superkalafragalisticexpialadocious" correctly??? Keke Palmer delivers a mature performance as Akeelah and Lawrence Fishburne is alwasy a pleasure to watch. If you're staying home anyway, add Spellbound and Bee Season to your rental repose list and enjoy a thematic movie afternoon at home.

Little Miss Sunshine - *****

This film is lovable from start to finish, showcasing a brilliant cast and a truly original screenplay. The family drama was perfect for a holiday weekend at the movies and brings to mind such wonderful ensemble films as "Home for the Holidays" and "What's Cooking". The beauty of Little Miss Sunshine lies in its subtle reality, buried under the seemingly absurd situations in which the Hoover family find themselves. Little Miss Sunshine provides pure, knee-slapping, snort-laughing humour and is highly recommended.

Friends With Money - ***½

This movie has an excellent female cast including Frances McDormand, Joan Cusack, Catherine Keener and Jennifer Aniston Ã?¢ââ??‰â?¬Å? it is a little hard to believe that Jennifer Aniston plays a house maid (as that just seemed too out of character), but it was fun, especially the pot smoking, sex in the afternoon scenes. The film actually touches on a few realistic issues that grown women and families go through, and it is entertaining. A Sundance Film Festival Choice. Enjoy.

Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing - *****

Kathleen loves the Dixie Chicks. In fact, it's safe to say that she has a Dixie Chick "problem". So you can imagine how excited she was to see Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing, the new documentary from Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck, at TIFF '06. Chronicling the backlash the Chicks dealt with after lead singer Natalie Maines expressed her opinion about the pending war in Iraq at a packed show in London, Shut Up & Sing provides a candid and emotional look at the Chicks and the role celebrity plays in politics. While the importance of freedom of speech plays an important role in the film, Natalie's vulnerability and resolve are what hold your attention. Enjoy this film - it's smart, witty and reminds us of the true value of friendship. Oh, and Toronto is mentioned a LOT!
The Dixie Chicks are performing in Toronto on October 28th & 29th. Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing is scheduled to open in limited release on October 27th.

Babel - ****

The third installment from IÃ?Æ?Ã?±Ã?Æ?Ã? rritu's trilogy playing witness to the relationship between parents and their children, Babel is simply a stunning film. This film pushes the "Citizen of the World" mentality to the forefront while subtly commenting on the nature of family and the love and strength that can come from vulnerability. IÃ?Æ?Ã?±Ã?Æ?Ã? rritu and the creative team behind Babel have manipulated language, sound and the visual image to an outstanding level. The uniqueness of their techniques is significantly less important than their mastery - you can't help but be overhwelmed by this film. Not to be missed! Babel is set for limited release beginning October 27th!

Lady in the Water - **

It wouldn't be so bad if they would stop billing M. Night Shyamalan's movies as 'thriller' flicks. They are not. Period. Yet I never seem to learn my Shyamalan: rather than chills, he is going to beat me over the head with a moralistic tale that is fanciful at best. There is nothing thrilling about the legend of the Narf, as we realize in the first half hour; it is just a pretty threadbare children's tale dragged out by various one-dimensional characters to a feature length film. There is no fault on the part of the actors, particularly Paul Giamatti, who does wonders with his limited role - but the entire premise is either really lame or so sophisticated in its subtlety that it went right over my head (a distinct possibility). Narf.

Scoop - ***

Woody Allen directs and stars in this mildly humourous tale of a hapless student journalist (Scarlett Johansson) who stumbles on the scoop of her young life. Helped by a farmisht magician (Allen) and the ghost of a departed newspaperman, she must solve a series of murders in the English countryside. There is a lot of Woody being Woody, but he and the schtick are getting a bit old. Even Johansson's and Hugh Jackman's eye candy are insufficient to make this anything more than a very light, Brooklyn-meets-the-Palace caper. Save your gelt for the video store.

The Devil Wears Prada - ***

Kathleen liked The Devil Wears Prada so much, she paid to see it twice. It's not cerebral, it's not the funniest film this summer and it often reminds us how sad our wardrobe really is, but this movie is fun and flirty and doesn't try to be anything it's not. It is simply entertaining. If you've ever had a scary boss, you may suffer a panic attack as the film triggers not-so-fond memories of working for a tyrant, but the cookie-cutter victories over Meryl's Devil are amusing.

Most importanty, The Devil features Bubby's - Kathleen's favourite restaurant in New York. Located at the corner of Hudon and N. Moore in Tribeca, Bubby's Pie Co. is always the first place Kathleen visits in NYC. If season permits, have the ginger lemonade and peach pie - tasty summer treats worth every single calorie.

Miami Vice - **½

You know you're getting old when you ask your colleagues and friends if they're going to see a movie based on an original series and they just look at you blankly and say they don't know who Don Johnson is (good thing I didn't mention Philip Michael Thomas). As an aficionado of the series - a soft crime show with lots of pastel suits, tanned skin and fast boats - I was disappointed by this dragging movie. While looking forward to an 'edgier' experience than the TV show, in fact what we're presented with is a rather stale plot, very wooden acting (a surprise given the acclaimed cast) and lots of filler. Thank goodness for the love stories, which do redeem this movie from descending into movie-of-the-week territory.

Pirates of the Caribbean II: Dead Man's Chest - **½

Arrrr, matey! If you long to see Johnny Depp staggering around Keith Richards after a bad tumble from shrubbery, you may be a bit disappointed. Captain Jack Sparrow does manage some amazing tricks, like escaping from cannibals and diving into the maw of a disgusting sea creature. However, in this summer of sequels, Pirates II merely managed to hold its own, not offering anything we haven't already seen. The special effects are excellent, though one wonders how many carbuncles can grow on a human face before it just becomes a lump. Hopefully in the third movie, there will be more yo-ho-ho and less tentacles.

Superman Returns - **

It is always a bad sign when the theatre is laughing after the opening credits. In this case, they were probably referring to the bad Star Wars-ripoff theme music. For some reason, the man in tights does not hold the same appeal he used to when we were kids, but more than that is wrong with this too-long movie: a lacklustre Lois Lane, now a mother but still contrary as ever; the old threadbare plot which not even a new hero can rescue; special effects we have seen many times before. The bright spots of the film all belong to Kevin Spacey as Lex Luther, whose impeccable timing and hilarious villany make Superman's saccharine goodness tolerable. Apparently Kryptonite is not the only thing that can fell Superman.

Nacho Libre - ***

A movie that doesn't really know what it is but still works! Jack Black making fun of Jack Black making fun of Ignacio, a Mexican friar with a love of wrestling, the orphans he works with, and his beautiful colleague Incarnacion. The gentle humour, outright slapstick, and triumph of the (not physically) little guy makes this slow-moving comedy an unexpected delight.

X-Men III: The Last Stand - ***½

One of the few sequels that doesn't lose momentum, though the premise does get thinner Ã?¢ââ??‰â?¬Å? this summer blockbuster is sure to please! Our favourite characters return along with some new ones to fight thorny issues like genocide, identity and mental illness in a brave new world Ã?¢ââ??‰â?¬Å? with super powers! Yeah! If only real life could be this simple. I've tried creating adverse weather patterns to avoid business commitments, but it just doesn't work.

The Omen - ***

Having never seen the original, I'm really not in a position to compare. We went to see this on opening night, 06/06/06, and found the 'evidence' of a plot from the damned actually quite convincing, though not sure it would be manifested in the form of a small, weedy-looking boy. There are plenty of scary, suspenseful moments (watch out for Mia Farrow as, guess what, someone who loves children) and also humour as we wonder how blind these foolish mortals can actually be. This won't be the last we've seen of Damien, that's for sure.

Mission Impossible III - **

Ethan Hunt returns as a secret agent and brings with him the usual life-like rubber masks, super duper weaponry, and stunt talents that we all remember from Missions I and II. As with most serial movies, it just keeps getting worse. The explosions are louder, the danger is greater, but not even Cruise coming back from the dead could add spark to this movie. Philip Seymour Hoffman is lame and wooden as the unlikely villain. Thank goodness for Michelle Monaghan's fiesty performance as Cruise's wife - we still prefer her in Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, but at least she never lapses into cutsie Barbie mode as she gets sucked into her hubby's dramatic life. Yawn.

Poseidon - ***

I will never go on a boat of any size, ever again. That was my thought upon rising from the edge of my seat in the Imax theatre we saw this clever re-make at the theatre we recommend you sit far back to avoid retinal burning, as this is a loud, graphic movie full of - well - water. Tons and tons of water. We saw this movie for the special effects, and they don't disappoint, but oddly enough neither does the acting. While the film began to drag towards the end (they're wet; they're cold; they're dying off; they're running out of exits on a sinking ship, we get it!) it still proved suspenseful and exciting, well worth seeing on a BIG screen.

Scary Movie 4 - *

Unsurprisingly, they just keep getting worse. Without the Wayans brothers to add pizzazz, this spoof falls flatter than the "scary" dreck it is satirizing. There are a few truly LOL moments - the ghost child from The Grudge wreaking revenge on the Japanese language, some culture shock when our hapless heroes encounter the backward folk from The Village - but take a lesson from the aliens who failed to wage the War of the Worlds: Stay Home.

Inside Man - **

Once again, Denzel is back, this time as an arrogant cop trying to foil a bank robbery staged by an arrogant criminal played by Clive Owen. Jodie Foster is an arrogant mercenary with an agenda of her own, working for the arrogant owner of the bank. With the egos duking it out, there is little room for a complex plot, so we don't get one - the reference to Dog Day Afternoon is ironic in view of Inside Man's tired spinning out of the same old scenario. Suspense fans will find little to keep them occupied here.

V for Vendetta - **½

Just one of the many comic books I didn't know existed - we went to see this as there was nothing else of interest playing, having been Oscar'd out with DVDs of heavy duty movies that actually made us think and grow. V for Vendetta was a nice departure from all that brain activity: just sit back, relax, keep your eye on the man in the mask spraying arterial blood with his knives. However, unlike so many mindless action flicks, V's witty wordplay, the Fawkesian themes, and a stellar cast of (mostly British) actors, including John Hurt and Stephen Rea, as well as a great performance by Natalie Portman who actually looks good bald, more than redeem this film.

The New World - *½

Cinematically beautiful. Excruciatingly long and slow. Here are suggested alternate titles for The New World:

1. It's Hard to Settle for Christian Bale
2. Spoiling Really Nice Dresses in the Mud
3. Unintelligible Mumbling
4. Are Those Ashes on your Face, or Are You Just Happy to See Me?
5. Please, Please, Somebody Say Something

If you are willing to sit through three hours of very little going on, there is a payoff: a feeling of peace, serenity and one-ness with mother earth. Or perhaps it is just relief that it has finally ended.

Syriana - ****

This seems to be a year of the little guy fighting back against big business - witness The Constant Gardner, North Country, and now Syriana. This movie was only nominated for two Golden Globes, which surprised me as I feel it is the best movie I saw in 2005. What makes Syriana different is an amazingly complex plot and multi-dimensional characters. Avoiding the simplistic trap of villains and heroes, it reveals how everyone from CIA agents to whistleblowers to suicide bombers are created, not born, and how both the best and worst of intentions can lead to tragic events. Warning: this is not an easy movie to watch or to understand, but if you are political and patient, it is a drama not to be missed.

King Kong - ***

We struggled through this movie on New Year's Day on the theory that a light action-adventure movie with great special effects would be just the thing. What we got was a visually stunning but excruciatingly l-o-n-g flick that failed to hold our interest throughout. There is only so much stampedeing dinasaurs/giant bugs/ice skating apes that can be tolerated in a single movie. While Kong certainly captured a great depth of emotion between man, beast, and the beast inside every man, its efforts to convince us that there was much more going on ultimately failed. As with the original, we merely reinforced our suspicion that Hollywood is a more savage place than Skull Island.

2005 New Movies

The Chronicles of Narnia - Invalid gallery1/2

Earlier in the year I reported that the best comedic duo I had seen in a long time were Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson in The Wedding Crashers. This team has now been supplanted by the more subtle, yet stunningly funny Robert Downey, Jr. and Val Kilmer - yes, Val Kilmer - in this light hearted romp about murder, scandal, fame, and broken dreams. If you love Elmore Leonard but wish he had a much better sense of humour, this film is for you. The cast of characters are lovingly annoying, the dialogue is razor-sharp, and though you might be clutching several parts of your body in agonized sympathy for the protagonist, you won't be looking at your watch.

Walk The Line - Invalid gallery1/2

Mainstream film fan that I am, an artsy dance movie with a distinctly European feel is not normally my first choice for a Saturday night out. How unfortunate - I have been missing a lot apparently! Joking with my partner that they had better blow up some buildings in this movie, we settled in for what ended up being an incredibly moving experience. A poignant musical score and the provocative dancing of Austrian star Anna Hein tell a magical story of loss, isolation, and the savage conformity imposed upon a girl who definitely does not fit the urban mold. Impressively, a full range of emotions, from humour (plenty of it) to elation to despair, are communicated through movement and music alone. I was brought to tears by this little movie. No bombs necessary.

The Constant Gardener - Invalid gallery3/4

Despite good reviews, this quiet little movie has not done well at the box office - perhaps because it's billed as comedy/drama, which is enough to turn me off right there. However, we persisted and were well rewarded. A very dark comedy indeed, this powerful picture based on true events deals with an arms dealer (the excellent Nicholas Cage) whose ambition is compromised by his relentless self-knowledge - definitely Oscar material. Narrated by Cage, and taking us around the world from Israel to New Jersey to Monrovia, Lord of War manages to be not only extremely entertaining and suspenseful, but also carries a very disquieting message about the politics of war.

Transporter 2 - Invalid gallery

Taking place in the depression, starring Russell Crowe & Renee Zellweger and the amazing character acting by Paul Giacommatti. This is a wonderful story of a principled man & boxer facing some of life's most difficult challenges & decisions. As they have always said, this has Oscar potential. I am not so sure with the boxing movie last year winning top honours that this will be able to do the same. Very interesting to note that it was mostly filmed in Toronto - Ron Howard transformed the city beautifully. Really enjoyed this movie.

Napolean Dynomite - Invalid gallery

There's nothing like a good sci-fi action thriller to get the blood boiling! And this movie is good. Ewan McGregor is good as a captive of an evil conglomerate, displaying the wide-eyed innocent grin we haven't seen since Big Fish. Scarlett Johansen is good as his wide-eyed, innocent love interest. Sean Bean is good as the quintessential evil villain, and Steve Buscemi is good as the hapless grunt who gets caught in the middle. Even the guy from Voyager is good without his Nelix makeup as another wide-eyed innocent. The special effects are good too. What prevents The Island from being great is its absolute predictability, only broken by the ever suave Djimon Hounsou who manages to do something unexpected. Keeping right and wrong firmly separated in this way may be oversimplistic, especially with summer blockbusters, but it's good.

The Wedding Crashers - Invalid gallery1/2

Obnoxious children. Very mean aliens. A blue-collar hero. And a creepy, paranoid Tim Robbins digging holes in the basement. Put them all together and you have one big summer blockbuster! The special effects are fantastic in this thriller about a hostile alien takeover as seen from the eyes of one American family. There are some genuinely scary moments (red is no longer my favourite flower colour) and the action is as non-stop as Tom Cruise's blue-collar antics. The movie handles the whole 'they're already here' thing in an interesting, innovative way. See the movie and put some cash in poor Tom's pocket!

Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith - Invalid gallery1/2

Fans of comic books, violence and gore will be in hog heaven at this adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novels (no pun intended). Nothing is left to the imagination here, and there is much wooden dialogue, dramatic clutching at chests, single tears rolling down porcelain cheeks, and plenty of PVC. The set literally looks like a black and white comic book page with lots of ink splashes. This is no Gotham City, however - much grittier, and the cast is fantastic. A word of caution: see this movie and you will never, never think of Elijah Wood as a Hobbit again. [Nicole]

Be Cool - **1/2

With a star-studded cast including John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Danny Devito and Harvey Keitel, this movie really is a tribute to Elmore Leonard's vision of Hollywood: lots of glitz, little substance, suspend disbelief, but who really cares - it's Hollywood! There were many funny moments in this sloppy movie, mostly delivered by Vince Vaughn as the jive-talking Raji. However, in a movie that finds slapstick in everything from a gay cowboy's eyebrow to the wigs of the Russian Mafia, it is disappointing that Thurman's dialogue trumps these as the dumbest thing going. [Nicole]

Constantine - * 1/2

Fans of raging fires, insects, arterial blood and shattered sheet glass used to have CSI. Now they can also enjoy Constantine, the Keanu Reeves flick about a man with the power to see demons and banish them to hell. With dialogue so wooden that even Keanu cringes, the only redeeming feature is the quirky character acting from actors like Djimon Hounsou and Tilda Swinton. It is very important, while watching Keanu treat his terminal lung cancer with swigs of cough syrup - very important, to remember this whole thing is based on an obsure comic strip. [Nicole]

2005 Oscar Nominated Films Reviews

Shark Tale - **

Will Smith is pretty funny, you have to admit! This movie was no comparison to Nemo - but it was a cute, fun and enjoyable movie for all ages. It is about an unscary shark, and a too cool fish, there are relationships & quirky comparisons to life above the sea.

 

1 Nomination - Animated Feature Film.

SuperSize Me - ****

This was extremely well done documentary movie - about the "nasty" fast food industry - specifically targeting McDonalds - although try to remember it is all types. It was a little extreme from start to finish, as he starts eating virtually like a vegan - to a full fast food diet & all the ramifications. It is ingenious, and sort of sickening. Of course as they say - negative advertising is better than no advertising, McD's has not only changed their menu in part from this sort of "feedback", but are also top of mind awareness! Must see.

 

1 Nomination - Documentary Feature

Shrek 2 - ***1/2

Sweet & hilarious sequel to the first one. All the hype about Antonio Banderas is right on - I can still hear him as Puss in Boots. Now married, Princess Fiona, Shrek & Donkey travel to the kingdom of Far, Far Away to meet her parents, who don't know they're ogres. Always a hoot & great for the whole family.

 

2 Nominations - Animated Feature Film & Song

Maria Full of Grace - ***1/2

Subtitles or not, this picture moves you - pregnant teen Maria was depressed living in Colombia. It is scary to see what happens to those "mules" who work in the drug trade.

 

1 Nomination for Best Actress

The Aviator - Invalid gallery*

Depicting the horror of the Tutsi genocide less than a decade ago, this movie could have easily slipped into a chronology of violent, horrific acts, yet it rises above its macabre subject matter with fragile, vibrant characters whom we care about and even understand. Even as the Western baddies and the corrupt Rwandan goverment are exposed and denounced, we never lose the thread of hope that prevents Hotel Rwanda from becoming a grim and frightening documentary. The human condition emerges triumphant over the human cruelty and indifference that made this tragedy possible - cold comfort, perhaps, to the victims of the genocide. [Nicole]

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events - Invalid gallery*

Being both a huge Julia Roberts & Jude Law fan, I was psyched to see this. Everyone acted well, but the supporting actors stole the show - both Natalie Portman as Jude Law's muse, and Clive Owen as Julia Robert's partner. It is brilliantly written - you can feel the tense tortured souls of the characters. The good news is that it is not really graphically x-rated, it is more of a psychological thriller. Well worth seeing. [Julie]

Million Dollar Baby - Invalid gallery1/2

Jamie Foxx has come a long way since his skits on In Living Color. He delivers an Oscar-calibre performance as Ray Charles in this homage to the man who has left an indelible mark on the face of popular music. Balanced in that it does not shrink from the egotism, philandering and drug abuse of the man, Ray also reveals the genius of the legend and the hearbreak from which his tremendous gift sprang. This is a must-see for fans of his music and for anyone seeking an old-fashioned story of triumph against huge odds of poverty, racial discrimination, addiction and physical limitations.[Nicole]

Collateral - Invalid gallery

The webslinger is back in this sequel to the wildly successful original. Toby McGuire must decide whether to embrace his superhero self or revert to being the lonely nerd he once was. Unfortunately, the cheese is ladled on with a liberal hand as Spidey alternately ponders the deep questions of love and loss, and hunts a man with four metal arms who wishes to destroy most of New York. What happens when the two worlds collide? The answer is, great marketing, great hype, and a no-better-than-adequate sequel. [Nicole]

Troy - **1/2

In Wolfgang Petersen's epic movie, bringing the story of the fall of Troy to the silver screen after three thousand years of storytelling seems secondary to his mission to pack in as much beefcake into 2 3/4 hours as possible! Choose from the arrogant Achilles (Brad Pitt), the noble Hector (Eric Bana) or the adolescent-looking Paris (Orlando Bloom) - there is plenty of blood, sweat, tears and rippling muscles for all, however, the script falls flatter than a pita and by the end of this long movie we are laughing and waiting for the city to be sacked already. [Nicole]

I, Robot - **

In this futuristic thriller, the year is 2035, cars run by themselves, and Will Smith is as obnoxious as ever. Long before the 'mystery' of what's going on with the robots is solved, you simply want them to tear Sir Will ear from ear. The robots save the movie with their intelligence, compassion and personality, and the special effects are great. The movie leaves unanswered several ethical questions of man vs. machine, or in this case, machine vs. the Enormous Ego of Will Smith. [Nicole]

2004 Films Reviewed Not Nominated for an Oscar

Ocean's 12 - Invalid gallery

As far as thrillers go, this reminded us of a certain popular TV show that birthed two movies and a cult following for several years. That is all I'm going to say. Oh, might I add, the main characters include a fervent believer and a sceptic who later becomes a fervent believer, both dedicated to overthrowing a huge conspiracy involving the highest levels of governement and top-secret organizations. Julianne Moore, playing a mother frantically searching for evidence that her son ever existed, even has the red hair and stylish clothing. With edge-of-your-seat drama and good character development, this movie proves once and for all that the truth really is out there. [Nicole]

Hero - ***

This Chinese martial arts movie is the much touted rerelease of the movie that Quentin Tarantino loved so much when he saw it that he pulled some strings to have a wide release in North America. In fact it was up for an Oscar a couple of years ago for best Foreign Film but lost.

It is as much of an artistic display almost operatic with the colours, music and the dancing on air martial arts demonstrations. The cinematography and choreography is breathtaking. This drama is philosophical, with the storyline being told from 3 different perspectives. This is like a fairy tale or fantasy about an emperor who is rising to power.

This movie has been a blockbuster in the theatres, although I have heard mixed reviews, as some people expected more action, so beware that this is a poetic masterpiece. [Julie]

Fahrenheit 911 - ***

Having loved seeing Bowling for Columbine, and being inundated with the controversy about this movie - especially knowing that Michael Moore specifically released this movie in Canada before the Federal election to educate voters I had to go & see this movie.

 

I left just plain saddened by the whole thing. If it is even partially a true story - rather than one man's opinion - America is in a sad state of affairs with the leadership of "Dubya". Mr. George W. Bush. It covered alot more of the Iraq war than expected, but some of the goings on behind the business/political world that the Bush's work in is pretty darned shady. Hope it does what is suppposed to do, and open people's eyes to get past the government propaganda, and know that there are 2 sides to every story. [Julie]

Chronicles of Riddick - ***1/2

Starring Vin Diesel, who is working on his third facial expression and putting that hard body to good use in the third movie in the Chronicles (the prequels are Pitch Black and Dark Fury). If you never thought to see Dame Judy Dench in a sci-fi thriller about an evil race bent on the conversion or destruction of everything in the universe, think again. The sets were stunning, the special effects fantastic, and after 2 hours I wanted more...good thing there will almost certainly be a fourth movie! [Nicole]

Van Helsing - *

If you liked Hugh Jackman in the X-Men movies, please do not go see Van Helsing just because he is in it. He really cannot redeem a movie that does not even give a bare nod to history (Kate Beckinsale in pants, in 19th century Transylvania) or intelligence (Frankenstein, the Wolfman and even Dr. Jeckyll are dragged into this as well). Special effects cannot save this incredibly lame film from one yawn after another. Even rooting for Dracula, the only fun character, wasn't enough to keep me awake! [Nicole]

2004 Oscar Nominated Films Reviews

House of Sand & Fog - Invalid gallery*

I went to it as a default choice one night when Mystic River was sold out. I had heard it was violent & nasty - so was not overly optimistic. WOW - I was blown away. You heard it here - Charlize Theron IS winning the best actress Oscar. Unbelievably amazing performance. Even though you look for Charlize in each scene, she is gone and her character Eileen Wuornos has come to life. [Julie]

Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Invalid gallery

Not my taste. Although I do think Bill Murray & Scarlett Johanssen were fabulous in it. I found it just a little too slow. As far as good film making, I can appreciate all the accolades it is getting - the stillness feel in the hectic Tokyo, and the unspoken communication. [Julie]

Finding Nemo - Invalid gallery

Very silly, but great rental. Johnny Depp is hilarious. It seems like he is having a blast, being the drunken pirate. It is a really fun experience, unlike most of the "dark" Oscar movies out there. [Julie]

Seabiscuit - Invalid gallery*

The widely nominated epic civil war movie with Nicole Kidman, Jude Law & Renee Zellweger. It is another one of these Oscar picks that is a dark & sad heartbreaker - it was a terrible time in the history of the States. Jude Law is not only gorgeous as the hero that goes through hell, but great at acting without needing to speak much. Renee is a bright light - a fan favourite. Nicole looked way too beautiful to having lived through that time period, but was good overall. [Julie]

Whale Rider - ***

Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated as the youngest best actress ever for her role - it is a fascinating story of family & cultural traditions in a Maori tribe that is losing ground to modern life. I thought that it seemed almost like a documentary, but it was touching & heartfelt. [Julie]

Somethings Gotta Give - **

Cute rental, romantic comedy - can't believe Diane Keaton was nominated for her role as an older woman falling in love. It was quite fun with Keanu Reeves & Jack Nicholson (he plays similar roles in all his flicks nowadays), but not Oscar worthy. [Julie]