Movie Reviews By Robert Waldman
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Updated: April 15, 2024
Anselm Anyone But You Carol Doda Topless at the Condor Dune: Part 2 French Girl Land of Bad Irena's Vow Maestro Napoleon Ordinary Angels Polar Rescue The Animal Kingdom The Beekeeper The Childe The Promised Land The Teacher's Lounge Wicked Little Letters Wish Your Lucky Day To see my reviews of some great older movies please visit and subscribe to my YouTube Channel. And maybe give a thumbs up if you like the review. Many more reviews to come soon. So stay tuned and be safe. |
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Irena's Vow
(PG) * * * * *
Lesson Learned!
The world is a dangerous place. History has a habit of repeating itself. Decent people everywhere must go out and see Irena's Vow. As the world watches in horror as the terrorist stare of Iran led by a religious madman from the Stone Age deliberately sends missiles out to destroy Israel in an unprovoked attack we can see how another maniac tries to take out the Jewish people in the 1930s-1940s. Some lessons never get learned. Based on a true story Irena's Vow shows us how one woman did stand up to terror in an unforgettable show of bravery. See the unthinkable unfold in this mesmerizing new movie from Elevation Films now showing at select Cineplex cinemas and Landmark Theatres around B.C. Before going onto screening services. Talk about perfect timing as the world sees a new horror unfold courtesy of these nutcases in Iran.
Set in the late 1930s In Poland Irena's Vow does a wonderful job in recreating the terror beset on a local city when the Nazis do their best to achieve their Aryan master race plan. heaven help any Jews or those who support Jews who try to survive Hitler's final solution. With this in mind as the German command begins to occupy the region there is a need for workers to further the goals of Hitler and his henchmen. Among those duties is having forced Labour manufacture work uniforms and clothing for the German army and Nazified civil service. Since Jews were the logical choice for this work a group of prisoners were forced into this new "opportunity".
A polish woman named Irena, being a blonde of good stock, was selected by officials to oversee the tailoring squad in a factory like setting. In a towering performance Sophie Nelisse will steal your hearts coming across as a female Oskar Schindler. Steven Spielberg would be proud of her achievements here. And so would the Jews she goes on to save at great peril to her own well being.
Somehow Irena had the courage to help those Jewish prisoners in eluding execution as she bravely figured out a way to keep them alive and save their lives. Unbeknownst to the Germany SS and Gestapa this young woman concocted a brilliant scheme to safeguard these people. Why did she do this you might ask? Simple answer is she couldn't continue to stomach the horrors being perpetrated in her town by these fanatical terror driven monsters and war mongers. Funny how these Nazis are exactly the same as the present day Iranian leaders and their supporters whose hatred, actions and mindset is designed to destroy innocent Israelis and the Jewish people. Well not so funny if you believe in freedom. Two words need to be expressed: never again! Remember Jews aren't the only target of Iran - it's anyone who believes in freedom.
With a superb cast including a standout performance by Scottish Saint Dougray Scott (Mission Impossible 2) in a show-stopping appearance as a German General Irena's Vow is a heartfelt journey of a brave woman who cares about her fellow man under the most trying conditions Imaginable.
French Girl
(PG) * * *
Soup's On!
Cultures collide and laughter heats up In the surprisingly funny French Girl. Take a nerdy high school teacher and pair him up with a hot to trot French dish and get set for a Raucous ride in this well-scripted Canadian backed romantic lark from Elevation Pictures currently holding court at select Cineplex Cinemas across B.C.
Made with Telefilm Canadian taxpayers backing French Girl charts the troubled course of nerdy English prof Gordon Kinski and his continental paramour Sophie Tremblay. Perfect casting sees Zach Braff and Evelyne Brochu put their acting to the test as these two love-birds go to scenic Quebec City for work reasons. Talk about a rude awakening,
Like a fish out of water cosmopolitan city loving Gordon must contend with Sophie's wacky country bumpkin family. Worse yet, her desire to win a coveted restaurant position at her old friends established eatery further leads to uncontrollable chaos.
And when Gordon learns that Sophie my be more than friends with restaurant owner Ruby Collins All hell breaks loose. Suspicious minds have a way of getting under ones skin especially when the object of affection happens to be portrayed by the foxy Vanessa Hudgens.
A very sharp and funny script with a sense of over the top madcap merriment with a touch of warmth and melancholy gives French Girl a Michelin Star for effort and execution.
Wicked Little Letters
(PG) * * * *
Poison Pen!
Wow! Scandals can be delicious - and deadly. Best of all are scandals that are true.
So let's go back in time and see how some juicy goings on at a small British hamlet turn into a National, and dare I say, international scandal in Wicked Little Letters. And how wicked they are! Cudos to Mongrel Media and Sony Pictures Classics for bringing this dirty little secret to life for all to see. Catch this tantalizing tasty tidbit at The Fifth Avenue Cinemas in Vancouver.
Small towns can hold intimate secrets. Take Littlehampton England in the 1920s for example. This coastal enclave located In Sussex County is full of religious ideologues as well as a paternal little police force with chauvinistic attitudes. So it's no surprise that when one young free spirited Irish woman moves into a flat next door to an ultra conservative household you just know that somethings got to give. And how it does!
The new transplant is Rose Gooding who is played brilliantly with gusto by Jessie Buckley. Contrast this vivid and vulgar mouthed lass with the prim and proper neighbour next door Edith Swan, played by The Queen herself Olivia Colman. At first these two women are friends after all opposites do attract. But living in a household run by her uncompromising father played brilliantly in an Oscar worthy performance by Timothy Spall may have a bearing on how Edith views the world - and her new rowdy neighbour.
When vulgar letters begins to surface throughout the town naturally tongues start to wag and fingers are a pointing. In a police investigation worthy of Columbo it seems Rose is the only natural suspect and is consequently the #1 candidate as author of the venomous letters. With a court date set the stakes are sky high. But with the best instincts of a British Perry Mason nothing is quite as it appears as the fix may be in. So it's up to a determined group of truth seekers to get to the bottom of this now National scandal.
Stunning performances with that great small town atmosphere make Wicked Little Letters a definite guilty pleasure. The chemistry between all the characters is simply combustible and the tension is palpable along with the race to Justice. Just the right pacing and abundant twists and turns make Wicked Little Letters engaging from start to finish. Give it up to director Thea Sharrock for pulling off a neat look at a long forgotten piece of British history and doing so in a pleasing enlightening way. Also contributing to the overall appeal of this movie is a wonderful script , simple and subtle and oh so effective as written by British comedian Jonny Sweet
Carol Doda Topless at the Condor
(PG) * * * *
Running Time: 1h 40m
Bare Necessities!
True stories often make the best movies. Visionaries are few and far between. See how the sexual revolution takes off in once a time puritanical America in Carol Doda Topless at the Condor. Once a local then national sensation this savvy documentary from Route 504PR is must see entertainment playing exclusively at the funky Rio Theatre as well as at the VIFF film center in Downtown Vancouver.
People who grew up in the 60s will remember Carol Doda. In the early 60s this woman made her mark as the first bonafide topless dancer in , where else, the City by the Bay - San Francisco. At a time when Hugh Hefner and Playboy were in full swing San Francisco, the most liberal city in North America, was making its mark of its own. Countless bars and night spots were gaining a reputation for catering to the gentlemanly crowd. From cocktail waitress to headliners one woman dared to bare all, well not quite, at the trendy Condor club. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Thanks to vintage film footage and candid interviews with those who were there at the forefront of this movement of freedom - Yes freedom of expression - this documentary gives great background and historical perspective of what went down -if you'll excuse the pun - in changing American values and outlooks on sexuality.
Needless to say not everyone was on side or happy with this new found display of skin. Trust the politicians and police to spring into action and arrest these dancers. But when the offenders won their case nude dancing became even more popular and accepted with crowds of people literally taking over the entire city. Think the hysteria of The Beatles and you get the picture.
There is so much to cover in this movie that's it's surprising no one had earlier done a portrait of Ms. Doda, a truly fascinating trailblazer of a woman. With the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, drugs, Women's liberation and the Hippie summer of love all in full swing Carol Doda would emerge as a forerunner of women's freedom of expression that would become fully embraced by both men and women and usher in a new awakening for people across North America and dare I say around the world.
Frank, brave and insightful Carol Doda Topless at the Condor has it all and then Some baring all. It is not to be missed. And would make for an incredible night out.
Born to Fly
(PG) * * *
Running time: 128 minutes
Take off!
Tom Cruise - watch out! Good old Maverick May have met his match as an upstart flyer from the Far East shows he may just have the right stuff in the compelling Born to Fly. Trust Well Go USA to continue its winning ways in the action arena with this triumphant boys to men adventure now delivering the goods on Digital and Blu-Ray.
Designed for the action crowd Born to fly shows just how far China has come in the aviation area. Most people know China is a force to be reckoned with militarily as it ranks just below the U.S. weaponry. This tale shows just how far a hot to trot test pilot will go when he gets fast-tracked into a unique one of a kind fly program involving state of the art stealth technology and the like.
Man of the the moment Wang Yibo is convincing as the determined test pilot who must deal with all sorts of adversity and competition among fellow pilots and the elusive enemy once he gets airborne. Chalk full of state if the art special effects and tension this movie shows that the filmmakers have learned all too well from Top Gun and pulled off a mighty fine sky high adventure that despite being a bit long and far-fetched still is appealing.
Polar Rescue
(PG) * * *
Running time: 108 min.
Deep Freeze!
Hot off his triumphant John Wick 4 appearance CHinese acting sensation Donnie Yen Ramps up the emotion in his much more grounded newest flick, Polar Rescue. Just consider this new adventure thriller from Well Go USA entertainment to be timely and engaging. Get it now on digital services across BC or on Blu-Ray.
Set in snowy China and with English subtitles it's time for a Getaway for a seemingly normal Family headed by De ( Yen) and Xuan played by Cecilia Han. Blessed with two young children all seems to be going well for the group of four. Kids will be kids and a side trip to a lake after a ski jaunt turns into an unbelievable ordeal.
Children fight. So when father and son get into a tiff while driving one thing lead to another and parental control comes under fire when suddenly the boy disappears. Remember it's frigidly cold outside so when a rescue operation is mounted all sorts of uncertainty prevails with tension and emotions rising among all concerned,
Beside being troubling for the family Polar Rescue shows the desperation the rescuers endure as Mother Nature proves problematic to say the least. Against this backdrop with hope fading a sense of renewal may be just around the corner. Or not.
Superb special effects of a snowy foreboding atmosphere and the race against time make Polar Rescue an effort you can support. Thoughtful, emotional and dare I say all too familiar for everyday mountaineers who try to rescue out of bounds skiers ?? Polar Rescue is a well made reflection on the heroic efforts brave men and women selflessly put forth to save lives.
The Animal Kingdom
(PG) * * *
Running time: 2h 8m
Lost Cause!
Decidedly Different. That about sums up the mixed messaging and chaotic mayhem in The Animal Kingdom. Not for the meek or faint-hearted this totally original movie will definitely get you thinking. After gaining good notice at the prestigious Cannes Film festival this unique take on humanity ( or lack thereof) will get people thinking and talking. Part science -fiction part fantasy this surreal adventure from Mongrel media will spark many debates. But you can't downplay the superb acting. For a one of a kind film experience check out this delight at ViFF the Van City Theatre in Vancouver. French with English Subtitles.
France is ground zero in a brave new world where humans and subhumans try to get along. Fat chance. When father son team Francois and Émile Marindaze relocate to the country side to reconnect with their creature-like mom a unique string of events occur. Both Romaine Duris and Paul Kircher spark off each other brilliantly and turn out fantastic performances. It seems both these men are on a mission impossible as they fight amongst each other while trying to stave off a village mob mentality along with the odd mutant or two in this gripping tale of family, love, sacrifice and survival.
Director Thomas Cailley co-wrote this gut-wrenching movie. At the core is the concept of acceptance. Being different isn't a sin but ramp up the idea of a half human half animal and you can just anticipate all the tension and apprehension among humans - and maybe even animals. Through this transformation you will be swept away Into a green wonderland forested with unique orders of nature.
Scintillating cinematography and a two hour and eight minute odyssey that runs along at just the right climb embraces the uniqueness of us all.
Dune: Part 2
(PG) * * * *
Running time: 2h 46m
The Chosen One!
Born to lead. Perhaps. No, we're not talking politics here despite the big U.S. Federal Election or the less than spectacular B.C. Campaign. Set your sights instead on an imaginative world flush full of futuristic warriors. In a cross-over kind of in between Star Wars and Mad Max comes the latest Dune movie. Appropriately called Dune: Part 2 this marvelous fantasy simply rocks. No, you didn't have to see the first Dune to get totally immersed in this dangerous fantasy land brought to Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres around British Columbia courtesy of Warner Brothers and Legendary Films. Keen bookworms will know these films are based on the best-selling Frank Herbert.
Proper planning and excellent execution gives side exes an eye-popping spectacle well worthy of your time.
Despite being a touch long viewers will be thoroughly enthralled by this foreboding landscape. At the heart of our tale are two determined totally different factions who do battle over of all things spice in a desolate region. Full of magic and surprises young Timothee Chalamet lights up the screen as Paul Atreides, an elusive figure with untold powers. Magical and mystical and somewhat lost this man may have more in common with the apparent enemy than is led on as the story unfolds. On the side of good Atreides ends up trying to help a repressed society stave off elimination from an evil empire whose menace and tactics of brutality seem to fit well with the current terrorist playbook now threatening our real world.
Written by visionary Canadian marvel director Denis Villeneuve ( the director rumored to have been on the short-list to have helmed the last James Bond flop) Dune: Part 2 is a rollicking space science friction opera that is destined to become a classic. Somewhat in the violent side This film has everything as one of a kind characters undergo an impressive metamorphosis and transformation in a sea of desperation, mistrust and dare I say it - love. Sweeping battles and a pitch perfect smoldering soundtrack perfectly meshes with the magical cinematography to deliver a one of a kind experience. Likely to bag a bushel ful of Oscar's for 2024 Dune: Part 2 is truly a sight to behold.
Ordinary Angels
(G) * * * *
Run time: 1h 56m
Heaven Sent!
Now and then it's good to have a little faith. Helping others is but one of the themes that embraces Ordinary Angels. With all the problems currently plaguing the world and others that hit close to home it's nice to find a movie that seems sincere and makes you think - and be glad for all you have and the opportunity of living in a free society. Though Ordinary Angels is considered in some quarters to be part of the recent faith centered movies my answers to those critics is what's wrong with that. To me it's not only a question of faith but also one of hope. Now showing at fortunate Cineplex Cinemas and Lionsgate Theatres across B.C. This small movie has lots of heart. Made by Angel Studios and released by Lionsgate Studios and Touchwood PR here's one film that hits all the right notes.
Once again Academy Actress Hilary Swank dresses down but steals this show as Sharon Stevens, a washed up drugged out hairdresser in Kentucky. Living with her friend Ms. Stevens is not really the role model for anyone or anything unless you're the head of a distiller. Funny how people can change.
For some reason our blue collar misfit has a change of heart and truly a change of life when she learns of the plight of sick five year old Michelle Schmidt. Harnessing all of that pent-up energy This out of place woman feels a need of help and that spirit of dedication to aid others leads to an unbelievable chain of events. Not many like receiving charity but when the family of the sick girl sees the life being slowly sucked out of their young one like a breath of fresh air along comes a savior. Though it sounds corny it takes an actress of Swank's Calibre to pull off a triumph that will leave some eyes moist as a race to save the little girl is on
A smart script that also zeroes in on the pain of medical care costs in the United States Ordinary Angels shows how it's possible for one person to step up and make a difference in a much too often indifferent world. Based on a true story I would be remiss by not acknowledging the standout performance of grieving dad Ed who is undergoing a rollercoaster ride of self doubts and despair. Actor Alan Ritchson (The Wedding Ringer) is convincing, compelling and courageous as the shell-shocked dad who must navigate his way through a minefield of challenges that are as unpredictable as can be imagined.
Land of Bad
(PG) * * *
Home Alone?
War can be hell. There's no doubt about that. Watch a gritty new film from VVS studios called Land of Bad and you will see just how a situation can and does spiral out of control. Head down to the International Village Cinemas or other Cineplex Cinemas or Landmark Theatres around B.C. To see the saga unfold.
The world is a dangerous place. All the technology in the world sometimes can't save you. While most of the world these days centers on two conflicts In The Ukraine and the terrorist infected Middle East let's not forget South Asia. Four brave American soldiers are jettisoned in on a covert mission into the jungles of the Philippines.
An elite quartet of soldiers get airdropped into the war zone. Directed from above by a high tech control Centre in Nevada the mission seems rather routine.The ultimate eye in the sky is manned by Russell Crowe (Gladiator) whose trigger finger is as steady as can be. Tension develops however when the on the ground Simple extraction mission does not go as planned.
While the American soldiers face untold peril it's up to new to the team to
Liam Hemsworth somehow stay cool, pull himself together and try to rescue his newly abducted colleagues. All In all Land of Bad is just that - a pretty grisly place populated by roving thugs who delight in beheading people - just like in real time terrorists who delight in killing people mercilessly.
Gritty,realistic and thought provoking Land of Bad will appeal to those looking for high stakes drama.
The Promised Land
(PG) * * * *
God's Little Acre!
Keen observers will know of a movie called God's Little Acre that came out back in the late 1950s - early 1960s. Land is in the news across B.C. and the rest of the world as we speak. Trust a savvy filmmaker to blow the lid off of doing something with land in the inspiring The Promised Land. Brought to B.C. by Mongrel Media this sensational film tracks a soldier's plight in Good old Denmark.
Let's go back to the mid eighteenth century to see how the aristocracy takes care of others - and itself. Take the case of a former captain in the Danish army. By all accounts Captain Ludvig Kahlon sounds like a man with a dream. With all due respect to Dr. Martin Luther King Kahlon is now out of the army and dreams of making a living and eking out an existence on The Heath, a largely uncultivated mass of land in a desolate region of the Danish countryside.
Danish National treasure Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale) reigns supreme as the altruistic Land tiller who braves the elements and takes the challenge in hopes of making something out of the land and in the process encouraging a settlement and maybe even being awarded with a coveted title from the King. All these efforts seem noble. However Kahlon runs smack dab into the middle of the crosshairs of a local aristocratic landowner who controls the territory lock, stock and barrel. The last thing Frederik de Shickel wants is competition no matter how far-fetched and this man rules the territory like a tyrant. Needless to say these two men lock horns and the result is a battle royale Simon Bennebjerg is outstanding as Kahlon's rival and is as menacing as anything Spectre could mount against James Bond.
Smart and with great acting The Promised Land should not be missed.
Your Lucky Day
(PG) * * * *
Hot Streak!
Chances are we all fantasize of being rich. Who wouldn't want to win the lottery in life. Though it's been done before a new take on hitting it big provides lots of food for fodder - and some sordid gunplay - In Your Lucky Day. My oh my how the tension soars in this fresh look at winning a jackpot in this fast paced thriller from Well Go USA Entertainment now available on Blu-Ray and DVD as well as certified streaming services. So consult your local internet provider to cash in on the fun.
Odds are good that you've visited a corner store the odd time over the years. Watch the sparks fly when a "normal" customer arrives at a store and almost immediately has a run-in With the cashier. Naturally the customer is a good old white guy, a touch on the cocky side, while the clerk at the counter is, well, you guessed it, non white. Nothing out of the ordinary here because nowadays much of the U.S. is diverse. Where friendly banter gets taken to new heights is when the customer tries to cash a lottery ticket. Then, against all odds, he becomes a winner. Say for $156 million dollars no less. And that's America! So everyone is happy. Right? Well not so fast.
What should have been a joyous occasion turns into a night of terror as things go terribly, terribly wrong, Throw in an accidental shooting or two, a two bit punk with robbery on his mind, a trio or is that a quartet of corrupt cops and a pregnant woman no less and you can see where this night is heading. Or can you?
Part of the fun of Your Lucky Day is that we can all fantasize of what it would be like to win the lottery. Greed is good - but can be downright dangerous and even deadly as you have a group of degenerates all scrambling to score big with that prize ticket.
Anyone But You
(PG) * * * *
Cupid!
My oh my looks like the producers of Anyone But You may have missed the mark. With Valentine's Day just around the corner those looking for a little romance are sure to enjoy Anyone But You. See how a little known cast clicks and will win you over. For a film to be in theatres for over a month nowadays it must have something good going for it. If you like feel good movies head down to your local Cineplex Cinema or Landmark Theatre across B.C.to see this new flick from Columbia Pictures.
One night stands can be good but often they turn out bad. See how one fateful night turns out to be anything but as two lost souls embark on a hilarious love journey. Think When Harry Met Sally and you'll get the vibe when two oddly matched people blow hot and cold in hilarious fashion.
Bea and Ben are not exactly a perfect match. Or are they? Only time will tell. Following an initial romp in the hay this pair, played flawlessly by Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, don't really want to have anything to do with one other. Then as luck (?) would have it the pair have family and friend commitments which sees them take off to Australia. Life down under will never be the same.
Destination weddings can be a blast. Only in this case thanks to family/friend intrusions this screwed up gets corralled into pretending they are an actual couple. How this charade plays out is priceless as their on gain off again romance befuddles everyone - and maybe each other.
Great comic timing, a superb supporting cast, all that dreamy Sydney scenery and the terrific chemistry and passion between the lead lovers makes Anyone But You a blast. Consider this fun film perfect to see any time of year. Director Will Gluck lucks our scoring the triactor as he also wrote and produced this romantic well written comedy that is a good fit for all ages.
The Beekeeper
(PG) * * *
Hornet's Nest!
Everyone needs a job. Even washed up/washed out spies. With apologies to Sir Sean Connery and James Bond modern action heroic icon Jason Statham (The Transporter) returns to the fold in the surprisingly entertaining The Beekeeper. Masterful director David Ayer is at the helm of this sly revenge flick now playing at Cineplex Cinemas and Lionsgate Theatres across B.C. Courtesy of VVS Films. And they deliver the goods. In spades!
What do spies do when they are put out to pasture? Well In the case of Adam Clay He takes up the calling of tending to bees. Out In the quaint secluded countryside this reclusive chap Enjoys the quiet life as a tenant to the nicest of women , the saintly all trusting Eloise Parker. Trust can only go so far. So when a click or two on the computer leads to a cascade of distress for good old Eloise Clay Is left to pick up the pieces. Sort of.
Having learned the purpose of a hive and with the playbook intact from his former role as a covert intelligence operative with a license to kill our distinctive loner Sets out on a mission to track down the people responsible for Ms. Parker's untimely Downfall. The results aren't pretty. One man against an evil corporate empire whose tentacles may well reach into the highest offices of the land are just some of the obstacles standing in the way of getting at the truth and punishing those responsible for duping an elderly woman of her lifetime achievements.
Far-fetched? For sure. But full on fun? You bet. Statham is terrific in all the action stunts and his quips with the kills are reminiscent of good old old Arnold and Sly during their respective heydays. If you want action that's non stop with a hero you can trust and believe in then Jason Statham is your man and The Beekeeper is your film. And with a group of co-stars headed by smooth as ice Jeremy Irons ( Die Hard: With a Vengeance ) Simon says you can't - and won't go wrong watching this film.
The Teacher's Lounge
(PG) * * * *
Teacher's Pet?
Education is important. This is something we all can agree on. Hopefully. See what happens when a lesson plan goes off the rails In the jaw-dropping The Teacher's Lounge. Tale about a well-written drama about life in a classroom that goes completely off the rails. Again Sony Pictures Classics and Mongrel Media get an A for bringing this brave film to Canada. See some outstanding acting and just an unbelievable story unfold at the Vancouver International Village Cinemas.
Teach them well. In an ideal world this is the case. For a young French woman teaching a children's class in a German school all seems well. Remember this movie is set in modern times when Germany is awash in new immigrants. Diversity is good but this ideal concept can lead to problems on occasion. Beware of stereotyping, second guessing and false accusations. Throw social media into the mix and an innocent (?) mistake can cause untold damage and unpredictable consequences. Such is life.
At the Centre of the brewing storm is challenged teacher Carla. Played poignantly by Leonie Benesch Even at the best of times it's hard to manage a class of ten year olds. Trust and respect are important no matter what your age. So when one misstep continues to spiral out of control it's not hard to see how a well-meaning adult ( or two) gets trapped in a never-ending series of accusations, escalations and turmoil with careers and perhaps lives put on the line.
Intense and emotional throughout Turkish director Ilker Catak co-wrote this story which does a tremendous job showing how prejudices can collide with the truth as we go deep into the minds of both adults and children. The Teacher's Lounge demonstrates just how easy it is to come to conclusions that may not be true. Judgments and days of reckoning happen to all of us at various times. With a message today more relevant than ever in these hyper charged times The Teacher's Lounge gets an A both for effort and results. It's a good reflection on modern society today and will open people's eyes, minds and hearts. For better or worse. Oh, and let's not forget the memorable acting put forth by all the children in this high stakes drama.
(PG) * * * *
Running time: 1h 58m
Chill Out!
Hands down South Korea has turned into one of the hottest markets in the cinematic universe. Sorry Marvel. Time after time new directors and exciting stories have a habit of coming out of this Asian powerhouse. Trust Well Go USA to jump at the chance of releasing new movies from this upstart nation. Action fans will be in total heaven when they watch The Childe. This must see Adrenalin pumping thriller can be seen on digital or ordered on DVD and Blu-ray.
Now more than ever it's hard to make ends meet for just about everybody - unless you happen to be named Trudeau. Or are a supermarket executive, high tech mogul or one of the lucky one percenters. Worse still are the plight of the poor especially as you get old or get sick. Health is everything as Hyman Roth related to Michael Corleone in The Godfather. So when a low level street fighter desperately tries to get money for a family member's medical predicament he is propelled into a murky world of corporate espionage and international intrigue. Let the games begin.
The Childe gets down and dirty as naive son and street fighter / fledgling boxer Marco Mysteriously gets tangled up in a murky power play that sees him travel from The Philippines to South Korea on a miraculous mission. Or so he thinks. With an avenging angel known as "professional" tracking all his moves the pair end up smack dab in the middle of a business power play involving family jealousies and sordid succession issues as their criminal empire seems rife for the taking. Coming on strong as the mystery assassin known as Nobleman is Kim Seon-ho in a Dazzling performance.
Smart, different and truly entertaining The Childe is a non stop action tour de force from director and writer Park Hoon-jung that folks in Hollywood could definitely take a much needed lesson from.
Maestro
(PG) * * *
Play on!
The beat goes on. And on and on. With a more than favorable nod to Sonny and Cher along comes the story of another musical marvel . Known far and wide as a conductor second to none Maestro tells the tumultuous story of one of a kind conductor Leonard Bernstein. Despite being smartly placed in Theatres for just a week last December to garner Oscar contention this drama is now being shown on Netflix.
Tour de force triple threat actor Bradley Cooper teams us with Steven Spielberg no less to produce and star in this biographical sketch of a one of a kind tour de force hard as nails concert conductor, Told with vivid flashbacks to an early life Maestro gets close and personal as we see "Lenny" grow from a simple musical writer and wannabe composer to take the baton at Carnegie Hall and the rest, as they say, is history.
Compelling in all degrees Cooper shows the trial and tribulations of a perfectionist who at times seems to be possessed - by music and his personal life. Romantic pursuits are front and Centre of this genius's life as he becomes infatuated with a mystery woman Along with other more "manly" Interests.
Cast in the pivotal life of wife to be Felicia Montealegre of Is Carey Mulligan in another flawless performance in this dynamic vision of a complex man whose rise to status and superstardom can't be denied. Though a bit long Maestro hits all the right notes.
Napoleon
(PG) * * *
Running Time: 1 h 42m
Battle Stations!
Consider it to be a call to arms. With two wars currently raging around the world how appropriate it is to see a film about one of the world's most famous military leaders. At a time when the world wasn't in a life or death struggle with a Russian madman or Arab terrorists financed by a religious fanatic operating out of a cave right out of the stone age comes a film guarantee to stir the blood. Apple Films hits the mark with their multi-layered Napoleon, now lifting up the screens at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C.
Make no mistake about it. Casting matters. Actually finding the right actor to play a role means everything to both the believability and success of film. Big screen action director Ridley Scott (Gladiator) again has wisely chosen the right man to lead the charge. Enter Joaquin Phoenix who shines as the mercurial and conflicted soldier who rises from the ranks to lead the nation of France. And the rest, as they say, is history,
There are really two threads weaving through the life of this one of a kind warrior: success on the battlefield and somewhat less success on the home front. Wife in the waiting Josephine May yet hold the key to both Napoleon's heart,,mind and soul. Who would have thought that actress Vanessa Kirby could get into Napoleons mind in such a substantial way that ultimately has a bearing on his battle ground escapades.
At the heart of Napoleon is really a love story. People will flock to this impressive recounting of the famed soldiers war torn campaigns but dive a little deeper under his skin and it's all about his infatuation with a women who may not quite be his perfect match. Such is life.
Scott brings all his sense of scope to the table as he brilliantly recreates impressive and epic battles. Inside the palace however is really where the sparks fly as these two love birds have somewhat of a poisoned relationship which leads to more turmoil and despair.
Phoenix rises to the occasion wrestling with all sorts of inner demons and battle scars as he grows battle weary. Well written and with a brilliantly recreated atmosphere Napoleon shows the effects of war and a one of a kind ruler whose presence helped shaped the world we all live in today.
Wish
(PG) * * *
Running Time: 1h 35m
Star Gaze!
Yea, Disney has done it again. Looks like the magic kingdom is back on track with another immensely likable movie. People of all ages will feel the joy that emanates from Wish. As the world wrestles with a new evil it is oh so refreshing to see just how people can come together with different backgrounds in an animated work of art. See how good can triumph over evil in this child friendly movie that will inspire. Expect long line-ups to witness a fun time at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres around B.C.
Good writing, entrancing songs and a spirit of can do all come together in this fairy tale story that may yet become a classic. Though not quite up to the Frozen standard Wish tells the tale of a diabolical sorcerer king who manages to miraculously put his people under a spell. King for a day Magnifico can hide but he most surely can't run. This magicians claim to fame is the ability to grant wishes. Ah, but a roadblock or two may reveal his true intentions.
Out to help her grandfather get his wish is the spirited Asha. When this young lady learns that there might be foul play going on in the kingdom a battle of wills ensues with the fate of freedom and free will left up for grabs and hanging in the balance.
Wishful thinking indeed.
What a great idea for a movie. Everyone in the world has dreams. Or nightmares. Take your pick. You choose. A clever story line, colourful and vibrant animation, charming choreography and catchy tunes makes this movie fun and engaging from start to finish. Great memorable voice work from Chris Pine and Ariana de Bose help make this movie a sure fire winner especially for little girls.
Anselm
(G) * * *
Captivating Canvas
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Art is truly subjective. See the impact of a one of a kind artist/sculptor on people in the captivating Anselm. And the bonus is that this insightful documentary is in 3-D so you need to wear those funky recyclable retro glasses. Oh so chic!Told in German with a bit of English this subtitled documentary on German born Anselm Kiefer makes quite the impression. Art lovers in particular will marvel at the scale of this masters work which is beautifully revealed by director Wim Wenders. Brought to us by Mongrel Media Anselm delves deep into this different artisan whose images will stick with you long after the credits roll. Check it out at the Fifth Avenue Cinemas.
Art is a work of love. And so is filmmaking. That's partly why it took two long years to make this movie. Call it a Labour of love for Wenders who effectively captures 50 years of this visionaries life. And the scale is immense. Much of the footage shows the immense "studios?" Where this rising star concocted his creations. Actually the locations and work shops are like factories where this man with the help of an aid or two imagined new forms of painting and sculpture that have to be seen to be appreciated.
Not a household name in The Americas this film will expose this man's creations for all to see. A wunderkind to be sure.
