Movie Reviews

By Robert Waldman

Movie Reviews By Robert Waldman




movie reviews
Updated: March 13, 2024


Anselm
Anyone But You
Dream Scenario
Dune: Part 2
Eileen
Immediate Family
Land of Bad
Maestro
Napoleon
Ordinary Angels
Thanksgiving
The Animal Kingdom
The Beekeeper
The Burning Season
The Childe
The Promised Land
The Teacher's Lounge
Wish
Your Lucky Day


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The Animal Kingdom 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.



The Childe (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 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 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 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 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.



Immediate Family Immediate Family (PG) * * * * *

The Beat Goes On!


Music makes the world go round. So does love. Behind all the hitmakers are the writers and the back-up singers. Largely left out of the loop of this artistic crowd are the supporting musicians. Without these talented artists chances are many of the hits we all love would have suffered immensely with some not even seeing the light of day. Thankfully a new film called Immediate Family shows just how important all those keyboard artists and guitarists, etc were to the success of scores of bands and recording stars we almost take for granted today. Consider this insightful film from Mongrel Media to be a must see for fans of music and pop culture now showing at the VIFF Centre and on line through the Apple TV app/iTunes and Google play?So contact your local streaming company to experience a wonderful bit of pop history.

How great it is to go back in time to see scores of pop stars at their peak. More important is to go behind the scenes to see the absolutely vital role four musicians played in the monumental success of many chart-topping stars. Few people know just who these musicians are. But the proof is in The pudding as a slew of pop stars, now household names from the 70s and 80s go on the record heaping praise on the contributions Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kuntel and Waddy Wachtel made to their illustrious careers. Known in the industry as session musicians director Denny Tedesco effectively delivers a seminal history on pop rock and just how important these four men were to scores of pop stars.

Through current interviews and vintage concert footage you can't help be in awe of the raw natural talent if this group of four who became lifelong friends. Just some of the stars who were fortunate to work out these exceptional musicians include Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richard, David Nash, Producer Peter Asher, Keith Richards and Phil Collins among scores more. How's that for name dropping.

Immediate Family is just a great trip down memory lane where you'll run across many familiar faces/voices and some gentlemen who truly helped shape the music of our times.



Eileen Eileen (PG) * *

Captive!


Cruel and unusual punishment. Watch The penal system comes under the gun in Eileen. This new drama from Elevation Pictures shows the paranoia and despairs when a small town employee at a penal system faces off with a dark past that reveal untold consequences. Contact your local Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres around B.C. for showtimes.

Tension is in the air at a very quirky mail where young Eileen starts a job. Remember this is in 1964 , the year of the Beatles and James Bond but you wouldn't know it from the coy sullen performance of actress Thomasin McKenzie. Far from the glamour where Eileen works she's sort of an odd duckling always ordered around by her co-workers. Let's just say it's not a happy work place.

Life at home is equally trying for this woman thanks to her overbearing hard drinking dad. So when Rebecca, a new counselor prisoner psychologist arrives on the scene a bit of life returns to this troubled lass. Enter a hot to trot well coiffed and turned out Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada) . The pair form an interesting friendship that blossoms and leads to an opening of minds and sharing of dark secrets that ultimately ushers in unpredictable violence.

Stark, frank and somber director William Oldroyd presents a good portrait of small town America where a bunch of not too friendly or appealing characters interact until they reach the breaking point. Dark indeed Eileen serves up a good trapped atmosphere showing despair and harassment and ultimate pain.



Dream Scenario Dream Scenario (14A) * * *

Running Time: 1h 42m

Mr. Nobody!


They say the best movies come out during the fall season. On the road to Oscar can get crowded. Making waves for sure is the quirky and different and dazzling Dream Scenario. Part drama, part comedy, part horror-thriller this new movie from A 24 Films VK & Associates hits the triactor, a famed horse racing term, for spot on fun. See the chaos unfold at select Cineplex Odeon Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C.

Let's hear it for all the nobody's of the world. Imagine a nobody becoming a somebody. This idea is the genesis for what Dream Scenario is all about. We all like to dream. But a dream can become a nightmare as a lowly/lonely loser of a professor at Oxford University is about to find out.

Versatile thespian Nicolas Cage (The Rock) comes of age and turns in a command performance as the misunderstand and maligned Paul Matthews. It's hard to believe but somehow an actress named Lily Bird gets top billing over Cage but so it is. Any way slice it this film belongs to Cage and he turns in an Oscar caliber performance as a disheveled somewhat loser of a man who somehow winds up in the dreams of 100s if not thousands of strangers. I kid you not.

Director/writer Kristopher Borgli comes from out of nowhere and surprises everyone with a totally unique and charming story that sure will have people talking afterwards. Guaranteed. From start to finish you just won't believe what's going on here as this once upon a time ordinary man becomes a National sensation and a cause celebre for all sorts of unwieldy things.

Sparkling with scintillating dialogue and enhanced with just a first class cast of actors Dream Scenario is a one of a kind one off film whose bizarre approach will connect with audiences. Nothing lasts forever and this movie shows just what can happen when success goes to your head.



The Burning Season The Burning Season (PG) * * *

Running time: 89 min

Tender Trap!


Love conquers all. Sometimes love can go off the rails. See how a mistake manages to upend a series of lives in The Burning Season. This impactful drama takes Centre stage at this years Whistler Film Festival and it's definitely an eye-opener. Showtimes are Thursday Nov 30 8:30 PM The Maury Young Arts Centre, Friday, December 1 12:00 PM the Village 8 Theatre and a virtual screening Monday Dec 4. 12:00 am.

Beautiful scenery manages to trap two families held together by a mysterious past. We all make mistakes when we're young but the past has a way to impact the future. Told in a smart series of chapter flashbacks going from the present to the past director Sean Garrity ( Lucid) gets some lively interactions among a quarter of actors caught in a dangerous love play. Things come to a head when a marriage ceremony among friends goes off the rails showing some deep divides that have been festering over the years.

Brought together in wedded bliss are Poppy and JB. Perhaps.

Both Tanisha Thammavon and Jonas Chernik appear to be doing fine but beneath the surface they turn out to have some pretty serious issues. How their relationship plays out is exacerbated with the arrival of frequent traveling pals Tom and Alena. Let's just say not everyone is on the same page when it comes to fidelity as Joe Pingue and Sara Canning reveal oh so well.

Who's "doing" who and how these sexual escapades impact the other spouses is at the heart of The Burning Season. Classified as a horror film you can't deny the impact one fatal mistake has on all those concerned over the years. Anchored by a series of sexual affairs The Burning Season shows just how dangerous love can be.



Thanksgiving Thanksgiving (PG) * * *

The Last Supper!


Slick and sick - and fun! Words like these capture the essence of Thanksgiving. Master horror maestro Eli Roth ( Inglorious Basterds) is up to no good - and a lot of dark humour as he sets his maniacal sights on skewering one of North America's most iconic holidays with reckless abandon. Feel the heat as a group of unsuspecting young adults have their lives turned upside down when a murderer sets his/her sights on chowing down - on them! Ooh, so scary. See the body count go sky high in this decadent and engaging new thriller from Sony Pictures now sparing few lives at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C.

Slice and dice is back with a vengeance as young people Get skewered one by one in the quaint town of Plymouth in the run up to Turkey day. Director Roth is a connoisseur of Devilish evil as he fully fleshes out a group of kids and adults and has them meet oh so gruesome deaths at the hands of a masked intruder. Take no prisoners is the attitude of this devil in disguise vengeance seeking madman/madwoman who most certainly knows how to carry a grudge and most definitely has a score or two to settle.

Unlike many films in this beloved, yet much maligned genre nothing is given away here and the fimmakers keep you guessing as to who is the mass murderer until the very end. With no creepy music to give too many things away the cards of mayhem are held close to the chest as the body count explodes as the days to this festive celebration count down.

So the table is set for a last supper where, you guessed it some innocent townsfolk's are served up as the main course on a platter. A silver platter. Clever in many aspects Thanksgiving was created on celluloid here by many from the team who were responsible for the Scream franchise including master producer and horseman powerhouse Gary Barber.

Stylish and ghoulish here's one effective thriller that's original and knows how to dispense payback in all its blood splattered winning ways.



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